Hybrid golf system and automatic score calculation method for a control unit that controls the same

Abstract

The present invention is for solving the problems of the conventional technology as described above, and is a hybrid golf system. In the hybrid golf system, a score is automatically calculated by playing on a virtual golf course using a screen golf system, and then when playing on an actual field, the score is also automatically calculated by using a camera sensing system installed around the field, so as to provide a hybrid golf system capable of automatically calculating the score for the entire golf play and an automatic score calculation method for a control unit that controls the same.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hybrid golf system that enables a user to move to an actual field and play an approach shot or putting on the actual field when a virtual ball lands on or around the green during virtual golf play using a virtual golf simulation device, and an automatic score calculation method for a control unit that controls the same.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, as the number of golfers has increased, so-called screen golf systems that allow golf practice using a virtual golf simulation system and enjoyment of virtual golf courses have emerged.

[0003] Such a screen golf system installs a screen in a room that can project images related to a virtual golf course. When a user hits a golf ball toward the screen, the system senses the speed and direction of the golf ball and displays the progress of the golf ball on the image on the screen. It has repeatedly evolved technically in terms of providing users with a sense of presence that goes beyond the level of a simple indoor golf game and allows them to play a golf round on an actual golf course.

[0004] In a normal screen golf system, a virtual golf course and a simulation video of the ball trajectory on the virtual golf course are only realized through a screen installed in front of the user when hitting the ball. Therefore, there is a limit in providing a sense of presence as if the user is actually playing a golf round on an actual golf course.

[0005] To overcome the limitations of such a normal screen golf system and provide users with a reality of playing a golf round on an actual golf course, a so-called hybrid golf system has emerged that can be realized in a space much smaller than an actual golf course.

[0006] The hybrid golf system combines an actual field where users can play real golf and a screen golf system where users can play virtual golf. A part of the golf play on a certain hole progresses on a virtual golf course embodied by the screen golf system, and the remaining play can progress by actually playing golf on the actual field.

[0007] For example, in the case of a PAR-4 hole, the tee shot and the second shot progress through virtual golf simulation on a virtual golf course via the screen golf system, and the third shot and putting can progress in the same way as when the user moves to the actual field and plays on the actual golf course.

[0008] However, for the part where the golf play progresses through virtual golf simulation on a virtual golf course via the screen golf system, the number of strokes of each user is automatically calculated, so each user doesn't have to worry about score calculation. But once the field play starts, each user has to calculate their own number of strokes and calculate the score in the same way as when playing a golf round on an actual golf course. Therefore, there is a problem that score calculation is troublesome and accurate calculation is difficult.

[0009] In this regard, conventionally, each user holds a golf terminal linked to the screen golf system, and each time the user hits a shot during field play, or the number of strokes in the field is input through the golf terminal depending on memory.

[0010] However, the method of inputting the number of strokes during the user's field play through the golf terminal is not only troublesome but also has the problem that accurate calculation is difficult, such as entering incorrect information by mistake or forgetting to enter the score.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2013-0030536 [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0036155 [Patent Document 3] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0036156 [Patent Document 4] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0009933 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0012] The present invention is for solving the problems of the conventional technology as described above. In a hybrid golf system, scores are automatically calculated by playing on a virtual golf course using a screen golf system, and then when playing on an actual field, scores are also automatically calculated using a camera sensing system installed around the field, so as to provide a hybrid golf system capable of automatically calculating the scores for the entire golf play and an automatic score calculation method for a control unit that controls the same. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0013] The automatic score calculation method of a control unit for controlling a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method for calculating the automatic score of a control unit that controls a hybrid golf system including a field provided so that a plurality of users can play actual golf, and a screen golf module provided on one side of the field so that golf can be played on a virtual golf course. The method includes calculating the number of virtual golf strokes of each user by playing golf on the virtual golf course with the screen golf module; proceeding with field play following the golf play on the virtual golf course at the ball location on the field corresponding to the ball position of each user on the virtual golf course; sensing the shots of each user through a camera sensing system provided to sense the field; and calculating the score of each user by adding the number of field shots calculated by sensing the shots of each user through the camera sensing system to the calculated number of virtual golf strokes of each user.

[0014] Also, preferably, the step of sensing the shots of each user includes the control unit recognizing the position of the ball location of each user on the field and the corresponding user, and sensing the shot by the corresponding user at each of the respective ball locations; sensing the movement of the golf ball hit at each of the respective ball locations through the camera sensing system; and recognizing the next position moved at each of the respective ball locations or recognizing a hole-in.

[0015] Also, preferably, in the step of sensing the shots of each user, when it is sensed through the camera sensing system that the golf ball moves from the ball location and it is sensed that the golf ball is holed-in, the step of calculating the score of each user includes adding one stroke to the number of virtual golf strokes of the corresponding user who shot at the ball location to calculate the score, and performing a hole-out process for the corresponding user.

[0016] Also preferably, at the stage of sensing the shot of each user, when it is sensed through the camera sensing system that the golf ball moves from the ball position and it is sensed that the golf ball has not been holed in, the stage of calculating the score of each user includes adding one stroke to the virtual golf strokes of the user who made the shot at the ball position and saving the position coordinate information of the moved golf ball.

[0017] Also preferably, the stage of sensing the shot of each user is such that the control unit recognizes the position of the ball position of each user on the field and the user, and recognizes the shot order at each ball position. The camera sensing system sets a shot sensing area of a preset size including the ball position on the acquired image of the camera that senses the ball position of the user who is next to shoot according to the shot order, and extracts and analyzes the set shot sensing area from the continuously acquired video by the camera to sense the shot of the corresponding user.

[0018] Also preferably, the control unit further includes the stage of recognizing the position of the ball position of each user on the field and the user, recognizing the shot order at each ball position, transmitting shot information to the mobile terminal of the user who is next to shoot according to the shot order, and guiding the corresponding user through the mobile terminal of the user that it is their turn to shoot.

[0019] On the one hand, a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided on one side of a field where a user can actually play golf, and includes a screen golf module provided to enable golf play on a virtual golf course, a simulator provided in the screen golf module for embodying a virtual golf simulation video of the virtual golf course and the user's golf play, a camera sensing system including a number of cameras provided to sense the field, and a control unit configured to calculate the number of virtual golf strokes of the user by golf play on the virtual golf course in the screen golf module, and calculate the score of each user by adding the number of shots of each user in the field play to the virtual golf strokes by sensing the shots of each user at the ball location on the field corresponding to the ball position of each user on the virtual golf course while the field play is in progress through the camera sensing system.

[0020] Preferably, the control unit recognizes the position of the ball location of each user on the field and the user, recognizes the shot order at each ball location, sets a shot sensing area of a preset size including the ball location on the acquired video of the camera that senses the ball location of the user who becomes the shot order according to the shot order, and is configured to sense the shot of the corresponding user by extracting and analyzing the set shot sensing area from the video continuously acquired by the camera.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] The automatic score calculation method of the hybrid golf system according to the present invention and the control unit for controlling the same is a hybrid golf system in which scores are automatically calculated by playing on a virtual golf course using a screen golf system, and then when playing on an actual field, scores are also automatically calculated using a camera sensing system installed around the field. This has the effect of being able to automatically calculate the score for the entire golf play.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Specific details of the hybrid golf system according to the present invention and the automatic score calculation method of the control unit for controlling the same will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0024] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the configuration of a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0025] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows the control system of the hybrid golf system shown in FIG. 1.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an actual field 200 provided so that a user can play an actual golf game, and a screen golf module 100 provided on one side of the actual field 200 and including a virtual golf simulation device that allows the user to play golf on a virtual golf course.

[0027] In addition, a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a camera sensing system 300 including a number of cameras 310 to 400 provided to sense the field 200.

[0028] The aforementioned screen golf module 100 includes a configuration related to a normal screen golf system, that is, a virtual golf course image is projected onto a front screen, and when the user hits a ball from the hitting area 120 towards the screen, the sensing device 160 senses this, and based on the sensing result, a virtual ball moves on the virtual golf course image to embody a simulation image iVG, so as to allow the user to play a virtual golf game, including a configuration related to a virtual golf simulation device.

[0029] The screen golf module 100 may be provided in a box form or a booth form with an entrance / exit 110 on one side thereof, and may also be in a form where all sides are closed or in a form where a part is open.

[0030] The screen golf module 100 can be configured to include a screen 130 on the side facing the actual course 200.

[0031] The screen 130 can project an image related to a virtual golf course output by an image output device 140 (e.g., a beam projector, etc.) provided inside the screen golf module 100 and a simulation image iVG played on the virtual golf course to provide it to the user.

[0032] On the other hand, the course 200 can be embodied as a partial area of an entire hole of an actual golf course, and can be formed to include a green 210 and a hole cup 212 as shown in FIG. 1, and can be provided to include peripheral areas 220 such as fairways, roughs, and bunkers around the green 210 so that the user can make approach shots and putts.

[0033] A hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention enables the user to play a part of the golf through a virtual golf course in the screen golf module 100 and the remaining golf play can be performed on the actual course 200.

[0034] For example, when playing golf on a PAR-4 hole, the user can play a virtual golf game (a golf game in which the user hits a golf shot from the tee box towards the screen and the sensing device senses and simulates the hit ball) on the virtual golf course of the PAR-4 hole in the screen golf module 100, and the remaining part of the golf play on the PAR-4 hole is performed by the user directly moving to the actual course 200 and playing on the actual course 200.

[0035] For example, the tee shot and the second shot of the PAR-4 hole are performed as virtual golf play through a virtual golf course in the screen golf module 100, and the third shot (approach shot) and putting can be continued with the user moving from the screen golf module 100 to the actual field 200 and playing golf on the actual field 200.

[0036] The hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention uses a mobile terminal owned by each user. Here, the mobile terminal is also a personal mobile communication terminal such as each user's smartphone or tablet, and can also be a dedicated terminal separately provided to each user who uses the hybrid golf system. However, when the mobile terminal is the dedicated terminal described above, it is desirable that the terminal be capable of executing an application like a smartphone or tablet, including components such as a GPS module and a camera.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, regardless of the form of the terminal, it is desirable for each user to play golf while holding their own mobile terminal (M1, M2, M3, M4). Each mobile terminal (M1, M2, M3, M4) can be configured to wirelessly communicate with the control unit 152 through the communication unit 158 of the simulator 150.

[0038] It is desirable for each user's mobile terminal (M1, M2, M3, M4) to execute an application for using the hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention, log in, and be pre-set for wireless communication with the communication unit 404 of the simulator.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the simulator 150 provided inside the screen golf module 100 includes a control unit 152, a video processing unit 156, and a data storage unit 154. The control unit 152 can be configured to be transmitted with sensing data from the sensing device 160 and to implement a virtual golf simulation video through the video processing unit 156, and the control unit 152 can be configured to be able to exchange data while communicating with each user's mobile terminal (M1, M2, M3, M4) through the communication unit 158.

[0040] FIG. 3 shows a user (P) playing a virtual golf game while viewing the video iVG projected on the screen 130 inside the screen golf module 100 shown in FIG. 1.

[0041] The sensing device 160 can be implemented as a camera-based device that senses the movement of at least one of a golf club and a ball by a user's golf swing. If the user P hits the golf ball placed on the golf mat 122 at the hitting area 120 within the viewing angle of the camera with a golf shot, the camera captures and collects an image of the hit golf ball 1, and the sensing device performs image processing and analysis on the collected image to calculate sensing information regarding the movement of the golf ball 1 and transmits it to the control unit 152.

[0042] An operating device (not shown) can also be further provided as a means for the user to operate to set a virtual golf simulation environment or to operate for aiming adjustment during the virtual golf course process.

[0043] The data storage unit 154 stores all data necessary for implementing the video of the virtual golf simulation, provides data such as data regarding a virtual golf course that visualizes an actual golf course and data regarding the terrain information of the virtual golf course, and can provide data for implementing a virtual environment in which a virtual golf round can be played on the virtual golf course selected by the user.

[0044] The data storage unit 154 can also be configured to store all kinds of data related to the virtual golf course, or can be configured to temporarily store various data related to the virtual golf course transmitted from a server (not shown) through the network.

[0045] The video processing unit 156 performs information processing to embody a video related to the virtual golf course on the screen using the data related to the virtual golf course stored in the data storage unit 154, and performs information processing so that the trajectory of the golf ball hit by the user is embodied in a video simulated on the virtual golf course.

[0046] The video processed by the video processing unit 156 is output through a video output device 140 such as a projector and projected onto the screen 130 so that the user P can view the video iVG projected on the screen 130.

[0047] The video processing unit 156 can be embodied as a modularized component that performs the video processing function with a single independent device, or can be embodied as a single independent device itself.

[0048] The control unit 152 is responsible for the control of all processes for virtual golf simulation, and performs various operations and controls to enable the sensing information for the golf ball moving according to the sensing result of the sensing device 160 and the simulation of the virtual ball moving on the virtual golf course based on the physics engine. Based on such various operations and controls, a video iVG in which the virtual ball is simulated by the sensing result of the sensing device and the physics engine on the virtual golf course is embodied.

[0049] The control unit 152 determines whether the requirements for the user to play on the actual field during the virtual golf play process using the virtual golf course are met. If the requirements for the field play are met, the user can be guided by video / audio through the screen video iVG to move to the field 200 and play on the field.

[0050] When multiple users play a golf round together, the above-described field play can be disclosed when the balls (virtual balls on the video) of all users are located within a preset range on the virtual golf course, for example, within a preset radius range based on the hole cup (the hole cup on the green of the virtual golf course).

[0051] Before the field play starts, that is, while the user is progressing with the virtual golf play through the simulator 150 in the screen golf module 100, the virtual golf play progresses through the video. Therefore, the control unit 152 can automatically calculate each score by the user making a golf shot on the virtual golf course. After the field play starts, since each user progresses with the play on the field, the control unit can calculate the score by sensing the golf shots and balls of each user through the camera sensing system 300.

[0052] As described above, when the field play starts, the control unit 152 of the simulator 150 can cause each camera of the camera sensing system 300 to prepare for sensing, and can calculate the ball location on the field corresponding to the ball position of each user on the virtual golf course when the field play starts.

[0053] That is, the control unit 152 can calculate the coordinate information of the ball location corresponding to the ball position of each user described above on the corresponding coordinate space with the field 200 as the coordinate space.

[0054] Here, the "ball position" means the position of each user's ball (the ball on the video) on the virtual golf course, and the "ball location" means the position coordinates in the field 200 coordinate space corresponding to each of the aforementioned ball positions.

[0055] As described above, when the field play is started, the control unit 152 of the simulator 150 transmits a start signal for the field play to each user's mobile terminal (M1, M2, M3, M4), and transmits various information in the virtual golf play process, that is, map information for the virtual golf course, ball position information of each user on the virtual golf course, score information, etc., so that field play can be performed through each mobile terminal.

[0056] When a plurality of users play a golf round together, the above-described field play can be started when all users' balls (virtual balls on the video) are located within a preset range on the virtual golf course, for example, within a preset radius range based on the hole cup (the hole cup on the green of the virtual golf course).

[0057] The hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention uses a mobile terminal owned by each user. Here, the mobile terminal can also be a personal mobile communication terminal device such as each user's smartphone or tablet, or may be a dedicated terminal separately provided to each user who uses the hybrid golf system. However, when the mobile terminal is the aforementioned dedicated terminal, it is desirable that the terminal includes components such as GPS and a camera and can execute an application like a smartphone or a tablet.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 2, regardless of the form of the terminal device, it is desirable that each user plays golf while holding their own mobile terminal (M1, M2, M3, M4), and each mobile terminal (M1, M2, M3, M4) can be configured to wirelessly communicate with the control unit 152 through the communication unit 158 of the simulator 150.

[0059] Each user's mobile terminal (M1, M2, M3, M4) runs an application for using the hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and it is desirable to perform login so that settings for wireless communication with the communication unit 158 of the simulator are made in advance.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the simulator 150 provided inside the screen golf module 100 includes a control unit 152, a video processing unit 156, and a data storage unit 154. The control unit 152 is configured to receive sensing data from the sensing device 160, and the control unit 152 can be configured to transmit and receive data while communicating with each user's mobile terminal (M1, M2, M3, M4) through the communication unit 158.

[0061] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the camera sensing system 300 of the hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention can be configured to include a number of cameras 310 to 400 arranged and installed at predetermined intervals around the field 200 and a sensing processing unit 302.

[0062] The aforementioned number of cameras 310 to 400 are connected to the sensing processing unit 302 as shown in FIG. 2, and the sensing processing unit 302 can sense an object on the field 200 from the videos acquired by the number of cameras 310 to 400 respectively. For example, the control unit can also sense that the user makes a shot by analyzing the videos acquired by each of the number of cameras, and can sense a golf ball moving on the field.

[0063] The camera sensing system 300 can divide the field 200 into a preset size, and can be set so that each camera installed around the field 200 senses each of the divided areas.

[0064] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the field 200 is divided into a first divided region (R1), a second divided region (R2), a third divided region (R3), a fourth divided region (R4), a fifth divided region (R5), a sixth divided region (R6), a seventh divided region (R7), and an eighth divided region (R8), and the first divided region (R1) is sensed by the first camera 310, the second divided region (R2) is sensed by the second camera 320, the third divided region (R3) is sensed by the third camera 330, the fourth divided region (R4) is sensed by the fourth camera 340, the fifth divided region (R5) is sensed by the fifth camera 350, the sixth divided region (R6) is sensed by the sixth camera 360, the seventh divided region (R7) is sensed by the seventh camera 370, and the eighth divided region (R8) is sensed by the eighth camera 380, respectively.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit recognizes the entire region including all the divided regions of the field as one x - y coordinate system, and when the user plays golf using the screen golf module 100, it can recognize the coordinates of the ball point on the field corresponding to the ball position of each user on the virtual golf course at the start of the field play.

[0066] For example, in the process where three users (user 1, user 2, user 3) play virtual golf using the screen golf module, when the balls of users 1 to 3 are respectively positioned on the green or within a predetermined distance around the green on the virtual golf course, when the field play starts, the control unit can respectively specify the ball point on the field corresponding to the ball position of user 1 as P1, the ball point on the field corresponding to the ball position of user 2 as P2, and the ball point on the field corresponding to the ball position of user 3 as P3, and can save the coordinate information of each ball point (P1, P2, P3) on the x - y coordinate plane.

[0067] Since the green and its surrounding area on the virtual golf course have different fields and terrain formed in front of the screen golf module, the aforementioned "ball position" and "ball location" do not exactly match. However, the "ball position" and "ball location" can be matched in various ways. For example, a reference position (e.g., the hole cup position) can be determined, and based on that position, the "ball position" and "ball location" can be matched according to the relative positional relationship.

[0068] By calculating the "ball position" of the user on the virtual golf course and the corresponding "ball location" on the field in this way, when the field play starts, the control unit can recognize the position coordinates of the ball location of each user on the field.

[0069] As described above, when the control unit designates the coordinate information of the ball location of each user, that information can be transmitted to the mobile terminals held by each user respectively, and the mobile terminal of the user who is next in the shot order according to the shot order by the ball location can be made to give shot guidance.

[0070] When the user's shot is taken at the P1 ball location (located within the R1 area) according to the shot order, the mobile terminal of user 1 gives shot guidance to the corresponding user, and the control unit can sense the shot of user 1 from the video processing result of the R1 area obtained by the first camera 310 of the camera sensing system. When the user's shot is taken at the P2 ball location (located within the R4 area) according to the next shot order, the mobile terminal of user 2 gives shot guidance to the corresponding user, and the control unit can sense the shot of user 2 from the video processing result of the R4 area obtained by the fourth camera 340 of the camera sensing system. When the user's shot is taken at the P3 ball location (located within the R5 area) according to the next shot order, the mobile terminal of user 3 gives shot guidance to the corresponding user, and the control unit can sense the shot of user 3 from the video processing result of the R5 area obtained by the fifth camera 350 of the camera sensing system.

[0071] On the one hand, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, an automatic score calculation method for a control unit that controls a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0072] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a case where field play is started in a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a case where shot sensing of a user is performed by a camera sensing system in the state shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a case where ball sensing is performed by a camera sensing system when the user takes a shot in the state shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining an automatic score calculation method of a control unit that controls a hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] In FIGS. 5 to 8, four users, namely user 1 (U1), user 2 (U2), user 3 (U3), and user 4 (U4), are playing a virtual golf game on the screen golf module 100. The field play start requirements as described above are satisfied, and field play is started. It shows that the four users go out to play on the field 200 and the score is automatically calculated.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 5, while the field play is started, the control unit stores the coordinate information of the ball point P1 of user 1 (U1), the ball point P2 of user 2 (U2), the ball point P3 of user 3 (U3), and the ball point P4 of user 4 (U4) as the ball points on the field corresponding to the ball positions of each of the four users on the virtual golf course.

[0075] Since the control unit already knows the ball positions of each of the four users on the virtual golf course and has calculated the ball points on the field 200 corresponding thereto, it knows which user's ball point each of the ball points on the field 200 is, and also knows the shot order from the positions of each of the ball points.

[0076] In the state shown in FIG. 5, the shot order is P1→P2→P3→P4 according to the distance from the hole cup 212, and thus the shot order of user 1 (U1)→user 2 (U2)→user 3 (U3)→user 4 (U4) is shown.

[0077] Since it is the turn of user 1 (U1) to take the first shot according to the shot order as described above, the control unit can give a shot guidance (guidance using voice, screen display, etc.) to user 1 (U1) through the mobile terminal (M1) of user 1 (U1) who is to take the shot, telling the user to take the shot.

[0078] User 1 (U1) can place a golf ball at the position of their own ball point and take a golf shot according to the guidance of their own mobile terminal (M1) or by other means.

[0079] FIG. 6 shows that, as described above, the camera sensing system senses that user 1 (U1) takes a golf shot according to the guidance of the mobile terminal (M1).

[0080] Since the control unit already knows the position of the ball point (P1) of user 1 (U1), it extracts a region of interest of a predetermined size including the ball point (P1), that is, a shot sensing region 303, from the acquired image of a camera (the sixth camera 360 or the seventh camera 370 in the drawing) that acquires an image of the corresponding ball point (P1), and can sense the user's golf shot by detecting an object corresponding to user 1 (U1) in the extracted shot sensing region.

[0081] In FIG. 6, for the convenience of explanation, the shot sensing region 303 is directly shown on the drawing. Actually, a region of a preset size including the corresponding ball point is set as the shot sensing region from the acquired image of a camera that acquires an image of the region including the corresponding ball point, the portion corresponding to the set shot sensing region is extracted from the acquired image, and the user's golf shot can be sensed by detecting an object corresponding to the user in the extracted shot sensing region.

[0082] The shot sensing area can be continuously extracted from the video continuously acquired by the corresponding camera of the camera sensing system, and the control unit can extract an object corresponding to the golf ball (B) within the continuously extracted shot sensing area. If no object corresponding to the golf ball is detected within the shot sensing area, it can be determined that the user has taken a shot.

[0083] If the golf ball hit by the user moves, an object corresponding to the golf ball can be detected from the video acquired by the camera at each corresponding position of the camera sensing system to sense that the golf ball is moving (hereinafter, the sensing of the golf ball by the camera sensing system will be referred to as "ball sensing"). This is shown in FIG. 7.

[0084] The control unit recognizes that the user is taking a golf shot through the shot sensing area, and can recognize the golf ball by detecting an object corresponding to the golf ball in the video acquired by the camera that senses the corresponding area.

[0085] In this way, the control unit can sense that the golf ball is moving by detecting an object corresponding to the golf ball from the video through the camera sensing system. At this time, since the control unit already knows the position of the hole cup 212, when the golf ball disappears at the hole cup position while detecting an object corresponding to the golf ball in the video and no more objects corresponding to the golf ball can be detected from the video, it can be recognized that the golf ball has been holed in.

[0086] When the control unit senses that the golf ball is moving through the camera sensing system and senses that the golf ball has stopped, at this time, it can be recognized that the golf ball has not been holed in.

[0087] If the golf ball is holed in, the user who made the corresponding shot shall handle it as a hole out, calculate the number of strokes up to that point, and calculate the score. If the golf ball is not holed in, the coordinate information of the position where the golf ball stopped shall be saved. Next, when it is the turn of the corresponding user to take a shot, the number of strokes of the corresponding user can be calculated by performing shot sensing and ball sensing of the user through the above-mentioned shot sensing area at the saved position.

[0088] If, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, after the golf shot of user 1 (U1) is made, shot guidance is performed through the mobile terminal of user 2 (U2) who is next in the shot order according to the shot order, and the number of strokes of user 2's shot can be added through shot sensing and ball sensing by the camera sensing system. In such a manner, for all users, the number of strokes can be added through shot sensing and ball sensing respectively according to the shot order.

[0089] The method by which the control unit of the hybrid golf system according to such an embodiment of the present invention calculates the score is organized in FIG. 8.

[0090] Looking at FIG. 8, when the shot order is in the order of user 1 (U1) → user 2 (U2) → user 3 (U3) → user 4 (U4), the control unit first performs shot guidance through the mobile terminal (M1) of user 1, and then proceeds to the stage (S1) of sensing through the camera sensing system that user 1 takes a shot.

[0091] If user 1 performs a shot at his / her own ball location, the control unit can sense through shot sensing by the camera sensing system whether user 1 has taken a shot, can sense the position of the golf ball through ball sensing, and can also sense whether the golf ball that moves by the shot is holed in.

[0092] If it is detected that the golf ball shot by the user has been holed in, the control unit will hole out the corresponding user, exclude the corresponding user from the target of shot guidance, and calculate the score for the shots made by the corresponding user so far. That is, the score can be calculated by adding up the number of strokes when the corresponding user played virtual golf in the screen golf module and the number of strokes calculated until the ball is holed in by playing on the field.

[0093] In such a manner, the control unit can proceed to the stage (S2) of detecting the shot of user 2 in the following order, then proceed to the stage (S3) of detecting the shot of user 3 in the following order, and then proceed to the stage (S4) of detecting the shot of user 4 in the following order.

[0094] The shot detection, ball detection, and hole-in detection for each of users 2 to 4 proceed in the same manner as those for user 1 described above.

[0095] However, if the golf ball shot by the user is holed in, the user will be holed out immediately and the score will be calculated. If the golf ball shot by the user fails to be holed in, since the control unit senses the position of the golf ball through the camera sensing system, it senses the position where the golf ball stopped during movement and saves the corresponding position as the position of the ball. When the next shot order comes, the shot of the corresponding user will be sensed again at the saved ball position.

[0096] According to the example shown in FIG. 8, as a result of shot detection, ball detection, and hole-in detection for the shot of user 1, the user holes out by successfully holing in, and one stroke is added to the number of strokes in the screen golf module to calculate the score (S1).

[0097] As a result of shot detection, ball detection, and hole-in detection for the shot of user 2 in the following order, the hole-in fails, and the control unit saves the position where the golf ball stopped (S2).

[0098] As a result of shot detection, ball detection, and hole-in detection for the shot of user 3 in the following order, the hole-in also fails, and the control unit saves the position where the golf ball stopped (S3).

[0099] As a result of shot detection, ball detection, and hole-in detection for the shot of user 4 in the following order, the hole-in is successful, resulting in a hole-out. One stroke is added to the number of strokes in the screen golf module to calculate the score (S1).

[0100] Therefore, since user 1 and user 4 achieved a hole-out, they are excluded from the shot guidance targets. The shot order is recalculated based on the ball positions of user 2 and user 3 who failed to hole-in (here, the shot order is user 2 → user 3). Then, after providing shot guidance on the mobile terminal (M2) of user 2 in the following order, user 2 takes the second shot at the ball storage position (the position of the ball as a result of the shot by user 2 in the S2 stage). As a result of shot detection, ball detection, and hole-in detection for this shot, the hole-in is successful, resulting in a hole-out. Two strokes are added to the number of strokes in the screen golf module to calculate the score (S5).

[0101] Subsequently, after providing shot guidance on the mobile terminal (M3) of user 3 in the next turn, user 3 takes the second shot at the ball storage position (the position of the ball as a result of the shot by user 3 in the S3 stage). As a result of shot detection, ball detection, and hole-in detection for this shot, the hole-in is successful, resulting in a hole-out. Two strokes are added to the number of strokes in the screen golf module to calculate the score (S6).

[0102] According to the hybrid golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention and the automatic score calculation method of the control unit for controlling the same, the control unit calculates the respective virtual golf strokes by a plurality of users playing golf on a virtual golf course in the screen golf module, and then, when the plurality of users play on the field, the field play progresses at the ball location which is the position on the field corresponding to the ball position of each user on the virtual golf course, senses the shots of each user through the camera sensing system, calculates the number of strokes of each user on the field respectively, and can automatically calculate the score of each user by adding up the above-mentioned virtual golf strokes and the number of strokes on the field.

[0103] As described above, the hybrid golf system according to the present invention and the automatic score calculation method of the control unit for controlling the same can automatically calculate the score by playing on a virtual golf course using the screen golf system in the hybrid golf system, and then, also when playing on the actual field, automatically calculate the score by using the camera sensing system installed around the field. Thus, the score for the entire golf play can be automatically calculated, so that the score can be automatically calculated without the users who play golf using the hybrid golf system having to record the number of strokes one by one, which has the advantage of improving the convenience for the users.

Industrial Applicability

[0104] The hybrid golf system according to the present invention and the automatic score calculation method of the control unit for controlling the same can be used in industrial fields related to golf and so-called screen golf industrial fields that enable users to enjoy golf play based on virtual golf simulations.

Claims

1. As an automatic score calculation method for a control unit that controls a hybrid golf system including a field provided so that a plurality of users can play actual golf and a screen golf module provided on one side of the field so that golf can be played on a virtual golf course, calculating the number of virtual golf strokes of each user by playing golf on the virtual golf course with the screen golf module; advancing field play following golf play on the virtual golf course at the ball point, which is the position on the field corresponding to the ball position of each user on the virtual golf course; detecting the shots of each user through a camera sensing system including a number of cameras provided to sense the field; calculating the score of each user by adding the number of field shots calculated by detecting the shots of each user through the camera sensing system to the number of virtual golf strokes of each calculated user; An automatic score calculation method for a control unit that controls a hybrid golf system including the above.

2. The step of detecting the shots of each user is the control unit recognizes the position of the ball point of each user on the field and the corresponding user, and detects the shot by the corresponding user at each ball point; detecting the movement of the golf ball hit at each ball point through the camera sensing system; An automatic score calculation method for a control unit that controls a hybrid golf system according to claim 1, including recognizing the next position moved at each ball point or recognizing a hole-in.

3. In the step of detecting the shots of each user, when it is detected through the camera sensing system that the golf ball moves from the ball point and it is detected that the golf ball is holed in, The step of calculating the score of each user is An automatic score calculation method for a control unit that controls a hybrid golf system according to claim 1, including calculating the score by adding one stroke to the number of virtual golf strokes of the corresponding user who shot at the ball point and performing a hole-out process on the corresponding user.

4. At the stage of sensing the shots of each user, when it is sensed through the camera sensing system that the golf ball moves from the ball location and it is sensed that the golf ball has not been holed, The stage of calculating the score of each user is Including adding one stroke to the virtual golf strokes of the corresponding user who took a shot at the ball location and saving the position coordinate information of the moved golf ball. A method for automatically calculating the score of a control unit that controls the hybrid golf system according to claim 1.

5. The stage of sensing the shots of each user is The control unit recognizes the position of the ball location of each user on the field and the corresponding user, and recognizes the shot order at each ball location. The camera sensing system includes setting a shot sensing area of a preset size including the ball location on the acquired video of the camera that senses the ball location of the user who is next to take a shot according to the shot order. A method for automatically calculating the score of a control unit that controls the hybrid golf system according to claim 1, including extracting and analyzing the set shot sensing area from the video continuously acquired by the camera to sense the shot of the corresponding user.

6. The control unit recognizes the position of the ball location of each user on the field and the corresponding user, and recognizes the shot order at each ball location. The method for automatically calculating the score of a control unit that controls the hybrid golf system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 further includes transmitting shot information to the mobile terminal of the user who is next to take a shot according to the shot order, so as to guide the corresponding user through the mobile terminal of the user that it is their turn to take a shot.

7. A screen golf module provided on one side of a field where a user can actually play golf, and provided so that golf can be played on a virtual golf course. A simulator provided in the screen golf module, which implements a virtual golf simulation video of the virtual golf course and the user's golf play. A camera sensing system provided with a number of cameras for sensing the field. The control unit calculates the virtual golf strokes of the user by playing golf on the virtual golf course in the screen golf module, and senses the shots of each user at the ball point, which is the position on the field corresponding to the ball position of each user on the virtual golf course while the field play is in progress, through the camera sensing system, and adds the number of shots of each user by the field play to the virtual golf strokes to calculate the score of each user. A hybrid golf system including the same.

8. The control unit recognizes the position of the ball point of each user on the field and the corresponding user, and recognizes the shot order at each ball point. A shot sensing area with a preset size including the ball point is set on the acquired video of the camera that senses the ball point of the user who is next to take a shot according to the order of the shots, and the set shot sensing area is extracted and analyzed from the video continuously acquired by the camera to sense the shot of the corresponding user. The hybrid golf system according to claim 7.

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