Sensing device and sensing method for detecting the movement of a golf ball

Abstract

The sensing device and sensing method for sensing the movement of a golf ball according to the present invention are characterized in that, when sensing the movement of a golf ball by a golf putting sensing device using an optical sensing method, in order to fundamentally solve the error generation factors of the sensing results according to the prior art based on the premise of sensing the position of the center point of the golf ball at the time of sensing by the light receiving unit, information on the movement characteristics of the golf ball is calculated through geometric analysis using the concept of the effective radius, so that precise and accurate sensing results can be calculated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensing device and a sensing method for sensing the movement of a golf ball. Specifically, it relates to a sensing device and a sensing method thereof, in which a golf ball moving by a user's putting passes through a plurality of sensing lights by an optical sensor, the optical sensor senses the golf ball, and information regarding the movement characteristics of the golf ball is calculated accordingly.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, virtual sports simulation systems that allow users to enjoy sports, such as golf and baseball, for sports where direct play on the field by the user is restricted, virtual reality video-based simulation systems have become widespread.

[0003] Furthermore, virtual sports simulation systems for net sports such as tennis, squash, and badminton, where both players exchange balls across a net, have emerged, and there is a tendency to enable users to enjoy a variety of sports in a mass culture space.

[0004] Such virtual sports simulations basically proceed with the game while the player hits the ball. However, in order to simulate the ball hit by the player on the video, a sensing device that can effectively sense the moving ball is required.

[0005] As a sensing device for sensing a ball moving by a user's hit, an optical sensing method sensing device, a camera-based sensing device, a radar-based sensing device, etc. are widely used.

[0006] In particular, in golf putting, since the golf ball is basically struck in a way that makes it roll on the mat, optical sensing devices, which are relatively inexpensive compared to expensive sensing devices (such as camera-based or radar-based sensing devices), are mainly used to detect the movement of the golf ball as it rolls on the mat.

[0007] Prior art related to optical sensing devices that detect the movement of a golf ball during golf putting has been published in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0026093, Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-0671751, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2007-0108330, and Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-0923452.

[0008] Figure 1 shows an example of a sensing device that detects a golf ball during golf putting using the conventional technology described above.

[0009] As shown in Figure 1, in a conventional golf putting sensing device, a light-emitting device 10 is provided on the right side of the path in which the golf ball moves, and a light-receiving device 20 is provided on the left side. The light-emitting device 10 is equipped with a light-emitting unit 11, and the light-receiving device 20 is equipped with two light-receiving units 21 and 22 that receive the light from the light-emitting unit 11.

[0010] In Figure 1, A1 and A2 are lines representing the light received by the respective light receiving units 21 and 22 from the light emitting unit 11.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, when the golf ball 1 moves in the bp direction around the center line 2 due to the user's putting, the golf ball 1 passes through A1 and A2, cutting them apart.

[0012] When golf ball 1 blocks A2, light receiver 22 detects the golf ball because it cannot receive light, and when golf ball 1 blocks A1, light receiver 21 detects the golf ball because it cannot receive light. As shown in Figure 1, let b1 be when the golf ball blocks A2, and let b2 be when it blocks A1.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, a golf ball moving in the bp direction can be detected by the light-receiving unit at positions b1 and b2, respectively.

[0014] Conventional technology, as mentioned above, detects the time at positions b1 and b2, determines the direction angle a in the bp direction (the direction of movement of the golf ball) through geometric analysis, and calculates the speed of the golf ball using the distance and time between positions b1 and b2.

[0015] Incidentally, the conventional technology described above assumes that the positions of the golf ball when it blocks A2 light and when it blocks A1 light, i.e., when the light-receiving unit detects the golf ball as shown in Figure 1, are the positions of the golf ball's center point, and calculates the direction angle and velocity.

[0016] However, since the light-receiving unit actually detects the golf ball not when the center of the golf ball blocks the light, but when the light is blocked on the outside of the golf ball, there is a problem in that calculating the movement characteristics of the golf ball by assuming that the position of the center point of the golf ball is detected when the light-receiving unit detects the golf ball, as shown in Figure 1, can lead to a considerable error.

[0017] The further the golf ball's directional angle moves from the center line, the greater the error that occurs when calculating results based on the assumption that the center point of the golf ball is detected using conventional technology, as shown in Figure 1. This results in a larger discrepancy between the actual movement characteristics of the golf ball and the calculated results. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0018] Korean Published Patent Gazette No. 10-2016-0026093

[0019] Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-0671751

[0020] Korean Published Patent Gazette No. 10-2007-0108330

[0021] Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-0923452 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0022] The present invention aims to solve the problems of the conventional technology described above, and to provide a sensing device and sensing method for sensing the movement of a golf ball that can fundamentally solve the factors causing errors in the sensing results of the conventional technology when sensing the movement of a golf ball using an optical sensing type golf putting sensing device, thereby further improving the accuracy of the sensing results. [Means for solving the problem]

[0023] A sensing device for detecting the movement of a golf ball according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided on one side of a path along which the golf ball moves by a user's putting, and a light emitting end configured such that a plurality of light emitting parts irradiate light to the other side respectively; a light receiving end provided on the other side and including a plurality of light receiving parts for respectively receiving the light irradiated by each of the plurality of light emitting parts; and a control unit for calculating movement characteristic information of the golf ball through results sensed by each of the plurality of light receiving parts when the moving golf ball passes while blocking the light from each of the plurality of light emitting parts to each of the plurality of light receiving parts. When a sensing condition for the light receiving part to sense the golf ball is satisfied, the control unit sets the distance from the center of the golf ball to the light line as an effective radius, and is configured to calculate the movement characteristic information of the golf ball by geometric calculation with the time when each light receiving part senses the golf ball as the time when an effective circle having the effective radius contacts each light line.

[0024] Preferably, the light emitting end includes a first light emitting part and a second light emitting part that irradiate light substantially in parallel to sense the speed of the golf ball, and a first cross light emitting part and a second cross light emitting part that are provided between the first light emitting part and the second light emitting part and irradiate light in an X shape respectively. The light receiving end includes a first light receiving part that receives the light of the first light emitting part, a second light receiving part that receives the light of the second light emitting part, a first cross light receiving part that receives the light of the first cross light emitting part, and a second cross light receiving part that receives the light of the second cross light emitting part.

[0025] Preferably, the light emitting end is configured to include a first light emitting passage hole through which the light of the first light emitting portion passes to form a first light beam, a second light emitting passage hole through which the light of the second light emitting portion passes to form a second light beam, a first cross light emitting passage hole through which the light of the first cross light emitting portion passes to form a first cross light beam, and a second cross light emitting passage hole through which the light of the second cross light emitting portion passes to form a second cross light beam. The light receiving end is configured to include a first light receiving passage hole through which the first light beam passes to the first light receiving portion, a second light receiving passage hole through which the second light beam passes to the second light receiving portion, a first cross light receiving passage hole through which the first cross light beam passes to the first cross light receiving portion, and a second cross light receiving passage hole through which the second cross light beam passes to the second cross light receiving portion.

[0026] Preferably, the control unit is configured to preset the effective radius measured in advance according to the size of the golf ball, the height at which the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are installed, and the beam width of the light from the light emitting portion to the light receiving portion.

[0027] Preferably, the control unit measures and sets the effective radius in advance for each manufacturer or brand of the golf ball with respect to the effective radius, and the user checks the manufacturer or brand of the golf ball used for putting and applies the corresponding effective radius.

[0028] Preferably, the control unit distinguishes and measures and sets in advance the effective radius for a new golf ball and the effective radius for a used golf ball with respect to the effective radius, and the user checks whether the golf ball used for putting is a new golf ball or a used golf ball and applies the corresponding effective radius.

[0029] Preferably, the system further includes an effective radius measuring unit for measuring the effective radius of the golf ball being putted by the user, and the control unit is configured to calculate the movement characteristics information of the golf ball by setting the value measured by the effective radius measuring unit as the effective radius for the golf ball moving as the user putts.

[0030] On the other hand, a sensing method for a sensing device that senses the movement of a golf ball according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured such that a plurality of light-emitting units each emit light on one side of the path through which the golf ball moves due to the user's putting, and a plurality of light-receiving units each receive the light on the other side, and a control unit senses the movement of the golf ball through the sensing results of each of the plurality of light-receiving units. The sensing method for a sensing device includes the steps of setting the distance from the center of the golf ball to the light line as an effective radius when the sensing conditions for the light-receiving unit to sense the golf ball are met; receiving the sensing results of each of the plurality of light-receiving units as the golf ball moves due to the user's putting; and calculating the movement characteristic information of the golf ball by geometric calculation, with the point in time when each light-receiving unit senses the golf ball as the point in time when an effective circle having the effective radius touches each of the light lines.

[0031] Preferably, the step of setting the effective radius includes a step of setting the effective radius as a value that has been measured in advance based on the size of the golf ball, the height at which the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are installed, and the beam width of the light from the light-emitting unit to the light-receiving unit.

[0032] Preferably, the step of setting the effective radius includes the step of pre-measuring and setting the effective radius for each golf ball manufacturer or brand relative to the effective radius, and the step of calculating the golf ball movement characteristics information includes the step of confirming the manufacturer or brand of the golf ball used by the user for putting, and the step of calculating the golf ball movement characteristics information using the effective radius corresponding to the golf ball manufacturer or brand confirmed in the confirmation step.

[0033] Preferably, the step of setting the effective radius includes a step of distinguishing between the effective radius for a new golf ball and the effective radius for a used golf ball, measuring and setting each in advance, and the step of calculating the movement characteristics information of the golf ball includes a step of confirming whether the golf ball used by the user for putting is a new golf ball or a used golf ball, and a step of calculating the movement characteristics information of the golf ball using the effective radius corresponding to the golf ball confirmed in the confirmation step.

[0034] Preferably, the sensing device for detecting the movement of the golf ball further includes an effective radius measuring unit for measuring the effective radius with respect to the golf ball being putted by the user, and the step of setting the effective radius includes setting the value measured by the effective radius measuring unit with respect to the golf ball moving as a result of the user putting as the effective radius. [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] The sensing device and sensing method for detecting the movement of a golf ball according to the present invention, when sensing the movement of a golf ball using an optical sensing type golf putting sensing device, has the effect of further improving the accuracy of the sensing result by utilizing the concept of effective radius in order to fundamentally solve the error factors in the sensing result of conventional technology which arise from the premise that the position of the center point of the golf ball is detected at the time of detection by the light receiving unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates an example of calculating the movement characteristics of a golf ball using a conventional light-emitting and light-receiving sensing device for detecting a golf ball during golf putting.

[0037] [Figure 2] This figure shows a putting practice device to which a sensing device for detecting the movement of a golf ball according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0038] [Figure 3] This figure shows the specific configuration of a top-down cross-section of the sensing device applied to the putting practice device shown in Figure 2.

[0039] [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows the case where a golf ball is struck and moved, and is then detected by each light-receiving unit.

[0040] [Figure 5] This figure illustrates the concept of effective radius used in a sensing device and sensing method for detecting the movement of a golf ball according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates the concept of effective radius used in a sensing device and sensing method for detecting the movement of a golf ball according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] [Figure 7] Figure 3 shows a simplified diagram illustrating the sensing of a golf ball by representing the light beam between the light-emitting end and the light-receiving end as optical lines. [Figure 8] Figure 3 shows a simplified diagram illustrating the sensing of a golf ball by representing the light beam between the light-emitting end and the light-receiving end as optical lines.

[0042] [Figure 9] Figure 7 shows the state for performing geometric analysis using each optical line and the effective circle defined by the effective radius.

[0043] [Figure 10] This figure shows a case in which the effective radius is directly measured by the user during the process of using the sensing device, using an effective radius measuring unit separately provided as a sensing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] [Figure 11] This figure shows a sensing device for detecting the movement of a golf ball according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a specific example of calculating golf ball movement characteristic information by geometric analysis while showing that the effective circle, determined by the effective radius, is tangent to each light line according to the sensing method. [Figure 12] This figure shows a sensing device for detecting the movement of a golf ball according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a specific example of calculating golf ball movement characteristic information by geometric analysis while showing that the effective circle, determined by the effective radius, is tangent to each light line according to the sensing method. [Figure 13] This figure shows a sensing device for detecting the movement of a golf ball according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a specific example of calculating golf ball movement characteristic information by geometric analysis while showing that the effective circle, determined by the effective radius, is tangent to each light line according to the sensing method. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0045] The specific details of the sensing device and sensing method for detecting the movement of a golf ball according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0046] First, with reference to Figures 2 and 3, a sensing device for detecting the movement of a golf ball according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0047] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a putting practice device to which a sensing device for detecting the movement of a golf ball according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied, and Figure 3 is a diagram showing the specific configuration of a top-down cross-section of the sensing device applied to the putting practice device shown in Figure 2.

[0048] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a sensing device for detecting the movement of a golf ball according to one embodiment of the present invention can be implemented as a putting practice device that allows a user to practice putting a golf ball GB with a golf club GC on a putting mat 100.

[0049] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a sensing device for detecting the movement of a golf ball according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided on one side of the path along which the golf ball moves due to the user's putting, and comprises a plurality of light-emitting units 210 The device may include a light-emitting end 200 configured such that 220, 230, and 240 irradiate the other side with light L1, L2, LX1, and LX2 respectively; a light-receiving stage 300 provided on the side facing the light-emitting end 200 and comprising a plurality of light-receiving units 310, 320, 330, and 340 that receive the light L1, L2, LX1, and LX2 irradiated by each of the light-emitting units 210, 220, 230, and 240 of the light-emitting end 200; and a control unit 150 which, as described above, has multiple light-receiving units 310, 320, 330, and 340 that sense the golf ball GB as it passes through while blocking the light L1, L2, LX1, and LX2 from each of the multiple light-emitting units 210, 220, 230, and 240 to each of the multiple light-receiving units 310, 320, 330, and 340, and calculates information on the movement characteristics of the golf ball.

[0050] As described above, the control unit 150 can use the results of each light receiving unit sensing the golf ball GB to calculate information such as the direction of movement and the speed of movement of the golf ball through geometric analysis.

[0051] The control unit 150 can transmit the golf ball movement characteristics information calculated as described above to the client 500, enabling the user to receive various services related to golf putting.

[0052] For example, the client 500 can be implemented as a simulation device that realizes an image of a virtual green and, based on the golf ball movement characteristic information calculated by the control unit 150, realizes a simulation image of the golf ball moving on the virtual green.

[0053] Furthermore, for example, client 500 can be implemented as a putting analysis device that displays and provides the analysis results of the user's putting, item by item.

[0054] On the other hand, a sensing device for sensing the movement of a golf ball according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a ball-ready sensor for sensing whether or not the golf ball GB is placed at the striking position, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The aforementioned ball-ready sensor can be implemented using an optical sensing method with a light-emitting part 112 of a light-emitting sensor unit 110 and a light-receiving part 122 of a light-receiving sensor unit 120, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. Although not shown in the drawings, the aforementioned ball-ready sensor can be implemented as a position-sensing sensor provided inside the mat at the initial striking position of the golf ball.

[0055] When the aforementioned Volley Sensor is implemented using an optical sensing method with a light-emitting unit 112 of the light-emitting sensor unit 110 and a light-receiving unit 122 of the light-receiving sensor unit 120, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, when the light-receiving unit 122 receives the sensing light LR emitted from the light-emitting unit 112, it indicates that the golf ball is not in the initial hitting position. When the user positions the golf ball GB in the initial hitting position, as shown in Figure 3, the golf ball GB blocks the sensing light LR, and the light-receiving unit 122 can no longer receive the sensing light LR, the control unit 150 can sense that the golf ball GB is in the initial hitting position.

[0056] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the light-emitting end 200 of a sensing device for sensing the movement of a golf ball according to one embodiment of the present invention can be configured to include a first light-emitting unit 210 and a second light-emitting unit 220 that emit light substantially parallel to each other in order to sense the speed of the golf ball, and a first intersecting light-emitting unit 230 and a second intersecting light-emitting unit 240 provided between the first light-emitting unit 210 and the second light-emitting unit 220, which emit light in an X-shape.

[0057] The light-receiving end 300 can be configured to include a first light-receiving unit 310 that receives light from the first light-emitting unit 210, a second light-receiving unit 320 that receives light from the second light-emitting unit 220, a first cross-light-receiving unit 330 that receives light in the diagonal direction of the first cross-light-emitting unit 230, and a second cross-light-receiving unit 340 that receives light in the diagonal direction of the second cross-light-emitting unit 240.

[0058] As shown in Figure 3, the light receiving unit 122 of the ball ready sensor and the first light receiving unit 310, second light receiving unit 320, first cross light receiving unit 330, and second cross light receiving unit 340 of the light receiving stage 300 are connected to the control unit 150 so that sensing results can be transmitted from each light receiving unit. Although not shown in the drawing, the light emitting unit 112 of the ball ready sensor and the first light emitting unit 210, second light emitting unit 220, first cross light emitting unit 230, and second cross light emitting unit 240 of the light emitting end 200 are also connected to the control unit 150 so that the light emission of each light emitting unit can be turned on / off by the control unit 150.

[0059] The light-emitting end 200 described above can be configured to include a first light-emitting through hole 201 through which light from the first light-emitting section 210 passes to form a first light beam L1, a second light-emitting through hole 202 through which light from the second light-emitting section 220 passes to form a second light beam L2, a first crossing light-emitting through hole 203 through which light from the first crossing light-emitting section 203 passes to form a first crossing light beam LX1, and a second crossing light-emitting through hole 204 through which light from the second crossing light-emitting section 240 passes to form a second crossing light beam LX2.

[0060] Furthermore, the light receiving stage 300 described above can be configured to include a first light receiving passage hole 301 through which the first light beam L1 passes to the first light receiving unit 310, a second light receiving passage hole 302 through which the second light beam L2 passes to the second light receiving unit 320, a first crossing light receiving passage hole 303 through which the first crossing light beam LX1 passes to the first crossing light receiving unit 330, and a second crossing light receiving passage hole 304 through which the second crossing light beam LX2 passes to the second crossing light receiving unit 340.

[0061] The first light-emitting section 210, the second light-emitting section 220, the first intersecting light-emitting section 230, and the second intersecting light-emitting section 240 of the light-emitting end 200, as described above, can each be provided as a light-emitting element such as an LED.

[0062] Therefore, since the light emitted by each light-emitting part, such as an LED, spreads widely, the first light-emitting through hole 201, the second light-emitting through hole 202, the first crossing light-emitting through hole 203, and the second crossing light-emitting through hole 204 can be formed to a size corresponding to the desired beam size, so that the light emitted by each light-emitting part travels in a beam form straight to each corresponding light-receiving part at the light-receiving end, and so that a light beam of the desired beam size is irradiated onto the light-emitting end 200.

[0063] As described above, the first light receiving hole 301, the second light receiving hole 302, the first cross light receiving hole 303, and the second cross light receiving hole 304 can be formed on the light receiving end 300, with sizes corresponding to the sizes of the first light receiving hole 201, the second light receiving hole 202, the first cross light receiving hole 203, and the second cross light receiving hole 204 formed on the light receiving end 200.

[0064] Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, each through-hole can form a first light beam L1, a second light beam L2, a first intersecting light beam LX1, and a second intersecting light beam LX2, each with a desired beam size.

[0065] Figure 4 shows a case in which a golf ball GB is detected by the respective light receiving units 310, 320, 330, and 340 when the golf ball GB is struck and moves, in a sensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figure 3.

[0066] As shown in Figure 4, as the golf ball GB moves along the BD direction due to the user's putting, the first light beam L1 is interrupted when the golf ball is at position B1, allowing the first light receiving unit 310 to detect the golf ball at position B1; the first crossing light beam LX1 is interrupted when the golf ball is at position B2, allowing the first crossing light receiving unit 330 to detect the golf ball at position B2; the second crossing light beam LX2 is interrupted when the golf ball is at position B3, allowing the second crossing light receiving unit 340 to detect the golf ball at position B3; and the second light beam L2 is interrupted when the golf ball is at position B4, allowing the second light receiving unit 320 to detect the golf ball at position B4.

[0067] Here, we will explain what it means that "the light-receiving unit can detect the golf ball because the light beam is blocked by the golf ball."

[0068] The level of light the light-receiving unit needs to detect to determine if a golf ball has been detected depends on how the control unit sets the sensing conditions.

[0069] For example, if the amount of light that the light-receiving unit can receive is 10, the point at which the light-receiving unit detects the golf ball may be when the amount of light is 5, when the amount of light is 2, or when the amount of light is zero, depending on how much the golf ball covers the light beam. This depends on the control unit setting sensing conditions that determine when the golf ball is detected, using the sensing result of the light-receiving unit.

[0070] For example, if the amount of light that the light-receiving unit can receive is set to 10, and the control unit sets the sensing condition for detecting a golf ball in the light-receiving unit to receive light at an amount of 2 or less, then when the light-receiving unit receives 10 units of light, the golf ball will gradually block the light as it moves, and the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit will gradually decrease. When the amount of light received becomes 2 or less, the control unit can determine that the light-receiving unit has detected the golf ball.

[0071] Therefore, the aforementioned "blocking" can include the degree to which the golf ball covers the light beam (the degree of the amount of light received by the light receiver) when the sensing condition setting of the control unit determines that the detection result of the light receiver is that of a golf ball.

[0072] In other words, the aforementioned "blocking" can include not only cases where the golf ball completely blocks the light beam and the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit is zero, but also cases where the amount of light is detected at or below the set value.

[0073] Hereafter, the term "blocking" a light beam by a golf ball will be used in the sense described above.

[0074] As shown in Figure 4, unlike conventional techniques, the golf ball blocks the light beams L1, LX1, LX2, and L2 at positions B1 to B4, respectively, allowing the light receiving units 310, 330, 340, and 320 to sense the golf ball. This is achieved not by the center of the golf ball being located on the light beam, but by the outer part of the golf ball covering part or all of the light beam as it passes through it.

[0075] As shown in Figure 4, when the light receiving units 310, 330, 340, and 320 detect the golf ball at positions B1 to B4, it is preferable to determine the positions of the golf ball's center point c1 at position B1, c2 at position B2, c3 at position B3, and c4 at position B4, and then calculate the golf ball's movement characteristics based on these respective center point positions c1, c2, c3, and c4, in order to reduce errors and improve the accuracy of sensing.

[0076] However, conventional technology, as mentioned above, does not calculate the movement characteristics of the golf ball based on the center point positions c1, c2, c3, and c4 of the golf ball when it reaches positions B1 to B4, but rather calculates the movement characteristics information of the golf ball by assuming that when the golf ball reaches positions B1 to B4, its center point is located on the light beams L1, L2, LX1, and LX2, respectively. As a result, the calculation results inevitably have errors compared to reality.

[0077] As shown in Figure 4, the present invention provides a method for accurately calculating the movement characteristics of a golf ball by geometric analysis, taking into account the center point positions c1, c2, c3, and c4 of the golf ball when it is at positions B1 to B4, respectively, and for this purpose, it utilizes the concept of "effective radius".

[0078] To explain the aforementioned concept of "effective radius," please refer to Figures 5 and 6.

[0079] Figure 5 sequentially shows the state in which a golf ball moves as it passes through a light beam irradiated from the light-emitting unit to the light-receiving unit. Figures 5(a) to (c) show a view from above as the golf ball GB passes through the light beam L irradiated by the light-emitting unit 210 and received by the light-receiving unit 310. Figures 5(d) to (f) show side cross-sections of Figures 5(a) to (c), respectively, cut along the direction of the golf ball's movement.

[0080] Here, although not shown in the drawings, it is assumed that the light beam L is irradiated from the light-emitting unit 210 and, by passing through a through-hole (not shown) of a predetermined size, acquires a predetermined beam width.

[0081] As shown in Figures 5(a) to (c), it is not clear from looking down from above whether the golf ball GB effectively blocked the light beam L as it moved in the direction of the arrow, but it can be determined by looking through a side cross-section as shown in Figures 5(d) to (f).

[0082] As shown in Figure 5(a), even if the outer surface of the golf ball GB appears to be in contact with the light beam L, as shown in Figure 5(d), the distance between the outer surface of the golf ball GB and the light beam may differ depending on the height of the light-emitting unit 210.

[0083] That is, as shown in Figure 5(d), when the light-emitting unit is positioned higher than the light beam L of the light-emitting unit 210 and irradiates with light beam Lh, or when the light-emitting unit is positioned lower and irradiates with light beam Lw, in other words, the distance between the outer surface of the golf ball GB and the light beams can be changed depending on the height of each of the light beams Lh, L, and Lw.

[0084] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(d), the distance between the golf ball GB and the light beam may also differ depending on the beam width bw of the light beam. In other words, the distance the golf ball must travel to block the light beam can change depending on the beam width bw of the light beam.

[0085] The distance the golf ball needs to travel to block the light beam can vary depending on the beam width of the light beam and the light reception rate of the light-receiving unit that is considered to have detected the golf ball.

[0086] For example, if a light beam is considered blocked even if only 10% of it is obscured by a golf ball, then blocking only a small portion of a wide beam width would result in a short distance for the golf ball to travel to block it. Conversely, to cover a narrow beam width, the golf ball may need to travel a relatively longer distance. For example, if a light beam is considered blocked when 90% of it is obscured by a golf ball, then the golf ball would need to travel a longer distance to cover almost the entire wide beam width, and might need to travel a little further to cover a narrow beam width.

[0087] Looking at Figures 5(b) and (e), we can see that when the golf ball GB moved a little further, the golf ball GB partially covered the L light beam at its position, but the Lh light beam at a higher position was effectively blocked by the golf ball GB, and the Lw light beam at a lower position was only partially blocked by the golf ball GB.

[0088] Figures 5(c) and (f) show that when the golf ball GB advanced a little further, it was found that the golf ball GB effectively blocked the L light beam at its position, the Lh light beam at a higher position was completely blocked by the golf ball GB, and the Lw light beam at a lower position was only in contact with the outer surface of the golf ball GB.

[0089] As shown in Figure 5(c), when viewed from above at the point when the golf ball GB blocks the L light beam, it appears that a considerable portion of the light beam L has passed through the outer surface of the golf ball GB. If it were the Lw light beam, the golf ball GB would have to continue moving further in the direction of travel before it could effectively block the Lw light beam.

[0090] Figures 6(a) and 6(b) show the states of Figures 5(c) and 5(f), respectively (the state in which the golf ball effectively blocks the L light beam).

[0091] As shown in Figure 6(a), when the golf ball GB effectively blocks the L light beam and the sensing conditions set by the control unit are met, the light beam L is simplified into a line (which we will call the light line LL). At this point, the distance from the center Cb of the golf ball GB to the light line LL can be defined as the effective radius ER.

[0092] As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), the effective circle EC is defined as a circle with an effective radius ER, which is the distance from the center Cb of the golf ball GB to the optical line LL.

[0093] In one embodiment of the present invention, a sensing device and sensing method for detecting the movement of a golf ball are configured such that the control unit pre-sets the "effective radius" of the golf ball as defined above, and the point in time when each light receiving unit detects the golf ball is defined as the point in time when the effective circle having the aforementioned effective radius touches each light line. At each point in time, the device calculates information on the movement characteristics of the golf ball by performing geometric calculations that take into account the position of the center point of the golf ball using the effective radius.

[0094] Figure 7 shows the light beams between the light-emitting end and the light-receiving end shown in Figure 3, simplified with light lines. Figure 8 shows sensing a golf ball using the conventional method with the light lines shown in Figure 7, and Figure 9 shows the case when the golf ball blocks each light beam according to the sensing conditions in the light lines shown in Figure 7, using an effective circle with an effective radius, in a state that allows for geometric analysis.

[0095] Referring to Figures 7 and 3 together, as shown in Figure 7, the ball-ready sensor's light beam LR can be simplified and represented as the initial light line lLR, the first light beam L1 as the first light line lL1, the second light beam L2 as the second light line lL2, the first intersecting light beam LX1 as the first intersecting light line lLX1, and the second intersecting light beam LX2 as the second intersecting light line lLX2.

[0096] Referring together to Figures 9 and 4, in one embodiment of the present invention, when each light receiving unit senses a golf ball according to the sensing conditions, a preset value of the effective radius defined as shown in Figure 6 is used to set the effective circles EC1, EC2, EC3, and EC4, which are determined by the effective radius at the time each golf ball is sensed, as shown in Figure 9, to be tangent to the light lines IL1, ILX1, ILX2, and IL2, respectively, and proceed with geometric analysis.

[0097] As shown in Figure 9, by demonstrating effective circles EC1, EC2, EC3, and EC4 corresponding to a predetermined effective radius relative to the golf ball, tangent to each optical line IL1, ILX1, ILX2, and IL2, and performing a geometric analysis that considers the position of the center point of each effective circle EC1, EC2, EC3, and EC4 (which is the center point of the golf ball), the movement characteristics of the golf ball can be accurately calculated.

[0098] Figure 8 shows the assumption that, using the conventional method, the centers of circles b1, b2, b3, and b4 are located on the respective light lines lL1, lLX1, lLX2, and lL2 at the time each golf ball is detected. Conventionally, geometric calculations were performed assuming the same conditions as shown in Figure 8 for the time each light receiving unit detected the golf ball.

[0099] Even by visually observing and comparing Figure 8, which uses conventional technology, with Figure 9, which uses the present invention, it can be seen that there is a considerable difference in the perceived viewpoint and position of the golf ball.

[0100] Therefore, it can be seen that the sensing device and sensing method for detecting the movement of a golf ball according to one embodiment of the present invention enables more precise and accurate sensing than the conventional technology.

[0101] The aforementioned "effective radius" can vary depending on the height of the light beam (height from the surface on which the golf ball moves) due to the installation height of the light-emitting and light-receiving units, the beam width of the light beam due to the size of the light-emitting through-hole at the light-emitting end and the light-receiving through-hole at the light-receiving end (see Figure 5(d)), the sensing conditions under which the light-receiving unit can determine that it has detected a golf ball, and the shape of the dimples formed on the surface of the golf ball.

[0102] Therefore, the aforementioned effective radius can be measured and determined in advance after the sensing device has been specifically designed or manufactured and conditions such as the height and beam width of the light beam have been determined. This pre-measured and determined effective radius value can then be set in the control unit and used to calculate the movement characteristics of the golf ball.

[0103] Furthermore, even with sensing devices under the same conditions, the effective radius may differ depending on the shape of the dimples formed on the surface of the golf ball. Therefore, the control unit of the sensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention can pre-measure the effective radius for each golf ball manufacturer or brand relative to the aforementioned effective radius, and set each of these values ​​as the effective radius for the corresponding type of golf ball. When a user putts using the sensing device, the control unit can confirm the manufacturer and brand of the golf ball the user is using for putting (the user can also pre-input and set the manufacturer and brand of the golf ball they are using, or this can be detected by a separate sensor), and apply the pre-set effective radius to the confirmed golf ball to calculate the golf ball's movement characteristics information.

[0104] Furthermore, because golf balls can experience wear and tear on their dimples and the accumulation of foreign matter through repeated use, the effective radius of a new golf ball can differ from that of a used golf ball.

[0105] Therefore, the control unit of the sensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention can distinguish between the effective radius for a new golf ball and the effective radius for a used golf ball, measure and set them in advance, and when a user putts using the sensing device, the control unit can check whether the golf ball the user is using for putting is a new golf ball or a used golf ball (this can be set in advance by the user, or it can be sensed by a separate sensor), and apply the preset effective radius to the checked golf ball to calculate the golf ball's movement characteristics information.

[0106] Furthermore, instead of pre-measuring the effective radius as described above, it is also possible to measure and set the effective radius using a separate device or module while the user is putting, and to perform sensing at the same time.

[0107] Figure 10 shows a case in which the user directly measures the effective radius during the process of using the sensing device, using an effective radius measuring unit separately provided as a sensing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] As shown in Figure 10(a), a sensing device for detecting the movement of a golf ball according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include an effective radius measuring section 600 for measuring the effective radius of the golf ball GB that the user is putting.

[0109] The effective radius measuring unit 600 is provided on the first light-emitting unit 210 and the first light-receiving unit 310, respectively, which are the first points of contact for a golf ball that is moved by impact. Figure 10(a) illustrates this case.

[0110] As shown in Figure 10(a), a device that emits a number of small spot light arrays 610 can be installed on top of the light-emitting unit 210 as an effective radius measuring unit 600. Although not shown in the drawing, a light-receiving array corresponding to each of the aforementioned small spot light arrays 610 can be installed on top of the light-receiving unit 310.

[0111] For example, when a golf ball moves through the light beam L from the light-emitting unit 210 as shown in Figure 10(b), the effective radius can be measured by sensing how many spot lights from the spot light array 610 of the effective radius measuring unit 600 are blocked at the point when the light beam L is blocked according to the sensing conditions as the golf ball GB moves from b1 to b2 to b3 (the point when the light-receiving unit detects the golf ball).

[0112] As described above, the control unit sets the value measured by the effective radius measuring unit 600 as the golf ball moves as the user putts, and uses that measured and set effective radius when calculating the golf ball's movement characteristic information according to the sensing result of each light receiving unit.

[0113] On the other hand, referring to Figures 11 to 13, a specific example will be described in which information such as the direction and speed of movement of the golf ball is calculated by geometric analysis, using the effective radius described above, in accordance with the sensing device and sensing method for sensing the movement of a golf ball according to one embodiment of the present invention, while the effective circle is shown to be tangent to each light line.

[0114] Figure 11 shows an example of geometric analysis when a golf ball moves in the PD1 direction, Figure 12 shows an example of geometric analysis when a golf ball moves in the PD2 direction, and Figure 13 shows an example of geometric analysis for calculating time information when a golf ball moves in the PD2 direction.

[0115] Figures 11 to 13 show that when each light-receiving unit detects a golf ball, the effective circle EC corresponding to the effective radius ER of the golf ball touches the respective light lines lL1, lLX1, lLX2, and lL2.

[0116] As shown in Figure 11, the distance the golf ball travels to the first optical line 1L1 is not D1 / cosθ, which is determined by the distance D1 between the initial position of the golf ball (initial impact position detected by the ball ready sensor) and the first optical line 1L1 and the direction angle θ, but rather (D1-ER) / cosθ (that is, when the first light beam is interrupted, the center of the golf ball is not located on the first optical line, but rather the effective circle is tangent to the first optical line, and at this time the center point of the golf ball is separated from the first optical line by the effective radius ER).

[0117] Similarly, the distance the golf ball travels until it is recognized by the second light line 1L2 is (D2-ER) / cosθ, and since D1 and D2 are values ​​predetermined by the characteristics of the effective radius sensing device according to the physical conditions of the arrangement of the light-emitting and light-receiving parts, the length can be determined from this value after removing the directional component.

[0118] If SA is the angle (sensor installation angle) formed by the first intersecting light line lLX1 and the second intersecting light line lLX2, then, as shown in Figure 11, using the properties of angle SA, right angles, and triangles, it can be seen that the intersection angle near the intersection of the first intersecting light line lLX1 and the second intersecting light line lLX2 is 90-SA.

[0119] Then, we can find an angle identical to the intersection angle 90-SA along the parallel lines, and we can see that the smaller angle of the right triangle enclosed by the dotted line that includes that position is equal to SA.

[0120] Since the direction angle corresponding to the direction of the golf ball's movement is θ, we can see that the smaller angle of the right triangle containing the arrow in PD1 is θ-SA, and the larger, non-right angle is 90+SA-θ.

[0121] To represent the distance (travel distance x) traveled from the initial position of the golf ball until it is recognized by the first intersecting light line lLX1, first, as shown in Figure 11, the length of the section indicated by the di arrow can be calculated and expressed as Dcsin(90-SA)-ER.

[0122] In Figure 11, the length of the interval indicated by the arrow di can be expressed using the distance traveled x as xsin(90+SA-θ), so the distance traveled x can be expressed as shown in the following equation 1.

[0123]

number

[0124] Here, Dc is the distance from the initial position to the intersection of the first and second intersecting light lines, SA is the sensor installation angle, θ is the direction angle due to the movement of the golf ball, and ER is the effective radius. The distance Dc and the sensor installation angle SA are values ​​that were set when the sensor was installed, so they are already known values.

[0125] On the other hand, looking at Figure 12, the direction angle of the golf ball is smaller than that of the sensor installation condition SA, and the geometric conditions have been slightly changed. However, using the same method as in Figure 11 mentioned above, we can calculate the following equation 2 as the distance the golf ball moves from its initial position in the direction of PD2 until it is recognized by the first intersecting light line lLX1.

[0126]

number

[0127] A mathematical approach to the difference between the formulas in numbers 1 and 2 mentioned above reveals that the difference lies in sin(90+(SA-θ)) and sin(90-(SA-θ)) (which can be seen as the position value after moving forward or backward by (SA-θ) after moving 90 degrees with the sine function). However, since the sine function is symmetrical with respect to the 90-degree point, sin(90+(SA-θ)) and sin(90-(SA-θ)) always have the same value, and therefore numbers 1 and 2 are the same.

[0128] Similarly, the distance traveled by the effective circle EC until it touches the second intersecting optical line lLX2 can be expressed by the following equation 3.

[0129]

number

[0130] Figure 13 shows the time points t0, t1, and t corresponding to each point necessary to determine the travel time for converting distance to velocity. f t b , represented t2.

[0131] Here, t0 is the time when the golf ball begins to move, t1 is the time when the golf ball is detected by the first light-receiving unit (when the effective circle EC touches the first light line l1), and t2 is the time when the golf ball is detected by the second light-receiving unit (when the effective circle EC touches the second light line l2). f This is the moment when the golf ball is detected by the first cross-receiving unit (the moment when the effective circle EC touches the first cross-receiving light line lLX1), and t b This is the moment when the golf ball is detected by the second cross-receiving unit (the moment when the effective circle EC touches the second cross-receiving light line lLX2).

[0132] In Figure 13, by determining the relationship between the speed of the golf ball and the equations related to it, we can derive equations 4 and 5 as follows.

[0133]

number

[0134]

number

[0135] To determine the velocity component excluding direction, we only need to consider the distance traveled between the first optical line 1L1 and the second optical line 1L2, so we do not need to consider t0. However, when determining the directional component, we can utilize equations 4 and 5 mentioned above to make use of this.

[0136] If we also change the distance between the first intersecting light line lLX1 and the second intersecting light line lLX2 to a velocity condition, it can be expressed by equations 6 and 7 as follows.

[0137]

number

[0138]

number

[0139] Using the aforementioned equations 4, 5, 6, and 7, we can find t0 and then θ, which allows us to calculate the velocity v of the golf ball.

[0140] By rearranging the aforementioned equations 4 and 5 in relation to the velocity v of the golf ball, we can derive the following equation 8.

[0141]

number

[0142] Using the aforementioned number 8, we can derive the following number 9 with respect to t0.

[0143]

number

[0144] Therefore, t0 can be easily calculated using values ​​already known through equation 9.

[0145] On the other hand, using the aforementioned numbers 6 and 7, we can find the next number, 10.

[0146]

number

[0147]

number

[0148] By rearranging equation 10 above using the properties of trigonometric functions, we can calculate equation 12 with respect to the direction angle θ.

[0149]

number

[0150] As mentioned above, t1, t2, t f t b Since we already know the time values ​​and the installation condition SA angle, we can find tanθ from the aforementioned equation 12, and from there we can calculate the direction angle θ.

[0151] As described above, the sensing device and sensing method for sensing the movement of a golf ball according to the present invention have the advantage of being able to further improve the accuracy of the sensing result by utilizing the concept of effective radius in order to fundamentally solve the error factors in the sensing result of conventional technology, which are based on the premise that the position of the center point of the golf ball is sensed at the time of sensing by the light receiving unit, when sensing the movement of a golf ball using an optical sensing type golf putting sensing device. [Industrial applicability]

[0152] The sensing device and sensing method for detecting the movement of a golf ball according to the present invention can be used in fields related to golf, particularly golf analysis based on analysis of a golf ball struck by a putter during putting, and in fields related to virtual golf simulations such as so-called screen golf.

Claims

1. A light-emitting end is provided on one side of the path through which the golf ball moves as the user putts, and is configured such that multiple light-emitting parts each emit light to the other side, A light-receiving end is provided on the other side and includes a plurality of light-receiving parts that each receive light emitted by the plurality of light-emitting parts, The control unit includes a mechanism that calculates information on the movement characteristics of the golf ball based on the results sensed by each of the multiple light-receiving units as the moving golf ball passes through each of the multiple light-emitting units while blocking the light from each of the multiple light-receiving units to each of the multiple light-receiving units. The control unit, When the sensing conditions for the light receiving unit to detect the golf ball are met, the distance from the center of the golf ball to the light line is set as the effective radius, and the time when each light receiving unit detects the golf ball is set as the time when the effective circle having the effective radius touches each light line, and the movement characteristic information of the golf ball is calculated by geometric calculation. A sensing device for detecting the movement of a golf ball, configured to pre-set the effective radius, which is measured in advance based on the size of the golf ball, the height at which the light-emitting unit and light-receiving unit are installed, and the beam width of the light from the light-emitting unit to the light-receiving unit.

2. The aforementioned light-emitting end is, The device includes a first light-emitting unit and a second light-emitting unit that emit light substantially parallel to each other in order to sense the speed of the golf ball, and a first intersecting light-emitting unit and a second intersecting light-emitting unit provided between the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit, which emit light in an X-shape, respectively. The light-receiving end is, A sensing device for detecting the movement of a golf ball according to claim 1, comprising: a first light receiving unit for receiving light from the first light-emitting unit; a second light receiving unit for receiving light from the second light-emitting unit; a first cross light receiving unit for receiving light from the first cross light-emitting unit; and a second cross light receiving unit for receiving light from the second cross light-emitting unit.

3. The aforementioned light-emitting end is, The device is configured to include a first light-emitting through-hole through which light from the first light-emitting section passes to form a first light beam, a second light-emitting through-hole through which light from the second light-emitting section passes to form a second light beam, a first cross-emitting through-hole through which light from the first cross-emitting section passes to form a first cross-emitting beam, and a second cross-emitting through-hole through which light from the second cross-emitting section passes to form a second cross-emitting beam. The light-receiving end is, A sensing device for detecting the movement of a golf ball according to claim 2, comprising: a first light-receiving passage hole for passing the first light beam through the first light-receiving unit; a second light-receiving passage hole for passing the second light beam through the second light-receiving unit; a first cross-light-receiving passage hole for passing the first cross-light beam through the first cross-light-receiving unit; and a second cross-light-receiving passage hole for passing the second cross-light-receiving unit.

4. The control unit, A sensing device for detecting the movement of a golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the effective radius is measured and set in advance for each golf ball manufacturer or brand relative to the effective radius, and the user confirms the manufacturer or brand of the golf ball used for putting and applies the effective radius of the golf ball in question.

5. The control unit, A sensing device for detecting the movement of a golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the effective radius is divided into an effective radius for a new golf ball and an effective radius for a used golf ball, each of which is measured and set in advance, and the user checks whether the golf ball used for putting is a new golf ball or a used golf ball and applies the appropriate effective radius.

6. A light-emitting end provided on one side of the path through which the golf ball moves as a result of the user's putting, wherein a plurality of light-emitting units are configured to each emit light to the other side, A light-receiving end is provided on the other side and includes a plurality of light-receiving parts that each receive light emitted by the plurality of light-emitting parts, The control unit includes a mechanism that calculates information on the movement characteristics of the golf ball based on the results sensed by each of the multiple light-receiving units as the moving golf ball passes through each of the multiple light-emitting units while blocking the light from each of the multiple light-receiving units to each of the multiple light-receiving units. The control unit, When the sensing conditions for the light receiving unit to detect the golf ball are met, the distance from the center of the golf ball to the light line is set as the effective radius, and the time when each light receiving unit detects the golf ball is set as the time when the effective circle having the effective radius touches each light line, and the movement characteristic information of the golf ball is calculated by geometric calculation. The system further includes an effective radius measuring unit for measuring the effective radius of the golf ball that the user putts, The control unit is configured to calculate movement characteristic information of the golf ball by setting the value measured by the effective radius measuring unit as the effective radius for the golf ball moving as the user putts, and the control unit is configured to do so.

7. A sensing method for a sensing device, wherein a plurality of light-emitting units each emit light on one side of the path through which a golf ball moves due to the user's putting, and a plurality of light-receiving units each receive the light on the other side, and a control unit senses the movement of the golf ball through the sensing results of each of the plurality of light-receiving units, The steps include setting the distance from the center of the golf ball to the light line to the effective radius when the sensing conditions for the light receiving unit to detect the golf ball are met, The process involves transmitting the sensing results of each of the multiple light-receiving units as the golf ball moves due to the user's putting, The process includes a step of calculating the movement characteristic information of the golf ball by geometric calculation, where the point in time when each light-receiving unit detects the golf ball is the point in time when the effective circle having the effective radius touches each light line, The step of setting the effective radius is, A sensing method for a sensing device that detects the movement of a golf ball, comprising the step of pre-measuring the effective radius based on the size of the golf ball, the height at which the light-emitting unit and light-receiving unit are installed, and the beam width of light from the light-emitting unit to the light-receiving unit, and setting the input value as the effective radius.

8. The step of setting the effective radius is, This includes the step of pre-measuring and setting the effective radius for each golf ball manufacturer or brand, relative to the aforementioned effective radius. The step of calculating the movement characteristics information of the golf ball is as follows: A sensing method for a sensing device that senses the movement of a golf ball according to claim 7, comprising the steps of: confirming the manufacturer or brand of the golf ball used by the user for putting; and calculating movement characteristic information of the golf ball using the effective radius corresponding to the manufacturer or brand of the golf ball confirmed in the confirmation step.

9. The step of setting the effective radius is, This includes a step of pre-measuring and setting the effective radius for new golf balls and used golf balls separately from the effective radius mentioned above. The step of calculating the movement characteristics information of the golf ball is as follows: A sensing method for a sensing device that senses the movement of a golf ball, according to claim 7, comprising the steps of: confirming whether the golf ball used by the user for putting is a new golf ball or a used golf ball; and calculating movement characteristic information of the golf ball using the effective radius corresponding to the golf ball confirmed in the confirmation step.

10. A sensing method for a sensing device in which a plurality of light-emitting units each emit light on one side of the path through which a golf ball moves due to a user's putting, and a plurality of light-receiving units each receive the light on the other side, and a control unit senses the movement of the golf ball through the sensing results of each of the plurality of light-receiving units, The steps include setting the distance from the center of the golf ball to the light line to the effective radius when the sensing conditions for the light receiving unit to detect the golf ball are met, The process involves transmitting the sensing results of each of the multiple light-receiving units as the golf ball moves due to the user's putting, The process includes a step of calculating the movement characteristic information of the golf ball by geometric calculation, where the point in time when each light-receiving unit detects the golf ball is the point in time when the effective circle having the effective radius touches each light line, The sensing device for detecting the movement of the golf ball further includes an effective radius measuring unit for measuring the effective radius of the golf ball being putted by the user, The step of setting the effective radius is, A sensing method for a sensing device that detects the movement of a golf ball, comprising the step of setting a value measured by the effective radius measuring unit as the effective radius with respect to the golf ball moving as a result of the user putting.

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