Information processing method and information processing device

Abstract

An information processing method for determining a golf ball desired by a user by the use of a computer, comprises: step S1 of preparing a database that, for a group of golf balls, associates performance characteristics with evaluation scores; step S2 of obtaining quantitatively weighting parameters for the performance characteristics subjectively determined by the user; step S3 of calculating weighted evaluation scores that reflect the quantitatively weighting parameters in the evaluation scores; and step S4 of determining a golf ball suitable for the user from among the golf balls based on the weighted evaluation scores.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing method and information processing device for determining a golf ball desired by a user from a group of golf balls.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Generally, golf balls are required to have several contradictory performances. For example, a golf ball is required to have a long flight distance property when struck by a driver as well as a high spin rate property when struck by an iron. But, these properties tend to contradict each other.

[0003] Under these circumstances, golf ball manufacturers offer a variety of golf balls with different properties, each ball with its own optimum compromise for the various properties. Thus, it is not easy for the golfer to select a golf ball that suits his / her preferences from among the various golf balls available.

[0004] In view of such situation, for example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses an information processing device for determining a golf ball recommended for the golfer based on the golfer's playing results.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-90216ASUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONProblems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires measuring golfer's playing results on the golf course, that is very time-consuming and laborious. Further, there is a possibility that the golfer's subjective preferences may not be adequately reflected on the golf ball recommended according to the playing results.

[0007] In view of the circumstances described above, the present disclosure was made, and a primarily objective of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device and information processing method by which a golf ball that the golfer prefers can be easily determined from a group of different golf balls.Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing method in which a golf ball desired by a user is determined by the use of a computer, and which comprises:

[0009] a step of preparing a database accessible or retrievable by the computer that, for a group of golf balls each having multiple types of performance characteristics, associates each performance characteristic of each golf ball with an evaluation score for the golf ball about the each performance characteristic;

[0010] a step in which the computer obtains, for each performance characteristic, a quantitatively weighting parameter determined by the user based on the user's subjective;

[0011] a step in which the computer calculates a weighted evaluation score by reflecting the quantitatively weighting parameter on the evaluation score acquired from the database; and

[0012] a step in which, based on the weighted evaluation scores, the computer determines a golf ball suitable for the user from among the group of the golf balls.Effects of the Invention

[0013] In the information processing method according to the present disclosure, by having the above-described steps, the golfer can easily select a desirable golf ball from the group of the golf balls.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information processing device as an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure (information processing method) of the information processing device.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a diagram visualizing a data set included in a database in tabular form.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a diagram visualizing another data set included in the database in tabular form.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a diagram visualizing still another data set included in the database in tabular form.

[0019] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show an example of a user interface screen layout for obtaining weighting parameters from the user, wherein FIG. 6 shows the initial state, and FIG. 7 shows a state after the user has set the weighting parameters.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a weighted evaluation score calculation step.

[0021] FIG. 9 shows a table for explaining an example of data structure of the weighted evaluation scores of the respective golf balls.Detailed description of the Invention

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail in conjunction with accompanying drawings.

[0023] The specific configurations shown in the embodiments and drawings are for understanding the contents of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to such specific configurations.

[0024] The information processing method and the information processing device as present embodiments are a method and a device for determining a golf ball desired by a user by the use of a computer.

[0025] In this application, the “user” means anyone who wishes to determine or select a golf ball that he or she desires, from a group of different golf balls. Thus, the users include golfers who actually play golf as well as potential golfers.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information processing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure that is for implementing an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] The information processing device 1 is constituted by a computer 1A as shown in FIG. 1.

[0028] Examples of the computer 1A include desktop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, smartphones, and server computers.

[0029] The computer 1A comprises an input device 2, an output device 3, a communication device 4 and an arithmetic processing unit 5.

[0030] The input device 2 may be a keyboard, a mouse and the like. The output device 3 may be a display, a printer and the like.

[0031] The communication device 4 is a device for communicating with external computers 1B, 1C, 1D, etc., for example, via the Internet 11.

[0032] The arithmetic processing unit 5 is composed of, for example, a calculation unit (CPU) 6 which performs various calculations, a storage unit 7 in which data, programs, etc. are stored, and a working memory 8.

[0033] The storage unit 7 is a non-volatile information storage device such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, SSD and the like. In the storage unit 7 of the present embodiment, a database 9 and a program 10 are stored.

[0034] The storage unit 7 may be a cloud storage connected via the Internet 11.

[0035] The database 9 is data that, for the group of the golf balls each having multiple types of performance characteristics, associates each performance characteristic of each golf ball with an evaluation score assigned to the golf ball about the each performance characteristic. The database 9 is referenced when executing the information processing method. The database 9 will be described in detail later.

[0036] The program 10 is a computer program for causing the computer 1A to function to determine the golf ball desired by the user from the group of the golf balls.

[0037] The program 10, when executed by the calculation unit 6, can cause the computer 1A to function as a device for processing specific information.

[0038] The program may be provided in a form stored in a non-volatile storage medium in advance or in a form downloadable via the Internet when using.

[0039] The program 10 of the present embodiment includes at least an acquiring unit 10a, a weighted evaluation score calculating unit 10b, and

[0040] a determining unit 10c.

[0041] The functions of these units of the program 10 will be described in detail later.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the information processing method according to the present embodiment.

[0043] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the information processing method comprises a step S1 of preparing the database 9 that is accessible or retrievable by the computer 1A (calculation unit 6) and includes data that, for the group of the golf balls each having multiple types of performance characteristics, associates each performance characteristic of each golf ball with an evaluation score assigned to the golf ball about the each performance characteristic.

[0044] If the database 9 has not yet been constructed, the step S1 includes

[0045] a step of newly constructing the database 9, and

[0046] a step of storing the constructed database 9 in the storage unit 7 so as to be accessible or retrievable by the computer 1A.

[0047] If the database 9 has already been constructed, the step S1 is executed by storing the constructed database 9 in the storage unit 7 so that it can be accessed by the computer 1A.

[0048] If the constructed database 9 has already been stored in the storage unit 7, the step S1 is executed by the starting up of the computer 1A.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a diagram visualizing an example (a data set) of the database 9 in tabular form.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, the database 9 is structured data in which, for the group of the golf balls, the performance characteristics of each golf ball are associated with evaluation scores assigned to the golf ball with respect to the respective performance characteristics.

[0051] Further, in the database 9 shown in FIG. 3, for each of the performance characteristic, all the golf balls constituting the group are ranked based on their evaluation scores, and the rank numbers of the golf balls are included in the database.

[0052] In this example, the golf balls constituting the group are six types of different balls A to F. Therefore, the method of the present embodiment functions as a device for determining a golf ball that is closest to the user's preferences from among the six balls A to F. In this application, the “type” of a golf ball is a concept corresponding to the “product name” of the golf ball. Thus, for example, ball A and ball B are marketed under different product names, and typically have different performance characteristics.

[0053] The number of the types of the golf balls constituting the group is not limited to six, and the number may be three or more, preferably four or more.

[0054] In this application, the “performance characteristics” of a golf ball mean characteristics that characterize the golf ball, in particular technical characteristics relevant to playing golf.

[0055] Such performance characteristics include at least one, preferably two or more, more preferably three or more of the following performance characteristics: flight distance, trajectory straightness, trajectory height, spin rate, and hit feel of the golf ball.

[0056] In the present embodiment, based on the above-mentioned performance characteristics, the following more specific, six performance characteristics 1 to 6 are adopted.1. Flight Distance by Driver (Driver Distance)

[0057] The flight distance by driver is a performance characteristic relating to the flight distance of a golf ball when struck by a driver, and

[0058] is indicated as “Driver distance” in FIG. 3, etc.

[0059] This performance characteristic can be obtained by evaluating each golf ball based on the measurement result of the flight distance of the golf ball obtained through machine hitting test or actual human hitting test.

[0060] This performance characteristic is considered as being better when the flight distance is longer.

[0061] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the order of best “driver distance” is ball A, ball B, ball C, ball D, ball E and ball F.2. Straightness by Driver (Driver Straightness)

[0062] The straightness by driver is a performance characteristic relating to the degree of straightness of the trajectory of a golf ball when struck by a driver, and

[0063] is indicated as “Driver straightness” in FIG. 3, etc.

[0064] This performance characteristic can be obtained by evaluating each golf ball based on the measurement result of the right-left deviation of the trajectory of the golf ball obtained through machine hitting test or actual human hitting test.

[0065] This performance characteristic is considered as being better when the deviation is smaller.

[0066] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the order of best “driver straightness” is ball F, ball A, ball E, ball D, ball B, and ball C.

[0067] The order of the “driver straightness” may be different from or the same as the order of the “driver distance”.3. Trajectory Height by Driver (Driver Trajectory Height)

[0068] The trajectory height by driver is a performance characteristic relating to the height of the trajectory of each golf ball when struck by a driver, and

[0069] is indicated as “driver trajectory height” in FIG. 3, etc.

[0070] This performance characteristics can be obtained by evaluating each golf ball based on the measurement result of the maximum height of the trajectory of the golf ball through machine hitting test or actual human hitting test.

[0071] This performance characteristic is considered as being better when the height of the trajectory is the higher.

[0072] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the order of best “driver trajectory height” is ball C, ball B, ball D, ball A, ball E and ball F.

[0073] This order may be different from or the same as the orders of the “driver distance” and “driver straightness.”4. Spin Rate by Iron (iron Spin Rate)

[0074] The spin rate by iron is a performance characteristic relating to the spin rate of each golf ball when struck by an iron golf club (specifically, #7 iron), and

[0075] is indicated as “iron spin rate” in FIG. 3, etc.

[0076] This characteristic can be obtained by evaluating each golf ball based on the measurement result of the spin rate of the golf ball through machine hitting test or actual human hitting test.

[0077] This performance characteristic is considered as being better when the spin rate is greater.

[0078] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the order of best “iron spin rate” is ball C, ball B, ball D, ball A, ball F, and ball E.

[0079] This order may be different from or the same as the orders of the “driver distance,”“driver straightness,” and “driver trajectory height.”5. Spin Rate at Approach Shot (Approach Spin Rate):

[0080] The spin rate at approach shot is a performance characteristic relating to the spin rate of each golf ball when struck by a golf club whose loft angle is large such as a wedge, and is indicated as “approach spin rate” in FIG. 3, etc.

[0081] This performance characteristic can be obtained by evaluating each golf ball based on the measurement result of the spin rate of the golf ball at approach shot through machine hitting test or actual human hitting test.

[0082] This performance characteristic is considered as being better when the spin rate is greater.

[0083] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the order of best “approach spin rate” is ball D, ball C, ball B, ball E, ball F, and ball A.

[0084] This order may be different from or the same as the orders of the “driver distance,”“driver straightness,”“driver trajectory height,” and “iron spin rate.”6. Hit Feel (Hit Feel)

[0085] The hit feel is a performance characteristic relating to the feeling that is fed back to the golfer's hands when each golf ball is struck.

[0086] This performance characteristic can be obtained by evaluating each golf ball through sensory actual human hitting test.

[0087] This performance characteristic is considered as being better when the feel is softer, according to the empirical rule such that more golfers prefer a soft hit feel. However, some golfers prefer a harder hit feel, therefore, such preference can be adopted as an evaluation standard in an embodiment other than the present embodiment.

[0088] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the order of best “hit feel” is ball F, ball E, ball D, ball A, ball C, and ball B.

[0089] This order may be different from or the same as the order of any of the performance characteristics above.

[0090] In the database 9 of the present embodiment, for each of the performance characteristics, all the golf balls (A to F) are assigned with evaluation scores based on the order of the evaluated performance characteristic.

[0091] The evaluation scores are numerical data included in the database 9. In the present embodiment, as the number of the golf ball is 6, the first place golf ball is given 6 points, and

[0092] each subsequent place that descends one by one is assigned a point value that is reduced by one point by one point from the highest points (6 points).

[0093] It is optional but preferable that the above-described data about the performance characteristics of the golf balls constituting the group and the evaluation scores of the golf balls regarding the performance characteristics, is prepared for different head speed ranges, and such plural data sets are included in the database 9.

[0094] In general, with respect to one or more of the performance characteristics, the golf balls'ranking order may change when the head speed is changed. Therefore, it may be possible to more accurately determine the golf ball that the user desires, by including in the database 9 such data sets that are prepared by evaluating the performance characteristics of the golf balls in different head speed ranges.

[0095] For example, FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 respectively show data set (DB1), data set (DB2) and data set (DB3) which may be included in the database 9.

[0096] The data set (DB1) shown in FIG. 3 is for golfers whose head speeds of the driver are 45 m / s or more.

[0097] The data set (DB2) shown in FIG. 4 is for golfers whose head speeds are from 40 to 44 m / s.

[0098] The data set (DB3) shown in FIG. 5 is for golfers whose head speeds are 39 m / s or less.

[0099] It can be seen that, for example, the golf balls'ranking order relating to the “driver distance” has changed when the head speed changed as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0100] Returning to FIG. 2, in the information processing method according to the present embodiment, the next step S2 is to obtain a quantitatively weighting parameter subjectively determined by the user for each of the performance characteristics.

[0101] In this step S2, the acquiring unit 10a of the program 10 shown in FIG. 1 is loaded in the working memory 8 and executed by the calculation unit 6.

[0102] Thereby, the computer 1A functions as a device for acquiring the quantitatively weighting parameters set by the user based on the user's subjective.

[0103] In this specification, the “user's subjective” means personal evaluation criteria and opinions based on the user's own judgment, preferences, experience, etc.

[0104] In this specification, the term “quantitatively weighting parameters” refers to numerical data that quantitatively indicates the importance or priority of the plurality of performance characteristics.

[0105] The quantitatively weighting parameters assign relative priorities to the multiple performance characteristics based on the user's preferences, and are important parameters for determining which golf ball from a group of golf balls most closely matches the user's preferences.

[0106] The quantitatively weighting parameters may be obtained in various ways.

[0107] As an example, the user inputs the quantitatively weighting parameters by the use of the input device 2 of the computer 1A.

[0108] As another example, the quantitatively weighting parameters are input to the computer 1A by the user from the user's computers 1B, 1C, 1D, etc. connected to the computer 1A via the Internet 11.

[0109] The acquiring unit 10a acquires the weighting parameters input by the user, and stores them in the working memory 8, for example.

[0110] As a preferable feature of the computer 1A, the computer 1A may be configured to display a graphical and / or touch-based user interface (GUI) for allowing the user to easily input the quantitatively weighting parameters, on the output device 3 or on a display device of the user's computer 1B, 1C, 1D, etc.

[0111] FIG. 6 shows an example of such a user interface (GUI) screen layout. This user interface (GUI) may be displayed on, for example, an internet browser on the user's computer 1B, 1C, 1D, etc.

[0112] The user interface (GUI) shown in FIG. 6 comprises

[0113] a head speed setting section 20 for setting the head speed, and

[0114] a weighting parameter setting section 30 for setting the quantitatively weighting parameters.

[0115] The head speed setting section 20 in this example comprises descriptions 21 of selectable options and

[0116] setting elements 22, such as radio buttons, corresponding to the respective selectable options.

[0117] In this example, the selectable options are three head speed ranges (45 m / s or more, 40 to 44 m / s, and 39 m / s or less) corresponding to the above-described three data sets (DB1, DB2 and DB3) of the database 9 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0118] The setting elements 22 are mutually exclusive, which means that the user can select only one of the setting elements 22 that corresponds to the user's head speed.

[0119] Upon selecting one of the setting elements 22, the acquiring unit 10a acquires data corresponding to the selected setting element 22 (i.e., data specifying the selected head speed range), and stores the acquired data in the working memory 8, in this example.

[0120] The weighting parameter setting section 30 in this example comprises

[0121] descriptions 31 of the multiple performance characteristics (in this example, the six performance characteristics), and

[0122] setting elements 32 corresponding to the respective multiple performance characteristics and allowing weighting parameters to be set for the respective performance characteristics.

[0123] In this example, each of the setting elements 32 comprises a scale bar 32a and a slider element 32b that can slide on the scale bar 32a.

[0124] The initial position of the slider element 32b is the zero value position, which is located at one end of the scale bar 32a, in this example, the leftmost end of the scale bar 32a in the figure.

[0125] When the user desires to increase the priority of the respective performance characteristic, the user can arbitrarily increase the value of the quantitatively weighting parameter for the performance characteristic by moving the slider element 32b of the performance characteristic to the other end of the scale bar 32a (to the right in the case of the example shown in FIG. 6). In this example, the user can set the quantitatively weighting parameter to a natural number between 0 and 15.

[0126] Incidentally, if the quantitatively weighting parameters for all the performance characteristics can be set to the respective maximum values, then,

[0127] this is equivalent to a state in which no weighting is assigned to the performance characteristics. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order that the values of the quantitatively weighting parameters for all the performance characteristics cannot be set to the respective maximum values,

[0128] the sum of the quantitatively weighting parameters for the respective performance characteristics is limited to values not more than a predetermined value.

[0129] This limit value can be set to various values, but, in the present embodiment, it is set to 15, namely, the user is initially assigned 15 points. Thus, the user can allocate the points to the multiple performance characteristics according to the user's priorities.

[0130] In order to improve user operability, it is preferable to provide the weighting parameter setting section 30 with weighting parameter display sections 33 that display the weighting parameters set in real time in conjunction with the operation of the slider elements 32b of the setting elements 32.

[0131] Alternatively or additionally, in order to improve user operability, it is preferable to provide a remaining point display section 34 that displays the remaining points of the quantitatively weighting parameters available to the user in real time.

[0132] In FIG. 6, the remaining point display section 34 displays 15P (P: points) as the remaining points since no weighting parameters are set for any of the performance characteristics,

[0133] FIG. 7 shows an example of the user interface GUI after the user has actually set various parameters.

[0134] In this example, the head speed of 45 m / s or more has been set by selecting one of the setting elements 22.

[0135] The quantitatively weighting parameters have been assigned by moving the slider elements 32b as follows: 8 points for “driver distance”, 3 points for “driver straightness”, 1 point for “driver trajectory height”, and 3 points for “hit feel”.

[0136] Returning to FIG. 2, in the information processing method according to the present embodiment, the next step S3 is to calculate weighted evaluation scores by weighting the evaluation scores in the database 9 with the weighting parameters.

[0137] In this step S3, for example, the weighted evaluation score calculating unit 10b included in the program 10 of FIG. 1 is loaded into the working memory 8 and executed by the calculation unit 6. Thereby, the computer 1A functions as a device for calculating the weighted evaluation scores using the database 9 and the quantitatively weighting parameters.

[0138] FIG. 8 shows the detailed processing procedure of the step S3.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 8, the step S3 includes a step S31 in which, for each of the golf balls in the database 9, the weighted evaluation score calculating unit 10b reads the evaluation score of the each golf ball with respect to each of the performance characteristics as well as the quantitatively weighting parameter set to the performance characteristic, and then multiplies the evaluation score and the quantitatively weighting parameter to calculate and obtain the weighted evaluation score.

[0140] Through the step S31, the evaluation scores about the respective performance characteristics previously stored in the database 9 are modified by weighting according to the user's preferences.

[0141] FIG. 9 shows an example of data in tabular form showing

[0142] the performance characteristics,

[0143] the weighting parameters set by the user as illustrated in FIG. 7, and

[0144] the calculated weighted evaluation scores of the golf balls.

[0145] In this example, for example, the evaluation score for the “driver distance” of ball A before weighting was 6 points.

[0146] The user set the quantitatively weighting parameter for the driver distance to “8”.

[0147] As a result, the weighted evaluation score for the “driver distance” of ball A is calculated as 6×8=48 points.

[0148] Similarly, the weighted evaluation score for the “driver distance” of ball B is calculated as 5×8=40 points.

[0149] On the other hand, the user has set both the quantitatively weighting parameters for “iron spin rate” and “approach spin rate” to zero.

[0150] Therefore, the weighted evaluation scores for “iron spin rate” and “approach spin rate” of all the balls A to F are calculated to be zero.

[0151] In this manner, for each of the golf balls, the weighted evaluation scores of the golf ball with respect to the respective performance characteristics are calculated.

[0152] The weighted evaluation score of a golf ball can be said to be a value obtained by re-evaluating the golf ball with respect to a performance characteristic based on the user's subjective opinion (preference) thereto, with reflecting the user-set weighting parameter on the objective evaluation score with respect to the performance characteristic.

[0153] Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 8, the step S3 further includes a step S32 in which, for each of the golf balls, the weighted evaluation score calculating unit 10b calculates the total of the weighted evaluation scores of all the (six) performance characteristics, and the total weighted evaluation score is assigned to the each golf ball. In FIG. 9, the calculated totals are shown at the bottom of the table.

[0154] Again returning to FIG. 2, in the next step S4, based on the calculation results of the step S32, the determining unit 10c of the computer 1A determines a golf ball suitable for the user from the group of the golf balls (balls A to F).

[0155] In this step S4, for example, the determining unit 10c included in the program 10 of FIG. 1 is loaded into the working memory 8 and executed by the calculation unit 6. Thereby, the computer 1A functions as a device for determining a golf ball suitable for the user based on the weighted calculation results.

[0156] More specifically, in the present embodiment, the determining unit 10c determines the golf ball with the highest total weighted evaluation score as the golf ball suitable for the user.

[0157] In the present embodiment, this “total weighted evaluation score” can be said as a result of adding up the evaluated performance characteristics comprehensively according to the user's preferences, and

[0158] serves as an indicator of the overall performance of the golf ball that reflects the weighting parameters set by the user.

[0159] Using this “total weighted evaluation score” as a comparison standard, it becomes easier to compare different golf balls in terms of their overall performance characteristics.

[0160] Therefore, if a golf ball has the “highest total weighted evaluation score”, it means that the golf ball is the most suitable for the user, based on a comprehensive assessment of the performance characteristics (1-6, for example).

[0161] In this way, the golf ball with the highest total weighted evaluation score (ball A in FIG. 9) can be said to be the option closest to the golf ball desired by the user among the golf balls constituting the group.

[0162] The golf ball suitable for the user may be only the golf ball with the highest total weighted evaluation score, or may include the golf ball with the highest total weighted evaluation score and also the golf ball with the second highest total weighted evaluation score.

[0163] Further, there is a possibility that two or more golf balls have the same highest total weighted evaluation score. In this case, such golf balls are most suitable for the user.

[0164] In either case, in the next step S5 as shown in FIG. 2, the golf ball(s) determined as being suitable is displayed on the output device 3 or on a display device of the user's computer 1B, 1C, 1D, etc.

[0165] As explained above, the information processing device 1 and information processing method according to the present embodiments enable a golfer to easily determine or select the golf ball the user wants from a group of golf balls.

[0166] While detailed description has been made of preferable embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure can be embodied in various forms without being limited to the illustrated embodiments.Statement of the Present Disclosure

[0167] The present disclosure is as follows.Present Disclosure 1

[0168] An information processing method for determining a golf ball desired by a user using a computer, comprises:

[0169] a step of preparing a database including a data set that, for a group of golf balls each having multiple types of performance characteristics, associates each performance characteristic of each golf ball with an evaluation score of the each golf ball about the each performance characteristic, so that the database can be accessed by the computer;

[0170] a step in which the computer obtains a quantitatively weighting parameter subjectively determined by the user for each of the performance characteristics;

[0171] a step in which, for the evaluation score of the each golf ball about the each performance characteristic contained in the data set, the computer calculates a weighted evaluation score by reflecting the weighting parameter in the evaluation score; and

[0172] a step in which, based on the weighted evaluation scores of the golf balls, the computer determines a golf ball suitable for the user from the group of the golf balls.Present Disclosure 2

[0173] The information processing method according to Present Disclosure 1, wherein

[0174] the database includes the data set prepared for each of different head speed ranges, and

[0175] the method further comprises a step in which the computer acquires a head speed of the user's golf swing, and

[0176] the data set corresponding to the acquired head speed is used when the computer calculates the weighted evaluation scores.Present Disclosure 3

[0177] The information processing method according to Present Disclosure 1 or 2, wherein the weighting parameters are numeric values, and

[0178] the sum of the weighting parameters is limited to a predetermined value or less.Present Disclosure 4

[0179] The information processing method according to any one of Present Disclosures 1 to 3, wherein the step of calculating the weighted evaluation scores includes:

[0180] calculating each weighted evaluation score by multiplying the corresponding evaluation score about the performance characteristic by the weighting parameter set for the performance characteristic; and

[0181] calculating, for each of the golf balls, a total of the weighted evaluation scores about the performance characteristics.Present Disclosure 5

[0182] The information processing method according to Present Disclosure 4, wherein

[0183] in the step of determining the golf ball suitable for the user, determined is that having the highest total weighted evaluation score.Present Disclosure 6

[0184] The information processing method according to any one of Present Disclosures 1 to 5, which further comprises a step in which the computer displays a user interface, and the user interface includes

[0185] descriptions of the multiple performance characteristics, and

[0186] setting elements corresponding to the respective multiple performance characteristics and allowing weighting parameters to be set for the respective performance characteristics.Present Disclosure 7

[0187] The information processing method according to Present Disclosure 6, wherein

[0188] each of the setting elements is a slider element for changing the quantitatively weighting parameter.Present Disclosure 8

[0189] The information processing method according to any one of Present Disclosures 1 to 7, wherein the number of the types of the performance characteristics is five or more.Present Disclosure 9

[0190] The information processing method according to Present Disclosure 8, wherein

[0191] the performance characteristics include at least one of the golf ball's flight distance, trajectory straightness, trajectory height, spin rate, and hit feel.Present Disclosure 10

[0192] An information processing device for determining a golf ball desired by a user, comprising:

[0193] a database including a data set that, for a group of golf balls each having multiple types of performance characteristics, associates each performance characteristic of each golf ball with an evaluation score of the each golf ball about the each performance characteristic;

[0194] an acquiring unit configured to acquire quantitatively weighting parameters for the performance characteristics determined subjectively by the user;

[0195] a weighted evaluation score calculating unit configured to calculate a weighted evaluation score by reflecting the quantitatively weighting parameter in the evaluation score in the data set; and

[0196] a determining unit configured to determine a golf ball suitable for the user from the group of the golf balls based on the weighted evaluation scores.Present Disclosure 11

[0197] An information processing program for determining a golf ball desired by a user, which causes a computer to execute

[0198] a step of accessing a database including a data set that, for a group of golf balls each having multiple types of performance characteristics, associates each performance characteristic of each golf ball with an evaluation score of the each golf ball about the each performance characteristic;

[0199] a step of obtaining a quantitatively weighting parameter subjectively determined by the user for each of the performance characteristics;

[0200] a step of calculating, for the evaluation score of the each golf ball about the each performance characteristic contained in the data set, a weighted evaluation score by reflecting the weighting parameter in the evaluation score; and

[0201] a step of determining, based on the weighted evaluation scores of the golf balls, a golf ball suitable for the user from the group of the golf balls.DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE SIGNS1 information processing device

[0203] 1A computer

[0204] 9 database

[0205] DB1, DB2, DB3 data set

[0206] 10 program

[0207] 10a acquiring unit

[0208] 10b weighted evaluation score calculating unit

[0209] 10c determining unit

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0022]Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail in conjunction with accompanying drawings.

[0023]The specific configurations shown in the embodiments and drawings are for understanding the contents of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to such specific configurations.

[0024]The information processing method and the information processing device as present embodiments are a method and a device for determining a golf ball desired by a user by the use of a computer.

[0025]In this application, the “user” means anyone who wishes to determine or select a golf ball that he or she desires, from a group of different golf balls. Thus, the users include golfers who actually play golf as well as potential golfers.

[0026]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information processing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure that is for implementing an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present discl...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing method and information processing device for determining a golf ball desired by a user from a group of golf balls.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Generally, golf balls are required to have several contradictory performances. For example, a golf ball is required to have a long flight distance property when struck by a driver as well as a high spin rate property when struck by an iron. But, these properties tend to contradict each other.

[0003] Under these circumstances, golf ball manufacturers offer a variety of golf balls with different properties, each ball with its own optimum compromise for the various properties. Thus, it is not easy for the golfer to select a golf ball that suits his / her preferences from among the various golf balls available.

[0004] In view of such situation, for example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses an information processing device for determining a golf ball recommended for the golfer based on the golfer's playing results.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-90216ASUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONProblems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires measuring golfer's playing results on the golf course, that is very time-consuming and laborious. Further, there is a possibility that the golfer's subjective preferences may not be adequately reflected on the golf ball recommended according to the playing results.

[0007] In view of the circumstances described above, the present disclosure was made, and a primarily objective of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device and information processing method by which a golf ball that the golfer prefers can be easily determined from a group of different golf balls.Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing method in which a golf ball desired by a user is determined by the use of a computer, and which comprises:

[0009] a step of preparing a database accessible or retrievable by the computer that, for a group of golf balls each having multiple types of performance characteristics, associates each performance characteristic of each golf ball with an evaluation score for the golf ball about the each performance characteristic;

[0010] a step in which the computer obtains, for each performance characteristic, a quantitatively weighting parameter determined by the user based on the user's subjective;

[0011] a step in which the computer calculates a weighted evaluation score by reflecting the quantitatively weighting parameter on the evaluation score acquired from the database; and

[0012] a step in which, based on the weighted evaluation scores, the computer determines a golf ball suitable for the user from among the group of the golf balls.Effects of the Invention

[0013] In the information processing method according to the present disclosure, by having the above-described steps, the golfer can easily select a desirable golf ball from the group of the golf balls.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information processing device as an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure (information processing method) of the information processing device.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a diagram visualizing a data set included in a database in tabular form.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a diagram visualizing another data set included in the database in tabular form.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a diagram visualizing still another data set included in the database in tabular form.

[0019] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show an example of a user interface screen layout for obtaining weighting parameters from the user, wherein FIG. 6 shows the initial state, and FIG. 7 shows a state after the user has set the weighting parameters.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a weighted evaluation score calculation step.

[0021] FIG. 9 shows a table for explaining an example of data structure of the weighted evaluation scores of the respective golf balls.Detailed description of the Invention

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail in conjunction with accompanying drawings.

[0023] The specific configurations shown in the embodiments and drawings are for understanding the contents of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to such specific configurations.

[0024] The information processing method and the information processing device as present embodiments are a method and a device for determining a golf ball desired by a user by the use of a computer.

[0025] In this application, the “user” means anyone who wishes to determine or select a golf ball that he or she desires, from a group of different golf balls. Thus, the users include golfers who actually play golf as well as potential golfers.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information processing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure that is for implementing an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] The information processing device 1 is constituted by a computer 1A as shown in FIG. 1.

[0028] Examples of the computer 1A include desktop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, smartphones, and server computers.

[0029] The computer 1A comprises an input device 2, an output device 3, a communication device 4 and an arithmetic processing unit 5.

[0030] The input device 2 may be a keyboard, a mouse and the like. The output device 3 may be a display, a printer and the like.

[0031] The communication device 4 is a device for communicating with external computers 1B, 1C, 1D, etc., for example, via the Internet 11.

[0032] The arithmetic processing unit 5 is composed of, for example, a calculation unit (CPU) 6 which performs various calculations, a storage unit 7 in which data, programs, etc. are stored, and a working memory 8.

[0033] The storage unit 7 is a non-volatile information storage device such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, SSD and the like. In the storage unit 7 of the present embodiment, a database 9 and a program 10 are stored.

[0034] The storage unit 7 may be a cloud storage connected via the Internet 11.

[0035] The database 9 is data that, for the group of the golf balls each having multiple types of performance characteristics, associates each performance characteristic of each golf ball with an evaluation score assigned to the golf ball about the each performance characteristic. The database 9 is referenced when executing the information processing method. The database 9 will be described in detail later.

[0036] The program 10 is a computer program for causing the computer 1A to function to determine the golf ball desired by the user from the group of the golf balls.

[0037] The program 10, when executed by the calculation unit 6, can cause the computer 1A to function as a device for processing specific information.

[0038] The program may be provided in a form stored in a non-volatile storage medium in advance or in a form downloadable via the Internet when using.

[0039] The program 10 of the present embodiment includes at least an acquiring unit 10a, a weighted evaluation score calculating unit 10b, and

[0040] a determining unit 10c.

[0041] The functions of these units of the program 10 will be described in detail later.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the information processing method according to the present embodiment.

[0043] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the information processing method comprises a step S1 of preparing the database 9 that is accessible or retrievable by the computer 1A (calculation unit 6) and includes data that, for the group of the golf balls each having multiple types of performance characteristics, associates each performance characteristic of each golf ball with an evaluation score assigned to the golf ball about the each performance characteristic.

[0044] If the database 9 has not yet been constructed, the step S1 includes

[0045] a step of newly constructing the database 9, and

[0046] a step of storing the constructed database 9 in the storage unit 7 so as to be accessible or retrievable by the computer 1A.

[0047] If the database 9 has already been constructed, the step S1 is executed by storing the constructed database 9 in the storage unit 7 so that it can be accessed by the computer 1A.

[0048] If the constructed database 9 has already been stored in the storage unit 7, the step S1 is executed by the starting up of the computer 1A.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a diagram visualizing an example (a data set) of the database 9 in tabular form.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, the database 9 is structured data in which, for the group of the golf balls, the performance characteristics of each golf ball are associated with evaluation scores assigned to the golf ball with respect to the respective performance characteristics.

[0051] Further, in the database 9 shown in FIG. 3, for each of the performance characteristic, all the golf balls constituting the group are ranked based on their evaluation scores, and the rank numbers of the golf balls are included in the database.

[0052] In this example, the golf balls constituting the group are six types of different balls A to F. Therefore, the method of the present embodiment functions as a device for determining a golf ball that is closest to the user's preferences from among the six balls A to F. In this application, the “type” of a golf ball is a concept corresponding to the “product name” of the golf ball. Thus, for example, ball A and ball B are marketed under different product names, and typically have different performance characteristics.

[0053] The number of the types of the golf balls constituting the group is not limited to six, and the number may be three or more, preferably four or more.

[0054] In this application, the “performance characteristics” of a golf ball mean characteristics that characterize the golf ball, in particular technical characteristics relevant to playing golf.

[0055] Such performance characteristics include at least one, preferably two or more, more preferably three or more of the following performance characteristics: flight distance, trajectory straightness, trajectory height, spin rate, and hit feel of the golf ball.

[0056] In the present embodiment, based on the above-mentioned performance characteristics, the following more specific, six performance characteristics 1 to 6 are adopted.1. Flight Distance by Driver (Driver Distance)

[0057] The flight distance by driver is a performance characteristic relating to the flight distance of a golf ball when struck by a driver, and

[0058] is indicated as “Driver distance” in FIG. 3, etc.

[0059] This performance characteristic can be obtained by evaluating each golf ball based on the measurement result of the flight distance of the golf ball obtained through machine hitting test or actual human hitting test.

[0060] This performance characteristic is considered as being better when the flight distance is longer.

[0061] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the order of best “driver distance” is ball A, ball B, ball C, ball D, ball E and ball F.2. Straightness by Driver (Driver Straightness)

[0062] The straightness by driver is a performance characteristic relating to the degree of straightness of the trajectory of a golf ball when struck by a driver, and

[0063] is indicated as “Driver straightness” in FIG. 3, etc.

[0064] This performance characteristic can be obtained by evaluating each golf ball based on the measurement result of the right-left deviation of the trajectory of the golf ball obtained through machine hitting test or actual human hitting test.

[0065] This performance characteristic is considered as being better when the deviation is smaller.

[0066] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the order of best “driver straightness” is ball F, ball A, ball E, ball D, ball B, and ball C.

[0067] The order of the “driver straightness” may be different from or the same as the order of the “driver distance”.3. Trajectory Height by Driver (Driver Trajectory Height)

[0068] The trajectory height by driver is a performance characteristic relating to the height of the trajectory of each golf ball when struck by a driver, and

[0069] is indicated as “driver trajectory height” in FIG. 3, etc.

[0070] This performance characteristics can be obtained by evaluating each golf ball based on the measurement result of the maximum height of the trajectory of the golf ball through machine hitting test or actual human hitting test.

[0071] This performance characteristic is considered as being better when the height of the trajectory is the higher.

[0072] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the order of best “driver trajectory height” is ball C, ball B, ball D, ball A, ball E and ball F.

[0073] This order may be different from or the same as the orders of the “driver distance” and “driver straightness.”4. Spin Rate by Iron (iron Spin Rate)

[0074] The spin rate by iron is a performance characteristic relating to the spin rate of each golf ball when struck by an iron golf club (specifically, #7 iron), and

[0075] is indicated as “iron spin rate” in FIG. 3, etc.

[0076] This characteristic can be obtained by evaluating each golf ball based on the measurement result of the spin rate of the golf ball through machine hitting test or actual human hitting test.

[0077] This performance characteristic is considered as being better when the spin rate is greater.

[0078] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the order of best “iron spin rate” is ball C, ball B, ball D, ball A, ball F, and ball E.

[0079] This order may be different from or the same as the orders of the “driver distance,”“driver straightness,” and “driver trajectory height.”5. Spin Rate at Approach Shot (Approach Spin Rate):

[0080] The spin rate at approach shot is a performance characteristic relating to the spin rate of each golf ball when struck by a golf club whose loft angle is large such as a wedge, and is indicated as “approach spin rate” in FIG. 3, etc.

[0081] This performance characteristic can be obtained by evaluating each golf ball based on the measurement result of the spin rate of the golf ball at approach shot through machine hitting test or actual human hitting test.

[0082] This performance characteristic is considered as being better when the spin rate is greater.

[0083] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the order of best “approach spin rate” is ball D, ball C, ball B, ball E, ball F, and ball A.

[0084] This order may be different from or the same as the orders of the “driver distance,”“driver straightness,”“driver trajectory height,” and “iron spin rate.”6. Hit Feel (Hit Feel)

[0085] The hit feel is a performance characteristic relating to the feeling that is fed back to the golfer's hands when each golf ball is struck.

[0086] This performance characteristic can be obtained by evaluating each golf ball through sensory actual human hitting test.

[0087] This performance characteristic is considered as being better when the feel is softer, according to the empirical rule such that more golfers prefer a soft hit feel. However, some golfers prefer a harder hit feel, therefore, such preference can be adopted as an evaluation standard in an embodiment other than the present embodiment.

[0088] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the order of best “hit feel” is ball F, ball E, ball D, ball A, ball C, and ball B.

[0089] This order may be different from or the same as the order of any of the performance characteristics above.

[0090] In the database 9 of the present embodiment, for each of the performance characteristics, all the golf balls (A to F) are assigned with evaluation scores based on the order of the evaluated performance characteristic.

[0091] The evaluation scores are numerical data included in the database 9. In the present embodiment, as the number of the golf ball is 6, the first place golf ball is given 6 points, and

[0092] each subsequent place that descends one by one is assigned a point value that is reduced by one point by one point from the highest points (6 points).

[0093] It is optional but preferable that the above-described data about the performance characteristics of the golf balls constituting the group and the evaluation scores of the golf balls regarding the performance characteristics, is prepared for different head speed ranges, and such plural data sets are included in the database 9.

[0094] In general, with respect to one or more of the performance characteristics, the golf balls'ranking order may change when the head speed is changed. Therefore, it may be possible to more accurately determine the golf ball that the user desires, by including in the database 9 such data sets that are prepared by evaluating the performance characteristics of the golf balls in different head speed ranges.

[0095] For example, FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 respectively show data set (DB1), data set (DB2) and data set (DB3) which may be included in the database 9.

[0096] The data set (DB1) shown in FIG. 3 is for golfers whose head speeds of the driver are 45 m / s or more.

[0097] The data set (DB2) shown in FIG. 4 is for golfers whose head speeds are from 40 to 44 m / s.

[0098] The data set (DB3) shown in FIG. 5 is for golfers whose head speeds are 39 m / s or less.

[0099] It can be seen that, for example, the golf balls'ranking order relating to the “driver distance” has changed when the head speed changed as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0100] Returning to FIG. 2, in the information processing method according to the present embodiment, the next step S2 is to obtain a quantitatively weighting parameter subjectively determined by the user for each of the performance characteristics.

[0101] In this step S2, the acquiring unit 10a of the program 10 shown in FIG. 1 is loaded in the working memory 8 and executed by the calculation unit 6.

[0102] Thereby, the computer 1A functions as a device for acquiring the quantitatively weighting parameters set by the user based on the user's subjective.

[0103] In this specification, the “user's subjective” means personal evaluation criteria and opinions based on the user's own judgment, preferences, experience, etc.

[0104] In this specification, the term “quantitatively weighting parameters” refers to numerical data that quantitatively indicates the importance or priority of the plurality of performance characteristics.

[0105] The quantitatively weighting parameters assign relative priorities to the multiple performance characteristics based on the user's preferences, and are important parameters for determining which golf ball from a group of golf balls most closely matches the user's preferences.

[0106] The quantitatively weighting parameters may be obtained in various ways.

[0107] As an example, the user inputs the quantitatively weighting parameters by the use of the input device 2 of the computer 1A.

[0108] As another example, the quantitatively weighting parameters are input to the computer 1A by the user from the user's computers 1B, 1C, 1D, etc. connected to the computer 1A via the Internet 11.

[0109] The acquiring unit 10a acquires the weighting parameters input by the user, and stores them in the working memory 8, for example.

[0110] As a preferable feature of the computer 1A, the computer 1A may be configured to display a graphical and / or touch-based user interface (GUI) for allowing the user to easily input the quantitatively weighting parameters, on the output device 3 or on a display device of the user's computer 1B, 1C, 1D, etc.

[0111] FIG. 6 shows an example of such a user interface (GUI) screen layout. This user interface (GUI) may be displayed on, for example, an internet browser on the user's computer 1B, 1C, 1D, etc.

[0112] The user interface (GUI) shown in FIG. 6 comprises

[0113] a head speed setting section 20 for setting the head speed, and

[0114] a weighting parameter setting section 30 for setting the quantitatively weighting parameters.

[0115] The head speed setting section 20 in this example comprises descriptions 21 of selectable options and

[0116] setting elements 22, such as radio buttons, corresponding to the respective selectable options.

[0117] In this example, the selectable options are three head speed ranges (45 m / s or more, 40 to 44 m / s, and 39 m / s or less) corresponding to the above-described three data sets (DB1, DB2 and DB3) of the database 9 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0118] The setting elements 22 are mutually exclusive, which means that the user can select only one of the setting elements 22 that corresponds to the user's head speed.

[0119] Upon selecting one of the setting elements 22, the acquiring unit 10a acquires data corresponding to the selected setting element 22 (i.e., data specifying the selected head speed range), and stores the acquired data in the working memory 8, in this example.

[0120] The weighting parameter setting section 30 in this example comprises

[0121] descriptions 31 of the multiple performance characteristics (in this example, the six performance characteristics), and

[0122] setting elements 32 corresponding to the respective multiple performance characteristics and allowing weighting parameters to be set for the respective performance characteristics.

[0123] In this example, each of the setting elements 32 comprises a scale bar 32a and a slider element 32b that can slide on the scale bar 32a.

[0124] The initial position of the slider element 32b is the zero value position, which is located at one end of the scale bar 32a, in this example, the leftmost end of the scale bar 32a in the figure.

[0125] When the user desires to increase the priority of the respective performance characteristic, the user can arbitrarily increase the value of the quantitatively weighting parameter for the performance characteristic by moving the slider element 32b of the performance characteristic to the other end of the scale bar 32a (to the right in the case of the example shown in FIG. 6). In this example, the user can set the quantitatively weighting parameter to a natural number between 0 and 15.

[0126] Incidentally, if the quantitatively weighting parameters for all the performance characteristics can be set to the respective maximum values, then,

[0127] this is equivalent to a state in which no weighting is assigned to the performance characteristics. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order that the values of the quantitatively weighting parameters for all the performance characteristics cannot be set to the respective maximum values,

[0128] the sum of the quantitatively weighting parameters for the respective performance characteristics is limited to values not more than a predetermined value.

[0129] This limit value can be set to various values, but, in the present embodiment, it is set to 15, namely, the user is initially assigned 15 points. Thus, the user can allocate the points to the multiple performance characteristics according to the user's priorities.

[0130] In order to improve user operability, it is preferable to provide the weighting parameter setting section 30 with weighting parameter display sections 33 that display the weighting parameters set in real time in conjunction with the operation of the slider elements 32b of the setting elements 32.

[0131] Alternatively or additionally, in order to improve user operability, it is preferable to provide a remaining point display section 34 that displays the remaining points of the quantitatively weighting parameters available to the user in real time.

[0132] In FIG. 6, the remaining point display section 34 displays 15P (P: points) as the remaining points since no weighting parameters are set for any of the performance characteristics,

[0133] FIG. 7 shows an example of the user interface GUI after the user has actually set various parameters.

[0134] In this example, the head speed of 45 m / s or more has been set by selecting one of the setting elements 22.

[0135] The quantitatively weighting parameters have been assigned by moving the slider elements 32b as follows: 8 points for “driver distance”, 3 points for “driver straightness”, 1 point for “driver trajectory height”, and 3 points for “hit feel”.

[0136] Returning to FIG. 2, in the information processing method according to the present embodiment, the next step S3 is to calculate weighted evaluation scores by weighting the evaluation scores in the database 9 with the weighting parameters.

[0137] In this step S3, for example, the weighted evaluation score calculating unit 10b included in the program 10 of FIG. 1 is loaded into the working memory 8 and executed by the calculation unit 6. Thereby, the computer 1A functions as a device for calculating the weighted evaluation scores using the database 9 and the quantitatively weighting parameters.

[0138] FIG. 8 shows the detailed processing procedure of the step S3.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 8, the step S3 includes a step S31 in which, for each of the golf balls in the database 9, the weighted evaluation score calculating unit 10b reads the evaluation score of the each golf ball with respect to each of the performance characteristics as well as the quantitatively weighting parameter set to the performance characteristic, and then multiplies the evaluation score and the quantitatively weighting parameter to calculate and obtain the weighted evaluation score.

[0140] Through the step S31, the evaluation scores about the respective performance characteristics previously stored in the database 9 are modified by weighting according to the user's preferences.

[0141] FIG. 9 shows an example of data in tabular form showing

[0142] the performance characteristics,

[0143] the weighting parameters set by the user as illustrated in FIG. 7, and

[0144] the calculated weighted evaluation scores of the golf balls.

[0145] In this example, for example, the evaluation score for the “driver distance” of ball A before weighting was 6 points.

[0146] The user set the quantitatively weighting parameter for the driver distance to “8”.

[0147] As a result, the weighted evaluation score for the “driver distance” of ball A is calculated as 6×8=48 points.

[0148] Similarly, the weighted evaluation score for the “driver distance” of ball B is calculated as 5×8=40 points.

[0149] On the other hand, the user has set both the quantitatively weighting parameters for “iron spin rate” and “approach spin rate” to zero.

[0150] Therefore, the weighted evaluation scores for “iron spin rate” and “approach spin rate” of all the balls A to F are calculated to be zero.

[0151] In this manner, for each of the golf balls, the weighted evaluation scores of the golf ball with respect to the respective performance characteristics are calculated.

[0152] The weighted evaluation score of a golf ball can be said to be a value obtained by re-evaluating the golf ball with respect to a performance characteristic based on the user's subjective opinion (preference) thereto, with reflecting the user-set weighting parameter on the objective evaluation score with respect to the performance characteristic.

[0153] Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 8, the step S3 further includes a step S32 in which, for each of the golf balls, the weighted evaluation score calculating unit 10b calculates the total of the weighted evaluation scores of all the (six) performance characteristics, and the total weighted evaluation score is assigned to the each golf ball. In FIG. 9, the calculated totals are shown at the bottom of the table.

[0154] Again returning to FIG. 2, in the next step S4, based on the calculation results of the step S32, the determining unit 10c of the computer 1A determines a golf ball suitable for the user from the group of the golf balls (balls A to F).

[0155] In this step S4, for example, the determining unit 10c included in the program 10 of FIG. 1 is loaded into the working memory 8 and executed by the calculation unit 6. Thereby, the computer 1A functions as a device for determining a golf ball suitable for the user based on the weighted calculation results.

[0156] More specifically, in the present embodiment, the determining unit 10c determines the golf ball with the highest total weighted evaluation score as the golf ball suitable for the user.

[0157] In the present embodiment, this “total weighted evaluation score” can be said as a result of adding up the evaluated performance characteristics comprehensively according to the user's preferences, and

[0158] serves as an indicator of the overall performance of the golf ball that reflects the weighting parameters set by the user.

[0159] Using this “total weighted evaluation score” as a comparison standard, it becomes easier to compare different golf balls in terms of their overall performance characteristics.

[0160] Therefore, if a golf ball has the “highest total weighted evaluation score”, it means that the golf ball is the most suitable for the user, based on a comprehensive assessment of the performance characteristics (1-6, for example).

[0161] In this way, the golf ball with the highest total weighted evaluation score (ball A in FIG. 9) can be said to be the option closest to the golf ball desired by the user among the golf balls constituting the group.

[0162] The golf ball suitable for the user may be only the golf ball with the highest total weighted evaluation score, or may include the golf ball with the highest total weighted evaluation score and also the golf ball with the second highest total weighted evaluation score.

[0163] Further, there is a possibility that two or more golf balls have the same highest total weighted evaluation score. In this case, such golf balls are most suitable for the user.

[0164] In either case, in the next step S5 as shown in FIG. 2, the golf ball(s) determined as being suitable is displayed on the output device 3 or on a display device of the user's computer 1B, 1C, 1D, etc.

[0165] As explained above, the information processing device 1 and information processing method according to the present embodiments enable a golfer to easily determine or select the golf ball the user wants from a group of golf balls.

[0166] While detailed description has been made of preferable embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure can be embodied in various forms without being limited to the illustrated embodiments.Statement of the Present Disclosure

[0167] The present disclosure is as follows.Present Disclosure 1

[0168] An information processing method for determining a golf ball desired by a user using a computer, comprises:

[0169] a step of preparing a database including a data set that, for a group of golf balls each having multiple types of performance characteristics, associates each performance characteristic of each golf ball with an evaluation score of the each golf ball about the each performance characteristic, so that the database can be accessed by the computer;

[0170] a step in which the computer obtains a quantitatively weighting parameter subjectively determined by the user for each of the performance characteristics;

[0171] a step in which, for the evaluation score of the each golf ball about the each performance characteristic contained in the data set, the computer calculates a weighted evaluation score by reflecting the weighting parameter in the evaluation score; and

[0172] a step in which, based on the weighted evaluation scores of the golf balls, the computer determines a golf ball suitable for the user from the group of the golf balls.Present Disclosure 2

[0173] The information processing method according to Present Disclosure 1, wherein

[0174] the database includes the data set prepared for each of different head speed ranges, and

[0175] the method further comprises a step in which the computer acquires a head speed of the user's golf swing, and

[0176] the data set corresponding to the acquired head speed is used when the computer calculates the weighted evaluation scores.Present Disclosure 3

[0177] The information processing method according to Present Disclosure 1 or 2, wherein the weighting parameters are numeric values, and

[0178] the sum of the weighting parameters is limited to a predetermined value or less.Present Disclosure 4

[0179] The information processing method according to any one of Present Disclosures 1 to 3, wherein the step of calculating the weighted evaluation scores includes:

[0180] calculating each weighted evaluation score by multiplying the corresponding evaluation score about the performance characteristic by the weighting parameter set for the performance characteristic; and

[0181] calculating, for each of the golf balls, a total of the weighted evaluation scores about the performance characteristics.Present Disclosure 5

[0182] The information processing method according to Present Disclosure 4, wherein

[0183] in the step of determining the golf ball suitable for the user, determined is that having the highest total weighted evaluation score.Present Disclosure 6

[0184] The information processing method according to any one of Present Disclosures 1 to 5, which further comprises a step in which the computer displays a user interface, and the user interface includes

[0185] descriptions of the multiple performance characteristics, and

[0186] setting elements corresponding to the respective multiple performance characteristics and allowing weighting parameters to be set for the respective performance characteristics.Present Disclosure 7

[0187] The information processing method according to Present Disclosure 6, wherein

[0188] each of the setting elements is a slider element for changing the quantitatively weighting parameter.Present Disclosure 8

[0189] The information processing method according to any one of Present Disclosures 1 to 7, wherein the number of the types of the performance characteristics is five or more.Present Disclosure 9

[0190] The information processing method according to Present Disclosure 8, wherein

[0191] the performance characteristics include at least one of the golf ball's flight distance, trajectory straightness, trajectory height, spin rate, and hit feel.Present Disclosure 10

[0192] An information processing device for determining a golf ball desired by a user, comprising:

[0193] a database including a data set that, for a group of golf balls each having multiple types of performance characteristics, associates each performance characteristic of each golf ball with an evaluation score of the each golf ball about the each performance characteristic;

[0194] an acquiring unit configured to acquire quantitatively weighting parameters for the performance characteristics determined subjectively by the user;

[0195] a weighted evaluation score calculating unit configured to calculate a weighted evaluation score by reflecting the quantitatively weighting parameter in the evaluation score in the data set; and

[0196] a determining unit configured to determine a golf ball suitable for the user from the group of the golf balls based on the weighted evaluation scores.Present Disclosure 11

[0197] An information processing program for determining a golf ball desired by a user, which causes a computer to execute

[0198] a step of accessing a database including a data set that, for a group of golf balls each having multiple types of performance characteristics, associates each performance characteristic of each golf ball with an evaluation score of the each golf ball about the each performance characteristic;

[0199] a step of obtaining a quantitatively weighting parameter subjectively determined by the user for each of the performance characteristics;

[0200] a step of calculating, for the evaluation score of the each golf ball about the each performance characteristic contained in the data set, a weighted evaluation score by reflecting the weighting parameter in the evaluation score; and

[0201] a step of determining, based on the weighted evaluation scores of the golf balls, a golf ball suitable for the user from the group of the golf balls.DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE SIGNS1 information processing device

[0203] 1A computer

[0204] 9 database

[0205] DB1, DB2, DB3 data set

[0206] 10 program

[0207] 10a acquiring unit

[0208] 10b weighted evaluation score calculating unit

[0209] 10c determining unit

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0022]Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail in conjunction with accompanying drawings.

[0023]The specific configurations shown in the embodiments and drawings are for understanding the contents of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to such specific configurations.

[0024]The information processing method and the information processing device as present embodiments are a method and a device for determining a golf ball desired by a user by the use of a computer.

[0025]In this application, the “user” means anyone who wishes to determine or select a golf ball that he or she desires, from a group of different golf balls. Thus, the users include golfers who actually play golf as well as potential golfers.

[0026]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information processing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure that is for implementing an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present discl...

Claims

1. An information processing method for determining a golf ball desired by a user using a computer, comprising:a step of preparing a database including a data set that, for a group of golf balls each having multiple types of performance characteristics, associates each performance characteristic of each golf ball with an evaluation score of the each golf ball about the each performance characteristic, so that the database can be accessed by the computer;a step in which the computer obtains a quantitatively weighting parameter subjectively determined by the user for each of the performance characteristics;a step in which, for the evaluation score of the each golf ball about the each performance characteristic contained in the data set, the computer calculates a weighted evaluation score by reflecting the weighting parameter in the evaluation score; anda step in which, based on the weighted evaluation scores of the golf balls, the computer determines a golf ball suitable for the user from the group of the golf balls.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, whereinthe database includes the data set prepared for each of different head speed ranges, andthe method further comprises a step in which the computer acquires a head speed of the user's golf swing, andthe data set corresponding to the acquired head speed is used when the computer calculates the weighted evaluation scores.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1, whereinthe weighting parameters are numeric values, andthe sum of the weighting parameters is limited to a predetermined value or less.

4. The information processing method according to claim 2, whereinthe weighting parameters are numeric values, andthe sum of the weighting parameters is limited to a predetermined value or less.

5. The information processing method according to claim 1, whereinthe step of calculating the weighted evaluation scores includes:calculating each weighted evaluation score by multiplying the corresponding evaluation score about the performance characteristic by the weighting parameter set for the performance characteristic; andcalculating, for each of the golf balls, a total of the weighted evaluation scores about the performance characteristics.

6. The information processing method according to claim 2, whereinthe step of calculating the weighted evaluation scores includes:calculating each weighted evaluation score by multiplying the corresponding evaluation score about the performance characteristic by the weighting parameter set for the performance characteristic; andcalculating, for each of the golf balls, a total of the weighted evaluation scores about the performance characteristics.

7. The information processing method according to claim 3, whereinthe step of calculating the weighted evaluation scores includes:calculating each weighted evaluation score by multiplying the corresponding evaluation score about the performance characteristic by the weighting parameter set for the performance characteristic; andcalculating, for each of the golf balls, a total of the weighted evaluation scores about the performance characteristics.

8. The information processing method according to claim 4, whereinthe step of calculating the weighted evaluation scores includes:calculating each weighted evaluation score by multiplying the corresponding evaluation score about the performance characteristic by the weighting parameter set for the performance characteristic; andcalculating, for each of the golf balls, a total of the weighted evaluation scores about the performance characteristics.

9. The information processing method according to claim 5, whereinin the step of determining the golf ball suitable for the user, determined is that having the highest total weighted evaluation score.

10. The information processing method according to claim 6, whereinin the step of determining the golf ball suitable for the user, determined is that having the highest total weighted evaluation score.

11. The information processing method according to claim 7, whereinin the step of determining the golf ball suitable for the user, determined is that having the highest total weighted evaluation score.

12. The information processing method according to claim 8, whereinin the step of determining the golf ball suitable for the user, determined is that having the highest total weighted evaluation score.

13. The information processing method according to claim 1, which further comprises a step in which the computer displays a user interface, and the user interface includesdescriptions of the multiple performance characteristics, andsetting elements corresponding to the respective multiple performance characteristics and allowing weighting parameters to be set for the respective performance characteristics.

14. The information processing method according to claim 2, which further comprises a step in which the computer displays a user interface, and the user interface includesdescriptions of the multiple performance characteristics, andsetting elements corresponding to the respective multiple performance characteristics and allowing weighting parameters to be set for the respective performance characteristics.

15. The information processing method according to claim 4, which further comprises a step in which the computer displays a user interface, and the user interface includesdescriptions of the multiple performance characteristics, andsetting elements corresponding to the respective multiple performance characteristics and allowing weighting parameters to be set for the respective performance characteristics.

16. The information processing method according to claim 13, whereineach of the setting elements is a slider element for changing the quantitatively weighting parameter.

17. The information processing method according to claim 1, whereinthe number of the types of the performance characteristics is five or more.

18. The information processing method according to claim 1, whereinthe performance characteristics include at least one of the golf ball's flight distance, trajectory straightness, trajectory height, spin rate, and hit feel.

19. An information processing device for determining a golf ball desired by a user, comprising:a database including a data set that, for a group of golf balls each having multiple types of performance characteristics, associates each performance characteristic of each golf ball with an evaluation score of the each golf ball about the each performance characteristic;an acquiring unit configured to acquire quantitatively weighting parameters for the performance characteristics determined subjectively by the user;a weighted evaluation score calculating unit configured to calculate a weighted evaluation score by reflecting the quantitatively weighting parameter in the evaluation score in the data set; anda determining unit configured to determine a golf ball suitable for the user from the group of the golf balls based on the weighted evaluation scores,20. An information processing program for determining a golf ball desired by a user, which causes a computer to executea step of accessing a database including a data set that, for a group of golf balls each having multiple types of performance characteristics, associates each performance characteristic of each golf ball with an evaluation score of the each golf ball about the each performance characteristic;a step of obtaining a quantitatively weighting parameter subjectively determined by the user for each of the performance characteristics;a step of calculating, for the evaluation score of the each golf ball about the each performance characteristic contained in the data set, a weighted evaluation score by reflecting the weighting parameter in the evaluation score; anda step of determining, based on the weighted evaluation scores of the golf balls, a golf ball suitable for the user from the group of the golf balls.

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