An apparatus and a program.

Abstract

To provide a portable device for calculating and reporting an altitude difference between a present point and a destination point.SOLUTION: Reference area information indicating a position of the reference area 26, position information of the reference area 26, and reference altitude difference information for calculating a reference altitude difference which is an altitude difference between the reference point 26 and the destination point 28 are stored in a storage unit, and the altitude difference between the current point and the destination point 28 is calculated and notified based on a reference atmospheric pressure measured in the reference area 26, a current atmospheric pressure which is an atmospheric pressure measurement value at the current time, and the reference altitude difference information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a program for calculating an altitude difference. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a golf support device that provides various information to a golf player while playing on a golf course, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that information such as the distance from the current position to the green is displayed on a screen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-039423 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For golf players, the distance from the current position to a destination such as the green is useful information, but the difference in altitude between the current position and the destination is equally useful. However, no golf support device to date has been able to display information about the difference in altitude.

[0005] The reason for this is that it has been difficult to determine the difference in elevation from the current location to a destination with an accuracy (for example, ±1m accuracy) that can be used as a reference for playing, using a small portable device that can be used on a golf course. For example, methods for determining the difference in elevation include calculating it from atmospheric pressure, measuring the altitude using a GPS function, and using digital elevation data (mesh data) and latitude and longitude, but these methods cannot achieve the above-mentioned purpose.

[0006] Because atmospheric pressure fluctuates with weather conditions, it is impossible to determine the current altitude from atmospheric pressure alone. Therefore, even if the altitude of a destination is known, it is impossible to determine the difference in altitude between the current and destination points. Furthermore, altitude measurements using GPS have low accuracy, making it impossible to determine the altitude difference with an error small enough to be useful for playing. Furthermore, digital elevation data has a large data volume, making it impractical to store digital elevation data for many golf courses on a portable device. Furthermore, digital elevation data has the problem of a coarse mesh (even the most accurate data provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan has a mesh size of 5 meters). Therefore, the only way to determine the altitude between meshes is by interpolation. However, golf courses often have steep terrain, and in places where the altitude difference between meshes is very large (such as depressions), the interpolated altitude does not match the actual altitude, undermining players' confidence in the display.

[0007] The present application discloses inventions that address all or part of the above problems or other problems. The present application discloses various devices and programs for calculating altitude difference that can be used in various fields, not just those that calculate altitude difference as reference information for playing golf. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This application discloses, for example, the inventions described in the following configuration examples.

[0009] <Configuration example 1> A portable device having a function of reporting an altitude difference between a current point within a geographical area including a reference area and a destination point corresponding to the reference area and the destination point, a storage means for storing reference area information indicating the position of the reference area and reference altitude difference information for calculating a reference altitude difference which is an altitude difference between the reference area and the destination point; a location acquisition means for acquiring location information of the current location; a pressure measuring means for measuring the pressure; a reference atmospheric pressure storage means for storing a reference atmospheric pressure, which is the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure measurement means when the current location is within the reference area; The system has an altitude difference notification means for calculating and notifying the altitude difference between the current point and the destination point based on the current atmospheric pressure, which is the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure measurement means at the present time, the reference atmospheric pressure, and the reference altitude difference information. An apparatus characterized by:

[0010] With this configuration, the user can know the difference in altitude between the current location and the destination within a geographical area, which can be useful for understanding the positional relationship between the current location and the destination. Knowing the difference in altitude between the current location and the destination is useful in golf, orienteering, skiing, snowboarding, mountain climbing, etc.

[0011] The location area is an area that includes a reference area and a destination point. The reference area is an area within the location area, and the destination point is a point within the location area that is separated from the reference area. The location area is an area of ​​a route along which a person travels from the reference area to a destination point, an area on such a route, or an area that includes such a route, which is preferable because it allows the user to know the elevation difference from the current location to the destination. The location area may include one reference area or multiple reference areas. The location area may include one destination point or multiple destination points. A reference area may correspond to multiple destination points. If there are multiple reference areas, each reference area may correspond to multiple destination points. A destination point may correspond to multiple reference areas. If there are multiple destination points, each destination point may correspond to multiple reference areas.

[0012] The reference area information may be, for example, coordinate data defining the boundaries of the reference area, but it is more preferable to use data on the coordinates of the center of the reference area and the radius, as this reduces the amount of data to be stored in the storage means. The reference area information may be, for example, location information, such as latitude and longitude information. For example, it may be a group of information on multiple latitudes and longitudes, or it may be information on a single latitude and longitude. For example, the location of the latitude and longitude may be the reference area, but it is preferable to use a predetermined area including the location of the latitude and longitude. The predetermined area may be, for example, a radius of 10 meters centered on the location of the latitude and longitude. If there are multiple reference areas, the storage means may store the position information of the multiple reference areas in association with the target location.

[0013] The reference altitude difference information may be the altitude of the reference area and the destination point, but it is more preferable to use the altitude difference between the reference area and the destination point, since this reduces the amount of data to be stored in the storage means.

[0014] In this configuration, the altitude difference is calculated using the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure measurement means, which is advantageous in that the amount of data stored in the storage means can be reduced compared to when calculations are made using digital altitude data stored in the storage means, and the altitude difference can be calculated while faithfully reflecting the undulations over a narrower range. Furthermore, even if the reference area or destination point is changed, it is only necessary to change the reference area position information and reference altitude difference information stored in the storage means, which is advantageous in that data can be easily updated. When there are multiple reference areas and / or destination points, it is advantageous to store reference altitude difference information in the storage means in association with each combination of reference area and destination point.

[0015] The altitude difference between the current location and the destination point can be calculated, for example, by subtracting the altitude difference between the reference area and the current location from the reference altitude difference. The altitude difference between the reference area and the current location can be calculated, for example, from the pressure difference between the reference pressure and the current pressure using a known formula that shows the relationship between the pressure difference and the altitude difference. Such formulas are known. For example, the current pressure is CP and the reference pressure is TP, and the calculation can be performed using the following formulas (1) to (3).

number

[0016] The air pressure measuring means may be, for example, an air pressure sensor. The position acquiring means may be, for example, a GPS receiver. The notification by the notification means may be audio notification, but is preferably visual notification.

[0017] <Configuration example 2> An apparatus characterized in that the relationship between the reference area and the target point is set so that the time normally required to travel from the reference area to the target area is a time that can be considered to be such that changes in atmospheric pressure due to weather fluctuations do not normally occur.

[0018] The present invention was developed by focusing on the fact that atmospheric pressure rarely changes so much over a relatively short period of time as to significantly affect the altitude difference calculation. The relationship between the reference area and the target area is set so that the time typically required to travel from the reference area to the target area is within a time period during which atmospheric pressure changes due to weather fluctuations are not considered to occur (e.g., within 10 to 30 minutes). This allows for accurate calculation of the altitude difference between the current location and the destination while traveling from the reference area to the destination. The time period during which atmospheric pressure changes due to weather fluctuations are not typically considered to occur may be, for example, a time period during which atmospheric pressure changes do not occur except in extreme weather conditions such as typhoons. The absence of atmospheric pressure changes may be, for example, a time period during which the effect of atmospheric pressure changes on the calculated altitude difference is smaller than the error allowable for the intended use of the device. The relationship between the reference area and the destination point is a positional relationship, and the positional relationship may be determined taking into account the speed of travel from the reference area to the target area. For example, if the travel mode is walking, the distance may be a distance that can be traveled by walking within several tens of minutes. This configuration is advantageous because even if the destination point is not visible from the current point due to an obstacle (for example, a hill or a forest), the user can know the difference in altitude between the current point and the destination point.

[0019] <Configuration example 3> The reference area is a locational area that can be considered to have no difference in altitude, and is an area that serves as a starting position within the locational area when a user carries the device and heads for the target point.

[0020] In this configuration example, a user can simply move from a starting position in a geographical area toward a destination point, and then know the altitude difference between the current position within the geographical area and the destination point. Furthermore, since there is no altitude difference within the reference area, the altitude difference between the current position and the destination point can be accurately calculated regardless of the atmospheric pressure measured at any point within the reference area. The altitude difference that can be considered to be no altitude difference may be, for example, an altitude difference that is smaller than the allowable error in light of the intended use of the device.

[0021] <Configuration Example 4> The locational area includes a plurality of sets of the reference area and the destination points corresponding to the reference area; the storage means stores the reference area information and the reference altitude difference information for each of the pairs; The apparatus further comprises a set selection means for selecting the set; The altitude difference notification means calculates the altitude difference between the current location and the destination point based on the current atmospheric pressure, the reference atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure measurement means when the current location is located in the reference area of ​​the group selected by the group selection means, and the reference altitude difference information for the group.

[0022] This configuration is advantageous because it allows the altitude difference between the current location and the destination point to be calculated and reported for a pair selected from a plurality of pairs. The pair selection means may select a pair based on, for example, location information of the current location. For example, it may select a pair including a reference area closest to the current location.

[0023] <Configuration example 5> the spatial region includes a plurality of partitioned regions; The device, wherein each of the partitioned areas includes the set.

[0024] With this configuration, even if the locational area is relatively large and it takes a long time to travel from one point to another within it, and weather conditions may change during that time to the extent that they significantly affect the calculation of the altitude difference, by dividing the locational area into multiple partitioned areas and setting the reference area and destination point within each partitioned area so that it is possible to travel from the reference area to the destination point in a short period of time (e.g., within 10 to 30 minutes) that does not cause a change in weather conditions, the altitude difference between the current location and the destination point can be accurately calculated in each partitioned area. For example, if the locational area is a mountain climbing course and it takes a long time (e.g., several hours) to travel from the trailhead to the summit, it is preferable to divide the mountain climbing course into multiple partitioned areas that can be traveled in a relatively short period of time.

[0025] <Configuration Example 6> The altitude difference reporting means, when the current point is within one of the defined areas, reports the altitude difference between the current point and the target point included in that one of the defined areas.

[0026] This configuration example is advantageous because it is possible to notify the difference in altitude between the current point and the destination point within each divided area.

[0027] <Configuration Example 7> The device, wherein the locational area is an area within a golf course and the destination point is a point on a green.

[0028] This configuration is advantageous because it can provide a player with useful information for playing golf, such as the altitude difference between their current location and a location on the green. Furthermore, playing one hole of golf is a relatively short time (usually about 10 to 20 minutes), and weather conditions rarely change during that time to a degree that would have a greater impact on altitude difference calculations than the accuracy required for reference information (e.g., ±1 m). Therefore, if the locational area is a single golf course within a golf course, the player can be provided with the altitude difference between their current location and a destination point with sufficient accuracy to serve as reference information for playing. In Configuration Example 7, which references Configuration Example 5, if the locational area is a golf course with multiple holes (e.g., the golf course from hole 1 to hole 9) and the partitioned area is a single golf course, the player can know the altitude difference between their current location and a location on the green for each hole of the golf course. The location on the green can be, for example, the center of gravity of the green. In this configuration, the altitude difference between the reference area and the current location can be calculated and reported at intervals of, for example, 5 seconds or less. This is because on a golf course, a player walking for about five seconds can make a big difference in elevation.

[0029] <Configuration Example 8> The device is characterized in that the reference area is an area including a teeing ground.

[0030] In this configuration, since the rules of golf require players to pass through a teeing ground, by setting the reference area to an area that includes the teeing ground, it is possible to more reliably measure the reference atmospheric pressure, and since areas that include teeing grounds often have a small difference in altitude, it is possible to accurately calculate the difference in altitude between the current location and the destination point.

[0031] <Configuration Example 9> the storage means further stores reference point information indicating the positions of reference points located within the reference area; the reference altitude difference is an altitude difference between the reference point and the destination point, The reference atmospheric pressure holding means holds, as the reference atmospheric pressure, the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure measuring means when the current point is closest to the reference point.

[0032] In this configuration, since the closer a location is to the reference point, the smaller the altitude difference from the reference point is likely to be, the reference altitude difference is set to the altitude difference between the reference point and the destination point, and the reference atmospheric pressure is set to the atmospheric pressure measured when the current point is closest to the reference point, so that the altitude difference between the current point and the destination point can be calculated with higher accuracy.

[0033] <Configuration Example 10> the spatial region includes a plurality of the reference regions; the storage means stores, for each of the plurality of reference areas, the reference area information and the reference altitude difference information for the reference area; If the current location passes through a plurality of the reference areas during the process of moving to the destination point, The altitude difference notifying means calculates the altitude difference between the current point and the destination point using the reference altitude difference information for the reference area to which the current point is closest.

[0034] In this configuration, reference altitude difference information for multiple reference areas is stored, and the altitude difference between the current location and the destination point is calculated using the reference altitude difference information for the reference area to which the current location is closest, which is advantageous because it increases the likelihood of calculating a more accurate current altitude difference.

[0035] <Configuration Example 11> The reference area is a geometric shape.

[0036] In this configuration, the reference area has a geometric shape, which is advantageous because it can be easily set. The geometric shape may be a circle, a rectangle, or the like. For example, the outer shape of an area to be included in the reference area (e.g., a teeing ground) may be determined by viewing an aerial photograph or by measuring it using a GPS, and a geometric shape that encompasses that outer shape may be set as the reference area. For example, in the case of a circle, a point within the outer shape (e.g., the center of gravity) may be selected as the reference point, and a circle drawn around the reference point to encompass the outer shape may be set as the reference area. The inclusion may be, for example, circumscribing. For example, the reference area may be defined by data indicating a geometric shape. For example, vector data indicating a geometric shape, data on a mathematical formula and its coefficients indicating a geometric curve, or the like may be used. However, simple center coordinate data and radius data of a circle may also be used.

[0037] <Configuration Example 12> The altitude difference notifying means has a function of notifying the reference altitude difference instead of the altitude difference between the current point and the destination point when the current point is within the reference area.

[0038] In this configuration, when the current location is within the reference area, a more reliable reference altitude difference is reported. For example, if the reference area is an area including a teeing ground, the player has the most time to play when he or she is on the teeing ground, so the player can check a reliable altitude difference while in a relaxed state. Note that when the current location is outside the reference area, the device may be provided with a function to calculate and report the altitude difference between the current location and the destination point based on the current atmospheric pressure, the reference atmospheric pressure, and reference altitude difference information.

[0039] <Configuration Example 13> The altitude difference notifying means notifies the reference altitude difference and the altitude difference between the current point and the destination point in the same manner.

[0040] This configuration is advantageous because it avoids the user feeling uncomfortable or bothered by the change in the notification mode depending on whether the altitude difference displayed by the altitude difference notification means is a reference altitude difference or an altitude difference between the current location and the destination point. The same notification mode may mean, for example, that the display position, font, display size, display color, etc. when displaying the altitude difference on the display screen are the same.

[0041] <Configuration Example 14> The storage means further stores location information of the destination point, When the distance between the current point and the destination point becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the altitude difference notification means stops notifying the altitude difference.

[0042] When approaching the destination, it becomes easier for the user to visually estimate the difference in altitude between the current location and the destination. On the other hand, the closer the current location is to the destination, the greater the time since the reference atmospheric pressure was measured, and the greater the likelihood of an error in the calculation of the altitude difference due to weather fluctuations during that time. In this configuration, the altitude difference is not reported when the distance between the current location and the destination falls below a certain value, which is advantageous in reducing the possibility of the user getting the impression that the reported altitude difference does not match their visual estimate. Because it is easier for a typical player to visually estimate the altitude difference within a range of 30 meters, it is recommended that the certain value be set to 30 meters.

[0043] <Configuration Example 15> further comprising a history storage means for storing a history of when the current location has entered the reference area; The altitude difference notifying means is configured not to notify the altitude difference if there is no history of the current location entering the reference area.

[0044] When the current location has not yet entered the reference area, the altitude difference between the current location and the destination location cannot be calculated, and therefore, by not reporting the altitude difference, the user can be informed that the altitude difference has not been calculated. The mode of non-reporting in this configuration may be different from the non-reporting in configuration example 12. For example, when the altitude difference reporting means reports the altitude difference by displaying a digital numerical value, the non-reporting in configuration example 12 may be performed by not displaying the numerical value (leaving the display position of each digit of the numerical value blank), and the non-reporting in configuration example 13 may be performed by displaying a bar in the display position of each digit of the numerical value, such as "---".

[0045] <Configuration Example 16> the locational region includes a plurality of the destination points; The altitude difference notification means calculates and notifies the altitude difference between the current position and each of the plurality of destination points.

[0046] In this configuration, the altitude difference between the current location and each of the multiple destination points is displayed on a single screen, allowing the user to know the altitude difference between the current location and each of the multiple destination points without having to operate the device. For example, a locational area may have two destination points, one on the left and one on the right, such as a golf course green, and the available destination point on the left or right may vary for each locational area. This eliminates the need for the user to select the target destination point for each locational area. The altitude difference for each of the multiple destination points may be displayed on a single screen, for example.

[0047] <Configuration Example 17> The storage means further stores location information of the destination point, The device further comprises distance informing means for informing the distance between the current point and the destination point.

[0048] In this configuration, the distance and altitude difference between the current location and the destination point are notified, which is advantageous because it makes it easier for the user to understand the positional relationship between the current location and the destination point.

[0049] <Configuration Example 18> A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the device according to any one of configuration examples 1 to 17.

[0050] The configurations described in the above-mentioned configuration examples may be combined to the extent that no contradictions occur. Furthermore, the components described in the configuration examples may be arbitrarily combined to the extent that no contradictions occur to create a new configuration example. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a golf assist device 1 according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows the system configuration of a golf support device 1 according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a typical golf course 20 . [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an example of a golf navigation screen displayed on the display unit 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows an example of a golf navigation screen displayed on the display unit 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows an example of a golf navigation screen displayed on the display unit 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an example of a golf navigation screen displayed on the display unit 3. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an example of a golf navigation screen displayed on the display unit 3. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows an example of a horizontal golf navigation screen displayed on the display unit 3. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 shows the flow of the altitude difference calculation and display process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] A golf support device and a program therefor according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The golf support device according to this embodiment is a golf support device that displays the course layout of an actual golf course, measures the latitude and longitude of the current position, and notifies the player of the distance and altitude difference between the current position and a destination point such as the green in real time as the player moves, and is also called a golf navigation device.

[0053] 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of a golf support device 1 according to the present invention. This golf support device 1 is provided with a display unit 3 on the top surface of a flat, substantially rectangular case 2. This display unit 3 constitutes a touch panel. A backlight is built in, and by turning on the backlight when a button is operated or the screen is touched, visibility is improved. A charging lamp 8 is provided on the rear side of the top surface of the case 2.

[0054] A power button 4 is located on the side of the case 2. The power button 4 is used not only to turn the power on and off, but also as a location registration button and a button to lock and unlock touch panel operation. Specifically, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the power button 4 has been pressed and held (for example, for two seconds or more) while the power is off, the power turns on and the control unit 11 displays a predetermined main menu screen on the display unit 3.

[0055] Furthermore, when the power button 4 is pressed briefly while the power is on, the control unit 11 executes a location registration function. The location registration function will be described later. When the power button 4 is pressed and held down while the power is on, the control unit 11 alternately locks and unlocks the touch panel. In other words, if the current state is locked, it is unlocked, enabling operation via the touch panel, and if the current state is unlocked, it is locked, disabling operation via the touch panel. The current state is indicated by an icon drawn at a predetermined position on the display unit 3.

[0056] An openable terminal cover 7 is attached to the rear of the case 2, and opening the terminal cover 7 as shown in Figure 1(b) exposes a microUSB terminal 9. Charging can be performed by connecting an AC adapter to the microUSB terminal 9.

[0057] Inside the case 2, there are provided a control unit 11, a memory unit 12 connected to the control unit 11, a GPS receiving unit 13, an atmospheric pressure sensor 14, a geomagnetic sensor 15, an attitude sensor 16, and a battery 17.

[0058] 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 executes various processes described below and realizes various functions by expanding and executing the OS and application programs recorded in the flash memory, etc. The control unit 11 is connected to the display unit 3, the power button 4, etc., and receives operation signals from the power button 4, etc., and controls the display on the display unit 3.

[0059] The storage unit 12 is configured with recording media such as an internal memory or a removable external recording medium (such as a micro SD memory card), etc. The storage unit 12 has a golf course data storage unit 12a and a processing data storage unit 12b.

[0060] The golf course data storage unit 12a stores golf course data, which is data relating to multiple golf courses at one or multiple golf courses in Japan and overseas. In this embodiment, a golf course for one hole is called a "golf course," and a group of multiple golf courses (for example, a golf course from hole 1 to hole 9, or a golf course from hole 10 to hole 18) is called a "course." A golf course (or an area including it), a course (or an area including it), or a golf course (or an area including it) may correspond to a "spatial range" in the claims.

[0061] To explain the golf course data, a typical golf course 20 will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0062] As shown in the figure, a golf course 20 includes a teeing ground 21 and a green 22. The figure shows a golf course 20 with two teeing grounds 21 and two greens 22. Generally, the number of teeing grounds on a golf course 20 for one hole ranges from one to three. Generally, a golf course 20 for one hole may have only one green, or two greens, one on each side. When there are multiple teeing grounds 21, which teeing ground 21 to use is generally determined by the golf course's specifications or an agreement between players. When there are two greens 22, one on each side, which green 22 to use is generally determined by the golf course's specifications. The golf course 20 may have one or more obstacles 24, such as a bunker or a pond. The golf course 20 may include a fairway, rough, etc. Between one golf course 20 and the golf courses before and after it (for the first hole of the golf course 20, between the clubhouse, etc.), there is a travel route 23, such as a cart path.

[0063] The golf course data includes layout images and hole data for each golf course 20 at each golf course.

[0064] The layout image is image data for displaying the layout (shape) of each golf course 20 on the display unit 3.

[0065] The hole data includes latitude and longitude of the section, object data, tee data, and auto-move point data.

[0066] The demarcated area latitude and longitude are the latitude and longitude of the four corners of a demarcated area 25 set for each golf course 20. The demarcated area 25 is an area that encompasses the area where a player can move while playing on the golf course 20. In this embodiment, the shape of the demarcated area 25 is a rectangle. The demarcated area 25 is set as an area large enough to encompass the golf course 20.

[0067] The object data is data indicating the latitude and longitude of various objects within the golf course 20. Specifically, the objects include a destination point 28 set on the green 22, the edge of the green 22 closer to the teeing ground 21 (hereinafter referred to as the "front green edge"), the edge of the green 22 farther from the teeing ground 21 (hereinafter referred to as the "rear green edge"), and obstacles 24. The destination point 28 is set near the center of the green 22. More specifically, when a polygonal shape roughly matching the green 22 is drawn by looking at an aerial photograph or a course design, the center of gravity of the polygonal shape is set as the target point 28. For a golf course 20 with two greens 22 on the left and right, the latitude and longitude of the destination point 28, the front green edge, and the back green edge of each of the left and right greens 22 are stored as object data. (Hereinafter, the destination point 28 on the left green 22 will be referred to as the "left destination point 28," and the destination point 28 on the right green 22 will be referred to as the "right destination point 28.") If there are multiple obstacles 24, the latitude and longitude of each obstacle 24 is stored as object data.

[0068] The tee data is data relating to a reference area 26 established for each teeing ground 21 within the golf course 20 .

[0069] The reference area 26 is set as a circular area encompassing the teeing ground 21. Specifically, the outer shape of the teeing ground 21 (or the area where the teeing ground 21 may be set) is determined by looking at aerial photographs, course design drawings, etc., and the reference area 26 is a circle drawn so as to circumscribe that outer shape. If there are multiple teeing grounds 21, a reference area 26 is set for each teeing ground 21, and tee data is set for each reference area 26. The figure shows a case where the multiple reference areas 26 do not have overlapping areas, but it is also possible for the multiple reference areas 26 to have overlapping areas.

[0070] The tee data includes tee coordinates, tee radius, and the difference in reference altitude between the left and right. The tee coordinates are the latitude and longitude of a reference point 27 that is the center of the reference area 26. The tee radius is the radius of the reference area 26. The reference area 26 is defined by the tee coordinates and the tee radius. By defining the reference area 26 by the tee coordinates and the tee radius, the amount of data stored in the memory unit 12 can be reduced.

[0071] The left reference altitude difference is the difference in altitude between the reference point 27 and the left destination point 28, and the right reference altitude difference is the difference in altitude between the reference point 27 and the right destination point 28. The left and right reference altitude differences are calculated from the elevation value of the reference point 27 and the elevation values ​​of the left and right destination points 28. These elevation values ​​are calculated using values ​​obtained by smoothing the values ​​of the four elevation points closest to the target point (reference point 27 or destination point 28) from the basic map information digital elevation model elevation points, which are grid-like elevation point data compiled by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan. For golf courses 20 with only one green 22, only the left reference altitude difference is set.

[0072] The automatic movement point data is data related to a movement area 29 for determining the movement of a player from the previous golf course (or clubhouse) to the golf course 20. The movement area 29 is a circular area set near the movement route 23 on the near side of the golf course 20. The movement area 29 is set to an appropriate size and position that allows for reliable determination of the player's movement to the golf course 20. If there are multiple movement routes 23, for example, and multiple movement areas 29 are set, they are necessary to determine the player's movement to the golf course 20. The automatic movement point data includes the latitude and longitude of the center point of the movement area 29 and the radius (automatic movement point radius).

[0073] In addition to the above, the golf course data includes data such as information about the golf course (golf course ID and category, golf course name (kanji, furigana, English, abbreviated), country code, telephone number, postal code, prefecture ID (region overseas), prefecture name (region name overseas), time zone, address, maximum latitude and longitude of golf course division, minimum latitude and longitude of golf course division, etc.) and information about the course (course ID, course name (kanji, furigana, English, abbreviated), hole number addition, next course ID, etc.), and other information about the golf course (hole number, par number, etc.) for searching / selecting golf courses and courses and displaying information on the display unit 3. The golf course data also includes the elevations of reference points 27 and objects as redundant data.

[0074] The processing data storage unit 12b stores numerical values ​​used in the calculation and display process of the altitude difference, which will be described later, calculated numerical values, and the like.

[0075] The GPS receiver 13 determines the latitude and longitude of the current location based on signals from GPS satellites and provides the latitude and longitude to the control unit 11. The barometric pressure sensor 14 measures the current barometric pressure and provides the same to the control unit 11. The geomagnetic sensor 15 measures geomagnetism to determine the direction and angle in which the golf support device 1 is facing and provides the same to the control unit 11. The attitude sensor 16 is composed of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor, and provides information to the control unit 11 indicating whether the golf support device 1 is facing vertically or horizontally.

[0076] The functions of the control unit 11 will be described below based on specific display screens. When the control unit 11 determines that the latitude and longitude of the current point measured by the GPS receiving unit 13 has passed through the movement area 29, it reads out hole data of the golf course 20 including free movement point data for the movement area 29, and displays a golf navigation screen 30 showing a layout image of the golf course 20 on the display unit 3. Figure 4 shows an example of the golf navigation screen 30 when the golf course 20 has two greens 22 on the left and right (when the hole data includes object data for two destination points 28 on the left and right).

[0077] The layout image of the golf course 20 currently being played is displayed in the center of the golf navigation screen 30, with the green at the top. A player icon 31 is displayed at a position corresponding to the player's current location (the latitude and longitude of the current location acquired from the GPS receiver 13) on the layout image, and a flag icon 32 is displayed at a location corresponding to the pin position (cup position) on the green. This allows the player to understand the course layout and the direction of the green 22. The distance 33 from the current location to obstacles such as ponds and bunkers on the golf course 20 is also displayed. Furthermore, concentric lines 34 spaced at regular intervals around the player icon 31 and a distance 35 from the current location to a position on the concentric lines 34 are also displayed. This allows the player to know the distance to obstacles on the golf course 20 and the approximate distance to any location on the golf course 20. Knowing this information allows the user to confirm strategies for each hole, even if it is their first time playing the course. The distance 33 to the obstacles can be displayed or hidden by operating a button displayed at the bottom of the golf navigation screen 30.

[0078] The control unit 11 further detects the direction in which the device is facing based on the output of the geomagnetic sensor 15, and draws that direction as a direction indicator line (dotted line) 36 consisting of an arrow and a dotted line, superimposed on the golf navigation screen 30. The origin of this direction indicator line 36 is the current position (user icon 31). As a result, when the user changes the orientation of the device while holding it, the direction indicator line 36 on the display screen rotates accordingly, so by aligning the direction indicator line 36 with the green or the place where the user wants to hit the ball, the user can confirm that the target point is where they are currently facing. Therefore, even if visibility is poor due to fog or the like, the target point is far away, or there are trees or obstacles, the user can accurately know the direction.

[0079] In addition, the control unit 11 displays green data display sections 37L and 37R on the left and right sides of the golf navigation screen 30, and displays the distance and altitude difference to an object on the left green 22 in the left green data display section 37L, and the distance and altitude difference to an object on the right green 22 in the right green data display section 37R.

[0080] More specifically, the control unit 11 displays three distances D1 to D3 and the altitude difference ED in four rows, one above the other, within the green data display units 37L and 37R. The distance D1 in the first row is the distance between the current location and the back edge of the green, the distance D2 in the second row is the distance between the current location and the destination point 28, and the distance D3 in the fourth row is the distance between the current location and the front edge of the green. The control unit 11 calculates and displays these distances from the latitude and longitude of the current location and the latitude and longitude of the destination point 28 and other locations stored in the object data. The altitude difference ED in the third row is the difference in altitude between the current location and the destination point 28. The method for calculating the altitude difference ED will be described later. The distances D1 to D3 and the altitude difference ED displayed in the green data display units 37L and 37R are in meters or yards, and the control unit 11 switches between displaying them in meters or yards in response to the user's operation of a button displayed at the bottom of the golf navigation screen 30, for example. The control unit 11 calculates the distances D1 to D3 and the altitude difference ED only when the current location measured by the GPS receiving unit 13 is within the defined area 25. If the current location cannot be measured or is outside the defined area 25, the control unit 11 displays "---" as the distances D1 to D3 and the altitude difference ED.

[0081] In this way, the distances D1 to D3 and the altitude difference ED for both the left and right greens 22 are displayed, so even if the player uses different greens 22 on each hole, the player can know the distances D1 to D3 and the altitude difference ED for the green 22 of interest without operating the device.

[0082] Furthermore, the control unit 11 displays the distance D1 between the current point and the rear edge of the green in different colors, such as green, the distance D2 between the current point and destination point 28 in white, and the distance D3 between the current point and the front edge of the green in red, and also displays the altitude difference ED in the same color as the distance D2 between the current point and destination point 28. This makes it easier for the player to intuitively understand that the distances D1 to D3 are distances to different points, and that the distance D2 and altitude difference ED are the distance and altitude difference between the same points (current point and destination point 28).

[0083] 5 and 6 show golf navigation screens 30a and 30b that are displayed by the control unit 11 when the player performs a flick operation on the display unit 3 while the golf navigation screen 30 of FIG. 4 is displayed. FIG. 5 shows the golf navigation screen 30a that is displayed when a left flick operation is performed. In this screen, only the left green data display unit 37L is displayed on the left side of the screen, and the hazard distance display unit 38, which indicates the distance to the obstacle 24, is displayed on the right side of the screen. FIG. 6 shows the golf navigation screen 30b that is displayed when a right flick operation is performed. In this screen, only the right green data display unit 37R is displayed on the right side of the screen, and the hazard distance display unit 38, which indicates the distance to the obstacle 24, is displayed on the left side of the screen. In this way, the player can select, depending on their preference, whether to display both the left and right green data display units 37L and 37R (golf navigation screen 30) or to display either the left or right green data display unit 37L or 37R and the hazard distance display unit 38 (golf navigation screens 30a and 30b). If there is only one green 22 on the golf course 20 (if the hole data does not include object data for the right destination point 28), the control unit 11 always displays the golf navigation screen 30a similar to that shown in Figure 5, and does not display the golf navigation screens 30 and 30b shown in Figures 4 and 6, even if a flick operation is performed. In this specification, when there is no need to distinguish between the golf navigation screens 30, 30a, and 30b, they will simply be referred to as "golf navigation screen 30."

[0084] 4, the control unit 11 displays a hole icon 40 at the top of the golf navigation screen 30, which indicates information about the golf course 20, such as the hole number and par number. The hole icon 40 shown in the figure indicates that the golf course 20 currently being displayed is the 8th hole, with a par number of "4." When the hole icon 40 is touched, the control unit 11 changes the golf course 20 displayed on the golf navigation screen 30. For example, if the golf course 20 for the 8th hole is displayed as shown in the figure, each time the hole icon 40 is touched, the control unit 11 sequentially displays the golf navigation screen 30 for the golf course 20 for the 9th hole, the 10th hole, and so on, on the display unit 3.

[0085] On the golf navigation screen 30, it is possible to display the distance between three points by touching any point on the layout image. That is, when the control unit 11 detects a touch operation on the layout image, the control unit 11 displays an icon 41 at the touched position, as shown in Fig. 7, and calculates and displays the distance 42 from the current point to the touched point and the distance 43 from the touched point to the destination point 28. This allows the player to know the distances to the second and third shots, enabling them to develop an accurate strategy for conquering the course.

[0086] Furthermore, while the golf navigation screen 30 is displayed, the player can register a location on the golf course 20 by operating a switch or the like. That is, when the power button 4 is briefly operated, the control unit 11 obtains the latitude and longitude of the current location from the GPS receiver 13 and stores them in the memory unit 12 together with the current time. Location registration can be used, for example, to record the location where the ball was actually hit. If the registered location is within the layout image displayed on the golf navigation screen 30, the control unit 11 draws a location registration icon 44 at the corresponding position, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0087] When the golf navigation screen 30 is displayed and a signal from the orientation sensor 16 detects that the golf support device 1 has been turned sideways, the control unit 11 switches the display on the display unit 3 to the horizontal golf navigation screen 50 shown in FIG. 9 . The horizontal golf navigation screen 50 displays an enlarged view of the green 22 and its surroundings in the layout image. This allows the player to view the green 22 and its surroundings in detail by simply changing the orientation of the device. On the horizontal golf navigation screen 50, the control unit 11 displays a left green data display section 51L that displays the distance D2 from the current location to the left destination point 28 and the distance D3 to the front green edge of the left green 22, and a right green data display section 51R that displays the distance D2 from the current location to the right destination point 28 and the distance D3 to the front green edge of the right green 22. However, the control unit 11 does not display the distance to the back green edge or the elevation difference between the current location and the destination point 28. This simplifies the screen, making it easier for the player to understand the displayed content. When the horizontal golf navigation screen 50 is displayed and a signal from the attitude sensor 16 detects that the golf support device 1 has been turned vertically, the control unit 11 switches the display on the display unit 3 to the golf navigation screen 30.

[0088] 10 shows the flow of the calculation and display process of the altitude difference ED executed by the control unit 11 when the current location of the golf support device 1 is located within the defined area 25 of the golf course 20. The control unit 11 executes this calculation and display process using hole data read from the golf course data storage unit 12a when displaying the golf navigation screen 30. As mentioned above, if the golf course 20 has two greens 22, one on the left and one on the right, the altitude difference ED for both the left and right greens 22 is calculated and displayed in the left and right green data display units 37L, R. However, here, the process related to the calculation and display of the altitude difference ED for the left green 22 (the altitude difference ED displayed in the left green data display unit 37L) will be described. However, the process related to the calculation and display of the altitude difference ED for the left green 22 may also be mentioned in this description.

[0089] The control unit 11 starts the calculation and display process on the condition that the control unit 11 determines that the current location has passed through the movement area 29 based on the latitude and longitude of the current location measured by the GPS receiving unit 13 and the automatic movement point data of the golf course 20.

[0090] When the calculation and display process starts, in step S1, the control unit 11 sets the minimum tee distance TLm used as a processing parameter to an initial value, which is a value (e.g., 256 m) that is sufficiently larger than the tee radii of all reference areas 26 stored in the golf course data.

[0091] In the following step S2, the control unit 11 identifies the reference area 26 of the reference point 27 closest to the current point from the latitude and longitude of the current point measured by the GPS receiving unit 13 and the tee coordinates of each reference area 26 (hereinafter, the reference area 26 identified in step S2 will be referred to as the "nearest tee area NT"), and calculates the distance TL between the current point and the reference point 27 of the nearest tee area NT.

[0092] In the following step S3, the control unit 11 determines whether the current location is within the nearest tee area NT, i.e., whether the distance TL is less than the tee radius of the nearest tee area NT (the tee radius of the nearest tee area NT is referred to as the "tee radius Tr").

[0093] If the determination in step S3 is affirmative (Yes), the control unit 11 determines in step S4 whether or not the distance TL is less than the minimum tee distance TLm.

[0094] If the determination in step S4 is positive (Yes), the control unit 11 updates the value of the minimum tee distance TLm to the distance TL in step S5. In this way, when step S5 is executed, the minimum tee distance TLm becomes smaller than the initial value. Therefore, by determining whether the minimum tee distance TLm matches the initial value in step S8 (described later), it is possible to determine whether the player has entered the reference area 26 at least once since first entering the golf course 20.

[0095] In step S6, the control unit 11 extracts the left and right reference altitude differences for the nearest tee area NT (the left reference altitude difference will be referred to as the "left reference altitude difference LTED" and the right reference altitude difference will be referred to as the "right reference altitude difference RTED") from the hole data, and stores the left and right reference altitude differences LTED and RTED, as well as the reference atmospheric pressure TP, which is the measurement value of the atmospheric pressure sensor 14 at that time, in the processed data storage unit 12b. By step S6, the left and right reference altitude differences LTED and RTED for the reference area 26 of the reference point 27 to which the current position is closest as the player moves within the golf course 20, and the reference atmospheric pressure TP at the time of closest approach are stored in the processed data storage unit 12b. If the determination in step S4 is negative (No), the control unit 11 skips steps S5 and S6.

[0096] In step S7, the control unit 11 displays the left reference altitude difference LTED stored in the processed data storage unit 12b as the altitude difference ED on the green data display unit 37L. As a result, when the golf support device 1 is within the reference area 26, the altitude difference between the reference point 27 and the destination point 28, which has been calculated in advance based on the elevation values ​​of the base map information digital elevation model elevation points, is displayed on the display unit 3. Therefore, the player can see the exact altitude difference between the reference point 27 and the left destination point 28 at a time when he or she has time to check the altitude difference, such as while waiting for another player to take a tee shot.

[0097] If the determination in step S3 is negative (No), that is, if the current location is not within the reference area 26, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0098] In step S8, the control unit 11 determines whether the minimum tee distance TLm is equal to the initial value. If the determination is affirmative (Yes), that is, if there is no history of entry into the reference area 26, the control unit 11 does not calculate the altitude difference ED, and in step S9, displays a bar ("---") as the altitude difference ED on the green data display unit 37L. This allows the player to know that the altitude difference ED between the current point and the destination point 28 has not yet been measured.

[0099] If the determination in step S8 is negative (No), i.e., if the minimum tee distance TLm is less than the initial value, the control unit 11 calculates the distance DLG from the current location to the destination point 28 on the left side in step S11 and determines whether the distance DLG is less than a certain value GN. If the determination is positive (Yes), in step S12, the green data display unit 37L displays a blank (" ") as the altitude difference ED. This prevents the altitude difference ED from being displayed within the certain value GN from the green, where it is considered easy for the player to visually estimate the altitude difference. This prevents the player from losing confidence in the altitude difference ED display, which may occur if the altitude difference ED displayed does not match the player's visual estimation. Note that the certain value GN in step S11 is 30 meters when the green data displays 37L and 37R are displayed in meters, and 30 yards when they are displayed in yards. Regardless of whether the display is in meters or yards, if a constant value GN of, say, 30m is used, 30m is approximately 33 yards, so when displayed in yards, an odd number such as 32 yards would be displayed as a blank (" "), which could give the user a sense of discomfort, so this is prevented.

[0100] If the judgment in step S11 is negative (No), in step S13, the control unit 11 calculates the altitude difference CED between the current location and the left destination point 28 based on the reference atmospheric pressure TP and left reference altitude difference LTED stored in the processing data memory unit 12b and the current atmospheric pressure CP, which is the measurement value of the atmospheric pressure sensor 14 at that time, and displays it as the altitude difference ED on the green data display unit 37L.

[0101] As a specific calculation method, the control unit 11 calculates the altitude difference ΔH using the following equations (1) to (3), and obtains the calculated value CED by subtracting the altitude difference ΔH from the left reference altitude difference LTED.

number

[0102] In golf, the time required to play one golf course 20 is about 10 to 15 minutes, and it is considered that the effect of changes in weather conditions within that time on the current atmospheric pressure CP is extremely small. Therefore, in step S13, the altitude difference between the current point and the destination point 28 can be accurately calculated and displayed, and the player can use the displayed altitude difference ED as a reference for playing.

[0103] After steps S7, S10, S12, and S13 are executed, the control unit 11 waits for about one second before moving the process to step S2. As a result, the processes of steps S2 to S13 are repeatedly executed, and the display of the altitude difference ED is updated every second or so.

[0104] The above describes preferred embodiments, but the shapes, dimensions, materials, functions, operation modes, control modes, control parameters, operation modes, etc. of the devices, systems, and programs or their elements and components in the above embodiments are described as examples and may be changed.

[0105] For example, in the above embodiment, the golf support device 1 used on a golf course was described as an example, but the use of the device of the present invention is not limited to golf, and it can also be used as a device to notify the difference in altitude between the current location and the destination location in orienteering, skiing, snowboarding, mountain climbing, etc.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the reference area 26 is described as an area including a teeing ground, but the reference area may be an area that coincides with the teeing ground or an area other than the teeing ground. There is no limit to the size of the reference area, and for example, the area of ​​the reference area may be infinitely small. For example, the reference area may be a single point with no area.

[0107] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the destination point 28 is described as being near the center of the green 22 (more precisely, the center of gravity of a polygon drawn to roughly match the outline of the green 22), but the destination point can also be another point, for example, another point within the green 22 or a point outside the green 22. The destination point does not have to be a single point with no area, but can be a collection of multiple points, or the destination point can have an area of ​​a certain size.

[0108] The destination point may also be set by user operation. For example, at many golf courses, the position of the cup changes daily. Therefore, if the user is allowed to set the position of the cup on that day as the destination point, the altitude difference between the current location and the position of the cup on that day is displayed, which is more convenient. The destination point may be set, for example, by having the control unit 11 set the latitude and longitude of a position touched by the user on the golf navigation screen 30 or the horizontal golf navigation screen 50 as the destination point. When the destination point is set by user operation, for example, the elevation values ​​of the base map information digital elevation model elevation points within the green 22 (or near the green 22) may be stored in the memory unit 12 as hole data, and the control unit 11 may calculate the elevation value of the destination point set by the user using a value obtained by smoothing the elevation values ​​of the four base map information digital elevation model elevation points closest to the destination point set by the user, and then use the calculated elevation value to calculate the reference altitude difference.

[0109] The method of calculating the altitude difference between the current point and the destination point and the type and format of data used for the calculation are not limited to the aspects of the embodiment, and any other appropriate method, type, and format may be used.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the control unit 11 stores the latitude and longitude of the current location when the location registration operation is performed in the memory unit 12. However, for example, when the location registration operation is performed, the control unit 11 may be configured to record in the memory unit 12 the altitude difference between the current location and the destination point calculated by the display calculation process at that time (the altitude difference ED displayed on the left and right green data display units 37L and 37R in steps S7 and S13) along with the latitude and longitude of the current location. This recorded data may be displayed on the display unit 3 or may be output to a computer or the like via a microUSB terminal 9 or the like for display on the computer. The data may be displayed by calculating the distance and altitude difference between two registered locations, allowing the player to know the flight distance and altitude difference (the altitude difference between the locations where the ball flew) for each shot. Because the flight distance of a ball is affected by the altitude difference (e.g., whether it was an uphill shot or a downhill shot), knowing the altitude difference along with the flight distance is useful for the player.

[0111] 1 is suitable for hand-held use, the golf support device 1 can also be configured as a wristband or other device that can be worn on the wrist. If the device is made to be worn on the wrist, it can be configured to detect the player's swing using an acceleration sensor or the like, and the control unit can automatically register the location where the swing was detected.

[0112] The base built into the golf support device 1 is preferably coated with a water-repellent coating, so that the golf support device 1 can be used safely even if it gets wet due to unexpected heavy rain or the like.

[0113] <Copy of claims> <Claim 1> A portable device having a function of reporting an altitude difference between a current point within a geographical area including a reference area and a destination point corresponding to the reference area and the destination point, a storage means for storing reference area information indicating the position of the reference area and reference altitude difference information for calculating a reference altitude difference which is an altitude difference between the reference area and the destination point; a location acquisition means for acquiring location information of the current location; a pressure measuring means for measuring the pressure; a reference atmospheric pressure storage means for storing a reference atmospheric pressure, which is the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure measurement means when the current location is within the reference area; The system has an altitude difference notification means for calculating and notifying the altitude difference between the current point and the destination point based on the current atmospheric pressure, which is the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure measurement means at the present time, the reference atmospheric pressure, and the reference altitude difference information. An apparatus characterized by: <Claim 2> The relationship between the reference area and the target location is set so that the time normally required to travel from the reference area to the target area is a time during which it can be assumed that atmospheric pressure changes due to weather fluctuations do not normally occur. 2. The device of claim 1 . <Claim 3> The reference area is an area that can be considered to have no difference in altitude, and is an area that serves as a starting position within the location area when a user carries the device and aims for the target point. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that <Claim 4> The locational area includes a plurality of sets of the reference area and the destination points corresponding to the reference area; the storage means stores the reference area information and the reference altitude difference information for each of the pairs; The apparatus further comprises a set selection means for selecting the set; The altitude difference notifying means calculates the altitude difference between the current point and the destination point based on the current atmospheric pressure, the reference atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure measuring means when the current point is located in the reference area of ​​the group selected by the group selecting means, and the reference altitude difference information for the group. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: <Claim 5> the spatial region includes a plurality of partitioned regions; Each of the partitioned areas includes the set. 5. The device according to claim 4, <Claim 6> When the current point is within one of the defined areas, the altitude difference reporting means reports the altitude difference between the current point and the target point included in the defined area. 6. The device according to claim 5, <Claim 7> The locational area is an area within a golf course, and the destination point is a point on the green. 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein: <Claim 8> The reference area is an area including a teeing ground. 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein: <Claim 9> the storage means further stores reference point information indicating the positions of reference points located within the reference area; the reference altitude difference is an altitude difference between the reference point and the destination point, the reference atmospheric pressure holding means holds, as the reference atmospheric pressure, the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure measuring means when the current point is closest to the reference point; 9. The device according to claim 1, wherein: <Claim 10> the spatial region includes a plurality of the reference regions; the storage means stores, for each of the plurality of reference areas, the reference area information and the reference altitude difference information for the reference area; If the current location passes through a plurality of the reference areas during the process of moving to the destination point, The altitude difference notifying means calculates the altitude difference between the current point and the destination point using the reference altitude difference information for the reference area to which the current point is closest. 10. The device according to claim 9, <Claim 11> The reference area is a geometric shape. 11. The device according to claim 1, wherein: <Claim 12> The altitude difference notifying means has a function of notifying the reference altitude difference instead of the altitude difference between the current point and the destination point when the current point is within the reference area. 12. The device according to claim 1, wherein: <Claim 13> The altitude difference notifying means notifies the reference altitude difference and the altitude difference between the current point and the destination point in the same manner. 13. The device according to claim 12, <Claim 14> The storage means further stores location information of the destination point, When the distance between the current point and the destination point becomes equal to or less than a certain value, the altitude difference notification means stops notifying the altitude difference. 14. The device according to claim 1, wherein: <Claim 15> further comprising a history storage means for storing a history of when the current location has entered the reference area; The altitude difference notifying means does not notify the altitude difference if there is no history of the current location entering the reference area. 15. The device according to claim 1, wherein: <Claim 16> the locational region includes a plurality of the destination points; The altitude difference notification means calculates and notifies the altitude difference between the current position and each of the plurality of destination points. 16. The device according to claim 1, wherein: <Claim 17> The storage means further stores location information of the destination point, Further comprising distance notification means for notifying the distance between the current point and the destination point. 16. The device according to claim 1, wherein: <Claim 18> A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the device according to any one of configuration examples 1 to 17. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1. Golf support device 2. Case 3...Display section 4. Power button 7 Terminal cover 8. Charging lamp 9. Micro USB port 11 Control section 12...Storage section 12a Golf course data storage unit 12b Processing data storage unit 13 GPS receiver 14. Barometric pressure sensor 15. Geomagnetic sensor 16. Posture sensor 17...battery 20. Golf Course 21. Teeing Ground 22. Green 23. Travel route 24. Obstacles 25... Compartment area 26...Reference area 27 Reference Point 28...destination point 29...Moving area 30, 30a, 30b Golf Navigation Screen 37L Left green data display 37R Right green data display 38 Hazard distance display 50···Horizontal golf navigation screen 51R Right green data display 51L Left green data display

Claims

1. The ability to obtain the measured air pressure at the user's location; a function of acquiring altitude difference information relating to an altitude difference between a reference point stored in advance in the storage means and located within a reference area stored in advance in the storage means and a target point stored in advance in the storage means and located at a position different from the reference point; a function of notifying the user of a difference in altitude between the current location and the target location based on a first atmospheric pressure measured when the user was at the reference location, a second atmospheric pressure at the user's current location, and the altitude difference information; Equipped with The function of notifying is If the user has no history of entering the reference area, the altitude difference is not notified. system.

2. The function of notifying is When the distance from the current point to the destination point becomes equal to or less than a certain value, the altitude difference is not notified. The system of claim 1 .

3. The aspect in which the altitude difference is not reported is as follows: The case where the user has no history of entering the reference area and the case where the distance from the current location to the destination is equal to or less than a certain value are different from each other. The system of claim 2 .

4. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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