Virtual golf device and virtual sports device

Abstract

The present invention provides a virtual golf device and a virtual sports device. The virtual sports device includes a calculation unit that calculates the result of the play based on the sports play of a user, a display unit that displays the play result calculated by the calculation unit, and a command input unit for inputting a command by a user. The user's command may be input using a command input image, and the command input unit includes a command image unit that provides the command input image and a command detection unit that detects whether a command is input through the command input image.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to technology for playing virtual sports, and more specifically, to a virtual golf device and a virtual sports device configured to allow a user playing virtual sports to conveniently input various commands. Background Technology

[0002] Screen sports, such as screen baseball and screen golf, display footage of the stadium on a screen, allowing users to enjoy the game without having to go to the actual venue. Since the gameplay of these screen sports necessarily involves the use of electronic devices, they differ from actual sports played in outdoor stadiums and can be referred to as "virtual sports" to distinguish them from real sports. These virtual or screen sports are highly popular because they provide the feeling of playing a real game on a field while saving time and money compared to playing on the field.

[0003] When comparing virtual sports with real sports, virtual sports have the advantage of being able to provide users with technical services that are difficult to offer in real sports conducted in open outdoor spaces, due to the nature of being provided in enclosed indoor spaces. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance user convenience by leveraging this advantage to provide various technical services that are impossible in real sports. For example, situations arise during virtual sports gameplay where users must input various commands; however, conventional virtual sports devices present a problem where it is inconvenient for users to input commands during gameplay. The problem to be solved

[0004] The present invention was developed in consideration of the above circumstances and aims to provide a virtual sports device configured to allow a user playing virtual sports to input various commands more conveniently.

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a virtual golf device configured to allow a user playing virtual golf to input various commands more conveniently.

[0006] In addition, other objects of the present invention can be clearly understood from the following description and the accompanying drawings. means of solving the problem

[0007] A virtual sports device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a calculation unit that calculates the result of the play based on the sports play of a user, a display unit that displays the play result calculated by the calculation unit, and a command input unit for inputting a command by a user, wherein the user's command may be input using a command input image, and the command input unit comprises a command image unit that provides the command input image and a command detection unit that detects whether a command is input through the command input image.

[0008] In the virtual sports device described above, the commands are multiple, and the command input image may include multiple command images corresponding to the multiple commands. Additionally, there may be multiple users, and for each user, a command image representing a specific command may be set differently for that specific command, or the type of command included in the command input image may be set differently for each user, or the number of commands included in the command input image may be set differently for each user.

[0009] In the virtual sports device described above, the user includes different first and second users, and the command input image may include a first command input image for the first user and a second command input image for the second user.

[0010] In the virtual sports device described above, the command image unit includes a projector that projects an image for command input, and the command detection unit may include a camera or a sensor.

[0011] A virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a calculation unit that calculates the movement of a virtual golf ball based on the state of the struck actual golf ball when a user strikes an actual golf ball, a display unit that displays an image of the virtual golf ball moving according to the calculation result of the calculation unit on a virtual golf course, and a command input unit for inputting a command by a user, wherein the user's command can be input using a command input image, and the command input unit comprises a command image unit that provides the command input image and a command detection unit that detects whether a command is input through the command input image. Effects of the invention

[0012] According to the virtual sports device and virtual golf device of the present invention, commands can be conveniently entered while playing virtual sports, thereby maximizing user convenience. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a virtual baseball device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a command image section. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a video for command input. Figures 5 and 6 are drawings for explaining the lattice command and the adjustment command. Figure 7 is a diagram showing another example of an image for command input. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a method for inputting a command through a video for command input. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 10 to 12 are drawings showing examples of images for various command inputs. FIGS. 13 to 16 are drawings for explaining the operation process when commands are set differently for each user. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a virtual golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0014] The present invention will be described in detail below through examples. The purpose, features, and advantages of the present invention will be easily understood through the following examples. The present invention is not limited to the examples described herein and may be embodied in other forms. The examples introduced herein are provided to ensure that the disclosed content is thorough and complete, and to ensure that the concept of the present invention is sufficiently conveyed to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Accordingly, the present invention should not be limited by the following examples.

[0015] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., have been used in this specification to describe various elements, said elements should not be limited by such terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish said elements from one another. Furthermore, where it is stated that an element is upon another element, it means that it may be formed directly upon the other element or that a third element may be interposed between them.

[0016] In the drawings, the size of the elements, or the relative size between the elements, may be depicted somewhat exaggerated for a clearer understanding of the invention. Additionally, the shape of the elements depicted in the drawings may be slightly altered due to variations in the manufacturing process, etc. Accordingly, unless otherwise specifically stated, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be limited to the shapes depicted in the drawings and should be understood to include some degree of variation.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a virtual baseball device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, the virtual baseball device includes a batting plate (1), a control unit (2), a detection unit (3), an input unit (4), a sound unit (5), a display unit (6), a ball pitching unit (7), and a command input unit (8).

[0019] The hitting plate (1) represents a hitting zone where the user is positioned to hit a baseball. The control unit (2) controls the overall operation between each component of the virtual baseball device and is equipped with a calculation unit (2a), an image unit (2b), and a storage unit (2c) (at least one of the calculation unit (2a), the image unit (2b), and the storage unit (2c) may be configured to be separate from the control unit (2) and provided independently). The calculation unit (2a) performs a calculation process to determine what kind of hitting result (ground ball, fly, hit, home run, etc.) will result when the user hits the baseball, assuming the hit baseball moves in a real baseball field. The image unit (2b) forms a baseball image, etc. to be displayed to the user. The storage unit (2c) includes a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk and stores various programs or data necessary for the operation of the control unit (2), the calculation unit (2a), the image unit (2b), etc. The storage unit (2c) does not necessarily have to be provided in the virtual baseball device, and may be provided in the server if the virtual baseball device is connected to the server via a communication network. The detection unit (3) detects the physical state of the baseball, such as the speed and direction of movement of the baseball hit by the user, and is equipped with a sensing means for detecting the physical state of the baseball. Various detection sensors or cameras may be used as the sensing means of the detection unit (3), and the information detected by the detection unit (3) is transmitted to the calculation unit (2a) of the control unit (2) and used in the calculation process. The input unit (4) is for receiving various information from the user, and may use a keyboard or mouse. In screen baseball using a virtual baseball device, a login system that requests the user's login before providing the service may be applied, and when the login system is applied, the input unit (4) may be used when the user enters their ID or password. In addition, the input unit (4) may be used when the user selects the baseball field or the difficulty level to play in screen baseball.The sound unit (5) may include sound devices such as speakers, and serves to guide the user on the progress of the game and play various sound effects according to the progress of the game. The display unit (6) includes display devices such as a projector and a screen. The projector projects relevant images onto the screen so that the baseball stadium and baseball players are displayed on the screen, and the screen displays the projected baseball-related images to show them to the user. When the user hits the baseball and the calculation unit (2a) performs a calculation process to calculate the result of the user's hit, the image unit (2b) forms an image showing the calculated result, and the image is displayed on the screen. The ball pitching unit (7) includes a device that launches a baseball so that the user can hit it. Although not shown in the drawing, a through hole is formed in the screen so that the baseball launched from the ball pitching unit (7) passes through the through hole and reaches the user. The control unit (2) can control the operation of the ball pitching unit (7) so that the baseball is launched at the time when the user finishes preparing to hit on the hitting plate (1).

[0020] The command input unit (8) is intended to allow the user to input a command separately from the input unit (4), and according to an embodiment of the present invention, the command input unit (8) operates to allow the user to conveniently input a command through a command input image. The command input unit (8) includes a command image unit (8a) and a command detection unit (8b), wherein the command image unit (8a) serves to provide the command input image, and the command detection unit (8b) serves to detect whether a command has been input through the command input image. The command input image can be provided on the striking plate (1) where the user is located while playing, or near the striking plate (1), and accordingly, the user can conveniently input a command without leaving the striking plate (1) during play. When a command is input through a command input video, the input command can be detected by the command detection unit (8b) and transmitted to the control unit (20), and the control unit (20) can process the command to be executed. In this case, the command may be executed directly by the control unit (20), or the control unit (20) may control a component capable of executing the command to execute the command. Detailed operation of inputting a command through a command input video will be further explained in the virtual golf device described later.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 2, a virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a striking plate (10), a control unit (20), a detection unit (30), an input unit (40), a sound unit (50), a display unit (60), and a command input unit (70).

[0023] The hitting plate (10) is an area where the user is positioned to hit a golf ball. The hitting plate (10) may be a plate-shaped object, or it may not be a separate object but simply the floor surface of a place where a virtual golf device is installed, which is the part where the user is positioned. Although not shown in the drawing, the hitting plate (10) is equipped with a hitting mat on which a golf ball for hitting is placed, and an auto tee with a structure that can move up and down is installed on the hitting mat. A golf ball for hitting can be automatically provided to the user through the auto tee.

[0024] The control unit (20) controls the overall operation between each component of the virtual golf device. For example, the control unit (20) can control the auto tee installed on the hitting mat so that a golf ball for hitting is automatically provided from the auto tee at the time the user hits. Specifically, immediately after the user hits the golf ball placed on the hitting mat, the control unit (20) can operate so that a golf ball for the next hit is provided from the auto tee when it is detected that the hit is completed.

[0025] The control unit (20) is equipped with a calculation unit (21), an image unit (22), and a storage unit (23) (at least one of the calculation unit (21), the image unit (22), and the storage unit (23) may be configured to be independently provided and separated from the control unit (20). The calculation unit (21) executes a calculation process to calculate the trajectory assuming that the golf ball moves according to the physical state of the golf ball struck by the user, based on the physical state of the golf ball struck by the user. The image unit (22) serves to form an image to be displayed on the display unit (60). For example, when the user selects a specific golf course, the image unit (22) forms an image of the golf course selected by the user, and the image is transmitted to the display unit (60) and displayed. Additionally, when the calculation process is completed, the image unit (22) forms an image of the golf ball moving according to the calculation result, and the image is transmitted to the display unit (60) and displayed. The storage unit (23) may include a storage device such as memory or a hard disk, and stores various programs or data necessary for the operation of the control unit (20), the calculation unit (21), the image unit (22), etc. For example, the storage unit (23) may store golf course information necessary for forming the corresponding image when the image unit (22) forms an image of the golf course. The storage unit (23) does not necessarily have to be provided in the virtual golf device, and may be provided in the server if the virtual golf device is connected to the server via a communication network.

[0026] The detection unit (30) is intended to detect the movement of a golf club or the movement of a golf ball struck by a user to obtain information necessary for the calculation process. As the detection unit (30), a detection means such as a camera or a detection sensor capable of capturing the movement of a golf club or a golf ball may be used. Various sensing methods, such as image sensing, light emission / reception sensing, and laser sensing, may be applied to the detection means, and through such sensing methods, information regarding the state of the golf club or the golf ball struck by the user can be obtained. The camera or detection sensor may be used alone or together, and may be used as a single unit or multiple units. The information obtained through the detection unit (30) is transmitted to the control unit (20) and used in the calculation process.

[0027] The input unit (40) is used to receive various information from the user, and may use a keyboard or mouse. The input unit (40) may be used when the user enters an ID or password for login, or when the user selects a golf course or difficulty level to play.

[0028] The sound unit (50) may include sound devices such as speakers, and through this, guides the user on the progress of the game and plays various sound effects according to the progress of the game.

[0029] The display unit (60) includes devices for display operation such as a projector and a screen. The projector projects golf-related images onto the screen so that images of a golf course and a golf ball are displayed on the screen, and the screen displays the projected golf-related images to show them to the user. Although not shown in the drawing, the display unit (60) may further include display devices such as a kiosk that serve as an auxiliary display in addition to the screen.

[0030] In this specification, the term "virtual" is sometimes attached to certain objects displayed on a screen; this is used to mean an object displayed as an image within the screen and is intended to avoid confusion with objects existing in the real world. For example, "virtual golf course" means a golf course displayed on a screen, and "virtual golf ball" means a golf ball displayed on a screen.

[0031] A virtual golf device is a device installed in a home or commercial screen golf facility, etc., to enable a user to play golf (whereas golf is played using various electronic devices and is different from 'actual golf' played at an outdoor golf course, so it can be named 'virtual golf' to distinguish it from actual golf. Also, since the scenery of the golf course in virtual golf is mainly displayed on a display device such as a screen, 'virtual golf' can also be named 'screen golf'), and the general operation process of the virtual golf device when a user plays golf is as follows. When a user hits a golf ball, the detection unit (30) detects the state of the golf ball, such as the movement of the golf club or the speed and direction of movement of the golf ball hit by the user. The information detected by the detection unit (30) is transmitted to the control unit (20), and the calculation unit (21) of the control unit (20) performs a calculation process based on the transmitted information. The display unit (60) displays an image of a virtual golf ball moving along the trajectory calculated in the above calculation process, and at this time, the virtual golf ball flies along the calculated trajectory and lands at a specific point on the virtual golf course in the screen, and the user continues the next strike at the point where the virtual golf ball lands, and the above action is repeated in the next strike.

[0032] In a virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a user can input a command through a command input image, and for this purpose, a command input unit (70) is provided. The command input unit (70) includes a command image unit (71) and a command detection unit (72), wherein the command image unit (71) serves to provide the command input image, and the command detection unit (72) serves to detect whether a command has been input through the command input image.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a command image section, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a command input image, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are diagrams for explaining lattice commands and adjustment commands, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of a command input image, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a method of inputting a command through a command input image.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 3, the command video unit providing a video for command input may include a projector. The video for command input is provided separately from the video of golf play displayed on the screen. The projector for the command video unit may be installed on the ceiling of a screen golf facility where a virtual golf device is installed, and in this case, the projector may provide the video for command input at any location on the floor surface. For example, the video for command input may be provided at a location where the user is primarily situated when playing screen golf or in the vicinity thereof. Specifically, the video for command input may be provided on the hitting plate, the hitting mat, or in the vicinity thereof, and in this case, the user can conveniently input the desired command through the video for command input without moving significantly from their playing location (hitting plate). The video for command input may also be provided at a location other than the floor, such as the wall of the screen golf facility.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 4, a video for command input may be provided on a hitting plate or a hitting mat. There may be various commands that can be input through the video for command input. For example, there may be a tee-up or tee-down command (TEE UP / TEE DOWN), a command to display a lattice on the screen (LATICE), an adjustment command (△ / ▽ / ◁ / ▷), a hit cancel command (MULLIGAN), etc.

[0036] The Tee Up or Tee Down command raises or lowers the height of the auto tee installed on the hitting mat to the height desired by the user.

[0037] Lattice commands can primarily be used during the putting phase. FIG. 5 shows a screen display of the putting phase where lattice and indicators are displayed. Referring to FIG. 5, the user can use the Lattice command to display a lattice (grid shape) (L) on the screen, and an indicator (I) representing the slope of the terrain can also be displayed on the lattice (L). During the putting phase, the user putts by rolling a golf ball toward the hole cup; the green terrain on a real golf course has various slopes, and in screen golf, the slope of the green terrain of real golf is reproduced on a virtual golf course. The lattice (L), indicator (I), etc., provide information for determining the slope of the green area. Specifically, the lattice (L) is displayed with multiple horizontal lines (L1) and vertical lines (L2), and the indicator (I) includes a horizontal indicator (I1) and a vertical indicator (I2) that move along the horizontal lines (L1) and vertical lines (L2) of the lattice (L). The direction in which the horizontal indicator (I1) moves along the horizontal line (L1) of the lattice (L) indicates the direction of the slope of the green (moving from a high slope to a low slope), and the movement speed of the horizontal indicator (I1) increases in proportion to the slope. Similarly, the direction in which the vertical indicator (I2) moves along the vertical line (L2) of the lattice (L) indicates the direction of the slope of the green, and the movement speed of the vertical indicator (I2) increases in proportion to the slope. In this way, the user can use the lattice command to display the lattice (L) and, if necessary, display the indicator (I) to determine the slope of the green terrain, and can putt appropriately while paying attention to the determined slope.

[0038] The adjustment commands (△ / ▽ / ◁ / ▷) are used to adjust the screen display. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of adjusting the screen display using the adjustment commands. As an example of adjusting the screen display, the user can adjust the aiming in screen golf using the adjustment commands. As illustrated in Fig. 6a, a virtual golf ball and a hole cup are displayed on the green terrain during the putting phase. In Fig. 6a, the hole cup is depicted as being located in front of the virtual golf ball; however, in this situation, one cannot be certain that the putt will succeed simply by putting the virtual golf ball straight ahead. This is because if the green terrain is not flat—for example, if it is a sloped terrain where the left side is higher and the right side is lower—there is a high probability that the virtual golf ball will roll to the right relative to the hole cup even if putted straight ahead. In such cases, putting in a direction deviated to the left relative to the front, as indicated by the arrow, rather than straight ahead, increases the probability of a successful hole-in. However, instead of putting in the direction of the arrow, one may also putt after performing aiming. That is, by inputting the right adjustment command (▷) in the adjustment command, the user can adjust (aim) the screen so that the hole cup moves to the right of the virtual golf ball as shown in FIG. 6b, and in this case, can putt in the forward direction (the direction of the arrow tilted to the left in FIG. 6a is changed to the forward direction in FIG. 6b). In the adjustment command, the left adjustment command (◁) can be used for aiming in the opposite direction, and other up / down adjustment commands (△ / ▽) can also be used for adjusting the screen in the corresponding direction.

[0039] The MULLIGAN command is an input method used to execute a so-called "mulligan." A mulligan refers to a second shot granted without penalty even if the initial shot goes wrong. This golf term originates from the name of the person who requested the cancellation of the shot, named Mulligan. Users can cancel a shot using the MULLIGAN command when the result of hitting the golf ball is too poor.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 7, the video for command input may include additional information video in addition to the video for inputting commands. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the video for command input displays images such as tee-up or tee-down commands, a command to display a lattice on the screen, an adjustment command (△ / ▽ / ◁ / ▷), and a cancel shot command (MULLIGAN). Additionally, after the user hits the golf ball, additional information related to the hit may be provided as a video. For example, the additional information may include information such as the golf club speed when hitting the golf ball, the speed of the hit golf ball, and the launch direction of the hit golf ball. Information such as golf club speed, golf ball speed, and the direction of launch is of particular interest to users; if this information is provided as visual data on the floor surface near the user's location, users can conveniently identify the information they are interested in.

[0041] When a user wants to input a desired command using a command input image, the command detection unit (72) detects whether a command has been input. There may be various methods for detecting whether a command has been input through a command input image.

[0042] Since most users playing virtual golf hold golf clubs in both hands, it is inconvenient to use hands when inputting commands, and it is more convenient to use golf clubs or feet. Referring to FIG. 8, for example, when a user wants a lattice to be displayed on the screen, the user can input a command by touching with their foot the part where the word "LATICE" is displayed in the command input image (where "touch" includes cases such as actually stepping on the LATICE part with the foot or placing the foot on the LATICE part even without stepping on it). According to the present embodiment, a camera-based tracking method may be applied to detect command input, and a camera may be used as a command detection unit (72). That is, the camera monitors the command input video displayed on the floor in real time and checks whether the user's body (mainly the foot area wearing shoes) or golf club is visible in a specific command area. If the body or golf club is visible, it is determined that a command involving the touch of the body or golf club has been input by the user, and the corresponding information is transmitted to the control unit (20) so that the command input by the user can be executed. Here, a camera-based tracking method has been described as a method for detecting whether a command has been input, but this is merely one example, and other methods may be used. For example, a method may be applied in which the command input video of a projector is projected onto the floor surface and the light reflected from the floor surface is detected by a sensor. According to this method, the sensor detects the location at the moment the light projected onto the floor surface is touched or obscured, and the command at the detected location can be executed. Alternatively, a load detection sensor may be installed on the floor surface where the command input video of the projector is projected, and when a user inputs a command, the command at the part where the load increases can be detected so that the command at the detected location is executed.

[0043] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 to 12 are diagrams showing examples of images for various command inputs, and FIG. 13 to 16 are diagrams for explaining the operation process when commands are set differently for each user.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 9, a virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a striking plate (10), a control unit (20), a detection unit (30), an input unit (40), a sound unit (50), a display unit (60), and a command input unit (70). Since the configuration of the striking plate (10), the control unit (20), the detection unit (30), the input unit (40), the sound unit (50), and the display unit (60), excluding the command input unit (70), is not significantly different from the previously described embodiment, a detailed description thereof is omitted. In the virtual golf device according to the present embodiment, the command input unit (70) includes a command image unit (71), a command detection unit (72), and a command setting unit (73). The command image unit (71) provides a command input image so that a user can input a command and may include a device such as a projector. The command detection unit (72) detects whether a command has been input through the command input image and may include a device such as a camera or a sensor. The command setting unit (73) operates to allow the configuration of different commands and video input for each user to be used, and may include a program that performs operations related to command setting and / or hardware on which said program is installed. For example, the command setting unit (73) may be implemented in a computer device having a control unit (20). Alternatively, a separate command setting unit (73) may not exist, and the control unit (20) may perform the role of the command setting unit (73).

[0045] To elaborate on the operation of the command setting unit (73), when there are different users A, B, and C, each user can set the configuration of the command input video or the command within the video as they wish. For example, referring to FIG. 10, user A can set up a total of 8 first to 8th commands (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8) to be executed through the command input video; referring to FIG. 11, user B can set up a total of 8 first to 8th commands (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8) to be executed through the command input video; and referring to FIG. 12, user C can set up a total of 9 first to 9th commands (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) to be executed through the command input video. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the first command (C1) set by User A has the function of canceling a hit, the second command has the function of showing the lattice (C2), the third to sixth commands (C3, C4, C5, C6) have screen adjustment functions such as aiming, the seventh and eighth commands (C7, C8) have the function of raising or lowering the height of the auto-t, and the first to eighth commands (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8) are all set to be displayed as images in the command input video. If User A thinks that it is convenient to familiarize themselves with the command by displaying the command functions as images, User A can set the command input video to be displayed as they think is convenient. In this regard, User B is also configured to have a command input image implemented with the same 1st to 8th commands (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8) as User A, but as shown in FIG. 11, User B is configured to have the part representing each command expressed as text rather than an image.If User B thinks that it is easier to understand a command if it is expressed as text that intuitively represents the meaning of the command, User B can set the command input video to be displayed as they find it convenient. In this regard, as illustrated in FIG. 12, User C sets the command input video to be implemented by adding the 1st to 8th commands (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8) identical to those of Users A and B, and the 9th command (C9) which has the function of making a caddy appear on the screen. User C is set so that the part representing each command is displayed with a mixture of image and text. Depending on the type of command, User C can set the command input video so that commands that are better expressed as images are displayed as images, and commands that are better expressed as text that allows for intuitive understanding of the meaning are displayed as text. In this way, the user can set as they wish what type of command the video for command input will consist of and whether each command will be expressed in text or image. Additionally, when expressing commands in text, the text representing the same command can be set differently for each user (for example, when expressing the first command (C1) of 'canceling the hit' in text, different text such as 'Mulligan' or 'MULLIGAN' may be used depending on the user), and similarly, when expressing commands in image, the image representing the same command can be set differently for each user (for example, when expressing the ninth command (C9) showing a caddy in image, different caddy images such as 'male caddy' or 'female caddy' may be used depending on the user).

[0046] Referring to FIG. 13, setting the video for command input can be done on a menu screen. The menu screen may be displayed on a screen or on a kiosk, etc., which is provided separately from the screen for auxiliary display purposes. On the command setting menu screen, the user can select what type of command to configure their command input video. Additionally, regarding the selected command, the user can also select how to display the corresponding command. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the user can set the command input video to consist of Cancel Hit, Tee Up, Tee Down, and Lattice commands without using Caddy commands, and can also select how the Cancel Hit, Tee Up, Tee Down, and Lattice commands will be displayed in the command input video. The display of the commands in the video may be text or images. The text may include various selectable text forms such as English or Korean, and the image may also include various selectable images rather than just one. Although not illustrated in the drawing, the user may be configured to set not only the configuration and type of commands but also the size and location of the video for command input.

[0047] If there is a difference in the video for command input for each user, the command setting unit (73) can check which user is currently playing and execute a related operation so that a video for command input suitable for that user is provided.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 14, when a user corresponding to the current play order is positioned on a hitting plate and intends to hit a golf ball placed on a hitting mat, a face image (FI) can be obtained by capturing the face of the user positioned on the hitting plate through a separately installed camera (instead of installing a separate camera, a camera for a detection unit that detects the physical state of the golf ball (see reference numeral 30 in FIG. 2) may be used). The face image (FI) is transmitted to a command setting unit (73), and the command setting unit (73) uses the face image (FI) to identify who the user is currently preparing to hit. To do this, the command setting unit (73) can search for stored data in a storage unit (23) in which user information is stored.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 15, when there are different users A and B, user information is stored in the storage unit (23), the area for storing user information in the storage unit (23) is divided into an area for storing information about user A and an area for storing information about user B. Each user information storage area of ​​the storage unit (23) may store personal information, play information, command information, etc. The user's personal information stores the user's personal information, which can be used in the login process, etc. The user's play information stores the golf course played by the user, the score when the user played, and the user's personal records (average score, driving distance, etc.). The command information item may store information regarding command settings, such as what type of command the user configures their command input video with and how each command is expressed.

[0050] In the user information storage area, the personal information may contain a user's face image. In this case, the command setting unit (73) can identify who the user is currently on the hitting plate by comparing the face image (FI) obtained by shooting with the face image stored in the personal information of the storage unit (23).

[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 15, it is assumed that the user in the captured face image is identified as User B. Referring to FIG. 16, the command setting unit (73) can operate to extract command setting information currently set by User B from the command information storage area for User B, and display the corresponding command input image through the command image unit (71) on the hitting plate where the user is located or on the hitting mat where the golf ball is placed.

[0052] The above describes a method for acquiring a user's face image to identify the user currently in the play order and providing a command input video as configured by that user; however, it is not mandatory to use the user's face image to identify the user currently in the play order. As an example of a method that does not use the user's face image, there is a method in which the command input video configured by the user currently in the play order is provided according to the user's hitting order. Typically, in virtual golf play, the hitting order is automatically determined based on the progress of the game (the order is set so that the user whose golf ball is furthest from the hole cup among multiple users hits first). Therefore, the system can operate such that if it is User A's turn to hit, the command input video configured by User A is provided, and if it is User B's turn, the command input video configured by User B is provided.

[0053] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 17, the virtual golf device according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of booths (101, 102, 103). Each booth (101, 102, 103) is configured identically. For example, the first booth (101) has a hitting plate (101a), a computer device (101b) equipped with a kiosk screen, a screen (101c), etc., and the other booths (102, 103) also have the same components. Although not shown in the drawing, each booth (101, 102, 103) is further equipped with a detection means, such as a camera, for detecting the movement of a golf club / golf ball upon hitting, and other necessary devices. Multiple users can take turns playing screen golf in each booth (101, 102, 103). Alternatively, a user can play solo in each booth (101, 102, 103) while separated from users in other booths. In the virtual golf device according to the present embodiment, a command input unit may be provided, similar to the above-described embodiment, and by providing a video for command input to the user through the command input unit, the user can conveniently input the command they want while playing virtual golf.

[0055] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a virtual golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 18, the virtual golf system includes a virtual golf device (100) and a service device (200). As the virtual golf device (100), a virtual golf device such as the one shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 17, etc. may be used. The virtual golf device (100) may be equipped with a command input unit as in the above-described embodiment, and by providing a command input image to the user through the command input unit, the user can conveniently input the command they want while playing virtual golf.

[0057] A virtual golf device (100) is installed in a screen golf facility where screen golf can be played, and if there are multiple screen golf facilities, a virtual golf device (100) is installed in each screen golf facility, so that multiple units are provided in total. The virtual golf device (100) is connected to a service device (200) via a wired or wireless communication network, etc. The service device (200) may include a central server used by a service provider operating multiple screen golf facilities to manage the virtual golf devices (100) provided in multiple screen golf facilities.

[0058] The service device (200) is equipped with a storage unit (210). The storage unit (210) stores various information, including golf course information and user information. When configured so that a user can use the screen golf service after logging in, the service device (200) can perform the role of verifying the user's identity and determining whether to approve the login when the user logs in, and the storage unit (2120) stores information necessary for verifying the user's identity. The storage unit (210) can also store the aforementioned command information regarding information about the user's play or video for command input, and can store golf course information necessary when forming a video of a virtual golf course in the virtual golf device (100). As various information is stored in the storage unit (210) in this manner, virtual golf devices (100) connected to the service device (200) via wired and / or wireless connections can utilize the information stored in the storage unit (210), and each of the virtual golf devices (100) does not need to separately store the information stored in the storage unit (210).

[0059] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the foregoing description, and all variations within the scope of equivalents should be interpreted as being included in the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0060] 1, 10: Striking plate 2, 20: Control unit 3, 30: Detector 4, 40: Input section 5, 50: Sound section 6, 60: Display section 100: Virtual golf device 200: Service device

Claims

Claim 1 A virtual sports device comprising: a calculation unit that calculates the result of the play based on the sports play of a user; a display unit that displays the play result calculated by the calculation unit; and a command input unit for inputting a command by a user; wherein the user's command can be input using a command input image, and the command input unit includes a command image unit that provides the command input image and a command detection unit that detects whether a command is input through the command input image, wherein the user includes different first and second users, and the command input image includes a first command input image for the first user and a second command input image for the second user, and when it is determined which of the first and second users is currently playing, the command input image for the identified user among the first and second command input images can be provided to the user currently playing. Claim 2 A virtual sports device according to claim 1, wherein the command is plural and the image for command input includes plural command images corresponding to the plural command. Claim 3 A virtual sports device according to paragraph 2, wherein the user is multiple, and for each user, a command image representing the specific command can be set differently for the specific command, or the type of command included in the command input image can be set differently for each user, or the number of commands included in the command input image can be set differently for each user. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 A virtual sports device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the command image unit includes a projector that projects an image for command input, and the command detection unit includes a camera or a sensor. Claim 6 A virtual golf device comprising: a calculation unit that calculates the movement of a virtual golf ball based on the state of the actual golf ball struck when a user strikes an actual golf ball; a display unit that displays an image of the virtual golf ball moving according to the calculation result from the calculation unit on a virtual golf course; and a command input unit for inputting a command by a user, wherein the user's command can be input using a command input image, and the command input unit includes a command image unit that provides the command input image and a command detection unit that detects whether a command is input through the command input image, wherein the user includes different first and second users, and the command input image includes a first command input image for the first user and a second command input image for the second user, and when it is determined which of the first and second users is currently playing, the command input image for the identified user among the first and second command input images can be provided to the user currently playing.

Images