Hybrid golf system and control method thereof

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a hybrid golf system and a method for controlling the same, the system enabling a plurality of users to perform virtual golf and subsequent golf in a hybrid golf arena, thereby enabling golf playing without being affected by ambient temperature, weather, etc. And enables all users' ball positions and corresponding information to be efficiently transmitted to the users when playing field golf in a mixed golf arena.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a hybrid golf system and its control method, which integrates virtual golf, which is like screen golf based on virtual golf course images, with course golf, which is like playing golf on an actual golf course, to achieve hybrid golf playing where part of a hole is played in virtual golf mode and the rest in course golf mode. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, with the increase in the number of golfers, so-called screen golf systems have emerged that allow golf practice and virtual golf rounds using virtual golf simulation systems.

[0003] Such a screen golf system involves setting up a screen indoors that can display a virtual golf course. When a golfer hits a golf ball toward the screen, the system senses the speed, direction, and other information of the ball and displays its trajectory on the screen. This system has gone beyond simply enjoying a golf game indoors and is constantly evolving to provide users with the immersive experience of playing a round of golf on a real golf course.

[0004] Traditional screen golf systems are limited in providing users with the immersive experience of playing a round of golf on a real golf course, as they can only display a virtual golf course and simulate the ball's trajectory on that virtual course through a screen placed in front of the user when hitting the ball.

[0005] To overcome this limitation, a so-called hybrid golf system has emerged, which goes beyond the usual screen golf system, providing the realism of playing a round of golf on an actual golf course while being able to be implemented in a space much smaller than an actual golf course.

[0006] A hybrid golf system combines a real golf course with a screen golf system. This system allows a portion of a hole's play to take place on a virtual golf course within the screen golf system, while the rest of the play takes place on a real golf course.

[0007] For example, for a par-4 hole, the tee shot and second shot are performed on a virtual golf course through a screen golf system, while the third shot and putt allow the user to move to the actual course and play as if on a real golf course.

[0008] However, this hybrid golf system consists of an indoor screen golf system and an outdoor course, so especially when playing on the course, there is a problem that it is difficult to play in cold, hot, rainy or snowy conditions due to the influence of weather or temperature.

[0009] Furthermore, in a hybrid golf system, the most crucial aspect is accurately specifying the position of the user's virtual ball on the virtual golf course when playing golf on the screen golf system. This position corresponds to the actual position of the ball on the course, allowing the user to hit the ball from that position on the course.

[0010] Previously, laser pointers were mainly used to indicate the position of the ball on the actual course that corresponds to the position of the ball on the virtual golf course.

[0011] That is, a method is adopted in which when a laser pointer set around the actual field shines a laser on the actual ball position on the actual course, corresponding to the user's ball position on the virtual golf course, the user places his golf ball at the position indicated by the laser pointer and hits the ball.

[0012] However, using this laser pointer to indicate the ball's position has many problems, such as reduced sense of presence and inability to confirm the actual ball positions of all users on the green.

[0013] Prior art documents related to this invention include Korean Patent Publication No. 2013-0030536, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1194268, Korean Patent Publication No. 2012-0036155, and Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1868584. Summary of the Invention

[0014] Technical issues

[0015] The present invention aims to provide a hybrid golf system and its control method, which enables multiple users to play virtual golf and subsequent course golf inside a hybrid golf pod, thereby allowing them to play golf without being affected by ambient temperature or weather, and when playing course golf inside the hybrid golf pod, the ball position and corresponding information of all users can be effectively transmitted to the users.

[0016] Technical solution

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a hybrid golf system includes: a hybrid golf arena for enabling multiple users to play hybrid golf in a defined space, combining virtual golf and course golf; a virtual golf device located on one side inside the hybrid golf arena, projecting an image of a virtual golf course onto a screen, simulating ball movement as the multiple users hit the ball onto the screen, thereby performing the virtual golf; a course golf area located on the other side inside the hybrid golf arena, allowing the multiple users to play course golf after the virtual golf played through the virtual golf device, and including a green area; and a green projector located inside the hybrid golf arena, linked with the virtual golf device to project an image onto the course golf area.

[0018] Furthermore, preferably, the hybrid golf system is further characterized by including: a control unit that determines whether to switch from the virtual golf to the course golf; when switching to the course golf, the playing state of the virtual golf performed in the virtual golf device can be projected as an image onto the course golf area by the green projector, thereby enabling the multiple users to play golf on the course golf area after the virtual golf.

[0019] Furthermore, preferably, the hybrid golf system is characterized by further comprising: a control unit that, when switching from the virtual golf to the course golf, enables the playing status of the virtual golf performed in the virtual golf device to be projected as an image onto the course golf area by the green projector; and a shot monitoring device disposed inside the hybrid golf arena, which monitors the user's shot on the course golf area during the course golf, wherein the control unit is configured to transmit information related to the playing status of the multiple users from the virtual golf device to the green projector according to the shot order on the course golf area, so that the green projector projects the information onto the course golf area; and, based on the sensing results of the shot monitoring device, interrupting the image projection of the green projector when a user's shot is executed, and controlling the green projector to project information related to the playing status of the next user as an image after the user's shot is executed.

[0020] Furthermore, preferably, the hybrid golf system is further characterized by including: a control unit that, when the virtual balls of the plurality of users are projected onto the virtual green of the virtual golf course on the screen, after switching from the virtual golf to the course golf, controls the green projector to project the image of the virtual ball of each of the plurality of users placed on the virtual green from the virtual golf device onto the green area.

[0021] Furthermore, preferably, the hybrid golf system is characterized by further comprising: a control unit that switches from the virtual golf to the course golf, and when the virtual balls of the multiple users are projected onto the virtual green of the virtual golf course on the screen, the control unit determines and transmits images of the virtual balls of the multiple users in their respective states on the virtual green from the virtual golf device to the green projector, wherein the green projector is configured to scale and project the images of the virtual balls of the multiple users onto the green area according to the size of the green area.

[0022] Furthermore, preferably, the hybrid golf system is characterized in that the virtual golf device transmits images of multiple virtual balls placed on the virtual green that are visually distinguishable to each other to the green projector. Based on the visual distinction of the multiple virtual balls projected onto the green area by the green projector, each of the multiple users can identify their own virtual ball and can play golf on the green area from the position of their own virtual ball.

[0023] Furthermore, preferably, the hybrid golf system is characterized by further comprising: a control unit that switches from the virtual golf to the course golf, wherein, when the virtual balls of the plurality of users move to the virtual greens projected onto the virtual golf course on the screen, the control unit subsequently identifies the striking order of each of the plurality of users on the green area after the virtual golf, and, in the playing state of the virtual golf executed in the virtual golf device, projects images guiding each user's striking on the green area by the green projector onto the green area according to the striking order.

[0024] Furthermore, preferably, the hybrid golf system further includes: a control unit that switches from virtual golf to course golf; and a shot monitoring device located inside the hybrid golf arena, which monitors the user's shot on the green area during course golf. The control unit, after virtual golf, identifies the shot order of each of the plurality of users on the green area, and according to the shot order, projects the virtual ball image of the user whose turn it is to hit the green onto the green area by the green projector to guide the user's ball position. Based on the sensing of the shot monitoring device, the image projection on the green projector is interrupted when the user hits the ball. Based on the sensing result of the shot monitoring device, when the user's shot ends, the virtual ball image of the next user whose turn it is to hit is projected onto the green area by the green projector, so that each user can play golf on the green area from their own virtual ball position by guiding the user's ball position.

[0025] Furthermore, preferably, the hybrid golf system is characterized by further comprising: a control unit that switches from the virtual golf to the course golf, the control unit subsequently identifying the striking order of each of the plurality of users on the green area after the virtual golf, and identifying from the virtual golf device the position information of the virtual balls of each of the plurality of users placed on the virtual green, and, according to the striking order, projecting an image including the image of the virtual ball of the user whose turn it is to strike on the green area and the ball marker images formed at the positions of the virtual balls of the remaining users other than the user whose turn it is to strike onto the green area by the green projector.

[0026] On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a hybrid golf system includes: a hybrid golf arena for facilitating hybrid golf play by multiple users in a defined space, combining virtual golf and course golf; a virtual golf device located on one side inside the hybrid golf arena, projecting an image of a virtual golf course onto a screen, simulating ball movement as the multiple users hit the ball onto the screen, thereby performing the virtual golf; a course golf area located on the other side inside the hybrid golf arena, allowing the multiple users to perform course golf after playing virtual golf through the virtual golf device, and including a green area; a light indicator device including a plurality of light indicators that illuminate the green area to display the ball position; and a control unit that, upon switching from virtual golf using the virtual golf device to course golf in the course golf area, matches each of the multiple users with each of the plurality of light indicators, illuminating each matched light indicator at a position on the course golf area corresponding to the ball position of each user in the virtual golf, to display the ball position.

[0027] Furthermore, preferably, the hybrid golf system is characterized in that, after the virtual golf, the control unit identifies the striking order of each of the plurality of users in the course golf area, and illuminates a light indicator matching the striking user in the course golf area to the position of the ball in the virtual golf corresponding to the user's turn to strike according to the striking order, so as to display the ball position.

[0028] On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a control method for a hybrid golf system enables multiple users to play hybrid golf, which integrates virtual golf and course golf, within the interior space of a hybrid golf arena. The control method for the hybrid golf system includes: a step of projecting an image of a virtual golf course onto a screen using a virtual golf device located on one side of the interior of the hybrid golf arena, simulating ball movement as the multiple users hit the ball onto the screen, thereby performing the virtual golf; a step of switching from the virtual golf to the course golf, performed by the multiple users on a course golf area including a green, located on the other side of the interior of the hybrid golf arena; and a step of projecting the virtual golf playing state performed in the virtual golf device onto the course golf area using a green projector located inside the hybrid golf arena and linked to the virtual golf device, so that the multiple users can play golf on the course golf area after the virtual golf.

[0029] Furthermore, preferably, the control method of the hybrid golf system is characterized in that the steps enabling playing golf on the course golf area include: transmitting an image formed in such a way that the virtual balls of the plurality of users placed on the virtual green of the virtual golf course projected onto the screen are visually distinguishable from the image of the virtual golf device to the green projector; and the green projector scaling the received image according to the size of the green area of ​​the course golf area and projecting it onto the green area.

[0030] Furthermore, preferably, the control method of the hybrid golf system is characterized in that the steps enabling play on the course golf area include: after the virtual golf, projecting the image of the virtual ball of the user whose turn it is to hit the green onto the green by the green projector according to the hitting order of the plurality of users on the green; interrupting the image projection of the green projector when the user hits the ball based on the sensing of a shot monitoring device installed inside the hybrid golf arena and monitoring the user's shot on the green during the course golf; and projecting the image of the virtual ball of the next user whose turn it is to hit the green by the green projector when the user's shot ends, based on the sensing result of the shot monitoring device.

[0031] The effects of the invention

[0032] The hybrid golf system and control method of the present invention have the following effects: enabling multiple users to play virtual golf and subsequent course golf inside the hybrid golf pod, thereby enabling them to play golf without being affected by ambient temperature or weather, and when playing course golf inside the hybrid golf pod, ensuring that the ball position and corresponding information of all users can be effectively transmitted to the users. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the construction of a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows a block diagram of the control system for the hybrid golf system.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4 and Figure 5 It is shown in such Figure 1 The diagram shows multiple users playing virtual golf and then switching to course golf, continuing to play on the green.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how, in a hybrid golf system, the position of the ball is displayed via projection image according to the striking order of multiple users during course golf on the green, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the process in which multiple users, each in their own order of play, engage in course golf on the green in a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which various information that can guide the user's putting is projected as an image onto the green area via a green projector.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the construction of a hybrid golf system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 10 It is shown in Figure 9 The diagram illustrates an example of the process in which multiple users, each in turn, play course golf on the green in the order of their strokes in a hybrid golf system as shown in the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The specific details of the hybrid golf system and its control method of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The construction of a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the construction of a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows a block diagram of the control system for the hybrid golf system.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the hybrid golf system of the present invention enables multiple users U1, U2, U3, and U4 to play both virtual golf and on-site golf within the interior space of the hybrid golf arena 100.

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the hybrid golf arena 100 includes: a virtual golf area 102 equipped with a virtual golf device 200 for virtual golf playing; and a course golf area 104 equipped with a green area 400 and its surrounding area for course golf playing. The hybrid golf arena 100 can be implemented as an architectural structure surrounded by walls and a roof, or as a physical structure in which at least part of the walls and roof are open.

[0047] In a typical hybrid golf system, virtual golf is played inside a building or structure, while a green of a predetermined size is set up outside the building or structure, i.e., outdoors. After playing virtual golf, the user goes outside to play course golf on the outdoor green.

[0048] However, there is a problem with typical hybrid golf systems: when the ambient temperature is too high or too low, or when it is raining or snowing, playing on the outdoor greens becomes very difficult, or even impossible.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hybrid golf system can perform both virtual golf play via a virtual golf device and on-course golf play in the on-course golf area within the hybrid golf arena 100, thus having the advantage of being able to play golf without being affected by the surrounding temperature or weather.

[0050] In a virtual golf area 102 located on one side of the interior of a hybrid golf arena 100 in a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention, a screen 204 may be provided in front, and a platform 202 and a hitting area 206 may be provided so that the user can hit the golf ball towards the screen 204 one by one.

[0051] The simulator 210 is a device that enables users to play virtual golf, realizes various images and performs simulations. It uses the image processing unit 212 to realize images of a virtual golf course and simulate the movement of a ball on the virtual golf course.

[0052] When a user hits a golf ball in the hitting area 206 toward the screen 204, the sensing device 250 senses the movement of the hit golf ball and transmits the sensing data to the simulator 210. Based on the sensing data, the simulator 210 uses the image processing unit 212 to generate a simulated image of the ball moving on a virtual golf course.

[0053] The image information generated by the simulator 210 is transmitted to the image output unit 230, and the image of a virtual golf course and the simulated image of the ball moving on the virtual golf course are output to the screen 204.

[0054] The aforementioned "virtual golf game" refers to a golf game in which multiple users use a virtual golf device 200 to hit the ball one by one in the hitting area 206 towards a screen 204 that projects a virtual golf course image 201, and simulate the movement of the ball on the virtual golf course based on the sensor information of the corresponding golf ball's movement.

[0055] Thus, when multiple users play virtual golf through the virtual golf device, the virtual golf game ends when the predetermined requirements are met, and immediately after the virtual golf game, they play course golf on the course golf area 104, which includes the green area 400.

[0056] The pre-set requirements for being able to start the aforementioned course golf game may include the situation where, during the virtual golf game played by multiple users via the virtual golf device, each user's ball, i.e., the virtual ball, is located in a pre-set area on the virtual golf course (e.g., an area pre-set on the virtual golf course as the area corresponding to the course golf area 104).

[0057] For example, in a virtual golf game played by multiple users, if each user's ball (virtual ball) is placed on the green (virtual green) or within a specified range around the virtual green, it is considered to meet the above requirements and the game can be switched from virtual golf to course golf.

[0058] Additionally, course golf refers to playing golf on a course as if it were an actual golf course. For example, it could mean that on the green 400 of course golf area 104, a user places an actual golf ball on their own ball position and putts toward the hole 410.

[0059] The aforementioned green area 400 can be an area composed of natural grass identical to that of an actual golf course green, forming an area that achieves the specified green curvature and is identical to that of an actual green, or it can be an area where the green curvature is achieved by artificial turf.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit 500. The function of the control unit 500 is to determine whether the above-mentioned predetermined requirements are met during the process of multiple users playing virtual golf through the virtual golf device 200. When the above-mentioned predetermined requirements are met, the golf playing in the virtual golf device is terminated, so that the multiple users can perform course golf on the course golf area 104 while maintaining this state.

[0061] The control unit 500 described above can be implemented as a separate control device, or the simulator 210 of the virtual golf device described above can be configured to function as the control unit.

[0062] On the other hand, the course golf area 104 can be considered part of the terrain that forms a hole in an actual golf course, and includes the green area 400. For example... Figure 1 As shown, a hole cup 410 is formed in the green area 400, and surrounding areas such as fairways, rough, and bunkers are formed around the green to enable users to actually make close-range shots and putts.

[0063] An embodiment of the present invention provides a hybrid golf system that allows users to play part of the golf game on a virtual golf device 200 via a virtual golf course, while the rest of the golf game can be played on a course golf area 104 including a green area 400.

[0064] For example, when playing a par-4 hole, in the virtual golf device 200, the user performs the tee shot, second shot, and close-range shot on the virtual golf course of the par-4 hole through virtual golf (the user hits the ball facing the screen from the hitting area, and the sensor detects the ball being hit and simulates the shot). For the putting of the par-4 hole, the user can move to the area around the green area 400 of the course golf area 104 to play golf.

[0065] At this time, the hybrid golf system of one embodiment of the present invention uses a green projector 300 installed inside the hybrid golf course 100 to transfer the playing state through the virtual golf device 200 to the course golf area 104 without change, so that the user can continue playing on the course golf area 104.

[0066] The control unit 500 determines whether to switch from virtual golf using the virtual golf device 200 to course golf. When switching to course golf, the playing status of the virtual golf executed in the virtual golf device 200 can be projected as an image onto the course golf area 104 by the green projector 300, so that multiple users can continue to play course golf in the course golf area 104 after the virtual golf.

[0067] For example, when multiple users' virtual balls are projected onto the virtual green of a virtual golf course on screen 204, the control unit 500 switches from virtual golf to course golf. The green projector 300 can receive images of the virtual balls of multiple users placed on the virtual green from the virtual golf device 200 and control it to project them onto the green area 400.

[0068] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the green projector 300 is configured to project images from above at a predetermined distance from the green area 400 in a top-down direction. It can be installed on the ceiling inside the mixed golf course 100, or on a predetermined frame or other structure inside the mixed golf course 100, thereby projecting images onto the green area 400.

[0069] On the other hand, refer to Figure 3 The flowchart shown illustrates a control method for a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] An embodiment of the hybrid golf system of the present invention enables multiple users to play on at least one hole within a hybrid golf arena. Figure 3 This illustrates the process of playing mixed golf on a single hole (hole n).

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, as the golf game begins at hole n, a virtual golf course image of hole n is generated using a virtual golf device, and multiple users then play virtual golf (S100).

[0072] During the virtual golf game, for example, when multiple users' balls land on the virtual green of hole n, the control unit switches to course golf (S110), and the virtual golf game on that hole ends accordingly, and course golf is played on the green area of ​​the course golf area (S120).

[0073] When the course golf begins, the control unit transmits image information related to the playing status of the virtual golf performed by multiple users in the virtual golf device to the green projector (S130). The image transmitted to the green projector is scaled according to the size of the green area and projected onto the green area (S140).

[0074] For example, when playing virtual golf, images of the positions of the balls of multiple users placed on the virtual green can be scaled up and projected onto the green area 400 by the green projector 300. Accordingly, each user can easily identify their own ball on the green area 400 and place the golf ball on their respective ball position and putt toward the hole 410.

[0075] The following reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 A more detailed explanation is given of the situation of playing course golf based on such images projected onto the green area by a green projector.

[0076] The preceding text shows, as follows Figure 1 The virtual golf area shown in the image is where multiple users play virtual golf within the hybrid golf arena. Figure 4 and Figure 5 It shows that in such Figure 1 The image shows multiple users playing virtual golf, then switching to course golf, and subsequently playing course golf on the green area of ​​the course golf zone.

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, when switching to course golf, the playing status of multiple users U1, U2, U3, and U4 through the virtual golf device, such as the image IM of the virtual green with each user's ball placed on it, realized by the image 201 on the screen of the virtual golf device, can be extracted by the simulator and transmitted to the green projector 300.

[0078] The image of a user's playing status extracted from a virtual golf device (IM) can be an image of each user's ball placed relative to a virtual green (iVG) and a hole cup (iHC) formed on one side of it. Figure 4As shown, in order to visually distinguish the ball images iVB1 of the first user U1, iVB2 of the second user U2, iVB3 of the third user U3, and iVB4 of the fourth user U4, for example, they can be displayed in different colors, or the user's player name (such as ID or nickname) can be labeled next to each virtual ball.

[0079] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the virtual golf device, images of users' playing states (IM) extracted from the virtual golf device are displayed using different graphics to differentiate the ball images (iVB1, iVB2, iVB3, iVB4) of each user located on the virtual green (iVG). However, in reality, the ball images (iVB1, iVB2, iVB3, iVB4) of each user can be distinguished by different colors. For example, the ball image (iVB1) of the first user U1 is displayed in red, the ball image (iVB2) of the second user U2 is displayed in yellow, the ball image (iVB3) of the third user U3 is displayed in a filtered color, and the ball image (iVB4) of the fourth user U4 is displayed in blue.

[0080] Thus, the image IM of the user's playing status is transmitted to the green projector 300. The green projector 300 can scale the image to fit the size of the green area 400. Preferably, the position of the hole 410 is aligned with the position of the hole iHC on the image IM. Alternatively, only the image of the virtual ball can be extracted and transmitted to the green projector, or the green projector can omit the virtual green and hole, projecting only the virtual ball unchanged.

[0081] Figure 5 This illustrates an example of a green projector 300 projecting an image of a user's playing status onto the green area 400.

[0082] like Figure 5 As shown, the green projector 300 can project the user's playing state in the virtual golf device, that is, the position of each user's ball on the virtual green, onto the green area 400 without changing it. Each user can identify their own virtual ball by looking at the image of the virtual ball projected onto the green area 400. Therefore, each user can place the golf ball on their own virtual ball position and make a putt. Thus, after playing golf through the virtual golf device, the user can continue playing on the green area while maintaining the same state.

[0083] like Figure 5 As shown, the virtual ball images VB1 to VB4 projected by the green projector 300 onto the image 310 on the green area 400 are... Figure 4The virtual ball images iVB1 to iVB4 on the image IM extracted from the virtual golf device are shown. That is, the first virtual ball VB1 of the first user U1, the second virtual ball VB2 of the second user U2, the third virtual ball VB3 of the third user U3, and the fourth virtual ball VB4 of the fourth user U4 on the image 310 projected on the green area 400 can be projected with different colors in a way that makes them visually distinguishable (the images of the virtual balls of each user in the figure are displayed with different graphics, which can be displayed with different colors).

[0084] exist Figure 5 In the process, based on the positions of the virtual balls projected onto the green area 400 on the image 310, the putting order is as follows: first user U1, second user U2, third user U3, and fourth user U4. Each user can place the golf ball on the green area 400 at their own virtual ball positions VB1 to VB4 according to the hitting order and putt towards the hole 410.

[0085] As described above, the image 310 projected onto the green area 400 by the green projector 300 can be as follows: Figure 5 The example shown projects the virtual sphere images of all users all at once, but it can also be done as follows: Figure 6 As shown in (a), according to the order of striking, the image of the virtual ball VB1 is displayed at the ball position of the user whose turn it is to strike, while the images of ball markers VM2, VM3, and VM4 are displayed at the ball positions of the other users, respectively; this can be done as follows: Figure 6 As shown in (b), according to the order of the shots, only the image of the virtual ball VB1 is displayed at the ball position of the user whose turn it is to hit, while no ball or ball marker is displayed at the ball positions of the other users. Thus, by guiding the ball position only to the user whose turn it is to hit according to the order of the shots, the projected image of the green projector 300 can be distorted and displayed under the control of the control unit.

[0086] An embodiment of the hybrid golf system of the present invention may further include a shot monitoring device 220, which is installed inside the hybrid golf arena to monitor the shot of the user on the green area as the course golf is played.

[0087] Figure 6 The image shows a case where a shot monitoring device 220 is installed adjacent to the green projector 300.

[0088] The aforementioned ball-hitting monitoring device 220 may include a monocular or stereo camera device configured to sense and monitor whether the user is hitting the ball on the green area 400 or has already completed the hit.

[0089] For example, as the virtual golf game ends and the actual course golf game on the green begins, the control unit can... Figure 4 The image IM showing the ball-playing status is extracted, and the hitting order is identified from the image IM. Only the virtual ball of the first user whose turn it is to hit is displayed, while the balls of the other users are either not displayed or are distorted into ball markers, and so on. Figure 6 As shown in (a), the image is projected onto the green area 400 by the green projector 300.

[0090] Correspondingly, the first user can view the image of the first virtual ball VB1 displayed at their own ball position, place a golf ball at that position to make a putt, and at this time the ball strike monitoring device 220 can identify the position of the first virtual ball VB1 and sense whether the first user is striking the ball at that position.

[0091] The ball-hitting monitoring device 220 can sense whether the user hits the ball at the position of the first virtual ball, and can also sense the position of the golf ball that moves with the first user's putt, and can also sense whether the ball goes into the hole with the first user's putt.

[0092] On the other hand, in a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit can control the virtual golf device and the green projector, enabling multiple users to effectively execute putts on the green in the order of their shots. (See below for further details.) Figure 7 This needs to be explained.

[0093] Figure 7 This demonstrates the process of multiple users taking turns putting on the green in the order of their shots. Figure 7 Proceed in the order of (a)→(b)→(c)→(d).

[0094] Figure 7 (a) shows that in such Figure 6 In the state shown in (a), the first user makes a putt from the first virtual ball position according to the order of the shots. Figure 7 (b) shows how a second virtual ball image projected onto the green guides the second user's striking position after the first user's putt and before the second user's putt. Figure 7 (c) shows that in such Figure 7 In the state shown in (b), the second user makes a putt from the position of the second virtual ball. Figure 7 (d) shows the third user's shot position guided by a third virtual ball image projected by a green projector, after the second user's putt and before the third user's putt.

[0095] like Figure 6As shown in (a), by observing the image 310 projected onto the green area 400, it can be seen that, according to the ball position of each user, the order of hitting the ball is: first user U1 → second user U2 → third user U3 → fourth user U4. The first user can prepare for putting at the position where the image of their virtual ball VB1 is displayed.

[0096] At this time, as Figure 7 As shown in (a), the first user U1 can place the golf ball B1 in their own position to make a putt. The shot detection device 220 can sense that the user is preparing to putt, and accordingly the control unit can interrupt the image projection of the green projector 300 so that the first user U1 can look at the hole 410 on the green area 400 to make the putt. That is, in order to prevent the projected image from interfering with the user's putt, it is preferable to interrupt the image projection of the green projector.

[0097] When the first user U1 hits the golf ball B1 to make a putt, the shot detection device 220 can sense this, thus detecting that the first user's putt has been completed. Then, to allow the next user, the second user U2, to make a putt, as... Figure 7 As shown in (b), the projection image 310, including the image of the second user's ball (i.e., the second virtual ball VB2), can be projected from the green projector 300 onto the green area 400. At this time, the virtual ball images of the corresponding users can be displayed or not displayed at the ball positions of the third user (excluding the second user) and the fourth user (excluding the second user), or as shown in (b). Figure 7 As shown in (b), images of the ball markers VM3 and VM4 are displayed at the ball positions of the third user and the fourth user, respectively.

[0098] Furthermore, when the first user fails to putt the golf ball into the hole 410 in a previous putt, the ball strike monitoring device 220 can sense the position of the golf ball that has been moved by the first user's putt, and can display a virtual ball image or ball marker image at that position.

[0099] like Figure 7 As shown in (c), the second user U2 can place the golf ball B2 in his / her own position and make a putt. The shot detection device 220 can sense the user's preparation to putt, and the control unit can accordingly interrupt the image projection of the green projector 300 so that the second user U2 can look at the hole 410 on the green area 400 and make the putt. That is, in order to prevent the projected image from interfering with the user's putt, it is preferable to interrupt the image projection of the green projector.

[0100] When the second user U2 hits the golf ball B2 to make a putt, the shot detection device 220 can sense this, thus detecting that the second user's putt has been completed. Then, to allow the next user, the third user U3, to make a putt, as... Figure 7 As shown in (d), the projection image 310, including the third user's ball (i.e., the third virtual ball VB3 image), can be projected from the green projector 300 onto the green area 400. At this time, at the ball positions of the fourth user (other than the third user), the virtual ball images of the corresponding users may or may not be displayed, or they may be displayed as shown in (d). Figure 7 As shown in (d), the image of the sphere VM4 is displayed at the sphere position of the fourth user.

[0101] Furthermore, if the second user fails to putt the golf ball into the hole 410 in a previous putt, the ball strike monitoring device 220 can sense the position of the golf ball that has been moved by the second user's putt, and can display a virtual ball image or ball marker image at that position.

[0102] In this way, in a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit can control the virtual golf device and the green projector, enabling multiple users to effectively putt on the green in their respective order of play.

[0103] On the other hand, a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, it is possible not only to simply project images of the ball's trajectory in the virtual golf device onto the green area via a green projector, but also to further project and provide images to guide users in making effective putting shots.

[0104] Figure 8 The image shows a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention where the control unit projects various information that can guide the user's putting as images onto the green area via a green projector.

[0105] like Figure 8 As shown in (a), a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention can project a projection image 310 of the user's virtual ball VB and distance information 330 from the virtual ball to the hole 410 onto the green area 400 via a green projector 300, allowing the user to make strategic putts toward the hole from their virtual ball VB position with reference to the distance information 330.

[0106] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown in (b), a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention can project a projection image 310 related to terrain grid information 340, which represents information about the green line between the user's virtual ball VB and the hole cup 410, onto the green area 400 via a green projector 300. The user can obtain the green line at their virtual ball VB position through the terrain grid information 340 and make strategic putts based on it.

[0107] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown in (c), in one embodiment of the hybrid golf system of the present invention, a projection image 310 related to the user's virtual ball VB and the correct putting path information 350 corresponding to the green terrain from the virtual ball VB to the hole 410 can be projected onto the green area 400 by the green projector 300. The user can obtain the putting path information 350 and the putting direction at his own virtual ball VB position and make strategic putts based on this.

[0108] In summary, the hybrid golf system and its control method of the present invention enable multiple users to play golf within a hybrid golf arena without being affected by surrounding temperature or weather. Furthermore, the system can display status information corresponding to virtual golf play on the actual green via a green projector, such as the ball positions of each user. It can also display putting paths or green line information that enable strategic putting from each displayed ball position. Therefore, it has the advantage that users can continue to effectively play course golf on the green area after virtual golf.

[0109] Reference Figure 9 This invention describes a hybrid golf system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Figure 9 The hybrid golf system shown in another embodiment of the present invention includes a virtual golf area 102 located on one side of the hybrid golf arena 100, equipped with a screen 201 and a virtual golf device 210, etc., and a course golf area 104 including a green area 400, etc., located on the other side, which is substantially the same as the aforementioned system. Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment has the same structure. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, a green projector 300 is included, which projects images onto the course golf area 104 or the green area 400 to display the user's ball position, etc. Figure 9 The embodiment shown is characterized in that, instead of a green projector, it has a light indicator device 500 including a plurality of light indicators 510, 520, 530, 540.

[0111] The plurality of light indicators 510, 520, 530, and 540 each include a light source that illuminates a specified light source, which may be implemented by an LED or may include a laser light source. That is, each of the plurality of light indicators 510, 520, 530, and 540 is a device for displaying light for indicating the position of each user's ball on the course golf area 104, especially the green area 400.

[0112] In this embodiment, the control unit of the hybrid golf system is connected to the plurality of light indicators 510, 520, 530, and 540, and controls the light indicators to display the ball position of each user according to the virtual golf playing status received from the virtual golf device.

[0113] like Figure 4 As shown, upon switching to course golf, the control unit acquires the playing status of multiple users U1, U2, U3, and U4 via the virtual golf device, such as the position information of a user's ball placed on a virtual green as displayed on the screen image 201 via the virtual golf device.

[0114] After switching from virtual golf using the aforementioned virtual golf device 210 to course golf in the course golf area 104, the control unit can match multiple users U1, U2, U3, U4 with each of the multiple light indicators 510, 520, 530, 540.

[0115] For example, the control unit can match a first light indicator 510 to a first user U1, a second light indicator 520 to a second user U2, a third light indicator 530 to a third user U3, and a fourth light indicator 540 to a fourth user U4.

[0116] Furthermore, the control unit can direct the light from each matched light indicator to the position on the course golf area 104 corresponding to the ball position of each user in virtual golf, so as to display the ball position.

[0117] For example, when the control unit knows the virtual ball position of each user U1 to U4 on the virtual golf course and the corresponding position on the course golf area when playing virtual golf, it can align the first light indicator 510 matched with the first user with the position on the course golf area 104 corresponding to the virtual ball position of the first user U1, and illuminate it with light of a color corresponding to the ball color of the first user, so as to realize the ball position mark LB1 at the corresponding position on the course golf area.

[0118] Similarly, the control unit can align the second light indicator 520, matched with the second user, with the position on the golf course area 104 corresponding to the virtual ball position of the second user U2, and illuminate it with light of a color corresponding to the color of the second user's ball, thus realizing the ball position mark LB2 at the corresponding position on the golf course area; align the third light indicator 530, matched with the third user, with the position on the golf course area 104 corresponding to the virtual ball position of the third user U3, and illuminate it with light of a color corresponding to the color of the third user's ball, thus realizing the ball position mark LB3 at the corresponding position on the golf course area; and align the fourth light indicator 540, matched with the fourth user, with the position on the golf course area 104 corresponding to the virtual ball position of the fourth user U4, and illuminate it with light of a color corresponding to the color of the fourth user's ball, thus realizing the ball position mark LB4 at the corresponding position on the golf course area.

[0119] The hybrid golf system of this embodiment may also include a shot monitoring device 220 as described above for monitoring the shot taken by users on the green.

[0120] The hybrid golf system in this embodiment controls the virtual golf device and the light indicator device through the control unit, enabling multiple users on the green to effectively putt according to their hitting order. (Refer to...) Figure 10 This needs to be explained.

[0121] Figure 10 This demonstrates the process of multiple users taking turns putting on the green in the order of their shots. Figure 10 Proceed in the order of (a)→(b)→(c)→(d).

[0122] Figure 10 (a) shows the results as follows: Figure 4 The virtual golf game state shown is such that the control unit identifies the order of hitting the ball, and on the green area 400 corresponding to the position of the virtual ball of the first user U1 who is the first to hit the ball, the first ball position marker LB1 is displayed by the first light indicator 510. Figure 10 (b) shows the situation in which the first user U1 places the golf ball B1 in the first ball position mark and makes a putt in the state shown in (a); Figure 10 (c) shows the situation where, after the first user's putt, and before the second user U2, who is the next shot in the order of play, the second light indicator 520 displays the second ball position marker LB2 at the corresponding position on the green area 400; Figure 10 (d) shows the situation where, in the state shown in (c), the second user U2 places the golf ball B2 in the second ball position mark and makes a putt.

[0123] In this way, the push rods of the third user and the fourth user can also be guided using their respective light indicators.

[0124] At this time, as Figure 10 As shown in (b), the first user U1 can place the golf ball B1 at their own ball position and make a putt. The shot monitoring device 220 can monitor the user's preparation for the putt, and accordingly the control unit can interrupt the light illumination of the light indicator 510 so that the first user U1 can look at the hole 410 on the green area 400 to make the putt. That is, in order to prevent the illuminating light from interfering with the user's putt, it is preferable to interrupt the light illumination.

[0125] When the first user U1 hits the golf ball B1 to make a putt, the shot detection device 220 can sense this, thus detecting that the first user's putt has been completed. Then, to allow the next user, the second user U2, to make a putt, as... Figure 10 As shown in (c), the second light indicator 520 can realize the second ball position identifier LB2 at the ball position of the second user.

[0126] At this time, as Figure 10 As shown in (d), the second user U2 can place the golf ball B2 in his own position and make a putt. The ball-hitting monitoring device 220 can sense that the user is ready to putt, and the control unit can accordingly interrupt the light indicator 520 so as not to interfere with the user's putt.

[0127] As described above, the hybrid golf system of this embodiment controls the virtual golf device and the light indicator device through the control unit, so that multiple users on the green area can effectively putt in the order of their shots.

[0128] Industrial utilization potential

[0129] The hybrid golf system and its control method of the present invention can be applied to golf-related industries and the so-called screen golf industry, which allows people to enjoy playing golf based on virtual golf simulators.

Claims

1. A hybrid golf system, characterized in that, include: A hybrid golf arena allows multiple users to play a hybrid golf game that combines virtual golf and course golf within a designated space. A virtual golf device is installed on one side of the interior of the hybrid golf arena. It projects an image of a virtual golf course onto a screen. As multiple users hit the golf ball onto the screen, the movement of the ball is simulated, thus enabling virtual golf. A course golf area, located on the other side of the interior of the hybrid golf arena, allows the multiple users to play the course golf after playing the virtual golf through the virtual golf device, and includes the green area; as well as A green projector, which is installed inside the hybrid golf course, projects images onto the golf course area in conjunction with the virtual golf device.

2. The hybrid golf system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The control unit determines whether to switch from the virtual golf to the course golf. When switching to the course golf, the playing status of the virtual golf executed in the virtual golf device can be projected onto the course golf area by the green projector, so that the multiple users can play golf on the course golf area after the virtual golf.

3. The hybrid golf system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The control unit, when switching from the virtual golf to the course golf, enables the playing state of the virtual golf performed in the virtual golf device to be projected as an image onto the course golf area by the green projector; as well as A shot monitoring device, installed inside the hybrid golf course, monitors the user's shot in the course golf area during the course golf game. The control unit is configured to transmit information related to the individual playing status of the multiple users from the virtual golf device to the green projector according to the order of shots on the golf course, so that the green projector can project the information related to the playing status of the next user onto the golf course. Based on the sensing results of the shot monitoring device, when a user's shot is executed, the image projection of the green projector is interrupted. After the user's shot is executed, the green projector is controlled to project information related to the playing status of the next user as an image.

4. The hybrid golf system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The control unit, when the virtual balls of the multiple users are projected onto the virtual green of the virtual golf course on the screen, switches from the virtual golf to the course golf and controls the green projector to project the image of each of the multiple users' virtual balls onto the green area from the virtual golf device.

5. The hybrid golf system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The control unit switches from the virtual golf to the course golf when the virtual balls of the multiple users are projected onto the virtual green of the virtual golf course on the screen. Based on the judgment of the control unit, images of the virtual balls of each of the multiple users, in their respective states placed on the virtual green, are transmitted from the virtual golf device to the green projector. The green projector is configured to scale and project the images of the virtual balls of the multiple users onto the green area according to the size of the green area.

6. The hybrid golf system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The virtual golf device will transmit images of multiple virtual balls placed on the virtual green, making them visually distinguishable, to the green projector. Based on the visual differentiation of the plurality of virtual balls projected onto the green area by the green projector, each of the plurality of users is able to identify their own virtual ball and is able to play golf on the green area from the position of their respective virtual ball.

7. The hybrid golf system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The control unit switches from the virtual golf course to the on-site golf course. When the control unit moves from the virtual ball of each of the multiple users to the virtual green of the virtual golf course projected onto the screen, it then identifies the order in which each of the multiple users hits the ball on the green area after the virtual golf, and in the virtual golf playing state executed in the virtual golf device, it projects the image guiding each user's shot on the green area onto the green area by the green projector according to the hitting order.

8. The hybrid golf system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The control unit switches from the virtual golf to the on-site golf; as well as A shot monitoring device, installed inside the hybrid golf course, monitors the user's shot on the green area during course golf. Following the virtual golf, the control unit then identifies the order in which each of the plurality of users hits the ball on the green. According to the stated striking order, the virtual ball image of the user whose turn it is to strike the green is projected onto the green area by the green projector to guide the user's ball position. Based on the sensing of the striking monitoring device, the image projection on the green projector is interrupted when the user strikes the ball. Based on the sensing results of the ball-hitting monitoring device, when a user finishes hitting the ball, the virtual ball image of the next user to hit the ball is projected onto the green area by the green projector, so as to guide the user's ball position so that each user can play golf on the green area from the position of their own virtual ball.

9. The hybrid golf system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The control unit switches from the virtual golf course to the on-site golf course. Following the virtual golf simulation, the control unit then identifies the striking order of each of the multiple users on the green area, and identifies the position information of the virtual balls of each of the multiple users placed on the virtual green from the virtual golf device. According to the said striking order, an image including the virtual ball image of the user whose turn it is to strike on the green area and ball marker images formed at the virtual ball positions of the remaining users other than the user whose turn it is to strike are projected onto the green area by the green projector.

10. A hybrid golf system, characterized in that, include: A hybrid golf arena allows multiple users to play a hybrid golf game that combines virtual golf and course golf within a designated space. A virtual golf device is installed on one side of the interior of the hybrid golf arena. It projects an image of a virtual golf course onto a screen. As multiple users hit the golf ball onto the screen, the movement of the ball is simulated, thus enabling virtual golf. A course golf area, located on the other side of the interior of the hybrid golf arena, allows the multiple users to play the course golf after playing the virtual golf through the virtual golf device, and includes the green area; A light indicator device comprising a plurality of light indicators that illuminate the green area to indicate the position of the ball; as well as The control unit, upon switching from virtual golf using the virtual golf device to course golf in the course golf area, matches each of the plurality of users with each of the plurality of light indicators, and illuminates each matched light indicator in the course golf area corresponding to the position of the ball in the virtual golf for each of the users, so as to display the ball position.

11. The hybrid golf system according to claim 10, characterized in that, Following the virtual golf, the control unit then identifies the striking order of each of the plurality of users in the on-course golf area, and illuminates a light indicator matching the striking user in the on-course golf area corresponding to the ball position of the user whose turn it is in the virtual golf according to the striking order, to display the ball position.

12. A control method for a hybrid golf system, which enables multiple users to play hybrid golf, integrating virtual golf and course golf, within the interior space of a hybrid golf arena, characterized in that the control method for the hybrid golf system includes: A virtual golf device located on one side of the interior of the hybrid golf arena projects an image of a virtual golf course onto a screen. The virtual golf process is performed by simulating the movement of the ball as multiple users hit the ball onto the screen. The steps of switching from the virtual golf to the course golf area, which includes the green area, located on the other side of the interior of the hybrid golf arena, and... By using a green projector installed inside the hybrid golf arena and linked to the virtual golf device to project images onto the course golf area, the playing state of virtual golf performed in the virtual golf device can be projected onto the course golf area, enabling the multiple users to perform the steps of playing golf on the course golf area after the virtual golf.

13. The control method for the hybrid golf system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The steps that enable playing golf on the course include: The steps of transmitting images formed in such a manner that the individual virtual balls of the multiple users, placed on the virtual green of a virtual golf course projected onto the screen, are visually distinguishable from those of the virtual green; and The step of the green projector scaling the received image according to the size of the green area of ​​the golf course and projecting it onto the green area.

14. The control method for the hybrid golf system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The steps that enable playing golf on the course include: Following the virtual golf, the step of projecting the virtual ball image of the user whose turn it is to hit the green area onto the green area by the green projector according to the hitting order of the multiple users on the green area; The steps include: 1) interrupting the image projection of the green projector when the user hits the ball, based on the sensing of a ball-hitting monitoring device installed inside the hybrid golf course and used during course golf; and 2) interrupting the image projection of the green projector when the user hits the ball. Based on the sensing results of the ball-hitting monitoring device, when the user finishes hitting the ball, the step of projecting the virtual ball image of the next user's turn onto the green area by the green projector.

Images