Golf support system

Abstract

The disclosed golf support system (1A) is a golf support system (1A) for supporting a golf play in which a user (3) hits a golf ball (5) with a golf club (4) in a golf play area (2), and comprises a monitor device (8) installed in the golf play area (2) and capable of displaying video, a detection device (9) that detects when a golf ball (5) goes into a cup (6) provided in the golf play area (2), and a display control processor (10) that is connected to the monitor device (8) and the detection device (9) so as to be able to exchange information, and which generates an advertising video signal for outputting a predetermined advertising video when the detection device (9) detects that the ball has gone into the cup, and displays an advertising video based on the advertising video signal on the monitor device (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a golf support system for assisting a user who plays golf.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a support system that provides support information for assisting golf play to a user (golfer) who plays golf has been devised. For example, the technique of Patent Document 1 below creates a flight trajectory of an IC golf ball based on distance measurement data using an IC golf ball capable of transmitting GPS distance measurement data, and presents advice, scores, etc. to the user based on the created trajectory.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, conventional techniques that present advice, scores, etc. to the user, such as Patent Document 1, assist in improving golf play and do not sufficiently consider enhancing the enjoyment during play. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the golf support system in enhancing the enjoyment of the user during golf play.

[0005] One of the objects of the present case was devised in light of the above problems, and is to provide a golf support system capable of enhancing the enjoyment of the user during golf play. Also, not limited to this object, the operational effects derived from each configuration shown in the "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention" described later, which are operational effects not obtained by the conventional technique, can also be positioned as other objects of the present case.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) The golf support system in this case is a golf support system for supporting golf play in which a user hits a golf ball with a golf club in a golf play area, and comprises a monitor device installed in the golf play area and capable of displaying video, a detection device that detects when the golf ball goes into a cup provided in the golf play area, and a display control processor that is connected to the monitor device and the detection device so as to be able to exchange information, and when the detection device detects that the ball has gone into the cup, generates an advertising video signal for outputting a predetermined advertising video, and displays an advertising video based on the advertising video signal on the monitor device.

[0007] (2) Furthermore, the golf support system in this case is a golf support system applied to a virtual golf game played in a virtual golf play area generated by a computer device, wherein the virtual golf game simulates golf play in the virtual golf play area in response to actual operations by the user, and the golf support system comprises the computer device, a display device connected to the computer device in a manner that enables information communication, which visually presents to the user the virtual golf play area generated by the computer device and the virtual golf ball placed within the virtual golf play area, and a display device connected to the computer device in a manner that enables information communication, which simulates golf play in the virtual golf play area The computer device includes an input device that inputs operation information indicating the operation for hitting a ball to the computer device, the computer device having a processing processor that performs a process to simulate the golf play of virtually hitting a golf ball in the virtual golf play area based on the operation information, updates the position of the golf ball in the virtual golf play area based on the result of the processing, and detects whether the golf ball has gone into a cup provided in the virtual golf play area as a result of the update, and a display control processor that generates an advertising video signal for outputting a predetermined advertising video when the processing processor detects that the golf ball has gone into the cup, and displays an advertising video based on the advertising video signal on the display device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the disclosed golf support system, an advertising video can be displayed on a monitor when a hole-in is detected. The advertising video provides an incentive for hole-in, thereby enhancing the user's enjoyment of playing golf. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1]This is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the golf support system as the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the golf support system as a second embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the golf support system as a third embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the golf support system as the fourth embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the golf support system as the fifth embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the golf support system as the sixth embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram regarding the horizontal adjustment of the monitoring device. [Figure 8] (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams relating to modified versions of the monitoring device. [Figure 9] (A), (B), and (C) are explanatory diagrams relating to modified versions of a mobile monitoring device. [Figure 10] (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of the configuration of a mechanism for adjusting the height and horizontal position in a mobile monitoring device. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the golf support system as the seventh embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes a golf support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of the golf support system 1A (hereinafter also simply referred to as "the system") according to the first embodiment. The golf support system 1A shown in Figure 1 is a system designed to support the golf play of a user (golfer) 3 in the golf play area 2. Golf Play Area 2 is a facility and area for playing golf. The Golf Support System 1A shown is installed within Golf Play Area 2. Golf Play Area 2 may include an outdoor golf course for playing golf or an indoor golf practice range for practicing golf. Figure 1 shows an example where Golf Play Area 2 is an outdoor golf course.

[0011] In this specification, "golf play" refers to hitting a golf ball (hereinafter also referred to as "ball") 5 with a golf club 4 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "club") in the golf play area 2. As is well known, the objective of playing golf is to hit a golf ball (5) with a club (4) and get it into a hole called a cup (6). However, if the golf playing area (2) is an indoor golf practice range or a putting practice facility, the cup may not be a hole dug in the ground, but rather a marker placed on the ground. In other words, in this specification, "cup" is not limited to a "hole," but also includes markers that serve as the target for putting the ball into the cup. User 3 starts hitting ball 5 from the teeing ground (not shown) on one hole (one course) of the golf playing area 2 (outdoor golf course), and continues hitting until ball 5 goes into cup 6 located on green 7. Green 7 is, as is well known, a part of the golf playing area 2, and is the area where cup 6 is located.

[0012] System 1A, shown in Figure 1, displays a predetermined advertisement video when User 3's ball 5 goes into the cup 6 (in accordance with the cup-in) in order to enhance User 3's enjoyment during golf play. Since this advertisement video provides an additional incentive for cup-ins, it can be said that System 1A enhances the entertainment value of playing golf.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1A includes a monitor device 8 installed in the golf play area 2 and capable of displaying images, a detection device 9 provided in the cup 6 (golf play area 2) on the green 7 for detecting that the ball 5 has been cup-in, and a display control processor 10 for causing the monitor device 8 to display a predetermined advertisement image. The monitor device 8, the detection device 9, and the display control processor 10 are connected to each other so as to be able to exchange information.

[0014] The monitor device 8 is an example of a display having a display screen 8A for displaying an advertisement image, and is, for example, an LCD display or an LED display. This monitor device 8 includes a display screen 8A, a housing (body) 8B on which the display screen 8A is mounted, and a control device 8C for controlling the operation of the monitor device 8. In addition, other devices such as an audio device 8D including a speaker and an amplifier for outputting sound and a communication device 8E having a function of communicating with other devices may be attached to the monitor device 8.

[0015] The monitor device 8 in FIG. 1 is movable or fixedly installed in an area near the green 7. The installation location of the monitor device 8 may be set at an appropriate position near the green 7 where the user 3 playing golf on the green 7 can view the screen. The monitor device 8 in FIG. 1 is installed at a predetermined position near the green 7 by a stand 8G erected on the ground.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, a camera 11 is attached to the housing 8B of the monitor device 8. In other words, the camera 11 is equipped in the same housing 8B as the monitor device 8. The camera 11 is attached, for example, integrally or separately to the upper part of the housing 8B. This camera 11 is a part of the detection device 9 and is an image sensor (video camera) for shooting a video of the ball 5. That is, the detection device 9 is configured to determine whether or not the ball has been cup-in based on the video shot by the camera 11.

[0017] In Figure 1, the camera 11 is mounted protruding from the top of the housing 8B of the monitor device 8. The camera 11 may be mounted in a way that allows its mounting position on the housing 8B of the monitor device 8 to be adjustable (i.e., movable within the housing 8B). The adjustment (movement) of the mounting position of the camera 11 may be done manually by the user 3, or it may be driven by a motor, actuator, or other drive source (not shown). Furthermore, when the mounting position of the camera 11 is adjusted by motor drive, the mounting position may be remotely controlled by movement instructions input by the user 3, or the mounting position of the camera 11 may be autonomously (automatically) adjusted to follow the object being photographed. The camera 11 may also be built into the housing 8B. When the camera 11 is built into the housing 8B, protection against wind, rain, sand, and dust is enhanced.

[0018] Camera 11 is an image sensor (video camera) that captures video footage including at least the cup 6 on the green 7 (video footage including the cup 6 in the frame), and is configured to include the area around the cup 6 on the green 7 within its shooting range. The camera 11 is connected to the display control processor 10 in a manner that allows for the exchange of information, and can transmit video data showing the image captured by the camera 11 to the display control processor 10.

[0019] For example, a "360-degree camera" capable of capturing images in all 360 degrees can be used for this camera 11. However, camera 11 is not limited to a 360-degree camera; it may also be a camera that captures a narrower range than 360 degrees. Furthermore, camera 11 may be a 2D camera that captures flat, two-dimensional images, or it may be configured as a 3D camera capable of capturing three-dimensional images.

[0020] The control unit 8C of the monitoring device 8 is an electronic control unit (computer) built into the enclosure 8B of the monitoring device 8, which provides overall control over the operation of the monitoring device 8. It is an electronic device equipped with a processor and memory device (neither of which are shown in the diagram). The control unit 8C is configured to perform various functions by executing computer programs stored in a memory device (not shown in the diagram). The control device 8C in Figure 1 includes, as its functional elements, a display control processor 10 and a video processing processor 12, which is part of the detection device 9. In other words, the display control processor 10 and the video processing processor 12 are built into the monitor device 8.

[0021] The display control processor 10 is a functional element that performs control for displaying video on the display screen 8A. The display control processor 10 includes a signal generation function 10A for generating an advertising video signal to output a predetermined advertising video in response to a cup-in, and an advertising display function 10B for displaying an advertising video on the display screen 8A based on the generated advertising video signal. Furthermore, in order to generate the above-mentioned advertising video signals, the storage device of the display control processor 10 (control device 8C) is equipped with an advertising database that stores a large amount of video and audio to be used in the advertising videos. Note that the video and audio to be used in the advertising videos may be distributed from an external computer (not shown) via a communication network (not shown).

[0022] The video processing processor 12 is a functional element that analyzes the video captured by the camera 11 and performs processing to determine whether or not the ball 5 has gone into the cup in the video. In other words, the detection device 9 of this embodiment consists of the camera 11 attached to the housing 8B of the monitor device 8 and the video processing processor 12 included in the control device 8C of the monitor device 8.

[0023] The video processing processor 12 receives video data from the camera 11 as input. The camera 11 transmits, for example, the video data of the video it is capturing to the video processing processor 12 in near real time. The video processing processor 12 analyzes the received video data (video) in near real time using well-known image analysis techniques. Specifically, the video processing processor 12 identifies the ball 5 and cup 6 recorded in the video through image analysis and determines whether the ball 5 has entered the cup 6 (got in). In other words, the detection device 9 detects a ball going in by performing image analysis on the video received from the camera 11.

[0024] The video processing processor 12 outputs a cup-in detection signal when it determines through image analysis that the ball has gone into the cup. A display control processor 10 is connected to the output side of the video processing processor 12. When the display control processor 10 receives a cup-in detection signal from the video processing processor 12, it extracts video data and audio data to be used to present a predetermined advertising video from an advertising database and generates an advertising video signal (signal generation function 10A).

[0025] The advertising video signal is data for displaying a predetermined advertising video on the monitor device 8. An advertising video is a video intended to promote information about a subject, such as a product, service, or idea, to the user 3. The advertising video may include moving images, still images, and text information that inform users of the subject's existence, characteristics, and significance. The advertising video may also include audio data (advertising sound). Advertising sound may include voice, sound logos, and music.

[0026] The display control processor 10 displays an advertisement video on the display screen 8A of the monitor device 8 based on the generated advertisement video signal (advertisement display function 10B). The video processing processor 12 may also output an advertisement sound based on audio data from the audio device 8D in addition to displaying the advertisement video. In this way, when user 3 sinks a putt, the advertisement video is displayed on the monitor device 8, providing an incentive to sink the putt and thus enhancing user 3's enjoyment of playing golf.

[0027] The designated advertising video may be personalized to each user's individual profile, to the location of the golf course, or to the season or time of day. Furthermore, while the content of the designated advertising video is not particularly limited, it is preferable that it is an advertising video that is not displayed on the display screen 8A of the monitor device 8 except when the ball is put in the cup. Specifically, when the ball is not put in the cup (under normal circumstances), the monitor device 8 displays images other than the designated advertising video, such as the user 3's score, a course description, or other advertising videos (advertising videos that are not displayed when the ball is put in the cup), and the designated advertising video is only displayed when the ball is put in the cup. By preventing the designated advertising video from being displayed except when the ball is put in the cup, the opportunities to see the designated advertising video are limited, increasing its rarity and thus increasing the incentive to put the ball in the cup.

[0028] Furthermore, the display control processor 10 may display a predetermined advertisement video not only when a cup-in is detected, but also when a cup-in occurs within a specific number of strokes. More specifically, the video processing processor 12 individually recognizes each ball 5 in the video through image analysis and automatically tracks each recognized ball 5 from before it reaches the green 7. By individually recognizing and automatically tracking each ball 5, it becomes possible to provide personalized advertising videos (personalized services) to each user 3 using that ball 5. The video processing processor 12 determines the number of strokes it takes for the ball 5 in the video to reach the green 7 and go into the cup through image analysis. Known image analysis and automatic shooting technologies can be applied to individually recognize the balls 5 or to automatically track each ball 5 through image analysis.

[0029] Then, if the determined number of strokes is a predetermined number, the display control processor 10 generates an advertising video signal (signal generation function 10A) and displays the advertising video on the display screen 8A of the monitor device 8 based on the advertising video (advertising display function 10B). The predetermined number of strokes may be predetermined or can be set arbitrarily by the user 3. For example, the user 3 inputs the number of strokes using an input device (not shown) included in the monitor device 8 and sets the predetermined number of strokes to the video processing processor 12. In other words, the video processing processor 12 accepts the setting of the predetermined number of strokes by the user 3.

[0030] By displaying a specific advertisement only when the ball is holed in a predetermined number of strokes, the opportunity to see the advertisement becomes rarer, increasing the incentive to hole in the cup and enhancing user 3's enjoyment of playing golf. Furthermore, if user 3 sets the predetermined number of strokes, it can be set according to, for example, user 3's golf skill level. This makes it possible to provide personalized advertisements (personalized services) to each user 3.

[0031] As an alternative to the above, the display control processor 10 may output an advertising video corresponding to the determined number of strokes. In this case, the advertising database of the display control processor 10 manages and stores different advertising videos (video data and audio data) associated with each stroke. The display control processor 10 generates different advertising video signals according to the determined number of strokes (signal generation function 10A), and displays the advertising video on the display screen 8A of the monitor device 8 based on the advertising video (advertising display function 10B). The correspondence between the number of hits and the advertisement video may be predetermined, or it may be set arbitrarily by User 3. Alternatively, the advertisement video may be automatically (randomly) selected according to the number of hits. By displaying advertising videos that correspond to the number of strokes taken, the enjoyment of user 3's golf game can be further enhanced.

[0032] System 1A in Figure 1 may further include a portable information terminal device (mobile terminal device) 20 that user 3 can carry. The mobile terminal device 20 can be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or a wearable device that user 3 can wear. Wearable devices include, for example, smartwatches and smart glasses. The mobile terminal device 20 is connected to the monitor device 8 in a communication manner and can operate in cooperation with the monitor device 8. That is, the monitor device 8 may transmit the advertising video signal generated by the display control processor 10 to the mobile terminal device 20 and display the advertising video on the display screen 21 of the mobile terminal device 20. In this case, the display screen 21 of the mobile terminal device 20 can be said to function as the monitor device of system 1A. In other words, the monitor device of system 1A may be provided on the mobile terminal device 20.

[0033] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the golf support system 1B according to the second embodiment. Golf support system 1B is configured in the same way as system 1A in Figure 1, except that a cart 30 is added. The cart 30 is an example of a means of transportation within the golf playing area 2, and is a vehicle. The cart 30 may be used, for example, for user 3 to move around the golf course, or for transporting goods within the golf course. Although not shown in the illustration, the cart 30 includes components necessary to function as a vehicle (means of transportation), such as a drive source like a motor or engine, and wheels. The cart 30 may be a vehicle driven by a person, such as user 3 or a caddy, or it may be an autonomous (unmanned) vehicle controlled by a computer. It may also be a remotely controlled vehicle operated by wireless control.

[0034] The cart 30 includes, in addition to the components necessary to function as a vehicle (means of transportation), a camera 31, a monitor device 32, a control device 33, a communication device 34, and an audio device 35. The control device 33 is an electronic control device (computer) that comprehensively controls the operation of each of the devices 31, 32, 34, and 35 of the cart 30, and is an electronic device equipped with a processor and a memory device (neither of which are shown). The control device 33 includes a display control processor 36 and an image processing processor 37 as functional elements. The communication device 34 is a device that connects the monitoring device 8 and the devices 31-35 of the cart 30 wirelessly or via wire to enable data communication.

[0035] Camera 31 is mounted at any location on the cart 30 (for example, on the roof in Figure 2). The monitoring device 32 is mounted at any location on the cart 30 (for example, in front of the seats or on the side of the cart 30, not shown). The mounting position of the monitoring device 32 on camera 31 can be freely moved or changed. Camera 31, monitor device 32, audio device 35, display control processor 36, and video processing processor 37 have functions common to camera 11, monitor device 8, audio device 8D, display control processor 10, and video processing processor 12 described in relation to system 1A in Figure 1, so a detailed explanation is omitted. In other words, golf support system 1B can be described as a system equipped on the cart 30 with monitor device 32, detection device 9 (camera 31 and video processing processor 37), and display control processor 36. Note that the signal generation function (reference numeral 10A in Figure 1) and advertising display function (reference numeral 10B in Figure 1) within the display control processor 36 are not shown.

[0036] Camera 31 can be, for example, a "360-degree camera" capable of capturing images in all 360 degrees. However, camera 31 is not limited to a 360-degree camera; it may also be a camera that captures a narrower range than 360 degrees. Furthermore, camera 31 may be a 2D camera that captures flat, two-dimensional images, or it may be configured as a 3D camera capable of capturing three-dimensional images.

[0037] In the golf support system 1B, the video processing processor 37 determines whether or not the ball has gone into the cup from the video captured by the camera 31 on the cart 30, and the display control processor 36 displays an advertisement video on the monitor device 32 according to whether or not the ball has gone into the cup. Furthermore, in the golf support system 1B shown in Figure 2, a camera 11 attached to the monitor device 8 may be used, or advertising videos may be displayed on the display screen 8A of the monitor device 8, or the control device 8C of the monitor device 8 may be used to generate advertising video signals and perform display control processing of advertising videos.

[0038] In other words, the golf support system 1B may be configured such that the monitor device 8 (first monitor device) and the monitor device 32 (second monitor device) installed on the cart 30 are connected in a way that allows them to communicate with each other and work together to display information such as advertising videos. Furthermore, the golf support system 1B may display advertising videos by linking the monitor device 8, the monitor device 32 installed on the cart 30, and the display screen 21 of the mobile terminal device 20 within the system 1B.

[0039] Furthermore, when using the camera 31 on the cart 30 to capture video, it is possible to not only film the ball 5 around the green 7, but also to track the ball 5 and film it from the moment the ball 5 is struck on the teeing ground (not shown) until it enters the cup 6 on the green 7. As mentioned above, well-known image analysis techniques and automatic filming techniques can be applied to track the ball 5 using the camera 31. Furthermore, when using the camera 31 on the cart 30 to capture video, in addition to the ball 5, the camera may also track and film the user 3 themselves as they move within the golf playing area 2. Furthermore, multiple carts 30 may be deployed.

[0040] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the golf support system 1C according to the third embodiment. Golf support system 1C is configured in the same way as system 1B in Figure 2, except that the monitor device 8 is omitted. In this golf support system 1C, the video processing processor 37 determines whether or not the ball has gone into the cup from the video captured by the camera 31 on the cart 30, and the display control processor 36 generates an advertising video signal according to the cup-in, and the advertising video can be displayed on the monitor device 32.

[0041] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the golf support system 1D according to the fourth embodiment. Golf support system 1D is configured in the same way as system 1A, except that it has a monitor device 80 that is movable within the golf playing area 2, instead of the monitor device 8 of system 1A in Figure 1.

[0042] Specifically, the housing 8B of the monitor device 80 is equipped with wheels 8F. In this case, it can be said that the housing 8B with wheels 8F is a mobile device, and the monitor device 80 is mounted on this mobile device, or it can be said that the monitor device 80 is configured as a mobile device. The monitoring device 80 may be configured as a mobile body that is manually moved by a person such as user 3 or caddy (hand-pushed) without a drive source, or it may be configured as a self-propelled mobile body that has a drive source such as a motor or engine. If the monitoring device 80 is configured as a self-propelled mobile body, it may be driven autonomously (unmanned) by computer control, or it may be driven by remote control based on wireless operation. In this case, when a cup-in is detected, a predetermined advertisement video is displayed on the display screen 8A of the movable monitor device 80. Because the monitor device 8 is movable, the shooting area of ​​the camera 11 attached to the monitor device 8 is expanded, and the flexibility of the installation location of the monitor device 8 (display screen 8A) is increased.

[0043] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the golf support system 1E according to the fifth embodiment. Golf support system 1E is configured in the same way as system 1B in Figure 2, except that a sensor 60 is provided as a detection device 9 inside the cup 6 to detect when the ball 5 goes into the cup.

[0044] Sensor 60 is composed of an impact sensor that detects the impact when, for example, a ball 5 falls into the cup 6, and is communicated with the monitoring device 8, the mobile terminal device 20, and the cart 30. When sensor 60 detects a ball going in the cup, it transmits a cup-in detection signal to other devices in system 1E. The monitoring device 8, the mobile terminal device 20, and the cart 30 can display a predetermined advertising video in response to the cup-in detection signal transmitted from sensor 60. In this case, the configuration of the detection device 9 is simplified compared to a configuration that detects cup-ins by video analysis using a camera. Furthermore, in system 1E, the monitor device 8, the mobile terminal device 20, and parts of the cart 30 may be omitted.

[0045] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the golf support system 1F according to the sixth embodiment. Golf support system 1F is configured in the same way as system 1E in Figure 5, except that it is equipped with multiple monitor devices 8, 8', 8''. The configuration and functions of each monitor device 8, 8', 8'' may be the same as those of monitor device 8 described above, and a detailed explanation thereof is omitted. Alternatively, among the multiple monitor devices 8, 8', 8'', the other monitor devices (e.g., monitor devices 8', 8'') except for one monitor device (e.g., monitor device 8) may have a simple configuration having only a communication function and an advertising display function 10B that displays an advertising video on the display screen 8A based on an externally generated advertising video signal.

[0046] The locations of the multiple monitoring devices 8, 8′, 8′′ are not particularly limited. For example, one monitoring device 8 may be placed near the green 7, another monitoring device 8′ may be placed near the green 7 but at a distance from monitoring device 8 (for example, opposite monitoring device 8 with the green 7 in between), and another monitoring device 8′′ may be placed at a distance from the green 7. In System 1F, which is equipped with multiple monitor devices 8,8′,8′′, the number of blind spots where the display screen 8A of monitor devices 8,8′,8′′ cannot be seen within the golf play area 2 is reduced, thus expanding the geographical range over which advertising videos can be presented to users 3. Therefore, the convenience of System 1F is enhanced. In addition, if cameras are attached to each monitor device 8,8′,8′′, the range that can be captured is expanded.

[0047] The number of monitor devices in System 1F is not particularly limited, as long as there are two or more. The more monitor devices there are, the wider the geographical range over which advertising videos can be presented to User 3. In addition, at least one of the monitor devices may be configured as a mobile unit, as shown in Monitor Device 80 in Figure 4 above. Furthermore, the configuration of System 1F is not limited to the illustrated example; that is, it is not limited to a system configuration in which multiple monitor devices are provided in System 1E, but may also be a system configuration in which two or more monitor devices are provided in Systems 1A to 1D.

[0048] Furthermore, the components and functional elements described above for each device within each of the systems 1A to 1F are merely examples, and each device may include, in addition to or instead of, the above-described components and functional elements, such as various sensors, input devices, lighting fixtures, and other components and functional elements. Furthermore, each of the systems 1B to 1F described above can appropriately incorporate the various functions explained for the display control processor 10 and video processing processor 12 of system 1A, as well as additional functions and processing related to image analysis, audio output, etc.

[0049] The devices that make up each of the systems 1A to 1F described above are merely examples, and each system 1A to 1F may include other devices in addition to, or instead of, the devices described above. For example, the modified golf support system may include a fixed monitor device 8 and a mobile monitor device 80, or it may include a fixed monitor device 8, a mobile monitor device 80 and a cart 30, or it may include only a mobile monitor device 80. Furthermore, the golf support system 1E may further include a mobile monitor device 80, or it may include only one or two of the fixed monitor device 8, the mobile monitor device 80 and the cart 30.

[0050] Furthermore, each of the systems 1A to 1F described above may include additional cameras, monitoring devices, audio devices, etc. For example, in system 1A of Figure 1, a pin camera 6B for photographing the inside of cup 6 may be attached to a pin 6A provided on cup 6 as a marker for cup 6. The pin camera 6B may be equipped with a sensor for detecting cup-in and a lighting device for illuminating the inside of cup 6. The pin camera 6B is a type of auxiliary sub-camera provided separately from cameras 11 and 31. Alternatively, in addition to the camera 11 of the monitoring device 8 and the camera 31 of the cart 30, each of the systems 1A to 1F described above may have an auxiliary camera (sub-camera) 38 separate from cameras 11 and 31 installed at any location within the golf play area 2. The sub-camera 38 may be fixed at any location within the golf play area 2 or may be installed in a movable manner.

[0051] The pin camera 6B and sub-camera 38 are connected to the video processing processors 12 and 37 in a communicative manner, and can transmit video data to the video processing processors 12 and 37. Therefore, the video data captured by the pin camera 6B and sub-camera 38 can be used to determine whether or not the ball has gone in the cup, just like the video data from the camera 11 of the monitor device 8 and the camera 31 of the cart 30. One of the uses of the pin camera 6B and the sub-camera 38 is to supplementarily capture areas (blind spots) that are outside the shooting range of the camera 11 on the monitoring device 8 and the camera 31 on the cart 30. By providing the pin camera 6B and the sub-camera 38, the blind spots of cameras 11 and 31 can be compensated for, and the shooting range within the system can be expanded.

[0052] Alternatively, a sub-pin 6C may be installed near the cup 6 as a separate component from the pin 6A. The sub-pin 6C is a rod-shaped (pin-shaped) component to which a camera is attached, and functions as a marker for the cup 6, as well as a means of capturing images of the ball 5. The sub-pin 6C is communicated to the video processing processors 12 and 37, and can transmit video data to the video processing processors 12 and 37 via the sub-pin 6C. Therefore, the video data captured by the sub-pin 6C can be used to determine whether or not the ball has gone in the cup, just like the video data from the camera 11 of the monitoring device 8 or the camera 31 of the cart 30.

[0053] Furthermore, the cameras used for pin camera 6B, sub-camera 38, and sub-pin 6C are, for example, "360-degree cameras" capable of capturing images in all 360 degrees. However, these cameras, pin camera 6B, sub-camera 38, and sub-pin 6C, are not limited to 360-degree cameras; they may be cameras that capture a narrower range than 360 degrees, 2D cameras that capture flat, two-dimensional images, or 3D cameras capable of capturing three-dimensional images.

[0054] In addition, in each of the above-mentioned systems 1A to 1F, the screens of the monitor devices 8 and 32 may display a linkage authentication code information (for example, a QR code (registered trademark)) for linking the systems 1A to 1F with the mobile terminal device 20. The camera of the mobile terminal device 20 may then read this information, allowing the systems 1A to 1F to authenticate the mobile terminal device 20 and link the systems 1A to 1F with the mobile terminal device 20.

[0055] In each of the systems 1A to 1F described above, facial recognition of user 3 may be performed by photographing user 3 with the camera 11 attached to the monitoring device 8 or the camera 31 on the cart 30, thereby identifying each user 3 and providing personalized services to each user. Examples of personalized services to each user include automatically tracking and photographing user 3 using the camera 11 attached to the monitoring device 8 or the camera 31 on the cart 30, or displaying personalized advertisements to each user.

[0056] Furthermore, in each of the above-mentioned systems 1A to 1F, when a ball goes into the cup, the system may play sounds such as cheers and applause from the gallery, or play predetermined music, along with an advertisement video. Furthermore, in each of the systems 1A to 1F described above, the monitor devices 8 and 32 and the display screen 21 of the mobile terminal device 20 may also display the progress of the golf game in video, in addition to the advertising video. In this case, when a ball is put in, the video of the progress of the golf game may switch to the advertising video, or the advertising video may be displayed superimposed on the video of the progress of the golf game in the manner of a so-called banner ad or pop-up ad.

[0057] The monitoring devices 8 and 80 may be equipped with anti-tipping devices. These anti-tipping devices may include, for example, leg-like devices (outriggers) extending laterally from the housing 8B, or telescopic (extendable) bar members. The telescopic bar members serve to adjust the height and level of the monitoring devices 8 and 80 when they are installed on sloping or stepped ground with elevation differences. In other words, the monitoring devices 8 and 80 may include a height adjustment mechanism and a leveling mechanism.

[0058] A specific example of a horizontal maintenance mechanism will be explained. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the monitor device 8 has two stands (legs) 8GL and 8GR to support the display screen 8A, a horizontal sensor 8J, and a telescopic control mechanism 8H as its horizontal maintenance mechanism. The two stands 8GL and 8GR are mounted below the display screen 8A (monitor device 8), spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) in the figure. Each stand 8GL and 8GR has a structure that allows it to extend and retract in the extension direction, for example, in a nesting (split-out) manner. Each stand 8GL and 8GR has a built-in telescopic control mechanism 8H, such as a motor or control mechanism, for automatically controlling the length of the stand 8GL and 8GR. The monitor device 8 is equipped with a horizontal sensor 8J, and based on the detection signal of the horizontal sensor 8J, the lengths of the stands 8GL and 8GR are individually controlled so that the display screen 8A of the monitor device 8 is maintained horizontally. For example, Figure 7 shows a case where the monitor device 8 is installed on an inclined surface where the left side is higher than the right side. In this case, the left stand 8GL becomes shorter than the right stand 8GR, and the display screen 8A of the monitor device 8 is maintained horizontally. The monitor device 8 only needs to be supported by at least two stands 8GL, 8GR spaced horizontally apart, but it may be supported by two or more stands, or by one stand. Furthermore, the mobile monitor device 80 may be supported by two or more stands spaced horizontally apart. Also, the horizontal maintenance mechanism (and height adjustment mechanism) using two or more stands 8GL, 8GR is not limited to the telescopic rod structure described above; well-known structures such as air springs or telescopic link mechanisms may be used as appropriate.

[0059] Figures 8(A) and 8(B) are explanatory diagrams illustrating a configuration in which the display screen 8A of the monitor device 8 is supported by a single stand (leg) 8K. As shown in Figure 8(A), a single stand 8K is attached to the center of the lower part of the display screen 8A in the left-right direction. The stand 8K has a structure that can extend and retract in the extension direction, for example, in a nesting (splitting) manner. In addition to a horizontal sensor 8J and an extension control mechanism 8H for automatically controlling the length of the stand 8K, the monitor device 8 in Figure 8(A) includes a tilt adjustment mechanism 8L for adjusting the mounting angle (tilt) of the display screen 8A relative to the stand 8K. The tilt adjustment mechanism 8L includes a mechanism for adjusting the angle of the display screen 8A relative to the stand 8K, such as a ball joint mechanism, a gyro mechanism, or a pendulum mechanism, and a drive mechanism (actuator, motor, etc.) for automatically adjusting the angle of the display screen 8A relative to the stand 8K.

[0060] In Figure 8(A), arrow T indicates the tilt adjustment direction of the display screen 8A relative to the stand 8K. By controlling the tilt adjustment mechanism 8L based on the detection signal of the horizontal sensor 8J, the tilt of the display screen 8A in the tilt adjustment direction T relative to the stand 8K can be adjusted, thereby maintaining the horizontal position of the display screen 8A of the monitor device 8. This ensures that the display screen 8A remains horizontal regardless of the terrain on which the monitor device 8 is installed.

[0061] Furthermore, the tilt adjustment mechanism 8L can be used not only to maintain the display screen 8A horizontally, but also to set the display screen 8A to an arbitrary mounting angle relative to the stand 8K and maintain that arbitrary mounting angle. For example, by using the mounting angle adjustment function of the tilt adjustment mechanism 8L, as shown in Figure 8(A), the orientation of the display screen 8A can be set so that its long side is aligned horizontally (i.e., horizontally) and the horizontal orientation can be maintained, or as shown in Figure 8(B), the orientation of the display screen 8A can be set so that its long side is aligned vertically (i.e., vertically) and the vertical orientation can be maintained. Note that if the orientation of the display screen 8A is set to vertical as shown in Figure 8(B), the camera 11 may be moved from the position on the side of the screen shown in Figure 8(B) to the top of the screen.

[0062] Furthermore, according to the monitor device 8 shown in Figures 8(A) and 8(B), the height of the display screen 8A can be adjusted by the telescopic control mechanism 8H. The stand 8K may not have the telescopic control mechanism 8H, and may be composed of a rod-shaped member whose length cannot be adjusted. Furthermore, in the monitor device 8 shown in Figures 8(A) and 8(B), the display screen 8A may be rotated in the direction R around the axis of the stand 8K. This allows the orientation of the display screen 8A to be adjusted around the axis of the stand 8K.

[0063] The monitor device 8 (monitor devices 8', 8'') may be permanently installed in the passageway within the golf play area 2. Alternatively, a movable monitor device 80 may be installed in the passageway within the golf play area 2 so as to be movable. Furthermore, if a cart 30 is deployed in the passageway within the golf play area 2, the monitor device 32 installed on the cart 30 becomes a monitor device installed in the passageway within the golf play area 2. In this case, as the cart 30 moves along the passageway within the golf play area 2, the monitor device 32 also moves along the passageway within the golf play area 2 as the cart 30 moves. For example, the movable monitor device 80 or the monitor device 32 installed on the cart 30 may be installed so as to be movable along the passageway within the golf play area 2 together with the user 3. By moving the monitor device together with the user 3, the user 3 can always view the screen of the monitor device. Furthermore, the monitor device 8 (monitor device 8', 8'') is not limited to the configuration in which the display screen 8A is placed on a stand 8G (8GL, 8GR), 8K erected on the ground as described above. The display screen 8A may be placed directly on the ground without a stand, or the display screen 8A may be hooked onto a tree or pillar within the golf play area 2. Furthermore, the display screens of the monitoring devices 8, 80, and 32 may be configured to automatically adjust (move) their position, angle, and orientation to a position, angle, and orientation that is easily visible to the user 3. In other words, the monitoring devices 8, 80, and 32 may incorporate motors, control devices, sensors, etc., as mechanisms for automatically moving (adjusting) the angle, position, and orientation of the display screens.

[0064] Figures 9(A) to 9(C) illustrate monitor devices 80A, 80B, and 80C as modified examples of the mobile monitor device 80. In the monitor devices 80A, 80B, and 80C shown in Figures 9(A) to 9(C), the display screen 8A is mounted on the upper part of the vehicle body 81. In the monitor device 80A shown in Figure 9(A), the display screen 8A is mounted on the upper part of the vehicle body 81 via two stands 82. In the monitor device 80B shown in Figure 9(B), the display screen 8A is mounted on the upper part of the vehicle body 81 via one stand 83. In the monitor device 80C shown in Figure 9(C), the display screen 8A is directly mounted on the upper part of the vehicle body 81.

[0065] In the monitor devices 80A, 80B, and 80C shown in Figures 9(A) to (C), the vehicle body 81 may be equipped with a mechanism for adjusting the height and horizontal position of the monitor device (display screen 8A). For example, in the monitor device 80C shown in Figure 10(A), the upper part 81A of the vehicle body 81 is configured to be vertically adjustable relative to the main body 81B of the vehicle body 81. In this case, the height of the monitor device can be adjusted by moving the upper part 81A vertically, and the tilt can be adjusted by making the vertical position of a part of the upper part 81A different from that of other parts. By adjusting the height and tilt of the upper part 81A of the vehicle body 81, the height and tilt of the display screen 8A attached to the upper part 81A can be adjusted. In addition, in the monitoring devices 80A and 80B, the upper part 81A of the vehicle body 81 may be configured to be vertically adjustable relative to the main body 81B of the vehicle body 81.

[0066] Furthermore, in the monitor device 80C shown in Figure 10(B), the upper part 81A of the vehicle body 81 is configured to be vertically adjustable relative to the main body 81B of the vehicle body 81. In this case, the height of the monitor device can be adjusted by moving the lower part 81C vertically, and the tilt can be adjusted by making the vertical position of a part of the lower part 81C different from that of other parts. In this case, the height of the monitor device can be adjusted by moving the lower part 81C vertically, and the tilt of the display screen 8A can be adjusted by making the vertical position of a part of the lower part 81C different from that of other parts. In addition, in the monitoring devices 80A and 80B, the lower part 81C of the vehicle body 81 may be configured to be vertically adjustable relative to the main body 81B of the vehicle body 81.

[0067] In Figures 10(A) and (B), the mechanism for moving the upper part 81A and lower part 81C of the vehicle body 81 vertically relative to the main body 81B, or for adjusting its tilt, can be one of well-known technologies such as a nesting rod, a telescopic link mechanism, an air spring, a gyro mechanism, or a pendulum mechanism.

[0068] Furthermore, the mechanism for moving the upper part 81A and lower part 81C of the vehicle body 81 vertically or adjusting its tilt relative to the main body 81B, as shown in Figures 10(A) and (B), can also be applied to structures in which a display screen 8A is mounted on the upper side of the vehicle body 81 via a stand 82 or 83, as shown in the monitor devices 80A and 80B in Figures 9(A) and (B). Furthermore, in a structure in which the display screen 8A is mounted on the upper side of the vehicle body 81 via a stand 82 or 83, as shown in the monitor devices 80A and 80B in Figures 9(A) and (B), instead of a mechanism for moving the upper part 81A or lower part 81C of the vehicle body 81 vertically or adjusting its tilt relative to the main body 81B, or in addition to such a mechanism, a mechanism for extending or retracting the length of the stand or a mechanism for adjusting the tilt of the display screen 8A relative to the stand may be provided.

[0069] Furthermore, the monitor devices 8, 80, 80A to 80C may be configured to fold the display screen 8A or to store it in a storage space provided in the vehicle body 81 or the like. Setting the display screen 8A from the usage state to the folded (stored) state, and setting the display screen 8A from the folded (stored) state to the usage state, may be done automatically by a drive mechanism (not shown). For example, in the mobile monitoring devices 80, 80A to 80C, the display screen 8A may be folded or retracted while in transit, and after moving to the installation location, the display screen 8A may be set from the folded (retracted) state to the ready-to-use state. Furthermore, folding (storing) the monitor devices 8, 80, 80A~80C may be done by folding (storing) the display screen 8A against the stand 8G or the vehicle body 81, and the display screen 8A may also have a folding structure or a storage structure. An example of the folding structure of the display screen 8A is a configuration in which the display screen 8A is divided into two parts, and these two parts are connected via a hinge in an openable and closable manner. An example of the storage structure of the display screen 8A is a configuration in which the display screen 8A is fitted with a cover that covers the screen, and the screen is opened and closed with this cover. Furthermore, the display screen 8A may be set to a folded or retracted state during strong winds, rainfall, or when not in use at night.

[0070] Furthermore, cameras such as camera 11, camera 31 on the cart 30, camera on the mobile terminal device 20 (not shown), pin camera 6B, sub-camera 38, and sub-pin 6C, which are deployed within each system 1A to 1F, can be used in driver contests (long drives) and nearest-to-the-pin events. As is well known, a driver contest is an event in which participants compete to see who can hit the ball the farthest within the bounds of fair play. When using camera 11, camera 31 on the cart 30, and camera on the mobile terminal device 20 (not shown) in a driver contest, the captured video can be analyzed to obtain the distance and trajectory of the ball 5 from the video, and the distance (numerical value) and trajectory video can be displayed on a monitor device. As is well known, a nearest-to-the-pin event is an event in which participants compete to get the ball 5 as close as possible to the pin (cup 6) from a tee shot. When using camera 11, camera 31 on the cart 30, or camera on the mobile terminal device 20 (not shown) for nearest-to-the-pin, the captured video can be analyzed to obtain the distance between ball 5 and the pin and the trajectory of ball 5 from the video, and the video of the distance between ball 5 and the pin and the trajectory can be displayed on the monitor device.

[0071] Cameras such as the cameras 11 on monitor devices 8 and 80, the camera 31 on cart 30, the pin camera 6B, the sub-camera 38, and the sub-pin camera 6C, which are installed within each system 1A to 1F, may be provided so as to be rotatable (swivel), and by rotating, they may capture images of the entire area around the camera (a 360° range). Each camera deployed within each system 1A-1F can be used for security systems and pest / bird control systems. Specifically, the cameras can monitor the golf play area 2, and when intrusion by suspicious persons, pests, or birds is detected, a warning message can be displayed on monitoring devices 8, 80, and 32, a warning sound (intimidation sound) can be emitted, or a notification can be sent to the security center. Furthermore, cameras such as the cameras 11 on monitoring devices 8 and 80, the camera 31 on cart 30, the pin camera 6B, the sub-camera 38, and the sub-pin camera 6C, which are deployed within each system 1A to 1F, can be used to monitor the user's physical condition and monitor (view) it using monitoring devices 8, 80, 32, etc. In other words, information about the user's physical condition, such as blood pressure, pulse, and complexion, can be read from the images acquired by each camera (AI can also be applied).

[0072] The monitoring devices 8, 80, and 32 may display information about the golf course weather (weather, temperature, humidity, wind direction, wind speed, lightning information, heavy rain information, etc.) or weather warnings.

[0073] Each device within each system 1A to 1F may be further equipped with microphones and cameras (not shown). Input devices such as microphones, cameras, and sensors (not shown) provided on each device within each system 1A to 1F, including the camera 11 on the monitoring device 8, the camera 31 on the cart 30, and the camera on the mobile terminal device 20 (not shown), can be used for authentication (facial recognition, voice recognition, etc.) when user 3 uses systems 1A to 1F. Well-known authentication technologies can be applied to authenticate user 3.

[0074] The computers installed in each device within each system 1A to 1F may be connected to a computer network such as the Internet via wired or wireless connection. The display control processors 10 and 36 may, for example, acquire advertising video signals and audio signals from a server on the Internet in response to a cup-in. Furthermore, the computers installed in each device within each system 1A to 1F may be configured as cloud computers that can utilize resources on a computer network such as the Internet.

[0075] The computers installed in each device within each system 1A to 1F may be AI-equipped computers. For example, the display control processors 10 and 36 may generate advertising video signals and audio signals using AI. Furthermore, the AI-equipped computers may have multiple functions, such as performing predetermined functions, emitting light, or outputting sound in response to predetermined voice inputs such as "AlexA(registered trademark)", "OK Google(registered trademark)", or "Hey Siri(registered trademark)". Furthermore, each system 1A to 1F may be interactively linked with systems other than this golf support system. For example, each system 1A to 1F may be linked with an existing point reward system (so-called point card) that a company provides as a tool to support consumers' purchasing activities.

[0076] In addition, each system 1A to 1F may provide various content such as advertising videos in response to cup-ins, as well as banner ads, music, miles, mileage, stay mileage, discount tickets, service vouchers, prize giveaways, sound effects, lighting effects, advice on user 3's golf play, caddy function (golf course guidance and explanation), golf insurance enrollment service, and golf insurance enrollment guidance.

[0077] Furthermore, the power supply (battery) used for each device within each system 1A to 1F may be any known power source, such as a rechargeable battery or a solar cell. If a rechargeable battery is used as the power supply, it may be capable of air charging (wireless power transmission) or USB charging. Furthermore, the golf play area 2 to which each system 1A to 1F applies is not limited to an outdoor golf course, but may also include indoor golf practice ranges or golf practice facilities such as putting greens.

[0078] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the golf support system 1G according to the seventh embodiment. Golf support system 1G is a golf support system applied to a virtual golf game played in a virtual golf play area 2V generated by a computer device 40, and differs from systems 1A to 1F described above in that it does not target a real golf play area 2.

[0079] In this specification, "virtual golf game" refers to a simulation by a computer device 40 of golf play in a virtual golf playing area 2V, in which a golf ball 5V is struck in response to actual actions by the user 3. The objective of the "virtual golf game" is to strike the golf ball 5V in the virtual golf playing area 2V in response to actual actions by the user 3, and to get the golf ball 5V into the cup 6V (put it in the cup). Furthermore, "virtual golf games" may utilize well-known technologies such as VR (virtual reality) technology, which isolates the real world and simulates golf play in a digitally recreated virtual space; AR (augmented reality) technology, which overlays digital information onto the real world to simulate golf play; or MR (mixed reality) technology.

[0080] The golf support system 1G includes, as a hardware configuration, a computer device 40, a display device 41, and an input device 42. The computer device 40 is an electronic control unit (computer) that centrally controls the operation of the golf support system 1G, and is an electronic device equipped with a processor and a memory device (neither of which are shown in the figure). The computer device 40 is configured to realize various functions by executing a computer program stored in a memory device (not shown). The functions performed by the computer device 40 include the function of performing the virtual golf game described above, and a function specific to this golf support system 1G, namely, the function of providing predetermined advertising videos in response to a hole-in.

[0081] The display device 41 is an information output device that visually presents to the user 3 a virtual golf playing area 2V generated by the computer device 40 and a virtual golf ball 5V placed within the virtual golf playing area 2V. The display device 41 includes a screen 41A for visually presenting information, an electronic control unit (computer) 41B for overall control of the operation of the display device 41, and a communication device 41C for communicating with other devices.

[0082] The display device 41 is connected to the computer device 40 for information communication and can display information on the screen 41A based on various information transmitted from the computer device 40. The screen 41A displays at least an image of a virtual golf playing area 2V and an image of a virtual golf ball 5V placed within the virtual golf playing area 2V. The image of the virtual golf playing area 2V is an image of a so-called golf course, for example, an image of the golf course viewed from the perspective of a user playing golf on that golf course. The image of the virtual golf playing area 2V includes a golf ball 5V, a fairway, a green 7V, a pin, a bunker, a pond, a forest, and various other objects that exist within or around the golf course.

[0083] The display device 41 can be any type of display device. Specifically, the display device 41 can be a stationary monitor, a portable display (mobile monitor) that the user 3 can carry, a head-mounted display worn by the user 3, VR goggles for presenting VR images, smart glasses used for AR technology, or a projector for projecting images onto a screen. Figure 11 shows an example of system 1F equipped with a large stationary monitor as the display device 41.

[0084] The input device 42 is a device for inputting operation information to the computer device 40 that indicates the operation to hit a golf ball 5V in a virtual golf playing area 2V. The input device 42 consists of, for example, a golf club 4 and a sensor device 42A attached to the golf club 4. The sensor device 42A includes a detection element 42B that detects various physical quantities related to the swing using the golf club 4, and a communication device 42C for transmitting information indicating the detected physical quantities as operation information to the computer device 40. Furthermore, the input device 42 may be a rod-shaped member that mimics a golf club, rather than a golf club 4, with a sensor device 42A attached to it.

[0085] The operation information input from the input device 42 may include various information that can be used to identify a swing using the golf club 4. This operation information may include the club stroke trajectory, the golf club stroke speed, changes in the golf club stroke speed, the angle of the club head, the launch angle of the ball, the speed of the club head, the strength of the blow, the angle of the putter face, the club path (the trajectory of the club head from just before impact to after impact), the tempo of the swing, the flow of the swing, and the movement of the club head.

[0086] Furthermore, the input device 42 may include a camera 42E that films the user 3 swinging the club 4. Figure 8 shows an example where the camera 42E is attached to the display device 41, but the camera 42E can be installed anywhere as long as it can film the user 3 swinging the club 4. The video footage captured by camera 42E can be analyzed using a well-known video analysis process to obtain various information that identifies the swing using the golf club 4. This information obtained from the video analysis process can be used as operation information. In this case, the video analysis process may be performed by the computer device 40, or a computer for video analysis processing may be provided in the input device 42.

[0087] Both the sensor device 42A and the camera 42E may be used as the input device 42, or either the sensor device 42A or the camera 42E may be used. An input device 42 is connected to the input side of the computer device 40, and operation information obtained from the sensor device 42A and / or camera 42E is input to it. A display device 41 is connected to the output side of the computer device 40, and information is output to the display device 41.

[0088] The computer device 40 includes, as functional elements, a processing processor 40A and a display control processor 40B. The processing processor 40A performs a process to simulate golf play in which a golf ball 5V is virtually hit in a virtual golf play area 2V, based on the operation information input from the input device 42. Based on the result of the process, it updates the position of the golf ball in the virtual golf play area (virtual golf game progress function) and performs a process to detect whether or not the golf ball 5V has gone into the cup 6V provided in the virtual golf play area 2V (cup-in detection function).

[0089] The virtual golf game progress function updates the image of the virtual golf play area 2V displayed on the display device 41 according to the simulation results of the golf play. Specifically, the image of the virtual golf play area 2V is updated to show the area near where the struck golf ball landed, and a golf ball 5V is placed within the updated virtual golf play area 2V. Known technologies can be applied to this virtual golf game progress function.

[0090] In the virtual golf game progress function described above, if the simulated golf play results in the golf ball landing within the cup 6V, the processing processor 40A detects that the ball has gone in. In this case, the processing processor 40A sends a detection signal to the display control processor 40B indicating that the golf ball 5V has gone in.

[0091] When a detection signal is transmitted (i.e., when the golf ball 5V is detected to have gone into the cup), the display control processor 40B generates an advertising video signal for outputting a predetermined advertising video, and causes the display device 41 to display the advertising video based on the advertising video signal. The advertising video may be displayed, for example, superimposed on the image of the virtual golf play area 2V in the manner of a so-called banner ad or pop-up ad, or the display may switch from the image of the virtual golf play area 2V to the advertising video.

[0092] In this case, when a ball is put in the cup, the video showing the progress of the golf game may switch to an advertisement video, or the advertisement video may be displayed superimposed on the video showing the progress of the golf game, in the manner of a so-called banner ad or pop-up ad. Furthermore, since the specific processing and additional functions of the display control processor 40B are the same as those of the display control processor 10 described for system 1A in Figure 1, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0093] In addition, in system 1G of Figure 11, for example, an audio device 41D may be provided on the display device 41, and cheers (sounds) or music may be played in response to a cup-in. An audio device 42D may be provided on the input device 42, and cheers (sounds) or music may be played in response to a cup-in. Furthermore, user 3's mobile terminal device 20 may cooperate with other devices 40, 41, and 42 of system 1G. That is, the display screen 21 of the mobile terminal device 20 may show images of the virtual golf play area 2V or advertising videos, or the audio device (not shown) of the mobile terminal device 20 may play audio or music.

[0094] Further details regarding the above embodiments are disclosed. [Note 1] A golf support system for assisting users in playing golf by hitting a golf ball with a golf club in a golf playing area, A monitor device capable of displaying video is installed within the aforementioned golf playing area, A detection device that detects when the golf ball goes into a cup provided in the golf playing area, The system includes a display control processor which is connected to the monitoring device and the detection device so as to be able to exchange information, and which generates an advertising video signal for outputting a predetermined advertising video when the detection device detects a cup-in, and causes the monitoring device to display an advertising video based on the advertising video signal. A golf support system characterized by the following features. [Note 2] The monitoring device is installed in a part of the golf playing area, specifically in the area that includes the green where the cup is provided. The golf support system described in Appendix 1, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 3] The monitoring device is mounted on a mobile device that moves within the golf playing area. A golf support system as described in Appendix 1 or 2, characterized by the above. [Note 4] The aforementioned mobile device is a cart that carries the user and travels within the golf playing area. The golf support system described in Appendix 3, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 5] The monitoring device is A first monitoring device is installed in a part of the golf playing area, including the area where the cup is provided on the green. This includes a second monitoring device provided on a mobile device that moves within the golf playing area, The first monitoring device and the second monitoring device are connected in a way that allows them to communicate with each other and display information in cooperation with each other. A golf support system characterized by any one of the appendices 1 to 4. [Note 6] The display control processor is built into the monitor device. A golf support system characterized by any one of the appendices 1 to 5. [Note 7] The detection device is A camera that captures images of the aforementioned golf ball, The system includes a video processing processor that analyzes the video captured by the camera and performs a process to determine whether or not the golf ball has gone into the cup in the video. A golf support system characterized by any one of the appendices 1 to 6. [Note 8] The video processing processor further performs a process to individually recognize the golf balls in the video and to automatically track each of the golf balls. The golf support system described in Appendix 7, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 9] The video processing processor further determines the number of strokes it takes for the golf ball in the video to reach the green where the cup is located and to sink into the cup. The display control processor generates the advertising video signal when the number of strokes is a predetermined number. The golf support system described in Appendix 7, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 10] The video processing processor accepts the setting of the predetermined number of strokes by the user. The golf support system described in Appendix 9, characterized in that it is a golf support system. [Note 11] The video processing processor further determines the number of strokes it takes for the golf ball in the video to reach the green where the cup is located and to sink into the cup. The display control processor generates different advertising video signals according to the number of strokes in order to output an advertising video corresponding to the number of strokes. The golf support system described in Appendix 7, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 12] The camera is mounted on a mobile device that is movably installed within the golf playing area. The golf support system described in Appendix 7, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 13] A sub-camera, separate from the aforementioned camera, is either permanently installed at any location within the golf playing area, or is provided to be movable within the golf playing area. The golf support system described in Appendix 7, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 14] The aforementioned mobile device is a monitoring device that is movably installed within the golf playing area. The golf support system described in Appendix 12, characterized in that it is a golf support system. [Note 15] The monitoring device is installed in the user's mobile terminal device. The golf support system described in Appendix 1, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 16] Multiple monitoring devices are provided within the golf playing area. The golf support system described in Appendix 1, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 17] The monitoring device includes a horizontal alignment mechanism that maintains the screen of the monitoring device horizontally. The golf support system described in Appendix 1, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 18] The detection device includes a sensor attached to the cup that detects when the golf ball goes into the cup. The golf support system described in Appendix 1, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 19] A golf support system applied to a virtual golf game played in a virtual golf playing area generated by a computer device, The aforementioned virtual golf game is a system in which the computer device simulates golf play, in which a golf ball is hit in the virtual golf playing area, in response to the user's actual actions. The aforementioned golf support system is The aforementioned computer device, A display device is connected to the computer device in a manner that enables information communication, and visually presents to the user the virtual golf playing area generated by the computer device and the virtual golf balls placed within the virtual golf playing area. The system includes an input device which is connected to the computer device in a manner that enables communication with the computer device and inputs operation information indicating the operation for hitting the golf ball in the virtual golf playing area to the computer device, The aforementioned computer device, A processing processor performs a process to simulate the golf play in which a golf ball is virtually struck in the virtual golf playing area based on the aforementioned operation information, updates the position of the golf ball in the virtual golf playing area based on the result of the aforementioned process, and detects whether or not the golf ball has gone into a cup provided in the virtual golf playing area as a result of the aforementioned update. The system includes a display control processor that, when the processing processor detects that the golf ball has gone into the cup, generates an advertising video signal for outputting a predetermined advertising video, and displays the advertising video based on the advertising video signal on the display device. A golf support system characterized by the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 1A~1G Golf Support System 2 Golf Play Area 3 users 4 Golf Clubs 5 golf balls 6 cups 6A pin 6B Pin Camera 6C sub-pin 7 Green 8,8′,8′′ Monitoring device 8A display screen 8B cabinet 8C Control Unit 8D Audio Equipment 8E Communication Equipment 8F Wheel 8G, 8GL, 8GR, 8K Stand (Horizontal Stabilization Mechanism) 8H Telescopic control mechanism (horizontal maintenance mechanism) 8J Horizontal Sensor (Horizontal Maintenance Mechanism) 9. Detection device 10 Display control processor 10A signal generation function 10B Ad display function 11 Cameras 12. Video Processing Processor 20 Mobile terminal devices 21 Display screen 30 carts 31 Camera 32 Monitoring device 33 Control device 34 Communication equipment 35 Audio equipment 36 Display control processors 37. Video Processing Processor 38 Sub-camera 40 Computer equipment 41 Display device 42 Input devices 60 sensors 80, 80A, 80B, 80C monitoring device 81 Car body 81A Upper 81B Main Unit 81C Lower part 82,83 Stands

Claims

1. A golf support system for assisting users in playing golf by hitting a golf ball with a golf club in a golf playing area, A monitor device capable of displaying video is installed within the aforementioned golf playing area, A detection device that detects when the golf ball goes into a cup provided in the golf playing area, The system includes a display control processor which is connected to the monitoring device and the detection device so as to be able to exchange information, generates an advertising video signal for outputting a predetermined advertising video when the detection device detects a cup-in, and causes the monitoring device to display an advertising video based on the advertising video signal, The aforementioned monitoring device is a separate device from the cart monitoring device installed on the cart that carries the user and travels within the golf playing area, and is also separate from the user's personal mobile device. It is installed in a portion of the golf playing area, including the green where the cup is located, and is mounted on a mobile device that moves within the golf playing area, separate from the cart. A golf support system characterized by the following features.

2. A golf support system for assisting users in playing golf by hitting a golf ball with a golf club in a golf playing area, A monitor device capable of displaying video is installed within the aforementioned golf playing area, A detection device that detects when the golf ball goes into a cup provided in the golf playing area, The system includes a display control processor which is connected to the monitoring device and the detection device so as to be able to exchange information, generates an advertising video signal for outputting a predetermined advertising video when the detection device detects a cup-in, and causes the monitoring device to display an advertising video based on the advertising video signal, The detection device is A camera that captures images of the aforementioned golf ball, The system includes a video processing processor that analyzes the video captured by the camera and performs a process to determine whether or not the golf ball has gone into the cup in the video, The video processing processor further analyzes the video captured by the camera to determine the number of strokes it takes for the golf ball in the video to reach the green where the cup is located and to sink into the cup. The display control processor generates different advertising video signals according to the number of strokes in order to output the advertising video according to the number of strokes. A golf support system characterized by the following features.

3. A golf support system for assisting users in playing golf by hitting a golf ball with a golf club in a golf playing area, A monitor device capable of displaying video is installed within the aforementioned golf playing area, A detection device that detects when the golf ball goes into a cup provided in the golf playing area, The system includes a display control processor which is connected to the monitoring device and the detection device so as to be able to exchange information, generates an advertising video signal for outputting a predetermined advertising video when the detection device detects a cup-in, and causes the monitoring device to display an advertising video based on the advertising video signal, The detection device is A camera that captures images of the aforementioned golf ball, The system includes a video processing processor that analyzes the video captured by the camera and performs a process to determine whether or not the golf ball has gone into the cup in the video, The camera is mounted on a mobile device that is movably installed within the golf playing area. A golf support system characterized by the following features.

4. The mobile device is formed by attaching wheels to the housing of the monitor device. The golf support system according to claim 1, characterized in that...

5. The monitoring device is A first monitoring device is installed in a part of the golf playing area, including the area where the cup is provided on the green. This includes a second monitoring device provided on a mobile device that moves within the golf playing area, The first monitoring device and the second monitoring device are connected in a way that allows them to communicate with each other and display information in cooperation with each other. A golf support system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 2 or 3.

6. The display control processor is built into the monitor device. A golf support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that...

7. The detection device is A camera that captures images of the aforementioned golf ball, The system includes a video processing processor that analyzes the video captured by the camera and performs a process to determine whether or not the golf ball has gone into the cup in the video. The golf support system according to claim 1, characterized in that...

8. The video processing processor further performs a process to individually recognize the golf balls in the video and to automatically track each of the golf balls. A golf support system according to claim 2, 3, or 7, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 7.

9. The video processing processor further determines the number of strokes it takes for the golf ball in the video to reach the green where the cup is located and to sink into the cup. The display control processor generates the advertising video signal when the number of strokes is a predetermined number. A golf support system according to claim 2, 3, or 7, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 7.

10. The video processing processor accepts the setting of the predetermined number of strokes by the user. The golf support system according to claim 9, characterized in that...

11. The video processing processor further determines the number of strokes it takes for the golf ball in the video to reach the green where the cup is located and to sink into the cup. The display control processor generates different advertising video signals according to the number of strokes in order to output the advertising video according to the number of strokes. A golf support system according to claim 3 or 7, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 3 or 7.

12. The camera is mounted on a mobile device that is movably installed within the golf playing area. A golf support system according to claim 2 or 7, characterized in that it is the same as the one described in claim 2 or 7.

13. A sub-camera, separate from the aforementioned camera, is either permanently installed at any location within the golf playing area, or is provided to be movable within the golf playing area. A golf support system according to claim 2, 3, or 7, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 7.

14. The aforementioned mobile device is a monitoring device that is movably installed within the golf playing area. The golf support system according to claim 3, characterized in that...

15. The monitoring device and the mobile terminal device can operate in coordination with each other. The display control processor also causes the advertising video to be displayed on the display screen of the mobile terminal device. The golf support system according to claim 1, characterized in that...

16. Multiple monitoring devices are provided within the golf playing area. A golf support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that...

17. The monitoring device includes a horizontal alignment mechanism that maintains the screen of the monitoring device horizontally. A golf support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that...

18. The detection device includes a sensor attached to the cup that detects when the golf ball goes into the cup. A golf support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that...

19. A golf support system applied to a virtual golf game played in a virtual golf playing area generated by a computer device, The aforementioned virtual golf game is a system in which the computer device simulates golf play, in which a golf ball is hit in the virtual golf playing area, in response to the user's actual actions. The aforementioned golf support system is The aforementioned computer device, A display device is connected to the computer device in a manner that enables information communication, and visually presents to the user the virtual golf playing area generated by the computer device and the virtual golf balls placed within the virtual golf playing area. The system includes an input device which is connected to the computer device in a manner that enables communication with the computer device and inputs operation information indicating the operation for hitting the golf ball in the virtual golf playing area to the computer device, The aforementioned computer device, A processing processor performs a process to simulate the golf play in which a golf ball is virtually struck in the virtual golf playing area based on the aforementioned operation information, updates the position of the golf ball in the virtual golf playing area based on the result of the aforementioned process, and detects whether or not the golf ball has gone into a cup provided in the virtual golf playing area as a result of the aforementioned update. The system includes a display control processor that, when the processing processor detects that the golf ball has gone into the cup, generates an advertising video signal for outputting a predetermined advertising video, and displays the advertising video based on the advertising video signal on the display device, The pre-image processing processor further determines the number of strokes it takes for the golf ball to reach the green where the cup is located and to sink into the cup. The display control processor generates different advertising video signals according to the number of strokes in order to output an advertising video corresponding to the number of strokes. A golf support system characterized by the following features.

Images