Golf support device and program

Abstract

To provide a golf support apparatus that can provide appropriate information in consideration of an actual height difference of a golf course.SOLUTION: A golf support apparatus includes: a function of storing position information to find a horizontal distance of the point to point of a golf course, and acquiring information of a height difference of the point to point of a ball-hitting point and a set position; and a function of outputting advice information such as a height difference when the ball is hit and an adjustment flying distance to the horizontal distance to a display unit, from the acquired information of the height difference and the stored position information. The information of the height difference, for example, a tilt of a case mounting a camera at the time when the camera is turned to the set position (e.g., a pin 30) of the golf course is found by using a tilt obtained from the output of an acceleration sensor and a horizontal distance of the point to point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a golf support device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, there is a golf support device that uses a GPS receiver to visually display the distance from the current position to the green, bunkers, etc., and the course layout at a golf course, and allows the position where the ball is hit during a golf game to be accurately and easily recorded (Patent Document 1, etc.). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-39423 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The function of displaying the course layout on the display screen of this type of golf support device is, for example, to draw the course layout of the entire hole being played or to enlarge and draw a specified area. The position information for identifying each point on the course to identify the course layout uses longitude and latitude information. Therefore, for example, the remaining distance from the current position where the ball is about to be hit to the green, bunker, etc. is the horizontal distance on a two-dimensional plane.

[0005] On the other hand, there is a problem that an actual golf course has elevation differences, and the horizontal distance on a flat surface does not accurately indicate the distance to hit. For example, as shown in Figure 1, if there is no elevation difference between the point where the ball is hit and the target landing point, such as the green, and there is a remaining distance of X yards, if the green is located at a higher position, the horizontal distance will not be enough if you hit the ball with the intention of hitting the ball X yards, and you need to actually hit the ball with the assumption of a distance of X yards + α. On the other hand, if the green is located at a lower position, the horizontal distance will be too long if you hit the ball with the intention of hitting the ball X yards, and you need to actually hit the ball with the assumption of a distance of X yards - α'.

[0006] As described above, conventional golf support devices calculate and output the remaining distance and the like without taking into account the elevation difference of the actual golf course, and therefore the information they provide is inaccurate and insufficient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the golf support device according to the present invention (1) has a function of storing position information for calculating the horizontal distance between two points on a golf course, acquiring information on the elevation difference between the point where the ball is hit and a set position, and outputting advice information based on the elevation difference when hitting the ball from the acquired elevation difference information and the stored position information to a display unit. The set position may be, for example, a target point where the ball is to be hit, such as a green or an arbitrary point on the course, or a target point where the ball should not be hit, such as a hazard or an OB line. The advice information may be, for example, information useful for hitting the ball. For example, the useful information may be information necessary for hitting the ball so as to carry it to a target point where the ball is to be hit, such as a green or a predetermined position on the course. For example, the remaining distance has been displayed by only reporting the horizontal distance between two points without considering the elevation difference, but it is preferable to report information taking the elevation difference into consideration, which is preferable because, for example, a user can appropriately select a club number and adjust the strength and width of a swing.

[0008] (2) The device may be equipped with a camera and a sensor for detecting the inclination of a case to which the camera is attached, and the function for acquiring information on the elevation difference may be configured to obtain the elevation difference information using the inclination obtained from the output of the sensor when the camera is directed to the set position on the golf course and the horizontal distance between the two points. The determination of when the camera is directed may be based on, for example, an instruction from a user, or may be automatically determined by the device. The determination based on an instruction from a user may be, for example, touching the display screen or pressing a predetermined operation button. For example, an image captured by the camera may be displayed on the display unit, and the user may confirm the displayed content and give an instruction, so that it is easy to recognize when the camera is directed. The determination by the device may be made automatically, for example, by performing image recognition processing or judging from the state of the device. The image recognition processing may be performed by extracting characteristic elements of set positions such as pins and bunkers present in an image captured by the camera by image recognition, and automatically recognizing the characteristic elements based on the positions, etc. of the characteristic elements. In particular, pins installed at pinpoints, such as pins on greens, are easy to pinpoint and are more distinctive than landscapes and greens, so they are easy to extract by image recognition. For example, when a device or camera faces the same direction for a certain period of time, it may be determined that the camera is facing the set position. The determination based on the time may be determined by a simple device or process such as a timer or other timing means. In addition, the invention is not limited to obtaining information on the height difference when a certain condition is satisfied, and may obtain information on the height difference at appropriate time intervals, as described in the embodiment. In this case, the information on the height difference is obtained even when the camera is not facing the set position. In this way, the present invention does not exclude obtaining information on the height difference when the camera is not facing the set position. Then, for example, by outputting the obtained result to a display unit or the like together with the captured image, the user can recognize that the camera is facing the set position, and the information on the height difference output when the user recognizes it is the information he or she is looking for.

[0009] If the elevation difference is calculated based on the inclination and the horizontal distance, for example, there is no need to have altitude information at each point, so there is no need to prepare and register the altitude information in advance, and conventional position information for measuring horizontal distance such as longitude and latitude is sufficient. In addition, since the altitude information is not required, the memory capacity can be reduced. The camera may be specialized for measuring the inclination, but may also be used for other functions such as a photographing function, and in particular may be configured to be used for a function of photographing the user's swing and checking the swing. The camera may be, for example, an imaging means, and the sensor may be, for example, an acquisition means. The camera may be, for example, a three-dimensional millimeter wave radar, and the sensor may be, for example, a sensor that photographs the case from the outside, detects the inclination, and acquires the inclination from the outside through communication. However, in particular, the camera and the sensor are preferable because they facilitate the unification and miniaturization of the device. Although it is described as "the inclination of the case to which the camera is attached," it may also be, for example, the inclination of the imaging means or the inclination of the camera. The reference direction of the inclination may be, for example, the horizontal direction or the vertical direction. The vertical direction may be, for example, the direction of gravitational acceleration. "When the camera is pointed" may be, for example, when a signal indicating that the camera is pointed is input from an input means. For example, an input means for inputting that the user has pointed may be provided. "When the camera is pointed" may be, for example, recognized and determined by image recognition or the like that a reference target is captured at a predetermined reference position. For example, the reference position may be a predetermined position on a screen displaying an image captured by the camera, and in particular, a marker or the like indicating the reference position may be displayed on the captured image. The reference target may be an object located at a position on the golf course that the player aims at or in the vicinity of the target position and that is easily identifiable. For example, the reference target may be a position at the boundary between the target position and a position that is not the target position. For example, when aiming at the green, the edge of the green may be used. For example, when aiming at the cup, the flag may be located at the cup position or in the vicinity of the cup position and that is easily identifiable. In particular, the target may be a target position for which position information of the target is stored in advance.For example, the target position may be a target position for displaying a golf course layout. For example, the target position may be a position of a pond or a bunker. In this case, the position is stored as information on a line or surface, so that a means for inputting which position on the line or surface corresponds to the target position may be provided. For example, the target position may be a target position for displaying the shape of a hole by storing the shape information in association with the shape information, and a specified position on the shape of the hole (e.g., a touched position) may be set as the target position. Also, for example, a representative position on a line or surface may be stored or calculated and used. More preferably, the target position may be a position stored or calculated as information on a point that uniquely identifies the position. For example, the target position may be a position that can be stored or calculated in order to obtain a distance from the current position and display it as a numerical value, such as an edge position or center position at the back or front of a green or hazard, or a cup position.

[0010] (3) The set position is the pin position on the green, and the tilt is preferably calculated when the camera is pointed at the pin on the green. Since the pin position is a pinpoint, it is easy to point the camera at an appropriate position without widening the area, and information taking into account the difference in elevation is also appropriate, which is preferable.

[0011] (4) It is preferable that an alignment guide is displayed on the display unit, an image is captured by the camera, and the elevation difference information is obtained from the inclination when the apex of the pin displayed on the display unit coincides with the alignment guide. The apex of the pin is easy to align with the alignment guide, so that operation can be easily performed. Also, for example, the length of a normal pin is about 7 feet, and the user holds the golf support device in his / her hand and operates it while looking at the display unit, so the position of the camera is higher than the ground on which the ball is hit. And, if the height of the user is, for example, about 160 to 180 cm, the position of the camera is also close to that. Then, the height position of the apex of the pin relative to the green surface and the height position from the ground on which the ball is hit to the camera become close, so that the inclination and therefore the elevation difference can be obtained appropriately without correction, which is preferable.

[0012] (5) The inclination and elevation difference information may be obtained based on the output of the sensor when a touch is detected on an instruction area set on the display unit. For example, even if it is difficult to fix the orientation of a camera in a golf support device, the inclination and elevation difference can be properly obtained by touching the camera when it is properly pointed at a target location or the like. The instruction area may be within a specific area by displaying a button or the like in a specific area of ​​the display unit, such as a camera shutter button, or may be the entire display unit. For example, an alignment guide may be displayed, and an image of a reference target may be aligned with the position of the alignment guide and touched.

[0013] In addition, in a configuration in which a guide is not displayed, or even in a configuration in which a guide is displayed, it is preferable to determine the inclination by regarding the touched position as the position of a target.

[0014] (6) It is preferable that the device has a function of displaying the image captured by the camera on the display unit in real time, a function of obtaining information on the elevation difference at regular intervals, and a function of outputting the obtained information on the elevation difference on the display unit. In this way, for example, when the golf support device changes the direction of the camera and gradually operates the camera so that it faces a set position on the golf course, the displayed information on the elevation difference is also updated sequentially. Then, the advice information based on the elevation difference displayed when the camera is correctly facing the set position on the golf course becomes the correct one. Therefore, when the user changes the direction of the camera while looking at the display unit, the user can know the necessary information by checking the advice information displayed when the camera is correctly facing, without giving any instruction such as touching the display unit. For example, delays and dropped frames may be allowed as real time, but it is particularly preferable to display the information with a delay time and time interval that can be recognized as having no delay or dropped frames.

[0015] (7) It is preferable to have a function of obtaining the distance from the current position to the pin based on the length of the pin captured by the camera and displayed on the display. Since the length of the pin is known, the farther the distance from the current position, the smaller the length is displayed on the display. Therefore, it is preferable to be able to know the remaining distance to the pin based on the length of the pin displayed on the display. In this way, since the pin position on an actual golf course changes daily, the pin position on the green is usually set to a specific position such as the center of the green. Then, the inclination obtained by capturing an image of the pin with the camera is relative to the actual pin position, while the horizontal distance is a specific position such as the center of the green, so they do not match. Due to the difference in distance caused by such a mismatch, the calculated elevation difference includes an error. Therefore, it is preferable to obtain the remaining distance based on the length of the pin, since the accurate distance to the pin can be known.

[0016] When the remaining distance (horizontal distance) is long, the error is absorbed, but the influence of the error becomes apparent especially as the user approaches the green. Therefore, it is best to calculate the remaining distance based on the pin length displayed on the display in a range close to the green. It is best to set the range in which the influence of such error becomes apparent and cannot be ignored. On the other hand, if the distance is too close, the user can check the pin position visually, etc., and the advantage of using this function decreases. In particular, if the scale is arranged as in (8) below, the display area of ​​the scale will also become wider if the measurable area is widened, so it is best to set the scale within a certain range with upper and lower limits.

[0017] (8) It is preferable that the display unit displays a distance measuring scale having a pair of marks spaced apart according to the remaining distance to the pin, and that both ends of the pin displayed on the display unit are aligned with the pair of marks, so that the user can recognize the remaining distance to the pin corresponding to the distance between the marks. This is preferable because the user can easily know the remaining distance to the pin.

[0018] (9) The layout of the course being played may be displayed on a display unit, and the touched point on the displayed layout of the course may be regarded as the set position, and the elevation difference information may be obtained. This is preferable because it allows the user to easily specify any point about which he or she wishes to know.

[0019] (10) After the touch, if a flick in the set direction is detected, a function for acquiring information on the elevation difference and a function for outputting advice information based on the elevation difference when hitting the ball are preferably activated. This is preferable because it allows the position to be specified and the activation command to be issued in a single operation. The set direction is preferably a direction that is not used for other instructions.

[0020] (11) The advice information may be at least one of the elevation difference information, the target horizontal distance when hitting the ball, the adjustment distance for the horizontal distance to the set position, and the number of the club to be used. This information is useful for selecting the club to be used and adjusting the strength and width of the swing, so it is good.

[0021] (12) It is preferable to have a function for outputting the advice information on the same display screen as the horizontal distance to the set position. In this way, the relationship with the horizontal distance can be understood, and the club selection can be easily and appropriately performed, for example, by selecting a club one club larger / smaller than the one for the horizontal distance.

[0022] (13) It is preferable to have a function of storing the flight distance for each club number and notifying the user of the club number to be used based on the stored flight distance. In this way, the user can know the recommended club number and can easily select a club. In particular, beginners and novice golfers may not be able to easily guess how many clubs they should change from the number used for the horizontal distance even if the elevation difference is reported, so it is easy to understand if the recommended number is reported in detail.

[0023] (14) The flying distance for each club number is obtained by associating the measured flying distance of the user with the number of the club used, and the number of the club used may be registered by reading it using short-range wireless communication from a tag attached to the club that registers the number information compatible with short-range wireless communication. In this way, the number of the club used can be registered with a simple task and is advantageous because it does not interfere with playing golf, etc. The number information may be the number itself. It may also be identification information that can identify the number.

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

[0025] (16) It is preferable to provide a function for storing the flight distance for each club number, displaying the course layout during play on the display unit, and displaying information based on the estimated flight distance for each club number based on the current position superimposed on the course layout. In this way, the user can know which club to use when deciding the landing point by considering how to conquer the course, which is preferable. In addition, if there is a club number that the user is good at, it is preferable to know in which direction the ball should be hit with that club number. In addition, it is possible to predict in advance the landing point of the ball if it flies in a direction different from the intended direction. Therefore, it is possible to select a club that will not cause any problems even if the ball flies in the different direction, and it is good to appropriately plan the course strategy.

[0026] (17) The information based on the estimated flight distance may indicate the predicted destination of the ball, determined by taking into account the elevation difference from the current position. This provides useful information for deciding the club selection and the direction of the shot, since it shows the flight distance according to the actual course layout.

[0027] (18) The flight distance for each club number may have at least an upper limit and a lower limit, and the information based on the estimated flight distance may indicate a predicted range of the ball's arrival that is set based on the upper limit and lower limit when the club of the selected number is used. There is variation in the flight distance of each club. Therefore, for example, even if the ball flies too far or not far enough, it is possible to select a club that will not enter a hazard, etc., and to appropriately plan a course strategy. (19) A program according to the present invention is a program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the golf support device according to any one of (1) to (18). Effect of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, since information based on the elevation difference is provided, the user can know useful information suited to the actual course, which allows the user to more appropriately select the club, adjust the swing strength and swing width, and implement a course strategy. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram for explaining the difference in flight distance based on the difference in elevation between the point where the ball is hit and the point where it will land. [Diagram 2] 1A is a front view showing the appearance of a preferred embodiment of a golf support device according to the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view seen from the rear side. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. These drawings are used to explain technical features that the present invention can employ. The configurations of the devices described are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to be limiting. "Basic configuration of golf support device"

[0031] FIG. 2 shows the external configuration of the golf support device 1, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration. The golf support device 1 is provided with a display unit 3 on the front of a flat, substantially rectangular case 2. This display unit 3 constitutes a semi-transmissive liquid crystal touch panel 22. A power button 4 and a location registration button 5 are arranged on both sides of the case 2. The power button 4 is used as a switch button for turning the power on and off and locking and unlocking touch panel operation. Specifically, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the power button 4 has been pressed and held (for example, for 3 seconds or more) in a power-off state, the power is turned on, and the control unit 11 displays a predetermined main menu screen on the display unit 3. Also, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the power button 4 has been pressed and held in a power-on state, the control unit 11 draws a predetermined end screen on the display unit 3 and then turns off the power.

[0032] Furthermore, when the power button 4 is pressed briefly while the power is on, the control unit 11 detects this and alternately locks and unlocks the touch panel 22. If it is currently in a locked state, it is unlocked and operation via the touch panel 22 is enabled, and if it is currently in an unlocked state, it is switched to a locked state and operation via the touch panel 22 is disabled. The current state is notified by an icon drawn at a predetermined position on the display unit 3. The location registration button 5 is a button used for registering locations, etc.

[0033] The GPS receiver 6, which receives radio waves from GPS satellites, is mounted inside the front side of the case 2. An openable terminal cover 7 is attached to the side of the case 2. When the terminal cover 7 is opened, a card insertion slot 8 for inserting a microSD card and a miniUSB terminal 9 are exposed. The device can be charged by connecting an AC adapter to the miniUSB terminal 9, and data can be sent and received by connecting a USB cable to a computer.

[0034] Inside the case 2, there are provided a GPS receiver 6 that receives a GPS signal to determine the current position (longitude and latitude), a golf course data storage 12 that pre-stores golf information such as the course layout of a golf course, a control unit 11 that accesses the golf course data storage 12 based on the current position information from the GPS receiver 6, acquires information about the golf course, and outputs it to an output device, a display 3 and a speaker 15 that constitute the output device, a battery 17 that serves as a power source when carried, a memory unit 18 that stores the execution results of the control unit 11, a geomagnetic sensor 19, an acceleration sensor 20, etc. A camera 21 is provided on the rear side of the case 2.

[0035] 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 loads the OS and application programs recorded in the flash memory onto the RAM using a boot loader recorded in the ROM, and executes the OS and application programs on the RAM, thereby performing the various processes described below and realizing various functions.

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

[0037] Battery 17 is a secondary battery that can be charged like a rechargeable battery, and can be charged from mini USB terminal 9. Control unit 11 determines the direction and angle in which the device is facing based on the output of geomagnetic sensor 19. The angle is, for example, an angle in a horizontal plane from a reference direction (e.g., "north"), which is set to 0°.

[0038] For example, a three-axis acceleration sensor is used as the acceleration sensor 20. The control unit 11 obtains information on the inclination of the present device from the output of the acceleration sensor 20. The inclination is based on the device standing upright in a vertical plane, and is the inclination angle from that.

[0039] The direction of the field of view of the camera 21 faces the horizontal direction when the golf support device 1 is erected in a vertical plane. If the front and back of the case 2 are parallel, the field of view of the camera 21 faces a direction perpendicular to the back of the case 2. In addition, since the display unit 3 is usually arranged parallel to the front of the case 2, the direction of the field of view of the camera 21 and the plane of the display unit 3 are perpendicular to each other. Images and videos captured by the camera 21 are output to the display unit 3. The control unit 11 displays a recording start button and a recording end button on the display unit 3, superimposed on the video captured by the camera 21. When the control unit 11 detects that the recording start button has been touched, it records the video captured by the camera 21 in the storage unit 18. The control unit 11 automatically ends the recording after a set time has elapsed since the start of video recording. In addition, when the control unit 11 detects that the recording end button has been touched before the set time has elapsed, it ends the recording. This recording function is used, for example, to store video data of a swing when hitting a ball, captured by camera 21, in storage unit 18. Then, the user can check their form by reading out the recorded video data from storage unit 18 during or after playing, and playing and outputting it on display unit 3.

[0040] [Basic display functions] Based on the position information (longitude and latitude) from the GPS receiving unit 6, the control unit 11 accesses the golf course data storage unit 12 and reads out information on the golf course currently being played. Then, the control unit 11 reads out the corresponding hole from the current position information and draws it on the display unit 3. An example of the display screen drawn on the display unit 3 is as shown in FIG. 4 and the like. As shown in the figure, the layout of the hole currently being played is drawn on the entire display screen with the green at the top. Then, the control unit 11 draws the user's icon I superimposed on a position corresponding to the user's location (the current position acquired from the GPS receiving unit 6) in the drawn hole. This allows the user to know the direction toward the green as well as the position, size, and shape of ponds, bunkers, etc. that exist around the green. In addition, the control unit 11 draws concentric lines L superimposed on the layout of the hole with the user's icon I at the center. This allows the user to understand the approximate distance to the pond or bunker. By displaying the course layout in this way, the user can consider how to attack each hole even if it is his / her first course.

[0041] A remaining distance display area R1 is set in the bottom right of the screen. The positions of the green edges and the center of the green are registered in the golf course data storage unit 12 as information about the green. The control unit 11 then calculates the distance between the current position and each position on the green, and displays the remaining distance to the green in the remaining distance display area R1. In the example shown, the remaining distance display area R1 is configured to simultaneously display four pieces of information. From the top, the remaining distance display area R1 has a green position display and distance unit display area, a green back edge distance display area, a green center (pin position) distance display area, and a green front distance display area.

[0042] The green position display and distance unit display section displays information such as the green to be used, and when there are two greens on one hole, the currently selected green is displayed as L (left side) or R (right side), and the units of the displayed values ​​are yd (yards) or m (meters). When the control section 11 detects that the remaining distance display area R1 has been touched, it alternates between displaying the used green R / L, and displays the remaining distance to the switched green.

[0043] The control unit 11 calculates the distance from the current position to the center of the green (pin position) and displays the calculated distance at the center of the green (pin position) (in the figure, "422"). The position of the center of the green (pin position) is either the center position of the green stored in the golf course data storage unit 12 or the actual cup position registered by the user. Which is used is determined by the user's settings.

[0044] The control unit 11 also finds the distance from the current position to the back edge of the green, and displays the found distance on the green back edge distance display unit ("433" in the figure). For example, if position information for the entire circumference of the green is registered in the golf course data storage unit 12 as position information for the green edge, the control unit 11 finds the intersection point between the extension of a line connecting the current position to the center of the green (or the pin position position) and the green edge, and finds the distance between the found intersection point and the current position. Also, if the position of the green back edge is registered in the golf course data storage unit 12, the control unit 11 finds the distance between the current position and the registered position of the green back edge.

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

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

[0047] When a hazard such as a bunker, pond, or stream exists within the displayed course, the control unit 11 draws a hazard icon I2 at the position of the hazard. The control unit 11 also acquires the position information of the hazard, obtains the distance from the current position to the hazard, and displays the remaining distance D. The remaining distance D is displayed only as a number. The unit is the same as that displayed in the remaining distance display area R1. In the illustrated example, one bunker is installed around each of the left and right greens, so the hazard icon I2 and the remaining distance D (in the figure, "389" and "421") are displayed at the position of each bunker. When there are multiple hazards on the course, particularly when the hazards are close to each other, it may be difficult to know which hazard the remaining distance D refers to. In this embodiment, the hazard icon I2 and the remaining distance D are linked by a line S1.

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

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

[0050] Based on the output of the geomagnetic sensor 19, the control unit 11 detects the direction in which the device is facing, and draws the direction as a direction indicator line S consisting of an arrow and a dotted line, superimposed on the hole layout. The origin of this direction indicator line S is the current position (own icon I). As a result, when the user changes the direction of the device while holding it, the direction indicator line S on the display screen rotates accordingly, so that the user can confirm that the target point is where he or she is currently facing by aligning the direction indicator line S (dotted line) with the green or the place where the user wants to hit the ball. Therefore, even if visibility is poor due to fog, the target point is far away, or there are trees or obstacles, the user can accurately know the direction.

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

[0052] In addition, multiple location registrations can be made, and the control unit 11 records the location information of each registered location in the order of registration for each hole in the storage unit 18. This makes it possible to record the track of play on an actual golf course by registering the shot position where the ball was hit as a location each time, and also makes it possible to check the track of actual play on the display screen by drawing each hole layout together with the location registration icon I3 on ​​the display unit 3.

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

[0054] <Point-to-point distance display function> The two-point distance display function calculates the distance between two specified points by touching two points you want to check, and displays the calculated distance. This allows users to check the distance of any section on the course.

[0055] For example, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the submenu button B1 set in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, etc. has been touched, it displays a submenu screen (not shown) superimposed on the course layout. Since the menu screen has a button area for selecting each function, the control unit 11 activates the function by recognizing that the button for specifying the "distance between two points" has been selected. Then, as shown in FIG. 6(a), when the user touches an arbitrary point on the screen displaying the course layout, the control unit 11 recognizes the touched point and draws a start icon Is (for example, a blue circle) at that position. Also, when the screen is touched next time after the first point has been registered (the start icon Is has been drawn), the control unit 11 registers the touched point as the second point and draws an end icon Ie at that position (see FIG. 6(b)). This end icon Ie may be a blue circle of the same shape and size as the start icon Is, or it is preferable to make at least one of the shape, size, and color different so that it is possible to tell which is the start icon Is.

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

[0057] This allows the user to know the distance between any two points on the course, providing useful information for deciding how to approach the course. When the back button B3 is selected, the display returns to the basic display shown in FIG. 4 and other figures.

[0058] Also, when the two-point distance display function is started and the first touched location is the user's icon I, the distance from the current location to any point on the course is obtained. Therefore, for example, when the user first touches the user's icon I and then touches the back side of a hazard such as a bunker, pond, or stream, the distance required to carry over the hazard is displayed in the two-point distance display area R4. Therefore, the user selects a club number required to exceed the relevant distance. Also, for example, when the user first touches the user's icon I and then touches the front side of a hazard such as a bunker, pond, or stream, the longest distance that does not reach the hazard is displayed in the two-point distance display area R4. The user can select a club that will not enter the hazard, taking into account the run.

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

[0060] In this embodiment, the control unit 11 determines the inclination of the device relative to the horizontal based on the output of the acceleration sensor 20, determines the elevation difference from the determined inclination and horizontal distance, and outputs information on the determined elevation difference. When a mode for providing a notification taking the elevation difference into consideration is selected, the control unit 11 displays an image captured by the camera 21 on the display unit 3. While watching the image displayed on the display unit 3, the user points the golf support device 1 and camera 21 so that they face the target location when determining the remaining distance to the green, etc. For example, if the target location is the pin position on the green, the user 31 points the golf support device 1 and camera 21 held in his / her hand toward the pin 30 on the green, as shown in FIG. 7.

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

[0062] In this embodiment, when obtaining information on the elevation difference, the golf support device 1 and the camera 21 are aligned with the apex of the pin 30. For example, in the case of an uphill shot in which the surface of the green is higher than the position where the ball is hit, the surface of the green cannot be seen from the position of the user 31, and the golf support device 1 may not be properly aligned with the base of the pin 30. In contrast, if the golf support device 1 and the camera 21 are aligned with the apex of the pin 30 as in this embodiment, the golf support device 1 and the camera 21 can be properly aligned with the target point regardless of whether the ball is hit uphill or downhill. Furthermore, the user 31 holds the golf support device 1 in his / her hand and aims the camera 21 at the target point while looking at the display screen of the display unit 3. Then, the golf support device 1 in this state is located a predetermined distance above the ground on which the ball is placed. Therefore, if the golf support device 1 positioned above is aimed at the ground at the target point (for example, the green, the base of the pin 30), the elevation difference between the ground on which the ball is placed and the green at the target point cannot be measured correctly. For example, in the case of a downhill shot where the green is low as shown in FIG. 7, the inclination angle α' from the horizontal plane when the ball is aligned with the base of the pin 30 is larger than the inclination angle α when the ball is aligned with the apex of the pin 30, and the difference in elevation is also large. On the other hand, if the length of the pin 30 is 7 feet (2.13 meters) and the height of the user 31 is, for example, about 160 to 180 cm, it is better to aim the ball at the apex of the pin 30, since this will reduce error and allow for a more accurate determination of the inclination and therefore the difference in elevation. It is also advisable for the user to register his / her own height and make a correction based on that, taking into account the difference from the apex of the pin.

[0063] A specific example of the notification function that takes the above-mentioned difference in elevation into consideration is as follows. First, the golf support device 1 is assumed to be used in a portrait orientation. Therefore, the display unit 3 is basically in a portrait orientation, with the longer side of the display unit 3 being the up-down direction and the shorter side of the display unit 3 being the left-right and horizontal directions.

[0064] For example, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the sub-menu button B1 set in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, etc. has been touched, it displays a sub-menu screen (not shown) superimposed on the course layout. Since the menu screen has a button area for selecting each function, the control unit 11 activates the function by recognizing that the button for specifying "elevation difference information notification" has been selected. Then, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the control unit 11 first displays an alignment guide in the center position in the vertical direction of the display screen of the display unit 3. The alignment guide includes a guide line 33 extending in the horizontal direction. The control unit 11 also displays a scale 35 extending in the vertical direction on the right side of the display screen, and displays a corresponding numerical value 36 outside the scale 35. The scale 35 has a layout in which short line segments 35a extending horizontally are arranged at regular intervals (for example, a length equivalent to 0.5 yards) above and below. These scales 35, numerical values ​​36, etc. are for notifying information regarding elevation differences. The control unit 11 also activates the camera 21, and displays an image captured by the camera 21 on the display unit 3. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the control unit 11 displays the guide line 33, the scale 35, the numerical values ​​36, etc. superimposed on the image captured by the camera 21.

[0065] The user adjusts the orientation and posture of the golf support device 1 to point the camera 21 toward the pin, and aligns the apex of the pin displayed on the display unit 3 so that it coincides with the guideline 33. The control unit 11 calculates the elevation difference between the current position and the green based on the horizontal distance from the current position to the pin position and the inclination calculated from the acceleration sensor 20. The control unit 11 then scrolls the scale 35 so that the line segment 35a corresponding to the calculated elevation difference overlaps with the guideline 33. Additionally, the control unit 11 displays the calculated elevation difference as a numerical value in the elevation difference display unit 37 at the bottom left of the display screen. In the example shown in FIG. 7(b), the -20 yard position of the scale 35 coincides with the guideline 33, and the numerical value displayed in the elevation difference display unit 37 at the bottom left of the display screen is "-20yd." In addition, in Figure 7(a), the golf support device 1 is held upright and the camera 21 is pointed horizontally, so that the 0 yard position on the scale 35 coincides with the guideline 33, and the value displayed on the elevation difference display section 37 at the bottom left of the display screen is "±0 yd."

[0066] In this way, the elevation difference of the green from the current position is reported as numerical information, so that the user can go one step further than rough information such as uphill / downhill and learn the specific elevation difference, which is useful information when deciding which club to use.

[0067] For example, when the remaining distance (horizontal distance) to the green, which is one of the basic functions of this device, is used as a reference to determine the club number to be used based on the elevation difference, and an appropriate club number can be determined. Also, as described later, when an approximate distance (horizontal distance) to be targeted when actually hitting from the determined elevation difference or an approximate distance such as an adjustment distance such as "xx yards longer / shorter" is reported as information on the elevation difference, the actual horizontal distance to be adjusted varies depending on the individual ball trajectory, etc., so it is better to report the elevation difference as in this embodiment and leave the sense of distance to be adjusted to the user.

[0068] In addition, in this embodiment, the direction can be specified by a simple process such as aligning the apex of the pin with the guide line 33, and the position of the pin position can be pinpointed, so that the height difference can be obtained from the accurate inclination, which is preferable. The position of the pin position registered as the initial value is the center of the green. Therefore, if the initial value is used as it is, a discrepancy occurs between the distance (horizontal distance) to the actual pin position and the remaining distance to the center of the green. However, since the discrepancy is within half the width or front-to-back length of the green, it can be absorbed as an error, or even if it cannot be absorbed, information on the height difference can be reported as a guide to a certain extent. And, if the actual pin position is registered using the cup position registration function, a more accurate height difference can be obtained and appropriate information based on it can be reported.

[0069] The calculation and notification of the elevation difference may be performed constantly in real time, or may be performed when a set condition is satisfied. In the case of constantly performing the calculation and notification in real time, for example, when the elevation difference information notification function is activated, the control unit 11 calculates the remaining distance (horizontal distance) from the current position to the green, and stores the horizontal distance. The control unit 11 then obtains the output of the acceleration sensor 20 at a constant cycle to calculate the inclination, calculates the elevation difference based on the calculated inclination and horizontal distance, and notifies the user by the scale 35 and numerical values ​​based on the calculated elevation difference. In this way, when the direction and inclination of the camera 21 are changed, the scale 35 scrolls in accordance with the change in the inclination, and the numbers displayed on the elevation difference display unit 37 change, which is interesting. Also, for example, as the guide line 33 approaches the apex of the pin, the reported elevation difference also approaches the correct one, so that even if the apex of the pin and the guide line 33 do not coincide, the user can know the elevation difference to a certain extent.

[0070] In addition, when reporting when a set condition is satisfied, for example, it is preferable to determine whether the apex of the pin and the guideline 33 match by image recognition processing, obtain the inclination when they match, calculate the height difference based on that, and output the calculated height difference information. In addition, for example, it may be triggered by touching the display screen. For example, the control unit 11 may obtain the inclination when it detects that the display screen has been touched, calculate the height difference based on that, and output the calculated height difference information. The detection of the touch on the display screen may be, for example, by displaying a shutter button on the display screen and detecting that the display area of ​​the shutter button has been touched. In this way, for example, it is like pressing the shutter of a camera or a smartphone camera function, and the user can operate it without feeling uncomfortable. In particular, when the image being captured is blurred due to camera shake or the like, and the camera direction cannot be fixed with the apex of the pin and the guideline matched, it is preferable to use a method using image recognition processing because the inclination can be calculated accurately and easily. Also, in the case of touching the shutter button, if the touch is made when the apex of the pin and the guideline are in place and the inclination is calculated based on the information captured at that time, the appropriate height difference can be calculated. It is also advisable to continue displaying the image at the time of touch as a still image. This allows the user to check the image used when calculating the height difference by looking at the display unit 3, and if the apex of the pin and the guideline are in agreement, the user can understand that the information based on the reported height difference is correct, and if they are not in agreement and there is a large deviation, the measurement can be performed again.

[0071] In addition, by utilizing image recognition processing, for example, in the function of constantly obtaining and notifying the elevation difference information described above, it is preferable to automatically detect that the apex of the pin coincides with the guideline 33, and change the manner of notifying the elevation difference information when they coincide. As an example of changing the manner of notifying, for example, it is preferable to change the display color of at least one of the guideline 33, the scale 35, the numerical value 36, and the elevation difference display unit 37, or to make them blink. In addition, for example, when it is detected that the apex of the pin coincides with the guideline 33, it is also possible to lock the notified elevation difference information, and to continuously notify the elevation difference information when they coincide. The elevation difference information to be locked may be all or part of the scale 35, the numerical value 36, and the elevation difference display unit 37. In the case of only a part of the information, for example, the numerical value of the elevation difference display unit 37 may be locked and fixed, and scrolling of the scale 35, etc. may be performed in conjunction with the inclination.

[0072] In this embodiment, the camera 21 that photographs the target location, the green and the pin, is used for the function of taking videos and checking the swing form. The camera 21 thus implemented in this device is used for both a function of acquiring information related to golf navigation (for example, a notification function that takes into account the difference in elevation) and another function (for example, a swing check function). By using the camera for both purposes, the camera can be used effectively, and the devices and parts for realizing each function can be implemented compactly and efficiently.

[0073] [Modification 1] (Changes in notification mode) In the above-described embodiment, the elevation difference information is displayed superimposed on the image captured by the camera 21, but for example, it is preferable to notify this elevation difference information and other information at the same time. The other information may be, for example, information on the horizontal distance to the target location. For example, the elevation difference may be displayed next to the remaining distance to the pin position on the green displayed in the remaining distance display area R1 shown in Fig. 4. When three distances are displayed, such as the front of the green, the pin position, and the back edge of the green, as shown in Fig. 4, displaying the elevation difference next to the remaining distance indicating the pin position makes it easy to understand the relationship with the horizontal distance to the pin position.

[0074] After displaying the screen for acquiring and notifying information regarding elevation difference shown in Fig. 7(b), when transitioning to the hole display screen shown in Fig. 4 etc., it is advisable to notify the remaining distance to the green in horizontal distance using remaining distance display area R1 and information regarding elevation difference on the same screen. Also, it is possible to display the remaining distance to the pin position and information regarding elevation difference on the same screen without displaying the distance to the front or back edge of the green.

[0075] [Modification 2] (Changes in the content of notifications) *Adjusted distance notification In the above-mentioned embodiment, the elevation difference calculated as the information on the elevation difference is reported as it is, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various related information may be reported. For example, the control unit 11 may calculate the adjusted flight distance based on the elevation difference and report it. The adjusted flight distance is information / numerical guide of how many yards or meters the ball should be hit longer or shorter than the horizontal distance to the target. As shown in FIG. 1, the horizontal distance between the intersection point of the ball's trajectory / ball path shown by the solid line and the horizontal line at the same height as the point where the ball is hit shown by the dotted line and the current position is a guide of the horizontal distance to actually hit the ball to the target. Therefore, in the case of a downward hit, a message such as "Hit α' yards shorter" is output, and in the case of an upward hit, a message such as "Hit α yards longer" is output. The message is displayed on a display screen or output by voice.

[0076] Specific values ​​of α and α' are stored, for example, in a table that associates the elevation difference with the adjusted flight distance. The control unit 11 accesses the table based on the determined elevation difference, obtains the corresponding adjusted flight distance, and notifies the user. It is also preferable to provide a table that associates the elevation difference with the adjusted flight distance for each horizontal distance. For example, a table is prepared for each flight distance, such as a table for horizontal distances X1 to X2, a table for horizontal distances X2 to X3, and so on. Even with the same elevation difference, if the horizontal distance differs greatly, this will affect the adjusted flight distance. Therefore, by providing multiple tables according to the horizontal distance, more appropriate advice on the adjusted flight distance can be provided.

[0077] As described in the above embodiment, the adjusted flight distance also varies depending on the ball trajectory. Therefore, it is preferable to prepare multiple types of tables that associate the elevation difference with the adjusted flight distance according to the ball trajectory (for example, normal / high trajectory / low trajectory, etc.), and have the user set his / her own ball trajectory, and to notify the adjusted flight distance using the corresponding table.

[0078] Also, for example, for an advanced player who can change the ball trajectory depending on the situation, it is troublesome to switch tables according to the ball trajectory used every time a player hits a ball. Therefore, for such advanced players, it is preferable to notify the elevation difference as in the above-mentioned embodiment and leave the adjustment of the actual flight distance to the user. On the other hand, for example, beginners and novices often do not know how much to adjust the flight distance even if the elevation difference is notified. Therefore, it is easy for such beginners to understand to be notified of the adjusted flight distance as in this modified example.

[0079] *Target horizontal distance notification The information on the elevation difference may be, for example, a horizontal distance that is a target or guideline when hitting a ball. The horizontal distance between the current position and the intersection point between the trajectory of the ball shown by the solid line in Fig. 1 and a horizontal line at the same height as the point where the ball is hit shown by the dotted line is calculated, and the calculated horizontal distance is notified. For example, the control unit 11 calculates this horizontal distance by calculating the above-mentioned adjusted distance and adding or subtracting it from the horizontal distance to the green, which is the actual target location.

[0080] *Notification of club number used Club-distance information associating the club (number) with the distance is stored. Then, the control unit 11 calculates the target horizontal distance, accesses the stored club-distance information, and acquires and notifies the information of the club number appropriate for the calculated target horizontal distance. The club-distance information storage unit that stores the club-distance information stores, for example, average information of golfers as an initial value. This average information may be prepared in a number of types according to gender, age, golf history, etc., and may be selected by the user. It may also be preferable to have the user register the average distance of each club. This is advantageous because it makes it possible to notify the user of the club (number) that is more appropriate for the user.

[0081] Furthermore, if the distance measured by the distance measurement function is calculated when the ball is actually hit, it is preferable to register the club number used in association with the distance. This is advantageous because it allows the user to register a more accurate distance for the club number, and increases the reliability of the club number notification. In particular, when the distance is registered by self-reporting, the user may have a psychological memory of the distance traveled when a nice shot was made, and may register a distance that is longer than the actual distance. In contrast, it is preferable to register the distance (for example, an average value) for each club number based on the distance data accumulated during actual play in the club-distance information storage unit, as this provides accurate distance information.

[0082] The distance calculated by the distance measurement function is a horizontal distance. In reality, adjustment based on the difference in elevation is necessary, but since the ball is hit in various situations, such as uphill and downhill, using the same club number, the effect of the difference in elevation can be offset by calculating an average value, for example. Therefore, the horizontal distance may be recorded in association with the club number used, without any particular adjustment for the difference in elevation. In addition, for more accurate performance, it is preferable to provide a function for allowing the user to select whether or not to use the distance calculated by the distance measurement function for the club-distance information. In this way, for example, the distance when the ball is hit in a place with little elevation difference can be selected and registered. The function for allowing the user to select, for example, after the distance is calculated by the distance measurement function, displays a confirmation message for whether or not to register, or a "YES" / "NO" instruction input button on the display, and the user follows the instruction of the touched instruction input button. In addition, since it is troublesome to input each time a game is played, for example, if there is no instruction for a certain period of time after the distance measurement, a predetermined process (for example, "register" or "unregistered") may be executed. Furthermore, when the number of the club used is input, it may be registered.

[0083] The number of the club used may be input by displaying a number input screen on the display unit 3 and the user touching the display unit 3. However, touching the display unit 3 to input the number may be an obstacle to smooth golf play. Therefore, for example, it is preferable to use NFC (Near Field Communication) to register the number. For example, an NFC-compatible tag with the number registered is attached to the grip end of the club. When the NFC-equipped golf support device 1 and the grip end of the club used are brought close to each other, the golf support device 1 / control unit 11 acquires the data of the number information registered on the tag. Then, the control unit 11 associates the acquired number information with the flight distance and registers it as club-flight distance information.

[0084] Also, it is preferable to register the club number before hitting the ball or immediately after hitting the ball. In particular, when the club number is registered using the above-mentioned NFC, the grip end of the club to which the tag is attached is brought close to or into contact with the golf support device 1 while holding the club to be used in the hand, and the number can be registered smoothly and without transmitting the tag attached to another club. Furthermore, considering the user's actions, the user operates the golf support device 1 at the point where the ball is to be hit, checks the distance to the target location such as the green, and obtains information on the difference in elevation to the target location using a notification function that takes into account the difference in elevation, and determines the club number to be used. Then, the user actually hits the ball with the determined club number. At this time, the user takes out the club from a golf bag, etc., and brings the grip end of the club held in the hand close to the golf support device 1, and then the user faces the ball and hits it. The process of bringing the grip end close to the golf support device 1 blends seamlessly into the actions from deciding the club number to actually hitting the ball, and does not interfere with the play, which is preferable.

[0085] In addition, in the case of a device that has a function for registering a club number using NFC in this manner, when the control unit 11 detects that the number has been manually entered, it is advisable to display a message such as "There is a tag to attach to the grip", an image of the actual tag, the URL of the purchasing site, and other promotional information.

[0086] Furthermore, when the club number is not registered, the control unit 11 may notify the user of the fact that the club number is not registered. This notification may be in an unobtrusive manner, such as a flashing light, a message (audio or visual display), or an icon display, so as not to be a hindrance when the user hits the ball next time.

[0087] The registration of the flying distance for each club number of the user is not limited to the above, and for example, a device for calculating the flying distance other than this device is used to measure the flying distance of each club number multiple times. Then, the average value of the measured data may be registered. The device for calculating the flying distance is not limited to a device for measuring the actual flying distance like this device, and various devices can be used, such as a device for estimating the estimated flying distance based on the swing speed of the club when the ball is hit, a device for estimating the estimated flying distance using the initial speed of the ball that is hit and the swing speed of the club. Then, it is preferable to have a function for transferring the flying distance data calculated by the device for calculating the flying distance to the golf support device 1 of the present invention. As the function for transferring, for example, the data may be transferred by physically connecting with a communication cable or using various wireless communication, or the data may be copied via a recording medium such as a micro SD card. By transferring in this way, the user does not need to manually input the flying distance, which is preferable because it reduces the labor and prevents input errors.

[0088] [Variation 3] (Distance to another destination) In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the target location is clean, the camera 21 is pointed toward the pin to obtain the inclination, and information regarding the elevation difference relative to the pin position is reported. The present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to obtain the elevation difference between the current location and any point on the course, and report information regarding the obtained elevation difference.

[0089] The arbitrary point is a point whose position information is registered, and may be, for example, a hazard such as a bunker, a pond, or a stream, a boundary between the fairway and the rough, a boundary between the OB, a landmark such as a large tree in the fairway, or an obstacle in the hole. These points have geographical features and are easy to distinguish from other places, so that even if they are photographed by the camera 21, they are easy to understand on the display unit 3 in relation to the surroundings and are easy to align with the guideline. Even if there is no geographical feature, they may be an arbitrary point if their position information is registered. Furthermore, for the green, not only the pin position but also any position on the green or the green edge may be an arbitrary point. These arbitrary points may be, for example, a target point when hitting a ball in course strategy, or, conversely, an avoidance target point such as a hazard or rough where the ball should not be hit.

[0090] The arbitrary point may be specified by touching a point on the screen displaying a hole as shown in FIG. 4. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, when a numerical value D is displayed in association with a bunker or the like, the associated bunker may be specified when the portion of the numerical value D is touched. In this way, a point can be easily specified by touching an arbitrary point on the hole. In addition, the notification function considering the difference in elevation may be activated by flicking the display unit 3 in an up-down direction, for example. In this way, for example, when an arbitrary point is touched and then flicked downward, the point can be specified and the notification function considering the difference in elevation can be activated in a series of operations, which is preferable. In addition, the flick in the up-down direction is used in this way in order to distinguish the switching of holes from the operation of flicking in the horizontal direction. In addition, the input using such a flick may be performed instead of the touch operation on the menu screen described in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0091] Also, when there is a spread like a hazard, it is difficult to pinpoint the direction of the camera. In this case, the user has to adjust the direction of the camera and the guide line to a rough position. In this case, for example, in the case of determining the elevation difference to this arbitrary point, the distance to be hit tends to be relatively long. If the distance is long, the degree of the spread of the hazard can be absorbed as an error, which is preferable. Also, as described above, when the pin position is used as the initial value, if the inclination is determined according to the pin, an error will occur in the final elevation. Considering this error, the spread of the hazard is not a problem. Furthermore, a zoom function is provided to the camera 21 of the golf support device 1, and a more appropriate position can be specified by enlarging and displaying the surrounding area including the target location where the location is to be registered.

[0092] In addition, image data for enlarged display is prepared separately and registered in the golf course data storage unit 12. When the control unit 11 receives the instruction for enlarged display, it is preferable that the control unit 11 accesses the golf course data storage unit 12 and performs drawing based on the separately prepared image data. Conventionally, one image for displaying the entire course is prepared, and when an instruction for enlargement is received, the image is simply zoomed up and drawn, but by drawing a separately prepared image suitable for enlarged display as in this modified example, more useful information can be provided to the user. The image data for enlarged display may be, for example, a real-life image of a hazard such as a bunker or a landmark area. Using a real-life image is preferable because it makes it possible to understand the situation, for example, in the case of a bunker, the surrounding situation, etc., and it is easier to align the camera 21 to the correct target position.

[0093] Also, for example, if hazards such as bunkers, ponds, and streams are captured as actual images and displayed on the display unit 3, the status of the bunkers can be seen at a glance. For example, in the case of a bunker, it is possible to determine whether it is a deep bunker with a high chin that should be avoided at all costs, or a shallow bunker with a low chin on the green side that is easy to hit, which helps to determine the point of attack. Also, from the conditions around the bunker and the pond or stream, it is possible to determine whether it is easy for the ball to roll in from the front, and it is easy to determine whether the target location for the ball to land needs to be closer when cutting in front of the hazard. In this way, by registering actual images, it is possible to provide useful information to the user in addition to determining the target location for determining the elevation difference. Also, the image data for providing such useful information is not limited to actual images, but may be illustrations or the contents drawn may be changed depending on the scale (for example, the more detailed information is displayed for the enlarged display).

[0094] Also, it is of course better not to hit into a bunker, but depending on the bunker's depth, size, shape, relative position to the green, sand quality, etc., there are bunkers that you should never hit into, and bunkers that are easy to recover from even if you hit into them, so there is no big problem even if you hit into them. In this way, it is good to notify bunkers that you should absolutely avoid and bunkers that you should not in different ways. For example, normal bunkers are drawn in a brown color to resemble sand, but bunkers that you should absolutely avoid are displayed in a different color, such as red, or an icon, sign, mark, etc. may be added to distinguish the bunker.

[0095] [Variation 4] (Elevation difference calculation) Altitude information is also stored as the position information of each position on the course. In this way, when determining the remaining distance to the green or the distance to a target location such as an arbitrary point on the course, the elevation difference is determined from the elevation information of the current position and the elevation information of the target location. It is preferable to implement the functions of the above-mentioned embodiment and modified example based on the determined elevation difference. In this way, there is no need to tilt the camera 21 toward the target location, and information based on the elevation difference with high accuracy can be reported simply and quickly. On the other hand, when the tilt is determined as in the above-mentioned embodiment, etc., latitude and longitude information is sufficient for the position information, which is advantageous because it reduces memory capacity.

[0096] [Modification 5] (Club-specific estimated distance notification function) As a basic function, for example, as shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 11 has a function of drawing concentric lines L overlaid on the layout of the hole, with the user's icon I at the center. This allows the user to understand the approximate distance to a pond or a bunker.

[0097] In this modification, the control unit 11 displays the flight distance for each club in concentric circles centered on the current position. In this way, the user obtains the club number associated with the concentric circle closest to the target location that the user is aiming for, and displays it. This is advantageous because the user can know the club number to be used, making club selection easy. In addition, the flight distance for this club number may be calculated by using, for example, the flight distance and average flight distance for each club number stored in the club-flight distance information storage unit.

[0098] Furthermore, even if the same club number is used, the flight distance varies. Therefore, for example, data on the maximum flight distance and the minimum flight distance when hitting normally may be stored and held for each club number, and the area where the ball is expected to land when using a club number selected by the user may be drawn over the course layout. By drawing the area where the ball is expected to land, for example, when a club has a large difference between the maximum flight distance and the minimum flight distance, it is possible to consider the case where the ball flies too far or not far enough, and to devise a course strategy such as club selection and determination of the target location to hit the ball.

[0099] Furthermore, by storing altitude information for each position as in the above-mentioned fourth variant, for example, the predicted flight distance position for each club number may be drawn as a line that takes into account the elevation difference from the current position rather than as a concentric circle.

[0100] [Variation 6] Correction of flight distance using elevation difference It has a function of calculating a flight distance considering the difference in elevation when the ball was actually hit. The control unit 11 obtains the distance between the position registered when the ball was hit last time and the current position of the user's icon I. The obtained distance becomes the horizontal flight distance between the two points. In addition, the elevation difference from the registered position to the current position is stored and held, for example, as the elevation difference used when the ball was hit last time. The control unit 11 obtains the flight distance considering the elevation difference based on the horizontal flight distance and the elevation difference. In addition, when the position where the ball was hit last time is known, the elevation difference may be obtained by pointing the camera at the position where the ball was hit to obtain the inclination, obtaining the elevation difference from the obtained inclination, and obtaining the flight distance considering the elevation difference from the obtained horizontal flight distance and elevation difference.

[0101] The control unit 11 outputs the flight distance thus calculated, taking into account the difference in elevation, to the display unit 3. At this time, it is advisable to output information such as the number of the club used and the estimated target distance calculated the previous time of hitting. By checking the estimated distance, the actual flight distance, and the number of the club used at the landing point, it is possible to reflect and confirm whether the number of the club used was correct or not, and this can be utilized in future plays. In particular, by checking during play, it is possible to check the influence of one's physical condition and flight distance on that day, and the weather such as wind and rain, and to make the correct selection of the club number thereafter.

[0102] [Variation 7] FIG. 9 shows a display example of yet another modified example. In this example, a scope 40 extending in a cross shape in the up-down and left-right directions is used as a guide / indicator for aligning the apex of the pin, instead of the linear guide line 33 extending in the left-right direction. The scope 40 is composed of a central cross-shaped element 41, scale elements 42 arranged at equal intervals outside the cross-shaped element 41, and linear elements 43 arranged further outside the scale elements 42 so as to extend in the up-down and left-right directions. The apex of the pin is aligned at the intersection of the central cross-shaped element 41. By arranging the lines serving as guides in the up-down direction in this way, it becomes easier to align the position of the pin. In particular, by providing the scale elements 42 arranged at equal intervals, it becomes easier to check the amount of deviation of the apex position of the pin on the display unit 3 when the attitude of the golf support device 1 is changed, for example. This is advantageous because it becomes easier to appropriately adjust the amount of change in the attitude of the golf support device 1 by referring to the amount of deviation.

[0103] 9, the scope 40 for aligning the apex of the pin is displaced to the upper side of the display screen of the display unit 3. For example, the central cross-shaped element 41 is positioned in the upper 1 / 3 of the screen. By doing so, the amount of sky reflected in the upper area of ​​the display unit 3 can be reduced, and the area for capturing an image of the course can be increased.

[0104] In this modified example, an elevation difference information display area 45 that shows elevation differences in a schematic manner is provided in the lower 1 / 3 of the display screen of the display unit 3. Accordingly, the upper 2 / 3 of the display screen of the display unit 3 becomes a main display area 46. When focusing on the main display area 46, it can be said that it is arranged in the center of the screen, similar to the guide line 33 in the above-described embodiment.

[0105] The elevation difference information display area 45 draws a triangular figure that shows the elevation difference. In the figure, the left end of the triangle is the point where the ball is hit, and the right end shows the position of the pin position, such as the center of the green. When the green is in a low position, it becomes a right-angled triangle with a right-downward hypotenuse as shown, and when the green is in a high position, it becomes a right-angled triangle with a right-upward hypotenuse. The length of each side that constitutes the triangle changes depending on the elevation difference and horizontal distance. The sides extending up and down of the triangle show the elevation difference, and the calculated numerical value (in the figure, "30") is also written. The sides extending left and right of the triangle show the horizontal distance, and the calculated numerical value (in the figure, "100") is also written. Furthermore, the hypotenuse part shows the target flight distance (in the figure, "70") as well. By showing the shape of the triangle and the numerical value, it is preferable because it allows a user to more intuitively understand the elevation difference and the distance to be targeted when actually hitting the ball.

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

[0107] For example, if the actual cup position is not registered, the remaining distance to the green is the distance to the center of the green. For example, if the remaining distance to the green is sufficiently long compared to the size of the green, the deviation between the center of the green, which is the reference for calculating the horizontal distance, and the actual position of the pin is absorbed as an error, so there is no problem in deciding the club number to be used based on the remaining distance to the center of the green. On the other hand, when the distance is less than 100 yards and approaches 60 yards or 60 meters, the influence of the deviation between the center of the green and the actual position of the pin cannot be ignored. This is particularly noticeable when the green is large, such as in a single green, or when the pin position is near the green edge and away from the center position. In such a case, if the distance to the pin is calculated based on the length of the pin displayed on the display unit 3 using the distance measurement scale 50 as in this modified example, the pin position and the accurate remaining distance to the cup position can be known even if the cup position is not registered in advance, so that the club to be used can be selected and the swing can be adjusted appropriately.

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

[0109] The distance measurement scale 50 is composed of two lines with gradually different intervals, so that the remaining distance can be recognized as a continuous analog value. For example, in the illustrated example, in addition to the specific numerical values ​​of 20 and 60 at both ends and 40 in the middle, there is a scale without a numerical value between them, so that the positions of 30 and 50 can be known. Furthermore, the approximate remaining distance can be estimated by eyeballing between these scales. Therefore, in this example, the remaining distance can be known relatively accurately in increments of 10 (yards / meters), and the remaining distance can be known approximately in increments of 5 (yards / meters). For an average golf player, information on the remaining distance in increments of 10 (yards / meters) is sufficient, and even for advanced players, it is preferable to know the distance in increments of 5 (yards / meters) because this information is useful.

[0110] In the illustrated example, one of the two lines constituting the distance measuring scale 50 is a straight line extending in the left-right direction, but it may be a straight line extending diagonally or a curved line. The upper side may be a straight line extending in the left-right direction and the lower side may be a curved line. Furthermore, instead of a continuous line segment, it may be composed of a plurality of sets of line segments for measuring a plurality of remaining distances discretely. For example, the distance measuring scale may be composed of a plurality of sets of line segments arranged at intervals according to each distance, such as in 10-yard increments.

[0111] The layout of the distance measuring scale 50 is not limited to that shown in the figure, and may be placed close to the scope 40, for example. This distance measuring scale 50 is used when the golf support device 1 is horizontal, so if the apex of the pin is aligned with the cross element 41 of the scope 40 to find the inclination and elevation difference, and the elevation difference is zero or small, the golf support device 1 can be moved slightly to align the pin with the distance measuring scale 50 to find the distance. This is advantageous because the remaining distance can be measured appropriately even if the attitude of the golf support device 1 is changed only slightly.

[0112] Also, the straight lines constituting the distance measurement scale 50 may be used as the straight line elements 43 of the scope 40. In such a case, it is preferable to make the upper side straight rather than the lower side straight as shown in the figure. If the upper side is straight, it is not necessary to change the apex position of the pin, and it is not necessary to change the inclination of the golf support device 1, so that the change in posture can be kept to a minimum.

[0113] Also, for example, the intervals of the scale elements 42 on the upper or lower side of the cross-shaped element 41 of the scope 40 are set appropriately. The appropriate setting is performed by arranging the line segments that make up the scale elements 42 at the position of the lower end or apex of the pin when the apex or lower end of the pin is aligned with the cross-shaped element 41 when the remaining distance to the pin is specified (for example, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 yards). In this way, the scope 40 forms a distance measurement scale when horizontal.

[0114] Also, the distance measurement scale 50 is used when the level is horizontal. Therefore, for example, it is good to draw the distance measurement scale 50 when the elevation difference is 0 or within a certain margin range. In this way, it is possible to tell at a glance whether the current level is horizontal and whether the remaining distance can be measured using the distance measurement scale 50. Also, rather than controlling the distance measurement scale 50 to be on / off like in this way, it is good to change the display color (for example, blue when the level is horizontal and red when there is an elevation difference).

[0115] Also, the distance measuring scale 50 is only used when the ground is level. This is because if there is a difference in elevation, the length of the pin will change, for example, becoming shorter than when it is level. Therefore, even if there is a difference in elevation, the distance measuring scale 50 shown in the figure will not give an accurate measurement. To solve this problem, it is advisable to correct the distance between the two lines that make up the distance measuring scale 50 according to the calculated difference in elevation.

[0116] Furthermore, in addition to the above examples, it is also possible to obtain the distance to the pin based on the length of the pin displayed on the display unit 3. For example, the part of the pin is identified by image recognition processing, and the length between the top and the bottom end is obtained. Then, the distance to the pin position is calculated from the obtained length.

[0117] In the embodiment, the golf course data storage unit 12 is a removable external recording medium, but an internal memory may be used. Also, in the embodiment, the memory unit 18 is configured with an internal memory, but a removable external recording medium such as a microSD card may be used. Also, the recording medium, internal memory, etc. that constitutes the memory unit 18 may be shared with the golf course data storage unit 12 in the actual device. The present invention may be practiced by appropriately combining the above-described embodiments and modifications, or by incorporating them into other modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1. Golf support device 2 Cases 3 Display section 4 Power button 5 Location registration button 6 GPS receiver 11 Control section 12 Golf course data storage section 15 Speaker 17 Batteries 18 Memory section 19 Geomagnetic Sensor 20 Acceleration Sensor 21 Camera 22 Touch Panel 30 pin 31 users 33 Guidelines 35 Scale 35a Line Segment 37 Height difference display section 40 Scope 41 Cross-shaped element 42 Scale elements 43 Linear elements 45 Elevation difference information display area 46 Main display area 50 Distance measuring scale

Claims

1. A golf support device characterized by having a function of performing image recognition of a pin on a green in an image captured by a camera, and changing the manner in which information is presented when said image recognition automatically detects that the top of said pin coincides with a guide.

2. The golf support device as described in claim 1, characterized in that when the image recognition automatically detects that the top of the pin coincides with the guide, the device is provided with a function to change the manner in which information is presented, such as changing the display color of at least one of the guide, scale, and numerical value, or flashing it.

3. The golf support device of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the image recognition automatically detects that the top of the pin coincides with the guide, the information is obtained by acquiring the inclination at the time of the coincidence, and the information is the horizontal distance from the current position to the pin position and the elevation difference from the current position based on the inclination, and the function of changing the notification mode is a function of changing the notification mode of the elevation difference information.

4. 4. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the golf support device according to claim 1.

Images