Virtual Sports System

Abstract

To provide a terminal device, a virtual sports device, a virtual sports system, and a virtual sports system operation method.SOLUTION: The virtual sports system comprises a terminal device, a service device accessible by the terminal device, and a virtual sports device communicatively connected to the service device. When a user requests to provide content through the terminal device, information on the requested content is delivered to the virtual sports device through the service device, and the virtual sports device provides the content for another user playing in the virtual sports device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal device, a virtual sports device, a virtual sports system, and an operating method of a virtual sports system.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, interest in sports has increased and the number of people enjoying sports has been growing. Sports are not only played outdoors, but the popularity of virtual indoor sports using virtual sports devices and the like has also been increasing. For example, in screen baseball and screen golf, images of baseball fields and golf courses are displayed through a screen, giving the impression of actually playing outdoors, but time and costs are saved compared to playing a game at an outdoor stadium. Therefore, such indoor sports using virtual sports devices are popular among modern people who find it difficult to actually play sports at outdoor stadiums due to time and economic reasons.

[0003] In screen sports realized by a virtual sports device, not only is it necessary to provide a reality as if playing in an actual sports stadium, but also various contents that are difficult to provide in an actual sports stadium need to be provided through various advanced devices and systems to enhance the user's interest.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention has been invented in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a virtual sports system that can enhance the enjoyment of virtual sports play for users by enabling other users to provide content to users playing virtual sports. Another object of the present invention is to provide an operating method of the above virtual sports system.

[0005] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a terminal device that can be used in the above-mentioned virtual sports system. Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a virtual sports device that can be used in the virtual sports system described above. Furthermore, other objects of the present invention can be clearly understood from the following description and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, a virtual sports system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a terminal device, a service device connectable by the terminal device, and a virtual sports device connected to the service device via communication. Furthermore, when a user requests content through the terminal device, information regarding the requested content is transmitted to the virtual sports device through the service device, and the virtual sports device provides the content for other users playing on the virtual sports device.

[0007] In the virtual sports system described above, the virtual sports device includes a display unit for displaying sports images and a sound unit for generating sound, and the content includes at least one of visual content that can be provided through the display unit and audio content that can be provided through the sound unit.

[0008] In the virtual sports system described above, the virtual sports device further includes a control unit that controls the operation of the display unit and the sound unit, and a storage unit that stores a plurality of contents, wherein the control unit extracts the content requested by the user from the storage unit and transmits it to at least one of the display unit and the sound unit.

[0009] In the virtual sports system described above, the virtual sports device can operate in either a first method that restricts the provision of the content or a second method that does not restrict the provision of the content.

[0010] In the virtual sports system described above, the restrictions on the provision of the content include restrictions on at least one of the following: the type of content and the timing of the provision of the content.

[0011] In the virtual sports system described above, the content includes at least one of the following: content that expresses the user's emotions, content that supports the user currently playing, content that interferes with the user currently playing, and content that includes advertisements.

[0012] A virtual sports device according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected via communication to a service device that can be connected to by a terminal device. The virtual sports device includes a display unit that displays sports images, a sound unit that generates sound, a control unit that controls the operation of the display unit and the sound unit, and a storage unit that stores multiple content items. When a user requests content through the terminal device, the device receives information about the requested content through the service device and provides the content for other users currently playing.

[0013] A terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention is connectable to a service device, and content can be provided to users of the virtual sports device by a virtual sports device connected to the service device via communication. The terminal device includes an input means for inputting a command to request the provision of the content, and a display means for displaying a menu screen for the content.

[0014] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for operating a virtual sports system, comprising a terminal device, a service device connectable by the terminal device, and a virtual sports device connected to the service device via communication, the method comprising: a user requesting the provision of content through the terminal device; information regarding the requested content being transmitted to the virtual sports device through the service device; and the virtual sports device providing the content for other users playing on the virtual sports device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, by enabling other users to provide content to users who are playing virtual sports, it is possible to enhance the enjoyment of users playing virtual sports. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic structure of a virtual sports system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a terminal device. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a virtual baseball system. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a virtual golf machine. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a virtual golf machine. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the process of providing content. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a diagram that specifically illustrates the process related to S1 of content provision. [Figure 8] Figure 6 is a diagram that specifically illustrates the process related to S2 of content provision. [Figure 9] Figure 6 is a diagram that specifically illustrates the process involved in S3 of content delivery. [Figure 10] This figure shows concrete examples of content provision. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an embodiment related to content provision. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an embodiment related to content provision. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an embodiment related to content provision. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an embodiment related to content provision. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing an embodiment related to content provision. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing an embodiment related to content provision.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples. The object, features, and advantages of the present invention will be easily understood from the following examples. The present invention is not limited to the examples described here and can also be embodied in other forms. The examples introduced here are provided so that the disclosed content is thorough and complete, and that the idea of the present invention is sufficiently conveyed to those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited by the following examples.

[0018] In this specification, terms such as first and second are used to describe various elements, but the elements should not be limited by such terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish the elements from each other. Also, when it is mentioned that a certain layer (film) is on another layer (film) or a substrate, it means that it can be directly formed on the other layer (film) or substrate, or a third layer (film) can be interposed between them.

[0019] In the drawings, the size of elements, or the relative sizes between elements, may be slightly exaggerated to provide a clearer understanding of the invention. Furthermore, the shapes of the illustrated elements may be slightly altered due to variations in the manufacturing process. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments disclosed herein should be understood to be limited to the illustrated shapes and to include some degree of variation.

[0020] Figure 1 shows a schematic structure of a virtual sports system according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 shows an example of the terminal device of Figure 1, and Figures 3 to 5 show various examples of the virtual sports device of Figure 1.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, the virtual sports system includes a terminal device (10), a service device (20), and a virtual sports device (30). The terminal device (10) includes equipment that can connect to a remote server via a communication network. For example, a smartphone equipped with a web browser, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, or a notebook computer can be used as the terminal device (10). The service device (20) includes a server operated by a service provider that provides the virtual sports system. Examples of the communication network include the Internet, LAN (Local Area Network), Wireless LAN (Wireless Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), 3G, 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, and Li-Fi. The virtual sports device (30) is connected to the service device (20) via a communication network or the like. Examples of virtual sports devices (30) include a virtual golf device, a virtual baseball device, and a virtual soccer device. The virtual sports device (30) may consist of one or more devices.

[0022] Referring to Figure 2, an example of a terminal device (10) can be a mobile device such as a user's smartphone. As illustrated in Figure 2, a smartphone is equipped with a display means (11), an input means (12), a processing unit (13), a storage means (14), a communication means (15), and the like. The display means (11) includes a display device and displays a screen that shows various information. The input means (12) is used to input user commands through methods such as a touchscreen. The processing unit (13) includes a central processing unit (CPU) used when executing the terminal device (10)'s operating program and various applications. The storage means (14) includes memory elements such as memory and stores various programs and data. The communication means (15) includes various communication devices used to communicate with external devices.

[0023] As illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, examples of virtual sports equipment (30) include virtual baseball equipment (Figure 3) or virtual golf equipment (Figures 4 and 5). Referring to Figure 3, the virtual baseball device includes a batting plate (311), a control unit (312), a storage unit (313), a sensing unit (314), an input unit (315), a sound unit (316), a display unit (317), and a ball pitching unit (318). The hitting plate (311) is where the user stands to hit the baseball. The control unit (312) is responsible for various calculations and controls necessary for the overall operation of the virtual baseball system. When the user hits the baseball, the control unit (312) performs a calculation process to determine the hitting result (ground ball, fly ball, hit, home run, etc.) assuming the hit baseball moves on an actual baseball field. The storage unit (313) includes a storage device such as memory or a hard disk and stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the control unit (312) and other components. The sensing unit (314) senses the physical state of the baseball, such as its speed and direction of movement, and is equipped with sensing means for sensing the physical state of the baseball. Various sensing sensors and cameras can be used as sensing means for the sensing unit (314). The information sensed by the sensing unit (314) is transmitted to the control unit (312), and the control unit (312) can perform a calculation process to determine the hitting result based on the transmitted information. The input unit (315) is for receiving various information from the user, and can use a keyboard, mouse, etc. In screen baseball using a virtual baseball device, a login system can be applied that requires the user to log in before the service is provided. When a login system is applied, the input unit (315) is used when the user enters their ID and password. The input unit (315) is also used when the user selects the baseball field or difficulty level they want to play in screen baseball. The sound unit (316) includes sound equipment such as speakers, and through it, guides the user through the progress of the game and plays various sound effects as the game progresses. The display unit (317) includes equipment such as a beam projector and a screen. The beam projector projects relevant images onto the screen so that the baseball field and baseball players are displayed on the screen, and the screen displays the projected baseball-related images for the user to see. For example, when the user hits a baseball and the control unit (312) performs a calculation process to calculate the hit result, the screen displays an image showing the calculated result.The ball pitch unit (318) includes a device for launching baseballs so that the user can hit them. Although not shown in the drawings, the screen has through holes, and the baseballs launched from the ball pitch unit (318) pass through these holes to reach the user. The control unit (312) controls the operation of the ball pitch unit (318) so that the baseballs are launched when the user has finished preparing to hit on the batting plate (311).

[0024] Referring to Figure 4, the virtual golf device includes a striking plate (321), a control unit (322), a storage unit (323), a sensing unit (324), an input unit (325), a sound unit (326), and a display unit (327). The hitting plate (321) is the area where the user positions themselves to hit the golf ball. A hitting mat is installed on the hitting plate (321), and the user places the golf ball on the hitting mat and hits it. Although not shown in the drawing, an auto-tee with a vertically movable structure is installed on the hitting mat, which can automatically provide the user with a golf ball for hitting. The control unit (322) controls the overall operation between each component of the virtual golf device. For example, the control unit (322) controls the auto-tee installed on the hitting mat so that a golf ball for hitting is provided at the auto-tee in accordance with the user's timing of the hit. Also, if the user selects a specific golf course, the control unit (322) performs the necessary actions to enable the user to play on that golf course. That is, the control unit (322) is equipped with image processing means for processing images, and when the user selects a specific golf course, the image processing means forms an image of the golf course and transmits it to the display unit (327), and the display unit (327) displays the transmitted image and provides it to the user. Furthermore, screen golf, which utilizes a virtual golf device, can be fitted with a login system that requires the user to log in before providing the service. When the user enters personal information such as an ID and password to log in, the control unit (322) can transmit the entered personal information to the service device (20) to determine whether to approve the login. The control unit (322) also performs a calculation process to calculate the flight trajectory of the golf ball assuming that it flies on an actual golf course according to its physical state, based on the physical state of the golf ball struck by the user. The storage unit (323) includes a storage device such as memory or a hard disk and stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the control unit (322) and other components. The sensing unit (324) senses the movement of the golf club and the movement of the golf ball struck by the user to grasp physical state information about the struck golf ball. The sensing unit (324) can use sensing means such as a camera or sensing sensor that can photograph the movement of the golf club and golf ball.The sensing means can be fitted with a variety of sensing methods, such as image sensing, light emission / receiving sensing, and laser sensing, and these sensing methods can be used to grasp the state information of the golf club and the golf ball struck by the user. The camera and sensing sensors can be used individually or together, and one or more can be used. The information sensed by the sensing unit (324) is transmitted to the control unit (322) and used in the calculation process. The input unit (325) is for receiving various information from the user and can use a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, etc. The input unit (325) is used when the user enters their ID and password to log in, or when the user selects the golf course or difficulty level they want to play. The sound unit (326) includes sound equipment such as a speaker and plays the role of guiding the user through the progress of the game and playing various sound effects as the game progresses. The display unit (327) includes a beam projector and a screen. The beam projector projects relevant images onto the screen so that images of a golf course and golf balls are displayed on the screen, and the screen then displays the projected golf-related images for the user to see.

[0025] In this specification, the term "virtual" may be used to describe certain objects displayed on a screen. This means that they do not exist in the real world but are displayed as images on a screen. For example, "virtual golf course" means a golf course displayed on a screen, and "virtual golf ball" means a golf ball displayed on a screen.

[0026] The virtual golf device is installed on a screen golf course to allow users to play screen golf. When a user plays screen golf, the virtual golf device operates as follows: When the user hits the golf ball, the sensing unit (324) senses the physical state of the golf club or the speed and direction of movement of the golf ball hit by the user. The information sensed by the sensing unit (324) is transmitted to the control unit (322), which performs a calculation process based on the transmitted information. The display unit (327) displays an image of a virtual golf ball moving according to the trajectory calculated in the calculation process. After the virtual golf ball flies along the calculated trajectory, it lands at a specific point on the virtual golf course on the screen, and the user continues the next shot from the point where the virtual golf ball landed.

[0027] The virtual golf system can have various configurations different from the structure shown in Figure 4. As one example, referring to Figure 5, another configuration of the virtual golf system includes multiple individual booths (331, 332, 333). The first individual booth (331) is equipped with a hitting plate (331a), a simulator device with a kiosk screen (331b), a screen (331c), etc., and the other individual booths (332, 333) have the same components. Although not shown in the drawings, each individual booth (331, 332, 333) is further equipped with other devices such as a camera for sensing the movement of the golf ball. The virtual golf system according to this embodiment can be used by a user who plays golf alone, and the user can enjoy playing golf alone in each individual booth (331, 332, 333) while being separated from other users. However, in the virtual golf system according to this embodiment, each individual booth (331, 332, 333) is not necessarily to be used by only one user; it is also possible for multiple users to use them while playing against each other.

[0028] According to the present invention, when a user is playing on a virtual sports device such as a virtual baseball device or a virtual golf device, other users can provide various content to the user playing. The process of providing the above content is applicable to baseball, golf, and other sports devices, and here we will explain the content provision process using a virtual golf device as an example.

[0029] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the content delivery process, and Figures 7 through 9 are diagrams that specifically illustrate each step of the content delivery process shown in Figure 6. Referring to Figure 6, the content delivery process includes a first step (S1) of selecting content, a second step (S2) of communicating the selection, and a third step (S3) of providing the selected content. Since the above content delivery process can be performed in the virtual sports system illustrated in Figure 1, the reference numerals shown in Figures 1 to 5 will be used in the following description.

[0030] Referring to Figure 7, in the first step (S1), the user can select content to provide to other users through a terminal device (10), such as a smartphone. In order to select content, a program provided by the relevant service provider must be installed on the terminal device (10). After installing and running the program, a screen will be displayed on which various content can be selected. When the above program is run, a login method may be applied to the service device (20), and the user may be prompted to log in. For example, if some of the content needs to be purchased for a fee, the content held by each user will differ, and after identifying the user through login, the content held by that user can be displayed. When the content held by the user is displayed on the screen, the user can execute a command to select the content they want to provide to other users by touching one of the displayed content items.

[0031] The above content can take on various forms and have different content. For example, in terms of content form, there is visual content that is visually recognized, such as "Bunker giggles" (C1), audio content that is provided with sound, such as applause (C2), and combined visual and audio content that provides both images and sounds of people cheering (C3). In terms of content, there is content that shows the user's emotions, such as a heart shape (C4), content that shows a thumbs-up to support the user currently playing (C5), and content that mocks and disrupts the gameplay of the user currently playing (C6). Figure 7 shows some examples of content with various forms and content, and there may be many other types of usable content not shown here.

[0032] Referring to Figure 8, in the second step (S2), information about the content selected by the user is transmitted. When a user selects specific content on the terminal device (10), executing a command to request that the content be provided to other users, information about the selected content is transmitted to the service device (20) connected to the terminal device (10) via a communication network, and the service device (20) transmits the above information to the virtual sports device (30). If there is only one virtual sports device (30), the selected content information can be directly transmitted to that virtual sports device (30) through the above process. Also, if there are multiple virtual sports devices (30), and the user who intends to provide content (content provider) and the user who receives content (content user) are logged in and playing together on the same virtual sports device (30), the selected content information can be transmitted to the virtual sports device (30) they are playing on through the above process. If there are multiple virtual sports devices (30) and the content provider is not on the virtual sports device (30) that the content user is playing on, the content provider can select the content to be provided while simultaneously specifying the content user (for example, by additionally entering the content user's ID). In a virtual sports system equipped with multiple virtual sports devices (30), when a content user enters login information via a specific virtual sports device, the login information is transmitted to a service device (20), which checks the transmitted login information and decides whether to approve the login. In this process, the service device (20) can obtain information on which of the multiple virtual sports devices (30) the content user has logged into, and when a content provider identifies the content user and selects content to provide, information on the selected content can be transmitted to the virtual sports device (30) where the content user is located.

[0033] Referring to Figure 9, in the third step (S3), the virtual sports device (30) receives content-related information and then provides the content to the content user. If the virtual sports device (30) is a virtual golf device, the content information is transmitted to the control unit (322), which searches the content data stored in the storage unit (323) and extracts the content selected by the content provider. Alternatively, the control unit (322) can extract the content selected by the content provider from the content information without using the storage unit (323). The extracted content is then provided to the content user via the sound unit (326) and / or the display unit (327), etc. In the virtual golf device, when the content user hits a golf ball, the device calculates the trajectory of the hit golf ball and displays an image of the golf ball flying according to the calculation result on the screen. As shown in Figure 9, the image of the golf ball is mainly displayed in the central part of the screen, and images of the golf course are displayed to the left and right of the image of the flying golf ball. Since a user who hits a golf ball is interested in the flight footage of the golf ball, the flight footage of the golf ball and the golf course footage can be considered the main footage and the latter the sub-footage. The content that a content provider intends to provide is not directly related to playing golf, so it is preferable that it be considered sub-footage rather than the main footage and displayed in the area where sub-footage is displayed. The content provided by a content provider may be displayed as a single item, or multiple items may be displayed together. Furthermore, only one type of content may be displayed, or various types may be displayed together. In addition, if there are multiple users who intend to provide content, the content provided by each user can be displayed sequentially, or the content provided by each user can be displayed together. When visual content is expressed in this way, it is preferable to set the content display area in the area where sub-footage is displayed on the screen and display it.However, visual content does not necessarily have to be displayed only in the area where sub-images are shown; it can also be displayed in the area where the main image is displayed in the center of the screen. In the case of audio content, it can be provided via sound equipment such as speakers.

[0034] The method described with reference to Figures 6 to 9 illustrates one example of content delivery, and the interface, presentation methods, and operation methods related to content delivery can be modified in various ways. Some of these will be explained using the example of a virtual golf machine as the virtual sports device. The content described below using a virtual golf machine as an example can also be applied to baseball and other virtual sports devices.

[0035] Figures 10 to 16 show various concrete examples related to content provision. When content is displayed on a virtual golf machine, the content can be configured to include advertising content. For example, when content is displayed while a video of a golf ball in flight is shown, as illustrated in Figure 10, an image of a beverage product can be displayed as content, along with advertising slogans (for example, "XXX Sports Drink for Power") suggesting that the beverage product can provide the power to enable long hits. Such advertising content can be introduced through a contract between the advertiser and the service machine operator. It is also possible for the advertiser and the service machine operator to enter into a contract that provides an advantage to users who use the advertising content (for example, a discount on the virtual golf machine usage fee), with the cost of providing such an advantage borne by the advertiser.

[0036] Referring to Figure 11, the content can be configured to display content that directly indicates the content's outcome when the content user hits a golf ball and achieves a specific "outcome." For example, if the content user achieves an eagle (getting the golf ball into the hole cup with two fewer strokes than the standard score), the content can display content featuring a firebird image, which adds a spark image to the image of the bird that the dictionary meaning of "eagle" represents, thereby conveying an impactful congratulatory message for the content user's achievement of the "eagle." Content like the "firebird" image, whose content is related to the content user's current shot result, can be provided upon request from the content provider, or it can be pre-configured to be provided automatically when the relevant shot result occurs.

[0037] In a terminal device, various forms of user interfaces related to content can be provided. For example, when a smartphone is used as the terminal device, as illustrated in Figure 12 (Figures 12 and 13 use the term "imoji" to refer to "content," which is an arbitrary term), the smartphone can be provided with an interface for content settings, and through this interface, functions such as turning sound on / off for content with sound effects among multiple content items (1), and changing the display order of multiple content items (2) can be provided. Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 13, smartphones can be provided with an interface that allows users to purchase content for a fee or for free. This interface can offer features such as a search function for content names (1), a function to close the store where content can be purchased (2), a function to display new / popular content, recently viewed content, user-owned content, etc., at a glance (3), a new content list function (4), a popular content list function (5), a content list function by concept (6), a random recommendation function for new and popular content (7), a list of recently viewed content among unpurchased content (8), a list of user-owned content (9), a list of content that users have liked (10), and a gift box function (11).

[0038] In content delivery methods, there are two possibilities: one with restrictions on content delivery and one without. For the sake of explanation, the method with restrictions on content delivery will be referred to as Method 1, and the method without restrictions on content delivery will be referred to as Method 2. The method of operating a virtual golf machine while distinguishing content delivery between Method 1 and Method 2 can be applied particularly effectively when multiple users play together on the same virtual golf machine. The specific process is as follows.

[0039] Referring to Figure 14, regarding content provision, the user can choose one of two methods, Method 1 or Method 2 (S10). If the user chooses Method 1, the user selects content to be provided to the user who is currently playing golf (S20), and the control unit of the virtual golf device (see reference numeral "322" in Figure 4) checks whether the selected content is suitable for provision because there are restrictions on content provision (S30). If the check determines that it is suitable, the content is provided (S40); if it determines that it is not suitable, the content is not provided (S50). If the user chooses Method 2, the user selects content to be provided to the user who is currently playing golf (S60), and the control unit of the virtual golf device immediately provides the content without checking whether it is suitable for provision (S70).

[0040] In the first method, restrictions on content provision may include restrictions on the type of content and restrictions on the timing of content provision. Regarding restrictions on the type of content, for example, content that ridicules or criticizes the currently playing user may be prohibited. Regarding restrictions on the timing of content provision, for example, content may not be provided at times when a high level of concentration is required for play, such as when the currently playing user is hitting or putting the golf ball. Since a mishit of the golf ball significantly affects the score, a high level of concentration is required when hitting the golf ball. Therefore, providing content at such times may actually hinder the player. Taking these points into consideration, the first method imposes restrictions on the type of content and the timing of content provision, and when the above restrictions are in place, it blocks other users from providing content. In contrast, the second method has no restrictions on the type of content or the timing of content provision, and users can freely provide the type of content they want, when they want. As a result, it is possible to disrupt the game of the currently playing user. The second method acknowledges such disruptive elements as elements that enhance the enjoyment of the game, and aims to encourage users to concentrate on their own shots despite such disruption. For example, when attempting free play in basketball, spectators of the opposing team near the goalpost may wave their hands to make the player miss the shot. Despite such distractions, the player attempting free play must concentrate on overcoming them and scoring the goal, and the second method utilizes this principle.

[0041] Referring to Figures 15 and 16, when the currently playing user is about to putt, the screen displays a virtual golf ball (VC) placed in the green area (G) and the hole cup (HC), which is the putting target. While the first method is in effect, the screen displays a message indicating that content use is restricted. This message can be used to discourage users who are not currently playing from providing content to the playing user. In contrast, while the second method is in effect, content can be provided without restriction, so, as illustrated in Figure 16, even in situations requiring a high level of concentration just before putting, it is possible to provide messages or audio content that mocks the user and makes them want to fail their putt. In particular, when multiple users are playing screen golf and making bets with each other, they want their opponents to fail, so the second method can be used to interfere with their opponents' play and add a different kind of fun to the golf game.

[0042] The specific embodiments of the present invention have been discussed above. A person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention can be embodied in modified forms that do not depart from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in an explanatory rather than restrictive view. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims, not in the foregoing description, and all differences within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 10…Terminal device 20... Service equipment 30…Virtual sports device 311, 321... Striking plate 312, 322… Control Unit 313, 323... Storage section 314, 324...Sensing section 315, 325... Input section 316, 326... Sound section 317, 327...Display section

Claims

1. A terminal device; a service device connectable by the terminal device; a virtual sports device communicatively coupled to the service device; Including, When a user requests the provision of content through the terminal device, information regarding the requested content is transmitted to the virtual sports device through the service device, and the virtual sports device provides the corresponding content for other users playing on the virtual sports device. Virtual sports system.

2. the virtual sports device includes a display unit for displaying a sports video and a sound unit for generating a sound; The virtual sports system of claim 1 , wherein the content includes at least one of visual content that can be provided through the display unit and audio content that can be provided through the sound unit.

3. The virtual sports device further includes a control unit that controls the operation of the display unit and the sound unit, and a storage unit that stores a plurality of contents, The virtual sports system of claim 2 , wherein the control unit extracts the content requested by the user from the storage unit and transmits the content to at least one of the display unit and the sound unit.

4. The virtual sports system of claim 1 , wherein the virtual sports device is capable of operating in a first manner in which there are restrictions on the provision of the content or in a second manner in which there are no restrictions on the provision of the content.

5. The virtual sports system according to claim 4 , wherein the restrictions on the provision of the content include restrictions on at least one of the type of the content and the time of providing the content.

6. 6. The virtual sports system according to claim 1, wherein the content includes at least one of content showing a user's emotions, content cheering on a currently playing user, content for hindering the currently playing user's play, and content including advertising content.

Images