Golf support device and program

Abstract

To provide a golf support device that can provide appropriate information taking into account the elevation difference of an actual golf course.SOLUTION: A golf support device includes a function to store position information for calculating the horizontal distance between two points on a golf course and acquire information on the elevation difference between the point where a ball is hit and a set position, and a function to output advice information such as the elevation difference when hitting the ball and the adjusted flight distance for the horizontal distance from the acquired elevation difference information and the stored position information to a display unit. In the elevation difference information, the inclination of the case with a camera attached thereto when the camera is pointed at a set position on the golf course is calculated by using the inclination obtained from the output of an acceleration sensor, and the horizontal distance between the two points.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a golf assistance device and a program.

Background Art

[0002] For example, there is a golf assistance device that uses a GPS receiver to visually display the distance from the current position to the green, bunker, etc. and the course layout on a golf course, or to accurately and easily record the position where the ball was hit during a golf play (Patent Document 1, etc.).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The function of displaying the course layout on the display screen of this type of golf assistance device is, for example, to draw the course layout of the entire hole during play or to draw an enlarged specified area. And the position information for specifying each point in the course for specifying the course layout uses longitude and latitude information. Therefore, for example, the remaining distance from the current position where the ball is about to be hit to the green, bunker, etc. is the horizontal distance on the secondary plane.

[0005] On the one hand, an actual golf course has elevation differences, and there is a problem that it is impossible to know exactly the distance to be hit based on the horizontal distance on a flat surface. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when there is no elevation difference between the point where the ball is hit and the target landing point such as the green, and assuming there is a remaining distance of X yards, for example, when the green is at a higher position, if one intends to hit the ball for a horizontal flight distance of X yards, the flight distance will be insufficient, and in reality, it is necessary to assume a distance of X yards + α to hit. On the other hand, conversely, when the green is at a lower position, if one intends to hit the ball for a horizontal flight distance of X yards, the flight distance will be excessive, so in reality, it is necessary to assume a distance of X yards - α' to hit.

[0006] Thus, the conventional golf assistance device has lacked accuracy and sufficiency in the information provided because it has obtained and output the remaining distance and the like without considering the elevation differences of the actual golf course.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] In order to solve the above-described problems and the like, the golf assistance device according to the present invention has a function of (1) storing position information for obtaining the horizontal distance between two points on a golf course, acquiring information on the elevation difference between two points, namely, the point where the ball is hit and the set position, and outputting advice information based on the elevation difference when hitting the ball to a display unit from the acquired elevation difference information and the stored position information. The set position may be, for example, a target area such as a green or an arbitrary point on the course where the ball is to be driven, or a target area where the ball should not be driven, such as a hazard or an OB line. The advice information may be, for example, information that is beneficial when hitting the ball. For example, the beneficial information may be information necessary to hit the ball so as to carry the ball to a target area such as a green or a target area where the ball is to be driven to a predetermined position within the course. For example, the display of the remaining distance has conventionally only informed the horizontal distance between two points without considering the elevation difference, but it is better to inform information considering the elevation difference. In this way, for example, the user can appropriately select the club number and adjust the strength and width of the swing.

[0008] (2) A camera and a sensor for detecting the inclination of the case on which the camera is mounted are provided, and the function of obtaining the height difference information may be to obtain the height difference information using the inclination obtained from the output of the sensor when the camera is directed at the set position on the golf course and the horizontal distance between the two points. The determination of when the camera is directed can be based on, for example, an instruction from the user or automatically determined on the device side. Examples of those based on an instruction from the user include touching the display screen, pressing a predetermined operation button, etc. For example, if an image captured by the camera is displayed on the display unit and the user checks the displayed content and gives an instruction, it is good because the time when the camera is directed can be easily recognized. Examples of those automatically determined on the device side include performing image recognition processing or determining from the state of the device, etc. The image recognition processing may extract characteristic elements at the set positions such as pins and bunkers existing in the image captured by the camera by image recognition and automatically recognize based on the positions of such characteristic elements, etc. In particular, those installed at pinpoint locations like the pin on the green are easy to accurately identify the position and are also characteristic compared to the scenery and the green, etc., so extraction by image recognition can also be easily performed. Also, for example, when the device and the camera are facing the same direction for a predetermined time, it may be determined that they are facing the set position. The determination based on such time can be made by a simple device or process such as a timer or other timing means. Also, it is not limited to obtaining the height difference information only when some condition is satisfied. For example, as described in the embodiment, the height difference information may be obtained at appropriate time intervals. In this case, the height difference information will also be obtained when the camera is not directed at the set position. Thus, in the present invention, it does not exclude obtaining the height difference information when the camera is not directed at the set position. And, for example, by outputting the obtained result together with the captured image to the display unit or the like, the user can recognize that the camera is directed at the set position, and the height difference information output when the user recognizes it becomes the information to be obtained.

[0009] When obtaining the height difference based on the inclination and the horizontal distance, for example, since it is not necessary to have altitude information at each point, it is not necessary to prepare and register such altitude information in advance, and it is sufficient to use the position information for measuring the horizontal distance such as longitude and latitude that has been available conventionally. Also, since the altitude information is not required, the memory capacity can be reduced, which is good. The camera may be specialized for measuring the inclination, but for example, it is better to be used in combination with other functions such as a photographing function. In particular, it is good to be configured in combination with a function of photographing the user's swing for swing check. The camera may be, for example, an imaging means, and the sensor may be, for example, an acquisition means. The camera may be, for example, something like a 3D millimeter wave radar, or the sensor may be something that photographs the case from the outside, detects its inclination, and acquires the inclination from the outside through communication. However, in particular, when using a camera and a sensor, it is good because it facilitates the integration and miniaturization of the device. Although it is described as "the inclination of the case with the camera attached", for example, it may be the inclination of the imaging means or the inclination of the camera. As the reference direction of the inclination, for example, it is better to use the horizontal direction or the vertical direction. As the vertical direction, for example, it is better to use the direction of the gravitational acceleration. For "when the camera is pointed", for example, it is better to assume that a signal indicating that the camera has been pointed is input from the input means. For example, it is better to be provided with an input means for inputting that the user has pointed it. Also, for "when the camera is pointed", for example, it may be configured to recognize and determine by image recognition or the like that a target object serving as a reference is imaged at a predetermined reference position. For example, the reference position is preferably a predetermined position on the screen displaying the captured image of the camera, and in particular, it is better to have a configuration in which a marker or the like indicating the reference position is displayed on the captured image. Also, the target object serving as a reference is preferably an object that is at or around the position aimed at by the player on the golf course and is easily identifiable. For example, it may be the position at the boundary between the place to be aimed at and the place that is not that place. For example, when aiming at the green, it may be the edge of the green. Also, for example, when aiming at the cup, it is better to use the position of the cup or the position of the flag standing on the pin that is around the cup position and is easily identifiable. In particular, it is better to use the position of the target object for which the position information of the target object is stored in advance.For example, it may have a function of displaying a golf course layout, and the position of a physical object held for displaying the course layout may be used. For example, it may be the position of a pond or a bunker. In this case, since the position is stored as line or surface information, it is preferable to provide means for inputting which location on the line or surface it corresponds to. For example, the shape of a hole may be stored in association with position information and it may have a function of displaying the shape of the hole, and a specified position (for example, a touched position) in the shape of the hole may be set as the position of the physical object. Also, for example, the representative position of a line or a surface may be stored or calculated and used. Even more preferably, the position may be stored or calculated as information of a point where the position is uniquely specified. For example, it may be a position that can be stored or calculated to obtain the distance from the current position and display it numerically. For example, it may be the edge position or the center position in front of or behind a green or a hazard, or the cup position, etc.

[0010] (3) The set position is the pin position of the green, and when the camera is directed at the pin of the green, it is preferable to obtain the inclination. Since the position of the pin is a pinpoint, it is easy to direct the camera to an appropriate position without a wide spread, and the information considering the height difference is also appropriate, which is preferable.

[0011] (4) It is preferable to display an alignment guide on the display unit, image it with the camera, and obtain the height difference information from the inclination when the apex of the pin displayed on the display unit coincides with the alignment guide. Since the apex of the pin can be easily aligned with the alignment guide, the operation can be easily performed. Also, for example, the normal length of a pin is about 7 feet, and the user holds the golf assistance device in hand and operates while looking at the display unit. Therefore, the position of the camera is higher than the ground where the ball is hit. And if the user's height is, for example, about 160 to 180 cm, the position of the camera is also close to that. Then, the height position of the apex of the pin with respect to the green surface and the height position from the ground where the ball is hit to the camera are close, and it is good because the inclination and thus the height difference can be appropriately obtained without correction.

[0012] (5) It is preferable to obtain the information on the inclination and the height difference based on the output of the sensor when detecting a touch on the instruction area set in the display unit. For example, even when it is difficult to fix the orientation of a golf assistance device or a camera, by touching when the camera is appropriately directed at a target location or the like, the inclination and thus the height difference can be appropriately obtained. The instruction area may be, for example, a specific area of the display unit where a button or the like is displayed, such as the shutter button of the camera, and may be within that specific area, but it is preferable to be the entire display unit. For example, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which an alignment guide is displayed and an image of a reference target is aligned with the position of the alignment guide and then touched.

[0013] Also, in a configuration where no guide is displayed, or even in a configuration where a guide is displayed, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the inclination is obtained based on the position where the touch occurs as the position where the target is located.

[0014] (6) It is preferable to have a function of displaying the video captured by the camera on the display unit in real time, a function of obtaining the information on the height difference at regular intervals, and a function of outputting the obtained information on the height difference to the display unit. By doing so, for example, when operating a golf assistance device to change the orientation of the camera and gradually make the camera face the set position of the golf course, the displayed information on the height difference is also sequentially updated. Then, the advice information based on the height difference displayed when the camera is correctly directed at the set position of the golf course becomes regular. Therefore, when the user changes the orientation of the camera while looking at the display unit, the user can know the necessary information without particularly giving an instruction such as touching the display unit by checking the advice information displayed when it is correctly oriented. As for real time, for example, there may be a delay or frame drop, but it is particularly preferable to display at a delay time and time interval such that it can be recognized that there is no delay or frame drop.

[0015] (7) It is preferable to have a function of imaging with the camera and obtaining the distance from the current position to the pin based on the length of the pin displayed on the display unit. Since the length of the pin is known, the farther the distance from the current position, the smaller it is displayed on the display unit. Therefore, it is good to be able to know the remaining distance to the pin based on the length of the pin displayed on the display unit. By doing so, since the pin position on the actual golf course changes daily, usually, the pin position on the green is set at a specific position such as the center of the green. Then, the inclination obtained by imaging the pin with the camera is with respect to the actual pin position, while the horizontal distance is at a specific position such as the center of the green, so they do not match. Due to the difference in distance caused by such a mismatch, the obtained height difference includes an error. Therefore, it is good to be able to obtain the remaining distance based on the length of the pin so that the exact distance to the pin can be known.

[0016] When the remaining distance (horizontal distance) is long, the error is also absorbed, but especially when approaching the green, the influence of the error appears. Therefore, it is good to obtain the remaining distance based on the length of the pin displayed on the display unit within a range close to the green. It is good to set it as a range where the influence of such an error appears and cannot be ignored. On the other hand, if it is too close, the user can visually confirm the pin position, etc., so the superiority of using this function is reduced. Especially, when arranging the scale as in (8) below, if the measurable area is widened, the scale display area will also be widened, so it is good to set it within a certain range with upper and lower limits.

[0017] (8) It is preferable to display a distance measurement scale having a pair of marks arranged at intervals corresponding to the remaining distance to the pin on the display unit, and by making both ends of the pin displayed on the display unit coincide with the pair of marks respectively, the user can recognize the remaining distance to the pin corresponding to the interval between the marks. It is good for the user to be able to easily know the remaining distance to the pin.

[0018] (9) It is preferable to display the course layout during play on the display unit, set the touched point on the displayed course layout as the set position, and obtain the height difference information. By doing so, it is preferable because the user can easily specify any point they want to know.

[0019] (10) After the touch, if a flick in the set direction is detected, it is preferable to activate the function of acquiring the height difference information and the function of outputting advice information based on the height difference when hitting the ball. By doing so, it is preferable because the position can be specified and the activation command can be performed in a series of operations. The set direction is preferably a direction not used for other instructions.

[0020] (11) The advice information is preferably at least one of the height difference information, the horizontal distance to be targeted when hitting the ball, the adjusted carry distance with respect to the horizontal distance to the set position, and the club number to be used. These pieces of information are beneficial for selecting the club to be used or adjusting the strength and width of the swing.

[0021] (12) It is preferable to have a function of outputting the advice information on the same display screen as the horizontal distance to the set position. By doing so, it is good because the relationship with the horizontal distance can be understood, and the club selection can be easily and appropriately performed, for example, by choosing a club one number larger / smaller than the one corresponding to the horizontal distance.

[0022] (13) It is preferable to have a function of storing the carry distance for each club number and notifying the club number to be used based on the stored carry distance. By doing so, it is good because the user can know the recommended club number and the club selection can be easily performed. Especially for beginners and novices, even if they are notified of the height difference, they may not be able to easily guess how many club numbers they should change from the club number used for the horizontal distance. However, if the recommended club number is specifically notified, it is easy to understand.

[0023] (14) The flight distance for each club number is associated with the measured user's flight distance and the club number used. It is advisable to read the registration of the club number used from a tag that registers the club number information corresponding to short-range wireless communication attached to the club using short-range wireless communication. By doing so, the registration of the club number used can be easily performed without disturbing golf play or the like, which is good. As the club number information, the club number itself may be used. Also, it may be identification information that can identify the club number.

[0024] (15) When the registration of the golf club number is performed by means other than short-range wireless communication, it is advisable to have a function of notifying the presence of the tag. The notification of the presence of the tag should, for example, inform that the registration of the club number can be easily performed using the tag.

[0025] (16) It is advisable to have a function of storing the flight distance for each club number and displaying the course layout during play on the display unit, and a function of superimposing and displaying information based on the estimated flight distance for each club number based on the current position on the course layout. By doing so, when the user decides the landing point considering the course strategy, it is preferable because the user can know which club to use. Also, if the user has a favorite club number, it is preferable because the user can know in which direction to hit with the favorite club number club. Also, the landing point of the ball when it flies out in a direction different from the aimed direction can be predicted in advance. Therefore, even if the ball flies out in such a different direction, a club that causes no problem can be selected, and the course strategy can be appropriately set.

[0026] (17) The information based on the estimated flight distance should indicate the predicted arrival point of the ball determined taking into account the elevation difference with respect to the current position. By doing so, it can be known whether the flight distance is more in line with the actual course layout, so it is good information for determining club selection and hitting direction.

[0027] (18) The flight distance for each club number has at least an upper limit value and a lower limit value, and the information based on the estimated flight distance may indicate the predicted arrival area of the ball set based on the upper limit value and the lower limit value when using the club of the selected club number. There is variation in the flight distance of clubs. Therefore, for example, even if the ball flies too far or not far enough, it is possible to select a club that does not enter a hazard or the like, and the course strategy can be appropriately set. (19) The program of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to realize the functions as the golf support device according to any one of (1) to (18).

Effects of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, since information based on the height difference is notified, the user can know useful information suitable for the actual course. Therefore, club selection, adjustment of the strength and width of the swing, and course strategy can be performed more appropriately.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. These drawings are used to explain the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention. The configuration of the described device and the like are not intended to be limited thereto, but are merely illustrative examples. "Basic Configuration of Golf Support Device"

[0031] FIG. 2 shows the external configuration of the golf support device 1, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing its internal configuration. The golf support device 1 includes a display unit 3 on the front surface of a flat substantially rectangular case 2. This display unit 3 constitutes a touch panel 22 of a transflective liquid crystal. On both side surfaces of the case 2, a power button 4 and a location registration button 5 are respectively arranged. The power button 4 is used as a button for turning the power ON / OFF and switching between locking / unlocking of touch panel operations. Specifically, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the power button 4 has been long-pressed (for example, for 3 seconds or more) in the power-OFF state, the power is turned on, and the control unit 11 displays a predetermined main menu screen on the display unit 3. Also, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the power button 4 has been long-pressed in the power-ON state, the control unit 11 draws a predetermined end screen on the display unit 3 and then turns off the power.

[0032] Further, when the power button 4 is briefly pressed in the power-ON state, the control unit 11 that detects this alternately switches between locking / unlocking of the touch panel 22. If the current state is the locked state, it is unlocked to enable operations by the touch panel 22, and if the current state is the unlocked state, it is switched to the locked state to disable operations by the touch panel 22. The current state is notified by an icon drawn at a predetermined position on the display unit 3. The location registration button 5 is a button used for registering locations and the like.

[0033] The GPS receiver unit 6 that receives radio waves from GPS satellites is mounted inside the front side of the case 2. Also, an openable terminal cover 7 is attached to the side surface of the case 2. When the terminal cover 7 is opened, a card insertion slot 8 for inserting a microSD card and a mini USB terminal 9 are exposed. By connecting an AC adapter to this mini USB terminal 9, charging can be performed, and by connecting a USB cable, data can be transmitted and received by connecting to a personal computer.

[0034] Inside the case 2, there are provided a GPS receiver unit 6 that receives GPS signals and obtains the current position (longitude and latitude), a golf course data storage unit 12 that stores in advance golf information such as the course layout of a golf course, a control unit 11 that accesses the golf course data storage unit 12 based on the current position information from the GPS receiver unit 6, performs control to acquire information regarding the golf course and output it to an output device, a display unit 3 and a speaker 15 that constitute such an output device, a battery 17 that serves as a power source during portability, a storage unit 18 that stores the execution results of the control unit 11, a geomagnetic sensor 19, an acceleration sensor 20, etc. A camera 21 is provided on the back side of the case 2.

[0035] The control unit 11 includes a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, flash memory, various peripheral circuits, an interface, etc. The control unit 11 starts operating with the power supply from the battery 17 when the power is turned on. The control unit 11 expands the OS and application programs recorded in the flash memory onto the RAM by the bootloader recorded in the ROM, and by executing the OS and application programs on the RAM, it executes various processes shown below and realizes various functions.

[0036] The golf course data storage unit 12 is composed of a recording medium such as a removable external recording medium (such as a microSD memory card). The golf information stored in this golf course data storage unit 12 includes data about the actual golf course. The data about the golf course includes, for example, the course layout of each hole, objects on the course such as hazards like the greens, bunkers, ponds, and small rivers on the golf course, and position information of any point on the course. The position information is information that specifies the horizontal position, such as longitude and latitude information. The storage unit 18 records the calculation results and uses an internal memory.

[0037] The battery 17 is a rechargeable secondary battery like a rechargeable battery and can be charged from the miniUSB terminal 9. The control unit 11 determines the azimuth and angle at which the device is facing based on the output of the geomagnetic sensor 19. The angle is, for example, with the reference azimuth (e.g., "north") set to 0°, and it is the angle within the horizontal plane from there.

[0038] The acceleration sensor 20 uses, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor. The control unit 11 obtains information about the inclination of the device from the output of the acceleration sensor 20. The inclination is based on the device standing upright in the vertical plane, and it is the inclination angle from there.

[0039] When the golf assistance device 1 is erected in a vertical plane, the direction of the field of view of the camera 21 is set to face the horizontal direction. When the front and back surfaces of the case 2 are parallel, the field of view of the camera 21 faces a direction orthogonal to the back surface of the case 2. Also, since the display unit 3 is normally arranged parallel to the front surface of the case 2, the plane of the display unit 3 is orthogonal to the direction of the field of view of the camera 21. The images and videos captured by the camera 21 are output to the display unit 3. The control unit 11 displays a recording start button and a recording end button on the display unit 3 overlaid on the video captured by the camera 21. When the control unit 11 detects that the recording start button portion has been touched, it records the video captured by the camera 21 in the storage unit 18. The control unit 11 automatically ends the recording after the elapse of the set time from the start of video recording. Also, when the control unit 11 detects that the recording end button has been touched before the elapse of the set time, it ends the recording. This recording function is used, for example, to store in the storage unit 18 the moving image data of the swing when hitting the ball, captured by the camera 21. Then, the user can check the form by reading out the moving image data recorded during or after the play from the storage unit 18 and playing and outputting it to the display unit 3.

[0040] [Basic Display Function] Based on the position information (longitude and latitude) from the GPS receiver unit 6, the control unit 11 accesses the golf course data storage unit 12 and reads out the information of the golf course currently being played. Then, the control unit 11 reads out the corresponding hole from the current position information and draws it on the display unit 3. As an example of the display screen drawn on this display unit 3, it is as shown in FIG. 4 and the like. As shown in the drawing, the layout of the hole currently being played is drawn on the entire display screen so that the green is on top. And the control unit 11 overlays and draws its own icon I at the position corresponding to the place where it is in the drawn hole (the current position acquired from the GPS receiver unit 6). Thereby, the user can know the direction towards the green and the positions, sizes, and shapes of ponds, bunkers, etc. existing around the green. Also, the control unit 11 overlays and draws concentric circle lines L on the layout of the hole with its own icon I as the center. Thereby, the user can understand the approximate distance to the pond or bunker. In this way, by displaying the course layout, the user can consider the strategies for each hole even on a course they are playing for the first time.

[0041] A remaining distance display area R1 is set at the lower right of the screen. In the golf course data storage unit 12, the position of the green edge and the position of the center of the green are registered as green information. Therefore, the control unit 11 obtains the distance between the current position and each position on the green and displays the remaining distance to the green in the remaining distance display area R1. In the illustrated example, the remaining distance display area R1 is configured to display four pieces of information simultaneously. The remaining distance display area R1 has, in order from the top, a green position display and distance unit display section, a green back edge distance display section, a green center (pin position) distance display section, and a green front distance display section.

[0042] The green position display and distance unit display section displays information such as the green being used. When there are two greens in one hole, the currently selected green is displayed as L (left) or R (right), and the unit of the displayed numerical value is displayed as yd (yard) or m (meter). When the control unit 11 detects that the remaining distance display area R1 has been touched, it alternately switches the display of the used green R / L and displays the remaining distance to the switched green.

[0043] The control unit 11 obtains the distance from the current position to the center of the green (pin position) and displays the obtained distance at the center of the green (pin position) (in the figure, "422"). The position of the center of the green (pin position) is the center position of the green stored in the golf course data storage unit 12 or the actual cup position registered by the user. Which one to use depends on the user settings.

[0044] Also, the control unit 11 obtains the distance from the current position to the back edge of the green and displays the obtained distance on the back edge distance display section of the green (in the figure, "433"). For the distance to this back edge of the green, for example, when position information is registered over the entire circumference of the green as the position information of the green edge in the golf course data storage unit 12, the control unit 11 determines the intersection of the extension line connecting the current position and the center of the green (or the pin position) and the green edge, and determines the distance between the obtained intersection position and the current position. Also, when the position of the back edge of the green is registered in the golf course data storage unit 12, the control unit 11 determines the distance between the current position and the registered position of the back edge of the green.

[0045] Also, the control unit 11 determines the intersection of the line connecting the current position and the center of the green (or the pin position) and the green edge, determines the distance between the obtained intersection position and the current position, and displays it on the front edge distance display section of the green (in the figure, "410").

[0046] The control unit 11 draws a flag icon I1 at a location corresponding to the currently set pin position. The pin position is set to the green center position as the initial value. Also, in this embodiment, a cup position registration function is provided. For example, the user activates the cup position registration mode and touches a predetermined position on the green displayed based on information obtained from the golf course or the like. The control unit 11 detects the touched position on the green and registers the position as the cup position. When the cup position is registered by user registration, the pin position becomes the set position among the green center position and the cup position. It is preferable that the display mode of the flag icon I1 is different when it is displayed at the green center position and when it is displayed at the cup position.

[0047] When there are hazards such as bunkers, ponds, or small rivers in the displayed course, the control unit 11 draws a hazard icon I2 at the position of the hazard. Also, the control unit 11 acquires the position information of the hazard, calculates the distance from the current position to the hazard, and displays the remaining distance D. The remaining distance D is displayed as only numbers. The unit is the same as that displayed in the remaining distance display area R1. In the illustrated example, since there is one bunker around each of the left and right greens, a hazard icon I2 and the remaining distances D (in the figure, "389" and "421") are displayed at the positions of the respective bunkers. Also, when there are a plurality of hazards on the course, especially when the hazards are close to each other, it may be difficult to know which hazard the remaining distance D is for. In this embodiment, the hazard icon I2 and the remaining distance D are connected by a line S1 and associated with each other.

[0048] Furthermore, among the hazards where the hazard icon I2 is displayed, the information of the selected hazard is displayed in the hazard information display area R2 provided at the lower left of the display screen. The hazard information display area R displays an icon identifying the type of hazard on the upper side and the remaining distance on the lower side. The hazard displayed in this hazard information display area R2 is selected by touching the hazard icon I2 displayed on the course layout. When the control unit 11 detects that the hazard icon I2 has been touched, it identifies the touched hazard, displays an icon indicating the type of the hazard and the remaining distance, and also displays the selected hazard icon I2 in a display mode different from that of other hazard icons I2. In the illustrated example, the hazard icon I2 is in the form of an inverted triangle, and the shape of the selected hazard icon is enlarged and the display color is also made different. By making the display modes different in this way, it is possible to immediately understand which hazard in the course is the one displayed in the hazard information display area R2 at the lower left of the display screen of the display unit 3.

[0049] The control unit 11 displays an icon indicating the remaining battery level and the current time at the upper right of the display screen of the display unit 3. Further, the control unit 11 displays the hole number and the PAR number of the course being displayed at the upper left of the display screen of the display unit 3.

[0050] Based on the output of the geomagnetic sensor 19, the control unit 11 detects the direction in which the device is facing, and draws it superimposed on the hole layout as a direction indication line S composed of an arrow and a dotted line. The starting point of this direction indication line S is the current position (self icon I). As a result, when the user changes the orientation while holding the device, the direction indication line S on the display screen rotates accordingly. By aligning the direction indication line S (dotted line) with a place where one wants to go, such as green, it is possible to confirm that there is a target point in the direction one is facing now. Therefore, even when the visibility is poor due to fog or the like, or when it is far away, or when there are trees, obstacles, etc., the user can accurately know that direction.

[0051] <Location registration function> Further, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the location registration button 5 has been long-pressed (for example, for 3 seconds or more), it acquires the current position at that time from the GPS receiver 6 and registers the location. This arbitrary location can be used, for example, to register the location where the ball was actually hit. When such an arbitrarily registered location exists within the hole layout displayed on the display screen, the control unit 11 draws a location registration icon I3 at the corresponding position (see FIG. 5).

[0052] Also, to enable multiple location registrations, the control unit 11 records the respective position information registered at those locations in the storage unit 18 in the registration order for each hole. As a result, by registering the shot position where the ball was hit each time, the trajectory of the play on the actual golf course can be recorded, and by drawing each hole layout on the display unit 3 together with the location registration icon I3, the actual play trajectory can be confirmed on the display screen.

[0053] <Flight distance measurement function> The flight distance measurement function has a function of calculating the flight distance when the ball is actually hit. The control unit 11 obtains the distance between the position registered when the ball was hit last time and the current position of the self-icon I. The obtained distance becomes the flight distance. The control unit 11 displays the obtained distance in a flight distance display area prepared at an appropriate position on the display screen (not shown). This flight distance measurement function is activated, for example, based on a touch operation on the display unit 3. For example, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the sub-menu button B1 set in FIGS. 4, 5, etc. has been touched, it displays a sub-menu screen (not shown) overlaid on the course layout. Since a button area for selecting each function is prepared on the menu screen, the control unit 11 activates the function by recognizing that the button specifying "flight distance measurement" has been selected. After activation, the flight distance is obtained based on the position where the ball was hit last time and the current position as described above.

[0054] <Distance between two points display function> The two - point distance display function is a function that determines the distance between two specified (touched) points and displays the obtained distance by specifying (touching) two points at the locations to be confirmed. As a result, the user can confirm the distance of any section on the course.

[0055] For example, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the sub - menu button B1 set in FIGS. 4, 5, etc. has been touched, it overlays and displays a sub - menu screen (not shown) on the course layout. And since button areas for selecting each function are provided on the menu screen, the control unit 11 activates the function by recognizing that the button for specifying "distance between two points" has been selected. First, as shown in FIG. 6(a), when the user touches an arbitrary point on the screen that displays the course layout, the control unit 11 recognizes the touched point and draws a start icon Is (for example, a blue circle) at that position. Also, when the screen is touched next while the first point has been registered (the start icon Is has been drawn), the control unit 11 registers the touched point as the second point and draws an end icon Ie at that position (see FIG. 6(b)). This end icon Ie may be a blue circle with the same shape and the same dimensions as the start icon Is, or it is better to make at least one of the shape, size, and color different so that it can be known which is the start icon Is.

[0056] If the two points are registered, the control unit 11 draws a straight line L1 connecting the two points and calculates the distance between the two points, and displays the calculated distance in the two - point distance display area R4 (shown as "188" in the figure).

[0057] As a result, the user can know the distance between any two points on the course field and obtain useful information for determining the course - conquering method. When the return button B3 is selected, it returns to the basic display shown in FIG. 4, etc.

[0058] Also, when the function to display the distance between two points is activated and the first touch location is set as the user icon I, the distance from the current position to any point within the course can be obtained. Therefore, for example, if the user first touches the user icon I and then touches the far side of a hazard such as a bunker, pond, or small stream, the distance required to carry over the hazard will be displayed in the two-point distance display area R4. Thus, the user selects the club number necessary to exceed such a distance. Also, for example, if the user first touches the user icon I and then touches the near side of a hazard such as a bunker, pond, or small stream, the maximum distance that does not reach the hazard will be displayed in the two-point distance display area R4. The user can select a club that does not enter the hazard considering the run as well.

[0059] [Notification Considering Elevation Difference] The various distances described above are calculated by the control unit 11 based on the position information (longitude and latitude) stored in the golf course data storage unit 12. Therefore, each obtained distance is a horizontal distance. In contrast, the notification function considering this elevation difference is a function that acquires information on the elevation difference between the point where the ball is hit and the set position, and notifies information based on the elevation difference when hitting the ball from the acquired elevation difference information and the stored position information.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 obtains the inclination of the device with respect to the horizontal based on the output of the acceleration sensor 20, obtains the elevation difference from the obtained inclination and the horizontal distance, and outputs the obtained elevation difference information. When the mode for performing notification considering the elevation difference is selected, the control unit 11 displays the video captured by the camera 21 on the display unit 3. While looking at the video displayed on the display unit 3, the user turns the golf support device 1 and the camera 21 so as to face the target location when obtaining the remaining distance such as the green. For example, if the target location is the position of the pin position on the green, as shown in FIG. 7, the user 31 turns the golf support device 1 and the camera 21 held in the hand toward the green pin 30.

[0061] The control unit 11 obtains the inclination of the golf assistance device 1 and the camera 21 at this time, and the inclination angle α from the horizontal plane, from the output of the acceleration sensor 20. Further, the control unit 11 obtains the horizontal distance between two points from the current position acquired based on the output of the GPS receiver 6 and the position information of the pin position of the green, which is the target location, stored in the golf course data storage unit 12. Then, the control unit 11 obtains the height difference between the current position and the target position based on the inclination · inclination angle α and the horizontal distance. The control unit 11 outputs the obtained height difference.

[0062] In this embodiment, when obtaining this height difference information, the directions of the golf assistance device 1 and the camera 21 are aligned with the apex of the pin 30. This is because, for example, in the case of a loft shot where the green surface is higher than the position where the ball is hit, the green surface may not be visible from the point of the user 31, and there is a risk that the golf assistance device 1 cannot be properly directed at the base of the pin 30. On the other hand, if it is aligned with the apex of the pin 30 as in this embodiment, the golf assistance device 1 and the camera 21 can be correctly directed at the target point regardless of whether it is a loft shot or a knockdown shot. Further, the user 31 holds the golf assistance device 1 in his hand and directs the camera 21 at the target while looking at the display screen of the display unit 3. Then, the golf assistance device 1 in such a state is located a predetermined distance above the ground where the ball is placed. Therefore, when the golf assistance device 1 located above is directed at the ground of the target point (for example, the base of the green and the pin 30), the height difference between the ground where the ball is placed and the green of the target cannot be accurately measured. For example, in the case of a knockdown shot where the green is in a low position as shown in FIG. 7, the inclination angle α' from the horizontal plane when aligned with the base of the pin 30 is larger than the inclination angle α when aligned with the apex of the pin 30, and the height difference also becomes larger. On the other hand, the length of the pin 30 is 7 feet (2.13 meters). For example, if the height of the user 31 is about 160 to 180 cm, it is better to direct it toward the apex of the pin 30 because the error is smaller and a more accurate inclination and thus height difference can be obtained. Also, it is advisable for the user to register their own height and make a correction considering the difference from the apex of the pin based on that.

[0063] As a specific example for realizing the notification function considering the above height difference, for example, it is as follows. First, it is assumed that the golf assistance device 1 is used in a vertically long state. Therefore, the display unit 3 is basically in a vertically long state, the longitudinal direction of the display unit 3 is the vertical direction, and the short-side direction of the display unit 3 is the left-right direction / horizontal direction.

[0064] For example, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the sub-menu button B1 set in FIGS. 4, 5, etc. is touched, it overlays and displays a sub-menu screen (not shown) on the course layout. And since there are button areas for selecting each function on the menu screen, the control unit 11 activates the function by recognizing that the button for designating "height difference information notification" is selected. First, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the control unit 11 displays an alignment guide at the central position in the vertical direction of the display screen of the display unit 3. The alignment guide includes a guide line 33 extending in the horizontal direction. Also, the control unit 11 displays a scale 35 extending in the vertical direction on the right side of the display screen, and displays a corresponding numerical value 36 outside the scale 35. The scale 35 has a layout in which short line segments 35a extending horizontally are arranged at regular intervals in the vertical direction (for example, a length corresponding to 0.5 yards). These scale 35, numerical value 36, etc. are for notifying information regarding the height difference. Further, the control unit 11 activates the camera 21 and displays the video captured by the camera 21 on the display unit 3. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the control unit 11 overlays and displays the guide line 33, scale 35, numerical value 36, etc. on the video captured by the camera 21.

[0065] The user adjusts the orientation and posture of the golf assistance device 1 to direct the camera 21 towards the pin, and aligns the apex of the pin displayed on the display unit 3 with the guideline 33. The control unit 11 obtains the height difference between the current position and the green based on the horizontal distance from the current position to the pin position and the inclination obtained from the acceleration sensor 20. Then, the control unit 11 scrolls the scale 35 and displays it so that the line segment 35a corresponding to the obtained height difference overlaps the guideline 33. At the same time, the control unit 11 numerically displays the obtained height difference in the height difference display unit 37 at the lower left of the display screen. In the example shown in Fig. 7(b), the position of -20 yards on the scale 35 coincides with the guideline 33, and the numerical value displayed in the height difference display unit 37 at the lower left of the display screen is "-20yd". Also, in Fig. 7(a), since the golf assistance device 1 is held in a vertically upright state and the camera 21 is directed horizontally, the position of 0 yards on the scale 35 coincides with the guideline 33, and the numerical value displayed in the height difference display unit 37 at the lower left of the display screen is also "±0yd".

[0066] In this way, the height difference of the green with respect to the current position is reported as numerical information. Therefore, the user can take a step further from general information such as lofting / hollowing and obtain useful information for determining the club to be used by specifically knowing the height difference.

[0067] For example, when determining the club number to be used based on the height difference with reference to the club number usually used by the user when the remaining distance (horizontal distance) to the green, which is one of the basic functions of this device, it is helpful to determine the appropriate club number. Also, as will be described later, when reporting the target reference distance (horizontal distance) to be aimed at when actually hitting and the reference distance such as "longer / shorter by ○○ yards" as the adjustment carry distance as information regarding the height difference, since the actual horizontal distance to be adjusted varies depending on the user's swing ability and other factors, it is better to report the height difference as in this embodiment and leave the sense of distance to be adjusted to the user.

[0068] In addition, in the present embodiment, the orientation can be specified by a simple process such as aligning the apex of the pin with the guideline 33, and the position can be pinpointed at the pin position. Therefore, it is preferable because the height difference can be obtained from the accurate inclination. The position of the pin position registered as the initial value is at the center of the green. Therefore, if it is used as the initial value, a deviation will occur between the distance (horizontal distance) to the actual pin position and the remaining distance to the center of the green. However, since such a deviation is within half of the width and the front-rear length of the green, it can be absorbed as an error, or even if it cannot be absorbed, it is acceptable to notify information regarding the height difference as a certain standard. Then, when the actual pin position is registered using the cup position registration function, a more accurate height difference can be obtained, and appropriate information based on it can be notified.

[0069] The timing of calculating and notifying the height difference may be performed constantly in real time or may be performed when the set conditions are satisfied. When performing constantly in real time, for example, when the height difference information notification function is activated, the control unit 11 obtains the remaining distance (horizontal distance) from the current position to the green and holds the horizontal distance. Then, the control unit 11 acquires the output of the acceleration sensor 20 at a fixed cycle to obtain the inclination, obtains the height difference based on the obtained inclination and the horizontal distance, and performs notification by the scale 35 and numerical values based on the obtained height difference. In this way, when the orientation and inclination of the camera 21 are changed, the scale 35 scrolls following the change in such inclination, and the number displayed on the height difference display unit 37 changes, which can be interesting. Also, for example, as the guideline 33 approaches the apex of the pin, the notified height difference also approaches the correct value. Therefore, even if the apex of the pin and the guideline 33 do not coincide, the user can know a certain height difference.

[0070] Also, when notifying when the set conditions are met, for example, it may be determined whether the apex of the pin matches the guideline 33 by image recognition processing, the inclination at the time of matching is acquired, the height difference is obtained based on it, and the obtained height difference information is output. Also, for example, it may be triggered by touching the display screen. For example, the control unit 11 may acquire the inclination when detecting that the display screen has been touched, obtain the height difference based on it, and output the obtained height difference information. Detection of touching the display screen may be, for example, by displaying a shutter button on the display screen and detecting that the display area of the shutter button has been touched. By doing so, for example, it gives the image of pressing the shutter of a camera or the camera function of a smartphone, and it is good because the user can operate without discomfort. In particular, when the video being captured is blurred due to hand shake or the like and the orientation of the camera cannot be fixed while the apex of the pin and the guideline are in agreement, the method by image recognition processing is preferable because the inclination can be obtained accurately and easily. Also, in the case of touching the shutter button, if it is touched when the apex of the pin and the guideline are present and the inclination is obtained based on the information being captured at that time, an appropriate height difference can be obtained. Also, it is preferable to continue displaying the video at the time of touching as a still image. Thereby, the user can view and confirm the video used when obtaining the height difference on the display unit 3, and when the apex of the pin and the guideline are in agreement, it can be understood that the information based on the notified height difference is correct, and when they are not in agreement and are greatly deviated, remeasurement can be performed again.

[0071] Also, in the function of obtaining and notifying the constant height difference information described above by using image recognition processing, it is preferable to automatically detect that the apex of the pin coincides with the guideline 33 and change the notification mode of the height difference information when they coincide. As an example of changing the notification mode, for example, it is preferable to change the display color of at least one of the guideline 33, the scale 35, the numerical value 36, and the height difference display unit 37, or to blink it. Also, for example, when it is detected that the apex of the pin coincides with the guideline 33, the height difference information to be notified may be locked, and the height difference information at the time of coincidence may be continuously notified. The height difference information to be locked may be all of the scale 35, the numerical value 36, and the height difference display unit 37, or a part thereof. In some cases, for example, the numerical value of the height difference display unit 37 may be locked and fixed, and the scrolling of the scale 35, etc. may be linked to the inclination.

[0072] In this embodiment, the camera 21 that photographs the green, which is the target destination, and the pin is used for the function of photographing a moving image and checking the swing form. The camera 21 implemented in this device in this way is used in both a function for acquiring information related to golf navigation (for example, a notification function considering height differences) and another function (for example, a swing check function). By using the camera in a dual-purpose manner, the effective use of the camera can be achieved, and the devices and components for realizing each function can be implemented compactly and efficiently.

[0073] [Modification Example 1] (Change of Notification Mode) In the above-described embodiment, the height difference information is displayed superimposed on the video captured by the camera 21. However, for example, it is preferable to notify this height difference information and other information simultaneously. Examples of other information include, for example, information on the horizontal distance to the target destination. For example, it is preferable to write the height difference side by side with the remaining distance to the pin position of the green displayed in the remaining distance display area R1 shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, when three distances such as in front of the green, the pin position, and the back edge of the green are displayed, by writing the height difference side by side with the remaining distance indicating the pin position, the relationship with the horizontal distance to the pin position can be easily understood.

[0074] After displaying the screen for acquiring and notifying information regarding the height difference shown in FIG. 7(b), when transitioning to the hole display screen shown in FIG. 4 or the like, it is preferable to notify, within the same screen, the remaining distance to the green in terms of the horizontal distance by the remaining distance display area R1 and the information regarding the height difference. Further, instead of displaying the distance to in front of the green or the back edge of the green, it may be possible to display, on the same screen, the remaining distance to the pin position and the information regarding the height difference.

[0075] [Modification Example 2] (Change in the content to be notified) *Adjusted carry distance notification In the above-described embodiment, the height difference obtained as the information regarding the height difference is notified as it is, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various related information may be notified. For example, the control unit 11 may obtain an adjusted carry distance based on the height difference and notify it. The adjusted carry distance is information / numerical guidelines on how many yards or meters longer or shorter one should hit with respect to the horizontal distance to the target. As shown in FIG. 1, the horizontal distance between the intersection position of the trajectory / ball path of the ball shown by the solid line and the horizontal line at the same height as the point where the ball is hit shown by the dotted line, and the current position, serves as a guideline for the horizontal distance that should actually be hit to drive the ball into the target. Therefore, in the case of a downhill shot, for example, a message such as "Hit α' yards shorter" is output, and in the case of an uphill shot, for example, a message such as "Hit α yards longer" is output. The message may be displayed on the display screen or output as sound.

[0076] Specific numerical values of α and α' are, for example, stored and held in a table associating the height difference and the adjusted carry distance. The control unit 11 accesses the table based on the obtained height difference, acquires the corresponding adjusted carry distance, and notifies it. Further, it is preferable to provide a table associating the height difference and the adjusted carry distance for each horizontal distance. For example, prepare tables for horizontal distances X1 to X2, X2 to X3,... for each carry distance. Even with the same height difference, if the horizontal distance is significantly different, it will affect the adjusted carry distance. Therefore, by preparing a plurality of tables according to the horizontal distance, it is possible to notify more appropriate advice on the adjusted carry distance.

[0077] As described in the above embodiments, the adjusted flight distance also varies depending on the ball trajectory. Therefore, a plurality of types of tables associating the height difference with the adjusted flight distance should be prepared according to the ball trajectory (for example, general / high trajectory / low trajectory, etc.), and the user should set their own ball trajectory and use the corresponding table to notify the adjusted flight distance.

[0078] Also, for advanced players who can change the ball trajectory according to the situation, for example, it is cumbersome to switch the table according to the ball trajectory used each time they hit the ball. Therefore, for such advanced players, it is preferable to notify the height difference as in the above-described embodiments and leave the adjustment of the actual flight distance to the user. On the other hand, for beginners and novices, for example, even if they are notified of the height difference, they often do not know how much they should adjust the flight distance. Therefore, for such beginners and the like, it is easy to understand to notify the adjusted flight distance as in this modification example.

[0079] * Target horizontal distance notification The information regarding the height difference may be, for example, the horizontal distance used as a target or a standard when hitting the ball. The horizontal distance between the intersection position of the ball trajectory / ball flight path shown by the solid line in FIG. 1 and the horizontal line at the same height as the point where the ball is hit and the current position is obtained, and the obtained horizontal distance is notified. The calculation of this horizontal flight distance is performed, for example, by the control unit 11 obtaining the above-described adjusted flight distance and adding or subtracting it from the horizontal distance to the actual target, the green.

[0080] * Club number notification in use Store club-number and flight-distance information that correlates the club (number) with the flight distance. Then, the control unit 11 obtains the above-mentioned target horizontal distance, accesses the stored club-distance information, acquires the information on the appropriate club number for the obtained target horizontal distance, and notifies it. The club-distance information storage unit that stores the club-distance information stores, for example, average information of the golfer as an initial value. It is advisable to prepare multiple types of data according to gender, age, golf experience, etc. and let the user select them. Also, it is better to let the user register the average flight distance of each club by themselves. By doing so, it is possible to notify the club (number) more suitable for the user.

[0081] Furthermore, if the flight distance when actually hitting the ball is calculated by the flight distance measurement function, it is advisable to register the number of the club used in association with the flight distance. By doing so, for the user, it is possible to register the flight distance for a more accurate club number, and the reliability of the club number notification can be increased. In particular, when registering the flight distance through self-reporting, the flight distance at the time of a nice shot, etc. may remain in the user's mind, and it may be registered longer than the actual flight distance. In contrast, it is preferable to register the flight distance (for example, the average value) of each club number in the club-distance information storage unit based on the flight distance data accumulated with actual play, as it will be accurate flight distance information.

[0082] Also, the flight distance obtained by this flight distance measurement function is the horizontal distance. In reality, adjustment for height difference is necessary. However, since the ball is hit in various situations of hitting up / hitting down using clubs of the same count, for example, by obtaining the average value, the influence of the height difference is offset. Therefore, it is possible to record the count of the club used in association with the horizontal distance without particularly adjusting for the height difference. Also, for more accurate operation, it is advisable to have a function that allows the user to select whether to use the flight distance obtained by the flight distance measurement function for club-flight distance information. By doing so, for example, it is possible to select and register the flight distance when the ball is hit in a place with little height difference. The function for allowing the user to select, for example, after obtaining the flight distance by the flight distance measurement function, displays a confirmation message for registration or non-registration and an instruction input button such as "YES" / "NO" on the display unit, and follows the instruction of the touched instruction input button. Also, since it is troublesome to input each time of play, for example, when there is no instruction for a certain period of time after the flight distance measurement, a predetermined process (for example, "registered" or "not registered") may be executed. Furthermore, it may be configured to register when there is an input of the count of the club used.

[0083] The input of the count of the club used is preferably performed by displaying a count input screen on the display unit 3 and the user touching the display unit 3. Also, performing the operation of touching and inputting on the display unit 3 in this way may interfere with smooth golf play. Therefore, for example, it is advisable to enable registration of the count using NFC (Near Field Communication). For example, an NFC-compatible tag with the count registered is attached to the grip end of the club or the like. When the golf support device 1 equipped with NFC approaches the grip end of the club used, the control unit 11 of the golf support device 1 acquires the data of the count information registered in the tag. Then, the control unit 11 associates the acquired count information with the flight distance and registers it as club-flight distance information.

[0084] Also, it is advisable to register the club number before hitting the ball or immediately after hitting the ball. In particular, when registering the club number using NFC as described above, when holding the club to be used, by bringing the grip end of the club with the tag attached close to or in contact with the golf assistance device 1, the number can be registered smoothly without transmitting to other clubs with tags attached. Furthermore, considering the user's actions, the golf assistance device 1 is operated at the point where the ball is hit to check the distance to the target such as the green, or to obtain information on the elevation difference to the target using the notification function considering the elevation difference, and then the club number to be used is determined. Then, the ball is actually hit with the club of the determined club number. At this time, for example, after bringing the grip end of the club taken out from the golf bag and held in the hand close to the golf assistance device 1, the user confronts the ball and hits the ball. The process of bringing the grip end close to the golf assistance device 1 can be smoothly incorporated into the actions from determining the club number to actually hitting the ball without causing discomfort and interfering with the play.

[0085] Also, in the case of a device equipped with a function of registering the club number using NFC in this way, when the control unit 11 detects that the club number has been manually input, it is advisable to display publicity and information such as a message like "There is a tag to be attached to the grip", the image of the actual tag, the URL of the purchase site, etc.

[0086] Also, when the club number is not registered, the control unit 11 may notify information indicating that it is not registered. This notification should be in a mode that is not very conspicuous and unobtrusive, and should not interfere with the next shot. Such modes include, for example, blinking, messages (voice / display), icon display, etc.

[0087] The registration of the flying distance for each club number of the user is not limited to the above-described method. For example, a device for obtaining a flying distance different from this device is used to measure the flying distance of each club number multiple times. Then, the average value of the measured data may be registered. The device for obtaining the flying distance is not limited to one that measures the actual flying distance like this device. Various devices can be used, such as one that estimates the estimated flying distance based on the swing speed of the club when hitting the ball, or one that estimates the estimated flying distance using the initial speed of the hit ball and the swing speed of the club, etc. And it is preferable to have a function of transferring the flying distance data obtained by such a device for obtaining the flying distance to the golf support device 1 of the present invention. As the transfer function, for example, data may be transferred by physically connecting with a communication cable, using various wireless communications, or copying data via a recording medium such as a micro SD card. By transferring in this way, the user does not need to manually input the flying distance, which reduces the labor and is preferable because there is no misinput.

[0088] [Modification Example 3] (Distance to Another Target Location) In the above-described embodiments and modification examples, the target location is the green, the inclination is obtained by tilting the camera 21 toward the pin, and information regarding the height difference with respect to the pin position is notified. The present invention is not limited to this, and it is preferable to obtain the height difference between the current location and an arbitrary point within the course and notify the information regarding the obtained height difference.

[0089] Any point is a point where location information is registered. For example, there are hazards such as bunkers, ponds, and small rivers, landmarks such as the boundary between the fairway and the rough, the boundary with OB, large trees within the fairway, and obstacles within the hole. These points have geographical features and are easy to distinguish from other places. Therefore, even when imaged by the camera 21, they can be clearly understood on the display unit 3 in relation to the surroundings and are easy to align with the guidelines. Also, even if there are no such geographical features, any point can be a point as long as location information is registered. Furthermore, for the green, not only the pin position but also any position on the green and the green edge are arbitrary points. These arbitrary points can be, for example, the target point when hitting the ball in terms of course strategy, or conversely, the avoidance target point where the ball should not be hit, such as hazards or rough.

[0090] The designation of this arbitrary point may be made, for example, by touching a point on the screen in a screen displaying a hole as shown in FIG. 4. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, when a numerical value D is displayed in association with a bunker or the like, even if the bunker associated with it is designated when the portion of the numerical value D is touched. In this way, by touching an arbitrary point on the hole, the point can be easily designated. Also, the activation of the notification function considering the height difference may be performed, for example, by flicking the display unit 3 in the vertical direction. By doing so, for example, when flicking downward while touching an arbitrary point, the designation of the point and the activation of the notification function considering the height difference can be performed in a series of operations, which is preferable. Also, the use of the flick in the vertical direction in this way is for distinguishing from the setting of switching holes by flicking in the horizontal direction. Also, such input using a flick may be performed in place of the touch operation on the menu screen described in the above-described embodiment.

[0091] Also, if there is a spread like a hazard, it is difficult to precisely align the camera's orientation. In this case, the user will roughly align the camera's orientation and the guideline with the approximate position. In this case, for example, in the case of obtaining the height difference to any point, the flight distance to be hit is relatively long. When the distance is that long, the degree of spread of the hazard can be absorbed as an error, which is preferable. Also, when using the pin position as the initial value as described above, if the inclination is obtained in accordance with the pin, an error in the finally obtained height will occur. Considering this error, the spread of the hazard does not pose a problem. Furthermore, by providing a zoom function to the camera 21 of the golf assistance device 1 and expanding and showing the peripheral area including the target area where the point is registered, a more appropriate position can be specified.

[0092] Also, separately prepare image data for enlarged display and register it in the golf course data storage unit 12. When receiving the above-mentioned instruction for enlarged display, the control unit 11 may access the golf course data storage unit 12 and perform drawing based on the separately prepared image data. Conventionally, one image for displaying the entire course was prepared, and when an enlargement instruction was received, the relevant image was simply zoomed in and drawn. However, by drawing a separately prepared image suitable for enlarged display as in this modification example, more useful information can be provided to the user. As the image data for enlarged display, for example, a real image of a hazard such as a bunker or a marked area may be used. By using a real image, the situation can be understood. For example, in the case of a bunker, the situation around the outer periphery can be understood, making it easier to align the camera 21 with the correct target position.

[0093] Also, for example, if hazards such as bunkers, ponds, and small rivers are imaged with a real image and displayed on the display unit 3, the situation of the bunker or the like can be understood at a glance, which is good. For example, in the case of a bunker, it can be determined whether it is a bunker that should be absolutely avoided, such as a deep bunker with a high chin, or a bunker that is shallow and has a low chin on the green side and can be driven into without problems, which is useful for determining the attacking point. Also, from the situation around the bunker or around the pond and small river, it can be understood whether the ball is likely to roll in from the front, and it is also easy to judge whether it is necessary to set the target point of the ball drop point closer to the front when hitting before the hazard. In this way, by registering a real image, in addition to determining the target point for obtaining the height difference, useful information can be provided to the user. Also, the image data for providing such useful information is not limited to real images, and it may be an illustration or the content drawn may be changed according to the scale (for example, more detailed information is displayed for enlarged display).

[0094] Of course, it is better not to drive into the bunker. However, depending on the depth, dimensions, shape, relative position with the green, sand quality, etc. of the bunker, there are bunkers that should never be driven into and bunkers that are not a big problem even if driven into and the recovery is easy. Thus, it is advisable to notify the bunker that should be absolutely avoided and the bunker that is not in different ways. Different ways include, for example, setting the drawing color of a normal bunker to a brown color to image sand, but setting the display color of the bunker that should be absolutely avoided to a different color such as red, or adding icons, signs, marks, etc. for distinguishing the bunker.

[0095] [Modification Example 4] (Calculation of height difference) As position information for each position within the course, altitude information is also stored together. By doing so, when calculating the remaining distance to the green or the distance to a target location such as an arbitrary point within the course, the height difference is obtained from the altitude information of the current position and the altitude information of the target location. Based on the obtained height difference, it is advisable to implement the functions of the above-described embodiments and modifications. In this way, there is no need to tilt the camera 21 towards the target location, and information based on an accurate height difference can be notified simply and quickly. On the other hand, when obtaining the tilt as in the above-described embodiments, etc., for the position information, latitude and longitude information is sufficient, so it is good if the memory capacity can be reduced.

[0096] [Modification Example 5] (Club-specific Estimated Flight Distance Notification Function) As a basic function, for example, as shown in FIG. 4 etc., the control unit 11 has a function of drawing concentric lines L overlaid on the layout of the hole with its own icon I as the center. Thereby, the user can understand the approximate distance to the pond or bunker.

[0097] In this modification, the control unit 11 displays the flight distance for each club as concentric circles centered on the current position. By doing so, the user acquires the club number associated with the concentric circle close to the target location to be aimed at and displays it. In this way, since the user can know the club number to be used, it is good if the club selection can be easily performed. Also, for the flight distance corresponding to this club number, it is advisable to use, for example, the flight distance and average flight distance for each number stored in the club-flight distance information storage unit.

[0098] Also, even if hitting with clubs of the same count, there are variations in the flight distance. Therefore, for example, data on the maximum flight distance and the minimum flight distance in the case of normal hitting are stored and retained for each club count, and the predicted landing area of the ball when using the club of the count selected by the user is drawn overlaid on the course layout. By drawing the predicted landing area, for example, in the case of a club with a large difference between the maximum flight distance and the minimum flight distance, course strategies such as club selection and determination of the target area to hit the ball can be practiced considering the cases of overshooting or conversely not flying at all.

[0099] Also, by storing the altitude information of each position as in the above-described Modification Example 4, for example, instead of drawing concentric circles for the predicted flight positions for each club count, lines considering the height difference from the current position may be drawn.

[0100] [Modification Example 6] Correction of Flight Distance Using Height Difference It has a function of calculating the flight distance considering the height difference when actually hitting the ball. The control unit 11 obtains the distance from the position registered at the time of hitting the ball last time to the current position of the own icon I. The obtained distance becomes the horizontal flight distance between the two points. Also, the height difference from the registered position to the current point is, for example, stored and retained by storing the height difference used when hitting the ball last time. The control unit 11 obtains the flight distance considering the height difference based on the horizontal flight distance and the height difference. Also, when the position of the point hit last time is known, the inclination is obtained by facing the camera with respect to the position where the ball was hit, the height difference is obtained from the obtained inclination, and the flight distance considering the height difference is obtained from the obtained horizontal flight distance and the height difference.

[0101] The control unit 11 outputs the flight distance considering the height difference obtained in this way to the display unit 3. At this time, it is advisable to output information such as the club number used and the estimated target distance obtained when hitting the ball last time together. By checking the estimated distance, the actual flight distance, and the club number used at the landing point, it is possible to reflect on and confirm whether the club number used was correct, etc., and this can be utilized in subsequent play. Especially by checking during play, it is possible to check one's physical condition and flight distance on that day, as well as the influence of weather such as wind and rain, and thus correctly select the club number for subsequent shots.

[0102] [Modification Example 7] FIG. 9 shows a display example of yet another modification. In this example, as a draw guide index for aligning the apex of the pin, a scope 40 extending in a cross shape in the vertical and horizontal directions is used instead of the linear guide line 33 extending in the left - right direction. The scope 40 includes a central cross - shaped element 41, scale elements 42 arranged at equal intervals outside the cross - shaped element 41, and linear elements 43 arranged to extend in the vertical and horizontal directions further outside the scale elements 42. Align the apex of the pin with the intersection of the central cross - shaped element 41. By arranging line segments that also serve as guides in the vertical direction in this way, it becomes easier to align the position of the pin. In particular, by providing the scale elements 42 arranged at equal intervals, it becomes easier to check, for example, the amount of displacement of the apex position of the pin on the display unit 3 when the posture of the golf assistance device 1 is changed. And it becomes easier to appropriately adjust the amount by which the posture of the golf assistance device 1 is changed with reference to such an amount of displacement.

[0103] Also, in the modification shown in FIG. 9, the scope 40 for aligning the apex of the pin is displaced to the upper side of the display screen of the display unit 3. For example, the central cross - shaped element 41 is located at the upper 1 / 3 position. By doing so, the amount of empty space reflected in the upper region of the display unit 3 can be reduced, and the area for imaging the course can be increased.

[0104] Also, in this modification example, a height difference information display area 45 for schematically showing a height difference is provided in the lower 1 / 3 area of the display screen of the display unit 3. Along with this, the upper 2 / 3 area of the display screen of the display unit 3 becomes the main display area 46. When focusing on the main display area 46, it can be said that it is arranged at the center of the screen in the same manner as the guideline 33 of the above-described embodiment.

[0105] The height difference information display area 45 draws a triangular figure that schematically shows the height difference. In the figure, the left end of the triangle is the point where the ball is hit, and the right end indicates the position of the pin position such as the center of the green. When the green is at a low position, it becomes a right triangle with a hypotenuse sloping downward to the right as shown in the figure, and when the green is at a high position, it becomes a right triangle with a hypotenuse sloping upward to the right. The length of each side constituting the triangle changes according to the height difference and the horizontal distance. The side extending vertically above and below the triangle indicates the height difference, and the obtained numerical value (in the figure, "30") is also noted. The side extending horizontally to the left and right of the triangle indicates the horizontal distance, and the obtained numerical value (in the figure, "100") is also noted. Furthermore, the hypotenuse part also notes the target flight distance (in the figure, "70"). By showing the shape and numerical values of the triangle, it is possible to more intuitively understand the height difference and the distance to be targeted when actually hitting the ball.

[0106] Furthermore, in this modification example, a distance measurement scale 50 is drawn in the lower left side of the main display area 46. The distance measurement scale 50 in this modification example is used when the height of the point where the ball is hit and the pin position of the green are equal horizontally. The distance measurement scale 50 has a pair of marks drawn at predetermined intervals. The pair of marks is constituted by two line segments. The interval between the two line segments is set to match the length of the pin displayed on the display unit 3 at each distance horizontally. For example, if the scale noted on the upper line segment when the upper and lower ends of the pin are in contact with the two line segments respectively is "40", it can be known that the remaining distance to the pin is 40 yards / 40 meters. Whether it is yards or meters is determined by, for example, the setting of the unit used.

[0107] For example, when the actual cup position is not registered, the remaining distance to the green is the distance to the center position of the green. For example, when the remaining distance to the green is sufficiently long compared to the size of the green, the deviation between the center position of the green serving as the reference for obtaining the horizontal distance and the actual position where the pin is standing is absorbed as an error. Therefore, even if the club number to be used is determined based on the remaining distance to the center of the green, there is not much problem. On the other hand, when it cuts 100 yards and further approaches about 60 yards or 60 meters, the influence of the deviation between the center position of the green and the actual position where the pin is standing may become impossible to ignore. In particular, it becomes prominent in the case of a large green such as a one green, or when the pin position is near the edge of the green and away from the center position. In such a case, as in this modification example, if the distance to the pin is obtained based on the length of the pin displayed on the display unit 3 using the distance measurement scale 50, the position of the pin and the exact remaining distance to the cup position can be known even if the cup position has not been registered in advance. Therefore, the selection of the club to be used and the adjustment of the swing can be appropriately performed.

[0108] On the other hand, for example, when it gets closer than about 20 yards or 20 meters, the distance to the cup position can be understood even by visual estimation. Therefore, it is better to set the range from 20 to 60 as shown in the figure.

[0109] Since the distance measurement scale 50 is configured using two line segments with gradually different intervals, the remaining distance can also be recognized as a continuous analog value. For example, in the illustrated example, in addition to 20, 60 at both ends with specific numerical values and 40 in the middle, tick marks without numerical values are placed in between, and the positions of 30 and 50 can be known. Furthermore, between these tick marks, the approximate remaining distance can be estimated by visual amount. Therefore, in this example, the remaining distance can be known relatively accurately in 10 (yard / meter) increments, and the approximate remaining distance can be known in 5 (yard / meter) increments. For an average golfer, information on the remaining distance in 10 (yard / meter) increments is sufficient, and even for advanced players, it is preferable to be able to know the distance in 5 (yard / meter) increments as it becomes useful information.

[0110] Also, in the illustrated example, of the two line segments that constitute the distance measurement scale 50, one is a straight line extending in the left - right direction, but it may be a straight line extending obliquely or a curve. Also, the upper side may be a straight line extending in the left - right direction and the lower side may be a curve. Further, instead of continuous line segments, it may be composed of a plurality of sets of line segments for discretely measuring a plurality of remaining distances. For example, it may be composed of a plurality of sets of line segments arranged at intervals corresponding to each distance such as in 10 - yard increments of the distance measurement scale.

[0111] The layout of the distance measurement scale 50 is not limited to that shown in the figure, and for example, it may be made closer to the scope 40. Since this distance measurement scale 50 is for use when horizontal, for example, as a result of aligning the apex of the pin with the cross - shaped element 41 of the scope 40 to obtain the inclination and height difference, when the height difference is 0 or small, the golf assistance device 1 can be moved slightly as it is and the distance can be obtained by aligning the pin with the distance measurement scale 50. By doing so, it is possible to appropriately measure the remaining distance with little change in the posture of the golf assistance device 1.

[0112] Also, the straight line constituting the distance measurement scale 50 may be made to also serve as the straight - line element 43 of the scope 40. In such a case, it is better to make the upper side a straight line rather than the lower side as shown in the figure. When the upper side is a straight line, it is not necessary to change the apex position of the pin, and it is not necessary to change the inclination of the golf assistance device 1, so the change in posture can be minimized.

[0113] Also, for example, the interval of the scale element 42 above or below the cross - shaped element 41 of the scope 40 is set appropriately. Appropriately setting means that when the remaining distance to the pin is a predetermined value (for example, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 yards), the line segment constituting the scale element 42 is arranged at the position of the lower end or apex of the pin when the lower end or apex of the pin is aligned with the cross - shaped element 41. By doing so, the scope 40 will constitute the distance measurement scale when horizontal.

[0114] In addition, the distance measurement scale 50 is used when horizontal. Therefore, for example, the distance measurement scale 50 may be drawn when the height difference is 0 or within a certain margin. By doing so, it is good because it can be seen at a glance whether the remaining distance can be measured using the distance measurement scale 50 in the current horizontal state. Also, instead of controlling the distance measurement scale 50 to be hidden / displayed as such, it is better to change the display color (for example, blue when horizontal and red when there is a height difference, etc.).

[0115] Also, the use of the distance measurement scale 50 is limited to when horizontal. This is because when there is a height difference, changes occur such as the length of the pin becoming shorter compared to when it is flat. Therefore, even when there is a height difference, accurate measurement cannot be achieved using the illustrated distance measurement scale 50. To solve such a problem, it is better to correct the distance between the two line segments that make up the distance measurement scale 50 according to the obtained height difference.

[0116] Furthermore, in addition to the above-described examples, it is better to obtain the distance to the pin based on the length of the pin displayed on the display unit 3. For example, the pin portion is specified by image recognition processing, and the length between the vertex and the lower end is obtained. Then, the distance to the pin position may be calculated from the obtained length.

[0117] In the embodiment, the golf course data storage unit 12 is a removable external recording medium, but an internal memory may also be used. Also, in the embodiment, the storage unit 18 is configured as an internal memory, but a removable external recording medium such as a microSD card may also be used. Also, the recording medium, internal memory, etc. that constitute the storage unit 18 may be shared with the golf course data storage unit 12 in an actual device. The present invention may appropriately combine the above-described embodiments and modification examples, or incorporate them into another modification example.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0118] 1 Golf assistance device 2 Case 3 Display unit 4 Power button 5 Location registration button 6 GPS receiver unit 11 Control unit 12 Golf course data storage unit 15 Speaker 17 Battery 18 Memory unit 19 Geomagnetic sensor 20 Acceleration sensor 21 Camera 22 Touch panel 30 Pin 31 User 33 Guideline 35 Scale 35a Line segment 37 Elevation difference display unit 40 Scope 41 Cross-shaped element 42 Scale element 43 Straight-line element 45 Elevation difference information display area 46 Main display area 50 Distance measurement scale

Claims

1. A golf support device that displays an image captured by a camera on a display unit, a distance measuring scale having a pair of marks arranged at an interval corresponding to a remaining distance to the pin is displayed on the display unit together with the image; A golf support device characterized in that both ends of the pin in the image displayed on the display unit are aligned with a pair of marks, allowing a user to recognize the remaining distance to the pin corresponding to the distance between the marks.

2. The pair of marks has two lines, and the distance between the two lines is set to match the length of the pin displayed on the display unit when the remaining distance is horizontal.

2. The golf assist device according to claim 1 .

3. The line segment is provided with a scale.

3. The golf assist device according to claim 2,

4. The scale includes not only specific numerical values ​​but also blank marks between them.

4. The golf assist device according to claim 3,

5. The display unit is provided with a function for displaying a cross-shaped scope extending in the up / down and left / right directions together with the distance measuring scale.

5. The golf assist device according to claim 1, wherein:

6. The display unit is provided with a function for displaying a triangular figure that shows the elevation difference in addition to the distance measurement scale.

6. The golf assist device according to claim 1, wherein:

7. Equipped with a function that outputs information by voice on how many yards or meters the ball should be hit longer or shorter than the horizontal distance to the target.

7. The golf assist device according to claim 1, wherein:

8. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the golf support device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images