Golf assistance system, cup unit for golf assistance system, pin unit for golf assistance system, communication center for golf assistance system, terminal device for golf assistance system, golf ball for golf assistance system, auxiliary equipment for golf assistance system, auxiliary pin for golf assistance system, cart unit for golf assistance system, and auxiliary terminal device for golf assistance system

Abstract

A golf assistance system includes: a cart unit attached to a cart serving as a means of transportation in the golf playing area, the cart unit including: a cart camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the cart and to track and capture the user in the video; a generator configured to generate, based on data of the video captured by the cart camera, assistance information for providing a predetermined assistance content to the user; and presentation processor circuitry configured to present the assistance content based on the assistance information; and a terminal device capable of being carried by the user in the golf playing area, wherein the cart unit includes a cart transmitter configured to transmit the assistance information generated by the generator to an outside.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation application under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) of International Patent Application PCT / JP2023 / 002157 filed on Jan. 24, 2023, and designated the U.S., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUNDTechnical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a golf assistance system that assists a user playing golf, a cup unit for the golf assistance system, a pin unit for the golf assistance system, a communication center for the golf assistance system, a terminal device for the golf assistance system, a golf ball for the golf assistance system, an auxiliary equipment for the golf assistance system, an auxiliary pin for the golf assistance system, a cart unit for the golf assistance system, and an auxiliary terminal device for the golf assistance system.Related Art

[0003] An assistance system has been devised to provide assistance information for assisting golf playing to a user (golfer) who plays golf. For example, using the IC golf ball capable of transmitting GPS distance measurement data, a flight trajectory of the IC golf ball is generated based on distance measurement data and the information such as advice, scores, and the like are presented to the user based on the generated trajectory (refer to Patent Literature 1).CITATION LISTPatent LiteraturePatent Literature 1: JP 2005-58325 A

[0005] However, in the related technique, since distance measurement data from an IC golf ball is used, factors such as the posture and form of a user are not considered. In addition, the technique is intended to assist improvement in golf playing and doesn't sufficiently consider enhancement of enjoyment during golf playing.

[0006] Therefore, in the golf assistance system, there is room for improvement in enhancing the enjoyment of the user during golf playing.

[0007] One of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide a golf assistance system that has been devised in light of the above-described problems and that can enhance the enjoyment during golf playing of a user. In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to this object, and another object of the present disclosure is to achieve an operation effect that is derived from each configuration illustrated in “DETAILED DESCRIPTION” to be described later, and that cannot be obtained by the related technique.SUMMARY

[0008] (1) A golf assistance system according to the present disclosure is a golf assistance system for assisting in golf playing in which a user strikes a golf ball using a golf club in a golf playing area, the golf assistance system including a cart unit attached to a cart serving as a means of transportation in the golf playing area, the cart unit including a cart camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the cart, a generation means configured to generate, based on data of the video captured by the cart camera, assistance information for providing a predetermined assistance content to the user, and a presentation means configured to present the assistance content based on the assistance information.

[0009] (2) Further, the present disclosure also relates to the cart unit used in the golf assistance system according to (1).

[0010] (3) Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to an auxiliary equipment in the golf assistance system according to (1), the auxiliary equipment being disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball, the auxiliary equipment including a plate portion serving as a mark of a cup, a ball position mark disposed separately from the plate portion in a horizontal direction, and a laser light source configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.

[0011] (4) Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to an auxiliary pin in the golf assistance system according to (1), the auxiliary pin being disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball, the auxiliary pin including a rod-shaped pin disposed behind the cup, and a laser light source attached to the pin and configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.

[0012] (5) Further, a golf assistance system of the present disclosure is a golf assistance system for assisting golf playing of a user in a golf playing area, the golf assistance system including a cup unit attached to a cup provided in the golf playing area, the cup unit including a detection means configured to detect information indicating that a golf ball has dropped into the cup, and a first transmission device configured to transmit the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup to an outside, a pin unit attached to a rod-shaped pin serving as a mark of the cup, the pin unit including a first capturing means configured to capture a video around a periphery of the pin, and a second transmission device configured to transmit the data of the video captured by the first capturing means to the outside, a communication center including a first reception device configured to receive at least one of the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup, transmitted from the first transmission device and the data of the video transmitted from the second transmission device, a control device configured to generate assistance information for providing a predetermined assistance content to the user based on at least one of the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup and the data of the video, and a third transmission device configured to transmit the assistance information to the outside, and a terminal device capable of being carried by the user, the terminal device including a second reception device configured to receive the assistance information transmitted from the third transmission device, and a presentation device configured to present the assistance content based on the assistance information.

[0013] (6) The present disclosure also relates to a cup unit used in the golf assistance system according to (5).

[0014] (7) The present disclosure also relates to a pin unit used in the golf assistance system according to (5).

[0015] (8) The present disclosure also relates to a communication center used in the golf assistance system according to (5).

[0016] (9) The present disclosure also relates to a terminal device used in the golf assistance system according to (5).

[0017] (10) Further, a golf assistance system of the present disclosure is a golf assistance system for assisting golf playing of a user in a golf playing area, the golf assistance system including a golf ball including a ball main body struck in the golf playing, a storage unit of ID information capable of identifying the ball main body, a ball striking sensor configured to detect ball striking information including at least information indicating that the ball main body is struck and position information after the ball main body is struck, and a first transmission device configured to transmit the ball striking information to the outside, a cup unit including a sensor configured to detect information indicating that the golf ball has dropped into a cup provided in the golf playing area, and a second transmission device configured to transmit the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup to the outside, a communication center including a first reception device configured to receive the ball striking information from the first transmission device and to receive the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup from the second transmission device, a control device configured to generate assistance information for providing a predetermined assistance content to the user based on at least one of the ball striking information and the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup, and a third transmission device configured to transmit the assistance information to an outside, and a terminal device capable of being carried by the user, the terminal device including a second reception device configured to receive the assistance information transmitted from the third transmission device, and a presentation device configured to present the assistance content based on the assistance information.

[0018] (11) The present disclosure also relates to a golf ball used in the golf assistance system according to (10).

[0019] (12) The present disclosure also relates to a cup unit used in the golf assistance system according to (10).

[0020] (13) The present disclosure also relates to a communication center used in the golf assistance system according to (10).

[0021] (14) The present disclosure also relates to a terminal device used in the golf assistance system according to (10).

[0022] (15) Further, a golf assistance system of the present disclosure is a golf assistance system for assisting golf playing of a user in a golf playing area, the golf assistance system including a golf ball including a ball main body struck in the golf playing, a storage unit of ID information capable of identifying the ball main body, a ball striking sensor configured to detect ball striking information including at least information indicating that the ball main body is struck and position information after the ball main body is struck, and a transmission device configured to transmit the ball striking information to the outside, a cup unit attached to a cup provided in the golf playing area, the cup unit including a detection means configured to detect information indicating that the golf ball has dropped into the cup, and a first transmission device configured to transmit the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup to the outside, a pin unit attached to a pin formed of a rod-shaped member detachably attached to the cup and configured to serve as a mark of the cup, the pin unit including a first capturing means configured to capture a video around a periphery of the pin, and a second transmission device configured to transmit the data of the video captured by the first capturing means to the outside, a communication center including a first reception device configured to receive at least one of the ball striking information transmitted from the transmission device, the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup and transmitted from the first transmission device, and the data of the video transmitted from the second transmission device, a control device configured to generate assistance information for providing a predetermined assistance content to the user based on at least one of the ball striking information, the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup, and the data of the video, and a third transmission device configured to transmit the assistance information to the outside, and a terminal device capable of being carried by the user, the terminal device including a second reception device configured to receive the assistance information transmitted from the third transmission device, and a presentation device configured to present the assistance content based on the assistance information.

[0023] (16) Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to an auxiliary equipment in the golf assistance system according to (5), (10), or (15), the auxiliary equipment being disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball, the auxiliary equipment including a plate portion serving as a mark of the cup provided on a rolling surface of the golf ball, a ball position mark disposed separately from the plate portion in a horizontal direction, and a laser light source configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.

[0024] (17) Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to an auxiliary pin in the golf assistance system according to (5), (10), or (15), the auxiliary pin being disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball, the auxiliary pin including a rod-shaped pin disposed behind the cup, and a laser light source attached to the pin and configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.

[0025] According to the disclosed golf assistance system, it is possible to enhance the enjoyment during golf playing of a user.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 is an explanatory view illustrating an overall configuration of a golf assistance system as a first embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of a configuration example of a cup to which a cup unit in FIG. 1 is attached;

[0028] FIG. 3A is an explanatory view of a tray reception portion provided in the cup in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B is an explanatory view of a state in which the tray reception portion is inclined;

[0029] FIGS. 4A and 4B are explanatory views of a configuration example of an extensible rod mechanism attached to the cup in FIG. 2;

[0030] FIGS. 5A and 5B are explanatory views of a modification of the extensible rod mechanism;

[0031] FIGS. 6A to 6C are explanatory views of a configuration example of a pin used in the golf assistance system in FIG. 1;

[0032] FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory views of a modification of the pin used in the golf assistance system in FIG. 1;

[0033] FIGS. 8A and 8B are explanatory views of a modification of the pin used in the golf assistance system in FIG. 1;

[0034] FIG. 9A is an explanatory view illustrating an overall configuration of a golf assistance system as a second embodiment, and FIG. 9B is an explanatory view of a golf ball containing a microchip used in the golf assistance system as the second embodiment;

[0035] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view illustrating an overall configuration of a golf assistance system as a third embodiment;

[0036] FIG. 11 is an arrangement modification of a first sensor in the cup;

[0037] FIG. 12 is an arrangement modification of the first sensor in the cup;

[0038] FIG. 13 is an arrangement modification of the first sensor in the cup;

[0039] FIG. 14 is an arrangement modification of the first sensor in the cup;

[0040] FIG. 15 is an arrangement modification of the first sensor in the cup;

[0041] FIGS. 16A and 16B are arrangement modifications of the first sensor in the cup;

[0042] FIG. 17 illustrates a state in which a tray reception portion is moved upwards in FIG. 16A;

[0043] FIG. 18 illustrates a state in which the tray reception portion is moved upwards in FIG. 16B;

[0044] FIG. 19 illustrates a state in which a sensor casing is further moved upwards in FIG. 17;

[0045] FIG. 20 illustrates a state in which the sensor casing is further moved upwards in FIG. 18;

[0046] FIG. 21 illustrates a state in which the sensor casing is separated from a tray reception portion 2B without upward movement of the tray reception portion and is moved upwards in FIG. 16A;

[0047] FIG. 22 is an arrangement modification of the first sensor in the cup;

[0048] FIG. 23 illustrates a state in which an accommodation portion is moved upwards in FIG. 22;

[0049] FIG. 24 is an arrangement modification of the accommodation portion illustrated in FIG. 22;

[0050] FIG. 25 is an arrangement modification of an extensible rod mechanism;

[0051] FIGS. 26A to 26C are configuration examples in which a solar panel is attached to a pin;

[0052] FIG. 27 is a configuration example in which a support plate is attached to the pin;

[0053] FIGS. 28A to 28D are configuration examples of the pin formed by connecting a plurality of members to each other;

[0054] FIGS. 29A to 29E are modifications of a method of attaching a microchip in a chip-embedded ball;

[0055] FIG. 30 is an explanatory view of a ball gauge attached to a cup;

[0056] FIG. 31 is an explanatory view of a modification of the ball gauge attached to the cup;

[0057] FIG. 32 is an explanatory view of the ball gauge attached to the pin; It is an arrangement modification of the extensible rod mechanism;

[0058] FIG. 33 is an explanatory view of a mini pin attached to the cup;

[0059] FIG. 34 is an explanatory view of a modification of the mini pin attached to the cup;

[0060] FIG. 35 is a schematic view of smart glasses applied as a terminal device in the golf assistance system according to the embodiment and a user wearing the smart glasses;

[0061] FIG. 36 is a schematic view of VR goggles applied as the terminal device in the golf assistance system according to the embodiment, and a user wearing the VR goggles;

[0062] FIGS. 37A and 37B are explanatory views of a cup provided with a solar panel as a modification of the cup;

[0063] FIGS. 38A to 38C are configuration examples of an auxiliary terminal device; and

[0064] FIG. 39 is a modification of the golf assistance system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] In the following embodiments, a golf assistance system according to an embodiment will be described.

[0066] A golf assistance system is a system that assists a user (golfer) in playing golf in a golf playing area. As used herein, golf playing refers to striking a golf ball 10 with a golf club 1 in a golf area.

[0067] The golf playing area is a facility for playing golf. As is well known, the purpose of golf playing is to strike a golf ball into a hole called a cup (a ball has dropped into a cup). The golf playing area includes an outdoor golf course (a golf course) for playing golf and an indoor golf practice course for practicing golf.I. First Embodiment1. Configuration

[0068] FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of a present golf assistance system S (hereinafter simply referred to as a “system”) according to a first embodiment.

[0069] In the first embodiment, an example in which the present system S is applied to an outdoor golf course (an example of a golf playing area) will be described. In the outdoor golf course, one hole (one course) is provided with at least a teeing ground T for hitting the golf ball 10 and a green G provided with a cup 2 for receiving the golf ball (hereinafter also simply referred to as a “ball”) 10.

[0070] The present system S illustrated in FIG. 1 is used in a partial area in an outdoor golf course. Specifically, the present system S is used in an area including a green G in which the cup 2 is provided, in the outdoor golf course. As another example, the present system S is used in the entire area of an outdoor golf course (an entire area from the teeing ground T to the green G of each hole).

[0071] The present system S is provided with a cup unit 20 attached to the cup 2 on the green G, a pin unit 50 attached to a pin (a flag rod) 5 arranged on the cup 2, and a cart unit 60 attached to a cart 6, as a mechanism for acquiring information on golf playing (golf playing information).

[0072] In addition to these units 20, 50, and 60, the present system S includes a communication center 30 that integrally manages the present system S and a terminal device 40 owned by the user. The devices 20 to 60 in the present system S are connected to each other via a wireless communication network so as to be able to exchange data, and can be operated in cooperation with each other. The wireless communication network is a network conforming to a well-known wireless communication standard such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0073] The outline of the present system S is that the communication center 30 generates assistance information based on the golf playing information acquired by the units 20, 50, and 60, the communication center 30 transmits the assistance information to the terminal device 40 or the like, and the terminal device 40 or the like provides the user with an assistance content based on the generated assistance information. That is, in the present system S, each of the devices 20 to 60 cooperates via a network to provide bidirectionally (interactively) the assistance content with respect to the golf playing of the user.

[0074] The golf playing information includes various types of video data and sensor detection data acquired by the units 20, 50, and 60.

[0075] In the present specification, the assistance content is various contents that contribute to enhancing the enjoyment during golf playing of a user.

[0076] Specific examples of the assistance content include presentation of various kinds of measurement data related to a golf playing result and a video image of a play result (that is, feedback to the golf playing result), banner advertisement video, advertisement voice, music, point granting in shops and websites, miles, mileage, stay mileage, discount tickets, service tickets, gift presentation, video games linked to striking, sound production, illumination production, advice to the user's golf playing, a caddie function (guide / explanation of a golf course), and the like.<Cup Unit>

[0077] The cup unit 20 is embedded in (attached to) the cup 2, and is a mechanism for detecting that the golf ball 10 has dropped into the cup 2. The cup unit 20 includes a first control mechanism (a “control mechanism” in the drawing) 21, a first sensor (a first detection means, a “sensor” in the drawing) 22, and a first communication device (a first transmission device, a “communication device” in the drawing) 23.

[0078] The first control mechanism 21 is an electrical control device including a processor that controls the cup unit 20, a storage device, and the like.

[0079] The first sensor 22 and the first communication device 23 are connected to the first control mechanism 21 so as to be able to exchange data with each other.

[0080] The first sensor 22 is a detection means provided to detect information indicating that the golf ball 10 has dropped into the cup 2.

[0081] As the first sensor 22, for example, an impact sensor configured to detect the impact of the golf ball 10 that has dropped into the cup 2 is used. In addition, examples of the first sensor 22 include a camera (an AI camera) capable of capturing the golf ball 10 that has dropped into the cup 2, a laser sensor, a proximity sensor, and the like.

[0082] The first communication device 23 is a wireless communication device connected to the communication center 30 (outside) via a wireless communication network. The cup unit 20 can transmit a detection signal (information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup) of the first sensor 22 to the communication center 30 (outside) via the first communication device 23, and can receive the information from the outside.

[0083] In addition, the cup unit 20 may be provided with a camera 20X for capturing the periphery of the cup 2, an acoustic device 20Y that includes an amplifier, a speaker, and a microphone and that is capable of inputting and outputting an acoustic signal, an illumination device 20Z, and non-illustrated additional devices such as a power supply and a laser irradiator, that are attachable and detachable with respect to the cup unit 20 or are formed to be integrated with the cup unit 20. Furthermore, as the sensor, for example, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric authentication sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor (a pressure sensor), a temperature sensor, a microphone (a sound pressure sensor), an azimuth sensor, a proximity sensor, a luminance sensor (an ambient light sensor), a human sensor, a wind meter, an anemometer, an infrared sensor, an infrared camera, a snow cover meter (a snow cover meter based on a laser-reflection image or an image captured by a camera), or the like may be provided.

[0084] That is, the cup 2 can be configured as an “AI cup” having multiple functions of automatically detecting the golf ball 10 dropping into the cup, outputting a voice, performing a predetermined function with a predetermined voice input such as “Alexa (registered trademark)”, “OK Google (registered trademark)”, or “Hey Siri (registered trademark)” as a trigger, emitting light, and individually identifying the ball 10. When the ball 10 is identified to have been dropped into the cup 2 by using the cup unit 20, the inside of the cup 2 may be illuminated using a light source (an illumination means, the illumination device 20Z in FIG. 1) for illuminating the inside of the cup 2 in the cup unit 20 (cup 2). As a result, discriminability can be improved when the ball 10 that has dropped into the cup 2 is identified using the camera 20X of the cup unit 20.<Pin Unit>

[0085] The pin unit 50 is attached to the pin 5 and is provided to acquire information around the periphery of the pin 5. The pin unit 50 includes a second control mechanism (a “control mechanism” in the drawing) 51, a first camera (a first capturing means, a “camera” in the drawing) 52, and a second communication device (a second transmission device, a “communication device” in the drawing) 53.

[0086] The second control mechanism 51 is an electrical control device including a processor that controls the pin unit 50, a storage device, and the like.

[0087] The first camera 52 and the second communication device 53 are connected to the second control mechanism 51 so as to be able to exchange data with each other.

[0088] The first camera 52 is an image sensor provided to capture a video around the periphery of the pin 5 as information around the periphery of the pin 5. In the present embodiment, the first camera 52 is configured as a “360-degree camera” capable of capturing images in all directions at 360 degrees in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction around the pin 5. It is noted that the first camera 52 is not limited to the 360-degree camera, and may be a camera that captures an image in a range narrower than 360 degrees. Furthermore, the first camera 52 may be configured as a 3D camera.

[0089] The second communication device 53 is a wireless communication device connected to the communication center 30 (outside) via a wireless communication network. Video data captured by the first camera 52 can be transmitted to the communication center 30 (outside) via the second communication device 53, or information can be received from the outside via the second communication device 53.

[0090] In addition, the pin unit 50 may be provided with an acoustic device 50Y including an amplifier, a speaker, and a microphone, a sensor 50S, an illumination device 50Z, additional devices such as a power supply and a laser irradiator, which are not illustrated, an automatic operation mechanism for automatically operating various types of adjustment (for example, focusing, brightness adjustment, tracking of a capturing target, switching of a capturing direction, and the like) regarding capturing of the first camera 52, and the like that are attachable and detachable with respect to the pin unit 50 or are formed to be integrated with the pin unit 50. Furthermore, as the sensor 50S, for example, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric authentication sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor (a pressure sensor), a temperature sensor, a microphone (a sound pressure sensor), an azimuth sensor, a proximity sensor, a luminance sensor (an ambient light sensor), a human sensor, a wind meter, an anemometer, an infrared sensor, an infrared camera, a snow cover meter (a snow cover meter based on a laser-reflection image or an image captured by a camera), or the like may be provided.

[0091] That is, the pin 5 can be configured as an “AI pin” having a plurality of functions of automatically capturing a video of the periphery, outputting a voice, performing a predetermined function with a predetermined voice input such as “Alexa (registered trademark)”, “OK Google (registered trademark)”, or “Hey Siri (registered trademark)” as a trigger, emitting light, and individually identifying the ball 10. When the ball 10 is identified to have been dropped into the cup 2 by using the camera 52 of the pin unit 50, the inside of the cup 2 may be brightened using the light source (the illumination means, the illumination device 20Z in FIG. 1) attached to the cup unit 20 (cup 2) or the illumination device 50Z of the pin unit 50 as described above. In this case, the discriminability can be improved when the ball 10 that has dropped into the cup 2 is identified using the camera 52 of the pin unit 50. In addition, for example, a light emitting function (illumination device 50X) attached to the pin unit 50 for enhancing the distinguishability of the pin 5 can be used (in other words, the pin 5 is provided with a lighthouse function) at the time of poor visibility or at night golf playing (night golf). The illumination by the illumination device 50Z attached to the pin 5 provides, for example, brightness, illumination, neon, light, spotlight, rotating spotlight, mirror ball, LED illumination, and the like for the periphery of the pin 5. The illumination device 50Z attached to the pin 5 is turned on, for example, when a human sensor included in the sensor 50S of the pin unit 50 detects a person approaching the pin 5. The lighting function can be switched on and off.<Cart Unit>

[0092] The cart 6 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a means of transportation in a golf course and is a vehicle. The cart 6 is used, for example, for moving a user in a golf course or for carrying articles in the golf course. The cart unit 60 is attached to the cart 6. The cart unit 60 is provided to acquire information around the periphery of the cart 6. The cart unit 60 includes a third control mechanism (a “control mechanism” in the drawing) 61, a second camera (a second capturing means, a “camera” in the drawing) 62, and a third communication device (a fourth transmission device, a “communication device” in the drawing) 63.

[0093] The third control mechanism 61 is an electrical control device including a processor that controls the cart unit 60, a storage device, and the like.

[0094] The second camera 62 and the third communication device 63 are connected to the third control mechanism 61 so as to be able to exchange data with each other.

[0095] The second camera 62 is an image sensor provided to capture a video around the periphery of the cart 6. In the present embodiment, the second camera 62 is configured as a “360-degree camera” capable of capturing images in all directions at 3600 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction around the cart 6. It is noted that the second camera 62 is not limited to the 360-degree camera, and may be a camera that captures an image in a range narrower than 360 degrees. Furthermore, the second camera 62 may be configured as a 3D camera.

[0096] The third communication device 63 is a wireless communication device connected to the communication center 30 (outside) via a wireless communication network. Video data captured by the second camera 62 can be transmitted to the communication center 30 (outside) via the third communication device 63, or information can be received from the outside via the third communication device 63.

[0097] In addition, the cart unit 60 may be provided with an acoustic device 60Y including an amplifier, a speaker, and a microphone, a display device 60W (display device) for displaying various types of information, additional devices such as a power supply, an illumination device, and a laser irradiator which are not illustrated, and an automatic operation mechanism for automatically operating various types of adjustment (for example, focusing, brightness adjustment, tracking of a capturing target, switching of a capturing direction, and the like) regarding capturing of the camera 62 that is attachable and detachable with respect to the cart unit 60 or formed to be integrated with the cart unit 60. Further, as the sensor, for example, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric authentication sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor (a pressure sensor), a temperature sensor, a microphone (a sound pressure sensor), an azimuth sensor, a proximity sensor, a luminance sensor (an ambient light sensor), a human sensor, a wind meter, an anemometer, an infrared sensor, an infrared camera, a snow cover meter (a snow cover meter based on a laser-reflection image or an image captured by a camera), or the like may be provided.

[0098] That is, the cart 6 can be configured as a cart on which an “AI cart” having multiple functions of automatically capturing a video around the periphery of the cart, outputting a voice, operating by command input by voice, emitting light, displaying a video, and individually identifying the ball 10 is mounted.

[0099] As another configuration example of each of the units 20, 50, and 60 described above, each of the control mechanisms 21, 51, and 61 may be provided outside. For example, the first control mechanism 21 of the cup unit 20 may be provided in the communication center 30 or the terminal device 40. In this case, the first sensor 22 in the cup unit 20 and the first communication device 23 are communicably connected to the first control mechanism 21 provided in the device (the communication center 30 or the terminal device 40) outside the cup 2, and transmit data to the external first control mechanism 21 or receive remote control from the external first control mechanism 21.<Communication Center>

[0100] The communication center 30 is a computer that integrally manages the present system S. The communication center 30 is freely and selectively installed in a base station such as a clubhouse of a golf course or a system base different from the golf course.

[0101] The communication center 30 includes a control device 31, a reception device (a first reception device) 32, and a transmission device (a third transmission device) 33. The reception device 32 and the transmission device 33 are devices for exchanging data with the outside via a wireless communication network.

[0102] The communication center 30 receives various types of video data and sensor detection data acquired by the units 20, 50, and 60 in the system S as golf playing information via the reception device 32.

[0103] The control device 31 is a device that generates predetermined assistance information based on the golf playing information, and is, for example, a processor in which a software program for generating the assistance information is mounted. The assistance information is information for providing the assistance content to the user.

[0104] The control device 31 includes a storage device for storing various types of data.

[0105] In the storage device of the control device 31, in addition to the temporal storage of the received golf playing information, a history of the golf playing information over a certain period is stored in association with ID information for each user. The history of the golf playing information is data treated as so-called “big data”.

[0106] Furthermore, the storage device stores various types of information in addition to the golf playing information. Examples of the other information stored in the storage device include map information of the golf course in which the present system S is used, golf course information on the gradient of the green G, the turf, and the like, weather information including the temperature, the wind power, and the wind direction, personal information on the age, gender, golf skills, and the like of the user, and the like.

[0107] When generating the assistance information, the control device 31 may take into account not only the received golf playing information but also the history described above and other information. The control device 31 can acquire map information of the golf course, golf course information on the gradient, the turf, the green condition, and the like of the green G, weather information including the temperature, the humidity, the wind power, and the wind direction, and the like. As a result, since the amount and types of information to be considered during generation of the assistance information increase, it is possible to provide the user with higher quality assistance content.

[0108] The transmission device 33 transmits the assistance information generated by the control device 31 to the terminal device 40.

[0109] Furthermore, the transmission device 33 may transmit the assistance information to any device in the system S, such as the golf club 1 and the respective units 20, 50, and 60, in addition to the terminal device 40 or instead of the terminal device 40.

[0110] It is noted that various functions of the communication center 30 including the generation processing of the assistance information in the control device 31 may be provided by cloud computing using a computing service on a cloud environment (Internet environment).

[0111] In addition, the communication center 30 may be detachably or integrally provided with the camera 30X and the acoustic device 30Y including an amplifier, a speaker, and a microphone.<Terminal Device>

[0112] The terminal device 40 is a portable information terminal device that can be carried by the user. The terminal device 40 includes a third control mechanism (a “control mechanism” in the drawing) 41, a display device 42 (a presentation device, a “display (presentation) device” in FIG. 1), a third communication device (a second reception device, a “communication device” in the drawing) 43, and an input device 44.

[0113] The fourth control mechanism 41 is an electrical control device including a processor, a storage device, and the like on which a software program for integrally controlling the terminal device 40 is mounted.

[0114] The fourth communication device 43 is a wireless communication device connected to the communication center 30 (outside) via a wireless communication network. The assistance information can be received from the communication center 30 via the fourth communication device 43, and various types of information can be transmitted to the outside via the fourth communication device 43.

[0115] The display device 42 is an example of a presentation device that displays (presents) the assistance content based on the assistance information to the user by some visual image such as a moving image or a still image. An example of the display device 42 is an LCD. The input device 44 is, for example, a touch panel sensor, a button switch, or the like.

[0116] Examples of the presentation device other than the display device 42 include an acoustic device 40Y (presentation device) that outputs sound, an illumination device (not illustrated) that emits light, and a vibration generation mechanism (not illustrated) that generates vibration (vibration).

[0117] In a case where the acoustic device is used as a presentation device of the assistance content, the assistance content is presented by, for example, music, voice, electric consonant, sound effect, or some other sound. In a case where an illumination device is used as a presentation device of the assistance content, the assistance content is presented by blinking light, changing a light emission color, or the like. In the case of the vibration generation mechanism, the assistance content is presented by vibration.

[0118] In addition, various sensors may be embedded in the terminal device 40. Examples of the sensor include a gyro sensor, a magnetic sensor, a GPS, a biometric authentication sensor, a radar sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor (a pressure sensor), a temperature-and-humidity sensor, a microphone (a sound pressure sensor), an azimuth sensor, a proximity sensor, a luminance sensor (an ambient light sensor), an image sensor (a camera), a vital sensor, a pulse sensor, a body temperature sensor, a moisture content sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a distance sensor, an inclination sensor, a topographic sensor, a human sensor, a wind meter, an anemometer, an infrared sensor, an infrared camera, and a snow cover meter (such as a snow gauge based on a laser-reflection image or an image captured by a camera).

[0119] The portable device used for the terminal device 40 includes a portable information terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal that can be worn by a user, and the like. In addition, as the terminal device 40, a well-known golf distance meter for measuring a distance from a user to a target using a laser may be used.

[0120] It is preferable to use a wearable terminal for the terminal device 40 from the viewpoint of achieving both golf playing and display browsing.

[0121] Examples of the wearable terminal include smart glasses, glasses-type wearable devices, smartwatches, and the like.

[0122] Among the wearable terminals, wearable terminals (head-mounted wearable terminals) of a type to be mounted on the head, such as smart glasses and glasses-type wearable devices, are more preferable in that the display of the assistance content can be viewed without stopping the hand of golf playing. In addition, the terminal device 40 may include an additional device such as a camera 40X capable of capturing a moving image or a still image and an earphone, a headphone, or a microphone as the acoustic device 40Y (a voice output device).

[0123] Furthermore, the terminal device 40 can mount therein an application program for executing a function (an overall management function of the system S, a generation and provision function of assistance information, and the like) of the communication center 30 described above in an executable manner. In this case, the terminal device 40 can perform a centralized management function of the system S, a function of generating and providing the assistance information, and the like together with the communication center 30 or instead of the communication center 30.<Cup>

[0124] Next, specific structures of the cup 2 and the pin 5 used in the present system S will be described.

[0125] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the cup 2 is provided with a hollow cylindrical cup main body portion 2A (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 2), the one end of which is open. The dimension of the cup main body portion 2A is set to, for example, a diameter of 108 mm and a depth of 101.6 mm or more.

[0126] A cup unit accommodation body (hereinafter also simply referred to as an “accommodation body”) 20A is detachably fitted on the bottom surface side opposite to the opening of the cup main body portion 2A. That is, the accommodation body 20A is detachably attached to the cup 2.

[0127] The accommodation body 20A is a casing that accommodates the cup unit 20. The first control mechanism 21, the first sensor 22, the first communication device 23, and the like are accommodated in the accommodation body 20A.

[0128] The accommodation body 20A in FIG. 2 is formed of a cylindrical (so-called donut shape) member in which a hole is drilled in the center. A hole 2D drilled in the center of the accommodation body 20A is an insertion hole of the pin 5 (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 2). It is noted that the shape of the accommodation body 20A is not limited to the donut shape as illustrated in the drawing.

[0129] On the upper surface side of the accommodation body 20A, a tray reception portion 2B forming the bottom surface of the cup 2 is provided.

[0130] The tray reception portion 2B is provided as a placement surface (reception tray) when the ball 10 has dropped into the cup 2, and is attached movably in the vertical direction with respect to the cup 2.

[0131] FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which the tray reception portion 2B is positioned at a lower portion and forms the bottom surface of the cup 2.

[0132] FIG. 3A illustrates a state in which the tray reception portion 2B is moved to the upper position by an upward / downward movement mechanism 2C. The tray reception portion 2B can be moved upwards to the position above the opening of the cup main body portion 2A (the cup 2, illustrated in dashed lines). The upward / downward movement mechanism 2C includes a shaft member supporting the tray reception portion 2B that vertically moves, an electric motor for vertically moving the tray reception portion 2B, a control device for the electric motor, a power supply, and the like. It is noted that a driving device of the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C is not limited to one using the electric motor, and may be any device such as a hydraulic driving device or a pneumatic driving device.

[0133] It is noted that the shaft member supporting the tray reception portion 2B is preferably configured to be nested with the pin 5 inserted into the hole 2D. In this case, the tray reception portion 2B is vertically movable in a state in which the pin 5 is inserted into the hole 2D (with the pin 5 standing). In this case, it can be said that the shaft member of the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C is formed as a pin case in which a space into which the pin 5 is inserted is provided inside.

[0134] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, in a state in which the tray reception portion 2B is moved to the upper position, the tray reception portion 2B goes out of the cup 2. By moving the tray reception portion 2B to the upper position, the ball 10 that has dropped into the cup 2 can be taken out of the cup 2. Therefore, it is easy to take out the ball 10 from the inside of the cup 2.

[0135] As an example, the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C of the tray reception portion 2B is activated based on a voice command input by a predetermined voice (utterance of “take out the ball”). In this case, the ball 10 can be smoothly taken out after the ball has dropped into the cup.

[0136] The tray reception portion 2B may be driven upwards and downwards in response not only to the above voice command input but also to an operation by a remote controller, a detection signal of a sensor not illustrated (for example, an infrared sensor), and an analysis result of video data of the camera 52. As an example of the remote controller, a remote controller for upward movement and the downward movement of the tray reception portion 2B may be incorporated in the grip of the golf club 1. As an example of automatic upward movement or downward movement driving, the tray reception portion 2B may be automatically driven for the upward movement thereof at a timing when the pin 5 is removed. It is noted that a cover 2Z (indicated by a two-dot chain line) that covers the opening of the cup main body portion 2A may be attached in a state in which the tray reception portion 2B is moved upwards. For example, the cover 2Z is formed of a cylindrical cover extending from the lower end of the tray reception portion 2B to the opening of the cup main body portion 2A. The cover 2Z is accommodated in the bottom surface of the cup main body portion 2A (below the tray reception portion 2B) in a state in which the tray reception portion 2B is moved downwards by a well-known contraction structure such as a bellows type or a nested type. By providing the cover 2Z, it is possible to prevent the user's limbs, dust, and the like from infiltrating the cup main body portion 2A in a state in which the tray reception portion 2B is moved upwards.

[0137] As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the tray reception portion 2B is configured to be inclinable relative to the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C in a state of being moved to the upper position. As a result, the ball 10 placed on the tray reception portion 2B can be automatically dropped from the tray reception portion 2B. That is, the tray reception portion 2B is attached to the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C in an inclinable manner. The upward / downward movement mechanism 2C includes a driving device for changing the posture of the tray reception portion 2B from one of the horizontal state and the inclined state to the other. As this driving device, a known driving device such as an electric motor, a hydraulic driving device, or a pneumatic driving device can be used.

[0138] Referring back to FIG. 2, in the cup main body portion 2A (cup 2) illustrated in FIG. 2, a camera-equipped extensible rod mechanism 20B is provided below the accommodation body 20A.

[0139] FIGS. 4A and 4B are configuration examples of the camera-equipped extensible rod mechanism 20B, in which FIG. 4A is a view illustrating an extended state and FIG. 4B is a view illustrating a contracted state (accommodated state).

[0140] The camera-equipped extensible rod mechanism 20B is provided to capture a video around the periphery of the cup 2 in place of the pin unit 50 when the pin 5 is removed from the cup 2.

[0141] The camera-equipped extensible rod mechanism 20B is provided with a rod 24 made of an extensible rod-like member, a camera (a third capturing means) 25 provided at a tip portion of the rod 24, and a driving mechanism (not illustrated) to drive the rod 24 for extension and contraction of the rod. The driving mechanism includes a motor for extension and contraction of the rod 24, a motor control device, a power supply, and the like. It is noted that, in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the cup 2, the cup main body portion 2A, the accommodation body 20A, and the camera-equipped extensible rod mechanism 20B are indicated by two-dot chain lines.

[0142] The rod 24 is a rod-shaped member that is disposed below the hole 2D (refer to FIG. 2) drilled in the center of the accommodation body 20A and is able to be extended or contracted in the longitudinal direction (depth direction of the cup 2). The structure for extension and contraction of the rod 24 is not particularly limited, but FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the rod 24 having a nested type structure (a telescopic structure).

[0143] In the contracted state illustrated in FIG. 4B, the tip portion of the rod 24 is positioned below the hole 2D. Therefore, in the contracted state of the rod 24, the pin 5 can be inserted into the hole 2D. In the extended state illustrated in FIG. 4A, the rod 24 is extended upwards from the hole 2D, and the camera 25 at the tip portion protrudes outwards from the opening of the cup 2.

[0144] The longitudinal dimension of the rod 24 is set to a dimension in which the camera 25 at the tip portion protrudes to the outside of the cup 2 in the extended state illustrated in FIG. 4A, and the tip portion is positioned below the hole 2D in the contracted state illustrated in FIG. 4B.

[0145] The camera 25 is configured as a “360-degree camera” capable of capturing all directions at 360 degrees in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction around the rod 24 (cup 2) in a state in which the rod 24 is extended. The camera-equipped extensible rod mechanism 20B is connected to the first control mechanism 21 of the cup unit 20, and the video data captured by the camera 25 is transmitted to the first control mechanism 21 of the cup unit 20. The video data captured by the camera 25 is supplied to the communication center 30 as one of the golf playing information acquired by the cup unit 20. The camera 25 can be said to be one of the cameras 20X attached to the cup 2 (cup unit 20). It is noted that the camera 25 is not limited to the 360-degree camera, and may be a camera that captures an image in a range narrower than 360 degrees. Furthermore, the camera 25 may be configured as a 3D camera.

[0146] The rod 24 is driven for extension and contraction thereof in response to, for example, a remote operation input of the user. An example of the remote operation input is a voice command input by a predetermined voice (utterance of “extend rod”). Another example of the remote operation input is an input from the terminal device 40.

[0147] As another example, the rod 24 may be automatically driven for extension and contraction thereof in response to, for example, insertion and removal of the pin 5. The rod 24 may be driven for upward movement or downward movement thereof in response to an operation by a remote controller or a detection signal of a sensor (for example, an infrared sensor) (not illustrated). As an example of the remote controller, a remote controller for upward movement or downward movement of the rod 24 may be incorporated in the grip of the golf club 1. An extension / contraction function of the rod 24 can be switched on and off by the user. The on / off of the extension / contraction function of the rod 4 and an extension / contraction driving timing may be automatically controlled by a program set by the user.

[0148] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate another example of a structure for extension and contraction of the rod. In the case of a rod 24′, the rod 24′ forms a foldable structure. FIG. 5A illustrates an extended state of the rod 24′, and FIG. 5B illustrates a contracted state of the rod 24′.

[0149] In this case, the rod 24′ is made of rod-shaped members connected to each other via a hinge, and when the individual rod-shaped members are folded, the rod forms a contracted state illustrated in FIG. 5B. In the contracted state, a portion of the folded rod 24′ is disposed on the bottom surface of the cup 2. In a state in which the folding at the hinge is linearly extended, the rod 24′ is in the extended state in FIG. 5A. It is noted that a known foldable connection structure such as a ball joint can be applied to the connection of the rod-shaped members forming the rod 24′ without being limited to the hinge.<Pin>

[0150] Next, a configuration example of the pin 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6C. As is well known, the pin 5 is a rod-shaped member serving as a mark of the cup 2.

[0151] The pin 5 illustrated in FIG. 6A is formed of a flag rod having a flag 5A attached to the tip portion thereof. When the pin 5 is erected on the cup 2, the lower end portion of the pin 5 is inserted into the hole 2D (refer to FIG. 2) provided in the bottom surface portion of the cup 2.

[0152] It is noted that, although not illustrated herein, in the golf course, a stand for leaning the pin 5 removed from the cup 2 may be provided near the green G. The stand on which the pin 5 is placed may be attached to, for example, a sprinkler (not illustrated) disposed near the green G. Alternatively, a hole for inserting the pin 5 removed from the cup 2 may be provided as a stand.

[0153] On the tip side of the pin 5, a pin unit accommodation body (hereinafter also simply referred to as an “accommodation body”) 50A is detachably provided below the flag 5A. The accommodation body 50A in FIG. 6A is formed of a spherical member. A second control mechanism 51, a first camera 52, a second communication device 53, an illumination device 50Z, and the like (refer to FIG. 1) are accommodated in the accommodation body 50A. FIGS. 6A to 6C illustrate only the camera 52 accommodated in the accommodation body 50A, and the others are omitted. The shape of the accommodation body 50A is not limited to the spherical shape, and may be any shape such as a cubic shape or a pyramid shape. In the pin 5, the arrangement position of the pin unit accommodation body 50A, that is, the arrangement position of the camera 52 and the laser 54 is not particularly limited, and may be an upper portion, a middle portion, or a lower portion of the pin 5. The pin unit accommodation body 50A may be fixed to the pin 5 or may be attachable thereto or detachable therefrom. The illumination by the illumination device 50Z attached to the pin 5 provides brightness, illumination, neon, light, spotlight, rotating spotlight, mirror ball, LED illumination, and the like for the periphery of the pin 5.

[0154] FIG. 6B exemplifies a practice pin 5X as a modification of the pin 5.

[0155] The practice pin 5X is a rod-shaped member provided with a handle portion 5Y at a tip portion. In the case of the practice pin 5X, the accommodation body 50A is attachable and detachably provided below the handle portion 5Y.

[0156] The pin unit accommodation body 50A may be embedded in the pin 5 as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 6C.

[0157] It is noted that FIGS. 6A to 6C illustrate examples of the shape of the pin 5, and the shape of the pin 5 is not limited to the above examples.

[0158] FIGS. 7A and 7B are modifications of the pin (flag rod) 5 illustrated in FIG. 6A. This pin 5′ is provided with two parts including an upper portion 5U and a lower portion 5D, and the upper portion 5U and the lower portion 5D are connected to each other with a hinge portion 5C interposed therebetween. The accommodation body 50A is provided to be attachable to or detachable from the upper portion 5U of the pin 5′. That is, the first camera 52 is attached to the upper portion 5U of the pin 5′.

[0159] This pin 5′ is configured such that the upper portion 5U can be folded at an angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the lower portion 5D at the hinge portion 5C.

[0160] Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, only the upper portion 5U can be raised in a state in which the pin 5′ is laid down. Therefore, even in a state in which the pin 5′ is removed from the cup 2 and is laid down (inclined state), capturing of the periphery of the pin 5′ can be continued using the first camera 52. When the pin 5′ is laid down, the upper portion 5U may be configured to be automatically folded at an angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the lower portion 5D. The pin 5′ is provided with a driving mechanism for automatically folding the upper portion 5U with respect to the lower portion 5D, a detection device for detecting the posture of the pin 5′, a control device, and the like. Any known mechanism such as an electric motor, a hydraulic driving device, or a pneumatic driving device may be applied as the driving mechanism. It is noted that the pin 5′ may be folded manually.

[0161] FIGS. 8A and 8B are views each illustrating a modification of the pin, and illustrate an extendable pin 5″. The structure for extension and contraction of the pin 5 is not particularly limited, and a well-known structure such as a nested type (telescopic structure), a folding type, or the like may be used. In FIGS. 8A and 8B, a pin 5″ of a nested type structure (telescopic structure) is illustrated. In this case, when the pin 5″ is used, the pin 5″ can be extended as illustrated in FIG. 8A, and when not in use, the pin 5″ can be contracted and compacted as illustrated in FIG. 8B.

[0162] In addition, in the cart 6 illustrated in FIG. 1, a cart unit accommodation body (hereinafter also simply referred to as an “accommodation body”) 60A is detachably attached to a roof portion 6A of the cart 6.

[0163] The accommodation body 60A is formed of a spherical member. The control mechanism 61, the camera 62, the communication device 63, and the like are accommodated in the accommodation body 60A. The accommodation body 60A is attached to the roof portion 6A of the cart 6 via an extensible pole 6B. Therefore, in the accommodation body 60A, the attachment position in the vertical direction with respect to the roof portion 6A can be adjusted by the extensible pole 6B. The extension and contraction of the extensible pole 6B is automatically controlled by, for example, the control mechanism 61.

[0164] It is noted that the structure of the cart unit accommodation body 60A is not limited to the illustrated example.

[0165] In addition, in the system S of FIG. 1, the communication center 30 may collect current position information of the user, or may collect tee shot information indicating that a first stroke (a tee shot) is hit on the teeing ground T.

[0166] Examples of a method of acquiring the current position information of the user include acquiring GPS position information transmitted from the terminal device 40 or the like, using a marker (so-called an “IC marker”) equipped with a position information transmission function (beacon) as a marker of the golf ball 10, and incorporating the position information transmission function in the golf club 1. The present disclosure is not limited to the marker, and for example, a position transmitter that can be worn by the user may be used. As the position transmitter, for example, a smart tag, a beacon, or the like can be used. The user can carry a position transmitter such as a smart tag or a beacon by putting it in a pocket or lowering it from the neck with a strap. Well-known techniques such as GPS, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used to acquire the position information.

[0167] Examples of a method of acquiring the tee-shot information include using a tee 7 (so-called an “IC tee”) having a function of detecting the presence or absence of a first stroke (sensor) and a function of communicating with the communication center 30 as the tee 7 of the teeing ground T, placing a camera (not illustrated) in the teeing ground T, and acquiring the tee-shot information from a video captured by the camera 62 provided in the cart 6.2. Control

[0168] Next, a specific example of control for providing the assistance content in the present system S will be described.

[0169] In the communication center 30, the control device 31 constantly receives, as the golf playing information, the video data acquired (captured) from the cameras 52, 62, and 25 of the cup unit 20, the pin unit 50, and the cart unit 60, and the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup, acquired from the first sensor 22 of the cup unit 20. It is noted that the video data and the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup may be acquired from a camera or a sensor attached to various devices in the system S, such as the terminal device 40 and the golf club 1.

[0170] The control device 31 can store the received video data and the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup in the storage device, can accumulate the data and the information as big data, and can generate assistance information for providing various assistance contents based on the video data and the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup.

[0171] Hereinafter, as a specific example of the control for providing the assistance content, two examples including (1) feedback on the golf playing result and (2) “gift presentation at the time of a ball dropping into a cup” will be described. It is noted that the assistance content is not limited to the above two examples.

[0172] The feedback on the golf playing result is to present various analysis and evaluation results regarding the golf playing (swing) performed by the user.

[0173] Gift presentation at the time of the ball dropping into the cup is an example of the assistance content that gives an added value (incentive) other than golf.<Feedback to Golf Playing Result>

[0174] First, an example of (1) control for providing feedback on the golf playing result will be described. The control device 31 analyzes the received video data in substantially real time using a known image analysis technique. Thereby, the control device 31 analyzes the golf playing of the user recorded in the video data. Specifically, it is possible to identify the swing of the user recorded in the video data and analyze the identified swing, to identify the struck golf ball 10 in the video data and analyze the movement of the ball 10, to analyze the rotation of the ball 10, and to count the number of strokes from the movement of the user and the movement of the ball recorded in the video data.

[0175] Here, analyzing the swing includes analyzing the form of the user and analyzing the movement of the golf club (head).

[0176] Examples of analysis items of the user's form include the position of a line of sight of the user, the position and posture of the head of the user, head-up analysis, and head-up check.

[0177] Examples of analysis items regarding the movement of the golf club (head) include a stroke trajectory of the golf club, an angle of the head, a driving angle of the ball, a speed of the head, intensity of striking, an angle of a putter face, a club pass (trajectory of the club head from immediately before impact to after impact passage), a swing tempo, a swing flow, a flow of the club head, and the like.

[0178] Examples of the analysis items of the movement of the golf ball 10 include a speed of the golf ball 10, a driving angle (driving direction) of the golf ball 10, a flight distance of the golf ball 10, and the like.

[0179] The control device 31 calculates analysis result data regarding each of the above items by analyzing the video data, and generates various types of calculated analysis result data as assistance information.

[0180] The analysis result data generated as the assistance information is used as information for displaying the result (analysis result) of analyzing golf playing and the evaluation for each of the above items.

[0181] The control device 31 transmits the analysis result data generated as the assistance information to the terminal device 40. On the basis of the received analysis result data (assistance information), the fourth control mechanism 41 of the terminal device 40 displays the analysis result and evaluation of the golf playing for each of the above items on the display device 42 as the assistance content. That is, feedback of the golf playing result is provided. Such feedback contributes to improvement of the user's golf technique. In addition, visualizing one's own play as numerical values or videos also contributes to improvement of the enjoyment of golf.

[0182] It is noted that the display or presentation of the assistance content is not limited to the content display on the display device 42 of the terminal device 40, and may be realized by content display on a display device attached to various devices in the system S or sound (music, voice, sound, or any other sound) in an acoustic device attached to various devices in the system S.

[0183] Examples of the analysis results of golf playing displayed as the assistance content on the display device 42 are listed below. That is, examples of the assistance content include a speed of the golf ball 10, a driving angle (driving direction) of the golf ball 10, a flight distance of the golf ball 10, a moving image in which a form of the user during the swing is recorded, a continuous photograph in which the form of the user during the swing is recorded by high-speed capturing, a position of a line of sight of the user during the swing, a position and a posture of a head, head-up analysis, head-up check, a stroke trajectory of a golf club, a measured head angle, a measured head speed, a measured striking strength, a swing tempo, and the like. The stroke trajectory of a golf club includes a so-called grab pass. The angle of the head includes the orientation (angle) of the pattern face.

[0184] The feedback on the golf playing result is not limited to the visual feedback as described above, and may be provided by voice information (that is, auditory feedback).

[0185] The auditory feedback is specifically intended to convey the result of analyzing the golf playing by voice. Specifically, it is possible to output a voice such as “nice shot”, “shaking”, “caught”, “open”, “shaking by n (n is any number) degrees”, “caught by n (n is any number) degrees”, or “open by n (n is any number) degrees” with respect to the swing made by the user. These voices and the above-described visual feedback can be provided in combination.

[0186] In this case, the storage device of the communication center 30 is provided with a database in which various types of voice data (audio data) used for auditory feedback are accumulated.

[0187] The control device 31 extracts voice data to be provided to the user from the database based on the calculated various types of analysis result data, and generates assistance information including the voice data.

[0188] In the terminal device 40, a voice based on the transmitted voice data is output. For voice output, for example, headphones or earphones can be used. It is noted that the output of the voice is not limited to the terminal device 40, and may be performed by an acoustic device of any device in the system S.<Banner Advertisement>

[0189] The control device 31 may generate banner advertisement display information and may transmit the information to the user's terminal device 40 in association with providing feedback on the golf playing result described above.

[0190] The banner advertisement display information is information for displaying a banner advertisement video (small advertisement displayed on a part of the screen) in association with the feedback for the golf playing result. In this case, the banner advertisement is displayed on the terminal device 40 in association with the feedback for the golf playing result.

[0191] The banner advertisement may be displayed on any display device in the system S such as the display device 60W of the cart 6 in addition to the terminal device 40.

[0192] The control device 31 may generate advertisement voice output information instead of or in addition to the banner advertisement display information and may transmit the generated advertisement voice output information to the terminal device 40 of the user. In this case, in the terminal device 40, the advertisement voice is output in association with the feedback for the golf playing result.

[0193] The content of the output video and voice is not limited to the advertisement, and may be any video or voice (for example, ASMR).<Gift Presentation>

[0194] Next, (2) “Gift presentation at the time of the ball dropping into the cup” will be described.

[0195] “Gift presentation at the time of the ball dropping into the cup” is provided to output, from the terminal device 40, a guide voice or a guide video for guiding predetermined gift presentation at the timing of the ball dropping into the cup so as to enhance the entertainment of the golf playing.

[0196] As an example of the guide voice, there is an announcement such as “if you sink the ball with one putt, ‘one drink’ service”. An example of the guide video is an advertisement video related to a free gift.

[0197] The storage device of the communication center 30 is provided with a database in which a large number of voices and videos for guiding the gift presentation are accumulated.

[0198] The control device 31 can determine that the ball has dropped into the cup when receiving the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup from the cup unit 20. When the ball has dropped into the cup, the control device 31 extracts guide data for guiding the predetermined gift presentation from the database. The guide data is data for generating at least one of the guide voice and the guide video for guiding the gift presentation. Then, the extracted guide data is generated as the assistance information and is transmitted to the terminal device 40. In the terminal device 40, at least one of the guide voice and the guide video for guiding the gift presentation based on the received guide data is output (presented) from the display device 42 or the acoustic device.

[0199] The communication center 30 can also issue a digital coupon for actually acquiring the gift to the terminal device 40 together with transmission of data.<In Addition, Advertisement, Point Granting, Music, and the Like>

[0200] The assistance content provided according to the ball dropping into the cup is not limited to the guide voice or the guide video of the “gift presentation”.

[0201] For example, point granting, a mile, a mileage, a stay mileage, a discount ticket, a service ticket, music, an assistance voice, illumination production, and the like in an advertisement video, an advertisement voice, a store, a website, and the like may be provided according to the ball dropping into the cup.

[0202] In this case, the storage device of the communication center 30 is provided with a database in which a large number of pieces of information (including advertisement video signals) on the point granting, the mile, the mileage, the stay mileage, the discount ticket, the service ticket, the music, the assistance voice, the illumination production, and the like in the advertisement video, the advertisement voice, the store, the website, and the like are accumulated. The communication center 30 extracts information on the point granting, the mile, the mileage, the stay mileage, the discount ticket, the service ticket, the music, the assistance voice, the illumination production, and the like in the advertisement video, the advertisement voice, the store, the website, and the like from the database according to the ball dropping into the cup, and transmits the extracted information to the terminal device 40. It is noted that the assistance voice is a voice that enhances enjoyment during golf playing, and specifically includes shout with hoy, cheer, applause, and the like in the gallery. The illumination production is a production that controls turning on / off, color, brightness, and the like of a light source device in the system S to enhance the enjoyment during golf playing of a user. The illumination provides illumination, neon, light, spotlight, rotating spotlight, mirror ball, LED illumination, and the like. The illumination production may be accompanied by music reproduction. The user can select a desired genre of music such as disco, club music, classical music, music song, or Enka or a desired musical composition. In the illumination production, the control of the light source device may be changed according to the selected music genre.

[0203] The timing of providing the banner advertisement video, the advertisement voice, the music, and the like is not limited to the timing of the ball dropping into the cup. For example, when the control device 31 (communication center 30) determines whether the user is playing on a course or moving between courses from the analysis result of the video data (moving image data) and determines that the user is moving between courses, it is possible to provide the terminal device 40 of the user or the cart unit 60 (the acoustic device 60Y, the display device 60W, and the like of the cart 6) of the cart 6 with descriptions of the golf course, advertisement video, advertisement voice, music, radio broadcasting, movie, and golf insurance guide, and the like. The description of the golf course is a function (so-called a “cashier function”) of providing a description regarding the length of the course, the position of the pin, the difficulty, the obstacle, the selection of the club, the strategy, and the like for each golf course by moving images, images, voices, and the like. The golf insurance is an insurance related to compensatory liability compensation, disability compensation, golf equipment compensation, hole-in-one albatross cost compensation, and the like. In the guide of the golf insurance, a service in cooperation with an insurance company may be provided. That is, the user may be able to purchase the insurance through connection to the website of the insurance company via the Internet. In the present system S, it is also possible to generate profits by such insurance product transactions.

[0204] The above-described provision of “music” includes playing music based on a playlist regarding a desired genre of music or a desired musical composition created by the user, or playing music selected by a DJ (a disc jockey). The user may be able to request desired music for DJ's music selection. The provided music may be a so-called “Karaoke”. In this case, the user can sing along with the Karaoke performance.

[0205] It is noted that the description of the golf course, the advertisement video, the advertisement voice, the music, the radio broadcasting, the movie, the guide of the golf insurance, and the like may be provided to the terminal device 40 of the user or the cart unit 60 (the acoustic device 60Y, the display device 60W, and the like of the cart 6) of the cart 6 while the user is playing on the course. By providing the advertisement video, the advertisement voice, the music, the radio broadcasting, the movie, or the like during movement using the cart 6, it is possible to enhance the entertainment of golf playing.

[0206] As an example of a usage mode of “music”, it is conceivable that a desired music is played as an “entry theme song” of the user when the user starts playing (before striking). The reproduction of the entrance theme song and the reproduction of the music selected by the DJ may be combined.

[0207] Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a “challenge course” function as one of the contents to be provided using the terminal device 40 or the cart unit 60 (the acoustic device 60Y, the display device 60W, and the like of the cart 6) of the cart 6. The “challenge course” function is a function of setting a predetermined mission (for example, ending within a predetermined number of strokes) regarding play on a certain golf course and presenting a gift when the mission is achieved. In addition to the “challenge course” function, it is possible to produce various plans such as holding an electronic competition.

[0208] The user can arbitrarily switch on and off the reproduction of voice and video such as description of a golf course, an advertisement video, an advertisement voice, music, radio broadcasting, a movie, and guide of golf insurance. That is, whether or not the above-described various contents are provided can be individually selected by, for example, the user from the terminal device 40.<Recorded Video>

[0209] The assistance content is not limited to the above examples.

[0210] Another example of the assistance content includes providing a recorded video of golf playing to the user. In this case, the communication center 30 analyzes the video data acquired (captured) by at least one of the cameras 52, 62, and 25, automatically edits the videos acquired from the plurality of cameras 52, 62, and 25 by using a software program for implementing an existing video processing technology based on the analysis result, and combines the plurality of videos to generate a recorded video content of the golf playing, and stores the generated recorded video content in a memory.

[0211] The recorded video content is not limited to a moving image, and may be still image data (for example, “slide show” data for sequentially and automatically reproducing a plurality of photographs, a congratulatory photograph of a scene during golf playing, and the like). The recorded video content provision may be, for example, provision of recorded data recorded in a storage medium such as a DVD, transmission of the recorded data to the terminal device 40 of the user, or storage of the recorded data on a cloud server.

[0212] In addition, examples of the assistance content include a battle game function linked to golf playing information, a rhythm sound (metronome, or any other sound that gives rhythm to the user) output function serving as a guide of a golf swing, and the like.

[0213] In a case where the terminal device 40 of the user is a wearable terminal (a head-mounted wearable terminal) of a type to be worn on the head, such as a smart glass or a glasses-type wearable device, videos by the above-described various assistance contents are superimposed on the real world and are displayed on the display device 42 of the terminal device 40. In this manner, by providing the assistance content as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), or mixed reality (MR), it is possible to further enhance the enjoyment of golf playing of a user.

[0214] In a case where the terminal device 40 of the user is a wearable terminal (head-mounted wearable terminal) of a type to be worn on the head, such as a smart glass or a glasses-type wearable device, it is possible to reproduce voice and video such as an advertisement video, an advertisement voice, music, radio broadcasting, television broadcasting, a movie, or a moving image distribution service, browse a website, browse various file documents, or the like by using the display device 42 of the terminal device 40 during golf playing or during movement between courses. That is, it is possible to perform an auditory / visual experience and an auditory / visual work different from those of golf while a user plays golf. In addition, it is also possible to have a conversation with another user via a wearable terminal or make a telephone call using a wearable terminal while a user plays golf.

[0215] The user can appropriately select the above-described various assistance contents from the terminal device 40 and receive the provision of the assistance content in a desired combination.

[0216] Furthermore, the analysis result of the video data and the generated assistance information may be accumulated as big data in the storage device of the control device 31 (communication center 30). Whether or not to accumulate information as big data may be switchable by the user. By storing the analysis result of the video data, the generated assistance information, and the like in the communication center 30 as big data, it is possible to provide a data platform in which golf playing information is accumulated. The big data can be mutually used in a plurality of golf courses. For example, it is possible to collect participation data (for example, a handy report or the like) related to various organization handicaps such as PGA, JPGA, JGA, and R&A as big data. In addition, data can be transmitted and received between the present system S and various organizations such as PGA, JPGA, JGA, JGA, and R&A in cooperation with application programs provided by various organizations such as PGA, JPGA, JGA, and R&A.

[0217] The communication center 30 can also utilize video data acquired (captured) by at least one of the cup unit 20, the pin unit 50, and the cameras 52, 62, and 25 of the cart unit 60 for management of the golf course. Furthermore, the communication center 30 can acquire video data (live camera data) in real time from at least one of the cup unit 20, the pin unit 50, and the cameras 52, 62, and 25 of the cart unit 60, and utilize the live camera data for management of the golf course.

[0218] The management of the golf course includes management of lawns, management of trees, personnel allocation, cleaning, maintenance of other golf courses, and the like.

[0219] In addition, by using a known face recognition technology, the control device 31 of the communication center 30 can individually recognize a plurality of users during golf competition (golf is usually played in a set of four persons) in the video data acquired (captured) by at least one of the cup unit 20, the pin unit 50, and the cameras 52, 62, and 25 of the cart unit 60, and can track the individual users who are playing golf in the video data. Therefore, the control device 31 of the communication center 30 can generate the assistance information for each user individually recognized in the video data and can provide the individualized assistance content to each user. The cup unit 20, the communication center 30, the terminal device 40, the pin unit 50, and the cart unit 60 in the system S cooperate with each other based on the face recognition result.

[0220] In addition, a plurality of users during the golf competition color (marking) the respective balls 10 to be used. The control device 31 of the communication center 30 can analyze the video data acquired (captured) by at least one of the cup unit 20, the pin unit 50, and the cameras 52, 62, and 25 of the cart unit 60, can identify the color of each of the balls 10 in the video data, and can associate the balls 10 with the respective users according to the identified color. As a result, for example, the ball 10 can be tracked for each user, or the current position of the user (ball 10) in the golf course can be identified from the position of the ball 10 in the video data.

[0221] The association of a plurality of users with the balls 10 to be respectively used by the users is performed by the control device 31 of the communication center 30 at the start of the golf playing. During golf playing, the control device 31 of the communication center 30 can identify and track the balls 10 for the respective users by associating a plurality of users with the balls 10 to be used by the users from the video data acquired from the cameras 52, 62, and 25 of the cup unit 20, the pin unit 50, and the cart unit 60. The configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the control device 31 of the communication center 30 identifies the ball 10, and each of the cup unit 20, the communication center 30, the terminal device 40, the pin unit 50, and the cart unit 60 in the system S includes a mechanism for identifying the ball 10, thereby making it possible to identify, specify, and track the balls 10 for the respective users in cooperation with each other.

[0222] A method of identifying the ball 10 is not limited to the method of “coloring” the ball and analysis of the video data as described above, and may be, for example, a method of identifying the ball 10 using a transparent ink that can be detected by a sensor and cannot be visually recognized with the naked eye and a sensor capable of detecting the transparent ink. Alternatively, the ball 10 may be identified by the cart 6 using a scanner, a camera, or the like attached to the cart unit 60. In addition, the ball 10 may be identified by analyzing video data acquired (captured) by at least one of the cup unit 20, the pin unit 50, and the cameras 52, 62, and 25 of the cart unit 60 without using the above-described method of “coloring” the ball. For example, the ball 10 may be identified by image recognition using the camera 62 attached to the cart unit 60. For example, the ball 10 can be identified by identifying a mark and a pattern drawn on the ball 10 by image recognition, or the ball 10 can be identified by a combination of the mark and the pattern drawn on the ball 10 identified by the image recognition and the user identified by the face authentication.

[0223] In addition, the ball 10 that has been dropped into the cup 2 can be identified using the cameras 52 and 25 (identification means) of the cup unit 20 and the pin unit 50. The identification means is not limited to the camera as described above, and a known technique capable of detecting and identifying the ball 10 that has dropped into the cup 2, such as an infrared camera, an infrared laser, a laser sensor, or a sound wave sensor, can be applied. In this case, by making the inside of the cup 2 brighter by using a light source (an illumination means, the illumination device 20Z in FIG. 1) for illuminating the inside of the cup 2 or the illumination device 50Z of the pin unit 50 in the cup unit 20 (cup 2), it is possible to improve the distinguishability when the ball 10 that has dropped into the cup 2 is identified using the camera.

[0224] By specifying the tracking / position information of the ball 10, an image indicating the movement trajectory of the ball 10 from the teeing ground to the current position can be superimposed on the map video of the golf course and displayed on the display device 42 of the terminal device 40. The display of the movement trajectory indicates, for example, the movement trajectory (trajectory) on the map video of the golf course by a line image extending from a point image indicating the striking position for each stroke. The map video can be generated based on the map information stored in the control device 31 of the communication center 30. An image showing the ball movement trajectory for each user can have a different display color or display form (display mode) for each user. With this display, the users can confirm the movement trajectory of each of the balls 10 on the display device 42 of the terminal device 40. This display contributes to enhancing the enjoyment of golf.

[0225] Further, in the golf assistance system S, an electric bulletin board 8 may be installed in a club house of a golf course or at any place (for example, the vicinity of the teeing ground T and the vicinity of the green G) in the golf course. The electric bulletin board 8 is an example of a display device for displaying various pieces of information on a golf course, and is preferably, for example, a large display device from the viewpoint of ensuring visibility. However, the size of the electric bulletin board 8 is not particularly limited. The electric bulletin board 8 may be configured as, for example, an information terminal device including an attachment mechanism such as the control mechanism 81, the display device 82, the communication device 83, the input device 84, the acoustic device 85, the camera 86, the sensor 87, and the illumination device 88, and can function as one of the devices constituting the system S. As the sensor, for example, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric authentication sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor (a pressure sensor), a temperature sensor, a microphone (a sound pressure sensor), an azimuth sensor, a proximity sensor, a luminance sensor (an ambient light sensor), a human sensor, a wind meter, an anemometer, an infrared sensor, an infrared camera, a snow cover meter (a snow cover meter based on a laser-reflection image or an image captured by a camera), or the like may be provided. That is, the electric bulletin board 8 functions as one of the devices in the assistance system S, and can be configured as an AI device having a plurality of functions of cooperating with other devices in the system S, displaying various types of information for the user, outputting a voice, and performing a predetermined function with a predetermined voice input such as “Alexa (registered trademark)”, “OK Google (registered trademark)”, or “Hey Siri (registered trademark)” as a trigger, and emitting light. Display of various types of information on the electric bulletin board 8 is controlled by, for example, the communication center 30. The electric bulletin board 8 is not limited to the communication center 30, and may be controlled by any of the cup unit 20, the communication center 30, the terminal device 40, the pin unit 50, and the cart unit 60 in the system S. Various types of assistance contents described above can be displayed on the electric bulletin board 8. In addition to the above-described guides and contents, any information such as weather, current news, user's score, rank, tournament information, competition information, and banner advertisement may be displayed on the electric bulletin board 8. The cup unit 20, the communication center 30, the terminal device 40, the pin unit 50, and the cart unit 60 in the system S can display various types of information on the electric bulletin board 8 in cooperation with the electric bulletin board 8. Further, a projector may be provided instead of or in addition to the electric bulletin board 8. The projector can project a video by projection mapping into the system S.

[0226] Each of the cameras 52, 62, 25, and the like provided in the golf assistance system S may be formed by a 3D camera.

[0227] In addition, each device in the golf assistance system S may be configured to share its power state (for example, a remaining battery level) and its operating state (for example, an instrument state).3. Operational Effects

[0228] Since the golf assistance system S of the first embodiment has the above-described configuration, the following operational effects are obtained.

[0229] (1) According to the present system S, the video data acquired (captured) by at least one of the cup unit 20, the pin unit 50, and the cameras 52, 62, and 25 of the cart unit 60 and the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup, acquired (detected) by the sensor 22 of the cup unit 20 are acquired, the assistance information for providing the assistance content is generated based on the acquired data, and the assistance content based on the assistance information can be provided to the user. Therefore, enjoyment by the assistance content is added to normal golf playing. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the enjoyment during golf playing of a user.

[0230] (2) In a case where a head-mounted wearable terminal is used as the terminal device 40, it is possible to achieve both golf playing and display browsing. In addition, the video based on the assistance content is provided to be superimposed on the real world. By providing the assistance content as augmented reality in this manner, it is possible to further enhance the enjoyment of golf playing of a user.

[0231] (3) With a structure in which the cup unit accommodation body 20A accommodating the cup unit 20 therein is incorporated in the cup main body portion 2A, the structure for providing the functionality of the unit 20 to the existing cup 2 is simple.

[0232] (4) With the camera-equipped extensible rod mechanism 20B, even in a state in which the pin 5 is removed and the first camera 52 of the pin 5 cannot be used, the periphery of the cup 2 can be captured.

[0233] (5) When the pin 5 is removed, the camera-equipped extensible rod mechanism 20B is automatically in the extended state, and the periphery of the cup 2 can be captured. Therefore, even in a case where the pin 5 is removed, video data of the periphery of the cup 2 can be reliably acquired.

[0234] (6) The pin 5 has a structure in which the lower portion 5D and the upper portion 5U are connected to each other via the hinge portion 5C, and the upper portion 5U is bent so as to rise from the ground in a state in which the pin 5 is laid on the ground, and capturing can be performed by the first camera 52. Therefore, even in a case where the pin 5 is removed, video data around the periphery of the cup 2 can be reliably acquired.

[0235] (7) The assistance content calculates various types of measurement data based on an analysis result of the video data, and displays information on the measurement data as a “feedback on a golf playing result”. In this manner, it is possible to provide highly accurate feedback in consideration of not only the ball trajectory and score but also various elements. This display contributes to enhancing the enjoyment of golf.

[0236] (8) “Feedback on the golf playing result” is to display at least one of the speed of the golf ball, the driving angle of the golf ball, the rolling distance of the golf ball, the position of a line of sight of the user during the swing, the position of the head of the user during the swing, the posture of the user during the swing, the head-up analysis, the head-up check, the stroke trajectory of the golf club, the angle of the head of the golf club, the speed of the head, the strength of striking by the golf club, and the tempo of the swing. Providing these pieces of information to the user contributes to improvement in the golf technique. This contributes to enhancing the enjoyment of golf.

[0237] (9) A banner advertisement may be displayed along with the “feedback on the golf playing result”. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an advertisement to a user who enjoys golf.

[0238] (10) According to the ball dropping into the cup, at least one of the guide voice and the guide video of the gift presentation can be presented. Accordingly, an incentive other than golf can be given to the user. This display contributes to enhancing the enjoyment of golf.

[0239] (11) The advertisement video can be presented according to the ball dropping into the cup. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an advertisement to a user who enjoys golf.

[0240] (12) In the communication center 30, the control device 31 individually identifies a plurality of users in the video data, and generates assistance information for providing the individualized assistance content to the identified individual users, so that appropriate assistance content can be provided to each of the plurality of users (golf is usually played in a set of four persons) during the golf competition.II. Second Embodiment1. Configuration

[0241] Next, a configuration of a system S′ according to a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 9A is an explanatory view illustrating an overall configuration of the system S′ according to the second embodiment.

[0242] The system S′ according to the second embodiment is different from the system S according to the first embodiment in that a microchip-embedded ball (hereinafter, also referred to as a “chip-embedded ball”) 10′ is used instead of the golf ball 10, and the other components are common. Components common to those of the system S according to the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.<Chip-Embedded Ball>

[0243] The chip-embedded ball 10′ includes a ball main body 11 and a control mechanism 12 embedded in the ball main body 11. The ball main body 11 is a sphere that is struck by a user in golf playing. FIG. 9B is an explanatory view of a configuration example of the chip-embedded ball 10′, and illustrates a cross section of the ball 10′. As an example, the ball main body 11 of FIG. 9B is a four-piece ball including a cover 11a forming an outer shell, a mid-layer lib provided inside the cover 11a, and rubber layers 11c and lid having a two-layer structure provided inside the mid-layer 11b, but the structure of the ball main body 11 is not limited thereto. A microchip 12a provided with the control mechanism 12 is incorporated in the rubber layer 11d of the ball main body 11. For example, the ball main body 11 is configured to be dividable into two portions at a cutting line along the radial direction, and the microchip 12a can be detached by dividing the ball main body 11 into two portions. The method of joining the two portions forming the ball main body 11 may be any joining method such as an adhesive method, a built-in method, a fitting method combining irregularities, or a wooden mosaic method of gathering.

[0244] The control mechanism 12 is, for example, an electrical control device configured to include a processor, a storage device, and the like mounted on a microchip that can be embedded in the ball main body 11. The control mechanism 12 includes a storage unit 13 that stores ID information unique to the chip-embedded ball 10′.

[0245] A ball striking sensor 14 and a communication device (first transmission device, transmitting device) 15 are connected to the control mechanism 12 so as to be capable of transmitting and receiving data. The ball striking sensor 14 and the communication device 15 are mounted on, for example, the microchip together with the control mechanism 12.

[0246] The microchip 12a on which the control mechanism 12 is mounted is detachably attached to the ball main body 11.

[0247] Therefore, by simply replacing a microchip attached to a certain ball main body 11 (an old ball) with another ball main body 11 (a new ball), the information of the old chip-embedded ball 10′ can be handed over to the new chip-embedded ball 10′.

[0248] It is noted that the chip-embedded ball 10′ may have a configuration in which the microchip 12a is incorporated in the ball main body 11 and cannot be attached thereto or detached therefrom.

[0249] The ID information stored in the storage unit 13 is ID information unique to the chip-embedded ball 10′. It is assumed that the ID information is associated with the user using the chip-embedded ball 10′ on a one-to-one basis.

[0250] The ball striking sensor 14 is a sensor that detects ball striking information regarding the striking of the chip-embedded ball 10′. The ball striking information is transmitted to the communication center 30 as one of the golf playing information.

[0251] In the chip-embedded ball 10′, as the ball striking sensor 14, an impact sensor that detects impact data when the ball main body 11 is hit, and a GPS (position sensor) that can detect current position information of the ball main body 11 are exemplified.

[0252] The impact data of the present embodiment is exemplified by information indicating striking (presence or absence of striking) and impact force of striking (striking strength). In addition, the ball striking information detected by the ball striking sensor 14 includes the rotation direction, the number of rotations, the rotation speed, the speed, the acceleration, and the like of the ball. Examples of the current position information include the current position of the chip-embedded ball 10′ before the striking and the position information of the chip-embedded ball 10′ after the striking and after the resting.

[0253] It is noted that the chip-embedded ball 10′ is not limited to use in golf playing (actual battle), and may be used for collecting information in test research regarding striking.

[0254] That is, the ball striking information detected by the ball striking sensor 14 of the present embodiment includes, as the golf playing information, at least information indicating that the ball main body 11 is hit and position information after the ball main body 11 is hit.

[0255] The communication device 15 transmits the ball striking information detected by the ball striking sensor 14 to the communication center 30 via the wireless communication network.

[0256] In addition, the ball striking information detected by the ball striking sensor 14 is stored in the storage device of the control mechanism 12. A history of the ball striking information over a certain period may be accumulated in the storage device of the control mechanism 12.

[0257] Examples of other sensors used for the ball striking sensor 14 include, but are not limited to, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric authentication sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor (pressure sensor), a temperature sensor, a microphone (sound pressure sensor), an azimuth sensor, a proximity sensor, and a luminance sensor (ambient light sensor).

[0258] In addition thereto, a power supply (not illustrated) for supplying power is embedded in the chip-embedded ball 10′. In addition, a position information transmission function (Beacon, GPS, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the like) by radio waves is mounted in the chip-embedded ball 10′, and other devices in the system S′ can be configured to be able to detect position information by radio waves from the chip-embedded ball 10′.

[0259] It is noted that, as another configuration example of the chip-embedded ball 10′, the ball striking sensor 14 and the communication device 15 may be embedded in the ball main body 11, and the control mechanism 12 may be provided outside the ball main body 11. For example, the control mechanism 12 may be provided in the communication center 30 or the terminal device 40. In this case, the ball striking sensor 14 and the communication device 15 are communicably connected to the control mechanism 12 provided outside the chip-embedded ball 10′, and transmit data such as ball striking information to the external control mechanism 12 or receive remote control from the external control mechanism 12.<Communication Center>

[0260] The reception device (first reception device) 32 of the communication center 30 receives, from the communication device 15 of the chip-embedded ball 10′, the ball striking information detected by the ball striking sensor 14 as the golf playing information, and receives, from the communication device (second transmission device) 23 of the cup unit 20, the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup, detected by the first sensor (sensor configured to detect information indicating that a golf ball has dropped into a cup) 22 as the golf playing information. In addition thereto, the reception device 32 of the communication center 30 receives, as the golf playing information, video data acquired (captured) by at least one of the cameras 52, 62, and 25 from the cup unit 20, the pin unit 50, and the cart unit 60.

[0261] The control device 31 generates predetermined assistance information based on the golf playing information including the ball striking information, and transmits the assistance information from the transmission device (third transmission device) 33 to the terminal device 40.

[0262] The terminal device 40 is configured to receive the assistance information generated by the communication center 30 via the communication device (second reception device) 43, and to output (present) the assistance content based on the received assistance information to the display device (presentation device) 42.2. Control

[0263] Next, a specific example of control for providing the assistance content in the present system S′ will be described.

[0264] In the present embodiment, a case is exemplified, in which control in the present system S′ is started after the golf ball goes up to the green G.

[0265] Specifically, the user progresses in the golf playing using a normal golf ball (that is, a ball including only the ball main body 11 in which a microchip is not embedded) from the teeing ground to the green G. When a normal golf ball goes up on the green G, the user replaces his or her golf ball with the chip-embedded ball 10′. Then, the golf playing on the green G is performed using the chip-embedded ball 10′. The control in the present system S′ described below applies to golf playing on the green G with the chip-embedded ball 10′.

[0266] Another example of the method of “replacing with the chip-embedded ball 10′” includes mounting a microchip having the control mechanism 12 embedded therein in a regular golf ball. In this case, a normal golf ball is used to play from the teeing ground to the green G. Then, when the ball goes up to the green G, the microchip in which the control mechanism 12 is embedded is mounted in the ball.

[0267] After the replacement with the chip-embedded ball 10′, the control of providing the assistance content in the present system S′ is started. Since a normal golf ball is used up to the green G, the risk of losing a special and expensive chip-embedded ball 10′ in which a microchip is mounted is reduced.

[0268] The start of the control is performed, for example, by the user manually inputting a control initiation request of the present system S′ by using the input device 44 of the terminal device 40 when the golf ball goes up to the green G. The communication center 30 starts control in response to the input start request. At this time, the communication center 30 acquires the ID information of the chip-embedded ball 10′ and acquires the current position data of the chip-embedded ball 10′.

[0269] As another example, control in the present system S′ may be automatically started when a user replaces his or her golf ball with the chip-embedded ball 10′ on the green G. For example, the communication center 30 sends a connection request to the chip-embedded ball 10′ present on the green G, and control automatically starts when the connection is established.<Display of Number of Strokes Until a Ball Dropping into a Cup>

[0270] First, as an example of control of the present system S′, control of providing “display of the number of strokes until a ball dropping into a cup” as the assistance content will be described.

[0271] With the start of the above control, the communication center 30 acquires ball striking information from the chip-embedded ball 10′. The communication center 30 records the received ball striking information in association with the ID information. That is, when the user hits the chip-embedded ball 10′ after the start of the control, the ball striking information is transmitted from the chip-embedded ball 10′.

[0272] The communication center 30 records the received ball striking information in chronological order in association with the ID information for each stroke from the starting time point of the striking of the chip-embedded ball 10′ on the green G.

[0273] When the chip-embedded ball 10′ has dropped into the cup 2, the communication center 30 acquires the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup from the unit 20. When the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup is acquired, the recording of the ball striking information of the chip-embedded ball 10′ associated with the ID information is stopped. As a result, in the communication center 30, it is possible to acquire ball striking information from the starting time point of striking of the chip-embedded ball 10′ on the green G to the ball dropping into the cup in chronological order. The control device of the communication center 30 generates information on the number of strokes, which indicates the number of times of ball striking from the starting time point of striking on the green G to the ball dropping into the cup, based on the ball striking information from the starting time point of striking of the chip-embedded ball 10′ on the green G to the ball dropping into the cup.

[0274] The communication center 30 transmits the generated information on the number of strokes to the terminal device 40 as the assistance information. The terminal device 40 displays, on the display device 42, the number of strokes based on the information on the number of strokes. The user can check the number of strokes from the time when the golf ball is placed on the green G to the ball dropping into the cup by the display of the display device 42.

[0275] The terminal device 40 displays a response button image together with the number of strokes on the display device 42 to urge the user to respond. The two button images are, for example, “OK” and “correction”. The user replies to the communication center 30 using the button image. When “correction” is selected, the user inputs the number of strokes after correction. The terminal device 40 transmits the corrected number of strokes to the communication center 30. In the communication center 30, the number of strokes in the storage device is changed to the corrected numerical value.<Display of Shot Information for Each Stroke>

[0276] In the present system S, “display of shot information for each stroke” is provided in addition to the “display of the number of strokes until the ball dropping into the cup” described above. Here, the “shot information for each stroke” is information regarding putting (striking for each stroke) performed from the time when the golf ball is placed on the green G to the ball dropping into the cup.

[0277] When the golf ball goes up to the green G, the communication center 30 starts control related to “display of shot information for each stroke” in parallel with the “display of the number of strokes up to the ball dropping into the cup” described above. Specifically, the communication center 30 receives the ball striking information from the chip-embedded ball 10′ every time the user strikes the chip-embedded ball 10′ once, receives video data acquired (captured) by at least one of the cameras 52, 62, and 25, analyzes the video data, and obtains, as the analysis results, a flight distance of the ball for each stroke, a trajectory of the ball, a speed, a rotation speed, a rotation direction, the number of rotations, a moving direction, a moving image of the ball, the angle of the head, a trajectory, a speed of the head, and the like. Then, the communication center 30 generates “shot information” based on the ball striking information and the video analysis results.

[0278] The shot information is information that visualizes the striking of each stroke of the chip-embedded ball 10′. The shot information includes a flight distance of the ball for each stroke, a trajectory, a speed, a rotation speed, a rotation direction, the number of rotations, a movement direction, a moving image of the ball, an angle of the head, a trajectory, a speed of the head, and the like. The communication center 30 can generate the shot information by analyzing the video data and the ball striking information.

[0279] The communication center 30 transmits the shot information to the terminal device 40. As a result, in the terminal device 40, every time the user strikes the chip-embedded ball 10′, information such as a numerical value, a character string, and an image based on the shot information is displayed on the display device 42. By displaying the shot information, the user can confirm his / her striking for each stroke. In this manner, by visualizing (visualization of) the information regarding the striking for each stroke, it is possible to provide the user with enjoyment of confirming and analyzing his / her play by a numerical value or the like.

[0280] In addition, based on the shot information, an image indicating the movement trajectory of the ball 10 from the teeing ground to the current position can be superimposed on the map video of the golf course and can be displayed on the display device 42 of the terminal device 40. The display of the movement trajectory is as described above in the first embodiment.<Video Game in Conjunction with Striking>

[0281] Next, control for providing a “video game in conjunction with striking” as the assistance content will be described. A “video game” is displayed on the display device 42 of the terminal device 40. Specific examples of the video game include a crane game, a pachinko game, a slot machine, a smart ball game, a shooting game, a puzzle game, a role playing (RPG) game, and the like.

[0282] A storage device (not illustrated) in the terminal device 40 stores a software program for executing the video game.

[0283] In a case of providing the “video game in conjunction with striking”, when the golf ball goes up to the green G, a predetermined video game is started in the terminal device 40. The activation of the video game may be remotely instructed from the communication center 30, or may be manually instructed by the user. A play screen of the video game is displayed on the display device 42 of the terminal device 40. The play screen is in a state of waiting for input to the video game.

[0284] The communication center 30 generates input information for the video game based on ball striking information from the golf ball 10 each time the user strikes the chip-embedded ball 10′.

[0285] The input information is information serving as a trigger for progressing the video game. Specifically, in the case of a shooting game, the input information may be an instruction to shoot in the game or the like. In the case of pachinko, the input information may be an instruction to hit a ball in the game or the like.

[0286] The communication center 30 transmits the generated input information to the terminal device 40 as the assistance information.

[0287] In the terminal device 40, the display of the play screen on the display device 42 is updated based on the input information received from the communication center 30, and the video game progresses. As a result, the video game can be played in conjunction with the golf playing (striking).

[0288] The communication center 30 may generate the input information for the video game in accordance with the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup. In this case, the video game progresses using the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup as a trigger.

[0289] The video game of the terminal device 40 may be a game played by the user alone or a game played with a plurality of users. In the case of a game played with a plurality of users, users playing golf together on a golf course can enjoy a video game linked to the golf playing.<Sound Production>

[0290] Next, control for providing “sound production” as the assistance content will be described.

[0291] The “sound production” is to output a predetermined assistance voice at a predetermined timing to enhance the entertainment of golf playing. Examples of the assistance voice include a sound effect, and a voice that assists (supports) the user who is playing golf, such as music, shout with joy, and cheer. Examples of the timing of outputting the assistance voice include each striking and the ball dropping into the cup. For example, the storage device of the communication center 30 is provided with an assistance voice database in which data (audio data) of a large number of assistance voices is accumulated.

[0292] When acquiring at least one of the ball striking information, the analysis result of the video data, and the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup, the communication center 30 extracts the assistance voice based on the acquired information from the assistance voice database and generates an assistance voice output signal. The assistance voice output signal includes data of the assistance voice extracted from the assistance voice database. The extracted assistance voice is a voice suitable for a golf playing situation estimated based on the ball striking information, the analysis result of the video data, and the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup. Here, the analysis result of the video data is obtained by estimating the progress status of the golf competition from the movement, position, and the like of the user and the golf ball 10 in the video.

[0293] The communication center 30 transmits the generated assistance voice output signal as assistance information to a device to which the acoustic device is attached in the system S of FIG. 1. The device to which the acoustic device is attached includes the cup unit 20, the pin unit 50, the cart unit 60, and the like in addition to the terminal device 40. The device to which the acoustic device outputs (reproduces) the assistance voice based on the received assistance voice output signal.

[0294] As an example of the sound production, there is an example in which different sounds are output between the voice for each stroking and the voice at the time of the ball dropping into the cup. More specifically, there is an example in which cheer is output for each striking, and loud cheer larger than the cheer for each striking is output at the time of the ball dropping into the cup. The striking may be evaluated from the analysis result of the ball striking information or the video data, and different voices may be output according to the superiority or inferiority of the striking. Different voices may be output according to the number of strokes until the ball dropping into the cup.

[0295] It is noted that the assistance voice database may be provided in a device other than the communication center 30, specifically, a device having an acoustic device attached thereto and serving as a destination of the assistance voice output signal.<Illumination Production>

[0296] Next, control for providing the “illumination production” as the assistance content will be described.

[0297] The “illumination production” is to control the light emission of a light source at a certain timing to enhance the entertainment of golf playing. Examples of the light emission control include light blinking control and light emission color change control. Examples of a timing for controlling the light emission include each stroking and the ball dropping into the cup. For example, the storage device of the communication center 30 is provided with a light emission pattern database in which data of a large number of light emission patterns is accumulated. Examples of a light emission pattern include a pattern indicating blinking of light and temporal changes in emission color and brightness. Such illumination production can be utilized in night golf. Specifically, the illumination production can be used for production in which illumination is emitted from the bottom surface of the cup 2.

[0298] When acquiring at least one of the ball striking information, the analysis result of the video data, and the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup, the communication center 30 extracts the light emission pattern based on the acquired information from the light emission pattern database and generates an illumination control signal. The light emission pattern extracted here is suitable for a golf playing situation estimated based on the ball striking information, the analysis result of the video data, and the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup.

[0299] The communication center 30 transmits the generated illumination control signal as assistance information to a device to which a light source device (illumination device and laser irradiator) is attached in the system S′. The device provided with the light source device includes the cup unit 20, the pin unit 50, the cart unit 60, and the like in addition to the terminal device 40. The device provided with the light source device controls light emission of the light source device according to a light emission pattern based on the received illumination control signal.

[0300] It is noted that the light emission pattern database may be provided in a device other than the communication center 30, specifically, in a device to which a light source device is attached and to which an illumination control signal is transmitted.3. Operational Effects

[0301] According to the golf assistance system S′ of the second embodiment, since the above-described configuration is provided, the following operational effects are obtained.

[0302] (1) According to the present system S′, it is possible to generate the assistance information for providing the assistance content based on the ball striking information regarding the striking of the chip-embedded ball 10′ and provide the assistance content based on the assistance information to the user. Therefore, enjoyment by the assistance content is added to normal golf playing. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the enjoyment during golf playing of a user.

[0303] (2) In the present system S′, the assistance information is generated in consideration of not only the ball striking information but also the video data acquired by the camera and the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup, and the assistance content based on the assistance information can be provided to the user. Therefore, it is possible to provide the assistance content that more accurately reflects the golf playing of the user.

[0304] (3) In the present system S′, the normal golf ball is changed to the chip-embedded ball 10′ as the golf playing progresses onto the green G. Therefore, enjoyment by the assistance content is added to the golf playing on the green G. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the enjoyment during golf playing on the green G. In addition, since a normal golf ball is used up to the green G, the risk of losing the special golf ball 10 attached with the microchip is reduced.

[0305] (4) According to the present system S′, “the number of strokes to the ball dropping into the cup” can be displayed as the assistance content. As a result, the user can visually grasp the number of strokes until the ball dropping into the cup.

[0306] (5) According to the present system S′, it is possible to display “shot information visualizing the striking for each stroke” as the assistance content. As a result, the user can visually grasp the information of the striking for each stroke.

[0307] According to the above (4) and (5), by visually providing the information of the number of strokes or the information of striking for each stroke, it becomes easy for the user to grasp the play result of the user, and the enjoyment of the golf playing is enhanced.

[0308] (6) According to the present system S′, the “video game in conjunction with striking” can be provided as assistance content. This allows the user to enjoy the video game in conjunction with the golf playing during the golf playing. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the enjoyment during golf playing.

[0309] In this case, a reward, a free gift, or the like can be given to the play result of the video game separately from the golf playing. Examples of the reward, the free gift, and the like include a coupon available for product purchase and the like, points, miles, mileage, stay mileage, a discount ticket, a service ticket, and the like. This contributes to enhancing enjoyment during golf playing.

[0310] (7) According to the present system S′, the “sound production” can be provided as the assistance content. As a result, it is possible to enhance the entertainment of the golf playing by outputting sound effects, music, shout with joy, cheer, and the like for each striking or at the time of the ball dropping into the cup.

[0311] (8) According to the present system S′, the “illumination production” can be provided as the assistance content. As a result, it is possible to enhance the entertainment of golf playing by blinking the light source device (light) or changing the emission color at the time of each striking or at the time of the ball dropping into the cup.

[0312] (9) In a case where a head-mounted wearable terminal is used as the terminal device 40, it is possible to achieve both golf playing and display browsing. A video, a voice, and the like by the assistance content are provided in superposition with the real world. By providing the assistance content as augmented reality in this manner, it is possible to further enhance the enjoyment of golf playing of a user.III. Third Embodiment1. Configuration

[0313] Next, a configuration of a system S″ according to a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view illustrating an overall configuration of the system S″ according to the third embodiment.

[0314] The present system S″ illustrated in FIG. 10 is different from the system S′ of the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9A in that the system S″ is applied to an indoor golf practice course. In FIG. 10, the elements described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. It is noted that the teeing ground T, the cart 6, and the electric bulletin board 8 are not illustrated in the present system S″ illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0315] The indoor golf practice course is a golf course provided in a building 70. It is noted that the ball used in the system S″ is not limited to the chip-embedded ball 10′, and may be the ordinary ball 10 (FIG. 1) in which a microchip is not embedded.

[0316] In the building 70, an illumination facility 71 and an acoustic facility 72 are installed. The illumination facility 71 and the acoustic facility 72 are connected to the communication center 30 so as to be able to exchange data with each other. The control device 31 of the communication center 30 can control the operation of each of the illumination facility 71 and the acoustic facility 72.

[0317] The illumination facility 71 may include various illumination fixtures such as an electric light, an LED light, a laser irradiator, a spotlight, and strobe illumination. The acoustic facility 72 is a device that includes an amplifier and a speaker and outputs a voice.

[0318] Control for providing the “illumination production” as the assistance content described above in the second embodiment in the present system S″ will be described.

[0319] The control device 31 of the communication center 30 generates an illumination control signal based on at least one of the ball striking information, the analysis result of the video data, and the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup, and transmits the illumination control signal to the illumination facility 71 as the assistance information. In the illumination facility 71, lighting of illumination is controlled based on the illumination control signal.

[0320] In the golf assistance system S″ illustrated in FIG. 10, a display (monitor) 100 for the user is disposed at any position in the building 70. The monitor 100 is an example of a display device for displaying various information, and is installed near the user. The monitor 100 is provided with a control mechanism 101, a display device 102, a communication device 103, an input device 104, an acoustic device 105, a camera 106, a sensor 107, an illumination device 108, and the like. As the sensor, for example, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric authentication sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor (a pressure sensor), a temperature sensor, a microphone (a sound pressure sensor), an azimuth sensor, a proximity sensor, a luminance sensor (an ambient light sensor), a human sensor, a wind meter, an anemometer, an infrared sensor, an infrared camera, a snow cover meter (a snow cover meter based on a laser-reflection image or an image captured by a camera), or the like may be provided. That is, the monitor 100 functions as one of the devices in the golf assistance system S″, and can be configured as an AI device having multiple functions of cooperating with other devices in the golf assistance system S″, displaying various information for the user, outputting a voice, and performing a predetermined function or emitting light in response to a predetermined voice input such as “Alexa (registered trademark)”, “OK Google (registered trademark)”, or “Hey Siri (registered trademark)”. The monitor 100 can display the above-described various assistance contents, a moving image obtained by capturing a form of the user, a still image, and the like, weather, current news, a score of the user, ranking, and the like. The monitor 100 allows the user to easily see the visual information provided by the golf assistance system S″. Additionally, the monitored golf assistance system S″ functions as an element within the golf assistance system S″ in conjunction with other equipment within the system S. For example, the user may be connected to an interactive online golf lesson service via the Internet using the monitor 100.2. Operation and Effects

[0321] According to the present system S″, lighting of the illumination facility 71 in the building 70 of the indoor golf practice course is controlled based on at least one of ball striking information, an analysis result of video data, and information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup. Therefore, “illumination production” of various modes can be performed in conjunction with golf playing. As an aspect of the illumination production, for example, there are disco style, club style flashy illumination, and magical illumination. Therefore, the user of the indoor golf practice course can enjoy the golf playing more.

[0322] In the present system S″ illustrated in FIG. 10, in the control of providing the “sound production” as the assistance content described above in the second embodiment, the control device 31 of the communication center 30 can control the acoustic facility 72. In this case, when acquiring at least one of the ball striking information, the analysis result of the video data, and the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup, the control device 31 of the communication center 30 generates an audio output signal and transmits the voice output signal to the acoustic facility 72. In the acoustic facility 72, a voice is output based on the voice output signal or the voice guide signal.

[0323] It is noted that the place to which the system S″ is applied is not limited to the inside (indoor) of the building 70 of the indoor golf practice course illustrated in FIG. 10, and may be any place such as outdoors, a garden, a square, an open lot, a terrace, or on a ship.IV. Others

[0324] The above embodiment is merely an example, and there is no intention to exclude application of various modifications and techniques that are not explicitly described in the present embodiment. Each configuration of the present embodiment can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the spirit thereof. In addition, selection can be made as necessary, or a combination can be made as appropriate.

[0325] For example, the chip-embedded ball 10′ described in the second embodiment can be applied not only to a golf ball but also to various types of balls such as a baseball, a tennis ball, and a soccer ball.

[0326] In addition, the identification of the individual balls 10 described in the first embodiment can be applied not only to golf balls but also to various types of balls such as baseball, tennis balls, and soccer balls.

[0327] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the control device 31 of the communication center 30 can provide a guide for golf playing based on the analysis result of video data captured by the cameras 52, 62, and the like. Specifically, the instruction of the golf playing is to present tips of the golf playing, such as a swing trajectory as a sample, a form as a sample, a swing rhythm, a driving direction of a ball, and an accurate impact in a pattern, a photograph, a moving image, a voice, a rhythm sound, a character string, or the like. In addition, it is also possible to perform face authentication of the user and detect vital information (blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, water content, and the like) of the user during golf playing based on the video data captured by cameras provided in various devices of the system such as the cameras 52 and 62.

[0328] In each of the above embodiments, as the golf club 1, a golf club provided with a striking assistance mechanism including a sensor that detects the presence or absence of striking of a ball, the angle of the head, the speed of the head, and the like, a camera that captures the front side of the head, a laser irradiator for emitting guided light, and the like may be used.

[0329] The power source (battery) of the various devices described above may be any known power source such as a rechargeable battery or a solar battery. In a case where a rechargeable battery is used as the power supply, it may be capable of aerial charging (wireless power transmission) or USB charging.

[0330] One or more of the various functions described as specific examples of the assistance content may be implemented in any combination.

[0331] The golf assistance system is not limited to being applied only to a partial region (green) of the golf course, and may be applied to the entire golf course.

[0332] In the golf assistance system described above, the configuration in which the control for providing the assistance content is started after the golf ball goes up to the green is taken as an example. The control of providing the assistance content is not limited thereto, and may be started at any timing during the golf playing. As an example of the timing of starting the control of providing the assistance content, a timing of shooting a golf ball on the teeing ground can be mentioned.

[0333] The smartphone or the wearable terminal used as the terminal device 40 may have, for example, the following functions. The following functions are also useful for enhancing the enjoyment of golf and enhancing the striking assistance effect of golf.

[0334] Function of providing play assistance information by voice assistant

[0335] Function of providing play assistance information in response to a predetermined voice input such as “Alexa (registered trademark)”, “OK Google (registered trademark)”, or “Hey Siri (registered trademark)”

[0336] Function of providing play assistance information by artificial intelligence (AI) application

[0337] Function of providing a banner advertisement and a voice advertisement

[0338] Function of providing a game during a wait time during a golf round

[0339] Function of providing points depending on golf playing

[0340] Function of surveying a golf course and presenting an actual measurement result to a user

[0341] Function of guiding a striking direction of a golf ball to a user

[0342] Function of measuring movement of user during golf playing

[0343] Function of detecting vital information (blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, water content, and the like) of a user during golf playing

[0344] Function of estimating movement trajectory of golf ball

[0345] Function of tracking movement of a golf ball

[0346] Function of capturing a swing and a form of a user

[0347] Function of recording golf playing as a moving image

[0348] Upload function of a golf playing video

[0349] Remote operation (remote control) function of a golf cart or a drone

[0350] Function of browsing SNS or website while golf playing

[0351] Function of browsing a video during golf playing

[0352] Function of browsing document files and video files during golf playing

[0353] Function of inputting a document or making a call during golf playing

[0354] In FIG. 2 described above, the configuration in which the first sensor 22 is accommodated in the cup unit accommodation body 20A disposed below the tray reception portion 2B on the bottom surface of the cup 2 has been exemplified, but the arrangement of the first sensor 22 is not limited to the above-described configuration example. FIGS. 11 to 16 illustrate an arrangement modification of the first sensor 22 in the cup 2, and illustrate a configuration example in which the first sensor 22 is disposed at a position other than the cup unit accommodation body 20A. In these configuration examples, the cup unit accommodation body 20A accommodates components of the cup unit 20 except the first sensor 22. It is noted that the elements described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those described above, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0355] FIG. 11 illustrates a protruding (butch-shaped) sensor casing 22A protruding inwards in the radial direction on the inner peripheral surface of the cup main body portion 2A above the bottom surface of the cup 2. The first sensor 22 is accommodated in the protruding sensor casing 22A. In addition to the first sensor 22, a camera configured to capture (detect) the ball 10 that has dropped into the cup 2 may be provided in the ring-shaped sensor casing 22B.

[0356] FIG. 12 illustrates a ring-shaped sensor casing 22B disposed along the inner peripheral surface of the cup main body portion 2A above the bottom surface of the cup 2. The first sensor 22 is accommodated in the ring-shaped sensor casing 22B. In addition to the first sensor 22, a camera configured to capture (detect) the ball 10 that has dropped into the cup 2 may be provided in the ring-shaped sensor casing 22B.

[0357] FIG. 13 illustrates a configuration example in which a sensor casing 22C is embedded in the center of the tray reception portion 2B. The sensor casing 22C is formed in a shape surrounding the periphery of the hole 2D (that is, the shaft member of the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C constituting the pin case) at the center of the tray reception portion 2B. The first sensor 22 is accommodated in the sensor casing 22C. In addition to the first sensor 22, a camera configured to capture (detect) the ball 10 that has dropped into the cup 2 may be provided in the sensor casing 22C.

[0358] FIG. 14 illustrates a configuration example in which a ring-shaped sensor casing 22D is formed on the outer peripheral portion (edge portion) of the tray reception portion 2B. The first sensor 22 is accommodated in the ring-shaped sensor casing 22D. The ring-shaped sensor casing 22D may be formed integrally with the tray reception portion 2B, or may be detachably attached to the tray reception portion 2B separately. Further, in the ring-shaped sensor casing 22D, in addition to the first sensor 22, a camera used for capturing (detecting) the ball 10 that has dropped into the cup 2 or capturing the periphery of the cup 2 may be provided.

[0359] FIG. 15 illustrates a configuration example in which the sensor casing 22C′ (refer to FIG. 13) is embedded in the center of the tray reception portion 2B, and the ring-shaped sensor casing 22D′ (refer to FIG. 14) is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the tray reception portion 2B.

[0360] In this case, at least one of the camera and the first sensor 22 may be provided in one of the sensor casing 22C′ and the ring-shaped sensor casing 22D′, and at least the other of the camera and the first sensor 22 may be accommodated in the other. Specifically, a configuration example in which the camera is accommodated in the sensor casing 22C′ and the first sensor 22 is accommodated in the ring-shaped sensor casing 22D′ can be cited. As another example, the first sensor 22 may be accommodated in the sensor casing 22C′ and the camera may be accommodated in the ring-shaped sensor casing 22D′. In addition, the camera (or the first sensor 22) may be provided in both the sensor casing 22C′ and the ring-shaped sensor casing 22D′, or both the camera and the first sensor 22 may be provided in both the sensor casing 22C′ and the ring-shaped sensor casing 22D′.

[0361] FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate a configuration example of a sensor casing 22E protruding upwards at the center of the tray reception portion 2B. The sensor casing 22E forms a raised portion with respect to the upper surface of the tray reception portion 2B.

[0362] At least one of the first sensor 22 and the camera is accommodated in the sensor casing 22E. The sensor casing 22E may be formed integrally with the tray reception portion 2B, or may be detachably attached to the tray reception portion 2B as a separate body.

[0363] FIG. 16A illustrates a configuration example in which a ring-shaped sensor casing 22D″ is erected along the outer peripheral portion of the upper surface of the tray reception portion 2B in addition to the sensor casing 22E. In this case as well, at least one of the camera and the first sensor 22 may be provided in one of the sensor casing 22E and the ring-shaped sensor casing 22D″, and at least the other of the camera and the first sensor 22 may be accommodated in the other.

[0364] FIG. 16B illustrates a configuration example in which the sensor casing 22E is provided and the ring-shaped sensor casing 22D″ is not provided.

[0365] FIG. 17 illustrates a state in which the tray reception portion 2B is moved upwards by the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C in FIG. 16A described above. In a case where the camera is accommodated in the sensor casing 22E and the first sensor 22 is accommodated in the ring-shaped sensor casing 22D″ with this configuration, the camera in the sensor casing 22E can be raised to the outside of the cup main body portion 2A by raising the tray reception portion 2B, as illustrated in FIG. 17. As a result, the periphery of the cup 2 can be captured for example, by 360 degrees using the camera in the sensor casing 22E.

[0366] FIG. 18 illustrates a state in which the tray reception portion 2B is moved upwards by the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C in FIG. 16B. In this case, for example, by accommodating the camera and the first sensor 22 in a sensor casing 22E′, it is possible to detect the fall of the ball 10 into the cup 2 using the camera and the first sensor 22 and to capture the periphery of the cup 2, for example, 360 degrees using the camera in the sensor casing 22E when the tray reception portion 2B is moved upwards, as illustrated in FIG. 18.

[0367] FIG. 19 illustrates a state in which the sensor casing 22E is further moved upwards above the tray reception portion 2B by the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C from the state of FIG. 17 described above. FIG. 20 illustrates a state in which the sensor casing 22E′ is further moved upwards above the tray reception portion 2B by the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C from the state in FIG. 18 described above.

[0368] As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, the sensor casing 22E and the sensor casing 22E′ may be configured to be moved upwards with respect to the tray reception portion 2B. When a camera is accommodated in the sensor casing 22E, the periphery of the cup 2 can be captured, for example, by 360 degrees using the camera in the sensor casing 22E.

[0369] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the sensor casing 22E may be configured to be raised away from the tray reception portion 2B without raising the tray reception portion 2B in FIG. 16A described above. In this case as well, when the camera is accommodated in the sensor casing 22E, the periphery of the cup 2 can be captured, for example, by 360 degrees using the camera in the sensor casing 22E.

[0370] It is noted that, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 21, the tray reception portion 2B and the sensor casing 22E can be moved upwards or downwards by the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C in a state in which the pin 5 (indicated by a broken line in the drawing) is inserted into the hole 2D. Here, the pin 5 inserted into the hole 2D together with the tray reception portion 2B and the sensor casing 22E by the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C may be moved upwards or downwards, or only the tray reception portion 2B and the sensor casing 22E by the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C may be moved upwards or downwards, and the pin 5 inserted into the hole 2D may not be moved upwards or downwards.

[0371] FIG. 22 illustrates a configuration example in which an accommodation portion 22F accommodating the first sensor 22 or the camera is disposed in the shaft member (that is, a member that is stretchable in the vertical direction and forms a pin case through which the pin 5 can be inserted) of the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C. Here, the camera is used for capturing (detecting) the ball 10 that has dropped into the cup 2 and capturing the periphery of the cup 2. In FIG. 22, the accommodation portion 22F is disposed at the tip portion of the shaft member of the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C. The tip portion of the shaft member of the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C is moved upwards or downwards independently of the tray reception portion 2B by upward / downward movement driving of the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C. FIG. 22 illustrates a state in which the tray reception portion 2B is moved upwards from the bottom surface of the cup 2, and a portion (tip portion) of the shaft member of the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C including the accommodation portion 22F protrudes upwards from the tray reception portion 2B. The periphery of the cup 2 can be captured, for example, by 360 degrees using the camera in the accommodation portion 22F in a state in which the portion (tip portion) including the accommodation portion 22F protrudes upwards from the tray reception portion 2B.

[0372] As illustrated in FIG. 23, the tray reception portion 2B may not be moved from the bottom surface of the cup 2, and only a portion (tip portion) of the shaft member of the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C including the accommodation portion 22F may be extended upwards. The periphery of the cup 2 can be captured, for example, by 360 degrees using the camera in the accommodation portion 22F in a state in which the portion (tip portion) including the accommodation portion 22F is extended upwards.

[0373] As illustrated in FIG. 24, the accommodation portion 22F may be disposed below the tray reception portion 2B in the shaft member of the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C.

[0374] It is noted that, although the upward or downward movement driving by the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C has been described in FIGS. 17 to 24, the operation mode of the upward or downward movement driving is not particularly limited, and various modes can be considered. For example, the upward or downward operation may be started immediately after the upward or downward operation by the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C, or the upward movement state may be maintained after the upward movement operation by the upward / downward movement mechanism 2C. The upward / downward movement mechanism 2C may start the upward movement operation in response to the pulling out of the pin 5.

[0375] In FIGS. 4A and 4B and FIGS. 5A and 5B described above, the configuration example in which the rods 24 and 24′ of the camera-equipped extensible rod mechanism 20B are disposed at the radial center of the cup 2 is illustrated, but the arrangement of the rods of the camera-equipped extensible rod mechanism 20B is not limited thereto.

[0376] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 25, a rod 24″ of the camera-equipped extensible rod mechanism 20B may be disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the cup 2.

[0377] A solar panel may be attached to the pin 5. The solar panel is a power generation panel for generating power used for various devices in the system S such as the terminal device 40 and the chip-embedded ball 10′. The arrangement of the solar panel with respect to the pin 5 may be appropriately set from the viewpoint of efficiently collecting sunlight and the viewpoint of the functionality of the pin 5.

[0378] FIG. 26A illustrates a configuration example in which a plate-shaped solar panel 5S is attached to the tip of the pin 5. FIG. 26B illustrates a configuration example in which the solar panel 5S is provided below the flag 5A at the tip of the pin 5. FIG. 26C illustrates a configuration example in which the solar panel 5S is attached to the pin 5′ capable of bending the upper portion 5U with respect to the lower portion 5D in the hinge portion 5C. As illustrated in FIG. 26C, the solar panel 5S may be disposed below the hinge portion 5C at the pin 5′. In this case, the pin 5′ can be supported in a lying posture by a part of the solar panel 5S. The solar panel 5S is detachably attached to the pins 5 and 5′. The pin unit 50 and the battery of other devices can be charged with the power generated by the solar panel 5S.

[0379] As illustrated in FIG. 27, a support plate 5L may be provided below the hinge portion 5C at the pin 5′ capable of bending the upper portion 5U with respect to the lower portion 5D in the hinge portion 5C. The support plate 5L has a function of supporting the pin 5′ in a lying posture, a function as a grip support when the pin 5′ is moved upwards. The support plate 5L is detachably attached to the pin 5′. Instead of the support plate 5L, a grip member may be attached to the pin 5′ to facilitate upward movement of the pin 5′. The grip member has a shape covering the pin 5′, for example, and is formed of a known material having excellent gripping properties, such as a resin member or an EVA foam. The position at which the grip member is attached is, for example, a position below the hinge portion 5C, but may be an upper portion, a middle portion, or a lower portion of the pin 5′.

[0380] As illustrated in FIGS. 28A to 28D, the pin 5 may be formed in a rod shape by connecting a plurality of members to each other. FIGS. 28A to 28D illustrate a configuration example in which three members of an upper portion 5P, a middle portion 5Q, and a lower portion 5R are detachably connected to each other so as to form one pin 5 as an example. A connection method of the upper portion 5P, the middle portion 5Q, and the lower portion 5R may be a screwing type, a push type, a folding type, a button type, or any other connection method.

[0381] In this case, the first camera 52 and the pin unit 50 including a sensor may be embedded in at least one of the upper portion 5P, the middle portion 5Q, and the lower portion 5R. FIG. 28A illustrates a configuration example in which the pin unit 50 is embedded in the upper portion 5P. FIG. 28B illustrates a configuration example in which the pin unit 50 is embedded in the middle portion 5Q. FIG. 28C illustrates a configuration example in which the pin unit 50 is embedded in the lower portion 5R. FIG. 28D illustrates a configuration example in which the pin unit 50 is embedded in the upper portion 5P and the lower portion 5R. In the configuration example of FIG. 28D, the components of the pin unit 50 may be dispersedly accommodated in the upper portion 5P and the lower portion 5R. The user may freely set the attachment position of the pin unit 50.

[0382] Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 28A to 28D, a solar panel 5Z (indicated by a broken line) may be wound around the periphery of the pin 5. The solar panel 5Z is detachably attached to the periphery of the pin 5. As a structure for detachably attaching the solar panel 5Z to the pin 5, a known technique such as a screw type, a projection engagement (butch) type, or a fitting type can be applied. The position of the solar panel 5Z in the vertical direction is not limited. The pin unit 50 and the battery of other devices can be charged with the power generated by the solar panel 5Z. It is noted that the solar panel 5Z may be fixedly embedded in the pin 5 (that is, “formed by single drawing with the pin 5”).

[0383] FIGS. 29A to 29E list modifications of the attachment method of the microchip 12a in the chip-embedded ball 10′. FIG. 29A illustrates a configuration example in which the microchip 12a is attached using a U-shaped mount member 12b, and the mount member 12b has a shape having an outward claw portion. FIG. 29B illustrates a configuration example in which the microchip 12a is attached using the U-shaped mount member 12b, and the mount member 12b has a shape having an inward claw portion. FIG. 29C illustrates a configuration example in which the microchip 12a is attached using a mount member 12c having a square shape, and the mount member 12c is provided with a screw portion 12d for screwing to the chip-embedded ball 10′. FIG. 29D illustrates a configuration example in which the microchip 12a is attached using a mount member 12e having a square shape, and has a structure in which the mount member 12e is fixed to the chip-embedded ball 10′ using a screw 12f separate from the mount member 12e. FIG. 29E illustrates a configuration example in which the microchip 12a is attached using a mount member 12g having a square shape, and has a structure in which a plurality of engagement protrusions 12h are provided to protrude on the outer periphery of the mount member 12g.

[0384] As illustrated in FIG. 30, a ball gauge 600 may be disposed behind the cup 2 as viewed from the user standing opposite to the cup 2. The ball gauge 600 is an auxiliary equipment for providing a user with a mark related to a position separated from the cup 2 in the left-and-right direction (L, R direction in the drawing) as a guide in a driving direction of the ball. The ball gauge 600 in FIG. 30 is formed of a member having a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. Among the six surfaces of the ball gauge 600, a surface facing the user in a state of being disposed behind the cup 2 is referred to as a “front surface portion”610.

[0385] The front surface portion 610 is formed in a longitudinal shape in the left-and-right direction. The front surface portion 610 is fixedly provided with a panel 611 at the center in the left-and-right direction. The panel 611 is a mark for notifying the user of the position of the cup 2. A plurality of patterns 612 are disposed separately from the panel 611 in a horizontal direction. The pattern 612 has, for example, a circular shape simulatively representing a ball, and is a ball position mark serving as a mark of the position of the ball 3 in the left-and-right direction with respect to the panel 611 (cup 2). The pattern 612 functions as a scale (scale for about one ball) for measuring a dimension separated from the panel 611 (cup 2) in the left-and-right direction. For example, the pattern 612 on the right side of the panel 611 is a mark indicating a position shifted rightwards by one ball from the cup 2.

[0386] In addition, laser light sources 613L and 613R are fixedly provided on both left and right sides of the front surface portion 610 to irradiate the user with laser light LX for a ball driving direction guide.

[0387] In the ball gauge 600 in FIG. 30, the panel 611, the pattern 612, and the laser light sources 613L and 613R are also provided on an upper surface portion 620.

[0388] The panel 611 has a lateral dimension set to be equal to or smaller than the diameter of the cup 2. The pattern 612 is set to have a diameter equal to or smaller than the diameter of the ball. From the viewpoint of enhancing the accuracy as a mark, the lateral dimension of the panel 611 is preferably slightly smaller than the diameter of the cup 2, and the diameter of the pattern 612 is preferably slightly smaller than the diameter of the ball.

[0389] The laser light sources 613L and 613R are attached to the front surface portion 610 so as to be adjustable in angle. As the angle-adjustable mounting structure, for example, a known technique such as a ball joint may be applied. The angles of the laser light sources 613L and 613R may be manually adjusted by the user, or may be automatically adjusted by a power supply (not illustrated) or a driving mechanism including a motor.

[0390] The ball gauge 600 is disposed behind the cup 2 as viewed from the user with the front surface portion 610 facing the user. As a result, the panel 611 and the pattern 612 of the front surface portion 610 serve as marks for the position of the cup 2 and the ball striking direction. In the ball gauge 600 in which the panel 611 and the laser light sources 613L and 613R are fixedly provided, the position of the mark (panel 611) with respect to the cup 2 is adjusted by changing the arrangement position of the ball gauge 600 with respect to the cup 2.

[0391] For example, in a case of practice of striking rightwards (or leftwards) by one ball or striking rightwards (or leftwards) by a ball diameter half according to the undulation of the golf rolling surface, the arrangement of the ball gauge 600 in the left-and-right direction is adjusted so as to move the panel 611 rightwards (or leftwards) with respect to the cup 2 by the ball diameter half. This makes it possible to provide a mark regarding the position of the ball in the left-and-right direction with respect to the cup 2.

[0392] Therefore, the assistance effect can be enhanced in the golf assistance system.

[0393] In order to facilitate the movement (position adjustment) of the ball gauge 600, the lower surface portion of the ball gauge 600 may be provided with a moving mechanism for facilitating the movement such as casters, wheels, and rollers.

[0394] A ball gauge 600′ illustrated in FIG. 31 is a modification of the ball gauge 600 in FIG. 30, and a panel 611′ and laser light sources 613L′ and 613R′ are provided to be movable in the left-and-right direction in a front surface portion 610′. In FIG. 31, the movement directions of the panel 611′ and the laser light sources 613L′ and 613R′ are indicated by white arrows.

[0395] In the example illustrated in FIG. 31, as an example, the front surface portion 610′ is provided with rails 614 and 615 extending in the left-and-right direction. The rail 614 supports the panel 611′ movably in the left-and-right direction, and the rail 615 supports each of the laser light sources 613L′ and 613R′ movably in the left-and-right direction. For example, the movement range of each of the panel 611′ and the laser light sources 613L′ and 613R′ is set to the entire width in the left-and-right direction of the ball gauge 600′. The movement range of each of the panel 611′ and the laser light sources 613L′ and 613R′ is not limited to the entire width in the left-and-right direction of the ball gauge 600′, and may be variably set as appropriate within a partial range of the entire width in the left-and-right direction. It is noted that, since the rails 614 and 615 are arranged side by side so as not to cross each other, the panel 611′ and the laser light sources 613L′ and 613R′ can pass each other when moving in the left-and-right direction.

[0396] In the ball gauge 600′ in FIG. 31, the panel 611′, a pattern 612′, and the laser light sources 613 L′ and 613R′ are also provided on an upper surface portion 620′.

[0397] In this case, the ball gauge 600′ does not move, but moves the panel 611′ (and the laser light sources 613L′ and 613R′) in the left-and-right direction to adjust the position of the mark (panel 611) with respect to the cup 2. For example, the panel 611′ or the laser light sources 613L′ and 613R′ can be moved according to the green undulation. As a result, the assistance effect can be further enhanced in the golf assistance system.

[0398] It is noted that the movement of the panel 611′ and the laser light sources 613L′ and 613R′ in the left-and-right direction may be manually adjusted by a user, or may be automatically adjusted by a power supply (not illustrated) or a driving mechanism including a motor.

[0399] In FIGS. 30 and 31, the ball gauges 600 and 600′ of the type directly placed on the ground are taken as an example, but the ball gauges 600 and 600′ may have legs (not illustrated) for supporting the ball gauges 600 and 600′ from below, and may be disposed on the ground via the legs (not illustrated). As illustrated in FIG. 32, the ball gauges 600 and 600′ may be attached to the pin 5. As illustrated in FIG. 32, in the structure in which the ball gauges 600 and 600′ are attached to the pin 5, the ball gauges 600 and 600′ may be fixed to the pin 5, or may be attached to the pin 5 so as to be movable in attachment positions vertically and horizontally. The movement of the attachment position may be performed manually or may be electrically controlled by a driving mechanism (not illustrated). The electric control may be remotely operated using a remote controller (not illustrated) or may be operated by a switch (not illustrated) provided on the ball gauges 600 and 600′.

[0400] Any shape other than a circle may be drawn as the pattern 612 on the front surface portion 610. Furthermore, a scale for measuring the length may be drawn on the front surface portion 610 instead of the pattern 612 or in addition to the pattern 612 as a mark. The unit of the scale may be any unit such as cm, mm, foot, or inch.

[0401] In the ball gauges 600 and 600′, the panels 611 and 611′, the pattern 612, and the laser light sources 613L, 613R, 613L′, and 613R′ may be provided on at least one of the front surface portions 610 and 610′ and the upper surface portions 620 and 620′.

[0402] The shape, size, and lateral dimension of the ball gauges 600 and 600′ are not limited. For example, the ball gauges 600 and 600′ are not limited to a prismatic shape as illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31, and may have a flat plate shape, a disk shape, or any other shape.

[0403] The number of laser light sources is not limited to two, and may be one or more.

[0404] Furthermore, the ball gauges 600 and 600′ may include a communication device, a camera, a display device, an acoustic device (microphone and speaker), and the like, which are not illustrated, and may be one of the components of the golf assistance systems S, S′, and S″. Further, the ball gauges 600 and 600′ may be provided with a horizontal device.

[0405] As a mark related to the position of the ball in the left-and-right direction (L and R directions in the drawing) with respect to the cup 2, mini pins 700 and 700′ respectively illustrated in FIGS. 33 and 34 may be provided instead of the ball gauges 600 and 600′ or in addition to the ball gauges 600 and 600′. The mini pins 700 and 700′ are each an auxiliary pin that is disposed behind the cup 2 as viewed from the user and displaced in the left-and-right direction (L and R directions in the drawing) with respect to the cup 2, and each serves as a mark for the position of the cup 2 and the ball striking direction.

[0406] The mini pins 700 and 700′ are each made of a short rod-like member, and the mini pin 700 in FIG. 33 has spike portion 701 for grounding at a lower end portion thereof and a laser light source 702 at an upper portion thereof. The mini pin 700 is used by piercing the spike portion 701 into the ground. The mini pin 700′ in FIG. 34 has a plate portion 703 for grounding at a lower end portion thereof and a laser light source 704 at an upper portion thereof. The mini pin 700′ is used standing on the ground at the plate portion 703.

[0407] The laser light sources 702 and 704 each emit laser light LY for a striking direction guide. The arrangement position of the laser light sources 702 and 704 in the mini pins 700 and 700′ is not limited to the upper portion, but may be a lower portion or a middle portion, and is in any arrangement position.

[0408] In addition, each of the mini pins 700 and 700′ may include a communication device, a camera, a display device, an acoustic device (microphone and speaker), and the like, which are not illustrated, and may be one of the components of the golf assistance systems S and S′.

[0409] FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a smart glass (glasses-type wearable device) 40W applied as the terminal device 40 and the user wearing the smart glass 40W. Video data captured by a camera 40X mounted on the smart glass 40W can be transmitted to the communication center 30 as golf playing information.

[0410] FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram of an example of VR goggles (head-mounted type VR terminal device) 40Z applied as the terminal device 40 and the user wearing the VR goggles 40Z. A video data captured by the camera 40X mounted on the VR goggles 40Z can be transmitted to the communication center 30 as golf playing information.

[0411] It is noted that, as for the smart glasses and the VR goggles, well-known techniques may be appropriately adopted, and shapes and structures thereof are not limited to the illustrated examples. The smart glass 40W and the VR goggles 40Z can be used as a display device for displaying a video by various known information display techniques such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), or mixed reality (MR).

[0412] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 37A, a solar panel 2X may be attached to the upper surface of the tray reception portion 2B in the cup 2. As illustrated in FIG. 37A, the solar panel 2X may be bonded to the entire upper surface of the tray reception portion 2B, or may be provided only on a part of the upper surface of the tray reception portion 2B. In this case, in order to protect the surface of the solar panel 2X, a protective sheet (a protective cover) may be provided on the surface of the solar panel 2X. FIG. 37B is a cross-sectional view of a part of the cup main body portion 2A in the cup 2 as viewed from the arrow V in FIG. 37A (a cross-sectional view taken in the axial direction of the cup main body portion 2A). As illustrated in FIG. 37B, a solar panel 2Y may be attached to the inner peripheral surface of the cup main body portion 2A. In FIG. 37B, the solar panel 2Y is provided on a part of the cup main body portion 2A, but may be provided on the entire inner periphery of the cup main body portion 2A.

[0413] It is noted that, in the golf assistance systems S, S′, and S″, the configuration in which the cup 2, the pin 5, the cart 6, and the club 1 include a camera, a laser, a sensor, an acoustic device, and the like has been described. However, at least one of the cup 2, the pin 5, the cart 6, and the club 1 may include a camera, a laser, a sensor, an acoustic device, and the like. For example, the cup 2 may be a normal cup not including an attachment mechanism such as a camera, and the pin 5 and the cart 6 may be configured as an AI pin or an AI club including a camera or the like. In addition, any device in the golf assistance systems S, S′, and S″ may include a camera, a laser, a sensor, an acoustic device, and the like.

[0414] It is noted that, in the above-described embodiment, the golf assistance systems S, S′, and S″ have been described. However, in the golf assistance systems S, S′, and S″, each device in the system, that is, the cup 2, the pin 5, and the club 1 includes an attachment mechanism such as a camera, a laser, a sensor, or an acoustic device as described above. Therefore, the present disclosure can be configured as a disclosure of a pin including an attachment mechanism such as a camera, a laser, a sensor, or an acoustic device, a disclosure of a cup including an attachment mechanism such as a camera, a laser, a sensor, or an acoustic device, a disclosure of a cart including an attachment mechanism such as a camera, a laser, a sensor, or an acoustic device, or a disclosure of a club including an attachment mechanism such as a camera, a laser, a sensor, or an acoustic device.

[0415] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the golf assistance system S may further include an auxiliary terminal device 90. The auxiliary terminal device 90 is an auxiliary information terminal device (that is, a slave device of a device in the system S) provided to assist, cooperate, complement, or substitute various processes and functions performed by the devices 20, 30, 60, and the like constituting the golf assistance system S. The auxiliary terminal device 90 may be configured as an information terminal device including attachment mechanisms such as a control mechanism 91, a display device 92, a communication device 93 (an auxiliary terminal transmission means), an input device 94, an acoustic device 95, a camera 96 (an auxiliary terminal camera), a sensor 97, and an illumination device 98, for example, and can function as one of the devices constituting the system S. That is, the auxiliary terminal device 90 can transmit information captured and detected by the camera 96 or the sensor 97 to another device in the system S, and can output a voice or illuminate based on information received from another device in the system S. The camera 96 may be a 360-degree camera or a camera that captures an image in a range narrower than 360 degrees. Furthermore, the camera 25 may be configured as a 3D camera. As described above, various types of information (for example, monitoring information of a player or a ball) in the golf course can be acquired using the camera 96 and the sensor 97. It is noted that the various types of information acquired by the auxiliary terminal device 90 may be treated as sub, complementary, auxiliary, or alternative information of various types of information acquired by other devices in the system S, or may be treated as independent main information. The video acquired by the camera 96 can be used to generate assistance information or can be used as commentary video data (a live camera) for monitoring and managing the current state in the golf course.

[0416] As the sensor, for example, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric authentication sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor (a pressure sensor), a temperature sensor, a microphone (a sound pressure sensor), an azimuth sensor, a proximity sensor, a luminance sensor (an ambient light sensor), a human sensor, a wind meter, an anemometer, an infrared sensor, an infrared camera, a snow cover meter (a snow cover meter based on a laser-reflection image or an image captured by a camera), or the like may be provided. That is, the auxiliary terminal device 90 functions as one of the devices in the assistance system S, and can be configured as an AI device having multiple functions of cooperating with other devices in the system S, displaying various types of information for the user, outputting a voice, and performing a predetermined function or emitting light with a predetermined voice input such as “Alexa (registered trademark)”, “OK Google (registered trademark)”, or “Hey Siri (registered trademark)” as a trigger.

[0417] The auxiliary terminal device 90 may be installed at any place in the golf course so as to be fixed or capable of changing (moving) the mounting position. As an example, one or more auxiliary terminal devices 90 are installed outside the green G and in the vicinity of the green G. In the installation example of the auxiliary terminal device 90, the cup unit 20 and the pin unit 50 perform capturing, sensing, and the like in the green G, whereas the auxiliary terminal device 90 performs capturing, sensing, and the like outside the green G, so that a “blind spot” of the cup unit 20 and the pin unit 50 outside the green G and in the green G can be compensated by the information acquired by the auxiliary terminal device 90.

[0418] As an example of the external shape of the auxiliary terminal device 90, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 38A, there is an external shape formed of a bar-shaped member 90A extending upwards from a ground 90B (a sub-pin and an antenna type). In this case, the bar-shaped member 90A is equipped with attachment mechanisms such as the control mechanism 91, the display device 92, the communication device 93, the input device 94, the acoustic device 95, the camera 96, the sensor 97, the illumination device 98, and the like.

[0419] In addition, the bar-shaped member 90A as the auxiliary terminal device 90 is preferably accommodated in an accommodation portion 90C (indicated by a broken line in the drawing) embedded in the ground 90B when not used by the user. FIG. 38B illustrates a state in which the bar-shaped member 90A is accommodated in the accommodation portion 90C.

[0420] The bar-shaped member 90A is preferably configured to be capable of adjusting the dimension in the axial direction in terms of expansion and contraction. The bar-shaped member 90A is extended at the time of use illustrated in FIG. 38A, and the bar-shaped member 90A is contracted at the time of non-use illustrated in FIG. 38B, and is accommodated in the accommodation portion 90C under the ground 90B. A lid 90D is preferably provided to close the upper end portion of the accommodation portion 90C. By closing the lid 90D at the time of non-use, the bar-shaped member 90A can be hidden, and foreign matters can be prevented from being mixed into the accommodation portion 90C, and the like. In the unused state, the upper end portion of the bar-shaped member 90A may be located below the lid 90D, or may be at the same height position (the ground surface position) as the lid 90D. In a case where the upper end portion of the bar-shaped member 90A is at the ground surface position in the unused state, for example, a structure in which a hole through which the bar-shaped member 90A is inserted is provided in a part of the lid 90D, and the bar-shaped member 90A protrudes upwards from the ground surface through the hole of the lid 90D or contracts into the accommodation portion 90C can be adopted.

[0421] The lid 90D is automatically or manually opened when the auxiliary terminal device 90 is used. The lid 90D may be covered with lawn similar to the surface of the ground 90B in the golf course. In this case, the user can walk on the lid 90D (accommodation portion 90C) without feeling uncomfortable.

[0422] A mechanism for extension and contraction of the bar-shaped member 90A is not particularly limited, but a well-known structure such as a nested type (a telescopic structure), a folding type, or the like may be used. The bar-shaped member 90A may be automatically driven to be expanded and contracted by a driving device (not illustrated), or may be manually expanded and contracted. As the driving device, a known driving device such as an electric motor, a hydraulic driving device, a pneumatic driving device, or a hydraulic driving device can be used. In addition, power may be supplied to the auxiliary terminal device 90 from a power supply (not illustrated) in a wired or wireless manner. Further, the auxiliary terminal device 90 can be equipped with various ancillary devices described above, such as a solar panel.

[0423] The use / non-use of the auxiliary terminal device 90 may be switched according to weather information such as wind and weather. For example, it is preferable that the auxiliary terminal device 90 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 90C and the lid 90D is closed in a case of bad weather such as strong wind or rainy weather, the lid 90D is opened in a case other than bad weather, and the auxiliary terminal device 90 extends outwards from the accommodation portion 90C.

[0424] In addition, it is possible to check the state on the green G when the player (user) does not exist on the green G using the auxiliary terminal device 90.

[0425] The bar-shaped member 90A as the auxiliary terminal device 90 may be fixedly provided without extension and contraction. That is, the bar-shaped member 90A as the auxiliary terminal device 90 may constantly protrude from the ground 90B.

[0426] The auxiliary terminal device 90 is not limited to the one accommodated in the accommodation portion 90C under the ground 90B, and may be installed on the ground 90B. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 38C, a leg portion 90E provided at the lower end of a bar-shaped member 90A′ may be installed on the ground 90B. In this case, the user can dispose the bar-shaped member 90A′ (auxiliary terminal device 90) at any position.

[0427] Needless to say, the auxiliary terminal device 90 may be applied not only to the golf assistance system S but also to the golf assistance systems S′ and S″.

[0428] The auxiliary terminal device 90 is not limited to operate in cooperation with other devices in the golf assistance systems S, S′, and S″, and can operate independently or selectively operate some devices.

[0429] In the golf assistance systems S, S′, and S″, a function of outputting a voice or illuminating using information acquired by a camera or a sensor can also be applied to a crime prevention system. That is, when the inside of a monitoring target area is monitored by a camera or a sensor and intrusion of a suspicious person, a harmful animal, a harmful bird, or the like is detected, it is possible to give a notification to a monitoring center, to output a warning sound to the monitoring center, or perform illumination on the monitoring center. In a case where the mechanism of the golf assistance systems S, S′, and S″ is used as a crime prevention system, a golf course, a general home, a ranch, farmland, a sightseeing spot, a park, a downtown (an amusement place), and the like are examples of application destinations. The application destination example is merely an example, and is not limited to the above examples. In a case where the golf assistance systems S, S′, and S″ are used for protecting a harmful animal or a harmful bird in farmland or the like, when a harmful animal or a harmful bird enters a monitoring target area, the harmful animal or the harmful bird can be threatened by laser-irradiation, lighting, sound, or the like to prevent the intrusion. Examples of the threatening sound include an ultrasonic wave having an anti-animal and bird effect, and a cry of an external enemy (natural enemy). Examples of barking of an external enemy (natural enemy) include barking of a weir, a falcon, a dog, and the like.

[0430] In the golf assistance systems S, S′, and S″, a function of outputting a voice or illuminating using information acquired by a camera or a sensor can be applied not only to a crime prevention system but also to a system using a voice output or illumination.

[0431] FIG. 39 is a golf assistance system SX according to a modification of FIG. 1.

[0432] The golf assistance system SX is different from the golf assistance system S in FIG. 1 in that the cart unit 60 takes on the central role of the golf assistance system SX instead of the communication center 30.

[0433] The golf assistance system SX includes at least the cart unit 60 attached to the cart 6 and the pin unit 50 attached to the pin 5, and the cart unit 60 and the pin unit 50 are communicably connected to each other. It is noted that the components of the cart unit 60 and the pin unit 50 are the same as those in FIG. 1, and thus, common reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.

[0434] As described above, the cart 6 is a means of transportation in a golf course (golf playing area) and is a vehicle. The cart 6 is used, for example, for moving a user in a golf course or for carrying articles in the golf course.

[0435] The camera 62 (cart camera) of the cart unit 60 captures the periphery of the cart 6. Specifically, the camera 62 of the cart unit 60 has a function of capturing and tracking a certain user 1U from when the user 1U starts golf playing from the teeing ground T to when a ball has dropped into a cup.

[0436] That is, the control mechanism 61 (generation means) of the cart unit 60 recognizes a certain user 1U based on the video data captured by the camera 62 using a well-known video analysis technique or face authentication technique, and controls the camera 62 to automatically track and capture the recognized user 1U.

[0437] The pin unit 50 captures the periphery of the pin 5 using the camera 52 (pin camera), and transmits the video data captured by the camera 52 to the cart unit 60 via the communication device 53 (pin transmission means).

[0438] The communication device 63 (cart reception means and cart transmission means) of the cart unit 60 receives the video data from the pin unit 50 and supplies the received video data to the control mechanism 61. The control mechanism 61 of the cart unit 60 recognizes the certain user 1U based on the video data captured by the camera 52 using a well-known video analysis technique or face authentication technique, and remotely controls the camera 52 so as to automatically track and capture the recognized user 1U. That is, the control mechanism 61 of the cart unit 60 generates a control signal for controlling the camera 52 and transmits the control signal to the pin unit 50 via the communication device 63. In the pin unit 50, the communication device 53 receives a control signal from the cart unit 60, and the control mechanism 51 automatically controls various types of adjustment (for example, focusing, brightness adjustment, tracking of a capturing target, switching of a capturing direction, and the like) regarding capturing of the camera 52 based on the control signal.

[0439] The control mechanism 61 of the cart unit 60 implements an application program for realizing the function of the control device 31 of the communication center 30 described above with reference to FIG. 1, and executes the application program to generate assistance information for the user 1U based on the video data captured by at least one of the camera 52 of the pin unit 50 and the camera 62 of the cart unit 60.

[0440] The assistance information is the same as described above, and may include, for example, stroke count information obtained by specifying and analyzing the swing and movement of the user recorded in the video data and counting the number of strokes of golf from the result, and various analysis results regarding the form (swing) of the user, the movement of the ball, and the like.

[0441] The display device 60W (presentation means) of the cart unit 60 displays the assistance information generated by the control mechanism 61 and presents the assistance information to the user 1U.

[0442] As described above with reference to FIG. 1 and the like, the presentation of the assistance information is not limited to the display of the visual information, and may be performed by outputting various sounds (auditory information such as voice and music) from the acoustic device 60Y.

[0443] Furthermore, the golf assistance system SX in FIG. 39 includes the terminal device 40. As described above with reference to FIG. 1, the terminal device 40 is a terminal device carried by the user 1U and is communicably connected to the cart unit 60 via the communication device 43 (terminal device reception means). The terminal device 40 can display information based on the assistance information generated by the control mechanism 61 of the cart unit 60 on the display device 42 (terminal device presentation means) and output information based on the assistance information from the acoustic device 40Y.

[0444] In addition, the video data captured by the camera 40X of the terminal device 40 can be supplied to the cart unit 60. In this case, the video data captured by the camera 40X of the terminal device 40 can also be used for the control mechanism 61 of the cart unit 60 to generate the assistance information.

[0445] Furthermore, the terminal device 40 may have a position transmission mechanism (for example, GPS, beacon, and the like) that transmits its own current position information (current geographical position). In this case, the control mechanism 61 of the cart unit 60 can specify the current position of the user 1U based on the current position information transmitted by the terminal device 40.

[0446] The control mechanism 61 of the cart unit 60 can control the cameras 52 and 62 to automatically track and capture the user 1U based on the current position specified based on the current position information transmitted from the terminal device 40.

[0447] Further, an automatic driving mechanism for the cart 6 to automatically travel may be provided, and in this case, the control mechanism 61 of the cart unit 60 can control the automatic travel of the cart 6 so as to automatically track the user 1U based on the current position specified based on the current position information transmitted from the terminal device 40.

[0448] Furthermore, the golf assistance system SX in FIG. 39 further includes the auxiliary terminal device 90 described above with reference to FIG. 1. The auxiliary terminal device 90 is configured by the rod-shaped member as described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 38A, 38B, and 38C, and can be installed outside the green G or at any position in the golf course such as in the green G. In this case, the video data captured by the camera 96 (auxiliary terminal device camera) of the auxiliary terminal device 90 can be transmitted to the cart unit 60 via the communication device 93 (auxiliary terminal device transmission means) of the auxiliary terminal device 90. In this case, the video data captured by the camera 96 of the auxiliary terminal device 90 can also be used for the control mechanism 61 of the cart unit 60 to generate the assistance information.

[0449] By using the auxiliary terminal device 90, the “blind spot” of the camera 62 of the cart unit 60 and the camera 52 of the pin unit 50 can be compensated by the video data acquired by the camera 96 of the auxiliary terminal device 90. Therefore, even in the golf assistance system SX simply configured with a small number of devices, the user 1U can be tracked more reliably.

[0450] In addition, the golf assistance system SX in FIG. 39 may include other devices such as the cup unit 20 (not illustrated), and the control mechanism 61 of the cart unit 60 can also generate assistance information by using the video data captured by the camera 20X or the like of the other devices such as the cup unit 20 (not illustrated). That is, the golf assistance system SX in FIG. 39 may be combined with the golf assistance system S in FIG. 1. In other words, in the golf assistance system S in FIG. 1, the control mechanism 61 of the cart unit 60 may have the function of the communication center 30 in FIG. 1.

[0451] Appendixes relating to the above embodiments are disclosed.Appendix 1

[0452] A golf assistance system for assisting in golf playing in which a user strikes a golf ball using a golf club in a golf playing area,

[0453] the golf assistance system including a cart unit attached to a cart serving as a means of transportation in the golf playing area, the cart unit including:

[0454] a cart camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the cart;

[0455] a generation means configured to generate, based on data of the video captured by the cart camera, assistance information for providing a predetermined assistance content to the user; and

[0456] a presentation means configured to present the assistance content based on the assistance information.Appendix 2

[0457] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1, further including a pin unit attached to a rod-shaped pin serving as a mark of a cup provided in the golf playing area, the pin unit including a pin camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the pin, and a pin transmission means configured to transmit data of the video captured by the pin camera to an outside, in which:

[0458] the cart unit includes a cart reception means configured to receive the data of the video captured by the pin camera from the pin transmission means of the pin unit, and

[0459] the generation means of the cart unit generates the assistance information based on the data of the video captured by the cart camera and the data of the video captured by the pin camera.Appendix 3

[0460] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1, further including an auxiliary terminal device formed of a bar-shaped member fixedly or movably installed at any place in the golf playing area,

[0461] the auxiliary terminal device including an auxiliary terminal device camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the auxiliary terminal device, and an auxiliary terminal device transmission means configured to transmit data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera to an outside, in which:

[0462] the cart unit includes a cart reception means configured to receive the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera from the auxiliary terminal device transmission means of the auxiliary terminal device, and

[0463] the generation means of the cart unit generates the assistance information based on the data of the video captured by the cart camera and the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera.Appendix 4

[0464] The golf assistance system according to appendix 2, further including an auxiliary terminal device formed of a bar-shaped member fixedly or movably installed at any place in the golf playing area,

[0465] the auxiliary terminal device including an auxiliary terminal device camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the auxiliary terminal device, and an auxiliary terminal device transmission means configured to transmit the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera to an outside, in which:

[0466] the cart unit includes a cart reception means configured to receive the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera from the auxiliary terminal device transmission means of the auxiliary terminal device, and

[0467] the generation means of the cart unit generates the assistance information based on the data of the video captured by the cart camera, the data of the video captured by the pin camera, and the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera.Appendix 5

[0468] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 1 to 4, further including a terminal device capable of being carried by the user in the golf playing area,

[0469] the cart unit includes a cart transmission means configured to transmit the assistance information generated by the generation means to the outside, and

[0470] the terminal device includes a terminal device reception means configured to receive the assistance information transmitted from the cart transmission means of the cart unit, and a terminal device presentation means configured to present the assistance information received by the terminal device reception means.Appendix 6

[0471] The golf assistance system according to appendix 5, in which the terminal device is a head-mounted wearable terminal.Appendix 7

[0472] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 2, 4, and 5 referring to appendix 2, in which:

[0473] the pin has a lower portion inserted into the cup and an upper portion provided with the pin unit, the lower portion being connected to the upper portion with a hinge portion interposed therebetween, and

[0474] in a state in which the pin is detached from the cup and the detached pin is laid on the ground, the upper portion is bent relative to the lower portion so as to rise from a ground and capturing of the pin unit using the pin camera is able to be performed.Appendix 8

[0475] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 1 to 7, in which:

[0476] the generation means analyzes the golf playing of the user recorded in the data of the video by analyzing the data of the video, calculates analysis result data of the golf playing, and generates the analysis result data as the assistance information, and

[0477] the presentation means displays, as the assistance content, a result of analyzing the golf playing based on the analysis result data.Appendix 9

[0478] The golf assistance system according to appendix 8, in which the result of analyzing displayed by the presentation means as the assistance content includes at least one of a speed of the golf ball, a driving angle of the golf ball, a rolling distance of the golf ball, a position of a line of sight of the user during a swing, a position of a head of the user during the swing, a posture of the user during the swing, a head-up analysis, a head-up check, a stroke trajectory of the golf club, an angle of a head of the golf club, a speed of the head, intensity of striking by the golf club, and a tempo of the swing.Appendix 10

[0479] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 1 to 9, in which:

[0480] the generation means generates banner advertisement display information for displaying a predetermined banner advertisement together with the assistance information, and

[0481] the presentation means displays a banner advertisement based on the banner advertisement display information together with the assistance information.Appendix 11

[0482] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 1 to 10, in which:

[0483] the generation means determines whether the ball has dropped into the cup or not based on the data of the video, and generates, as the assistance information, guide data for guiding predetermined gift presentation when the ball has dropped into the cup, and

[0484] the presentation means presents, based on the guide data, at least one of a guide voice and a guide video for a guide of the gift presentation.Appendix 12

[0485] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 1 to 11, in which:

[0486] the generation means determines whether the ball has dropped into the cup or not based on the data of the video, and generates, as the assistance information, an advertisement video signal to output a predetermined advertisement video when the ball has dropped into the cup, and

[0487] the presentation means outputs an advertisement video based on the assistance information.Appendix 13

[0488] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 1 to 12, in which the generation means individually identifies a plurality of users recorded in the data of the video, and generates the assistance information for providing the individualized assistance content to the identified individual users.Appendix 14

[0489] A cart unit used in the golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 1 to 13.Appendix 15

[0490] A pin unit used in the golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 2, 4, and 5 to 13 referring to supplementary note 2 or 4.Appendix 16

[0491] An auxiliary terminal device used in the golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 3, 4, and 5 to 13 referring to appendix 3 or 4.Appendix 17

[0492] A terminal device used in the golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 5 to 13.Appendix 18

[0493] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 1 to 13, further including an auxiliary equipment disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball, the auxiliary equipment including: a plate portion serving as a mark of a cup provided in the golf playing area, a ball position mark disposed separately from the plate portion in a horizontal direction, and a laser light source configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.Appendix 19

[0494] The golf assistance system according to appendix 18, in which the auxiliary equipment includes a camera configured to capture surroundings, an acoustic device configured to output and input an acoustic signal, an illumination device configured to illuminate the surroundings, a communication device configured to communicate with an external device, and a display device configured to display information.Appendix 20

[0495] The auxiliary equipment in the golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 1 to 13, in which:

[0496] the auxiliary equipment is disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball, and

[0497] the auxiliary equipment includes a plate portion serving as a mark of a cup provided in the golf playing area, a ball position mark disposed separately from the plate portion in a horizontal direction, and a laser light source configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.Appendix 21

[0498] The golf assistance system according to appendix 20, in which the auxiliary equipment includes a camera configured to capture surroundings, an acoustic device configured to output and input an acoustic signal, an illumination device configured to illuminate the surroundings, a communication device configured to communicate with an external device, and a display device configured to display information.Appendix 22

[0499] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 2, 4, and appendixes 5 to 13, 18, and 19 referring to appendixes 2 or 4, in which the pin unit further includes:

[0500] a human sensor configured to detect a person approaching the pin; and

[0501] an illumination device turned on when the human sensor detects approach of the person.Appendix 23

[0502] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 1 to 13, 18, 19, and 22, further including an auxiliary pin disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball,

[0503] the auxiliary pin including: a rod-shaped pin disposed behind a cup provided in the golf playing area, and a laser light source attached to the pin and configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.Appendix 24

[0504] The golf assistance system according to appendix 23, in which the auxiliary pin includes a camera configured to capture surroundings, an acoustic device configured to output and input an acoustic signal, an illumination device configured to illuminate the surroundings, a communication device configured to communicate with an external device, and a display device configured to display information.Appendix 25

[0505] An auxiliary pin in the golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 1 to 13, 18, 19, and 22,

[0506] the auxiliary pin being disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball and including a rod-shaped pin disposed behind a cup provided in the golf playing area, and a laser light source attached to the pin and configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.Appendix 26

[0507] The golf assistance system according to appendix 25, in which the auxiliary pin includes a camera configured to capture surroundings, an acoustic device configured to output and input an acoustic signal, an illumination device configured to illuminate the surroundings, a communication device configured to communicate with an external device, and a display device configured to display information.Appendix 27

[0508] A golf assistance system for assisting golf playing of a user in a golf playing area, the golf assistance system including:

[0509] a cup unit attached to a cup provided in the golf playing area, the cup unit including a detection means configured to detect information indicating that a golf ball has dropped into the cup, and a first transmission device configured to transmit the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup to an outside;

[0510] a pin unit attached to a rod-shaped pin serving as a mark of the cup, the pin unit including a first capturing means configured to capture a video around a periphery of the pin, and a second transmission device configured to transmit data of the video captured by the first capturing means to the outside;

[0511] a communication center including a first reception device configured to receive at least one of the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup, transmitted from the first transmission device and the data of the video transmitted from the second transmission device, a control device configured to generate assistance information for providing a predetermined assistance content to the user based on at least one of the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup and the data of the video, and a third transmission device configured to transmit the assistance information to the outside; and

[0512] a terminal device capable of being carried by the user, the terminal device including a second reception device configured to receive the assistance information transmitted from the third transmission device, and a presentation device configured to present the assistance content based on the assistance information.Appendix 28

[0513] The golf assistance system according to appendix 27, further including a cart unit attached to a cart serving as a means of transportation in the golf playing area,

[0514] the cart unit including: a second capturing means configured to capture a video around a periphery of the cart, and a fourth transmission device configured to transmit data of the video captured by the second capturing means to the outside.Appendix 29

[0515] The golf assistance system according to appendix 27 or 28, in which the terminal device is a head-mounted wearable terminal.Appendix 30

[0516] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 27 to 29, in which the cup includes:

[0517] a cylindrical-shaped cup main body portion having an opening at one end thereof, and

[0518] a cup unit accommodation body internally mounted in a bottom portion of the cup main body portion, the bottom portion being located on an opposite side of the opening, the cup unit accommodation body being configured to accommodate the cup unit.Appendix 31

[0519] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 27 to 30, in which the cup includes:

[0520] a cylindrical-shaped cup main body portion having an opening at one end thereof,

[0521] a cup unit accommodation body internally mounted in a bottom portion of the cup main body portion, the bottom portion being located on an opposite side of the opening, the cup unit accommodation body being configured to accommodate the cup unit; and

[0522] an extensible rod mechanism internally mounted below the cup unit accommodation body in the cup main body portion and formed of a rod-shaped member that is extensible and contractible in a depth direction of the cup and has a tip portion set to protrude outwards from the opening of the cup in an extended state, the extensible rod mechanism having a third capturing means mounted at the tip portion thereof and configured to capture of a periphery of the cup.Appendix 32

[0523] The golf assistance system according to appendix 31, in which the extensible rod mechanism is configured such that, when the pin is removed from the cup, the rod-shaped member is automatically in an extended state, and the periphery of the cup is captured by the third capturing means.Appendix 33

[0524] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 27 to 32, in which:

[0525] the pin has a lower portion inserted into the cup and an upper portion provided with the pin unit, the lower portion being connected to the upper portion with a hinge portion interposed therebetween, and

[0526] in a state in which the pin is detached from the cup and the detached pin is laid on the ground, the upper portion is bent relative to the lower portion so as to rise from a ground and capturing of the pin unit using the first capturing means is able to be performed.Appendix 34

[0527] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 27 to 33, in which:

[0528] in the communication center, the control device analyzes the golf playing of the user recorded in the data of the video by analyzing the data of the video, calculates analysis result data of the golf playing, and generates the analysis result data as the assistance information, and

[0529] the presentation device of the terminal device displays, as the assistance content, a result of analyzing the golf playing based on the analysis result data.Appendix 35

[0530] The golf assistance system according to appendix 34, in which the result of analyzing displayed by the presentation device as the assistance content includes at least one of a speed of the golf ball, a driving angle of the golf ball, a rolling distance of the golf ball, a position of a line of sight of the user during a swing, a position of a head of the user during the swing, a posture of the user during the swing, a head-up analysis, a head-up check, a stroke trajectory of the golf club, an angle of a head of the golf club, a speed of the head, intensity of striking by the golf club, and a tempo of the swing.Appendix 36

[0531] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 27 to 35, in which:

[0532] the control device in the communication center generates banner advertisement display information for displaying a predetermined banner advertisement together with the assistance information, and

[0533] the presentation device of the terminal device displays a banner advertisement based on the banner advertisement display information together with the assistance information.Appendix 37

[0534] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 27 to 36, in which:

[0535] in the communication center, the control device determines whether the ball has dropped into the cup or not based on at least one of the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup and the data of the video, and generates, as the assistance information, guide data for guiding a predetermined gift presentation when the ball has dropped into the cup, and

[0536] the presentation device of the terminal device presents, based on the guide data, at least one of a guide voice and a guide video for a guide of the gift presentation.Appendix 38

[0537] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 27 to 37, in which:

[0538] in the communication center, the control device determines whether the ball has dropped into the cup or not based on at least one of the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup and the data of the video, and generates, as the assistance information, an advertisement video signal for outputting a predetermined advertisement video when the ball has dropped into the cup, and

[0539] the presentation device of the terminal device outputs an advertisement video based on the assistance information.Appendix 39

[0540] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 27 to 38, in which the control device in the communication center individually identifies a plurality of users recorded in the data of the video, and generates the assistance information for providing the individualized assistance content to the identified individual users.Appendix 40

[0541] A cup unit used in the golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 27 to 39.Appendix 41

[0542] A pin unit used in the golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 27 to 39.Appendix 42

[0543] A communication center used in the golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 27 to 39.Appendix 43

[0544] A terminal device used in the golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 27 to 39.Appendix 44

[0545] A golf assistance system for assisting golf playing of a user in a golf playing area, the golf assistance system including:

[0546] a golf ball including a ball main body struck in the golf playing, a storage unit of ID information capable of identifying the ball main body, a ball striking sensor configured to detect ball striking information including at least information indicating that the ball main body is struck and position information after the ball main body is struck, and a first transmission device configured to transmit the ball striking information to the outside;

[0547] a cup unit including a sensor configured to detect information indicating that the golf ball has dropped into a cup provided in the golf playing area, and a second transmission device configured to transmit the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup to the outside;

[0548] a communication center including a first reception device configured to receive the ball striking information from the first transmission device and to receive the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup from the second transmission device, a control device configured to generate assistance information for providing a predetermined assistance content to the user based on at least one of the ball striking information and the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup, and a third transmission device configured to transmit the assistance information to an outside; and

[0549] a terminal device capable of being carried by the user, the terminal device including a second reception device configured to receive the assistance information transmitted from the third transmission device, and a presentation device configured to present the assistance content based on the assistance information.Appendix 45

[0550] The golf assistance system according to appendix 44, in which:

[0551] the golf playing area is a green in an outdoor golf course, and

[0552] the golf playing is progressed up to the green using a normal golf ball different from the golf ball, and the normal golf ball is changed to the golf ball when the golf playing is progressed onto the green.Appendix 46

[0553] The golf assistance system according to appendix 44 or 45, in which:

[0554] the assistance information is information on the number of strokes, the information indicating the number of times of striking from a striking start time point of the golf ball to the ball dropping into the cup, and the presentation device of the terminal device is a display device configured to display, thereon, the number of times of striking based on the information on the number of strokes.Appendix 47

[0555] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 44 to 46, in which:

[0556] the assistance information is shot information visualizing striking of the golf ball for each striking, and

[0557] the presentation device of the terminal device is a display device configured to display information of striking based on the shot information.Appendix 48

[0558] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 44 to 47, in which:

[0559] the presentation device of the terminal device is a display device configured to display a video game thereon,

[0560] the assistance information is input information for progressing the video game, and

[0561] in the display device of the terminal device, the video game progresses based on the input information.Appendix 49

[0562] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 44 to 48, in which:

[0563] the presentation device of the terminal device is an acoustic device,

[0564] the assistance information is an assistance voice output signal, and the acoustic device of the terminal device outputs an assistance voice based on the assistance voice output signal.Appendix 50

[0565] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 44 to 49, in which:

[0566] the presentation device of the terminal device is a light source device,

[0567] the assistance information is an illumination control signal, and

[0568] in the light source device of the terminal device, light emission is controlled based on the illumination control signal.Appendix 51

[0569] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 44 to 50, in which:

[0570] the golf playing area is a golf practice course installed in a building in which an illumination facility is installed,

[0571] the control device of the communication center generates an illumination control signal for the illumination facility based on at least one of the ball striking information and the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup,

[0572] the third transmission device of the communication center transmits the illumination control signal to the illumination facility, and

[0573] the illumination facility is controlled based on the illumination control signal.Appendix 52

[0574] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 44 to 51, in which the terminal device is a head-mounted wearable terminal.Appendix 53

[0575] A golf ball used in the golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 44 to 52.Appendix 54

[0576] A cup unit used in the golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 44 to 52.Appendix 55

[0577] A communication center used in the golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 44 to 52.Appendix 56

[0578] A terminal device used in the golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 44 to 52.Appendix 57

[0579] A golf assistance system for assisting golf playing of a user in a golf playing area, the golf assistance system including:

[0580] a golf ball including a ball main body struck in the golf playing; a storage unit of ID information capable of identifying the ball main body, a ball striking sensor configured to detect ball striking information including at least information indicating that the ball main body is struck and position information after the ball main body is struck, and a transmission device configured to transmit the ball striking information to the outside;

[0581] a cup unit attached to a cup provided in the golf playing area, the cup unit including a detection means configured to detect information that indicating the golf ball has dropped into the cup, and a first transmission device configured to transmit the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup to the outside;

[0582] a pin unit attached to a pin formed of a rod-shaped member detachably attached to the cup and configured to serve as a mark of the cup, the pin unit including a first capturing means configured to capture a video around a periphery of the pin, and a second transmission device configured to transmit data of the video captured by the first capturing means to the outside;

[0583] a communication center including a first reception device configured to receive at least one of the ball striking information transmitted from the transmission device, the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup, transmitted from the first transmission device, and the data of the video transmitted from the second transmission device, a control device configured to generate assistance information for providing a predetermined assistance content to the user based on at least one of the ball striking information, the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup, and the data of the video, and a third transmission device configured to transmit the assistance information to the outside; and

[0584] a terminal device capable of being carried by the user, the terminal device including a second reception device configured to receive the assistance information transmitted from the third transmission device, and a presentation device configured to present the assistance content based on the assistance information.Appendix 58

[0585] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 27 to 52 and 57, further including an auxiliary equipment disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball,

[0586] the auxiliary equipment including: a plate portion serving as a mark of the cup, a ball position mark disposed separately from the plate portion in a horizontal direction, and a laser light source configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.Appendix 59

[0587] The golf assistance system according to appendix 58, in which the auxiliary equipment includes a camera configured to capture surroundings, an acoustic device configured to output and input an acoustic signal, an illumination device configured to illuminate the surroundings, a communication device configured to communicate with an external device, and a display device configured to display information.Appendix 60

[0588] An auxiliary equipment in the golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 27 to 52 and 57, in which:

[0589] the auxiliary equipment is disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball, and

[0590] the auxiliary equipment includes a plate portion serving as a mark of the cup provided on a rolling surface of the golf ball, a ball position mark disposed separately from the plate portion in a horizontal direction, and a laser light source configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.Appendix 61

[0591] The golf assistance system according to appendix 60, in which the auxiliary equipment includes a camera configured to capture surroundings, an acoustic device configured to output and input an acoustic signal, an illumination device configured to illuminate the surroundings, a communication device configured to communicate with an external device, and a display device configured to display information.Appendix 62

[0592] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 27 to 52 and 57 to 59, further including an identification means configured to identify the golf ball that has dropped into the cup.Appendix 63

[0593] The golf assistance system according to appendix 62, in which the cup unit further includes an illumination means configured to illuminate the inside of the cup.Appendix 64

[0594] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 27 to 52, 57 to 59, 62, and 63, in which the pin unit further includes:

[0595] a human sensor configured to detect a person approaching the pin; and

[0596] an illumination device turned on when the human sensor detects approach of the person.Appendix 65

[0597] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 27 to 52, 57 to 59, and 62 to 64, further including an auxiliary pin disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball,

[0598] the auxiliary pin including: a rod-shaped pin disposed behind the cup, and a laser light source attached to the pin and configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.Appendix 66

[0599] The golf assistance system according to appendix 65, in which the auxiliary pin includes a camera configured to capture surroundings, an acoustic device configured to output and input an acoustic signal, an illumination device configured to illuminate the surroundings, a communication device configured to communicate with an external device, and a display device configured to display information.Appendix 67

[0600] An auxiliary pin in the golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 27 to 52, 57 to 59, and 62 to 64, the auxiliary pin being disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball and including a rod-shaped pin disposed behind the cup, and a laser light source attached to the pin and configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.Appendix 68

[0601] The golf assistance system according to appendix 67, in which the auxiliary pin includes a camera configured to capture surroundings, an acoustic device configured to output and input an acoustic signal, an illumination device configured to illuminate the surroundings, a communication device configured to communicate with an external device, and a display device configured to display information.Appendix 69

[0602] The golf assistance system according to any one of appendixes 27 to 52, 57 to 59, and 62 to 66, further including an auxiliary terminal device formed of a bar-shaped member fixedly or movably installed at any place in the golf playing area,

[0603] the auxiliary terminal device including an auxiliary terminal device camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the auxiliary terminal device, and an auxiliary terminal device transmission means configured to transmit the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera to the outside, in which:

[0604] the first reception device of the communication center receives the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera from the auxiliary terminal device transmission means of the auxiliary terminal device, and

[0605] the control device of the communication center generates the assistance information further in consideration of the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera.Appendix 1A

[0606] A golf assistance system for assisting in golf playing in which a user strikes a golf ball using a golf club in a golf playing area, the golf assistance system including: a cart unit attached to a cart serving as a means of transportation in the golf playing area, the cart unit including:

[0607] a cart camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the cart and to track and capture the user in the video;

[0608] a generation means configured to generate, based on data of the video captured by the cart camera, assistance information for providing a predetermined assistance content to the user; and a presentation means configured to present the assistance content based on the assistance information; and a terminal device capable of being carried by the user in the golf playing area, in which: the cart unit includes a cart transmission means configured to transmit the assistance information generated by the generation means to an outside, the terminal device includes a terminal device reception means configured to receive the assistance information transmitted from the cart transmission means of the cart unit, and a terminal device presentation means configured to present the assistance information received by the terminal device reception means, the generation means of the cart camera individually identifies a plurality of the users recorded in the data of the video, and generates the assistance information for providing the individualized assistance content to the identified individual users,

[0609] the assistance information is information for providing, as the assistance content, a caddie function including a description and a guide regarding the golf playing of the user in the golf playing area, and at least one of the presentation means and the terminal device presentation means presents the assistance content.Appendix 2A

[0610] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1A, further including a pin unit attached to a rod-shaped pin serving as a mark of a cup provided in the golf playing area,

[0611] the pin unit including a pin camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the pin, and a pin transmission means configured to transmit data of the video captured by the pin camera to an outside, in which:

[0612] the cart unit includes a cart reception means configured to receive the data of the video captured by the pin camera from the pin transmission means of the pin unit, and

[0613] the generation means of the cart unit generates the assistance information based on the data of the video captured by the cart camera and the data of the video captured by the pin camera.Appendix 3A

[0614] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1A, further including an auxiliary terminal device formed of a bar-shaped member fixedly or movably installed at any place in the golf playing area,

[0615] the auxiliary terminal device including an auxiliary terminal device camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the auxiliary terminal device, and an auxiliary terminal device transmission means configured to transmit data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera to an outside, in which:

[0616] the cart unit includes a cart reception means configured to receive the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera from the auxiliary terminal device transmission means of the auxiliary terminal device, and

[0617] the generation means of the cart unit generates the assistance information based on the data of the video captured by the cart camera and the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera.Appendix 4A

[0618] The golf assistance system according to appendix 2A, further including an auxiliary terminal device formed of a bar-shaped member fixedly or movably installed at any place in the golf playing area,

[0619] the auxiliary terminal device including an auxiliary terminal device camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the auxiliary terminal device, and an auxiliary terminal device transmission means configured to transmit the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera to an outside, in which:

[0620] the cart unit includes a cart reception means configured to receive the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera from the auxiliary terminal device transmission means of the auxiliary terminal device, and

[0621] the generation means of the cart unit generates the assistance information based on the data of the video captured by the cart camera, the data of the video captured by the pin camera, and the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera.Appendix 5A

[0622] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1A, 2A, 3A, or 4A, in which the terminal device is a head-mounted wearable terminal.Appendix 6A

[0623] The golf assistance system according to appendix 2A, in which:

[0624] the pin has a lower portion inserted into the cup and an upper portion provided with the pin unit, the lower portion being connected to the upper portion with a hinge portion interposed therebetween, and

[0625] in a state in which the pin is detached from the cup and the detached pin is laid on the ground, the upper portion is bent relative to the lower portion so as to rise from a ground and capturing of the pin unit using the pin camera is able to be performed.Appendix 7A

[0626] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1A, 2A, 3A, or 4A, in which:

[0627] the generation means analyzes the golf playing of the user recorded in the data of the video by analyzing the data of the video, calculates analysis result data of the golf playing, and further generates the analysis result data as the assistance information, and

[0628] the presentation means further displays, as the assistance content, a result of analyzing the golf playing based on the analysis result data.Appendix 8A

[0629] The golf assistance system according to appendix 7A, in which the result of analyzing displayed by the presentation means as the assistance content includes at least one of a speed of the golf ball, a driving angle of the golf ball, a rolling distance of the golf ball, a position of a line of sight of the user during a swing, a position of a head of the user during the swing, a posture of the user during the swing, a head-up analysis, a head-up check, a stroke trajectory of the golf club, an angle of a head of the golf club, a speed of the head, intensity of striking by the golf club, and a tempo of the swing.Appendix 9A

[0630] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1A, 2A, 3A, or 4A, in which:

[0631] the generation means generates banner advertisement display information for displaying a predetermined banner advertisement together with the assistance information, and

[0632] the presentation means displays a banner advertisement based on the banner advertisement display information together with the assistance information.Appendix 10A

[0633] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1A, 2A, 3A, or 4A, in which:

[0634] the generation means determines whether the ball has dropped into the cup or not based on the data of the video, and further generates, as the assistance information, guide data for guiding predetermined gift presentation when the ball has dropped into the cup, and

[0635] the presentation means further presents, based on the guide data, at least one of a guide voice and a guide video for a guide of the gift presentation.Appendix 11A

[0636] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1A, 2A, 3A, or 4A, in which:

[0637] the generation means determines whether the ball has dropped into the cup or not based on the data of the video, and further generates, as the assistance information, an advertisement video signal to output a predetermined advertisement video when the ball has dropped into the cup, and

[0638] the presentation means further outputs an advertisement video based on the assistance information.Appendix 12A

[0639] A cart unit attached to a cart used by a user as a means of transportation in a golf playing area, the cart unit including:

[0640] a cart camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the cart and to track and capture the user in the video;

[0641] a generation means configured to generate, based on data of the video captured by the cart camera, assistance information for providing a predetermined assistance content to the user;

[0642] a cart transmission means configured to transmit the assistance information generated by the generation means to an outside; and

[0643] a presentation means configured to present the assistance content based on the assistance information, in which:

[0644] the generation means individually identifies a plurality of the users recorded in the data of the video, and generates the assistance information for providing the individualized assistance content to the identified individual users,

[0645] the assistance information is information for providing, as the assistance content, a caddie function including a description and a guide regarding the golf playing of the user in the golf playing area, and

[0646] at least one of presenting the assistance content based on the assistance information to the presentation means, and transmitting the assistance information from the cart transmission means to a terminal device carried by the user in the golf playing area and then presenting the assistance content based on the assistance information to a terminal device presentation means provided in the terminal device is performed.Appendix 13A

[0647] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1A, 2A, 3A, or 4A, further including an auxiliary equipment disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball,

[0648] the auxiliary equipment including: a plate portion serving as a mark of a cup provided in the golf playing area, a ball position mark disposed separately from the plate portion in a horizontal direction, and a laser light source configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.Appendix 14A

[0649] The golf assistance system according to appendix 13A, in which the auxiliary equipment includes a camera configured to capture surroundings, an acoustic device configured to output and input an acoustic signal, an illumination device configured to illuminate the surroundings, a communication device configured to communicate with an external device, and a display device configured to display information.Appendix 15A

[0650] The auxiliary equipment in the golf assistance system according to any one of appendix 1A, 2A, 3A, or 4A, in which:

[0651] the auxiliary equipment is disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball, and

[0652] the auxiliary equipment includes a plate portion serving as a mark of a cup provided in the golf playing area, a ball position mark disposed separately from the plate portion in a horizontal direction, and a laser light source configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.Appendix 16A

[0653] The golf assistance system according to appendix 16A, in which the auxiliary equipment includes a camera configured to capture surroundings, an acoustic device configured to output and input an acoustic signal, an illumination device configured to illuminate the surroundings, a communication device configured to communicate with an external device, and a display device configured to display information.Appendix 17A

[0654] The golf assistance system according to appendix 2A or 4A, in which the pin unit further includes:

[0655] a human sensor configured to detect a person approaching the pin; and

[0656] an illumination device turned on when the human sensor detects approach of the person.Appendix 18A

[0657] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1A, 2A, 3A, or 4A, further including an auxiliary pin disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball,

[0658] the auxiliary pin including: a rod-shaped pin disposed behind a cup provided in the golf playing area, and a laser light source attached to the pin and configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.Appendix 19A

[0659] The golf assistance system according to appendix 18A, in which the auxiliary pin includes a camera configured to capture surroundings, an acoustic device configured to output and input an acoustic signal, an illumination device configured to illuminate the surroundings, a communication device configured to communicate with an external device, and a display device configured to display information.Appendix 20A

[0660] An auxiliary pin in the golf assistance system according to appendix 1A, 2A, 3A, or 4A, the auxiliary pin being disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball, and including a rod-shaped pin disposed behind a cup provided in the golf playing area, and a laser light source attached to the pin and configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.Appendix 21A

[0661] The golf assistance system according to appendix 20A, in which the auxiliary pin includes a camera configured to capture surroundings, an acoustic device configured to output and input an acoustic signal, an illumination device configured to illuminate the surroundings, a communication device configured to communicate with an external device, and a display device configured to display information.Appendix 22A

[0662] A golf assistance system for assisting golf playing of a user in a golf playing area, the golf assistance system including:

[0663] a cup unit attached to a cup provided in the golf playing area, the cup unit including a detection means configured to detect information indicating that a golf ball has dropped into the cup, and a first transmission device configured to transmit the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup to an outside;

[0664] a pin unit attached to a rod-shaped pin serving as a mark of the cup, the pin unit including a first capturing means configured to capture a video around a periphery of the pin and track and capture the user in the video, and a second transmission device configured to transmit data of the video captured by the first capturing means to the outside;

[0665] a communication center including a first reception device configured to receive at least one of the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup, transmitted from the first transmission device and the data of the video transmitted from the second transmission device, a control device configured to generate assistance information for providing a predetermined assistance content to the user based on at least one of the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup and the data of the video, and a third transmission device configured to transmit the assistance information to the outside; and

[0666] a terminal device capable of being carried by the user, the terminal device including a second reception device configured to receive the assistance information transmitted from the third transmission device, and a presentation device configured to present the assistance content based on the assistance information, in which:

[0667] in the communication center, the control device individually identifies a plurality of the users recorded in the data of the video, and generates the assistance information for providing the individualized assistance content to the identified individual users, and

[0668] the assistance information is information for providing, as the assistance content, green condition information including information on a gradient of a green on which the cup is provided and information on a turf, and a caddie function including explanation and guide regarding the golf playing of the user in the golf playing area.Appendix 23A

[0669] The golf assistance system according to appendix 22A, further including a cart unit attached to a cart serving as a means of transportation in the golf playing area,

[0670] the cart unit including: a second capturing means configured to capture a video around a periphery of the cart, and a fourth transmission device configured to transmit data of the video captured by the second capturing means to the outside.Appendix 24A

[0671] The golf assistance system according to appendix 22A or 23A, in which the terminal device is a head-mounted wearable terminal.Appendix 25A

[0672] The golf assistance system according to appendix 22A or 23A, in which the cup includes:

[0673] a cylindrical-shaped cup main body portion having an opening at one end thereof, and

[0674] a cup unit accommodation body internally mounted in a bottom portion of the cup main body portion, the bottom portion being located on an opposite side of the opening, the cup unit accommodation body being configured to accommodate the cup unit.Appendix 26A

[0675] The golf assistance system according to appendix 22A or 23A, in which the cup includes:

[0676] a cylindrical-shaped cup main body portion having an opening at one end thereof,

[0677] a cup unit accommodation body internally mounted in a bottom portion of the cup main body portion, the bottom portion being located on an opposite side of the opening, the cup unit accommodation body being configured to accommodate the cup unit; and

[0678] an extensible rod mechanism internally mounted below the cup unit accommodation body in the cup main body portion and formed of a rod-shaped member that is extensible and contractible in a depth direction of the cup and has a tip portion set to protrude outwards from the opening of the cup in an extended state, the extensible rod mechanism having a third capturing means mounted at the tip portion thereof and configured to capture of a periphery of the cup.Appendix 27A

[0679] The golf assistance system according to appendix 26A, in which the extensible rod mechanism is configured such that, when the pin is removed from the cup, the rod-shaped member is automatically in an extended state, and the periphery of the cup is captured by the third capturing means.Appendix 28A

[0680] The golf assistance system according to appendix 22A or 23A, in which:

[0681] the pin has a lower portion inserted into the cup and an upper portion provided with the pin unit, the lower portion being connected to the upper portion with a hinge portion interposed therebetween, and

[0682] in a state in which the pin is detached from the cup and the detached pin is laid on the ground, the upper portion is bent relative to the lower portion so as to rise from a ground and capturing of the pin unit using the first capturing means is able to be performed.Appendix 29A

[0683] The golf assistance system according to appendix 22A or 23A, in which:

[0684] in the communication center, the control device analyzes the golf playing of the user recorded in the data of the video by analyzing the data of the video, calculates analysis result data of the golf playing, and further generates the analysis result data as the assistance information, and

[0685] the presentation device of the terminal device further displays, as the assistance content, a result of analyzing the golf playing based on the analysis result data.Appendix 30A

[0686] The golf assistance system according to appendix 29A, in which the result of analyzing displayed by the presentation device as the assistance content includes at least one of a speed of the golf ball, a driving angle of the golf ball, a rolling distance of the golf ball, a position of a line of sight of the user during a swing, a position of a head of the user during the swing, a posture of the user during the swing, a head-up analysis, a head-up check, a stroke trajectory of the golf club, an angle of a head of the golf club, a speed of the head, intensity of striking by the golf club, and a tempo of the swing.Appendix 31A

[0687] The golf assistance system according to appendix 22A or 23A, in which:

[0688] the control device in the communication center generates banner advertisement display information for displaying a predetermined banner advertisement together with the assistance information, and

[0689] the presentation device of the terminal device displays a banner advertisement based on the banner advertisement display information together with the assistance information.Appendix 32A

[0690] The golf assistance system according to appendix 22A or 23A, in which:

[0691] in the communication center, the control device determines whether the ball has dropped into the cup or not based on at least one of the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup and the data of the video, and further generates, as the assistance information, guide data for guiding a predetermined gift presentation when the ball has dropped into the cup, and

[0692] the presentation device of the terminal device further presents, based on the guide data, at least one of a guide voice and a guide video for a guide of the gift presentation.Appendix 33A

[0693] The golf assistance system according to appendix 22A or 23A, in which:

[0694] in the communication center, the control device determines whether the ball has dropped into the cup or not based on at least one of the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup and the data of the video, and further generates, as the assistance information, an advertisement video signal for outputting a predetermined advertisement video when the ball has dropped into the cup, and

[0695] the presentation device of the terminal device further outputs an advertisement video based on the assistance information.Appendix 34A

[0696] A communication center used in a golf assistance system for assisting golf playing of a user in a golf playing area, in which:

[0697] the golf assistance system includes:

[0698] a cup unit attached to a cup provided in the golf playing area, the cup unit including a detection means configured to detect information indicating that a golf ball has dropped into the cup, and a first transmission device configured to transmit the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup to an outside;

[0699] a pin unit attached to a rod-shaped pin serving as a mark of the cup, the pin unit including a first capturing means configured to capture a video around a periphery of the pin and track and capture the user in the video, and a second transmission device configured to transmit data of the video captured by the first capturing means to the outside; and

[0700] a terminal device capable of being carried by a user,

[0701] the communication center includes:

[0702] a first reception device configured to receive at least one of the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup, transmitted from the first transmission device and the data of the video transmitted from the second transmission device;

[0703] a control device configured to generate assistance information for providing a predetermined assistance content to the user based on at least one of the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup and the data of the video; and

[0704] a third transmission device configured to transmit the assistance information to the outside, in the communication center, the control device individually identifies a plurality of the users recorded in the data of the video, and generates the assistance information for providing the individualized assistance content to the identified individual users,

[0705] the assistance information is information for providing, as the assistance content, green condition information including information on a gradient of a green on which the cup is provided and information on a turf, and a caddie function including explanation and guide regarding the golf playing of the user in the golf playing area, and

[0706] the control device of the communication center transmits the assistance information from the third transmission device to the terminal device, and causes a presentation device of the terminal device to present the assistance content based on the assistance information.Appendix 35A

[0707] A golf assistance system for assisting golf playing of a user in a golf playing area, the golf assistance system including:

[0708] a golf ball including a ball main body struck in the golf playing, a storage unit of ID information capable of identifying the ball main body, a ball striking sensor configured to detect ball striking information including at least information indicating that the ball main body is struck and position information after the ball main body is struck, and a first transmission device configured to transmit the ball striking information to the outside;

[0709] a cup unit including a sensor configured to detect information indicating that the golf ball has dropped into a cup provided in the golf playing area, and a second transmission device configured to transmit the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup to the outside;

[0710] a communication center including a first reception device configured to receive the ball striking information from the first transmission device and to receive the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup from the second transmission device, a control device configured to generate assistance information for providing a predetermined assistance content to the user associated with the ID based on at least one of the ball striking information and the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup, and a third transmission device configured to transmit the assistance information to an outside; and

[0711] a terminal device capable of being carried by the user, the terminal device including a second reception device configured to receive the assistance information transmitted from the third transmission device, and a presentation device configured to present the assistance content based on the assistance information,

[0712] in which the assistance information is information for providing, as the assistance content, green condition information including information on a gradient of a green on which the cup is provided and information on a turf, and a caddie function including explanation and guide regarding the golf playing of the user in the golf playing area.Appendix 36A

[0713] The golf assistance system according to appendix 35A, in which:

[0714] the golf playing area is a green in an outdoor golf course, and

[0715] the golf playing is progressed up to the green using a normal golf ball different from the golf ball, and the normal golf ball is changed to the golf ball when the golf playing is progressed onto the green.Appendix 37A

[0716] The golf assistance system according to appendix 35A or 36A, in which:

[0717] the assistance information further includes information on the number of strokes, the information indicating the number of times of striking from a striking start time point of the golf ball to the ball dropping into the cup, and

[0718] the presentation device of the terminal device includes a display device configured to display, thereon, the number of times of striking based on the information on the number of strokes.Appendix 38A

[0719] The golf assistance system according to appendix 35A or 36A, in which:

[0720] the assistance information further includes shot information obtained by visualizing striking of the golf ball for each striking, and

[0721] the presentation device of the terminal device includes a display device configured to display, thereon, information of striking based on the shot information.Appendix 39A

[0722] The golf assistance system according to appendix 35A or 36A, in which:

[0723] the presentation device of the terminal device includes a display device configured to display a video game thereon,

[0724] the assistance information further includes input information for progressing the video game, and

[0725] in the display device of the terminal device, the video game progresses based on the input information.Appendix 40A

[0726] The golf assistance system according to appendix 35A or 36A, in which:

[0727] the presentation device of the terminal device includes an acoustic device,

[0728] the assistance information further includes an assistance voice output signal, and

[0729] the acoustic device of the terminal device further outputs an assistance voice based on the assistance voice output signal.Appendix 41A

[0730] The golf assistance system according to appendix 35A or 36A, in which:

[0731] the presentation device of the terminal device is a light source device,

[0732] the assistance information is an illumination control signal, and

[0733] in the light source device of the terminal device, light emission is controlled based on the illumination control signal.Appendix 42A

[0734] The golf assistance system according to appendix 35A or 36A, in which:

[0735] the golf playing area is a golf practice course installed in a building in which an illumination facility is installed,

[0736] the control device of the communication center generates an illumination control signal for the illumination facility based on at least one of the ball striking information and the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup,

[0737] the third transmission device of the communication center transmits the illumination control signal to the illumination facility, and

[0738] the illumination facility is controlled based on the illumination control signal.Appendix 43A

[0739] The golf assistance system according to appendix 35A or 36A, in which the terminal device is a head-mounted wearable terminal.Appendix 44A

[0740] A golf assistance system for assisting golf playing of a user in a golf playing area, the golf assistance system including:

[0741] a golf ball including a ball main body struck in the golf playing; a storage unit of ID information capable of identifying the ball main body, a ball striking sensor configured to detect ball striking information including at least information indicating that the ball main body is struck and position information after the ball main body is struck, and a transmission device configured to transmit the ball striking information to the outside;

[0742] a cup unit attached to a cup provided in the golf playing area, the cup unit including a detection means configured to detect information indicating that the golf ball has dropped into the cup, and a first transmission device configured to transmit the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup to the outside;

[0743] a pin unit attached to a pin formed of a rod-shaped member detachably erected on the cup and configured to serve as a mark of the cup, the pin unit including a first capturing means configured to capture a video around a periphery of the pin and track and capture the user in the video, and a second transmission device configured to transmit data of the video captured by the first capturing means to the outside;

[0744] a communication center including a first reception device configured to receive at least one of the ball striking information transmitted from the transmission device, the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup, transmitted from the first transmission device, and the video data transmitted from the second transmission device, a control device configured to generate assistance information for providing a predetermined assistance content to the user based on at least one of the ball striking information, the information indicating that the ball has dropped into the cup, and the video data, and a third transmission device configured to transmit

[0745] the assistance information to the outside; and a terminal device capable of being carried by the user, the terminal device including a second reception device configured to receive the assistance information transmitted from the third transmission device, and a presentation device configured to present the assistance content based on the assistance information, in which:

[0746] in the communication center, the control device individually identifies a plurality of the users recorded in the data of the video, and generates the assistance information for providing the individualized assistance content to the identified individual users, and

[0747] the assistance information is information for providing, as the assistance content, green condition information including information on a gradient of a green on which the cup is provided and information on a turf, and a caddie function including explanation and guide regarding the golf playing of the user in the golf playing area.Appendix 45A

[0748] The golf assistance system according to appendix 22A, 35A, or 44A, further including an auxiliary equipment disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball,

[0749] the auxiliary equipment including a plate portion serving as a mark of the cup, a ball position mark disposed separately from the plate portion in a horizontal direction, and a laser light source configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.Appendix 46A

[0750] The golf assistance system according to appendix 58, in which the auxiliary equipment includes a camera configured to capture surroundings, an acoustic device configured to output and input an acoustic signal, an illumination device configured to illuminate the surroundings, a communication device configured to communicate with an external device, and a display device configured to display information.Appendix 47A

[0751] An auxiliary equipment in the golf assistance system according to appendix 22A, 35A, or 44A in which:

[0752] the auxiliary equipment is disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball, and

[0753] the auxiliary equipment includes a plate portion serving as a mark of the cup provided on a rolling surface of the golf ball, a ball position mark disposed separately from the plate portion in a horizontal direction, and a laser light source configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.Appendix 48A

[0754] The golf assistance system according to appendix 47A, in which the auxiliary equipment includes a camera configured to capture surroundings, an acoustic device configured to output and input an acoustic signal, an illumination device configured to illuminate the surroundings, a communication device configured to communicate with an external device, and a display device configured to display information.Appendix 49A

[0755] The golf assistance system according to appendix 22A, 35A, or 44A, further including an identification means configured to identify the golf ball that has dropped into the cup.Appendix 50A

[0756] The golf assistance system according to appendix 49A, in which the cup unit further includes an illumination means configured to illuminate the inside of the cup.Appendix 51A

[0757] The golf assistance system according to appendix 22A, 35A, or 44A, in which the pin unit further includes:

[0758] a human sensor configured to detect a person approaching the pin; and

[0759] an illumination device turned on when the human sensor detects approach of the person.Appendix 52A

[0760] The golf assistance system according to appendix 22A, 35A, or 44A, further including an auxiliary pin disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball,

[0761] the auxiliary pin including: a rod-shaped pin disposed behind a cup provided in the golf playing area, and a laser light source attached to the pin and configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.Appendix 53A

[0762] The golf assistance system according to appendix 52A, in which the auxiliary pin includes a camera configured to capture surroundings, an acoustic device configured to output and input an acoustic signal, an illumination device configured to illuminate the surroundings, a communication device configured to communicate with an external device, and a display device configured to display information.Appendix 54A

[0763] An auxiliary pin in the golf assistance system according to appendix 22A, 35A, or 44A, the auxiliary pin being disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball and including a rod-shaped pin disposed behind the cup, and a laser light source attached to the pin and configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.Appendix 55A

[0764] The golf assistance system according to appendix 54A, in which the auxiliary pin includes a camera configured to capture surroundings, an acoustic device configured to output and input an acoustic signal, an illumination device configured to illuminate the surroundings, a communication device configured to communicate with an external device, and a display device configured to display information.Appendix 56A

[0765] The golf assistance system according to appendix 22A, 35A, or 44A, further including an auxiliary terminal device formed of a bar-shaped member fixedly or movably installed at any place in the golf playing area,

[0766] the auxiliary terminal device including an auxiliary terminal device camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the auxiliary terminal device, and an auxiliary terminal device transmission means configured to transmit the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera to the outside, in which:

[0767] the first reception device of the communication center receives the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera from the auxiliary terminal device transmission means of the auxiliary terminal device, and

[0768] the control device of the communication center generates the assistance information further in consideration of the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera.Appendix 57A

[0769] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1A, 22A, 35A, or 44A, in which:

[0770] the assistance information further includes information for providing a golf insurance guide, and

[0771] the golf insurance guide based on the assistance information is further provided as the assistance content.Appendix 58A

[0772] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1A, 22A, 35A, or 44A, in which:

[0773] the assistance information further includes information on a picture or a moving image, and

[0774] the picture or the moving image based on the assistance information is further provided as the assistance content.Appendix 59A

[0775] A golf assistance system for assisting in golf playing in which a user strikes a golf ball using a golf club in a golf playing area,

[0776] the golf assistance system including a head-mounted wearable terminal capable of being worn on the head of the user,

[0777] the head-mounted wearable terminal includes:

[0778] a camera configured to capture a video of a destination of a line of sight of the user;

[0779] a control device configured to generate assistance information for providing a predetermined assistance content to the user based on the video; and

[0780] a display device configured to display the assistance content based on the assistance information.Appendix 1B

[0781] A golf assistance system for assisting in golf playing in which a user strikes a golf ball using a golf club in a golf playing area, the golf assistance system including:

[0782] a cart unit attached to a cart serving as a means of transportation in the golf playing area, the cart unit including:

[0783] a cart camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the cart and to track and capture the user in the video;

[0784] a generation means configured to generate, based on data of the video captured by the cart camera, assistance information for providing a predetermined assistance content to the user; and

[0785] a presentation means configured to present the assistance content based on the assistance information; and

[0786] a terminal device capable of being carried by the user in the golf playing area, in which:

[0787] the cart unit includes a cart transmission means configured to transmit the assistance information generated by the generation means to an outside,

[0788] the terminal device includes a terminal device reception means configured to receive the assistance information transmitted from the cart transmission means of the cart unit, and a terminal device presentation means configured to present the assistance information received by the terminal device reception means,

[0789] the generation means of the cart camera individually identifies a plurality of the users recorded in the data of the video, and generates the assistance information for providing the individualized assistance content to the identified individual users,

[0790] the assistance information is information for providing, as the assistance content, a caddie function including a description and a guide regarding the golf playing of the user in the golf playing area, and

[0791] at least one of the presentation means and the terminal device presentation means presents the assistance content.Appendix 2B

[0792] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1B, further including a pin unit attached to a rod-shaped pin serving as a mark of a cup provided in the golf playing area,

[0793] the pin unit including a pin camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the pin, and a pin transmission means configured to transmit data of the video captured by the pin camera to an outside, in which:

[0794] the cart unit includes a cart reception means configured to receive the data of the video captured by the pin camera from the pin transmission means of the pin unit, and

[0795] the generation means of the cart unit generates the assistance information based on the data of the video captured by the cart camera and the data of the video captured by the pin camera.Appendix 3B

[0796] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1B, further including an auxiliary terminal device formed of a bar-shaped member fixedly or movably installed at any place in the golf playing area,

[0797] the auxiliary terminal device including an auxiliary terminal device camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the auxiliary terminal device, and an auxiliary terminal device transmission means configured to transmit data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera to an outside, in which:

[0798] the cart unit includes a cart reception means configured to receive the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera from the auxiliary terminal device transmission means of the auxiliary terminal device, and

[0799] the generation means of the cart unit generates the assistance information based on the data of the video captured by the cart camera and the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera.Appendix 4B

[0800] The golf assistance system according to appendix 2B, further including an auxiliary terminal device formed of a bar-shaped member fixedly or movably installed at any place in the golf playing area,

[0801] the auxiliary terminal device including an auxiliary terminal device camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the auxiliary terminal device, and an auxiliary terminal device transmission means configured to transmit the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera to an outside, in which:

[0802] the cart unit includes a cart reception means configured to receive the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera from the auxiliary terminal device transmission means of the auxiliary terminal device, and

[0803] the generation means of the cart unit generates the assistance information based on the data of the video captured by the cart camera, the data of the video captured by the pin camera, and the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera.Appendix 5B

[0804] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1B, 2B, 3B, or 4B, in which the terminal device is a head-mounted wearable terminal.Appendix 6B

[0805] The golf assistance system according to appendix 2B, in which:

[0806] the pin has a lower portion inserted into the cup and an upper portion provided with the pin unit, the lower portion being connected to the upper portion with a hinge portion interposed therebetween, and

[0807] in a state in which the pin is detached from the cup and the detached pin is laid on the ground, the upper portion is bent relative to the lower portion so as to rise from a ground and capturing of the pin unit using the pin camera is able to be performed.Appendix 7B

[0808] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1B, 2B, 3B, or 4B, in which:

[0809] the generation means analyzes the golf playing of the user recorded in the data of the video by analyzing the data of the video, calculates analysis result data of the golf playing, and further generates the analysis result data as the assistance information, and

[0810] the presentation means further displays, as the assistance content, a result of analyzing the golf playing based on the analysis result data.Appendix 8B

[0811] The golf assistance system according to appendix 7B, in which the result of analyzing displayed by the presentation means as the assistance content includes at least one of a speed of the golf ball, a driving angle of the golf ball, a rolling distance of the golf ball, a position of a line of sight of the user during a swing, a position of a head of the user during the swing, a posture of the user during the swing, a head-up analysis, a head-up check, a stroke trajectory of the golf club, an angle of a head of the golf club, a speed of the head, intensity of striking by the golf club, and a tempo of the swing.Appendix 9B

[0812] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1B, 2B, 3B, or 4B, in which:

[0813] the generation means generates banner advertisement display information for displaying a predetermined banner advertisement together with the assistance information, and

[0814] the presentation means displays a banner advertisement based on the banner advertisement display information together with the assistance information.Appendix 10B

[0815] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1B, 2B, 3B, or 4B, in which:

[0816] the generation means determines whether the ball has dropped into the cup or not based on the data of the video, and further generates, as the assistance information, guide data for guiding predetermined gift presentation when the ball has dropped into the cup, and

[0817] the presentation means further presents, based on the guide data, at least one of a guide voice and a guide video for a guide of the gift presentation.Appendix 11B

[0818] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1B, 2B, 3B, or 4B, in which:

[0819] the generation means determines whether the ball has dropped into the cup or not based on the data of the video, and further generates, as the assistance information, an advertisement video signal to output a predetermined advertisement video when the ball has dropped into the cup, and

[0820] the presentation means further outputs an advertisement video based on the assistance information.Appendix 12B

[0821] A cart unit attached to a cart used by a user as a means of transportation in a golf playing area, the cart unit including:

[0822] a cart camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the cart and to track and capture the user in the video;

[0823] a generation means configured to generate, based on data of the video captured by the cart camera, assistance information for providing a predetermined assistance content to the user;

[0824] a cart transmission means configured to transmit the assistance information generated by the generation means to an outside; and

[0825] a presentation means configured to present the assistance content based on the assistance information, in which:

[0826] the generation means individually identifies a plurality of the users recorded in the data of the video, and generates the assistance information for providing the individualized assistance content to the identified individual users,

[0827] the assistance information is information for providing, as the assistance content, a caddie function including a description and a guide regarding the golf playing of the user in the golf playing area, and

[0828] at least one of presenting the assistance content based on the assistance information to the presentation means, and transmitting the assistance information from the cart transmission means to a terminal device carried by the user in the golf playing area and then presenting the assistance content based on the assistance information to a terminal device presentation means provided in the terminal device is performed.Appendix 13B

[0829] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1B, 2B, 3B, or 4B, further including an auxiliary equipment disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball,

[0830] the auxiliary equipment including a plate portion serving as a mark of a cup provided in the golf playing area, a ball position mark disposed separately from the plate portion in a horizontal direction, and a laser light source configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.Appendix 14B

[0831] The golf assistance system according to appendix 13B, in which the auxiliary equipment includes a camera configured to capture surroundings, an acoustic device configured to output and input an acoustic signal, an illumination device configured to illuminate the surroundings, a communication device configured to communicate with an external device, and a display device configured to display information.Appendix 15B

[0832] The golf assistance system according to appendix 2B or 4B, in which the pin unit further includes:

[0833] a human sensor configured to detect a person approaching the pin; and

[0834] an illumination device turned on when the human sensor detects approach of the person.Appendix 16B

[0835] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1B, 2B, 3B, or 4B, further including an auxiliary pin disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball,

[0836] the auxiliary pin including a rod-shaped pin disposed behind a cup provided in the golf playing area, and a laser light source attached to the pin and configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.Appendix 17B

[0837] The golf assistance system according to appendix 16B, in which the auxiliary pin includes a camera configured to capture surroundings, an acoustic device configured to output and input an acoustic signal, an illumination device configured to illuminate the surroundings, a communication device configured to communicate with an external device, and a display device configured to display information.Appendix 18B

[0838] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1B, in which:

[0839] the assistance information further includes information for providing a golf insurance guide, and

[0840] the golf insurance guide based on the assistance information is further provided as the assistance content.Appendix 19B

[0841] The golf assistance system according to appendix 1B, in which:

[0842] the assistance information further includes information on a picture or a moving image, and

[0843] the picture or the moving image based on the assistance information is further provided as the assistance content.Appendix 20B

[0844] A golf assistance system for assisting in golf playing in which a user strikes a golf ball with a golf club in a golf playing area, the golf assistance system including a cart unit attached to a cart serving as a means of transportation in the golf playing area, the cart unit including:

[0845] a cart camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the cart and to track and capture the user in the video;

[0846] a generation means configured to generate, based on data of the video captured by the cart camera, assistance information for providing a predetermined assistance content to the user; and

[0847] a presentation means configured to present the assistance content based on the assistance information, in which:

[0848] the cart unit includes a cart transmission means configured to transmit the assistance information generated by the generation means to an outside,

[0849] the generation means of the cart camera individually identifies a plurality of the users recorded in the data of the video, and generates the assistance information for providing the individualized assistance content to the identified individual users,

[0850] the assistance information is information for providing, as the assistance content, a caddie function including a description and a guide regarding the golf playing of the user in the golf playing area, and

[0851] the presentation means presents the assistance content.REFERENCE SIGNS LIST1 GOLF CLUB

[0853] 2 CUP

[0854] 2A CUP MAIN BODY PORTION

[0855] 2B TRAY RECEPTION PORTION

[0856] 2C UPWARD / DOWNWARD MOVEMENT MECHANISM

[0857] 2D HOLE

[0858] 5 PIN

[0859] 5A FLAG

[0860] 5C HINGE PORTION

[0861] 5D LOWER PORTION

[0862] 5U UPPER PORTION

[0863] 5X PRACTICE PIN

[0864] 5Y HANDLE PORTION

[0865] 5′ PIN

[0866] 5″ PIN

[0867] 6 CART

[0868] 6A ROOF PORTION

[0869] 6B EXTENSIBLE POLE

[0870] 7 TEE

[0871] 10 GOLF BALL

[0872] 10′ CHIP-EMBEDDED BALL

[0873] 11 BALL MAIN BODY

[0874] 12 CONTROL MECHANISM

[0875] 13 STORAGE UNIT

[0876] 14 BALL STRIKING SENSOR

[0877] 15 COMMUNICATION DEVICE

[0878] 20 CUP DETECTION MECHANISM

[0879] 20A CUP DETECTION MECHANISM ACCOMMODATION BODY

[0880] 20B CAMERA-EQUIPPED EXTENSIBLE ROD MECHANISM

[0881] 21 FIRST CONTROL MECHANISM

[0882] 22 FIRST SENSOR

[0883] 23 FIRST COMMUNICATION DEVICE (FIRST TRANSMISSION DEVICE)

[0884] 24 ROD

[0885] 24′ ROD

[0886] 25 CAMERA

[0887] 30 COMMUNICATION CENTER

[0888] 31 CONTROL DEVICE

[0889] 32 RECEPTION DEVICE (FIRST RECEPTION DEVICE)

[0890] 33 TRANSMISSION DEVICE (THIRD TRANSMISSION DEVICE)

[0891] 40 TERMINAL DEVICE

[0892] 41 THIRD CONTROL MECHANISM

[0893] 42 DISPLAY DEVICE (PRESENTATION DEVICE)

[0894] 43 THIRD COMMUNICATION DEVICE (SECOND RECEPTION DEVICE)

[0895] 44 INPUT DEVICE

[0896] 50 PIN DETECTION MECHANISM

[0897] 50A ACCOMMODATION BODY

[0898] 51 SECOND CONTROL MECHANISM

[0899] 52 FIRST CAMERA

[0900] 53 SECOND COMMUNICATION DEVICE (SECOND TRANSMISSION DEVICE)

[0901] 60 CART DETECTION MECHANISM

[0902] 60A CART DETECTION MECHANISM ACCOMMODATION BODY

[0903] 61 THIRD CONTROL MECHANISM

[0904] 62 SECOND CAMERA

[0905] 63 THIRD COMMUNICATION DEVICE (FOURTH TRANSMISSION DEVICE)

[0906] 70 BUILDING

[0907] 71 ILLUMINATION FACILITY

[0908] 72 ACOUSTIC FACILITY

[0909] G GREEN

[0910] S, S′, S″, SX GOLF ASSISTANCE SYSTEM

[0911] T TEEING GROUND

[0912] 600, 600′ BALL GAUGE (AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT)

Claims

1. A golf assistance system for assisting in golf playing in which a user strikes a golf ball using a golf club in a golf playing area, the golf assistance system comprising:a cart unit attached to a cart serving as a means of transportation in the golf playing area, the cart unit including:a cart camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the cart and to track and capture the user in the video;a generator configured to generate, based on data of the video captured by the cart camera, assistance information for providing a predetermined assistance content to the user; andpresentation processor circuitry configured to present the assistance content based on the assistance information; anda terminal device capable of being carried by the user in the golf playing area, whereinthe cart unit includes a cart transmitter configured to transmit the assistance information generated by the generator to an outside,the terminal device includes terminal device reception processor circuitry configured to receive the assistance information transmitted from the cart transmitter of the cart unit, and terminal device presentation processor circuitry configured to present the assistance information received by the terminal device reception processor circuitry,the generator of the cart camera individually identifies a plurality of the users recorded in the data of the video, and generates the assistance information for providing the individualized assistance content to the identified individual users,the assistance information is information for providing, as the assistance content, a caddie function including a description and a guide regarding the golf playing of the user in the golf playing area, andat least one of the presentation processor circuitry and the terminal device presentation processor circuitry presents the assistance content.

2. The golf assistance system according to claim 1, further comprising a pin unit attached to a rod-shaped pin serving as a mark of a cup provided in the golf playing area, the pin unit including a pin camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the pin, and a pin transmitter configured to transmit data of the video captured by the pin camera to an outside, whereinthe cart unit includes cart reception processor circuitry configured to receive the data of the video captured by the pin camera from the pin transmitter of the pin unit, andthe generator of the cart unit generates the assistance information based on the data of the video captured by the cart camera and the data of the video captured by the pin camera.

3. The golf assistance system according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary terminal device formed of a bar-shaped member fixedly or movably installed at any place in the golf playing area,the auxiliary terminal device including an auxiliary terminal device camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the auxiliary terminal device, and an auxiliary terminal device transmitter configured to transmit data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera to an outside, whereinthe cart unit includes cart reception processor circuitry configured to receive the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera from the auxiliary terminal device transmitter of the auxiliary terminal device, andthe generator of the cart unit generates the assistance information based on the data of the video captured by the cart camera and the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera.

4. The golf assistance system according to claim 2, further comprising an auxiliary terminal device formed of a bar-shaped member fixedly or movably installed at any place in the golf playing area,the auxiliary terminal device including an auxiliary terminal device camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the auxiliary terminal device, and an auxiliary terminal device transmitter configured to transmit the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera to an outside, whereinthe cart unit includes cart reception processor circuitry configured to receive the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera from the auxiliary terminal device transmitter of the auxiliary terminal device, andthe generator of the cart unit generates the assistance information based on the data of the video captured by the cart camera, the data of the video captured by the pin camera, and the data of the video captured by the auxiliary terminal device camera.

5. The golf assistance system according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device is a head-mounted wearable terminal.

6. The golf assistance system according to claim 2, whereinthe pin includes a lower portion inserted into the cup and an upper portion provided with the pin unit, the lower portion being connected to the upper portion with a hinge portion interposed therebetween, andin a state in which the pin is detached from the cup and the detached pin is laid on the ground, the upper portion is bent relative to the lower portion so as to rise from a ground and capturing of the pin unit using the pin camera is able to be performed.

7. The golf assistance system according to claim 1, whereinthe generator analyzes the golf playing of the user recorded in the data of the video by analyzing the data of the video, calculates analysis result data of the golf playing, and further generates the analysis result data as the assistance information, andthe presentation processor circuitry further displays, as the assistance content, a result of analyzing the golf playing based on the analysis result data.

8. The golf assistance system according to claim 7, wherein the result of analyzing displayed by the presentation processor circuitry as the assistance content includes at least one of a speed of the golf ball, a launch angle of the golf ball, a rolling distance of the golf ball, a position of a line of sight of the user during a swing, a position of a head of the user during the swing, a posture of the user during the swing, a head-up analysis, a head-up check, a stroke trajectory of the golf club, an angle of a head of the golf club, a speed of the head, intensity of striking by the golf club, and a tempo of the swing.

9. The golf assistance system according to claim 1, whereinthe generator generates banner advertisement display information for displaying a predetermined banner advertisement together with the assistance information, andthe presentation processor circuitry displays a banner advertisement based on the banner advertisement display information together with the assistance information.

10. The golf assistance system according to claim 1, whereinthe generator determines whether the ball has dropped into the cup or not based on the data of the video, and further generates, as the assistance information, guide data for guiding predetermined gift presentation when the ball has dropped into the cup, andthe presentation processor circuitry further presents, based on the guide data, at least one of a guide voice and a guide video for a guide of the gift presentation.

11. The golf assistance system according to claim 1, whereinthe generator determines whether the ball has dropped into the cup or not based on the data of the video, and further generates, as the assistance information, an advertisement video signal to output a predetermined advertisement video when the ball has dropped into the cup, andthe presentation processor circuitry further outputs an advertisement video based on the assistance information.

12. A cart unit attached to a cart used by a user as a means of transportation in a golf playing area, the cart unit comprising:a cart camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the cart and to track and capture the user in the video;a generator configured to generate, based on data of the video captured by the cart camera, assistance information for providing a predetermined assistance content to the user;a cart transmitter configured to transmit the assistance information generated by the generator to an outside; andpresentation processor circuitry configured to present the assistance content based on the assistance information, whereinthe generator individually identifies a plurality of the users recorded in the data of the video, and generates the assistance information for providing the individualized assistance content to the identified individual users,the assistance information is information for providing, as the assistance content, a caddie function including a description and a guide regarding the golf playing of the user in the golf playing area, andat least one of presenting the assistance content based on the assistance information to the presentation processor circuitry, and transmitting the assistance information from the cart transmitter to a terminal device carried by the user in the golf playing area and then presenting the assistance content based on the assistance information to terminal device presentation processor circuitry provided in the terminal device is performed.

13. The golf assistance system according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary equipment disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball, the auxiliary equipment including:a plate serving as a mark of a cup provided in the golf playing area;a ball position mark disposed separately from the plate in a horizontal direction; anda laser light source configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.

14. The golf assistance system according to claim 13, wherein the auxiliary equipment includes:a camera configured to capture surroundings;an acoustic device configured to output and input an acoustic signal;an illumination device configured to illuminate the surroundings;a communication device configured to communicate with an external device; anda display device configured to display information.

15. The golf assistance system according to claim 2, wherein the pin unit further includes:a human sensor configured to detect a person approaching the pin; andan illumination device turned on when the human sensor detects approach of the person.

16. The golf assistance system according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary pin disposed to provide the user with a guide in a driving direction of the golf ball, the auxiliary pin including:a rod-shaped pin disposed behind a cup provided in the golf playing area and a laser light source attached to the pin and configured to irradiate the user with laser light for a ball driving direction guide.

17. The golf assistance system according to claim 16, wherein the auxiliary pin includes:a camera configured to capture surroundings;an acoustic device configured to output and input an acoustic signal;an illumination device configured to illuminate the surroundings;a communication device configured to communicate with an external device; anda display device configured to display information.

18. The golf assistance system according to claim 1, whereinthe assistance information further includes information for providing a golf insurance guide, andthe golf insurance guide based on the assistance information is further provided as the assistance content.

19. The golf assistance system according to claim 1, whereinthe assistance information further includes information on a picture or a moving image, andthe picture or the moving image based on the assistance information is further provided as the assistance content.

20. A golf assistance system for assisting in golf playing in which a user strikes a golf ball with a golf club in a golf playing area, the golf assistance system comprising a cart unit attached to a cart serving as a means of transportation in the golf playing area, the cart unit including:a cart camera configured to capture a video around a periphery of the cart and to track and capture the user in the video;a generator configured to generate, based on data of the video captured by the cart camera, assistance information for providing a predetermined assistance content to the user; andpresentation processor circuitry configured to present the assistance content based on the assistance information, whereinthe cart unit includes cart transmitter configured to transmit the assistance information generated by the generator to an outside,the generator of the cart camera individually identifies a plurality of the users recorded in the data of the video, and generates the assistance information for providing the individualized assistance content to the identified individual users,the assistance information is information for providing, as the assistance content, a caddie function including a description and a guide regarding the golf playing of the user in the golf playing area, andthe presentation processor circuitry presents the assistance content.

Images