Virtual Golf Apparatus

Abstract

To provide a virtual golf device and a virtual sports device.SOLUTION: The virtual golf device comprises a hitting mat on which an actual golf ball is placed, display means for displaying a virtual golf course and a putting target point in the virtual golf course in a putting step, and image providing means for providing a putting guide image that shows a putting guide indicating information about putting. The display means is spaced apart from the hitting mat, and, when an area between the display means and the hitting mat is referred to as a middle area, the putting guide is displayed on at least one of the hitting mat and the middle area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a virtual golf device and a virtual sports device.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, interest in sports has been increasing and the number of people enjoying sports is growing. Sports are not only real sports played outdoors, but also virtual indoor sports using virtual sports devices and the like are becoming popular. 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 competing outdoors, while saving time and cost compared to playing in an outdoor stadium. Therefore, indoor sports using such virtual sports devices are highly popular among modern people who find it difficult to play actual competitions in outdoor stadiums due to time and economic reasons.

[0003] In screen sports played through a virtual sports device, not only is it necessary to provide a reality as if playing in an actual sports stadium, but also various types of content 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.

[0004] In the case of screen golf, which is one of screen sports, when the golf ball is located on the green while playing, the user must putt. Considering that putting is a very important play step in golf, which depends on various factors (such as the distance between the golf ball and the hole cup, the terrain characteristics around the hole cup, etc.), it is necessary to provide putting information that can improve the user's putting ability in the putting step.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] This invention was conceived in consideration of the circumstances described above, and its purpose is to provide a virtual sports device that can increase users' interest in playing virtual sports by providing them with various content. Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a virtual golf device that can improve user convenience in playing screen golf and improve the user's putting ability by providing users playing screen golf with images of putting guides. 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 device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a play area where a user playing a virtual sport is located, a display area on which content video is displayed, and video providing means for transmitting the content video to the display area and providing it to the user. In the virtual sports device described above, the display area is located in at least part of the play area and the vicinity of the play area. In the virtual sports device described above, the content images include content related to the user's personal information or play records, or advertising content. In the virtual sports device described above, the sport is golf, and the content video includes information on the impact position of the golf ball, distance and height information related to golf play, or terrain information related to golf play.

[0007] A virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a hitting mat on which an actual golf ball is placed, a display means for displaying a virtual golf course and a putting target point on the virtual golf course during the putting stage, and a video providing means for providing a video of a putting guide showing information related to putting. The display means is separated from the hitting mat, and if the area between the display means and the hitting mat is considered an intermediate area, the putting guide is displayed in at least one of the hitting mat and the intermediate area.

[0008] In the virtual golf device described above, the putting guide includes a line starting from one point on the putting mat, or includes a target display that is shown in the intermediate area and indicates a target for putting. In the virtual golf device described above, if the starting point of the line is defined as the starting point, the video of the putting guide is provided such that the starting point is located at or near the position where the actual golf ball is placed before putting.

[0009] In the virtual golf device described above, the video providing means displays on the hitting mat the position where the user will place the actual golf ball before putting, and when the actual golf ball is placed at the displayed position, the video providing means provides a video of a line-shaped putting guide starting from the actual golf ball.

[0010] In the virtual golf device described above, assuming that the intermediate region corresponds to the virtual golf course, if the point in the intermediate region corresponding to the putting target point is designated as the intermediate region target point, the video providing means can display the intermediate region target point in the intermediate region, or display the predicted path to the intermediate region target point when putting is successful in the intermediate region.

[0011] In the virtual golf device described above, once the user completes putting, the path taken by the actual golf ball as a result of the user's putting can be provided to the user via the video providing means or the display means. In the virtual golf device described above, the putting guide includes a plurality of different putting guides that the user can select.

[0012] In the virtual golf device described above, the plurality of putting guides include a first putting guide and a second putting guide, each putting guide includes a line that starts from one point on the hitting mat, and the image of the putting guide is provided such that, if the point from which the line starts is taken as the starting point, the starting point is located at or near the position where the actual golf ball is placed before putting, and the starting point of the first putting guide and the starting point of the second putting guide are different. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, providing users playing virtual sports with various content can increase their interest in playing virtual sports. Furthermore, providing users playing screen golf with putting guide videos can improve user convenience in screen golf and enhance their putting ability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic structure of a virtual baseball device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows a schematic structure of a virtual golf machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the area where content video is displayed in the virtual golf device shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4]It is a diagram showing examples of various content videos provided by the virtual golf device of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing examples of various content videos provided by the virtual golf device of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing examples of various content videos provided by the virtual golf device of FIG. 2. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing examples of various content videos provided by the virtual golf device of FIG. 2. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a system in which a plurality of virtual golf devices are connected to a network. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing other examples of various content videos provided by the virtual golf device of FIG. 9. [[ID=第十九]] [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which a putting guide is displayed. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an area where a video of a putting guide is displayed in the virtual golf device of FIG. 11. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing various forms of a putting guide. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing various forms of a putting guide. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing the relationship between a putting guide and the position of a golf ball. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing a menu screen for selecting whether or not to provide a putting guide. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing various embodiments of providing a video of a putting guide. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing various embodiments of providing a video of a putting guide. [Figure 20]This figure shows various embodiments of providing a putting guide video. [Figure 21] This figure shows various embodiments of providing a putting guide video. [Figure 22] This figure shows a schematic structure of a virtual golf machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] This diagram shows a schematic structure of a system in which multiple virtual golf machines are connected to a network. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The present invention will be described in detail below 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 herein and can be embodied in other forms. The examples presented herein are provided to ensure that the disclosure is thorough and complete, and that the idea of ​​the present invention is fully conveyed to those who have ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited by the following examples.

[0016] In this specification, terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various elements, but the elements should not be limited by such terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish the elements from one another. Furthermore, when it is mentioned that a certain layer (film) is on another layer (film) or substrate, it means that it may be formed directly on the other layer (film) or substrate, or a third layer (film) may be interposed between them.

[0017] 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.

[0018] Figure 1 shows a schematic structure of a virtual baseball device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 1, the virtual baseball device includes a batting plate (1), a control unit (2), a sensing unit (3), an input unit (4), a sound unit (5), a display unit (6), a ball pitch unit (7), and a video provisioning means (8).

[0019] The hitting plate (1) corresponds to the hitting zone where the user positions themselves to hit the baseball. The control unit (2) 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 (2) performs a calculation process to determine the hitting result (ground ball, fly ball, hit, home run, etc.) assuming the baseball moves on an actual baseball field. The control unit (2) also includes a video processing unit (2a), which generates baseball images and other visuals displayed to the user. Although not shown in the diagram, the control unit (2) is equipped with a storage device such as memory or a hard disk, which stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the control unit (2). The sensing unit (3) 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 (3). Information sensed by the sensing unit (3) is transmitted to the control unit (2), which can perform a calculation process to calculate the batting result based on the transmitted information. The input unit (4) is for receiving various information from the user, and a keyboard or mouse can be used. 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 (4) is used when the user enters their ID and password. The input unit (4) is also used when the user selects the baseball field or difficulty level they want to play in screen baseball. The sound unit (5) includes sound equipment such as speakers, and through it, it guides the user through the progress of the game and plays various sound effects as the game progresses. The display unit (6) includes equipment such as a projector and a screen. The projector projects baseball-related images onto the screen so that a baseball field and baseball players are displayed on the screen, and the screen displays the projected baseball-related images for the user.When a user hits a baseball and the control unit (2) performs a calculation process to calculate the hitting result, the video processing unit (2a) forms an image showing the calculated result, and the image is displayed on the screen. The ball pitch unit (7) includes a device that launches a baseball so that the user can hit it. Although not shown in the drawings, the screen has through holes, and the baseball launched from the ball pitch unit (7) passes through the through holes to reach the user. The control unit (2) controls the operation of the ball pitch unit (7) so that the baseball is launched in time with the user's preparation to hit the batting plate (1). The video providing means (8) includes a device such as a projector and is responsible for projecting content images onto a predetermined area and providing them to the user. The content images are provided separately from the baseball play images displayed on the screen and can provide additional play information images or various images that can increase the user's interest. The content images can be provided at or near the location where the user is positioned when playing screen baseball. For example, the video providing means (8) can provide the content images on or near the batting plate (1). The video content provided by the video provision means (8) will be described in detail in the virtual golf device described later.

[0020] Figure 2 shows a schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 shows an example of an area where content video is displayed in the virtual golf device of Figure 2, and Figures 4 to 7 show examples of various content videos provided by the virtual golf device of Figure 2.

[0021] Referring to Figure 2, the virtual golf device includes a striking plate (10), a control unit (20), a sensing unit (30), an input unit (40), a sound unit (50), a display unit (60), and a video provisioning means (70).

[0022] The hitting plate (10) is the area where the user is positioned to hit the golf ball. Although not shown in the drawing, the hitting plate (10) has a hitting mat on which the user places the golf ball and hits it. The hitting mat has an auto-tee that is movable up and down, and the auto-tee can automatically provide the user with a golf ball for hitting. The control unit (20) controls the overall operation between each component of the virtual golf device. For example, the control unit (20) controls the auto-tee installed on the hitting mat so that a golf ball for hitting is provided by the auto-tee at the time the user hits. Also, if the user selects a specific golf course, the control unit (20) takes the necessary actions to enable the user to play on that golf course. Specifically, the control unit (20) is equipped with a video processing unit (21) that processes images. When the user selects a specific golf course, the video processing unit (21) forms an image of the golf course and transmits it to the display unit (60), and the display unit (60) displays the transmitted image and provides it to the user. Furthermore, the control unit (20) 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. Although not shown in the drawings, the control unit (20) is equipped with a storage device such as memory or a hard disk, and this storage device stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the control unit (20). The sensing unit (30) is for sensing the movement of the golf club and the movement of the golf ball struck by the user and grasping physical state information about the struck golf ball. As the sensing unit (30), sensing means such as a camera or sensing sensor that can photograph the movement of the golf club and golf ball can be used. Various sensing methods such as image sensing, light emission / receiving sensing, and laser sensing can be applied to the sensing means, and state information of the golf club and the golf ball struck by the user can be grasped using such sensing methods. The camera and sensing sensor can be used individually or together, and one or more can be used.Information sensed by the sensing unit (30) is transmitted to the control unit (20) and used in the calculation process. The input unit (40) is for receiving various information from the user and can use a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, etc. If a login system is applied to the virtual golf machine and the virtual golf machine can be used after logging in, the input unit (40) is used when the user enters their ID and password to log in. The input unit (40) is also used when the user selects the golf course or difficulty level they want to play. The sound unit (50) includes sound equipment such as speakers and is responsible for guiding the user through the progress of the game and playing various sound effects as the game progresses. The display unit (60) includes a projector and a screen. The projector projects golf-related images onto the screen so that images of a golf course and golf balls are displayed on the screen, and the screen is responsible for displaying the projected golf-related images and providing them to the user. In this specification, the term "virtual" may be used to describe some of the objects displayed on the screen. This means that they do not exist in the real world but are displayed in the images on the screen. For example, "virtual golf course" means a golf course displayed on the screen, and "virtual golf ball" means a golf ball displayed on the screen.

[0023] 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 (30) senses the movement of the golf club and / or the physical state of the golf ball hit by the user, such as its speed and direction of movement. The information sensed by the sensing unit (30) is transmitted to the control unit (20), which performs a calculation process based on the transmitted information. The display unit (60) displays an image of the virtual golf ball moving along 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.

[0024] The virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention is equipped with an image providing means (70), which plays the role of projecting content images onto a predetermined area and providing them to the user. The content images are provided separately from the golf play images displayed on the screen and can provide additional play information images or various images that can enhance the user's interest. The content images can be provided in various locations. For example, the content images can be provided at or near the location where the user is positioned when playing screen golf. Specifically, referring to Figure 3(a), a projector can be used as the image providing means, and the projector can provide content images to the hitting plate where the user is positioned. Referring to Figure 3(b), if the area where the content images are displayed is conveniently referred to as the display area (DA), the display area (DA) can be divided into a first display area (DA1) and a second display area (DA2). The first display area (DA1) is an area directly related to hitting the golf ball, and the second display area (DA2) is an area not directly related to hitting the golf ball. For example, the first display area (DA1) includes the area where the user places the golf ball for hitting (A1) and the area where the user is positioned when hitting the golf ball (A2), while the second display area (DA2) includes the area adjacent to the first display area (DA1). Different types of content images can be provided to the respective areas according to the division of the first and second display areas (DA1, DA2). Content images do not have to be provided only to the hitting plate and the area adjacent to it; they can also be provided to other areas of the screen golf course. For example, as shown in Figure 3(c), the area where content images are displayed can include points separated from the hitting plate. As a result, content images can be displayed on almost the entire surface of the screen golf course floor. Although not shown in the diagram, it is also possible to configure the screen golf course to display content images on locations other than the floor, such as the walls and ceiling. Furthermore, by using other equipment to illuminate the screen golf course when displaying content images, various light-based effects can be created.

[0025] Figure 4 shows an example of content video that can be provided to the first display area (DA1), and Figures 5 and 6 show examples of video that can be provided to the second display area (DA2).

[0026] Referring to Figure 4(a), the content video (C1) can provide information indicating the position where the golf ball is placed and struck. The area (A1) where the user places the golf ball for striking is divided into multiple areas (A11, A12, A13). These multiple divided areas (A11, A12, A13) correspond to areas with various terrain attributes on an actual golf course. For example, an actual golf course has areas with various terrain attributes such as fairways, roughs, and bunkers. A fairway is an area with short grass that is easy to hit, while a rough is an area with longer grass than a fairway. Hitting the ball in the rough is more difficult than hitting it in a fairway where the grass is kept short, resulting in a higher difficulty level. A bunker is an area mainly composed of sand, and hitting the golf ball is difficult due to the sand, resulting in a higher difficulty level compared to grass areas (fairways, roughs). The divided areas of the area (A1) where the golf ball is placed on the striking plate can be configured to include a fairway-corresponding area (A11), a rough-corresponding area (A12), and a bunker-corresponding area (A13). In other words, by forming the fairway area (A11), rough area (A12), and bunker area (A13) with different materials, the golf club can be configured to provide a feel and difficulty level for hitting the fairway, rough, and bunker, respectively, that are similar to hitting the fairway, rough, and bunker on an actual golf course.

[0027] Thus, if the area where the user places the golf ball (A1) is divided into a fairway area (A11), a rough area (A12), and a bunker area (A13), the user must place the golf ball in the fairway area (A11) when the virtual golf ball displayed on the screen is on the fairway, place it in the rough area (A12) when the virtual golf ball is in the rough, and place it in the bunker area (A13) when the virtual golf ball is in the bunker. In other words, depending on the terrain attributes where the virtual golf ball displayed on the screen is located, the user must place the golf ball in one of the fairway area (A11), rough area (A12), or bunker area (A13) accordingly before hitting. However, there is a possibility that the user may mistakenly place the golf ball in the wrong position before hitting. According to this embodiment, the correct position for placing the golf ball and hitting is displayed through the content video (C1), so it is possible to prevent the user from placing the golf ball in the wrong position before hitting. The video content (C1) showing the golf ball's impact position can be displayed in the form of a circle and / or arrows or other forms. The video content can be made to disappear once the user has placed the golf ball in the correct position.

[0028] Although not shown in the diagram, information other than the impact point of the golf ball can also be provided as video content. For example, information such as arrows can be used to show the trajectory of the golf ball when the user hit it in the previous tee shot.

[0029] Referring to Figure 4(b), greetings and other messages can be displayed via content video (C2); referring to Figure 4(c), phrases encouraging the user's play can be displayed via content video (C3); and referring to Figure 4(d), advertisements can be provided via content video (C4). It is preferable that the greetings, encouraging phrases, and advertisements be provided in the area (A2) where the user is positioned when hitting the golf ball, rather than the area (A1) where the user places the golf ball for hitting, within the first display area (DA1). The above greetings, encouraging phrases, and advertisements are not directly related to the user's golf play, and providing them in the area (A1) where the golf ball for hitting is placed may distract the user and interfere with their golf play.

[0030] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the second display area (DA2) can provide additional information to support golf play in the form of video, such as a HUD (Head Up Display). For example, as shown in Figure 5, when the user is preparing a shot, information such as information about the hole on the golf course currently being played, wind speed / direction information if there is wind, information about the terrain where the golf ball is currently located, the distance from the current position of the golf ball to the hole cup, and the elevation difference between the current position of the golf ball and the hole cup can be provided through content video (C5). Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, when the user is preparing to putt, information such as information about the hole on the golf course currently being played, the characteristics of the green, the recommended putting direction for a successful putt, the distance from the current position of the golf ball to the hole cup, and the elevation difference between the current position of the golf ball and the hole cup can be provided through content video (C6).

[0031] The additional information in the form of a HUD is useful information related to the user's golf play. Therefore, it is preferable to provide it in a place that is easily visible to the user. When the user is positioned on the hitting plate to hit the golf ball, their gaze is directed towards the second display area (DA2), so if the additional information in the form of a HUD is provided in the second display area (DA2), the user can easily grasp the golf play information.

[0032] Referring to Figure 7, a putting guide that directs the putting direction can be displayed on the putting plate as content video. Referring to Figure 7(a), when the user is in a putting situation, a virtual golf ball and hole cup placed in the green area are displayed on the screen. Figure 7(a) illustrates a situation where the hole cup is located in front of the virtual golf ball, but even in such a situation, one cannot be certain that the putt will be successful when putting the golf ball straight ahead. This is because if the terrain of the green area is not flat, but rather slopes, for example, with the right side higher and the left side lower, even if the putt is straight ahead, the virtual golf ball is likely to roll to the left of the hole cup. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the terrain of the green area when putting. On a real golf course, the user directly measures the distance between the golf ball and the hole cup and understands the slope around the hole cup in the green area to putt appropriately, but in screen golf, the virtual golf course is displayed in 2D on the screen, making it difficult to grasp the terrain of the green area with the naked eye. Therefore, as illustrated in Figure 7(a), a putting guide (PG) can be displayed on the screen to guide the user to the correct putting direction, taking into account the topographical characteristics of the green area during putting.

[0033] Referring to Figure 7(b), according to an embodiment of the present invention, a putting guide (PG) can be displayed on the putting plate as a content image. The screen is installed on the wall of the screen golf course, but the putting plate is placed on the bottom of the screen golf course (see Figure 2 for the arrangement of the screen and putting plate). Therefore, there may be a difference between the direction of the putting guide (PG) displayed on the screen and the direction of putting on the bottom where the golf ball is actually putted. In contrast, when the putting guide (PG) is displayed on the putting plate as a content image, the direction of the putting guide (PG) in the content image matches the direction in which the actual putting should be done, which is very convenient for the user.

[0034] Figure 8 shows a schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 8, the virtual golf system of this embodiment includes multiple individual booths (101, 102, 103). The first individual booth (101) is equipped with a hitting plate (101a), a simulator device with a kiosk screen (101b), a screen (101c), etc., and the other individual booths (102, 103) have the same components. Although not shown in the drawing, each individual booth (101, 102, 103) is further equipped with other devices, including cameras that sense the movement of the golf ball and projectors that project images. The virtual golf system of this embodiment can be used by a user who plays golf alone, and the user can enjoy playing golf alone in each individual booth (101, 102, 103) while being separated from other users. However, in the virtual golf system of this embodiment, it is not necessarily the case that each individual booth (101, 102, 103) should be used by only one user; it is also possible for multiple users to use them while playing in turns. The virtual golf device according to this embodiment is equipped with the aforementioned video provision means, and through the video provision means, it can provide the user with various content videos for areas such as the hitting plate (101a) and the vicinity of the hitting plate (101a).

[0035] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a system in which multiple virtual golf machines are connected to a network, and Figure 10 is a diagram showing other examples of various content videos provided by the virtual golf machines in Figure 9.

[0036] Referring to Figure 9, the system in which virtual golf devices are connected to a network includes multiple screen golf courses (100) and a server unit (200). Each screen golf course (100) is equipped with a virtual golf device, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 8, for enjoying screen golf. The virtual golf devices in each screen golf course (100) are connected to the server unit (200) via a wired or wireless network. When a user logs in, the screen golf course (100) acts as a service provider, offering screen golf services to the user. The server unit (200) is a central server used by a service provider operating multiple screen golf courses (100) to manage the virtual golf devices in each of the multiple screen golf courses (100). A user who wishes to use the screen golf service must first log in to receive the service, and the server unit (200) verifies the user's identity during the login process and decides whether to approve the login. The server unit (200) is equipped with a storage unit (210) that stores information for verifying the user's identity. The storage unit (210) stores information about multiple users, separated for each user. Each user-specific storage area stores user identity information, play information, and settings information. The identity information is used to verify the user's identity and can be used during the login process, etc. The play information includes the user's past play results and personal records that can be obtained from past play results (average distance by club, average number of strokes, etc.). The settings information includes information about items set by the user. For example, golf courses the user has played in the past, play difficulty, play style, preferred operating conditions, etc., can be stored as settings information. Users may find it troublesome to enter various selection items every time they play. However, if the user does not enter the selection items, the selection items can be automatically set based on the settings information.By storing user information in the storage unit (210) in this way, the virtual golf machines of the screen golf course (100), which are connected to the server unit (200) by wire and / or wirelessly, can utilize the information stored in the storage unit (210), and each virtual golf machine of the screen golf course (100) does not need to store user information separately.

[0037] The virtual golf device of the screen golf course (100) according to this embodiment is also equipped with the aforementioned video provision means, and various content videos can be provided to the user via the video provision means. The same content videos as those described in the above embodiment can be provided, and in addition, other content videos can be provided. For example, as shown in Figure 10(a), if it is the user's birthday, an animated video celebrating the birthday can be provided as content video. As shown in Figure 10(b), if the user achieves an eagle for the first time (scoring a hole in golf with two fewer strokes than par (PAR)), an image of an eagle taking flight, corresponding to the English word "eagle," can be provided as content image. As shown in Figure 10(c), if the user achieves the best score among the group of golfers playing together, an image including stars, signifying "star player," can be provided as content video. As shown in Figure 10(d), if the user records a Longest (sending the golf ball the farthest distance among shots that landed the golf ball on the fairway with a tee shot), the text "Longest" can be provided as content video. The content video illustrated in Figure 10 can be provided when the virtual golf device has access to the user's personal information and play records. In this embodiment, a storage unit (210) is provided in a server unit (200) that is connected to the virtual golf device of the screen golf course (100) via communication. The storage unit (210) stores the above-mentioned personal information and play record information separately for each user. By utilizing the stored information, various performance videos that can enhance the user's interest can be provided, as illustrated in Figure 10.

[0038] Figure 11 shows a schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 shows an example of a screen displaying a putting guide; Figure 13 shows the area in the virtual golf device of Figure 11 where the image of the putting guide is displayed; Figures 14 and 15 show various forms of the putting guide; Figure 16 shows the relationship between the putting guide and the position of the golf ball; and Figure 17 shows a menu screen for selecting whether or not to provide a putting guide. Referring to Figure 11, the virtual golf device includes a hitting plate (1010), a control unit (1020), a sensing unit (1030), an input unit (1040), a sound unit (1050), a display unit (1060), and a video providing means (1070).

[0039] The hitting plate (1010) is the area where the user positions themselves to hit the golf ball. The user places the golf ball on the hitting mat located on the hitting plate (1010) and hits it. Although not shown in the drawing, the hitting mat of the hitting plate (1010) is equipped with an auto-tee that is movable up and down, and the auto-tee can automatically provide the user with a golf ball for hitting. The control unit (1020) controls the overall operation between each component of the virtual golf device. For example, the control unit (1020) controls the auto-tee so that a golf ball for hitting is provided by the auto-tee at the time the user hits. Also, if the user selects a specific golf course, the control unit (1020) performs the necessary actions to enable the user to play on that golf course. Specifically, the control unit (1020) includes a video processing unit (1021) that processes images. When the user selects a specific golf course, the video processing unit (1021) forms an image of the golf course and transmits it to the display unit (1060), which then displays the transmitted image and provides it to the user. Furthermore, the control unit (1020) 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. Although not shown in the drawings, the control unit (1020) is equipped with a storage device such as memory or a hard disk, which stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the control unit (1020). The sensing unit (1030) is for sensing the movement of the golf club and the movement of the golf ball struck by the user and grasping physical state information about the struck golf ball. As the sensing unit (1030), sensing means such as a camera or sensing sensor that can photograph the movement of the golf club and golf ball can be used. Various sensing methods such as image sensing, light emission / receiving sensing, and laser sensing can be applied to the sensing means, and state information of the golf club and the golf ball struck by the user can be grasped using such sensing methods.The aforementioned cameras and sensing sensors can be used individually or together, and can be used individually or in multiples. Information sensed by the sensing unit (1030) is transmitted to the control unit (1020) and used in the calculation process. The input unit (1040) is for receiving various information from the user and can use a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, etc. If a login system is applied to the virtual golf machine so that the virtual golf machine can be used after logging in, the input unit (1040) can be used when the user enters their ID and password to log in. The input unit (1040) is also used when the user selects the golf course or difficulty level they want to play. The sound unit (1050) includes sound equipment such as speakers and is responsible for guiding the user through the progress of the game and playing various sound effects as the game progresses. The display unit (1060) includes display means such as a projector and screen. The projector projects golf-related images onto the screen, such as images of a golf course and a golf ball, and the screen displays the projected golf-related images for the user to see.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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 (1030) 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 (1030) is transmitted to the control unit (1020), which performs a calculation process based on the transmitted information. The display unit (1060) displays an image of a virtual golf ball moving along 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.

[0042] The virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a video providing means (1070), which plays the role of projecting a putting guide video onto an area other than the screen in the screen golf course where the virtual golf device is installed and providing it to the user.

[0043] A putting guide refers to putting-related play information that can be provided to the user during the putting phase. Referring to Figure 12, the putting phase begins when the virtual golf ball lands in the green area, and the screen displays the virtual golf ball located in the green area and the target point, the hole cup. The user can check the distance between the virtual golf ball and the hole cup by looking at the virtual golf ball and hole cup displayed on the screen. To successfully putt, it is necessary to understand the distance between the virtual golf ball and the hole cup, as well as the terrain characteristics between the virtual golf ball and the hole cup, and roll the golf ball in the appropriate direction and with the appropriate force. In actual golf, the terrain of the green area is often not a simple flat area but rather a complex slope with varying elevations. Most virtual golf courses displayed on the screen of virtual golf devices are modeled after actual golf courses, so the green area of ​​the virtual golf course is often a slope. However, since the virtual golf course on the screen is displayed in a two-dimensional plane, it is difficult for the user to perceive the slope of the green area with the naked eye by looking at the screen image. Figure 12 illustrates a situation where the hole cup is located directly in front of a virtual golf ball. However, in such a situation, putting the golf ball straight ahead does not guarantee a successful putt. This is because if the terrain of the green area is not flat, but rather slopes, for example, with the right side higher and the left side lower, putting straight ahead is likely to cause the virtual golf ball to roll to the left of the hole cup. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the terrain of the green area when putting, and for this purpose, a means of displaying the terrain characteristics of the green area is provided to the user. Specifically, as illustrated in Figure 12, a grid (G) consisting of multiple horizontal lines (G1) and vertical lines (G2) is displayed in the green area. In addition, multiple indicators (I) are displayed on the horizontal lines (G1) and vertical lines (G2) to indicate the terrain characteristics of the green area.The indicator (I) includes a horizontal indicator (I1) and a vertical indicator (I2). The horizontal indicator (I1) moves along the horizontal line (G1) at a predetermined speed, and the vertical indicator (I2) moves along the vertical line (G2) at a predetermined speed. The horizontal indicator (I1) and vertical indicator (I2) move from areas of high slope to areas of low slope in the green area, and their speed increases as the slope increases. Therefore, when the grid (G) and indicator (I) are displayed, the user can understand the direction and degree of slope in the green area through the direction and speed of movement of the indicator (I).

[0044] The putting guide takes into account the terrain characteristics of the green area (such as the direction and degree of slope of the area between the virtual golf ball and the hole cup) and provides the user with putting information that will enable them to successfully sink the hole. For example, as illustrated in Figure 12, the putting guide can be displayed with an arrow indicating the direction in which the virtual golf ball should roll when putting.

[0045] In conventional technology, the putting guide is displayed on a virtual golf course shown on a screen. In contrast, in the virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the image of the putting guide can be provided to an area other than the screen via an image providing means (1070). Specifically, the image of the putting guide can be provided to the floor of the location where the virtual golf device is installed (the screen golf course). The image of the putting guide is provided separately from the image displayed on the screen and can be provided to the area where the user is located when playing screen golf or to the vicinity thereof. Specifically, referring to Figure 13, a projector can be used as the image providing means, and the projector can provide the image of the putting guide to the area between the hitting plate where the user is located and / or the area between the hitting plate and the screen (the area where the golf ball putted by the user rolls, which is referred to herein as the "intermediate area").

[0046] In conventional systems where putting guides are provided as images displayed on a screen, there is a problem that the putting guides displayed on the screen are not easily recognizable by the user because there is a certain distance between the screen and the user's hitting position. Also, although the user must putt a golf ball that is on a hitting plate on the floor, the putting guide on the screen is displayed on the front screen, so the plane on which the putting guide is displayed on the screen is different from the bottom surface on which the user actually rolls the golf ball. For example, if the bottom surface is the xy plane, the front screen is the yz plane, and the user must putt the golf ball placed on the xy plane in accordance with the direction of the putting guide displayed on the yz plane, so there is a problem that the direction of the putting guide on the screen is substantially different from the direction in which the user actually rolls the golf ball. In contrast to this, when the image of the putting guide is provided on the floor of the screen golf course, as in this embodiment, all of the above problems can be resolved.

[0047] Referring to Figures 14 to 16, the putting guide image can be provided in various forms at various positions on the hitting mat and / or in the intermediate area (the area between the hitting mat and the front screen). For example, as shown in Figure 14, the putting guide image can be displayed on the hitting mat where the user places and hits the golf ball, and the putting guide (PG) in the putting guide image can be displayed as an arrow indicating the direction in which the user must roll the golf ball to make a successful putt. The arrow can be represented in a straight form (Figure 14(a)) or a curved form (Figure 14(b)). When displaying the putting guide (PG) with an arrow, the direction pointed to by the arrow can indicate the ideal putting direction for a successful putt. In addition, the thickness and length of the arrow in the putting guide (PG) can be adjusted to indicate the ideal putting strength according to the thickness and length. Alternatively, the thickness and length of the arrow can be kept constant, and the putting strength can be indicated by the color of the arrow.

[0048] As illustrated in Figure 15(a), the putting guide (PG) can be displayed to show the expected trajectory of the golf ball if the putt is successful. In this case, the putting guide (PG) can be represented in the form of a line including a straight or curved line that starts from a specific point on the putting mat and extends to a specific point in the intermediate area. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 15(b), the putting guide (PG) can be represented to show the position of a target point that should be targeted when putting in order to make a successful putt.

[0049] As described above, examples of putting guides being provided in the form of arrows, predicted trajectories of golf balls, or target points to be targeted during putting have been explained. However, putting guides can be used in combination of at least two of the above forms, and can also be used in other forms not described herein.

[0050] Referring to Figure 16, when the putting guide (PG) is displayed on the hitting mat in the form of an arrow, the starting point of the arrow can be set to the actual position of the golf ball or a position very close to the actual position of the golf ball. There are several ways to align the starting point of the putting guide (PG) with the position of the golf ball (or its vicinity), but two examples will be described. The first method is to sense the position of the golf ball on the hitting mat and provide the putting guide (PG) at the sensed position (Figure 16(a)). As mentioned above, when the golf ball is struck, the sensing unit senses the movement of the golf club and the golf ball, and the control unit calculates the trajectory of the golf ball based on the sensing information. By using the above sensing unit, it is possible to sense the position of the golf ball on the hitting mat before striking, and to provide the putting guide (PG) according to the sensed position. The second method involves specifying a starting point for the putting guide (PG), displaying a marker (1000) image showing the specified position on the putting mat, and then, when the user moves the golf ball to the marker (1000) position, providing the putting guide (PG) with the golf ball's position or its vicinity as the starting point (Figure 16(b)). Here, whether or not the golf ball is placed at the marker (1000) position can be confirmed through a sensing unit or the like. In the second method, the putting guide image is not provided unless the user moves the golf ball to the marker (1000) position. Therefore, the user can choose whether or not to provide the putting guide (PG) by moving the golf ball to the marker (1000) position or not.

[0051] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, an image of the putting guide is provided on the hitting mat and / or intermediate area. In this embodiment as well, the putting guide can be displayed on a screen, as in the prior art. In this case, the putting guide can be provided on the screen and / or on the floor where the virtual golf device is installed (e.g., the screen golf course), and the user can select from a menu screen whether or not to provide the putting guide on the screen / floor. For example, as shown in Figure 17, a menu screen for the user to select play options can be displayed on the screen (or, although not shown in the drawing, the virtual golf device may be equipped with an auxiliary display such as a kiosk, and the menu screen can be displayed on the auxiliary display). Through the menu screen, the user can select how many courses (holes) to play. That is, the user can play all 18 holes as in actual golf, or play half of 18 holes, such as 9 holes, as an abbreviated play, which can be selected on the play option menu screen. The user can also select units for displaying information such as distance and speed as play options. In addition, the user can select various other play options not shown in the drawing from the menu screen. Furthermore, users can select whether or not to provide a putting guide from the menu screen. Regarding the putting guide, users can choose whether or not to provide a putting guide displayed on the screen and whether or not to provide a putting guide displayed on the floor (hitting mat and / or intermediate area). Depending on the user's selection, possible combinations when providing a putting guide are: 1. No putting guide is provided anywhere on the screen or floor; 2. A putting guide is provided only on the screen; 3. A putting guide is provided only on the floor; 4. A putting guide is provided on both the screen and the floor.

[0052] There are several ways to provide putting guide video, and we will describe a few of them below. Figures 18 to 21 are diagrams illustrating various embodiments of providing putting guide video.

[0053] Referring to Figure 18(a), a virtual golf ball and hole cup are displayed on the screen during the putting stage, while a putting guide (PG) is displayed on the putting mat. In the screen image, the hole cup is positioned directly in front of the virtual golf ball, but the putting guide (PG) indicates a direction tilted to the right, rather than straight ahead. The direction of the putting guide (PG) is determined by considering the terrain of the virtual golf course displayed on the screen. If the terrain of the virtual golf course is not flat but slopes from right to left, putting straight ahead is likely to cause the virtual golf ball to roll to the left of the hole cup. Putting in the direction indicated by the putting guide (PG) on the putting mat will allow the virtual golf ball to roll along the slope and enter the hole cup. The user can also aim before putting in the direction indicated by the putting guide (PG). Aiming can be done via the aforementioned input unit or a separate input device. When aiming, as illustrated in Figure 18(b), the direction in which the hole cup is viewed on the screen changes, and the position of the hole cup shifts to a point slightly to the left of the virtual golf ball. In this case, the direction of the putting guide (PG) also changes to face forward, and the user can putt in the forward direction in accordance with the changed direction of the putting guide (PG).

[0054] Referring to Figure 19, an arrow-shaped putting guide (PG) is displayed on the putting mat during the putting phase, and additional video can be displayed in addition to the putting guide (PG). The additional video can display the target point (P) and predicted path (T) on the putting mat / intermediate area.

[0055] The above-mentioned target point (P) and predicted path (T) are related to the assumption that the intermediate area corresponds to the virtual golf course displayed on the screen and has the terrain characteristics of the virtual golf course. The putting guide (PG) indicates the direction in which the actual golf ball must be rolled. When the golf ball is rolled in the direction of the putting guide (PG), the virtual golf ball on the screen will initially roll in the direction of the putt, and thereafter will curve and roll in the direction of the slope according to the terrain characteristics of the virtual golf course on the screen (the slope of the green area on the virtual golf course). On the other hand, since the floor of the actual screen golf course is flat, the actual golf ball that is putted will not curve much due to the influence of the floor. Therefore, the trajectory shown by the actual golf ball that is putted as it rolls on the floor of the screen golf course will be different from the trajectory shown by the virtual golf ball in the screen image. In this embodiment, the predicted path (T) means the trajectory that the actual golf ball put in the direction of the putting guide (PG) can show, assuming that the floor of the screen golf course has the same slope as the virtual golf course on the screen. The target point (P) indicates the position that a golf ball can reach if it moves along the predicted path (T). In other words, assuming that the intermediate area has terrain characteristics corresponding to a virtual golf course on the screen, the target point (P) indicates the point in the intermediate area that corresponds to the hole cup on the screen. When the images of the target point (P) and predicted path (T) are displayed, the terrain characteristics of the virtual golf course displayed on the screen can be represented to some extent on the floor of the screen golf course, allowing the user to experience a level of realism similar to putting in actual golf.

[0056] Referring to Figure 20, a putting guide is displayed during the putting phase. When the user actually putts, the camera used as the aforementioned sensing unit or a separately provided camera captures the movement of the putted golf ball. Subsequently, the actual path (T1) of the golf ball as a result of the user's putt can be provided to the floor as additional video. In addition, along with the above path (T1), an ideal putting path (T2) (the path the golf ball would roll if putted in the direction indicated by the putting guide) can also be provided as additional video. By comparing the two paths (T1, T2) through the additional video, the user can identify problems in their putting (such as mistakes in putting direction or force) and improve their putting ability by addressing these issues.

[0057] Referring to Figure 21, the putting guide displays multiple putting guides (PGs), allowing the user to select the one that best suits their putting style and proceed with putting. For example, the putting guides could include a first putting guide (PG1) corresponding to a basic style, a second putting guide (PG2) corresponding to a strong putting style, and a third putting guide (PG3) corresponding to a weak putting style. The first to third putting guides (PG1, PG2, PG3) can have different forms depending on the terrain characteristics of the virtual golf course. For example, as shown in Figure 21, the second putting guide (PG2) is less biased to the right relative to the front (direction towards the screen) compared to the first putting guide (PG1). The third putting guide (PG3) is displayed with an even greater bias to the right relative to the front compared to the first putting guide (PG1). Putting hard (putting using the second putting guide (PG2)) basically involves rolling the golf ball with a stronger impact compared to putting using the first putting guide (PG1). The golf ball on the screen corresponding to the actual golf ball being put will roll harder than with basic putting and will be less affected by the slope of the terrain. The less affected the terrain characteristics are, the more the putt will be in the direction straight ahead. The more affected the terrain characteristics such as slopes are, the more the putt will be in a direction away from straight ahead. Therefore, the direction of the second putting guide (PG2) is closer to straight ahead than the direction of the first putting guide (PG1). Similarly, putting softly (putting using the third putting guide (PG3)) basically involves rolling the golf ball with a weaker impact compared to putting using the first putting guide (PG1). The golf ball on the screen corresponding to the actual golf ball being putt will roll weaker than with basic putting and will be more affected by the slope of the terrain.Because the putting direction will be affected by terrain characteristics such as slope, the direction of the third putting guide (PG) will be further from the front than the direction of the first putting guide (PG1).

[0058] As illustrated in Figure 21, the first to third putting guides (PG1, PG2, PG3) are provided at different positions on the putting mat. Since a strongly putted golf ball travels a long distance (travel distance) on the floor of the screen golf course, it is preferable that the second putting guide (PG2) be provided at a position far from the screen on the putting mat so that sufficient travel distance can be ensured when putting strongly. Also, since it is not necessary to ensure a long travel distance for the golf ball when putting lightly, the third putting guide (PG3) can be provided at a position close to the screen on the putting mat. Basically, the travel distance when putting is somewhere between that of putting strongly and putting lightly, so the first putting guide (PG1) can be provided between the second and third putting guides (PG2, PG3).

[0059] Figure 21 illustrates the display of multiple putting guides (PGs), but instead of providing multiple putting guides together, the user can be prompted to select one of three types of putting guides (basic / strong / weak) in the play options beforehand, and only the type of putting guide selected by the user can be displayed during the putting stage. Providing multiple putting guides in this way allows users to enjoy putting in the way they prefer according to their preferences.

[0060] Figure 22 shows a schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 22, the virtual golf system of this embodiment includes multiple individual booths (1101, 1102, 1103). The first individual booth (1101) is equipped with a hitting plate (1101a), a simulator device with a kiosk screen (1101b), a screen (1101c), etc., and the other individual booths (1102, 1103) have the same components. Although not shown in the drawing, each individual booth (1101, 1102, 1103) is further equipped with other devices, including cameras that sense the movement of the golf ball and projectors that project images. The virtual golf system of this embodiment can be used by a user who plays golf alone, and the user can enjoy playing golf alone in each individual booth (1101, 1102, 1103) while being separated from other users. However, in the virtual golf system according to this embodiment, each individual booth (1101, 1102, 1103) is not necessarily to be used by only one user; it is also possible for multiple users to use them alternately. The virtual golf system according to this embodiment is equipped with the aforementioned video provision means, and can provide putting guide video to the floor through the video provision means.

[0061] Figure 23 shows a schematic diagram of a system in which multiple virtual golf machines are connected to a network. Referring to Figure 23, the system in which virtual golf devices are connected to a network includes multiple screen golf courses (1100) and a server unit (1200). Each screen golf course (1100) is equipped with virtual golf devices, as illustrated in Figures 11 to 22, for enjoying screen golf. The virtual golf devices in each screen golf course (1100) are connected to the server unit (1200) via a wired or wireless network. When a user logs in, the screen golf course (1100) acts as a service provider, offering screen golf services to the user. The server unit (1200) is a central server used by a service provider operating multiple screen golf courses (1100) to manage the virtual golf devices in each of them. A user wishing to use the screen golf service must first log in to receive the service, and the server unit (1200) verifies the user's identity during the login process and decides whether to approve the login. The server unit (1200) is equipped with a storage unit (1210) that stores information for verifying the user's identity. The storage unit (1210) stores information about multiple users, separated for each user. Each user-specific storage area stores user identity information, play information, setting information, etc. The identity information is used to verify the user's identity and can be used in the login process, etc. The play information includes the user's past play results and personal records that can be obtained from past play results (average distance by club, average number of strokes, etc.). The setting information includes information about items set by the user. For example, golf courses the user has played in the past, play difficulty, play style, preferred operating conditions, etc. can be stored as setting information. Users may find it troublesome to input various selection items every time they play. However, if the user does not input the selection items, the selection items can be automatically set based on the setting information.By storing user information in the storage unit (1210) in this way, the virtual golf devices of the screen golf course (1100), which are connected to the server unit (1200) by wire and / or wirelessly, can utilize the information stored in the storage unit (1210), and each virtual golf device of the screen golf course (1100) does not need to store user information separately. The aforementioned virtual golf device can be configured with the aforementioned video provisioning means, and through these means, a video of a putting guide can be provided to the floor of the screen golf course.

[0062] 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]

[0063] 1, 10, 1010: Striking plate 2, 20, 1020: Control Unit 3, 30, 1030: Sensing part 4, 40, 1040: Input section 5, 50, 1050: Sound section 6, 60, 1060: Display section 7: Ball pitching section 8, 70, 1070: Means of providing video 100, 1100: Screen Golf Course 200, 1200: Server Unit

Claims

1. A hitting mat on which an actual golf ball is placed; a display means for displaying a virtual golf course and a putting target point on said virtual golf course during a putting stage; an image providing means for providing an image of a putting guide showing information about putting; Including, The display means is spaced apart from the striking mat, If the area between the display means and the hitting mat is defined as an intermediate area, the putting guide is displayed on at least one of the hitting mat and the intermediate area. Virtual golf equipment.

2. 2. The virtual golf device of claim 1, wherein the putting guide includes a line originating from a point on the hitting mat or a target indicia displayed in the intermediate area and indicating a target in putting.

3. If the point where the line starts is the starting point, 3. The virtual golf device of claim 2, wherein the image of the putting guide is provided such that the starting point is located at or near where the actual golf ball is located prior to putting.

4. the image providing means displays on the hitting mat a position where the user will place the actual golf ball before putting; 3. The virtual golf device according to claim 2, wherein the image providing means provides an image of a putting guide in the form of a line starting from the actual golf ball when the actual golf ball is placed at the display position.

5. Assuming that the intermediate area corresponds to the virtual golf course, if a point in the intermediate area corresponding to the putting target point is defined as an intermediate area target point, 2. The virtual golf device according to claim 1, wherein said image providing means is capable of displaying said intermediate area target point in said intermediate area, or displaying in said intermediate area a predicted route to said intermediate area target point when putting is successful.

6. 2. The virtual golf device according to claim 1, wherein, when the user has completed putting, a path along which the actual golf ball has moved as the user has putted can be provided to the user by the image providing means or the display means.

7. The virtual golf device of claim 1 , wherein the putting guide comprises a plurality of different user selectable putting guides.

8. the plurality of putting guides includes a first putting guide and a second putting guide, The putting guide includes a line starting from one point on the hitting mat, and an image of the putting guide is provided such that, if the point where the line starts is taken as a starting point, the starting point is located at a position where the actual golf ball is placed or in the vicinity of a position where the actual golf ball is placed before putting, The virtual golf device of claim 7 , wherein a starting point of the first putting guide and a starting point of the second putting guide are different.

Images