Virtual golf apparatus to supply multiple different golf balls

Abstract

To provide a virtual golf apparatus to supply multiple different golf balls.SOLUTION: The virtual golf apparatus includes: golf ball providing means that supplies an actual golf ball to be struck by a user; a display unit that displays a virtual golf course; and a calculation unit that calculates movement of a virtual golf ball corresponding to the actual golf ball on the virtual golf course in response to the user striking the actual golf ball. The golf ball providing means can supply multiple different golf balls as the actual golf ball.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a virtual golf device, and more particularly to a virtual golf device capable of providing a plurality of different golf balls. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, golf has become more popular, and the number of people enjoying golf is increasing. Golf is not only played on outdoor golf courses, but screen golf, which allows players to play golf using virtual golf devices, is also becoming more popular. In screen golf, images of a golf course are displayed on a screen, allowing players to experience the reality of playing a real game outdoors. In addition, screen golf saves time and money compared to playing on an outdoor field, so it is popular among modern people who find it difficult to play on an outdoor field due to time or financial reasons.

[0003] As the number of people using screen golf increases, more and more facilities for the convenience of users are being developed and used. However, there are still shortcomings in meeting the needs of screen golf users. For example, when playing on a field, a user prepares and uses the golf balls that he or she mainly uses, but in screen golf, the user must only use the golf balls provided by the screen golf course. However, there may be users who wish to use the golf balls that they used on the field while playing screen golf. There is a problem in that the conventional technology cannot meet the needs of such users. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a virtual golf device that can provide various types of golf balls. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, a virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a golf ball providing means for providing an actual golf ball to be hit by a user, a display unit for displaying a virtual golf course, and a calculation unit for calculating a movement of a virtual golf ball corresponding to the actual golf ball on the virtual golf course when the user hits the actual golf ball, and the golf ball providing means can provide a plurality of different golf balls as the actual golf ball.

[0006] In the above virtual golf device, the plurality of different golf balls include first and second golf balls, and the golf ball providing means includes first golf ball providing means for providing the first golf ball and second golf ball providing means for providing the second golf ball. In the above virtual golf device, the plurality of different golf balls includes first and second golf balls, and the golf ball providing means includes a first housing for storing the first golf ball and a second housing for storing the second golf ball.

[0007] In the above virtual golf device, the golf ball providing means provides a golf ball selected by the user from the plurality of different golf balls. In the virtual golf device, the different golf balls have differences in at least one of color, weight, size, surface shape, and manufacturer.

[0008] In the above-mentioned virtual golf device, the virtual golf course includes a plurality of different areas, and the golf ball provided to the user from among the plurality of different golf balls is determined depending on which of the plurality of areas the virtual golf ball is located in before the user hits it. In the virtual golf device, when a user hits the real golf ball, the real golf ball has a physical state value according to the user's hit, and the different golf balls have different physical state values ​​for the same hit by the user.

[0009] The virtual golf device further includes a hitting mat on which a user places and hits the real golf ball, the hitting mat being composed of a single area corresponding to a fairway area of ​​a real golf course. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The virtual golf device of the present invention has the advantage that various types of golf balls can be provided to the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1A-1C are diagrams showing exemplary configurations of golf ball providing means. [Diagram 3] 1A-1C are diagrams showing exemplary configurations of golf ball providing means. [Figure 4] 2A-2C are diagrams illustrating examples of different golf balls that may be provided by the virtual golf device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 2A-2C are diagrams illustrating examples of different golf balls that may be provided by the virtual golf device of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2A-2C are diagrams illustrating examples of different golf balls that may be provided by the virtual golf device of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of selecting and providing a golf ball suited to a playing situation from among a plurality of golf balls. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of selecting and providing a golf ball suited to a playing situation from among a plurality of golf balls. [Figure 9]FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of selecting and providing a golf ball suited to a playing situation from among a plurality of golf balls. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of selecting and providing a golf ball suited to a playing situation from among a plurality of golf balls. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of selecting and providing a golf ball suited to a playing situation from among a plurality of golf balls. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of selecting and providing a golf ball suited to a playing situation from among a plurality of golf balls. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of selecting and providing a golf ball suited to a playing situation from among a plurality of golf balls. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of selecting and providing a golf ball suited to a playing situation from among a plurality of golf balls. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of selecting and providing a golf ball suited to a playing situation from among a plurality of golf balls. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of selecting and providing a golf ball suited to a playing situation from among a plurality of golf balls. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a virtual golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the following examples. The objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood from the following examples. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and may be embodied in other forms. The embodiments described herein are provided so that the disclosed content will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited by the following examples.

[0013] In this specification, the terms "first", "second" and the like 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 a layer (film) is said to be on another layer (film) or substrate, it means that it can be formed directly on the other layer (film) or substrate, or a third layer (film) can be interposed between them.

[0014] In the drawings, the size of elements or the relative size between elements may be somewhat exaggerated for a clearer understanding of the present invention. In addition, the shapes of the illustrated elements may be somewhat changed due to variations in the manufacturing process, etc. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments disclosed in this specification should not be limited to the shapes illustrated, and should be understood to include some modifications.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a hitting plate (10), a control unit (20), a sensing unit (30), an input unit (40), a sound unit (50), and a display unit (60). The striking plate 10 is an area where a user stands to strike a golf ball. The striking plate 10 may be a separately provided plate-like object, or may be a floor where a virtual golf device is installed and where the user stands, rather than a separate object. The striking plate 10 is provided with a striking mat on which a golf ball to be struck is placed. In addition, a golf ball providing means 1 is provided under the striking mat, and a golf ball can be automatically provided to the striking mat through the golf ball providing means 1.

[0016] The control unit 20 controls the overall operation among the components of the virtual golf device. For example, the control unit 20 can control the golf ball providing means 1 to provide a golf ball for hitting according to the time when the user hits the golf ball. Specifically, immediately after the user hits a golf ball placed on the hitting mat, the control unit 20 can detect the hit and perform a related control operation to cause the golf ball providing means 1 to provide the next golf ball for hitting. Also, if the user selects a specific golf course, the control unit 20 performs a related operation to allow the user to play on the corresponding golf course. That is, the control unit 20 includes an image processing means for processing an image, and operates to form an image of the specific golf course selected by the user and transmit it to the display unit 60 for display.

[0017] The control unit (20) comprises a calculation unit (21) and a storage unit (22) (the calculation unit (21) and the storage unit (22) can be configured to be provided independently and separated from the control unit (20). The calculation unit (21) performs a calculation process to calculate a trajectory of a golf ball when it is assumed that the golf ball moves on an actual golf course in a given physical state based on the physical state of the golf ball hit by the user. The storage unit (22) includes a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk, and stores various programs and data required for the operation of the control unit (20), the calculation unit (21), etc.

[0018] The sensing unit 30 senses the movement of the golf club and / or the movement of the golf ball hit by the user when hitting the golf ball, and obtains information necessary for the calculation process. The sensing unit 30 may use sensing means such as a camera or a sensor that can capture the movement of the golf club or the golf ball. The sensing means may use various sensing methods such as image sensing, light emission / reception sensing, and laser sensing, and such sensing methods may be used to obtain status information of the golf club or the golf ball hit by the user. The camera or the sensor may be used alone or together, and may be used alone or in combination. The information sensed by the sensing unit 30 is transmitted to the control unit 20, and the calculation unit 21 of the control unit 20 performs the calculation process based on the information from the sensing unit 30.

[0019] The input unit 40 is for receiving various information from the user, and may use a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, etc. When login is required to use the virtual golf device, the user may use the input unit 40 to input his / her ID and password for login, or to select the golf course he / she wants to play or the difficulty level of play, etc.

[0020] The sound unit 50 includes audio equipment such as a speaker, through which the user is informed of the progress of the game and various sound effects are reproduced according to the progress of the game. The display unit 60 includes devices for display operations such as a projector and a screen. The projector projects golf-related images onto the screen so that the golf course and golf balls are displayed on the screen, and the screen displays the projected golf-related images and provides them to the user. Although not shown in the drawings, the display unit 60 may further include a display device such as a kiosk that serves as an auxiliary display in addition to the screen.

[0021] In this specification, some objects displayed on the screen may be referred to as "virtual." This is to avoid confusion with objects that exist in the real world, and means that they do not exist in the real world but are displayed in an image on the screen. For example, a "virtual golf course" means a golf course displayed on the screen, and a "virtual golf ball" means a golf ball displayed on the screen.

[0022] The virtual golf device is a device that is installed at a screen golf course to enable a user to play screen golf. The operation process of the virtual golf device when a user plays screen golf is as follows. When a user hits a golf ball, the sensor unit (30) senses the movement of the golf club and the physical state of the golf ball hit by the user, such as the moving speed and moving direction. The information sensed by the sensor unit (30) is transmitted to the control unit (20), and the calculation unit (21) in the control unit (20) performs a calculation process to calculate the trajectory of the golf ball based on the transmitted information. The display unit (60) displays an image of the virtual golf ball moving according to the trajectory calculated by the calculation process, and at this time, the virtual golf ball moves according to the calculated trajectory and lands at a specific point on the virtual golf course displayed on the screen, and the user continues the next shot from the point where the virtual golf ball landed. The above operation process is repeated for the user's next shot.

[0023] In the above screen golf play, only one golf ball is provided to the user in the conventional technology, but in the virtual golf device according to the embodiment of the present invention, multiple different golf balls can be provided to the user. The configuration for providing multiple golf balls will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0024] 2 and 3 are diagrams showing an exemplary configuration of a golf ball providing means, and FIGS. 4 to 6 are diagrams showing examples of different golf balls that can be provided by the virtual golf device of FIG. Referring to FIG. 2, the golf ball providing means (1) includes a tee unit (1a), a connecting pipe (1b), and a golf ball housing (1c, 1d). The tee unit (1a) is provided with a tee that can move up and down. The tee unit (1a) is located under the hitting mat. When the tee unit (1a) moves the tee upward with a golf ball placed on the tee, the tee passes from below the hitting mat to above the hitting mat, becoming a tee-up state, and the golf ball placed on the tee can be provided to the user (the hitting mat has a hole through which the tee can pass). When the user is making a tee shot, the user hits the golf ball as it is placed on the tee, and when making a hit other than a tee shot, the user can move the golf ball placed on the tee to another part of the hitting mat other than the part where the tee is, and then hit the golf ball. When the user hits the golf ball, the tee unit (1a) moves the tee downward, and the tee passes from above the hitting mat to below the hitting mat, becoming a tee-down state. After that, the tee-up and tee-down states are repeated, and the user can continue hitting the golf ball. The connecting pipe (1b) is a pipe that connects the tee unit (1a) and the golf ball housings (1c, 1d), and the golf balls in the golf ball housings (1c, 1d) are supplied to the tee unit (1a) via the connecting pipe (1b). The golf ball housings (1c, 1d) are storage spaces that hold golf balls, and include a first golf ball housing (1c) that holds a first golf ball and a second golf ball housing (1d) that holds a second golf ball. The first and second golf balls are different from each other, and the first golf ball in the first golf ball housing (1c) or the second golf ball in the second golf ball housing (1d) can be supplied to the tee unit (1a) depending on the situation. Although not shown in the drawings, the golf ball providing means (1) may further include other components.For example, the golf ball providing means (1) is provided with a control unit that controls the timing of teeing up and down and which of the first and second golf balls is provided to the tee unit (1a). The control unit can receive control commands from the control unit (20) and operate accordingly. As a result, the control unit (20) can control the timing of providing a golf ball to a user and which of the first and second golf balls is provided.

[0025] 3, as another embodiment different from that shown in FIG. 2, the golf ball providing means (1) includes a first golf ball providing means (2) and a second golf ball providing means (3). The first golf ball providing means (2) includes a first tee unit (2a), a first connecting pipe (2b), and a first golf ball housing (2c), and the second golf ball providing means (3) includes a second tee unit (3a), a second connecting pipe (3b), and a second golf ball housing (3c). The first and second tee units (2a, 3a) are each provided with a tee that can move up and down. When a golf ball is placed on the tee, the first and second tee units (2a, 3a) move the tee upward, and the tee passes through the hitting mat from below to above, becoming a tee-up state, and the golf ball placed on the tee can be provided to the user. The golf balls provided to the user through the first and second tee units (2a, 3a) are in the first and second golf ball housings (2c, 3c), and the golf balls can be supplied to the first and second tee units (2a, 3a) through the first and second connecting pipes (2b, 3b). The first golf ball housing (2c) of the first golf ball providing means (2) holds a first golf ball, and the first golf ball is provided to the user by the first golf ball providing means (2). The second golf ball housing (3c) holds a second golf ball different from the first golf ball, and the second golf ball is provided to the user by the second golf ball providing means (3). Although not shown in the drawings, the first and second golf ball providing means (2, 3) may further be provided with other components. For example, the first and second golf ball providing means (2, 3) may each be provided with a control unit that controls the timing of teeing up and down. The control units of the first and second golf ball providing means (2, 3) can receive control commands from the control unit (20) and operate accordingly, so that the control unit (20) can control the time when a golf ball is provided to a user and what type of golf ball is provided between the first and second golf balls.

[0026] Although we have looked at examples of the configuration of golf ball providing means capable of providing two different golf balls to a user, when providing a plurality of different golf balls, the number of golf balls is not necessarily limited to two, and it is also possible to configure the golf ball providing means to provide more different golf balls. For example, if the golf ball providing means shown in Fig. 2 is provided with n golf ball housings (n is a natural number of 3 or more) and the n housings contain different golf balls, then n different types of golf balls can be provided to a user. Alternatively, if the golf ball providing means shown in Fig. 3 includes different first to nth golf ball providing means (n ​​is a natural number of 3 or more) and each golf ball providing means provides a different golf ball to a user, then n different types of golf balls can be provided to a user.

[0027] A virtual golf device according to this embodiment may provide a user with a variety of "different" golf balls, where "different" golf balls means different in one sense or multiple senses.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 4, there may be different golf balls in the sense that they are golf balls manufactured by different manufacturers. Golf balls are manufactured by a number of manufacturers, such as Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade, Bridgestone, etc., and the hitting feel of the golf ball varies depending on the manufacturer. Most golfers select a golf ball of a manufacturer that suits them and usually continue to use only that golf ball. For example, the Bridgestone golf ball used by the famous golf player Tiger Woods is known to have characteristics that enable a precise and sharp approach shot, and is used by many golfers who want to make accurate approach shots.

[0029] In actual field golf, a golfer prepares and uses a golf ball that he or she desires, but in playing screen golf, a user uses a golf ball provided at a screen golf course. Only one golf ball is provided at a screen golf course, and a user has to use the golf ball provided at the screen golf course even if it is not the golf ball that the user desires. However, when multiple golf balls made by multiple manufacturers are provided as in this embodiment, a user can select and use the golf ball that he or she desires from the multiple golf balls. In this case, a user can select a golf ball that the user desires to use from a menu for selecting play options before starting a play, and a control unit (20) of the virtual golf device can control a golf ball providing means (1) so that only the selected golf ball is provided when the user hits a golf ball.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 5, there may be different golf balls in the sense that they are golf balls with different surface shapes. A bend called a "dimple" is formed on the surface of a golf ball, and the dimple can play a role in reducing the air resistance of the golf ball, improving the directionality of the golf ball, and increasing the flight distance. The bend caused by the dimple makes the pressure when the wind passes through the golf ball irregular, reducing the pressure difference acting on the front and rear of the golf ball, and such a reduction in the pressure difference is known to act as a factor in increasing the flight distance. The shape of the dimples varies from golf ball to golf ball, and the characteristics of the golf ball change depending on the shape of the dimples. Some users may prefer golf balls with a specific dimple shape, and when multiple golf balls with various dimple shapes are provided as in this embodiment, the user can select and use the golf ball he or she wants from the multiple golf balls. In this case, the user can select the golf ball he or she wants to use from a menu for selecting play options before starting play, and the control unit (20) of the virtual golf device can control the golf ball providing means (1) so that only the selected golf ball is provided when the corresponding user hits the golf ball.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 6, there may be different golf balls in the sense that the colors of the golf balls are different. In the past, white-colored golf balls were widely used, but currently golf balls of various colors are used. Colored golf balls can be visually distinguished more easily than white golf balls, and various designs can be expressed on the surface of the golf ball by using various colors. Some users may prefer a simple white-colored golf ball, and other users may prefer golf balls using various colors. When multiple golf balls of various colors are provided as in this embodiment, the user can select and use a golf ball that he or she wants from the multiple golf balls. In this case, the user can select a golf ball that he or she wants to use from a menu for selecting play options before starting play, and the control unit (20) of the virtual golf device can control the golf ball providing means (1) so that only the selected golf ball is provided when the corresponding user hits a golf ball.

[0032] Although golf balls with different manufacturers / dimples / colors have been mentioned above as different golf balls, the different golf balls can be distinguished not only by one factor but also by multiple factors. For example, the virtual golf device of this embodiment can provide first to fourth golf balls distinguished by manufacturer and color, where the first golf ball can be a white golf ball of manufacturer A, the second golf ball can be a yellow golf ball of manufacturer A, the third golf ball can be a white golf ball of manufacturer B, and the fourth golf ball can be a blue golf ball of manufacturer B. The manufacturer / dimples / color are examples of factors distinguishing the different golf balls, and there can be other factors distinguishing the golf balls in addition to these. For example, weight and size can be factors distinguishing the different golf balls. The official ball standard set by the United States Golf Association is a diameter of 1.68 inches or more and a weight of 1.6 ounces (45.95 grams) or less, and the weight and size of each golf ball can vary within the range satisfying the above standards. The specifications of a golf ball can affect the hitting characteristics such as the flight distance of the golf ball, and users prefer golf balls of a particular specification having hitting characteristics that suit their golfing style. According to this embodiment, a plurality of golf balls of various specifications can be provided to the user, and the user can select a golf ball of the specification that he or she prefers to play.

[0033] When providing a plurality of different golf balls, a method of utilizing this may be, as described above, a method in which a user selects a golf ball he or she desires from among a plurality of golf balls, and the selected golf ball is provided to the user. Alternatively, a method may be used in which a specific golf ball is automatically selected and provided according to the currently ongoing playing situation without a user selection. Hereinafter, a method of automatically selecting and providing a specific golf ball from a plurality of golf balls according to the current playing situation will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0034] 7 to 16 are diagrams for explaining an example of selecting and providing a golf ball suited to a playing situation from among a plurality of golf balls.

[0035] FIG. 7 shows an example of a virtual golf course displayed on the screen of the virtual golf device of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 7, the virtual golf course displayed on the screen can be reproduced and expressed as an actual golf course. For example, an actual golf course has terrains with various attributes such as a fairway, rough, bunker, etc., and such terrains with various attributes can be reproduced and expressed as an actual golf course displayed on the screen. The fairway is a grass area where the grass is short and managed, making it easy to play. The rough is a grass area where the grass is not managed and the grass is longer than the fairway. It is more difficult to hit the ball in the rough where the grass is long than in the fairway where the grass is short, and the difficulty level of hitting is high. The bunker is an area mainly made of sand, and when a golf ball is hit in the bunker, sand scatters, making it very difficult to hit. As shown in FIG. 7, the virtual golf course displayed on the screen includes terrains with various attributes such as a virtual fairway, virtual rough, virtual bunker, etc. corresponding to the fairway, rough, bunker, etc. of the actual golf course, and is displayed as an actual golf course reproduced as it is.

[0036] FIG. 8 shows an example of a hitting mat that can be used in the virtual golf device. Referring to FIG. 8, a multi-area hitting mat having multiple areas that are separated from one another can be used as the hitting mat. In the multi-area hitting mat, each separated area can be configured to correspond to a terrain having various attributes on an actual golf course. For example, the multi-area hitting mat is configured to include a fairway area corresponding to a fairway on an actual golf course and a non-fairway area corresponding to a non-fairway on an actual golf course (areas other than fairways, such as rough and bunkers, which are trouble areas that are more difficult to hit than fairways, are conveniently named "non-fairways"). In addition, the non-fairway area includes a rough area and a bunker area that respectively correspond to the rough and bunker on an actual golf course. When manufacturing a multi-area hitting mat, the fairway area and the rough area are all made of artificial turf, but the lengths of the artificial turf in the fairway area and the rough area are formed to be different from each other, and the bunker area can be made of a material that can give a hitting feeling like hitting with sand. In real golf, there are other terrains such as water hazards other than fairways, roughs, and bunkers, and roughs and bunkers are also subdivided into light roughs, heavy roughs, fairway bunkers, and green bunkers, so the hitting mat can be constructed in various forms to reflect the terrain of real golf courses in various ways. Therefore, the multi-area hitting mat is not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 8.

[0037] In screen golf play, when a user hits a golf ball, the user actually hits an actual golf ball on a hitting mat, but in the setting of screen golf play, it is assumed that the golf ball is hit at a point on the screen where a virtual golf ball is placed. If the hitting mat is divided into a plurality of areas corresponding to the plurality of areas displayed on the screen, the user places the actual golf ball and then hits the actual golf ball so that the area on the screen where the virtual golf ball is placed corresponds to the area on the hitting mat where the actual golf ball is placed.

[0038] For example, as shown in Fig. 9(a), when the virtual golf ball (VB) is located on a virtual fairway in the virtual golf course on the screen, the user places the actual golf ball (RB) in the fairway area of ​​the hitting mat and hits it, assuming that the user is hitting a golf ball located on the fairway. Also, as shown in Fig. 9(b) and Fig. 9(c), when the virtual golf ball (VB) is located in a virtual rough / virtual bunker in the virtual golf course on the screen, the user places the actual golf ball (RB) in the rough area / bunker area of ​​the hitting mat and hits it, assuming that the user is hitting a golf ball located in the rough or bunker.

[0039] By using a hitting mat with multiple areas in this manner, the user can create a hitting situation on the hitting mat that corresponds to the situation in which the virtual golf ball on the screen is located (the virtual golf ball is located on either the virtual fairway / virtual rough / virtual bunker) and the hitting situation on the hitting mat (the actual golf ball is located in either the fairway area / rough area / bunker area), and then hit the actual golf ball.This allows the user to experience the same hitting feeling as when making a fairway shot / rough shot / bunker shot in actual golf, even in screen golf.

[0040] However, when using a multiple-area hitting mat, the user may mistakenly or intentionally place the actual golf ball in a wrong position on the hitting mat during play and hit it. For example, when the virtual golf ball is located in the virtual rough or a virtual bunker on the virtual golf course on the screen, the user may place the actual golf ball in the fairway area of ​​the hitting mat and hit it. Since the golf ball providing means for providing the actual golf ball to the user mainly operates to provide the golf ball in the fairway area of ​​the hitting mat, in order to make a correct hit when the virtual golf ball is located in the virtual rough or a virtual bunker, the user must move the actual golf ball provided in the fairway area of ​​the hitting mat to the rough area or bunker area of ​​the hitting mat and then hit it. However, the user may mistakenly or intentionally not move the actual golf ball provided in the fairway area to the correct area (rough or bunker area) and hit it. Such a problem when using a multiple-area hitting mat can be solved by providing a plurality of different golf balls in the virtual golf device according to the above embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 10 shows an example of a hitting mat that can be used with the virtual golf device of FIG. 1, and FIGS. 11 to 17 are diagrams for explaining the operation process of the virtual golf device when providing multiple different golf balls using the hitting mat of FIG. 10.

[0042] 10, in the virtual golf device that provides multiple different golf balls, a hitting mat consisting of only a single area can be used as the hitting mat, where the single area is mainly a fairway area. According to this embodiment, since a single area hitting mat is used, the golf ball providing means provides golf balls only in the single area, that is, the fairway area, and the user can hit the provided golf ball without having to move it to another area. When using a multiple area hitting mat, there is a problem that the golf ball provided in the fairway area by the golf ball providing means should be moved to a non-fairway area and hit, but the golf ball is hit at an incorrect position without being moved, but this embodiment does not have such a problem.

[0043] Referring to Fig. 11, the virtual golf device according to the present embodiment can provide three different golf balls, and provides the first golf ball (B1) to the user when the virtual golf ball displayed on the screen is located on the virtual fairway. Referring to Fig. 12, the virtual golf device provides the second golf ball (B2) to the user when the virtual golf ball displayed on the screen is located on the virtual rough. Referring to Fig. 13, the virtual golf device provides the third golf ball (B3) to the user when the virtual golf ball displayed on the screen is located on the virtual bunker. That is, the control unit (see reference numeral 20 in Fig. 1) of the virtual golf device checks where the virtual golf ball on the screen is currently located among the virtual fairway / virtual rough / virtual bunker before the user hits the ball, and selects one of the first to third golf balls (B1, B2, B3) according to the check result and provides it to the user as the golf ball to be hit. Comparing a method of providing different golf balls depending on the position of the virtual golf ball displayed on the screen while using a single area hitting mat with a method of using a multiple area hitting mat while using one golf ball, when a multiple area hitting mat is used, the difference in environment when the virtual golf ball on the screen is on the virtual fairway / virtual rough / virtual bunker is created by the fairway area / rough area / bunker area that are distinguished from each other in the multiple area hitting mat, whereas when a single area hitting mat is used, the difference in environment when the virtual golf ball on the screen is on the virtual fairway / virtual rough / virtual bunker is created through multiple different golf balls instead of being created by the hitting mat itself.In the method using a multiple area hitting mat, a user action (e.g., moving a golf ball provided in a fairway area to a non-fairway area) is required to form a real environment that is the same as the current environment of the screen, and problems may occur due to the user action (such as when the user makes a mistake or intentionally hits the golf ball without moving it to the correct area), but in the method using multiple golf balls, a user action (e.g., moving a golf ball provided in a fairway area to a non-fairway area) to form a real environment that is the same as the current environment of the screen is not required, so problems due to the user action do not occur. In the method of providing different golf balls according to the position of a virtual golf ball displayed on a screen while using a single area hitting mat, the first to third golf balls (B1, B2, B3) have different hitting characteristics.

[0044] When the calculation unit (see reference numeral 21 in FIG. 1) performs a calculation process to calculate the trajectory of the golf ball, various methods can be applied. In one of the various methods, a parameter value indicating the physical state of the golf ball after hitting is sensed and the trajectory is calculated from the parameter value. Referring to FIG. 14, examples of the parameters include the speed (V) of the golf ball (B), the horizontal angle (φ) indicating the direction of the golf ball on the horizontal plane when the golf ball is hit, the launch angle (θ) indicating the angle at which the golf ball is tilted with respect to the horizontal plane, and the spin (S) indicating the rotation state of the golf ball. The trajectory of the golf ball can be calculated by applying a calculation model using physical laws based on parameters such as the speed (V), the horizontal angle (φ), the launch angle (θ), and the spin (S). Although not shown in the drawing, it is also possible to sense not only the physical state of the golf ball but also the movement of the golf club when the user hits the golf ball and use the sensed information about the golf club to calculate the trajectory of the golf ball.

[0045] Assuming that the user hits the first to third golf balls (B1, B2, B3) in the same manner (meaning hitting the golf balls with the same swing and the same impact, etc.), the first to third golf balls (B1, B2, B3) have different hitting characteristics, and therefore the physical state values ​​after hitting the first to third golf balls (B1, B2, B3) are different from one another. That is, the post-hit velocity (V1) / left-right angle (φ1) / launch angle (θ1) / spin (S1) of the first golf ball (B1), the post-hit velocity (V2) / left-right angle (φ2) / launch angle (θ2) / spin (S2) of the second golf ball (B2), and the post-hit velocity (V3) / left-right angle (φ3) / launch angle (θ3) / spin (S3) of the third golf ball (B3) have different values ​​for the same hit, and as a result, the virtual golf balls corresponding to the first to third golf balls (B1, B2, B3) have different trajectories for the same hit. Here, the meaning that the velocity (V) / left-right angle (φ) / launch angle (θ) / spin (S) have different values ​​includes the case where the velocity (V) / left-right angle (φ) / launch angle (θ) / spin (S) all have different values, or the case where only some of them have different values.

[0046] In order for the first golf ball (B1), the second golf ball (B2), and the third golf ball (B3) to have different hitting characteristics, the first golf ball (B1), the second golf ball (B2), and the third golf ball (B3) may differ in at least one of size, weight, strength, the number and shape of dimples, etc. Due to the difference in the characteristics of the golf balls such as size, weight, strength, the number and shape of dimples, etc., the first to third golf balls (B1, B2, B3) will have differences in the detected velocity (V), direction angle (φ), launch angle (θ), spin (S), etc. for the same hit by a user, and will also have differences in the trajectory in the calculation process.

[0047] 15, as an example related to the trajectory difference, it is assumed that the first to third golf balls (B1, B2, B3) have the same direction angle (φ1=φ2=φ3) / same launch angle (θ1=θ2=θ3) / same spin (S1=S2=S3) for the same hit by a user, and there is a difference only in speed (V1≠V2≠V3), where the speed (V1) of the first golf ball (B1) is the highest, the speed (V2) of the second golf ball (B2) is intermediate, and the speed (V3) of the third golf ball (B3) is the lowest (V1>V2>V3). In this case, due to the speed difference, for the same hit, the first golf ball (B1) has the longest flight distance, the second golf ball (B2) has an intermediate flight distance, and the third golf ball (B3) has the shortest flight distance. Considering that the order of difficulty of hitting in actual golf is fairway (easy), rough (medium), and bunker (difficult), and the higher the difficulty of hitting, the shorter the flight distance, the longest flight distance can be achieved by providing the first golf ball (B1) for a fairway shot (a hit when the virtual golf ball is on the virtual fairway), the intermediate flight distance can be achieved by providing the second golf ball (B2) for a rough shot (a hit when the virtual golf ball is on the virtual rough), and the shortest flight distance can be achieved by providing the third golf ball (B3) for a bunker shot (a hit when the virtual golf ball is on the virtual bunker).

[0048] Referring to FIG. 16, as another example related to the trajectory difference, it is assumed that the first to third golf balls (B1, B2, B3) have the same speed (V1=V2=V3) / direction angle (φ1=φ2=φ3) / launch angle (θ1=θ2=θ3) for the same hit by the user, and only the difference is the spin (S1≠S2≠S3), and the spin (S1) of the first golf ball (B1) is the smallest, the spin (S2) of the second golf ball (B2) is intermediate, and the spin (S3) of the third golf ball (B3) is the largest (S3>S2>S1) (for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the spin here means a side spin, and that a large spin means a large absolute value of the spin). The larger the spin, the more likely it is that a hook or slice will occur, and if a hook or slice occurs, the golf ball will deviate from the path intended by the user. Due to the difference in spin, for the same shot, the first golf ball (B1) has a trajectory that is most similar to the user's intention, the second golf ball (B2) has a trajectory that is slightly different from the user's intention, and the third golf ball (B3) has a trajectory that is the most different from the user's intention. Considering that the difficulty of hitting in real golf is fairway (easy), rough (medium), and bunker (difficult) in that the higher the hitting difficulty, the more likely the golf ball hit by the user is to deviate from the user's intended path, the first golf ball (B1) can be provided for a fairway shot (a hit when the virtual golf ball is on the virtual fairway) to have a trajectory that is close to the user's intention, the second golf ball (B2) can be provided for a rough shot (a hit when the virtual golf ball is on the virtual rough) to have a trajectory that is slightly different from the user's intention, and the third golf ball (B3) can be provided for a bunker shot (a hit when the virtual golf ball is on the virtual bunker) to have a trajectory that is the most different from the user's intention.

[0049] In the above, the first to third golf balls (B1, B2, B3) are exemplified as being different only in speed or spin for the same hit by the user, but there may be cases where at least two or more of the speed / launch angle / direction angle / spin are different. In this case, the results of hitting the first to third golf balls (B1, B2, B3) may differ due to multiple factors such as the flight distance and the moving direction of the golf balls.

[0050] As described above, in this embodiment, a first golf ball (B1), a second golf ball (B2), and a third golf ball (B3) are provided, each having different golf ball characteristics such as size, weight, strength, number and shape of dimples, thereby achieving the effect of reproducing fairway shots / rough shots / bunker shots in actual golf with screen golf, and since a single-area hitting mat can be used instead of a multiple-area hitting mat, problems that arise from using a multiple-area hitting mat (problems with rough shots and bunker shots where the user places the golf ball in the wrong area instead of moving it to the rough area or bunker area and hits it) can be prevented.

[0051] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 17, the virtual golf device according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of booths (101, 102, 103). Each booth (101, 102, 103) is configured identically. For example, the first booth (101) includes a hitting plate (101a), a computer device (101b) that includes a kiosk screen and can function as a control device in the above embodiment, a screen (101c), etc., and the other booths (102, 103) also have the same components. Although not shown in the drawing, each booth (101, 102, 103) is further equipped with other devices such as a camera for detecting the movement of the golf club / golf ball when hitting. In each booth (101, 102, 103), multiple users can take turns playing golf. Alternatively, in each booth (101, 102, 103), a single user can play solo while being separated from users in other booths. The virtual golf device according to the present embodiment is provided with a golf ball providing means for providing a plurality of different golf balls, and a specific golf ball selected by the user from among the plurality of golf balls can be provided to the user through the golf ball providing means. Alternatively, the golf ball providing means for providing a plurality of different golf balls can be used to reproduce shots in various situations such as fairway shots, rough shots, bunker shots, etc., using a single-area hitting mat.

[0052] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a virtual golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 18, the virtual golf system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a virtual golf device (100) and a service device (200). The virtual golf device (100) may be one of those shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 17. The virtual golf device (100) is installed in a home or public screen golf course where screen golf can be played, and if there are multiple screen golf courses, a virtual golf device (100) is installed for each screen golf course, and a total of multiple virtual golf devices are provided. The virtual golf device includes a golf ball providing means for providing multiple different golf balls, and a specific golf ball selected by the user from the multiple golf balls can be provided to the user through the golf ball providing means. Alternatively, the golf ball providing means for providing multiple different golf balls can be used to reproduce shots in various situations such as fairway shots, rough shots, and bunker shots using a single-area hitting mat.

[0053] The virtual golf device 100 is connected to a service device 200 via a wired or wireless communication network, etc. The service device 200 includes a central server used by a service provider operating a plurality of screen golf courses to manage the virtual golf devices 100 installed in the plurality of screen golf courses.

[0054] The service device (200) includes a storage unit (210). The storage unit (210) stores various information including user information. When a user who wishes to use a screen golf service first logs in to receive the service, the service device (200) confirms the user's identity and determines whether or not to approve the login. To determine whether or not to approve the login, the storage unit (210) stores information for confirming the user's identity.

[0055] The storage unit (210) stores information about a plurality of users, classified for each user. The storage area for each user stores user's identity information, play information, setting information, etc. The identity information is for verifying the identity of the user, and can be used for login process, etc. The play information includes the user's past play records and the user's personal records obtained from the past play records (average driving distance by club, average number of strokes, etc.). The setting information includes information about items set by the user. For example, the user may store golf courses played in the past, playing difficulty, playing style, preferred operating conditions, etc. as setting information. There may be users who find it troublesome to input various selection items every time they play, and if such users do not input the selection items, the selection items can be automatically set based on the setting information.

[0056] As various user information is stored in the storage unit (210) in this manner, a plurality of virtual golf devices (100) connected to the service device (200) via wired and / or wireless connections can use the information stored in the storage unit (210), and each virtual golf device (100) does not need to separately store user information or other information held by the storage unit (210).

[0057] Specific examples of the present invention have been discussed above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be embodied in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The scope of the present invention is defined in the claims, not in the above description, and all differences within the scope of the claims should be interpreted as being included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1: Means of providing golf balls 10: Strike plate 20: Control unit 30: Sensing part 40: Input section 50: Sound section 60: Display section 100: Virtual golf device 200: Service equipment

Claims

1. a golf ball providing means for providing an actual golf ball for a user to hit; a display unit for displaying a virtual golf course; a calculation unit that calculates a motion of a virtual golf ball corresponding to the actual golf ball on the virtual golf course when a user hits the actual golf ball; Including, The golf ball providing means can provide a plurality of different golf balls as the actual golf ball. Virtual golf equipment.

2. the plurality of different golf balls includes first and second golf balls; 2. The virtual golf apparatus of claim 1, wherein the golf ball providing means includes a first golf ball providing means for providing the first golf ball and a second golf ball providing means for providing the second golf ball.

3. the plurality of different golf balls includes first and second golf balls; 2. The virtual golf apparatus of claim 1, wherein the golf ball providing means includes a first housing for storing the first golf ball and a second housing for storing the second golf ball.

4. 4. The virtual golf device according to claim 1, wherein the golf ball providing means provides a golf ball selected by the user from the plurality of different golf balls.

5. The virtual golf device of claim 4 , wherein the different golf balls have differences in at least one of color, weight, size, surface configuration, and manufacturer.

6. the virtual golf course includes a plurality of different areas; 4. The virtual golf device according to claim 1, wherein a golf ball provided to a user from among the plurality of different golf balls is determined depending on which of the plurality of regions the virtual golf ball is located in before the user hits it.

7. 7. The virtual golf device of claim 6, wherein when a user strikes the actual golf ball, the actual golf ball has a physical state value according to the user's strike, and the different golf balls have different physical state values ​​for the same strike by the user.

8. a hitting mat on which a user places and hits the actual golf ball; 7. The virtual golf device of claim 6, wherein the hitting mat comprises a single area corresponding to a fairway area of ​​an actual golf course.

Images