Golf support device and program

Abstract

To provide a golf support device which is easier to use than a conventional one.SOLUTION: A golf support device includes a function which simultaneously displays in one display when there are a plurality of greens in a hole during play at present, a direction of a prescribed position of each green in the hole to a reference direction in the device. With this, a user can grasp at one sight a direction to a reference direction in the device, as to a prescribed position of a green used in present play, only by simply watching the display during play without performing a switching operation to a green to be used this time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, a golf assist device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A golf support device is known that reads out the relevant hole from current position information, draws the layout of the hole currently being played on the entire display screen with the green at the top, and overlays a self-icon I at a position corresponding to the user's location on the drawn hole, allowing the user to know the direction toward the green as well as the location, size, and shape of ponds, bunkers, etc. around the green (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-150061 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there are cases where a hole has multiple greens, and for example, there are golf courses where the golf course superintendent posts a notice each time which green will be used on that day.

[0005] On holes with multiple greens like this, the user must use a button to switch the display so that the green to be used today is displayed at the top, which can be cumbersome and can interfere with play. Other conventional devices also have the problem of being difficult to use, especially on golf courses with multiple greens. An object of the present invention is to provide, for example, a golf assist device that is easier to use than conventional devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) For example, when there are multiple greens on the hole currently being played, the golf support device may have the function of simultaneously displaying on a single screen the direction of a predetermined position on each green on the hole relative to the reference direction on the device.

[0007] In this way, the user can grasp at a glance the direction of the predetermined position of the green currently being used relative to the reference direction of the device simply by looking at the screen while playing, without having to perform an operation such as switching to the green to be used in the current play. This reduces the hassle of interrupting play. It also improves usability on golf courses with multiple greens. It also realizes a golf support device that is easier to use than conventional devices. In particular, if the user has previously played on a hole with multiple greens currently being played, and the green at that time was different from the green currently being played, by using (1), the user can simultaneously see at a glance the direction of the predetermined position of the green for the currently being played green and the direction of the predetermined position of the green for the previously played green. This allows the user to compare the direction of the green currently being used with the direction of the green previously played, for example, by glancing at the screen, such as, "If it were the green from that time, I should hit the ball in that direction," or "The direction of the green from that time and the green this time are shifted by this much." Also, if there is a possibility that you will play on this course again in the future, you can imagine that the green will be different from the one you are currently playing on, and you can enjoy playing by comparing at a glance the direction of the designated position of the current green with the direction of the designated position of a green that you will not use in your current play but may use in the future, like "If it's that green, then it's that direction." This can bring new value, especially to users who are repeat players of the golf course.

[0008] For example, instead of configuration (1), a configuration (A) could be used in which the predetermined position of each green and the current position are connected by lines and displayed simultaneously on the screen. However, this simply displays a line connecting the current position to the predetermined position of each green, and the relationship between the direction the user is facing and the predetermined position of each green is unclear. For example, even if the user rotates in place without changing their current position, the display does not change. For example, even if the user is facing away from the green, the display simply displays a line connecting the current position to the predetermined position of each green. As a result, it is difficult for the user to grasp the positional relationship between the direction they are currently facing and each green.

[0009] On the other hand, in a configuration like (1) where the direction of the predetermined position of each green relative to the reference direction of the device is simultaneously displayed on the same screen, if, for example, the direction in which the user faces changes and the direction in which the reference direction of the device faces also changes, the screen display simultaneously displayed on the screen showing the direction of the predetermined position of each green relative to the reference direction of the device will also change. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the direction of the predetermined position of each green relative to the reference direction by looking at the screen display. For example, if the reference direction of the device is set to the top of the screen and the user holds the device with the top of the screen facing forward, the user can grasp at a glance the direction of the predetermined position of each green relative to the user, just by looking at the screen.

[0010] Also, for example, instead of the configuration (1), a configuration (B) could be used in which an image of the hole is displayed, the shapes of multiple greens are displayed within the image, and lines are superimposed on the image, extending in the direction in which the reference direction of the device is currently facing, so that the direction to aim can be specified by adjusting the direction so that the green to be used that day is aligned with the direction of the lines.However, with this configuration, although the reference direction can be easily grasped as the direction of the lines, it is difficult to grasp at a glance the direction of the predetermined position of each green relative to the reference direction.On the other hand, with a configuration such as (1) in which the direction of the predetermined position of each green relative to the reference direction of the device is simultaneously displayed on the same screen, the direction of the predetermined position of each green relative to the reference direction can be grasped at a glance.

[0011] It is preferable to have a configuration including the configuration (1) and at least one of the configurations (A) and (B). In particular, the configurations (1) and at least one of the configurations (A) and (B) may be configured to have screens for each configuration and switch between them for display, or may be configured to display them simultaneously on a single screen. The former is particularly effective when configured with a relatively inexpensive display screen that cannot display a rich image, while the latter is particularly effective when configured with a relatively expensive display screen that can display a rich image. The former may be, for example, a monochrome screen, while the latter may be, for example, a color screen. In particular, the latter is particularly effective when configured with a screen that has a resolution sufficient to allow the user to visually recognize the overall shape of the hole and the shape of the green, while the former is particularly effective when configured with a screen that does not have such a resolution.

[0012] The hole currently being played may be determined based on information stored in a storage device, for example. The hole currently being played may be determined, for example, by user specification, but a function for automatically determining the hole without user specification may be provided. For example, the storage device may store, for each hole of each golf course, the name of the golf course, golf course location information which is location information indicating the range of the golf course, the hole number of the golf course, and hole location information which is location information indicating the hole area for each hole number of the golf course, in correspondence with each other. A golf course whose current position is included in the range indicated by the golf course location information may be determined to be the golf course currently being played, and a hole whose current position is included in the hole location information may be determined to be the hole currently being played.

[0013] The current location may be determined based on, for example, an input from the user, but is particularly preferably determined based on received radio waves, e.g., wireless LAN radio waves, but is particularly preferably determined by receiving GPS radio waves. The current location may be, for example, a location prior to the exact "present," but is preferably determined as accurately as possible to the "present" location. For example, the current location may be a location from a point in time prior to the point in time that a user traveling on foot can consider to be their current location. For example, the current location may be obtained at a predetermined time interval. In particular, the time interval should be within one second. Alternatively, the current location may be obtained when instructed by the user.

[0014] For example, "when the hole currently being played has multiple greens" may be determined by determining whether the hole currently being played has multiple greens, and if so, the determination may be made that "when the hole currently being played has multiple greens." For example, information regarding whether the hole currently being played has multiple greens may be stored in advance in association with information about the hole. If the information regarding whether the hole currently being played has multiple greens indicates "there are multiple greens," the determination may be made that "when the hole currently being played has multiple greens." If the information does not indicate "there are multiple greens," the determination may not be made that "when the hole currently being played has multiple greens." The information regarding whether the hole currently being played has multiple greens may be, for example, flag information indicating whether there are multiple greens, or, for example, information indicating the number of greens. Furthermore, the term "multiple greens" may be defined as two greens. Generally, golf courses in Japan have one or two greens per hole.

[0015] The reference direction in the device may be variable, for example, by settings on the device, but is preferably fixed to the device. The fixed direction may be, for example, the top, left, or right direction of the screen. The variable direction may be, for example, a function for setting an arbitrary direction, and may be a function that allows an arbitrary direction to be preset before play. A function for selecting and setting one of the top, left, or right directions of the screen is particularly preferable. A configuration for changing one of the top, left, or right directions of the screen during play is particularly preferable. For example, a reference direction change operation means, such as a button for changing the reference direction, may be provided. For example, a user may set the reference direction to the top of the screen, hold the device so that the top of the screen is in front of them, and orient themselves so that the display for the green to be used today is in the direction indicating a predetermined position, thereby memorizing the view in the direction of the predetermined position on the green. In this state, the user takes a stance, holding the device so that the top of the screen is facing forward, and then rotates their body 90 degrees from the adjusted orientation. Then, they operate the reference direction change operation means to set the reference direction to the left of the screen. If they are properly positioned after rotating their body 90 degrees, the direction indicating the designated position of the green they will be using today should be displayed as due left. However, because it is difficult for people to rotate their body precisely 90 degrees, some deviations may occur. However, they can fine-tune their body orientation so that the displayed direction is due left. Then, they swing. This increases the likelihood of hitting the ball toward the designated position of the green they will be using today compared to conventional methods.

[0016] The predetermined position of the green may be a position on the boundary between the green and the outside of the green, or a position within the green. For example, it may be the position of the green edge, but it is more preferable to set it at the center of the green, and in particular it is preferable to set it at the position of the pin. It is particularly preferable to have a function that allows the user to set the pin position. The predetermined position of the green may be a position set according to different standards for each green within the hole, but it is preferable to set it at a position set according to a common standard for each green within the hole. The predetermined position of the green may be a position set according to different standards for each hole, but it is preferable to set it at a position set according to a common standard for each hole. For example, the center of the green is preferable as the common standard.

[0017] The screen may be a segmented display, preferably a dot matrix display, and may be a colour screen, preferably a monochrome screen. One screen may be physically composed of multiple screens as long as they can be viewed simultaneously, but it is particularly preferable to have one physical screen.

[0018] The "direction of a specific position on each green of the hole relative to the reference direction of the device" may be determined by any means, but is particularly advantageous when determined based on the orientation of the device detected by a sensor. For example, the device may be equipped with an imaging device, and the direction may be determined by matching the image captured by the imaging device with pre-stored images. It is particularly advantageous to determine the absolute direction, for example, based on an object captured by the imaging device, the direction of the object's shadow, and the date and time. However, determining the direction based on the magnetic north direction obtained by a geomagnetic sensor is relatively cost-effective and highly accurate. For example, the direction of the magnetic north direction obtained by a three-axis geomagnetic sensor projected onto the screen is determined, and true north on the screen is determined based on the projected magnetic north direction and declination, and the angle between the top of the screen and this true north direction (referred to as the "first angle") is calculated. For example, angles to the right of the top of the screen are expressed as positive angles, and angles to the left are expressed as negative angles. Meanwhile, the storage means stores in advance the latitude and longitude information of a predetermined position on the green, and, for example, with the reference direction set to the top of the screen, calculates the angle (referred to as the second angle) between true north and the direction from the latitude and longitude of the current position determined by GPS or the like to the pre-stored latitude and longitude of the predetermined position on the green. For example, with true north as the reference, angles to the right are expressed as positive angles, and angles to the left are expressed as negative angles. The angle (referred to as the calculated angle) obtained by subtracting the first angle from the second angle is then displayed as the angle relative to the top of the screen, representing "the direction of the predetermined position on each green of the hole relative to the reference direction in the device."

[0019] The direction of a specific position on each green of the hole in question may be displayed by displaying characters indicating the angle, such as "30 degrees right," and the direction that angle makes with respect to the reference direction, or by displaying a string of characters that expresses the angle in a more intuitive way, such as "slightly right." However, it is particularly preferable to display the direction as a diagram, and in particular to display a pointer indicating the direction, pointing it in that direction.

[0020] (2) When there are multiple greens on the hole currently being played, it is desirable to have a function to simultaneously display on one screen the direction of the designated position of each green relative to the reference direction of the device, and also to simultaneously display on the same screen the distance from the current position to the designated position of each green.

[0021] In this way, by simply looking at one screen, the user can simultaneously know the direction of the designated position of each green relative to the reference direction of the device, as well as the distance from the current position to the designated position of each green.

[0022] Note that the "predetermined position" in the "direction of the predetermined position of each green of the hole relative to the reference direction of the device" and the "predetermined position" in the "distance from the current position to the predetermined position of each green" may be different positions, but it is particularly preferable that they be the same position.

[0023] (3) The function of simultaneously displaying the direction of the designated position of each green relative to the reference direction within the single screen may be such that the display of the direction of the designated position of each green relative to the reference direction is updated and displayed within the single screen in accordance with the user's movements.

[0024] In this way, even if a user carrying this device changes their orientation, they can look at the single screen to confirm the direction of the designated position of each green relative to the reference direction of the device that follows their own orientation.

[0025] The update interval is preferably, for example, 2 seconds or less, and more preferably, 1 second or less. For example, the update interval may be 10 ms, but is preferably 200 ms or more, and more preferably, 1 second. (4) The screen may have a function for displaying characters, and the reference direction may be an upward direction in the vertical direction of the characters.

[0026] In this way, the user can simply point the device in a direction in which the characters can be read, and simultaneously see on one screen the direction of the predetermined position on each green of the hole in relation to the direction of the top of the characters. (5) The direction of the predetermined position of each green relative to the reference direction may be displayed with information about the angle relative to the reference direction. In this way, the user can know the angle in which the predetermined position on each green is located relative to the reference direction of the device. The angle information may be displayed as a numerical value, for example, but it is particularly preferable to display it as shown in (6).

[0027] (6) The information regarding the angle relative to the reference direction may be displayed by moving an object moving on a circumference on the screen from a reference position on the circumference corresponding to the reference direction by an angle relative to the reference direction.

[0028] In this way, the user can easily know the angle that the direction of the specified position of each green makes with respect to the reference direction simply by looking at the movement angle of the object displayed on the screen from the reference position. (7) It is preferable to display information for distinguishing each green in association with the display of the direction of a predetermined position on each green relative to the reference direction.

[0029] In this way, the user can easily understand, based on the information for distinguishing the greens, which of the displays of the directions of the specified positions of each green relative to the reference direction displayed simultaneously on one screen is the display of the green that should be aimed at in the current play.

[0030] Information for distinguishing greens may be the direction of each green from a predetermined reference position, such as the tee ground. For example, if there are two greens on the course, information such as "right" and "left" may be used, or "main" and "sub," or "A" and "B," or "first" and "second." (8) It is preferable to display information indicating the state of each green in association with the display of the direction of a predetermined position on each green relative to the reference direction.

[0031] In this way, the user can know in advance what condition each green is in, and can use this information to determine where he or she should aim.

[0032] The information indicating the condition of the green may be, for example, information indicating the type of grass, such as "bent" or "Korean," the height of the green being mowed, or the speed of the green as measured, for example, with a stimpmeter, or at least two of these.

[0033] (9) A predetermined display area within the screen may be divided into areas for each green corresponding to the number of greens on the hole, and information about the green and the direction to the green may be displayed within each divided area for the green.

[0034] In this way, a user can obtain information about a green, as well as the direction of a specific position on that green relative to the reference direction on the device, simply by looking at the area for that green.

[0035] The predetermined display area within the screen may be a part of the displayable area of ​​the screen, such as the display area excluding the display area of ​​the status bar, but it is preferable that it is the entire displayable area of ​​the screen.

[0036] (10) The plurality of greens may be two greens, and the predetermined display area of ​​the screen may be divided into two areas, left and right, and the distance and direction for each of the greens may be displayed in the right divided area for the green on the right side as viewed from the reference position, and in the left divided area for the green on the left side as viewed from the reference position. In this way, the user can easily check the direction of the green to be used in the current play without having to perform an operation such as switching the display of the left and right greens.

[0037] The reference position may be, for example, the current position, but it is preferable to use the position of the tee. In this way, there is no need to switch the left and right display positions as the current position moves, and the direction of the green to be used in this play can be easily confirmed from the tee, which is the starting point of play for that hole, without having to switch the display of the left and right greens.

[0038] In particular, the upper side of each of the left and right areas should display the direction of a predetermined position on each green of the hole relative to the reference direction of the device, and the lower side should display the distance from the current position to the predetermined position on each green of the hole.

[0039] (11) It is preferable that the area on the screen that displays the direction of the predetermined position of each green relative to the reference direction is not changed depending on the positional relationship of each green from the current position.

[0040] In this way, the user only needs to look at a fixed area during the day without changing the area to look at when playing that day, which prevents confusion about which area the user should look at when playing. The golf support device may have a function for switching the display screen, as shown in (12).

[0041] (12) A first display screen that simultaneously displays, within a single screen, the directions of the predetermined positions of each green relative to the reference direction of the device when there are multiple greens on the hole; a second display screen that simultaneously displays, within a single screen, the distance from the current position to the predetermined positions of each green and information other than information about the greens on the hole when there are multiple greens on the hole, but does not display the directions of the predetermined positions of each green relative to the reference direction of the device; and a switching function that switches between the first display screen and the second display screen based on a user operation. It is preferable that the first display screen does not display any information other than information about the green of the hole.

[0042] In this way, by switching the screen display, the user can check the direction of a specific position on the green on the first display screen and other information on the second screen. By dividing the information displayed on the display screen between the first screen and the second screen in this way, the user can easily obtain the necessary and sufficient information depending on the situation during play. This makes it possible to realize an easy-to-use system.

[0043] The first display screen may simultaneously display the distance from the current position to a predetermined position on each green, and the second display screen may simultaneously display the distance to any hazards.

[0044] (13) The device may be provided with a function for determining the direction of a predetermined position of each green relative to the reference direction based on the state detected by the sensor, and a function for displaying a screen for calibrating the sensor, and when calibration of the sensor is required while the first display screen is being displayed, the screen for the calibration is displayed, while the screen for the calibration is not displayed while the second display screen is being displayed.

[0045] In this way, if sensor calibration is required while the first display screen, which shows the direction of the predetermined position of each green relative to the reference direction by the sensor, is displayed, the screen display for calibration is automatically displayed, but when the second display screen is displayed and the user is checking information other than information related to the green, the screen display for calibration is not switched over to.This makes it easy to use.

[0046] (14) After switching from the second display screen to the first display screen based on an operation by the user, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the first display screen may be switched back to the second display screen.

[0047] In this way, after the user has confirmed the direction of the predetermined position on the green, the display automatically switches to the second display screen after a predetermined time has passed without the user having to perform any switching operation. On the second display screen, the user can check the distance to the predetermined position on each green and other information other than information about the green on that hole, all on one screen.

[0048] The predetermined time may be, for example, the average time it normally takes from hitting a ball to hitting the next ball. The predetermined time may be, for example, about 60 seconds. In this way, if the user switches from the second screen to the first screen to check the green before hitting the ball, the screen will automatically switch back to the second display screen at the point where the next ball is to be hit. This allows the user to play smoothly without having to perform any switching operations, resulting in excellent usability.

[0049] (15) When there is only one green and not multiple greens on the hole, the device has the function of displaying on a single screen the direction of the designated position of that green relative to the reference direction of the device. When there is only one green and not multiple greens on the hole, the size of the display area for displaying on a single screen the direction of the designated position of that green relative to the reference direction of the device should be larger than the display area for the largest of the display areas showing the direction of the designated position of each green when the hole currently being played has multiple greens and the directions of the designated positions of each green relative to the reference direction of the device are displayed simultaneously on a single screen.

[0050] In this way, on a hole with only one green, it is easier to check the direction of a specific position on that green relative to the reference direction in the device, which is therefore convenient to use.

[0051] (16) When the hole does not have multiple greens but only one green, the direction of a predetermined position on that green relative to the reference direction of the device may be displayed on a single screen, and the distance from the current position to the predetermined position on that green may also be displayed on the same screen at the same time. The distance may be displayed numerically in a corner of the screen.

[0052] In this way, the user can see the corner and grasp the distance to a predetermined position on the green, and can also confirm the direction of that predetermined position on the green relative to the reference direction of the device on a single screen. In particular, the distance can be displayed in three digits, and the position immediately above and to the right of the first digit of the three digits can be used as the diameter of the circumference, and the object can be moved on or within that circumference. This allows the user to easily grasp the direction of the predetermined position on the green relative to the reference direction of the device by looking at the position of the object on or within the circumference that moves significantly within the display screen. This makes the device easy to use.

[0053] Any of the configurations (1) to (16) may be arbitrarily combined to form a configuration. Also, any of the components described in the configurations (1) to (16) may be arbitrarily combined to form a configuration. (17) For example, the functions described in any one of (1) to (16) above may be configured as a program for causing a computer to realize the functions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0054] According to the golf support device etc. of the present invention, it is possible to provide a golf support device etc. that is easier to use than conventional devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0055] [Figure 1] 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of an example of the electrical configuration of the golf support device; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of a golf support device, the upper part showing the front side and the lower part showing the rear side. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a green mode screen for a hole with two greens. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the contents of an icon display. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a hazard display. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the content of hazard display switching. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a green mode screen for one green hole. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a green sensor mode screen for a hole with two greens. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a green sensor mode screen for one green hole. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correction screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a course map display screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The golf support device of this embodiment is a golf support device that measures the current position on an actual golf course and displays, in real time, the remaining distance from the current position to a pre-stored point such as the center of the green as the player moves, and is also referred to as a golf navigation device.

[0057] 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of a golf support device according to the present invention. This golf support device 1 includes a display unit 3 on the front of a flat, approximately rectangular case 2, extending from the center to the top in the vertical direction. This display unit 3 is a monochrome, two-tone, dot-matrix liquid crystal display (LCD) with 160 vertical and 160 horizontal dots. The display unit 3 also includes a backlight, which illuminates the screen when a short press of the power button 19 is detected, improving visibility. However, because leaving the backlight on all the time consumes battery power quickly, the display is turned off after a set period of time. This period can be changed by the user (e.g., selectable from 5, 10, or 20 seconds (default setting: 5 seconds)). A completely dark mode (OFF) is also available. The power button 19 and operation buttons 5 are located on the front of the case 2. When the control unit 11 recognizes that the power button 19 has been pressed and held (for example, for two seconds or more) while the power is off, it turns on the power supply to each unit connected to the control unit 11, and the control unit 11 displays a predetermined main menu screen on the display unit 3. Furthermore, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the power button 19 has been pressed and held while the power is on, the control unit 11 displays a predetermined end screen on the display unit 3 and then turns off the power supply to each unit connected to the control unit 11. The information displayed on the display unit 3 is updated based on input from each unit. The display update based on the operation of the operation button 5 is reflected immediately when the operation of the operation button 5 is detected. On the other hand, when the operation of the operation button 5 is not detected, the display is updated every second based on the information input from each unit.

[0058] The operation buttons 5 (5a to 5f) are used for operation and are provided in the vertical center of the front of the case 2, from the lower part of the display unit 3 to the lower part of the front of the case 2. The operation buttons 5 include an up button 5a, a down button 5b, a confirm / score button 5c, a back button 5d, a register button 5e, and a view button 5f. Each button is arranged as shown in FIG. 2. Specific processing functions associated with the operation of these buttons will be described later, but on the selection screen, selection items are displayed vertically on the display unit 3, and when pressing the up button 5a or down button 5b is detected, the focus of the item is moved in the direction of that button, and when pressing the confirm / score button 5c is detected, the focused item is processed as the selected item.

[0059] The GPS receiver 6, which receives radio waves from GPS satellites, is mounted inside the upper part of the case 2. An openable terminal cover is attached to the right side of the case 2 (hereinafter described as the position when viewed from the front), and opening this terminal cover as shown in the lower part of Figure 2 exposes the microUSB terminal 9. The device can be charged by inserting the plug extending from an AC adapter into this microUSB terminal 9, and can also be connected to a computer via a USB cable to send and receive data.

[0060] Inside the case 2, there are a GPS receiver 6 that receives GPS signals and calculates the current position (longitude and latitude) every second, a golf course data storage unit 12 that pre-stores golf information such as the course layout of the golf course, a control unit 11 that detects operations on the power button 19 and operation buttons 5, accesses the golf course data storage unit 12 based on the current position information output from the GPS receiver 6 every second, acquires information about the golf course, and outputs it to an output device, a display unit 3 and speaker 15 that constitute the output device, a battery 17 that serves as a power source when carried, a memory device 18 that stores the execution results of the control unit 11, a geomagnetic sensor 4, etc.

[0061] The golf course data storage unit 12 is configured with an internal memory. The golf information stored in this golf course data storage unit 12 includes data about actual golf courses (course layouts for each hole, and the positions of objects on the course, such as greens and bunkers). This information can be similar to that disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-57189 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-339929. In this embodiment, the data includes the name of the golf course, the name of the prefecture in which the golf course is located, the initial phonetic characters of the golf course name, golf course location information which is location information indicating the extent of the golf course, the in / out of the course, hole location information which is location information indicating the extent of each hole, image data of an overall image of each hole, the par number of each hole, the type of hazard on each hole and hazard location information which is information about the location of the hazard, the number of greens on each hole (1 if there is one green, 2 if there are two greens), and, if there are two greens, a green identifier which is information about whether the green is on the "right" or "left" side of the tee. The coordinates (latitude and longitude) of the center point of the green stored in association with each of the green identification information for "right" and "left," the coordinates (latitude and longitude) of the green edge point stored in association with each of the green identification information for "right" and "left," and the height of the center point of the green from the tee ground stored in association with each of the green identification information for "right" and "left." When the number of greens is 1, the coordinates (latitude and longitude) of the center point of that green, the coordinates (latitude and longitude) of the green edge point of that green, and the elevation of the center point of that green are stored in association with each of the holes of each golf course.

[0062] The control unit 11 includes a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, flash memory, various peripheral circuits, interfaces, etc. When the power is turned on, the control unit 11 receives power from the battery 17 and starts operating. The control unit 11 uses a boot loader stored in the ROM to load the OS and application programs stored in the flash memory onto the RAM, and executes the OS and application programs in the RAM to perform the various processes described below and realize various functions. Unless otherwise noted, all functions are realized by the processing of the control unit 11.

[0063] The storage device 18 records the calculation results, and in this embodiment is an internal storage device that cannot be removed, but it may also be a slot (including a read / write function) for inserting a removable recording medium such as an SD memory card. The recording medium / device that constitutes the storage device 18 may be shared with the golf course data storage unit 12. The battery 17 is a rechargeable secondary battery like a rechargeable battery, and can be charged via the microUSB terminal 9.

[0064] The geomagnetic sensor 4 is a three-axis geomagnetic sensor that outputs the direction and magnitude of magnetic north from the origin in three-dimensional space as three-dimensional vector data to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 acquires data from the geomagnetic sensor 4 at one-second intervals and updates the displayed screen. In this embodiment, the reference direction is the upward direction of the screen of the display unit 3 (the direction facing upward on a line parallel to the left and right sides of the screen). Next, the method of use and operation of the golf support device 1 will be described.

[0065] Before starting a round at the golf course, the user presses the power button 19 for two seconds or more. When the control unit 11 detects that the power button 19 has been pressed for two seconds or more, it turns on the power supply to each unit connected to the control unit 11 and displays the main menu screen as shown in FIG. 3 on the display unit 3.

[0066] The main menu screen is the screen that is displayed when the power is turned on or when you return to the main menu. The main menu screen displays five selection items from top to bottom, and each selection item consists of an icon display and a string of text written horizontally to the right of it. The text indicates the content of the selection item. The icon is a shape that represents the content of the selection item. The five selection items, from top to bottom, are "Golf Navigation," "Manual Search," "Settings," "Tools," and "Power Off."

[0067] The selection item "Golf Navigation" searches for golf courses whose golf course position information in the golf course data storage unit 12 includes the current position to identify the current golf course, searches for holes whose hole position information in the golf course data storage unit 12 includes the current position to identify the current hole, and executes the golf navigation function for that hole.

[0068] The golf navigation function displays the course for the current hole, the driving distance, the distance and elevation difference from the current location to the green edge, the distance to ponds and bunkers (hazards), and allows you to register locations. If the current golf course or hole cannot be identified, the system will switch to a manual search.

[0069] The "Manual Search" selection item allows the user to manually set a golf course and hole, and then execute the golf navigation function with that hole as the current hole. Manual golf course setting involves displaying a selection screen for the prefecture name in which the golf course is located in the golf course data storage unit 12, extracting the initials of the names of golf courses in the selected prefecture from the golf course data storage unit 12 and displaying them as a selection screen, extracting the name of the golf course with the selected initials from the golf course data storage unit 12 and displaying it as a selection screen, and setting the golf course with the selected golf course name as the current golf course. Manual hole setting is a process executed after the golf course is set. The hole number of the current golf course and the par number for the hole corresponding to that number are read from the golf course data storage unit 12, displaying a selection screen, allowing the user to select a hole number, and setting the selected hole as the current hole. The selection item "Settings" is a function for changing various settings.

[0070] The selection item "Tools" is a function for performing scorecard input, PC connection via the microUSB terminal 9, deletion of location data registered by the user, display of GPS status, and the like. The selection item "Power OFF" is a function for turning off the power supply to each part connected to the control unit 11.

[0071] Of these five selection items, the currently focused item is displayed in inverse video to distinguish it from items that are not currently focused. Specifically, the currently focused item has a black icon and text portion and a white background, while the currently unfocused item has a white icon and text portion and a black background. Figure 3 shows the state in which the "Golf Navigation" item is currently focused. The focused item can be moved up with the up button 5a and down with the down button 5b. If the up button 5a is pressed when the focus is at the top, the focus moves to the bottom. If the down button 5b is pressed when the focus is at the bottom, the focus moves to the top. When the main menu screen is displayed, if pressing of the decision / score button 5c is detected, the control unit 11 proceeds to processing of the selected item that is focused on.

[0072] To return to the main menu screen from the golf navigation screen using the golf navigation function, the user presses the back button 5d for three seconds or more. When the control unit 11 detects that the back button 5d has been pressed for three seconds or more while the golf navigation screen is displayed, the control unit 11 transitions to displaying the main menu screen.

[0073] Next, the golf navigation function will be explained. The golf navigation function has three functions: a green mode that displays the screens shown in Figures 4 to 8 on the display unit 3, a green sensor mode that displays the screens shown in Figures 9 to 11 on the display unit 3, and a course map display mode that is shown in Figure 12.

[0074] If a press of the View button 5f is detected while green mode is running, the mode will switch to course map display mode, if a press of the View button 5f is detected while course map display mode is running, the mode will switch to green sensor mode, and if a press of the View button 5f is detected while green sensor mode is running, the mode will switch to green mode.The time since switching to course map display mode is counted, and if that time has exceeded 60 seconds, the mode will switch to green mode.The time since switching to green sensor mode is counted, and if that time has exceeded 60 seconds, the mode will switch to green mode.

[0075] When the hole currently being played is set, or when the hole currently being played is changed by moving the current position, the green mode function determines whether the hole currently being played has two greens or one green by referring to the number of greens of that hole stored in the golf course data storage unit 12. If the hole has two greens, a green mode screen like the example display for a hole with two greens shown in Figure 4 is displayed, and if the hole has one green, a green mode screen like the example display for a hole with one green shown in Figure 8 is displayed.

[0076] The green mode screen display consists of multiple horizontally extending bands, which are arranged vertically. From top to bottom, they include an icon display area, a distance display area from the current location to the center of the green, a distance display area from the current location to the green edge, a hazard type and distance display area from the current location to the hazard, an elevation difference display area from the current location to the center of the green, and a driving distance display area.

[0077] As shown in Figure 5, the icon display area includes, from left to right, a battery remaining capacity display area that detects the remaining capacity of the battery 17 and displays it in four levels, a hole display area that displays the number of the hole currently being played, a par display area that displays the par number of the hole currently being played by referring to the par number of that hole stored in the golf course data storage unit 12, a yard display that indicates that the distance is displayed in yards, and a time display unit that displays the current time received by the GPS receiving unit 6.

[0078] In the distance display area from the current location to the center of the green, if the number of greens for the hole stored in the golf course data storage unit 12 is 1, the distance from the coordinates of the center of the green stored in association with that green to the coordinates of the current location is calculated in yards and displayed to the right of an icon with a plus sign in a circle indicating the center of the green, as shown in Figure 8. In the example of Figure 8, the distance from the current location to the center of the green is displayed as 473 yards. If the number of greens for the hole stored in the golf course data storage unit 12 is 2, the distance from the coordinates of the center of the green stored in association with the "right" green identification information for that hole to the coordinates of the current location is calculated in yards and displayed to the right of an icon with a plus sign in a circle indicating the center of the green, as shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, the distance from the coordinates of the center of the green stored in association with the "left" green identification information for that hole to the coordinates of the current location is calculated in yards and displayed to the left of an icon with a plus sign in a circle indicating the center of the green. The example in FIG. 4 shows that the distance from the current position to the center of the right green is 284 yards, and the distance from the current position to the center of the left green is 288 yards.

[0079] In the distance display area from the current location to the green edge, if the number of greens for the hole stored in the golf course data storage unit 12 is 1, the distance from the coordinates of the green edge point stored in association with the green to the coordinates of the current location is calculated and displayed in yards to the right of an icon representing the green edge that resembles an inverted triangle with its apex pointing in the direction of the underline indicating the edge of the green, as shown in Fig. 8. In the example of Fig. 8, the distance from the current location to the green edge is displayed as 465 yards. If the number of greens for the hole stored in the golf course data storage unit 12 is 2, the distance from the coordinates of the green edge point stored in association with the "right" green identification information for the hole to the coordinates of the current location is calculated and displayed in yards to the right of the icon representing the green edge, as shown in Fig. 4. The distance from the coordinates of the green edge point stored in association with the "left" green identification information for the hole to the coordinates of the current location is calculated and displayed in yards to the left of the icon representing the green edge. In the example of FIG. 4, the distance from the current position to the green edge of the right green is displayed as 256 yards, and the distance from the current position to the green edge of the left green is displayed as 271 yards.

[0080] The hazard type and distance from the current location to the hazard display area displays an icon of the hazard type for that hole stored in the golf course data storage unit 12, and to the right of that icon is the distance, in yards, between the current location and the location indicated by the hazard position information, which is position information indicating the location of the hazard. The hazard position information stores the position coordinates of the representative point of the hazard, which is the point closest to the teeing ground. Hazard types and their icons are shown in FIG. 6. The example in FIG. 8 displays that the tree on the left is 156 yards away. The example in FIG. 4 displays that the pond / creek on the right is 135 yards away. As shown in FIG. 7, the hazard displayed in the hazard type and distance from the current location to the hazard display area is one of the hazards located ahead of the current location. When a press of the up button 5a is detected, the hazard one ahead of the currently displayed hazard is displayed. When a press of the down button 5b is detected, the hazard one before the currently displayed hazard is displayed. Initially, the closest hazard is displayed.

[0081] In the elevation difference display area from the current location to the center of the green, if the number of greens stored in the golf course data storage unit 12 is one, as shown in Figure 8, the height of the green's center from the tee box, which is stored in association with that green, is read to the right of the "Elevation Difference" character string. Based on the difference between the air pressure detected and stored by the air pressure sensor 21 at the tee box and the air pressure detected by the air pressure sensor 21 at the current location, the read height of the green's center from the tee box is corrected to obtain the height of the green's center from the current location, and the result is displayed as a numerical value. If the number of greens stored in the golf course data storage unit 12 is two, the same process is used to obtain the heights from the current location to the centers of the right and left greens, and the height of the right green is displayed on the right and the left green on the left. Both are calculated and displayed in yards. In the example of Figure 4, the height of the right green from the current location is displayed as 9 yards, and the height of the left green from the current location is displayed as 8 yards.

[0082] The distance display area is an area that displays the distance in yards from the most recently registered point registered by the point registration function to the current position. The point registration function is a function that, when the user presses the registration button 5e at the shot position and the control unit 11 detects this, increments the current number of strokes by 1 and registers that position as the most recently registered point in the history of registered points registered up to that point. The distance display area displays the distance in yards from the most recently registered point registered by the point registration function to the current position, and to the left of that, displays the number n of times a point has been registered on that hole as "nth stroke," and further to the left of that, displays the text "Distance."

[0083] Next, the course map display mode will be described, an example of which is shown in Fig. 12. In Fig. 12, the rectangular frame indicates the outer frame of the screen of the display unit 3. In the course map display mode, image data of the entire hole is read from the golf course data storage unit 12 and displayed on the display unit 3. This image data includes data for drawing OB (out of bounds) lines in thick lines, as shown in Fig. 12.

[0084] Next, the green sensor mode will be explained. Fig. 9 shows an example of the display when the hole currently being played has two greens, and Fig. 10 shows an example of the display when the hole currently being played has one green. The rectangular frames in Figs. 9 and 10 indicate the outer frame of the screen of the display unit 3.

[0085] In green sensor mode, if the number of greens for a hole stored in golf course data storage unit 12 is 1, the distance from the current position to the center of the green is calculated in yards and displayed in the lower right corner of the screen, as shown in Figure 10. In the example of Figure 10, this is displayed as 263 yards. A circle is then drawn in the upper left corner of the yardage display, and a triangular pointer is displayed within the circle with its apex pointing inward, moving the object along the arc of the circle to display the direction from the current position to the center of the green. On the other hand, if the number of greens on the hole stored in the golf course data storage unit 12 is two, as shown in Figure 9, the screen is divided into left and right regions, with the right half region being the display region for the right green and the left half region being the display region for the left green. The upper half of each display region displays the direction from the current position to the center of the green, and the lower half of each display region displays the distance from the current position to the center of the green, calculated in yards from the coordinates of the green's center point stored in association with that green. In the example of Figure 9, the distance from the current position to the center of the right green is displayed as 263 yards, and the distance from the current position to the center of the left green is displayed as 271 yards. The word "Right" is displayed above the distance from the current position to the center of the right green, and the word "Left" is displayed above the distance from the current position to the center of the left green. Note that the display region for the right green displays the text and direction in white against a black background, while the display region for the left green displays the text and direction in black against a white background. A separator line is drawn between the direction display area and the area displaying the distance from the current position to the center of each green.

[0086] The display showing the direction from the current position to the center of the green is obtained by projecting a three-dimensional vector indicating magnetic north obtained from the geomagnetic sensor 4 onto the screen of the display unit 3 to determine the direction. Based on the projected magnetic north and the declination angle stored in the storage device 18, true north is determined within the screen of the display unit 3. The angle between the reference direction, i.e., the upward direction of the screen, is then calculated (referred to as the first angle) and this true north. In this embodiment, angles to the right of the upward direction of the screen of the display unit 3 are expressed as positive angles, and angles to the left are expressed as negative angles. The display unit 3 also calculates the angle between the current position coordinates and the coordinates of the center of the green of the hole stored in the golf course data storage unit 12 and true north (referred to as the second angle). For example, angles to the right of the reference direction, i.e., true north, are expressed as positive angles, and angles to the left are expressed as negative angles. The angle obtained by subtracting the first angle from the second angle is then displayed as the angle relative to the upward direction on the screen of the display unit 3.

[0087] 9 or 10, if a magnetic field fluctuation or the like occurs that requires calibration of the geomagnetic sensor 4, the geomagnetic sensor 4 sends a signal to the control unit 11 indicating that calibration is required. When the control unit 11 receives this signal from the geomagnetic sensor 4, or when it detects that the Confirm / Score button 5c has been pressed while the green sensor mode screen of FIG. 9 or 10 is being displayed, the control unit 11 displays a green sensor mode correction screen (hereinafter referred to as the calibration screen) as shown in FIG. 11 on the screen of the display unit 3. When the user rotates the device displayed on the calibration screen vertically and horizontally while the calibration screen is displayed, the control unit 11 returns to the original green sensor mode screen when it receives a calibration completion signal from the geomagnetic sensor 4.

[0088] As explained with reference to the display example shown in FIG. 9 , the golf support device described above has a function for simultaneously displaying on a single screen the direction of the center of each green, which is the predetermined position of each green, relative to the upward direction of the display screen (the upward direction on a line parallel to the left and right sides of the screen), which is the reference direction for the device, when the hole currently being played has multiple greens. Therefore, the user can grasp at a glance the direction of the center of the green, which is the predetermined position of the green to be used in the current play, relative to the reference direction of the device, simply by looking at the screen while playing, without having to perform an operation such as switching to the green to be used in the current play. This reduces the inconvenience of being distracted while playing. Furthermore, it is easy to use on golf courses with multiple greens. This golf support device is easier to use than conventional golf support devices. In particular, if you have played on a hole with multiple greens in the past and the green at that time was different from the green you are currently playing on, using this embodiment will allow you to see at a glance the direction of the designated position on the green you are currently playing on and the direction of the center of the green, which is the designated position for the green at that time.This means that you can play while comparing the direction of the green you are currently playing on with the direction of greens you have played on in the past, at a glance on the screen, and you can think, for example, "If it's the green I played on last time, I should hit in that direction," or "The direction of the green I played on last time and the green this time are off by this much."For example, if the green to be used today is the right green and the green used previously is the left green, and the player is positioned to hit his second shot and the distance to the center of the left green displayed in the device's green mode is approximately the same as the previous distance to the left green, the type and distance of hazards are also approximately the same, and the surrounding scenery is familiar, the player may press the View button 5f once while in green mode to switch to course map display mode and check the course map. If the player feels that the course map is approximately the same as the previous shot, he or she may press the View button 5f again while in course map display mode to switch to green sensor mode and adjust the object indicating the direction of the right green used previously so that it faces forward on the display screen of the display unit 3. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the player orients his or her body so that the apex of the triangular object indicating the direction of the left green is displayed at the top of the circle, facing upward. The direction of the current green is then displayed to the right of the triangular object indicating the direction of the right green, as the position on the circle and the direction of the apex. Looking at this, the player can intuitively understand that the green is slightly to the right of the previous one. Also, if there is a possibility that the player will play on this course again in the future, and the green will be different from the one currently being played on, the player can imagine that "if it's that green, then it's that way," and enjoy playing by comparing at a glance the direction of the designated position of the current green with the direction of the designated position of a green that will not be used in the current play but may be used in the future. This provides new value, especially for repeat users of the golf course.

[0089] Furthermore, with the configuration of this device, the control unit 11 acquires data from the geomagnetic sensor 4 every second and updates the displayed screen. Therefore, if the user's facing direction changes, the direction of the device's reference direction (upward), which is the reference direction of the device, also changes. The screen display simultaneously displayed on the screen, showing the direction of the predetermined positions of the left and right greens relative to the reference direction (upward), also changes. For example, in Figure 9, the position of the triangular object and the direction of its vertex change as the user rotates. Therefore, the user can easily determine the direction of the center of the green, which is the predetermined position of the left and right greens relative to the reference direction (upward) of the screen, by looking at the screen display. In particular, since the user holds this device with the upward direction of the screen facing forward, the user can determine the direction of the center of the left and right greens relative to the reference direction (upward) of the screen at a glance.

[0090] Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which the predetermined positions of the greens, i.e., the center of the green, and the current position are connected by a line and simultaneously displayed on the screen. For example, a relatively large display screen, such as a 4-inch color screen with an aspect ratio of 16:9, may be provided, with the vertical direction as the long side of the display screen, and a display similar to that shown in Figure 9 may be displayed at the top, and a more detailed overall view of the greens shown in Figure 12 may be displayed below this display, with (a) the predetermined positions of the left and right greens, i.e., the center of the green, and the current position connected by a line.

[0091] Alternatively, an image of the hole currently being played may be displayed, and within that image, the shapes of multiple greens on that hole may be displayed, and a line extending in the direction in which the reference direction of the device is currently facing may be displayed superimposed on the image, allowing the direction to be identified by adjusting the direction of the line so that the green to be played that day matches the direction of the line. For example, a relatively large display screen, such as a 4-inch color screen with an aspect ratio of 16:9, may be provided, with the long side of the display screen being vertical, and a display similar to that of Figure 9 may be displayed at the top, and a more detailed overall view of the green as shown in Figure 12 may be displayed below this display and superimposed on the image, and (b) a line extending in the direction in which the reference direction of the device is currently facing may be displayed based on the direction of magnetic north output from the geomagnetic sensor 4.

[0092] The above (a) and (b) may be displayed simultaneously on the screen with different line display modes, or the screens (a) and (b) may be switched based on the operation of the operation button 5.

[0093] In this embodiment, the current location is determined by the GPS receiver 6, but it may also be determined based on user input, for example. However, it is particularly preferable to receive radio waves and determine the location based on those radio waves, for example, wireless LAN radio waves, or, as in this embodiment, to receive GPS radio waves. The current location may be determined to be a point in time some time before the present, such as up to one second ago, as in this embodiment, but it is preferable to determine the "current" location as accurately as possible. It is even more preferable to use a GPS module that outputs current location information every 200 ms, for example, or to obtain the current location when the user operates the operation button 5.

[0094] In this embodiment, the reference direction is the upward direction of the screen of the display unit 3, but it is not limited to this and may be any direction. For example, it may be the left, right, back, or front direction of the screen. It is particularly preferable to use the screen as the reference direction, and particularly, as in this embodiment, it is preferable to use the upward direction of the screen. In this embodiment, the reference direction is a fixed direction, but the reference direction may be variable relative to the device. For example, the reference direction may be moved by operating the operation button 5, or a menu item may be provided on a setting screen to enable setting. In particular, it is preferable to have a function that allows an arbitrary direction to be set in advance before play, and particularly, it is preferable to have a function that allows the upward, left, or right direction of the screen to be selected and set using the operation button 5. In particular, since one of the upward, left, or right directions of the screen can be changed during play, it is preferable to provide, for example, an operation button that displays a setting screen. For example, a user sets the reference direction to the top of the screen, holds the device so that the top of the screen is in front of them, and orients themselves so that the direction in front of them is the direction in which the display for the green to be used today indicates the predetermined position, memorizing the view in the direction of the predetermined position on the green. To take a stance in this state, the user holds the device so that the top of the screen is in front of them, rotates their body 90 degrees from the adjusted orientation, and operates the reference direction operation button to set the reference direction to the left of the screen. If the user then stands in the correct 90-degree rotated position, the direction indicating the predetermined position of the green to be used today should be displayed directly to the left. However, because it is difficult for people to rotate their body precisely 90 degrees, some deviation may occur, but the user fine-tunes the orientation of their body so that the displayed direction is directly to the left. Then, they swing. This increases the likelihood of hitting the ball toward the predetermined position on the green to be used today compared to conventional methods.

[0095] In this embodiment, the predetermined position on the green is the center of the green, but it is not limited to this and may be a position on the boundary between the lean and outside of the green, or a position within the green. For example, it may be the position of the green edge, or most preferably the position of the pin. The pin position changes every time, and the pin position on the green is posted on notices within the golf course, so it is desirable to have a function that allows the user to set the pin position on the green.

[0096] The predetermined position of the green may be a position set according to different standards for each green within the hole, but as in this embodiment, it is preferable to set a position according to a common standard for each green within the hole. Also, the predetermined position of the green may be a position set according to different standards for each hole, but as in this embodiment, it is preferable to set a position according to a common standard for each hole. As in this embodiment, the common standard may be, for example, the center of the green.

[0097] The screen may be a segment display, but is preferably a dot matrix display as in this embodiment. The screen may be a color screen, but is preferably a monochrome screen as in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, even a monochrome screen has the advantage of making it easy to see the direction. One screen may be physically configured as a plurality of screens as long as they can be viewed simultaneously, but it is particularly preferable to configure one screen as physically one screen as in this embodiment.

[0098] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, a triangular object is displayed along the inside of a circle with its vertex facing outward, but for example, the direction of a predetermined position on each green of a hole may be displayed by displaying a character indicating the angle, such as "30 degrees right," and the direction that angle makes with respect to a reference direction, or by displaying a string of characters expressing a sense of intuition, such as "slightly right." For example, such a display may be displayed in place of the display in the upper part of Fig. 9, or may be displayed together with the display in the upper part of Fig. 9. For example, the angle of the open portion of the circle in the upper part of Fig. 8 may be displayed numerically.

[0099] In this embodiment, when there are two greens on the hole currently being played, the direction of the designated position of each green relative to the reference direction in this device is displayed simultaneously on one screen, and the distance from the current position to the designated position of each green is also displayed simultaneously on one screen.

[0100] Therefore, by simply looking at one screen, the user can simultaneously know the direction of the designated position of each green relative to the reference direction in this device, as well as the distance from the current position to the designated position of each green.

[0101] In this embodiment, the display of the direction of the predetermined position of each green relative to the reference direction is updated and displayed on a single screen in accordance with the user's movements. Therefore, even if the user carrying this device changes their own orientation, they can check the direction of the predetermined position of each green relative to the reference direction of the device by looking at the single screen.

[0102] In this embodiment, the update interval is set to 1 second, but it is preferable to set it to 2 seconds or less, and especially 1 second or less. For example, the update interval may be set to 10 ms, but it is preferable to set it to 200 ms or more, and especially 1 second. In this way, it is possible to strike a balance between the consumption of the battery 17 and the tracking of the user's movements.

[0103] In this embodiment, as shown in the diagrams, the device has a function for displaying text on the screen, and the reference direction is the upward direction of the text. Therefore, by simply pointing the device in a direction where the text can be read, the user can simultaneously see the direction of the predetermined position on each green of the hole in relation to the direction of the upper part of the text on the screen.

[0104] In this embodiment, the direction of each predetermined position on each green relative to the reference direction is displayed as information about the angle relative to the reference direction, allowing the user to know, in terms of angle, the direction of each predetermined position on the green relative to the reference direction of the device, which is the upward direction on the screen. The angle information may be displayed, for example, as a numerical value, but, as in this embodiment, it is preferable to display an object moving on a circumference on the screen, displaced on the circumference by an angle relative to the reference direction from the upward direction on the screen, which is the reference position on the circumference corresponding to the reference direction. In this way, the user can easily know the angle of the direction of each predetermined position on each green relative to the reference direction simply by looking at the angle of movement of the object displayed on the screen from the upward direction, which is the reference position on the screen.

[0105] In this embodiment, the information "right" and "left" used to distinguish each green is displayed in association with the display of the direction of the center of each green, which is the designated position of each green relative to the reference direction, which is the top of the screen.Therefore, the user can easily understand which of the displays of the direction of the center of each green, which is the designated position of each green relative to the reference direction, which is the top of the screen, displayed simultaneously on one screen, is the display for the green that should be aimed for in this play, based on the display of "right" and "left" used to distinguish this green.

[0106] In this embodiment, the information for distinguishing the greens is displayed as "right" and "left," but it may also be displayed as, for example, "main" and "sub," "A" and "B," or "first" and "second."

[0107] Additionally, it is preferable to display information indicating the condition of each green in association with the display of the direction of a predetermined position on each green relative to the reference direction. This allows the user to know in advance the condition of each green, which can be used as a reference for determining where to aim. Information indicating the condition of the green may be, for example, information indicating the type of grass, such as "bent" or "Korean," the height of the green's mow, or the green's speed, as measured, for example, with a stimpmeter, or at least two of these. For example, this information may be displayed in the corresponding positions in the lower part of Figure 9.

[0108] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9 , the predetermined display area on the screen is divided into areas for each green corresponding to the number of greens on the hole, and information about each green and the direction to that green are displayed in each divided green area. Therefore, by simply looking at one green area, the user can obtain the direction of a predetermined position on that green relative to the reference direction of the device and information about that green. In particular, as in this embodiment, the predetermined display area on the screen is preferably the entire display area of ​​the screen, rather than a portion of the display area excluding the status bar. In this embodiment, the multiple greens are assumed to be two greens, and the entire display area of ​​the screen is divided into two left and right areas. The distance and direction for the right green as viewed from the reference position are displayed in the right divided area, and the distance and direction for the left green as viewed from the reference position are displayed in the left divided area. Therefore, the user can easily confirm the direction of the green to be used in the current play without having to switch between the left and right greens.

[0109] The reference position may be, for example, the current position, but it is preferable to use the position of the tee. In this way, there is no need to switch the left and right display positions as the current position moves, and the direction of the green to be used in this play can be easily confirmed from the tee, which is the starting point of play for that hole, without having to switch the display of the left and right greens.

[0110] In particular, the upper side of each of the left and right areas should display the direction of a predetermined position on each green of the hole relative to the reference direction of the device, and the lower side should display the distance from the current position to the predetermined position on each green of the hole.

[0111] In this embodiment, the area on the screen that displays the direction of a specific position on each green relative to the reference direction is not changed depending on the position of each green relative to the current position. Therefore, the user only needs to look at a fixed area throughout the day without changing the area they should look at when playing that day. This prevents confusion about which area the user should look at while playing.

[0112] This embodiment includes a display screen switching function. The first display screen, shown in FIG. 9, simultaneously displays the direction of each green's designated position relative to the reference direction of the device on a single screen when there are multiple greens on the hole. The second display screen, shown in FIG. 4, simultaneously displays the distance from the current position to each green's designated position and other information about the greens on the hole, but does not display the direction of each green's designated position relative to the reference direction of the device. The device also includes a display screen switching function that switches between the first and second display screens upon detecting a user's press of the View button 5f. The first display screen does not display any information other than information about the greens on the hole. Therefore, by pressing the View button 5f to switch the display, the user can view the direction of each green's designated position on the first display screen and other information on the second screen. By dividing the information displayed on the first and second screens, the user can easily obtain the necessary and sufficient information depending on the situation during play. This results in a user-friendly system. As in this embodiment, the first display screen may simultaneously display the distance from the current position to a predetermined position on each green, and the second display screen may simultaneously display the distance to each hazard.

[0113] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9 and described above, the display includes a function for determining the direction of the predetermined position of each green relative to the reference direction based on the state detected by the geomagnetic sensor 4, and a function for displaying a screen for calibrating the geomagnetic sensor 4, as shown in FIG. 11 and described above. If calibration of the geomagnetic sensor 4 is required while the first display screen shown in FIG. 9 is being displayed, the screen for calibration shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. However, the screen for calibration shown in FIG. 11 is not displayed while the second display screen shown in FIG. 4 or the like is being displayed. Therefore, if calibration of the geomagnetic sensor 4 is required while the first display screen shown in FIG. 9 is being displayed, which displays the direction of the predetermined position of each green relative to the reference direction by the geomagnetic sensor 4, the screen for calibration shown in FIG. 11 is automatically displayed. However, when the second display screen shown in FIG. 4 or the like is being displayed, in which the user is viewing information other than information related to the green, the screen for calibration is not displayed. This provides excellent usability. The function for displaying a screen for calibrating the geomagnetic sensor 4 may be executed each time calibration is required. However, it is preferable to not execute the function again, even if calibration is required, until a predetermined condition is met after calibration, for example. The predetermined condition may be at least one of the following: a predetermined time has passed since the previous execution, the golf course is not in play, the golf course is moving between holes, or the golf course has not been executed since the power was turned on. A combination of two or more of these conditions is particularly preferable. Whether calibration is required may be determined by the geomagnetic sensor 4 itself based on the detection of a predetermined state requiring correction, such as a sudden change in the magnetic field, and the determination may be notified to the control unit 11, or the control unit 11 may determine the state based on information from the geomagnetic sensor 4. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may determine that calibration is required when the control unit 11 switches to the green sensor mode for the first time after powering on.

[0114] In this embodiment, after switching from the second display screen of Fig. 4 to the first display screen of Fig. 9 based on a user operation, when 60 seconds have elapsed, the first display screen of Fig. 9 is switched to the second display screen of Fig. 4. Therefore, after the user has confirmed the direction of a predetermined position on the green, the display automatically switches to the second display screen of Fig. 4 when 60 seconds have elapsed without the user performing a switching operation. On the second display screen of Fig. 4, the user can check information other than the distance to a predetermined position on each green and information about the green of the hole in question on a single screen.

[0115] It is particularly preferable to set the predetermined time to 60 seconds as in this embodiment, but it is also preferable to set it to the average time it normally takes from hitting a ball to hitting the next ball. In this way, if the user switches from the second screen to the first screen to check the green before hitting the ball, the screen will automatically switch back to the second display screen at the point where the next ball is to be hit. This allows the user to play smoothly without having to perform any switching operations, resulting in excellent usability.

[0116] In this embodiment, when the hole currently being played has only one green and not multiple greens, the device has a function to display on a single screen the direction of the designated position of that green relative to the reference direction on the device, as shown in Figure 10.When the hole currently being played has only one green and not multiple greens, the size of the display area on a single screen that displays the direction of the designated position of that green relative to the reference direction on the device is larger than the display area (the area with the single circle on the top row of the screen in Figure 9) that displays the largest of the display areas that show the direction of the designated position of each green when the hole currently being played has multiple greens and the directions of the designated positions of each green relative to the reference direction on the device are displayed simultaneously on a single screen.This makes it easier to check the direction of the designated position of that green relative to the reference direction on the device on holes with only one green, thereby making it easy to use.

[0117] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 , when the hole currently being played has only one green, the direction of the predetermined position on that green relative to the reference direction of the device is displayed on a single screen. The distance from the current position to the predetermined position on that green is also displayed on the same screen. The distance is displayed numerically in a corner of the screen. This allows the user to grasp the distance to the predetermined position on the green by looking at the corner, and the direction of the predetermined position on that green relative to the reference direction of the device can be confirmed on the same screen. In particular, the distance is displayed in three digits as in this embodiment, and the position immediately above and to the right of the first digit of the three digits defines the circumference as the diameter, and the object can be moved on or within that circumference. This allows the user to easily grasp the direction of the predetermined position on that green relative to the reference direction of the device by looking at the position of the object moving significantly on or within the circumference on the display screen. This provides excellent usability.

[0118] The components of the present embodiment may be arbitrarily combined. Also, the components described in the Summary of the Invention and the components of the present embodiment may be arbitrarily combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1. Golf support device 2 cases 3 Display section 4 Geomagnetic Sensor 5 Operation buttons 11 Control section 12 Golf course data storage section 19 Batteries

Claims

1. An information processing device including a position detection unit that acquires a current position, a geomagnetic sensor that detects geomagnetism, a display unit, and a processing unit, the processing unit causes the display unit to display characters, and sets a reference direction to an upward direction in a vertical direction of the characters; calculating a first angle based on a relationship between the reference direction and true north based on the detection value of the geomagnetic sensor; calculating a second angle based on a direction from the current position to a predetermined position; direction information corresponding to an angle obtained by subtracting the first angle from the second angle (this angle is called an angle difference) is displayed on the display unit, and distance information to the predetermined position is also displayed on the display unit.

1. An information processing device comprising:

2. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit presents directional information including at least one of information about an angle associated with the angular difference and text information indicating left or right indicated by the angular difference.

3. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit calculates the first angle by projecting a three-dimensional vector of the geomagnetic sensor onto a surface of the display unit and determining true north based on a declination angle of a region.

4. 4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined position includes a center of the green, an edge of the green, or a pin position, and the pin position can be set by user input.

5. 5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit treats a predetermined position in a direction and a predetermined position in a distance as the same position.

6. 6. An information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit searches for a golf course whose golf course position information included in golf course data includes the current position, identifies a hole whose hole position information of the golf course includes the current position, and presents the direction information and distance information based on the predetermined position corresponding to the hole.

7. An information processing device that presents direction information and distance information on a display unit, wherein the direction information or the distance information is updated at a predetermined update interval in accordance with the movement of a user, and the update interval is between 200 milliseconds and 2 seconds.

8. 8. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the update interval is one second or less.

9. 9. The information processing device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the update interval is variable depending on the user's moving speed or the amount of change in orientation, and the update interval is relatively extended at low speeds to reduce power consumption, and the update interval is relatively shortened at high speeds to ensure tracking performance.

10. An information presentation method in an information processing device, (a) displaying characters on a display unit and defining a reference direction as an upward direction in the vertical direction of the characters; (b) determining a first angle with respect to the reference direction based on a detection value of a geomagnetic sensor; (c) determining a second angle based on a direction from the current position to the predetermined position; (d) displaying, on a display unit, direction information corresponding to an angle obtained by subtracting the first angle from the second angle; (e) displaying information about the distance to the predetermined position on a display unit; A method of presenting information, including:

11. 11. The information presentation method according to claim 10, wherein the presentation of the direction information includes at least one of information relating to an angle and character information indicating at least one of left and right.

12. 12. The information presentation method according to claim 10, wherein step (b) includes a step of calculating the first angle by projecting a three-dimensional vector of the geomagnetic field onto a display surface and determining true north based on a declination angle.

13. 13. The information presentation method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of updating the direction information or the distance information at update intervals of 200 milliseconds to 2 seconds.

14. A program for causing an information processing device to execute the method of any one of claims 10 to 13.

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