Golf control system

Abstract

To provide a golf control system in an indoor golf course capable of enhancing a feeling of presence and a feeling of immersion with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A golf control system 30 of an indoor golf course 10 includes: projection control part for executing projection mapping in an area that a player can visually recognize of an indoor space; a storage part for storing content 40 of the projection mapping; and a sound control part for discriminating or outputting a patterned sound. The content 40 includes a moving image associated with the sound.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a golf control system for an indoor golf course. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an indoor golf course has been known in which a measuring device that measures the impact when a player hits a golf ball with a golf club, an imaging device that images the swing trajectory of the golf club, a screen that displays a virtual golf course, and a display device that can display the measurement results of the measuring device and the images captured by the imaging device are arranged indoors (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The golf control system described in Patent Document 1 is a technology that stores images captured by an imaging device in a server, and when a user selects a still image related to swing motion from a list, provides a swing motion video linked to the still image. This provides a variety of golf-related content to many people, stimulating user interest. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2013-512032 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The golf control system described in Patent Document 1 is merely a technology for storing swing motion images and the like on a server and making them available to the public, so there is room for further improvement in order to ensure player satisfaction. Indoor golf courses in particular have their own advantages, but because they are closed spaces, there is room for improvement in terms of enhancing the player's sense of realism and immersion compared to outdoor golf courses in real space.

[0006] Therefore, there is a demand for a golf control system for indoor golf courses that can enhance the sense of realism and immersion with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A characteristic configuration of the golf control system according to the present invention is a golf control system for an indoor golf course, comprising: a measurement device that measures the impact of a player hitting a golf ball with a golf club; an imaging device that images the swing trajectory of the golf club; a screen that displays a virtual golf course; a display device that can display the measurement results of the measurement device and the images captured by the imaging device; and an evaluation unit that evaluates the player's swing based on the measurement results of the measurement device, and further comprising: a projection control unit that performs projection mapping on an area of ​​the room that is visible to the player; and a storage unit that stores the content of the projection mapping. A customary verbal exchange between fellow golfers in the sport of golf and a sound control unit that determines or outputs a patterned sound, and the content includes a video associated with the sound. and the sound effects associated with the video. The projection control unit selects the content from the storage unit based on at least one of the voice determined by the voice control unit from the voice of the player or the accompanying person of the player and the voice output from the voice control unit, and executes the projection mapping using the selected content.

[0008] In this configuration, in addition to the screen that displays the virtual golf course, a projection control unit that performs projection mapping on the area of ​​the room that is visible to the player is provided, so a wider variety of content can be displayed than on a normal indoor golf course. Projection mapping is also simple, as it only requires adding a projector to an existing indoor golf course.

[0009] Furthermore, the projection mapping content stored in the storage unit in this configuration includes video associated with these "patterned sounds," taking into account the traditional characteristics of golf, which is typically played by four people (two or more) and in which fellow players often exchange patterned calls. Therefore, when a fellow player vocalizes a "patterned sound" such as "nice shot," "good shot," "great shot," "excellent shot," "forehand," "nice birdie," or "nice par," the audio control unit recognizes, identifies, or outputs the patterned sound. The video associated with the sound is then displayed on the projection mapping display screen within the indoor golf course, along with, for example, sound effects associated with the video. This function allows players to feel a sense of realism and immersion, increasing their excitement for indoor golf. Furthermore, fellow players can increase the fun and excitement among their friends by deliberately vocalizing the "patterned sound" (regardless of the shot content) to heighten the player's excitement.

[0010] In this way, the present invention provides a golf control system for indoor golf courses that can enhance the sense of realism and immersion with a simple configuration.

[0011] Another characteristic feature is that the audio includes audio associated with the evaluation result of the evaluation unit.

[0012] According to this configuration, "patterned sounds" such as "nice shot," "good shot," "great shot," "excellent shot," "forehand," "nice birdie," and "nice par" are included as sounds associated with the evaluation results of the evaluation unit. Therefore, even when a player plays alone, the golf control system can distinguish sounds mechanically generated through the evaluation of the evaluation unit and display a video associated with the sounds as projection mapping.

[0013] Another characteristic feature is that the video includes landscapes and people. The video may also include images representing sound effects and related sound effects. Examples of images and sound effects representing sound effects include an animated video that plays for a few seconds when a par or birdie is obtained, and sound effects such as applause.

[0014] When the video associated with the audio, as in this configuration, includes scenery and people, it creates the illusion that you are enjoying outdoor golf with friends, further enhancing the sense of realism and immersion that is often lacking at indoor golf courses.

[0015] Another characteristic feature is that the projection control unit executes the projection mapping onto at least one of a side surface adjacent to the screen and a ceiling surface.

[0016] By performing projection mapping on at least one of the side surfaces or ceiling surfaces adjacent to the screen as in this configuration, it is possible to eliminate the need to install a new screen for projecting images, and to increase the sense of realism and immersion at low cost.Indoor golf courses usually tend to install mats with shock-absorbing properties on the sides or ceiling surfaces of the front screen to prevent the ball from flying and damaging the wall (or ceiling) when a player makes a bad shot, and projection mapping can also be projected onto the left and right mat surfaces.

[0017] Another characteristic feature is that the content includes non-fungible tokens that can be circulated on a blockchain.

[0018] If content includes non-fungible tokens that can be traded on the blockchain, as in this configuration, it will be possible to easily buy and sell ownership of the content. For example, if a professional golfer works as a video creator, it will be possible to spread golf culture.

[0019] Another characteristic feature is that the display device further comprises a display control unit that causes the display device to display the types of content in a selectable manner.

[0020] By displaying the types of content in a selectable manner as in this configuration, the player can enjoy indoor golf by selecting content that suits his or her preferences. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the layout of an indoor golf course. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a golf control system. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a golf control system. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content selection screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the golf control system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 1, an indoor golf course 10 is set up in an indoor booth 11 having a space of a predetermined size formed by a front wall 12, side walls 13, and a ceiling surface 14. The indoor golf course 10 is equipped with a measurement device 15, an imaging device 16, a screen 17, a display device 18, and an evaluation unit 34 (see Fig. 2).

[0024] The measuring device 15 measures the impact when the player hits the golf ball with a golf club. The measuring device 15 may be configured with, for example, an infrared sensor, or may be of any other type. The imaging device 16 captures images of the swing trajectory of the golf club and is configured with various camera units. The screen 17 is used to display the virtual golf course and is disposed on the front wall 12 or the like. The display device 18 is an LCD monitor or the like that displays the measurement results of the measuring device 15 and the images captured by the imaging device 16.

[0025] The indoor golf course 10 of this embodiment has a plurality of projectors 19 installed on the ceiling surface 14 , and by using the plurality of projectors 19 , a virtual golf course can be displayed on the screen 17 .

[0026] The screen 17 has a first screen 21, a second screen 22, and a third screen 23. The first screen 21 is disposed on the front wall 12. The second screen 22 is a side surface 13 provided adjacent to the right side of the front wall 12, and the third screen 23 is a side surface 13 provided adjacent to the left side of the front wall 12.

[0027] The first screen 21 is composed of one screen element member or a plurality of screen element members arranged side by side. If the first screen 21 is a transparent type made of a plurality of screen element materials, the golf ball hit by the player is configured to pass between the plurality of screen element members.

[0028] The first screen 21 has a buffer member on the back side of one of the screen element members, and is configured so that the golf balls are buffered by the buffer member and fall to the floor surface F. In addition, the golf balls that fall to the floor surface F may be returned to the hitting area 70 by a ball transfer device (not shown) built into the floor surface F of the indoor booth 11 and supplied again.

[0029] The indoor golf course 10 shown in FIG. 1 is equipped with three projectors 19, namely, a first projector 19a, a second projector 19b, and a third projector 19c. The first projector 19a is disposed in the center of the ceiling surface 14 in the left-right direction and projects an image onto the first screen 21. The second projector 19b is disposed to the left of the first projector 19a and projects an image onto the second screen 22. The third projector 19c is disposed to the right of the first projector 19a and projects an image onto the third screen 23. All three projectors 19a, 19b, and 19c can be operated by the golf control system 30.

[0030] Onto the first screen 21, a first projector 19a projects a virtual golf simulation image, such as an image of a golf course and its background, and an image of a moving golf ball. Content 40 including a virtual image of a fellow golfer is projected onto the second screen 22 and / or the third screen 23. Note that an image corresponding to the golf course projected onto the first screen 21 may also be projected onto the second screen 22 and the third screen 23.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the golf control system 30 includes a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a video management unit 33, and a control unit 35. The golf control system 30 can obtain evaluation results from an evaluation unit 34 provided in the indoor golf course 10. The golf control system 30 includes, for example, a processor such as a microcomputer, peripheral circuits such as memory, and the like. Each function is realized by cooperation between this hardware and a program executed on a processor such as a computer. The golf control system 30 is configured, for example, by being installed inside the housing of the measurement device 15 (see FIG. 1). The evaluation unit 34 may be built into the golf control system 30.

[0032] The communication unit 31 transmits and receives data to and from a server (not shown) via a network such as the Internet 50 (including both wireless and wired networks). The storage unit 32 stores various information data related to the virtual golf course, projection mapping content 40, and the like. The content 40 includes audio associated with the evaluation results of the evaluation unit 34 (described below), and video associated with the audio. The content 40 may also include video associated with the audio, and sound effects and the like associated with the video.

[0033] The audio included in content 40 is, for example, "patterned audio" such as calls from virtual fellow golfers, such as "nice shot," "good shot," "excellent," "nice out," "nice recovery," "nice on," "nice putt," "forehand," "nice birdie," "nice par," etc. Furthermore, video associated with the audio is, for example, a scene of virtual fellow golfers (e.g., multiple people) calling out calls. Note that the above calls are merely examples, and other calls may be used.

[0034] The video management unit 33 manages content 40, which is video for projection mapping. The video management unit 33 manages the purchase and sale of content 40 distributed on a blockchain network 51, which will be described later. The evaluation unit 34 evaluates the player's swing based on the measurement results of the measurement device 15. The control unit 35 has an audio control unit 36, a projection control unit 37, and a display control unit 38. The audio control unit 36 ​​determines or outputs patterned audio. The projection control unit 37 controls the operation of the second projector 19b and / or the third projector 19c to project the content 40. The display control unit 38 executes control to display a content selection screen, which will be described later, on the display device 18.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1 , an indoor golf course 10 has a hitting box 70 for golf swings provided on floor F. The hitting box 70 is made of a golf mat with an artificial turf or the like on the top surface, and has a golf ball placement space 71 in the center left and right. A player at the indoor golf course 10 enters the hitting box 70 and hits a golf ball placed in the placement space 71 with a golf club. The hit golf ball flies toward the first screen 21 and either passes through the first screen 21 or comes to rest on the floor F near the first screen 21 due to the impact absorption effect of the first screen 21.

[0036] The movement of the golf ball hit by the player is captured by a camera included in the imaging device 16. The measurement device 15 measures the impact (hit speed, hit angle, etc.) when the player hits the golf ball with a golf club. A simulation image of the golf ball based on the measurement results of the measurement device 15 is incorporated into an image of a virtual golf course and projected from the first projector 19a onto the first screen 21. This allows the player to play simulation golf using the virtual golf course displayed on the first screen 21.

[0037] On the second screen 22 (side surface 13), video of the player's fellow golfers and the like corresponding to the player's shot is projected as content 40 by projection mapping. In addition, sound corresponding to the video of the fellow golfers and the like, which is content 40, is emitted. The sound is emitted, for example, from a speaker placed near the measurement device 15. The position of the speaker is not limited to the vicinity of the measurement device 15 and can be changed as appropriate. If content 40 is a video including a virtual fellow golfer, the sound emitted may be calls such as "Nice shot," "Good shot," "Excellent," "Nice out," "Nice on," "Nice putt," or "Forehand." For example, as shown in FIG. 1, text such as "Nice shot!" may be displayed in sync with the sound on the video including the fellow golfer, which is content 40.

[0038] The content 40 is not limited to a video of a virtual fellow golfer, but may also be a lesson video by a professional golfer, etc. If the content 40 is a lesson video, audio corresponding to the lesson video is emitted from a speaker. In the example shown in FIG. 1, no video of the fellow golfer, etc. is displayed on the third screen 23 (left side surface 13), but instead of the second screen 22 (side surface 13), the video of the fellow golfer, etc. may be projected onto the third screen 23 (side surface 13) by projection mapping. Furthermore, the video of the fellow golfer, etc. may be projected onto the ceiling surface 14 by projection mapping.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the above-described content 40 includes a non-fungible token (NFT) that can be circulated on a blockchain. Therefore, the content 40 can be provided from a user terminal 60 or the like and can be distributed via a blockchain network 51. The user terminal 60 may be a PC, a tablet, or a smartphone, and is not particularly limited. Specifically, the blockchain network 51 exists on the Internet 50 and is configured with multiple nodes (not shown) that share a blockchain. Each node included in the blockchain network 51 stores various information, such as information transmitted from a transaction management server (not shown) and the transaction history of the non-fungible token (NFT), in the blockchain, thereby enabling the distribution of the content 40 using the non-fungible token (NFT).

[0040] Fig. 3 shows an execution flow of the golf control system 30. Fig. 4 shows an example of a content selection screen displayed on the display device 18. The flow shown below is executed by the control unit 35 (audio control unit 36, projection control unit 37, or display control unit 38).

[0041] The audio control unit 36 ​​determines or outputs patterned audio. The projection mapping content 40 stored in the storage unit 32 can include video associated with these "patterned audio," taking into account the fact that golf is typically played by four people (two or more) and that fellow golfers often exchange patterned calls, a traditional feature of the sport. For example, when a player or fellow golfer makes a "patterned audio" such as "nice shot," "good shot," "great shot," "excellent shot," "forehand," "nice birdie," or "nice par," the audio control unit 36 ​​triggers the output of the patterned audio, and the video associated with the audio is displayed on the projection mapping display surface (at least one of the side surface 13 and the ceiling surface 14) within the indoor golf course 10, along with sound effects associated with the video.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 3, in step #11, it is confirmed whether or not to execute project mapping (PM). If execution of project mapping (PM) is selected in step #11 (Yes), a content selection screen (see Fig. 4) is displayed on the display device 18 in step #12.

[0043] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the content selection screen is composed of a first screen 18A, a second screen 18B, and a third screen 18C. On the first screen 18A, two selection menus are displayed: "Integrated with Nature" and "Private Lesson." Here, "Integrated with Nature" displays accompanying players in a style that mimics a playing style of playing outdoor golf with a companion. On the other hand, "Private Lesson" displays lesson players in a style that mimics a playing style of taking a round lesson.

[0044] When "Integrated with Nature" is selected on the first screen 18A, the second screen 18B is displayed, allowing selection of the accompanying player's age group ("Young," "Middle," or "Senior"), the accompanying player's gender composition ("Male Group," "Female Group," or "Mixed Group"), etc. On the other hand, when "Personal Lesson" is selected on the first screen 18A, the third screen 18C is displayed, allowing selection of the lesson player's type ("Amateur Golfer" or "Professional Golfer"), gender ("Male" or "Female"), etc. These content selection screens (18A, 18B, 18C) are merely examples and may be changed as appropriate.

[0045] In step #15, when content 40 is selected using the content selection screen (18A, 18B, 18C) of FIG. 4 or the like (Yes), in step #16, the evaluation unit 34 can evaluate the player's swing. Therefore, the player can start a simulation golf game using content 40 from this point.

[0046] When the player performs a golf swing, the swing evaluation described above is performed in step #16, and in step #17, a video (content 40) is read from the storage unit 32 based on the audio associated with the evaluation result of the evaluation unit 34. In step #17, either the player or the fellow player may produce a "patterned audio," and the audio control unit 36 ​​may recognize and distinguish the audio, or may separately output the "patterned audio," thereby reading the video (content 40) associated with the audio from the storage unit 32. In this case, the player and the fellow player may enjoy playing indoor golf together. Next, in step #18, project mapping (PM) is performed based on the video (content 40) retrieved from the storage unit 32. In step #18, the speaker may also emit the "patterned audio" or sound effects (such as applause) corresponding to the video.

[0047] Next, in step #19, the control unit 35 determines whether or not to continue the project mapping (PM). This determination may be made based on the player's operation to continue play using the display device 18, or based on an operation to continue only the project mapping (PM). If the project mapping (PM) is to be continued in step #19 (Yes), the process returns to before step #16 and continues from step #16 to step #18. On the other hand, if the project mapping (PM) is not to be continued in step #19 (No), indoor golf is ended.

[0048] If the player does not select to execute project mapping (PM) in step #11 (No), normal indoor golf will be executed in step #13. If the player then selects "Continue" in step #14 (Yes), the process returns to step #13 and "normal indoor golf" continues. On the other hand, if the player does not select "Continue" in step #14 (No), indoor golf ends.

[0049] In this way, the golf control system 30 is equipped with a projection control unit 37 that performs projection mapping on areas of the room visible to players (the second screen 22 and / or the third screen 23 on the side surface 13) and the ceiling surface 14, in addition to the first screen 21 on the front wall 12 that displays the virtual golf course, and is therefore able to display a wider variety of content 40 than a typical indoor golf course. Furthermore, projection mapping is simple, as it only requires adding projectors 19b and 19c to the existing indoor golf course 10.

[0050] Furthermore, the projection mapping content 40 stored in the storage unit 32 includes audio associated with the evaluation results of the evaluation unit 34 and video associated with this audio. Therefore, audio related to golf shots, such as "nice shot," "good shot," "great shot," "excellent shot," and "forehand," and video associated with this audio can be provided to the player through projection mapping. As a result, the player gets the illusion of playing golf at an outdoor golf course, gaining a sense of realism and immersion, which increases the excitement of indoor golf.

[0051] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, if the video associated with the audio projected onto the side surface 13 includes landscapes and people, the viewer will get the illusion that they are enjoying outdoor golf with friends, further enhancing the sense of realism and immersion that is often lacking at indoor golf courses 10.

[0052] Furthermore, by performing projection mapping on the side surfaces 13, 13 adjacent to the front wall 12 (first screen 21) as in this embodiment, there is no need to install a separate screen for projecting images on the side surfaces 13, 13, making it possible to increase the sense of realism and immersion at low cost.

[0053] [Other embodiments] (1) The projected mapping video projected onto the side surface 13 by the second projector 19b or the third projector 19c may only show people without including scenery. The scenery may also include moving animals, clouds, or other surrounding environment. This video may also include video and related sound effects. Examples of video and sound effects include an animated video that plays for a few seconds when a par or birdie is scored, and sound effects such as applause.

[0054] (2) In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which three projectors 19 are installed in the indoor booth 11, but the number of projectors 19 may be two: a first projector 19a that projects an image onto the front wall 12, and a second projector 19b that projects an image onto either the left or right side surface 13, 13. The second projector 19b may be configured so that the orientation of the projection lens can be changed so that the projection mapping image can be projected onto one or the other of the left and right side surfaces 13, 13 or onto the ceiling surface 14.

[0055] (3) In the above embodiment, the front wall 12 is positioned at the center, and the side surface 13 adjacent to the right side of the front wall 12 is the second screen 22, and the side surface 13 adjacent to the left side of the front wall 12 is the third screen 23. Alternatively, a screen similar to the first screen 21 may be disposed on the left and right side surfaces 13, 13.

[0056] (4) In the above embodiment, the content 40 is described as being distributed on the blockchain network 51, but the content 40 may not be distributed on the blockchain network 51.

[0057] (5) In the above-described embodiment, the display device 18 displays selectable types of content 40. However, a predetermined content 40 may be displayed without selecting a type of content 40. In this case, the content 40 may be determined by determining the player's preferences using artificial intelligence or the like. [Industrial Applicability]

[0058] The present invention is widely applicable to golf control systems for indoor golf courses. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 10: Indoor golf course 12:Front wall 13: Side 14: Ceiling surface 15: Measuring equipment 16: Imaging device 17: Screen 18:Display device 19: Projector 21: Screen 1 22: Second screen 23: Third Screen 30: Golf control system 32: Storage section 34: Evaluation section 36: Audio control section 37: Projection control unit 38: Display control section 40: Content 51: Blockchain Network

Claims

1. A golf control system for an indoor golf course, comprising: a measuring device that measures an impact when a player hits a golf ball with a golf club; an imaging device that images a swing trajectory of the golf club; a screen that displays a virtual golf course; a display device that can display the measurement results of the measuring device and the images captured by the imaging device; and an evaluation unit that evaluates the swing of the player based on the measurement results of the measuring device, a projection control unit that executes projection mapping onto an area within the room that is visible to the player; A storage unit that stores the content of the projection mapping; A voice control unit that determines or outputs a patterned voice, A golf control system, wherein the content includes a video associated with the audio.

2. The golf control system according to claim 1 , wherein the voice includes a voice associated with an evaluation result of the evaluation unit.

3. 3. The golf control system according to claim 1, wherein the video includes a landscape and a person.

4. The golf control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the projection control unit performs the projection mapping on at least one of a side surface adjacent to the screen and a ceiling surface.

5. The golf control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the content includes a non-fungible token that can be circulated on a blockchain.

6. The golf control system according to claim 1 , further comprising a display control unit that causes the display device to display the types of the content in a selectable manner.

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