Virtual golf simulation device and keypad device used therein

Abstract

The present invention provides a keypad device that can be easily operated by a part of the user's body or a golf club held by the user when the user is at a hit box for a golf shot to realize functions during a virtual golf simulation process, and provides a virtual golf simulation device and a keypad device using the same that can improve the reliability of operation by improving the mechanical button pressing method of a conventional button operation device to allow the functions of the virtual golf simulation device to be easily and conveniently operated while conveying the operating feeling of the keypad operation to the user.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a virtual golf simulation device and a keypad device used therein, and more particularly to a virtual golf simulation device and a keypad device used therein that can enhance the convenience of golfers by allowing users who enjoy virtual golf to easily operate menus and specific content on the screen while at the plate. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, as the number of golfers has increased, so-called screen golf systems have appeared, which allow players to practice golf and enjoy virtual golf games using virtual golf simulation devices.

[0003] Such a screen golf system is a system in which a screen that can display a virtual golf course is installed indoors, and when a user hits a golf ball towards the screen, the speed, direction, etc. of the golf ball are sensed and the movement of the golf ball is displayed on the screen.

[0004] A screen golf system implemented by such a virtual golf simulation device allows the player to hit a golf ball in the same way as hitting a golf ball at a driving range, providing the same sense of realism as playing golf on an actual golf course.

[0005] However, when a user steps into the batter's box to hit a golf ball, a situation arises in which the user must operate specific information that appears on the screen. Conventionally, in such a situation, the user must leave the batter's box, move to the operation unit, operate the specific information, and then return to the batter's box, which is very troublesome and inconvenient.

[0006] To solve this problem, a technology has emerged that provides a button operation device having a plurality of operation buttons so that various functions can be implemented during the virtual golf simulation process.

[0007] Related prior art documents include Korean Patent Publication No. 10-0923069, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1799920, and Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1824395.

[0008] The above-mentioned prior art document discloses a technology in which a button operation device having a number of buttons for performing functions such as directional control buttons, teeing up a golf ball, displaying a terrain grid, and mulligans during the course of a virtual golf simulation is installed around the user's box, and the user at the box can perform the desired function by pressing a specific button on the button operation device with their foot or golf club.

[0009] When a user operates a specific function at the plate, the user mainly uses their feet while wearing shoes or the golf club they are holding, so in the past, a mechanical button-press type operating device was used as in the prior art mentioned above to provide the user with a sense of operation.

[0010] However, when a user uses a golf club or the like to operate the virtual golf simulation by pressing a mechanical button on an operating device every time, there is an inconvenience such as increased fatigue caused by pressing the mechanical button.

[0011] In addition, while there are many and varied functions that can be implemented by user operation during the virtual golf simulation process, the button operation device as described above is installed around the hitting box and is limited in size, limiting the number of buttons, so the functions that can be implemented by the buttons are also limited.Furthermore, in order to execute functions that cannot be executed through the button operation device, the user has no choice but to leave the hitting box and approach a keyboard or operation panel to operate it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0923069 [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1799920 [Patent Document 3] Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1824395 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] The present invention provides a keypad device that can be easily operated with a part of the user's body or a golf club held by the user to realize functions that can be executed during a virtual golf simulation process by a user who is at the plate for a golf shot. Also, the present invention provides a virtual golf simulation device and a keypad device using the same that can improve the mechanical button pressing method of a conventional button operation device to allow the functions of the virtual golf simulation device to be easily and conveniently operated while conveying an operating feel to the user through keypad operation, thereby improving the reliability of the user's operation.

[0014] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a virtual golf simulation device that can realize many different functions through a keypad despite the limited number of keys provided on the keypad, and a keypad device using the same, in order to solve the problem of the conventional technology that, while there are many different functions that can be realized through user operations during the virtual golf simulation process, the number of buttons that can realize these functions is limited. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] A keypad device used in a virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a pad body having a plurality of key actuation units that generate a haptic response by sensing operation by a part of a user's body or a golf club; a pad cover coupled to an upper end of the pad body and having key display units that display key functions at positions corresponding to each of the key actuation units; and a control unit that generates a haptic response of the key actuation unit corresponding to the key display unit and generates the key function corresponding to the key display unit when the user operates a specific key display unit.

[0016] Preferably, each key actuation unit includes a sensor unit configured to sense at least one of the proximity, contact, and push of a part of the user's body or a golf club as the operation, and a vibration module that generates vibrations for the haptic response when the sensor unit senses the operation.

[0017] Preferably, each of the key operation units further includes a light emitting module for emitting light through each of the key display units when the sensor unit detects the operation.

[0018] Preferably, the sensor unit includes a metal detection sensor that detects metal material and transmits a sensing value according to the distance from the metal material to the control unit, and the control unit recognizes the operation as occurring when the head of the golf club approaches or touches the key display unit within a predetermined distance according to the sensing value of the metal detection sensor.

[0019] Preferably, the sensor unit includes a pressure sensor that transmits a sensing value corresponding to the pressure of an object to the control unit, and the control unit recognizes the operation as a part of the user's body touching or pressing the key display unit based on the sensing value of the pressure sensor.

[0020] Preferably, the sensor unit includes a metal detection sensor that detects metal materials and transmits a sensing value based on the distance from the metal material to the control unit, and a pressure detection sensor that transmits a sensing value based on the pressure of a non-metallic material object to the control unit, and the control unit recognizes the proximity, contact, and pushing of a part of the user's body and a golf club as all of the operations based on the sensing values ​​of the metal detection sensor and the pressure detection sensor.

[0021] In addition, preferably, the control unit is configured to sense the operation of a corresponding key when the user operates the specific key display unit, calculate a time for which the operation is maintained, and generate different pre-set key functions according to the calculated operation maintenance time.

[0022] Meanwhile, a keypad device used in a virtual golf simulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of keys classified according to functions provided by the virtual golf simulation device, a sensor unit provided for each of the keys and detecting operation by a part of the user's body or a golf club, and a control unit that recognizes a sensing value of the sensor unit when the user operates the key, maintains the recognition of the sensing value of the sensor unit until the operation is released, and generates a preset key function based on the maintained time.

[0023] Preferably, the sensor unit is configured to include one or more sensors for detecting at least one of the operations of a part of the user's body or a golf club, proximity, contact, and pushing.

[0024] Preferably, the sensor unit includes a metal detection sensor that transmits a sensing value according to the distance to a metal material to the control unit and senses that the head of a golf club approaches or comes into contact with the key display unit within a predetermined distance, and the control unit maintains recognition of the sensing value of the metal detection sensor until the proximity or contact state of the golf club head is released, and implements different key functions depending on the range of the maintenance time.

[0025] Preferably, the sensor unit includes a pressure sensor that transmits a sensing value according to the pressure of an object to the control unit and senses that a part of the user's body is in contact with or pressing the key display unit, and the control unit maintains recognition of the sensing value of the pressure sensor until the state of contact or pressing by the part of the user's body is released, and implements different key functions depending on the range of the maintenance time.

[0026] Meanwhile, a keypad device used in a virtual golf simulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of keys classified according to functions provided by the virtual golf simulation device, a sensor unit provided for each of the keys to detect operation by a part of the user's body or a golf club, and a control unit that generates a preset function according to the operation sequence for a combination of two or more keys among the plurality of keys.

[0027] Preferably, the sensor unit is configured to sense the proximity or contact of a golf club head, and the control unit is configured to sense an operation sequence for the key combination according to a gesture of the golf club head caused by the proximity or contact, and to generate a preset function according to the gesture.

[0028] Meanwhile, a keypad device used in a virtual golf simulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of keys classified according to functions provided by the virtual golf simulation device, a sensor unit provided for each of the keys and detecting an operation by a part of the user's body or a golf club, and a control unit configured to set at least one of the plurality of keys to implement a plurality of functions, recognize the type of user operation detected by the sensor unit, match a corresponding function from the plurality of functions of the key to each type of user operation, and implement different functions for the key according to each type of user operation.

[0029] In addition, preferably, when the sensor unit detects the user's operation on the key, if no other type of subsequent operation on the key is detected within a preset time, the control unit controls the sensor unit to implement a function of the key corresponding to the detected user's operation.

[0030] Meanwhile, a virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a simulator that creates a simulated image of a virtual ball moving on a virtual golf course image based on sensing information regarding the movement of at least one of the golf ball and the golf club as a user takes a golf shot at a hitting box; an image output unit that outputs the virtual golf course image and the simulated image created by the simulator; a keypad device that is provided on or adjacent to the hitting box so that a user can operate the keys to implement functions provided by the simulator and that is categorized according to the functions provided by the simulator; a sensor unit that is provided for each of the keys and detects operation by a part of the user's body or a golf club; and a keypad device that includes a control unit that activates a preset function of the simulator based on the duration of operation between when the key is operated and when the key operation is released.

[0031] Preferably, the function to be performed varies depending on the operation duration of the keypad device according to the progress of the virtual golf simulation on the virtual golf course. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] The virtual golf simulation device and the keypad device used therein according to one embodiment of the present invention can be easily operated with a part of the user's body or a golf club held by the user to realize functions that can be performed during the virtual golf simulation process by a user who is at the plate for a golf shot. This allows the functions of the virtual golf simulation device to be easily and conveniently operated while also conveying the operating feel of the keypad to the user, thereby improving the reliability of operation.

[0033] A virtual golf simulation device and a keypad device used therein according to another embodiment of the present invention have the advantage that, despite the limited number of keys provided by the keypad, a variety of functions can be implemented through the keypad, and operation is simple, thereby improving user convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a virtual golf simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a screen golf system. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of operating a keypad device used in a virtual golf simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an exploded view of a keypad device used in a virtual golf simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the virtual golf simulation device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]10 is a diagram illustrating a method of recognizing a sensing value of a control unit based on an output of a sensor unit in a keypad device used in a virtual golf simulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for operating a keypad device used in a virtual golf simulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a method for operating a keypad device used in a virtual golf simulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for operating a keypad device used in a virtual golf simulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for performing gesture operations on a keypad device used in a virtual golf simulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram illustrating that functions performed by key operations on a keypad device change depending on the progress of a virtual golf simulation in a virtual golf simulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A virtual golf simulation device and a keypad device used therein according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] First, a virtual golf simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 shows an example in which a virtual golf simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a screen golf system.

[0037] A typical example to which a virtual golf simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied is a screen golf system as shown in FIG.

[0038] In the screen golf system shown in FIG. 1, a hitting box 100 is installed in a golf space GS that provides a predetermined space for a user to play golf, and a screen 104 for projecting a virtual golf simulation image is installed in front of it. When a user P enters the hitting box 100 and hits a golf ball placed on a golf mat 102 with a golf club GC toward the screen 104 in front, a sensing device senses the movement of the golf ball and the golf club, and based on the sensing results, a virtual golf simulation image is projected onto the screen 104, allowing the user P to play as if he or she were playing an actual golf game on the virtual golf course provided by the image described above.

[0039] A virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a simulator 110 that implements a simulation image SI of a virtual ball moving on a virtual golf course image based on sensing information regarding the movement of at least one of a golf ball and a golf club when a user P plays a golf shot at a hitting box 100, and an image output unit 120 that outputs the virtual golf course image implemented by the simulator 110 and the simulation image SI.

[0040] In particular, the virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a keypad device 200, as shown in FIG. 1, which is provided on or adjacent to a hitting box 100 so that a user can operate it when standing at the hitting box, and which enables operations to implement functions provided by the simulator.

[0041] The keypad device 200 has a plurality of keys that are divided according to the functions provided by the simulator 110, and each key performs a predetermined function during the virtual golf simulation implemented by the simulator.

[0042] The keypad device 200 may be provided on one side of the hitting box 100 where the user P plays a golf shot, as shown in FIG. 1, or may be provided in a location around the hitting box 100 that is easily accessible to the user P, so that the user P can easily operate it with his / her foot or club head.

[0043] FIG. 2 shows in more detail a keypad device 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above.

[0044] FIG. 2(a) shows a state in which a user operates a keypad device used in a virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention using the head of a golf club, and FIG. 2(b) shows a state in which a user operates the keys with his or her feet.

[0045] As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 2, a keypad device 200 used in a virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a main body 210, function keys 220 for implementing various functions, and direction keys 230 for directional operation.

[0046] The function keys 220 may include a plurality of keys 221, 222, 223, and 224 for respectively executing various functions that can be implemented during the virtual golf simulation, such as teeing up a golf ball, displaying a terrain grid, mulligan, etc. For convenience, the key indicated by the reference number 221 will be referred to as the first key, the key indicated by the reference number 222 as the second key, the key indicated by the reference number 223 as the third key, and the key indicated by the reference number 224 as the fourth key.

[0047] Although (a) and (b) of Figure 2 show an example in which the function keys 220 are configured with four keys, it is of course possible to configure the function keys with more keys than this number and set each key to have a preset function.

[0048] The keypad device used in the virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention is not operated by pressing a mechanical button, but by having a part of the user's body or the head of a golf club approach a key within a predetermined distance, touch a key, or apply a predetermined pressure to a key (press), and is characterized in that such operation (approach, contact, or press by a part of the user's body or a golf club) causes a haptic response, providing the user with a sense of operation.

[0049] In addition to the haptic response to the operation as described above, the operated key can be illuminated to indicate that the operation has been performed, thereby improving the reliability of the user's operation.

[0050] Figure 2(a) shows a case where a user operates the first key 221 with the club head CH, causing vibrations, and the first key 221 responds to the operation by emitting light with a haptic response, while Figure 2(b) shows a case where a user operates the first key 221 with their foot while wearing footwear, causing vibrations, and the first key 221 responds to the operation by emitting light with a haptic response.

[0051] The configuration of the keypad device used in the virtual golf simulation device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

[0052] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a keypad device used in a virtual golf simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system.

[0053] The keypad device 200 used in the virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a pad body 300 equipped with various components for sensing operations, etc., and a pad cover 400 covering the top of the pad body 300, as shown in FIG.

[0054] The pad body 300 preferably includes a substrate 305 on which various components are mounted, and may include a plurality of key actuation parts 310, 320, 330, and 340 corresponding to the respective keys.

[0055] The pad cover 400 is coupled to the upper end of the pad body and may include key display units 410, 420, 430, and 440, on which key functions are displayed at positions corresponding to the key operating units 310, 320, 330, and 340, respectively.

[0056] 3, a key protection part 360 for protecting the components is provided at the top of each key operating part 310, 320, 330, 340, thereby preventing damage to the keys due to user operation. The key protection part 360 may be made of a buffer material such as silicone.

[0057] The pad body 300 is provided with a control unit 500, and various sensors and modules in each of the key operating units 310, 320, 330, and 340 provided in the pad body 300 are connected to the control unit 500 so as to operate under the control of the control unit.

[0058] When a user operates a specific key display unit 410, 420, 430, or 440, the control unit 500 generates a haptic response of the key operating unit corresponding to the corresponding key display unit, and transmits operation information of the key corresponding to the corresponding key display unit to the simulator, so that the simulator can embody the function of the corresponding key.

[0059] In FIG. 3, reference numeral 450 denotes a direction key display portion displayed on the pad cover 400, and reference numeral 350 denotes a direction key operating portion provided on the pad body 300 and corresponding to each direction of the direction key display portion 450.

[0060] Each of the multiple key operating units provided in the pad body 300 is provided with various components for implementing and operating the key functions. As shown in FIG. 4, each key operating unit may be provided with a sensor unit 311, 321..., a vibration module 312, 322..., a light emitting module 313, 323..., etc., and each component may be connected to a control unit 500 of the keypad device. The control unit 500 is connected to a simulator 110 of the virtual golf simulation device, and the control unit 500 transmits operation information for each key of the keypad device to the simulator 110, so that the simulator 110 can implement the function corresponding to the operated key.

[0061] The sensor units 311, 321... provided on each key 221, 222... can be configured to detect at least one of the proximity, contact, and pressure of a part of the user's body (see (b) of Figure 2) or a golf club (see (a) of Figure 2) at the batting position.

[0062] The vibration modules 312, 322... provided on each key 221, 222... generate vibrations for a haptic response when the sensor part of the operated key detects the operation, and the light emitting modules 313, 323... emit light through the key display part corresponding to the key, allowing the user to visually recognize that the key has been operated.

[0063] The sensor units 311, 321... include metal detection sensors that detect metal materials and transmit sensing values ​​according to the distance from the metal materials to the control unit 500, and the control unit 500 can detect that the head of the golf club is approaching or touching the key display unit within a predetermined distance based on the sensing value of the metal detection sensor, and can recognize this as an operation.

[0064] When a user is at bat, they tend to use the head of a golf club to operate the keys. When the user brings the club head close to or into contact with the desired key position, the internal metal detection sensor detects the metal club head, causing the vibration module to generate vibrations and a haptic response. The light-emitting module then emits light to the corresponding key, indicating that the key has been operated, and the control unit can then activate the function of the corresponding key.

[0065] In addition, the sensor units 311, 321... include pressure sensors that transmit sensing values ​​based on the pressure of an object to the control unit 500, and the control unit 500 can recognize the user's foot (in shoe state) touching the key display unit or applying a predetermined pressure (pressing) based on the sensing value of the pressure sensor as an operation.

[0066] When a user steps into the batter's box and places or lightly steps on the desired key on the nearby keypad device, the internal pressure sensor detects this, causing the vibration module to generate vibrations and create a haptic response, while the light-emitting module lights up the corresponding key, indicating that the key has been operated, and the control unit can then activate the function of the corresponding key.

[0067] In addition, the sensor units 311, 321... may include both the metal detection sensor and the pressure detection sensor as described above, and the control unit 500 may be configured to detect the proximity, contact, and pressing of the user's body part and golf club to a specific key based on the sensing value of the metal detection sensor and the sensing value of the pressure detection sensor.

[0068] Therefore, when the user is at bat, the user can operate the keys on the simulator by simply touching the club head or foot to the desired key position on the keypad device, and at this time, the keypad device can provide the user with a sense of operation through haptic response and light emission from the vibration module.

[0069] Meanwhile, a keypad device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0070] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a method for recognizing a sensing value of a control unit based on an output of a sensor unit in a keypad device used in a virtual golf simulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating an example of an operating method of a keypad device used in a virtual golf simulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] The sensor unit installed inside each key of the keypad device generates a sensing value in response to the user's operation (approach, contact, or pressing with a part of the user's body or a golf club) and transmits this to the control unit. If the sensing value exceeds a preset threshold, the control unit can recognize that an operation has been performed on the corresponding key.

[0072] For example, if the sensor unit is a metal detection sensor, when a user brings a club head close to or into contact with the first key position, the control unit receives a sensing value from the metal detection sensor and, if the sensing value exceeds a preset threshold, recognizes the proximity or contact of the club head as an operation on the first key and can activate a function corresponding to the first key.

[0073] At this time, if the user positions the club head close to the first key (when the club head is positioned at a distance that does not reach the effective detection range of the metal detection sensor), the control unit that receives the sensing value of the metal detection sensor cannot recognize this as an operation on the first key because the sensing value does not exceed the preset threshold value.

[0074] As mentioned above, when the sensing value of the sensor unit due to the proximity, contact or pushing of a part of the user's body or a golf club exceeds a threshold value, the control unit can recognize the corresponding action as an operation. At this time, the control unit can recognize the operation in one of two ways: as shown in Figure 5(a), it can recognize it with a single operation regardless of whether the operation state is maintained, or as shown in Figure 5(b), it can maintain the recognized sensing value until the operation is released if the operation state is maintained.

[0075] In the former case, as shown in Figure 5(a), if a key operation (e.g., touching the club head to the key) occurs and the control unit recognizes the resulting sensing value (a sensing value exceeding the threshold), the sensing value recognized by the control unit will fall below the threshold as time Ti passes, and the control unit will no longer maintain its recognition of the sensing value. Therefore, even if the user touches the club head and maintains that state, no additional operation will occur.

[0076] In the latter case, as shown in Figure 5(b), if a key operation (e.g., touching the club head to the key) occurs and the control unit recognizes the resulting sensing value (a sensing value exceeding a threshold value), the control unit can be set to maintain the recognized sensing value as is until the operation is released (e.g., removing the club head that has been touching the key).

[0077] If the control unit is set to maintain the recognition of the sensing value as shown in FIG. 5(b), the time during which the key operation state is maintained can be included in the key operation content.

[0078] That is, the time for which the operation state is maintained can be calculated, and different key functions can be implemented depending on the time.

[0079] A keypad device used in a virtual golf simulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, as shown in FIG. 5(b), when a user operates a key, the control unit recognizes the sensing value of the sensor unit, and the control unit maintains the recognition of the sensing value of the sensor unit until the operation state is released, and various key functions can be implemented based on the maintained time.

[0080] 6 and 7 show an example of a case where the control unit of the keypad device is set to maintain the recognized sensing value as shown in FIG. 5(b) to enable various operations.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 6(a), a keypad device 600 used in a virtual golf simulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of keys 610, 620, 630, and 640, each of which may be configured to perform two or more functions.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the first key 610 is composed of keys that can execute functions (1) and (2), the second key 620 is composed of keys that can execute functions (3) and (4), the third key 630 is composed of keys that can execute functions (5) and (6), and the fourth key 640 is composed of keys that can execute functions (7) and (8).

[0083] Here, each function represents a different function. For example, function (1) can be set by executing the terrain preview function, and function (2) can be set by executing the mulligan function.

[0084] As described above, the control unit of the keypad device 600 used in the virtual golf simulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention detects the operation of a specific key when the user operates the key display unit (e.g., by touching the club head to the key), calculates the time the operation is maintained, and can generate different pre-set key functions depending on the calculated operation maintenance time.

[0085] For example, if it is preset that function (1) of the first key 610 is activated when the operation is maintained for a time T1, and function (2) is activated when the operation is maintained for a time T2, as shown in FIG. 6(a), when the user touches the first key 610 with the club head CH, the control unit recognizes the operation. After maintaining the contact for a time T1, as shown in FIG. 6(b), if the user releases the contact of the club head CH, the control unit recognizes the contact time of the club head as T1, and activates function (1) of the first key 610.

[0086] Also, as shown in (a) of FIG. 7, when the user touches the club head CH to the first key 610, the control unit recognizes the operation, and after maintaining contact for time T2, if the user releases the contact of the club head CH as shown in (b) of FIG. 7, the control unit recognizes the contact time of the club head as time T2 and can activate function (2) of the first key 610.

[0087] In this manner, by presetting a plurality of functions assigned to each key and the operation duration for each activation, it is possible to realize a variety of functions through the keypad device despite the limited number of keys provided by the keypad device.

[0088] If the sensor unit is configured to include a metal detection sensor that transmits a sensing value depending on the distance to a metal material to the control unit and detects that the golf club head is approaching or in contact with the key within a predetermined distance, the control unit maintains recognition of the sensing value of the metal detection sensor until the proximity or contact state of the club head is released, and can implement different functions depending on the range of the maintenance time.

[0089] If the sensor unit includes a pressure sensor that transmits a sensing value according to the pressure of an object to the control unit and senses that a part of the user's body is touching or pressing a key, the control unit maintains recognition of the sensing value of the pressure sensor until the state of contact or pressing by the part of the user's body is released, and can implement different functions depending on the range of the maintenance time.

[0090] Meanwhile, a keypad device used in a virtual golf simulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0091] The keypad device according to this embodiment also relates to the case where each key can perform multiple functions, as shown in FIG. 6(a) above.

[0092] In the above-described Figures 6 and 7, a single key is configured to be able to implement multiple functions, and different functions are implemented depending on the duration of user operation on the key. In the keypad device according to this embodiment, a single key is configured to be able to implement multiple functions, and different functions are implemented depending on the type of user operation on the key.

[0093] That is, each key of the keypad device according to this embodiment is matched with a corresponding function for each type of user operation, and the function of the corresponding key corresponding to the type of operation sensed by the sensor unit of the key operated by the user is realized, so that different functions can be realized for each key depending on the type of user operation.

[0094] For example, if the types of operations that a user can perform with each key on a keypad device are three types, namely, "Operation 1," "Operation 2," and "Operation 3," and the functions that can be implemented by a first key of the keypad device are set to "Function 1," "Function 2," and "Function 3," and a sensor unit on the first key detects each of the three types of operations, the keypad device according to this embodiment can implement Function 1 when it detects Operation 1 with respect to the first key, implement Function 2 when it detects Operation 2, and implement Function 3 when it detects Operation 3.

[0095] This is shown more specifically in the flowchart of FIG.

[0096] The above-mentioned operations 1, 2, and 3 can be set to, for example, "approach," "contact," and "push" of the golf club head, respectively, and the above-mentioned functions 1, 2, and 3 for the first key can be set to, for example, "voice guidance of wind direction information," "teeing up the golf ball," and "far gun," respectively.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 8, when a user operates the first key (S100), the control unit determines whether the sensor unit of the first key senses operation 1, operation 2, or operation 3.

[0098] When the sensor unit of the first key detects operation 1 (e.g., the club head's "approach" to the first key) (S110), the control unit determines whether the sensor unit detects operation 2 (e.g., the club head's "contact" to the first key) within a preset time (S112). If operation 2 is not detected, the control unit determines that the user's operation is "operation 1" and can implement the corresponding function 1 of the first key (S114).

[0099] If Operation 1, Operation 2, and Operation 3 are the aforementioned "proximity," "touch," and "push," respectively, Operation 2 (touch) must be preceded by Operation 1 (proximity), and Operation 3 (push) must be preceded by Operation 2 (contact). Therefore, even if the sensor unit detects "Operation 1," it cannot immediately determine that the user's operation was "Operation 1," and it must determine whether "Operation 1" detected by the sensor unit is a preceding action of "Operation 2."

[0100] Therefore, if the sensor unit detects Operation 1 in step S110, it determines whether Operation 2 is additionally detected within a preset time period as in step S112, and if Operation 2 is not additionally detected, it determines that Operation 1 detected in step S110 is the true user's operation, and accordingly, Function 1 can be implemented.

[0101] On the other hand, if the second operation is detected within the preset time in step S112, the process for when the sensor unit detects the second operation is followed in step S120.

[0102] If the sensor unit detects operation 2 (e.g., the "contact" of the club head with the first key) (S120), the control unit determines whether the sensor unit detects operation 3 (e.g., the "press" of the club head with the first key) within a preset time (S122). If operation 3 is not detected, the control unit determines that the user's operation is "operation 2" and can implement function 2 of the corresponding first key (S124).

[0103] If Operation 3 is detected within the preset time in step S122, the process for when the sensor unit detects Operation 3 is followed in step S130.

[0104] If the sensor unit detects operation 3 (e.g., a "press" of the club head against the first key) (S130), and there is no other type of operation that follows, the control unit can determine that the user's operation is operation 3, and can thereby implement function 3 of the first key (S134).

[0105] In this manner, each key of the keypad device according to this embodiment is matched with a corresponding function according to the type of user operation, and the function of the corresponding key corresponding to the type of operation sensed by the sensor unit of the key operated by the user is realized, so that different functions can be realized for each key according to the type of operation by the user.

[0106] Meanwhile, a keypad device used in a virtual golf simulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0107] The keypad device according to this embodiment may include a plurality of keys classified according to the functions provided by the virtual golf simulation device, a sensor unit provided for each key to detect operation by a part of the user's body or a golf club, and a control unit that generates a preset function according to the order in which the user operates two or more key combinations among the plurality of keys.

[0108] For example, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the keypad device 700 may have keys k1 to k6, and the control unit may be set to execute function A for the key combination and consecutive operation sequence of k1→k2→k3, to execute function B for the key combination and consecutive operation sequence of k4→k5→k6, and to execute function C for the key combination and consecutive operation sequence of k2→k5→k6.

[0109] Here, functions A, B, and C are used to explain that each function is different from the other. For example, function A can be set as a mulligan, function B as a terrain preview, and function C as a golf ball tee-up.

[0110] The keypad device according to this embodiment can sense at least one of the proximity, contact, and depression of a part of the user's body or a golf club when operating a key. In particular, in the case of proximity or contact by a golf club head, it is very convenient and easy to implement the desired key function by successive contact of multiple key combinations.

[0111] That is, the control unit may detect the operation sequence of the key combinations according to the gestures of the golf club head by the proximity or contact, and may generate a preset function according to the corresponding gesture.

[0112] For example, as shown in FIG. 9(a), if the user brings the club head CH close to or into contact with the k1 key and then makes a gesture of dragging the k2 and k3 keys sequentially (e.g., a gesture of dragging in a straight line), the control unit recognizes that the user has made successive operations in the order of key combinations k1 → k2 → k3, thereby implementing the preset function A.

[0113] Also, as shown in FIG. 9(b), if the user brings the club head CH close to or into contact with the k4 key and then makes a gesture of dragging the k5 and k6 keys sequentially (for example, a gesture of dragging in a straight line), the control unit recognizes that the user has made successive operations in the order of the key combination k4 → k5 → k6, thereby realizing the preset B function.

[0114] Also, as shown in FIG. 9(c), the user may move the club head CH close to or in contact with the k2 key, and then drag the k5 key and the k6 key sequentially (e.g.,

number

[0115] In addition to the example shown in FIG. 9, various key functions can be realized by multiple key combinations and the order of consecutive operations.

[0116] In this manner, in addition to the functions assigned to each key, various key functions can be realized by multiple key combinations and sequential operation sequences, so that various and many functions can be realized through the keypad device despite the limited number of keys provided by the keypad device.

[0117] Meanwhile, a virtual golf simulation device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0118] A virtual golf simulation device, for example, a screen golf system, displays a virtual golf course as an image on a screen, and as a user hits a golf shot at the plate, the simulator displays a simulation image of a virtual ball moving on the virtual golf course image based on sensing information on the movement of at least one of the golf ball and the golf club.

[0119] Playing golf on the virtual golf course proceeds in the same way as playing golf on a real golf course, and can be divided into a tee shot stage, a field shot stage, and a putting stage.

[0120] In the virtual golf simulation device according to this embodiment, the functions that are activated are changed depending on the duration of operation on the keypad device according to the progress stage of the virtual golf simulation on the virtual golf course, so that it is possible to selectively activate functions that can only be used during the progress stage of the virtual golf simulation.

[0121] When the keypad device is configured in the manner shown in FIG. 6(a), the functions that can be operated by the first key can be set to function A and function B, function C and function D, or function E and function F according to the progress of the golf simulation, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0122] At each stage of the virtual golf simulation, there are functions that can only be used at that stage.

[0123] For example, during the tee shot progression stage, it is possible to operate the function to raise the tee height or the function to lower the tee height, and during the putting progression stage, it is possible to operate the green line display function or the putting guide display function.In this way, each stage has functions that are only used at that stage.

[0124] The keypad device of the virtual golf simulation device according to this embodiment may change the function implemented by the operation of the corresponding key depending on the progress stage of the virtual golf simulation being carried out by the control unit simulator, even if the same key is operated.

[0125] For example, as shown in Fig. 10, when the control unit of the keypad device recognizes that the virtual golf simulation is in the tee shot stage, function A can be realized by maintaining contact of the club head with the first key for T1 time, and function B can be realized by maintaining contact for T2 time. When the control unit recognizes that the virtual golf simulation is in the field shot stage, function C can be realized by maintaining contact of the club head with the first key for T1 time, and function D can be realized by maintaining contact for T2 time. When the control unit recognizes that the virtual golf simulation is in the putting stage, function E can be realized by maintaining contact of the club head with the first key for T1 time, and function F can be realized by maintaining contact for T2 time. Here, functions A to F represent different functions.

[0126] In this way, the present invention solves the problem of the prior art that, while there are many and varied functions that can be implemented by user operation during the virtual golf simulation process, the number of buttons that can be implemented on the operation device is limited. In order to solve this problem, the present invention has the advantage of being able to implement many and varied functions despite the limited number of keys provided by the keypad device. [Industrial Applicability]

[0127] The virtual golf simulation device and the keypad device used therein according to the present invention can be used in the industrial field related to ball sports played using a ball, such as golf, and the industrial field related to the field related to the field of allowing users to practice and enjoy ball sports in a virtual environment, such as so-called screen golf, which allows users to enjoy playing golf based on a virtual golf simulation.

Claims

1. 1. A keypad device for use in a virtual golf simulation device, comprising: a pad body having a plurality of key actuation units that sense an operation by a part of the user's body or a golf club and generate a haptic response; a pad cover coupled to an upper end of the pad body and including a key display unit in which key functions are displayed at positions corresponding to the key actuation units; a control unit that generates a haptic response of a key actuation unit corresponding to the key display unit and generates a key function corresponding to the key display unit when the user performs the operation on the specific key display unit, Each of the key actuators is a sensor unit configured to sense at least one of the proximity, contact, and push of a part of the user's body or a golf club as the operation; a vibration module that generates vibration for the haptic response when the sensor unit senses the operation; and a light-emitting module that causes light to be emitted through each of the key display units when the sensor unit senses the operation, The sensor unit a pressure sensor that transmits a sensing value according to the pressure of an object to the control unit; the control unit is configured to recognize, as the operation, that a part of the user's body touches or presses the key display unit based on a sensing value of the pressure sensor; The control unit A keypad device for use in a virtual golf simulation device, configured to preset a plurality of different key functions to be implemented in a golf simulation process by the virtual golf simulation device on the key display unit, calculate a time for which the operation is maintained when the user operates the key display unit, and implement a function corresponding to the calculated operation maintenance time among the plurality of different preset key functions according to the calculated operation maintenance time.

2. The sensor unit The device further includes a metal detection sensor that detects a metal material and transmits a sensing value according to a distance from the metal material to the control unit, 2. The keypad device used in the virtual golf simulation device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit recognizes the proximity, contact, and pushing of the user's body part and the golf club as the operation based on the sensing value of the metal detection sensor and the sensing value of the pressure detection sensor.

3. 1. A keypad device for use in a virtual golf simulation device, comprising: The pad body, a plurality of keys connected to the virtual golf simulation device, the keys being divided into functions provided by the virtual golf simulation device and installed on the pad body; a sensor unit provided for each of the plurality of keys, the sensor unit detecting an operation of each of the plurality of keys by a part of the user's body or a golf club; At least one key among the plurality of keys is set to implement a plurality of functions, and a control unit is provided to recognize a type of user operation sensed by the sensor unit, and to match a corresponding function among the plurality of functions of the key with each type of user operation, thereby implementing different functions for each type of user operation on the key, The control unit A keypad device used in a virtual golf simulation device, wherein when the sensor unit detects a user's operation on a key, if no other type of subsequent operation on the key is detected within a preset time, the keypad unit controls to implement a function of the key corresponding to the detected user's operation.

4. a simulator that implements a simulation image of a virtual ball moving on a virtual golf course image based on sensing information on the movement of at least one of a golf ball and a golf club when a user hits a golf shot at a tee; a video output unit that outputs the virtual golf course video and a simulation video realized by the simulator; a keypad device provided on or adjacent to the tee box so that a user entering the tee box can operate the key to realize functions provided by the simulator, the keypad device including a plurality of keys classified according to the functions provided by the simulator, a sensor unit provided for each key and detecting an operation by a part of the user's body or a golf club, and a control unit for generating a preset function of the simulator based on the duration of operation from when the key is operated until the operation on the key is released, A virtual golf simulation device in which the function to be performed according to the operation maintaining time on the keypad device is changed according to the progress stage of the virtual golf simulation on the virtual golf course.

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