Golf assistance system

Abstract

A golf assistance system (1A) according to the present disclosure is for assisting with golf play in which a user (3) strikes a golf ball (5) using a golf club (4) in a golf play area (2). The golf assistance system (1A) comprises: a monitor device (8) that is installed in the golf play area (2) and can display a video; a detection device (9) for detecting that the golf ball (5) has gone into a cup (6) provided in the golf play area (2); and a display control processor (10) that is connected to the monitor device (8) and the detection device (9) so as to be capable of exchanging information therewith and, when the detection device (9) detects that the golf ball has gone into a cup, generates an advertisement video signal for outputting a predetermined advertisement video and causes the monitor device (8) to display an advertisement video based on the advertisement video signal.

Description

Golf Support System

[0001] The present invention relates to a golf support system that supports a user playing golf.

[0002] In the past, support systems have been devised that provide support information to users (golfers) playing golf to assist them in their golf play. For example, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 below uses an IC golf ball capable of transmitting GPS distance measurement data, creates a flight trajectory of the IC golf ball based on the distance measurement data, and provides advice, scores, etc. to the user based on the created trajectory.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-58325

[0004] However, conventional technologies that provide users with advice, scores, and the like, such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1, are intended to support the improvement of golf play, and do not sufficiently consider the enhancement of enjoyment during play. Therefore, there is room for improvement in golf support systems to enhance the enjoyment of users during golf play.

[0005] One of the objectives of the present invention was invented in light of the above-mentioned problems, and is to provide a golf support system that can enhance the user's enjoyment while playing golf. In addition to this objective, another objective of the present invention is to achieve effects derived from the various components shown in the "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention" below, which cannot be obtained with conventional technology.

[0006] (1) The golf support system in question is a golf support system for supporting a user's golf play in which the user hits a golf ball using a golf club in a golf play area, and includes a monitor device installed in the golf play area and capable of displaying images, a detection device that detects when the golf ball has gone into a cup installed in the golf play area, and a display control processor that is connected to the monitor device and the detection device so as to be able to send and receive information, and that, when the detection device detects the golf ball going into the cup, generates an advertising video signal for outputting a predetermined advertising video, and displays the advertising video based on the advertising video signal on the monitor device.

[0007] (2) The golf support system of this case is a golf support system applied to a virtual golf game played in a virtual golf play area generated by a computer device, and the virtual golf game is a game in which the computer device simulates a golf play in which a golf ball is hit in the virtual golf play area in response to a real operation by a user. The golf support system includes the computer device, a display device connected to the computer device so as to be able to communicate information with the computer device and visually presenting to the user the virtual golf play area generated by the computer device and the virtual golf ball placed in the virtual golf play area, and a display device connected to the computer device so as to be able to communicate information with the computer device and visually presenting to the user the golf ball in the virtual golf play area. and an input device that inputs operation information indicating the operation for hitting a ball into the computer device, wherein the computer device is equipped with a processing processor that performs a process for simulating the golf play of virtually hitting a golf ball in the virtual golf play area based on the operation information, updates the position of the golf ball in the virtual golf play area based on the result of the process, and executes a process for detecting whether the golf ball has gone into a cup provided in the virtual golf play area as a result of the update, and a display control processor that generates an advertising video signal for outputting a predetermined advertising video when the processing processor detects that the golf ball has gone into the cup, and displays the advertising video based on the advertising video signal on the display device.

[0008] According to the disclosed golf support system, when a cup-in shot is detected, an advertising video can be displayed on the monitor device. The advertising video provides an incentive for a cup-in shot, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the user while playing golf.

[0009] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a golf support system as a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a golf support system as a second embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a golf support system as a third embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a golf support system as a fourth embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a golf support system as a fifth embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a golf support system as a sixth embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram relating to level adjustment of a monitor device. (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams relating to a modified example of a monitor device. (A), (B), and (C) are explanatory diagrams relating to a modified example of a mobile monitor device. (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams relating to an example configuration of a mechanism for adjusting the height and level of a mobile monitor device. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a golf support system as a seventh embodiment.

[0010] A golf support system according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a golf support system 1A (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "system") according to a first embodiment. The golf support system 1A shown in FIG. 1 is a system for supporting a user (golfer) 3 in playing golf in a golf play area 2. The golf play area 2 is a facility or location for playing golf. The golf support system 1A shown is installed within the golf play area 2. The golf play area 2 may include an outdoor golf course for playing golf or an indoor golf driving range for practicing golf. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the golf play area 2 is an outdoor golf course.

[0011] In this specification, playing golf refers to hitting a golf ball (hereinafter simply referred to as a "ball") 5 with a golf club 4 (hereinafter simply referred to as a "club") in a golf play area 2. As is well known, the objective of playing golf is to hit a golf ball 5 with a club 4 and place it in a hole called a cup 6 (cup-in). Note that if the golf play area 2 is an indoor golf driving range or a putting practice facility, the cup may not be a hole drilled in the ground but may be a marker placed on the ground. In other words, in this specification, the term "cup" is not limited to a "hole" but also includes a marker that serves as a target for cup-in. A user 3 starts hitting a ball 5 from a teeing ground (not shown) on one hole (one course) in the golf play area 2 (outdoor golf course) and continues hitting the ball 5 until the ball 5 enters a cup 6 on a green 7. As is well known, the green 7 is a portion of the golf play area 2 where the cup 6 is located.

[0012] 1 outputs a predetermined advertising video when the ball 5 of the user 3 lands in the cup 6 (in response to a cup-in), in order to enhance the enjoyment of the user 3 while playing golf. This advertising video provides an additional incentive for the user 3 to hit the ball in the cup, so it can be said that the system 1A enhances the entertainment value of playing golf.

[0013] 1, the system 1A includes a monitor device 8 that is installed in the golf playing area 2 and is capable of displaying images, a detection device 9 that detects when a ball 5 goes into a cup 6 provided on the green 7 (golf playing area 2), and a display control processor 10 that displays predetermined advertising images on the monitor device 8. The monitor device 8, the detection device 9, and the display control processor 10 are connected to each other so that they can send and receive information to and from each other.

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

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

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1, a camera 11 is attached to the housing 8B of the monitor device 8. In other words, the camera 11 is mounted in the housing 8B that is common to the monitor device 8. The camera 11 is attached, for example, to the upper part of the housing 8B either integrally or separately. The camera 11 is part of the detection device 9, and is an image sensor (video camera) that captures video images of the ball 5. In other words, the detection device 9 is configured to determine whether the ball has gone in based on the video captured by the camera 11.

[0017] In FIG. 1 , the camera 11 protrudes from the upper portion of the housing 8B of the monitor device 8. The camera 11 may be attached so that its mounting position relative to the housing 8B of the monitor device 8 is adjustable (i.e., movable within the housing 8B). The adjustment (movement) of the mounting position of the camera 11 may be achieved by a structure in which the user 3 manually moves (adjusts) the camera 11, or by a structure in which the camera 11 is driven by a driving source such as a motor or actuator (not shown). Furthermore, when the mounting position of the camera 11 is adjusted by motor drive, the mounting position may be remotely controlled by a movement instruction input by the user 3, or the mounting position of the camera 11 may be autonomously (automatically) adjusted to follow the subject being photographed. The camera 11 may also be built into the housing 8B. A structure in which the camera 11 is built into the housing 8B provides increased protection against wind, rain, dust, and the like.

[0018] Camera 11 is an image sensor (video camera) that captures video of at least an image including cup 6 on green 7 (an image including cup 6 within the screen), and is set so that its captureable range includes the area around cup 6 on green 7. Camera 11 is connected to display control processor 10 so as to be able to send and receive information, and can transmit video data representing the image captured by camera 11 to display control processor 10.

[0019] For example, a "360-degree camera" capable of capturing images in all directions of 360 degrees is used as the camera 11. Note that the camera 11 is not limited to a 360-degree camera, and may be a camera that captures an image in a range narrower than 360 degrees. Furthermore, the camera 11 may be a 2D camera that captures planar two-dimensional images, or may be configured as a 3D camera that can capture stereoscopic three-dimensional images.

[0020] The control device 8C of the monitor device 8 is built into the housing 8B of the monitor device 8 and is an electronic control device (computer) that controls the overall operation of the monitor device 8, and is an electronic device equipped with a processor and a storage device (both not shown). The control device 8C is configured to realize various functions by executing computer programs stored in a storage device (not shown). The control device 8C in FIG. 1 includes, as its functional elements, a display control processor 10 and an image processing processor 12 that is part of the detection device 9. In other words, the display control processor 10 and the image processing processor 12 are built into the monitor device 8.

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

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

[0023] Video data received from the camera 11 is input to the input side of the video processor 12. The camera 11 transmits, for example, video data of the video being captured to the video processor 12 in approximately real time. The video processor 12 analyzes the received video data (video) in approximately real time using well-known image analysis techniques. More specifically, the video processor 12 identifies at least the ball 5 and cup 6 recorded in the video through image analysis, and determines whether or not the ball 5 has entered the cup 6 (has been cupped in). In other words, the detection device 9 detects a cup-in by analyzing the video received from the camera 11.

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

[0025] The advertising video signal is data for displaying a predetermined advertising video on the monitor device 8. The advertising video is a video for advertising information about an object such as a product, service, or idea to the user 3. The advertising video includes moving images, still images, text information, etc. that inform the user of the existence, characteristics, significance, etc. of the object. The advertising video may also include audio data (advertising sound). The advertising sound includes voice, sound logos, music, etc.

[0026] The display control processor 10 displays the advertising video on the display screen 8A of the monitor device 8 based on the generated advertising video signal (advertising display function 10B). The video processor 12 may display the advertising video and output advertising sound based on the audio data from the audio device 8D. In this way, when the user 3 cups the ball, the advertising video is displayed on the monitor device 8, providing an incentive for the user 3 to cup the ball, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the user 3 while playing golf.

[0027] The predetermined advertising video may be, for example, personalized to the personal profile of each user 3, personalized to the location of the golf course, or personalized by season or time of day. Furthermore, the content of the predetermined advertising video is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the predetermined advertising video is not displayed on the display screen 8A of the monitor device 8 except when the ball goes in. Specifically, except when the ball goes in (normally), the monitor device 8 displays images other than the predetermined advertising video, such as the user 3's score, a course description, and advertising videos other than the predetermined advertising video (advertising videos that are not displayed when the ball goes in), and the predetermined advertising video is displayed only when the ball goes in. By not displaying the predetermined advertising video except when the ball goes in, the opportunities to display the predetermined advertising video are limited, increasing its rarity and further increasing the incentive to go in.

[0028] Furthermore, the display control processor 10 may display a predetermined advertising video when the ball goes in after a specific number of strokes, rather than simply when a cup-in is detected. Specifically, the video processing processor 12 individually recognizes balls 5 in the video by image analysis and automatically tracks each recognized ball 5 before it reaches the green 7. By individually recognizing and automatically tracking balls 5, it becomes possible to provide an advertising video (individualized service) for each user 3 using that ball 5. The video processing processor 12 determines, by image analysis, the number of strokes from when the ball 5 in the video reaches the green 7 until it goes in. Note that well-known image analysis technology and automatic photography technology can be applied to the technology for individually recognizing balls 5 by image analysis and automatically tracking each ball 5.

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

[0030] By displaying a predetermined advertising video only when the ball is cupped after a predetermined number of strokes, the opportunity to display the advertisement becomes rarer, which increases the incentive to cup the ball and enhances the enjoyment of playing golf for User 3. Furthermore, when User 3 sets the predetermined number of strokes, the number of strokes can be set to correspond to the golfing skill of User 3, for example. This makes it possible to provide advertising videos (individualized services) that are personalized for each User 3.

[0031] As a variation of the above, the display control processor 10 may output advertising video corresponding to the determined number of strokes. In this case, the advertising database of the display control processor 10 manages and stores different advertising videos (video data and audio data) in association with each number of strokes. The display control processor 10 generates different advertising video signals according to the determined number of strokes (signal generation function 10A), and displays the advertising video on the display screen 8A of the monitor device 8 based on the advertising video (advertising display function 10B). The association between the number of strokes and the advertising video may be predetermined, or may be arbitrarily set by the user 3. Furthermore, the advertising video may be automatically (randomly) selected according to the number of strokes. Displaying advertising videos according to the number of strokes can further enhance the enjoyment of the user 3 while playing golf.

[0032] The system 1A in FIG. 1 may further include a portable information terminal device (portable terminal device) 20 that can be carried by the user 3. The portable terminal device 20 may be, for example, a portable information terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet device, or a wearable device that can be worn by the user 3. Examples of wearable devices include a smartwatch or smart glasses. The portable terminal device 20 is communicatively connected to the monitor device 8 and can operate in cooperation with the monitor device 8. That is, the monitor device 8 may transmit an advertising video signal generated by the display control processor 10 to the portable terminal device 20 to display the advertising video on the display screen 21 of the portable terminal device 20. In this case, it can be said that the display screen 21 of the portable terminal device 20 functions as the monitor device of the system 1A. In other words, the monitor device of the system 1A may be provided in the portable terminal device 20.

[0033] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a golf support system 1B according to a second embodiment. The golf support system 1B has the same configuration as the system 1A of FIG. 1 except that a cart 30 is added to the system 1A. The cart 30 is an example of a means of transportation within the golf play area 2 and is a vehicle. The cart 30 is used, for example, for the user 3 to move around the golf course or to transport items within the golf course. Although not shown, the cart 30 includes components necessary to function as a vehicle (means of transportation), such as a driving source such as a motor or engine and wheels. The cart 30 may be a vehicle driven by a person, such as the user 3 or a caddy, or may be an autonomous vehicle that travels autonomously (unmanned) under computer control. It may also be a remote-controlled vehicle that is remotely controlled by radio control.

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

[0035] The camera 31 is attached to any location on the cart 30 (for example, on the roof in FIG. 2 ). The monitor device 32 is attached to any location on the cart 30 (for example, in front of the seats or on the side of the cart 30, not shown). The mounting position of the monitor device 32 attached to the camera 31 may be freely moved or changed. The camera 31, monitor device 32, audio device 35, display control processor 36, and video processor 37 have functions common to the camera 11, monitor device 8, audio device 8D, display control processor 10, and video processor 12 described in relation to the system 1A in FIG. 1 , and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted. In other words, the golf support system 1B can be said to be a system in which the monitor device 32, detection device 9 (camera 31 and video processor 37), and display control processor 36 are installed on the cart 30. Note that the signal generation function (reference numeral 10A in FIG. 1 ) and advertisement display function (reference numeral 10B in FIG. 1 ) within the display control processor 36 are not shown.

[0036] For example, a "360-degree camera" capable of capturing images in all directions of 360 degrees is used as the camera 31. Note that the camera 31 is not limited to a 360-degree camera, and may be a camera that captures an image in a range narrower than 360 degrees. Furthermore, the camera 31 may be a 2D camera that captures planar two-dimensional images, or may be configured as a 3D camera that can capture stereoscopic three-dimensional images.

[0037] In the golf support system 1B, the image processor 37 determines whether the ball has gone in from the image captured by the camera 31 of the cart 30, and the display control processor 36 displays an advertising image on the monitor device 32 in response to the cupping. In addition, in the golf support system 1B of Fig. 2, the camera 11 attached to the monitor device 8 may be used, the advertising image may be displayed on the display screen 8A of the monitor device 8, or the control device 8C of the monitor device 8 may be used to generate an advertising image signal and control the display of the advertising image.

[0038] That is, golf support system 1B may be configured such that monitor device 8 (first monitor device) and monitor device 32 (second monitor device) provided on cart 30 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other and to display information such as advertising videos in cooperation with each other. Furthermore, golf support system 1B may display advertising videos by linking monitor device 8, monitor device 32 provided on cart 30, and display screen 21 of mobile terminal device 20 in system 1B.

[0039] Furthermore, when video is taken using the camera 31 of the cart 30, not only can the ball 5 be photographed around the green 7, but the ball 5 can also be tracked and photographed from the moment the ball 5 starts to be hit on the teeing ground (not shown) until the ball 5 enters the cup 6 on the green 7. As described above, well-known image analysis techniques and automatic photography techniques can be applied to tracking the ball 5 using the camera 31. Furthermore, when video is taken using the camera 31 of the cart 30, in addition to the ball 5, the user 3 himself / herself may be tracked and photographed as he / she moves within the golf playing area 2. Multiple carts 30 may be provided.

[0040] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a golf support system 1C according to a third embodiment. The golf support system 1C has the same configuration as system 1B shown in FIG. 2, except that the monitor device 8 is omitted. In this golf support system 1C, the image processor 37 determines whether the ball has gone in from the image captured by the camera 31 of the cart 30, and the display control processor 36 generates an advertising video signal in response to the cup-in, causing the monitor device 32 to display the advertising video.

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

[0042] Specifically, wheels 8F are attached to the housing 8B of the monitor device 80. In this case, the housing 8B with wheels 8F is a mobile device, and the monitor device 80 can be said to be equipped on this mobile device, or the monitor device 80 can be said to be configured as a mobile device. The monitor device 80 may be configured as a mobile body (hand-pushed) that does not have a driving source and is manually moved by a person such as the user 3 or a caddy, or as a self-propelled mobile body having a driving source such as a motor or engine. When the monitor device 80 is configured as a self-propelled mobile body, the monitor device 80 may travel autonomously (unmanned) under computer control or may travel under remote control based on wireless operation. In this case, when a cup-in is detected, a predetermined advertising video is displayed on the display screen 8A of the mobile monitor device 80. The mobile nature of the monitor device 8 not only expands the shooting area of ​​the camera 11 attached to the monitor device 8, but also increases the flexibility of the installation location of the monitor device 8 (display screen 8A).

[0043] 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a golf support system 1E according to a fifth embodiment. The golf support system 1E has the same configuration as the system 1B shown in FIG. 2 except that the system 1B includes a sensor 60 as a detection device 9 that detects when the ball 5 goes into the cup 6.

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

[0045] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a golf support system 1F according to a sixth embodiment. The golf support system 1F has a configuration common to system 1E of FIG. 5, except that multiple monitor devices 8, 8', 8" are provided. The configuration and functions of each of the monitor devices 8, 8', 8" may be common to the configuration and functions of the monitor device 8 described above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Alternatively, of the multiple monitor devices 8, 8', 8", the remaining monitor devices (e.g., monitor devices 8', 8") except for one monitor device (e.g., monitor device 8) may have a simple configuration having only a communication function and an advertisement display function 10B for displaying an advertisement video on a display screen 8A based on an externally generated advertisement video signal.

[0046] The installation locations of the multiple monitor devices 8, 8', 8" are not particularly limited. For example, one monitor device 8 may be placed near the green 7, another monitor device 8' may be placed near the green 7 but at a distance from the monitor device 8 (for example, facing the monitor device 8 across the green 7), and another monitor device 8" may be placed at a distance from the green 7. A system 1F equipped with multiple monitor devices 8, 8', 8" reduces the number of blind spots within the golf playing area 2 where the display screens 8A of the monitor devices 8, 8', 8" are not visible, thereby expanding the geographical range in which advertising videos can be presented to users 3. This improves the convenience of the system 1F. Furthermore, if each monitor device 8, 8', 8" is equipped with a camera, the range that can be captured is expanded.

[0047] The number of monitor devices in system 1F is not particularly limited as long as it is two or more. The greater the number of monitor devices, the wider the geographical range in which advertising videos can be presented to users 3. At least one of the monitor devices may be configured as a mobile object, like monitor device 80 in FIG. 4 above. The configuration of system 1F is not limited to the example shown in the figure. In other words, it is not limited to a system configuration in which a plurality of monitor devices are provided in system 1E, and may be a system configuration in which two or more monitor devices are provided in systems 1A to 1D.

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

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

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

[0051] The pin camera 6B and the sub-camera 38 are communicatively connected to the image processors 12 and 37 and can transmit image data to the image processors 12 and 37. Therefore, the image data captured by the pin camera 6B and the sub-camera 38 can be used to determine whether the ball has gone in the cup, similar to the image data from the camera 11 of the monitor device 8 and the camera 31 of the cart 30. One use of the pin camera 6B and the sub-camera 38 is to supplementarily capture areas (blind spots) that are outside the capture range of the camera 11 of the monitor device 8 and the camera 31 of the cart 30. By providing the pin camera 6B and the sub-camera 38, the blind spots of the cameras 11 and 31 can be compensated for, and the capture range within the system can be expanded.

[0052] Furthermore, sub-pins 6C may be installed near the cup 6 as separate members from the pins 6A. The sub-pins 6C are rod-shaped (pin-like) members equipped with cameras, and function as markers for the cup 6 and as a means for capturing images of the ball 5. The sub-pins 6C are communicably connected to the image processors 12 and 37, and can transmit image data to the image processors 12 and 37. Therefore, the image data captured by the sub-pins 6C can be used to determine whether the ball has gone in, similar to the image data from the camera 11 of the monitor device 8 and the camera 31 of the cart 30.

[0053] The pin camera 6B, the sub camera 38, and the sub pin 6C may be, for example, a "360-degree camera" capable of capturing images in all directions. The pin camera 6B, the sub camera 38, and the sub pin 6C are not limited to 360-degree cameras, and may be cameras that capture images in a range narrower than 360 degrees, 2D cameras that capture planar two-dimensional images, or 3D cameras that can capture stereoscopic three-dimensional images.

[0054] In addition, in each of the above-mentioned systems 1A to 1F, linked authentication code information (such as a QR code (registered trademark)) for linking the systems 1A to 1F with the mobile terminal device 20 may be displayed on the screen of the monitor device 8, 32, and the information may be read by the camera of the mobile terminal device 20, allowing the systems 1A to 1F to authenticate the mobile terminal device 20, thereby linking the systems 1A to 1F with the mobile terminal device 20.

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

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

[0057] The monitor device 8, 80 may be provided with a tip-over prevention device. Examples of the tip-over prevention device include leg-like devices (outriggers) extending laterally from the housing 8B, and telescopic (extendable and retractable) bar members. The telescopic bar members function to adjust the height and level of the monitor device 8, 80 when the monitor device 8, 80 is installed on a slope or step with a difference in elevation. In other words, the monitor device 8, 80 may include a height adjustment mechanism and a level maintenance mechanism.

[0058] A specific example of a horizontal maintenance mechanism will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , a monitor device 8 includes two stands (legs) 8GL and 8GR for supporting a display screen 8A, a horizontal sensor 8J, and an extension / retraction control mechanism 8H as a horizontal maintenance mechanism. The two stands 8GL and 8GR are attached to the bottom of the display screen 8A (monitor device 8) at a distance from each other in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) in the figure. Each stand 8GL and 8GR has a telescopic (swing-out) structure that allows it to extend and retract in the extension direction. Each stand 8GL and 8GR incorporates an extension / retraction control mechanism 8H, such as a motor or control mechanism, for automatically controlling the extension and retraction of the stand 8GL and 8GR. The monitor device 8 is equipped with a horizontal sensor 8J, and the lengths of the stands 8GL and 8GR are individually controlled based on the detection signal of the horizontal sensor 8J so that the display screen 8A of the monitor device 8 is maintained horizontal. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates a case in which the monitor device 8 is installed on an inclined surface where the left side is higher than the right side in the figure. In this case, the left stand 8GL is shorter than the right stand 8GR, and the display screen 8A of the monitor device 8 is maintained horizontal. The monitor device 8 only needs to be supported by at least two stands 8GL, 8GR spaced apart in the horizontal direction, and may be supported by two or more stands, or by a single stand. A portable monitor device 80 may also be supported by two or more stands spaced apart in the horizontal direction. The horizontal maintenance mechanism (and height adjustment mechanism) using two or more stands 8GL, 8GR is not limited to the telescopic rod structure described above, but may utilize any known structure, such as an air spring or an extendable link mechanism, as appropriate.

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

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

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

[0062] Furthermore, with the monitor device 8 shown in Figures 8(A) and (B), the height of the display screen 8A can be adjusted by an extension / retraction control mechanism 8H. Note that the stand 8K may not have the extension / retraction control mechanism 8H, and may be configured as a rod-shaped member whose length cannot be adjusted. Furthermore, with the monitor device 8 shown in Figures 8(A) and (B), the display screen 8A may be rotatable in a direction R around the axis of the stand 8K. This allows the orientation of the display screen 8A to be adjusted around the axis of the stand 8K.

[0063] The monitor device 8 (monitor device 8', 8") may be fixedly installed in a passageway within the golf play area 2. Alternatively, a mobile monitor device 80 may be installed so as to be movable along the passageway within the golf play area 2. Furthermore, if the cart 30 is placed in a passageway within the golf play area 2, the monitor device 32 installed on the cart 30 becomes a monitor device installed in the passageway within the golf play area 2. In this case, when the cart 30 moves along the passageway within the golf play area 2, it can be said that the monitor device 32 also moves along the passageway within the golf play area 2 due to the movement of the cart 30. For example, the mobile monitor device 80 or the monitor device 32 installed on the cart 30 may be installed so as to be movable along the passageway within the golf play area 2 together with the user 3. By moving the monitor device along with the user 3, the user 3 can always view the screen of the monitor device. The monitor device 8 (monitor device 8', 8") is not limited to a configuration in which the display screen 8A is placed on a stand 8G (8GL, 8GR), 8K erected on the ground as described above, but the display screen 8A may be placed directly on the ground without a stand, or the display screen 8A may be hooked onto a standing tree or pillar within the golf playing area 2. The display screen of the monitor device 8, 80, 32 may be configured to be automatically position-adjustable (movable) to a position, angle, and orientation that is easily visible to the user 3. In other words, the monitor device 8, 80, 32 may have a built-in motor, control device, sensor, etc. as a mechanism for automatically moving (adjusting) the angle, position, and orientation of the display screen.

[0064] 9(A) to 9(C) illustrate monitor devices 80A, 80B, and 80C as modified examples of the mobile monitor device 80. In the monitor devices 80A, 80B, and 80C shown in FIGS. 9(A) to 9(C), a display screen 8A is attached to the top of a vehicle body 81. In the monitor device 80A shown in FIG. 9(A), the display screen 8A is attached to the top of the vehicle body 81 via two stands 82. In the monitor device 80B shown in FIG. 9(B), the display screen 8A is attached to the top of the vehicle body 81 via a single stand 83. In the monitor device 80C shown in FIG. 9(C), the display screen 8A is attached directly to the top of the vehicle body 81.

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

[0066] 10(B) , the monitor device 80C is configured such that the position of the upper portion 81A of the vehicle body 81 can be adjusted in the vertical direction relative to the main body 81B of the vehicle body 81. In this case, the height of the monitor device can be adjusted by moving the lower portion 81C in the vertical direction, and the tilt can be adjusted by making the vertical position of a portion of the lower portion 81C different from that of the other portions. In this case, the height of the monitor device can be adjusted by moving the lower portion 81C in the vertical direction, and the tilt of the display screen 8A can be adjusted by making the vertical position of one portion of the lower portion 81C different from that of the other portions in the horizontal direction. Note that in the monitor devices 80A and 80B, the lower portion 81C of the vehicle body 81 may be configured such that the position of the lower portion 81C can be adjusted in the vertical direction relative to the main body 81B of the vehicle body 81.

[0067] In Figures 10(A) and (B), the mechanism for moving the upper part 81A and lower part 81C of the vehicle body 81 in the vertical direction relative to the main body 81B or adjusting the inclination can be well-known technology such as a telescopic rod, an extendable link mechanism, an air spring, a gyro mechanism, or a pendulum mechanism.

[0068] 10A and 10B, which moves the upper portion 81A or the lower portion 81C of the vehicle body 81 in the vertical direction relative to the main body 81B or adjusts the tilt, can also be applied to a structure in which a display screen 8A is attached to the upper side of the vehicle body 81 via a stand 82 or 83, as in the monitor devices 80A and 80B shown in Figures 9A and 9B. In a structure in which a display screen 8A is attached to the upper side of the vehicle body 81 via a stand 82 or 83, as in the monitor devices 80A and 80B shown in Figures 9A and 9B, a mechanism for controlling the extension / contraction of the stand or a mechanism for adjusting the tilt of the display screen 8A relative to the stand, as described above, may be provided instead of or in addition to the mechanism for moving the upper portion 81A or the lower portion 81C of the vehicle body 81 in the vertical direction relative to the main body 81B or adjusting the tilt.

[0069] Furthermore, the monitor devices 8, 80, 80A-80C may be configured so that the display screen 8A can be folded or stored in a storage space provided in the vehicle body 81 or the like. Setting the display screen 8A from the usage state to the folded (stored) state, and setting the display screen 8A from the folded (stored) state to the usage state may be performed automatically by a drive mechanism (not shown). For example, the mobile monitor devices 80, 80A-80C may fold or store the display screen 8A while traveling, and then set the display screen 8A from the folded (stored) state to the usage state after moving to the installation location. Note that setting the monitor devices 8, 80, 80A-80C to the folded (stored) state may be performed by folding (storing) the display screen 8A relative to the stand 8G or the vehicle body 81, or the display screen 8A may have a folding or storage structure. An example of a folding structure of the display screen 8A is a structure in which the display screen 8A is divided into two parts, and the two parts are connected to each other via a hinge so as to be able to open and close. An example of a storage structure of the display screen 8A is a structure in which a cover is attached to the display screen 8A to cover the screen, and the screen is opened and closed using the cover. Furthermore, the display screen 8A may be set to a folded state or a stored state during strong winds, rain, or when not in use at night.

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

[0071] Each camera installed in each system 1A-1F, such as the camera 11 of the monitor device 8, 80, the camera 31 of the cart 30, the pin camera 6B, the sub-camera 38, and the sub-pin camera 6C, may be rotatable (swivelable) so that it can capture the entire surroundings (a 360° range) of the camera. The cameras installed in each system 1A-1F can be used as a security system or a pest / bird protection system. That is, the golf play area 2 is monitored by the camera, and when an intrusion of a suspicious person, pest, or vermin is detected, the monitor device 8, 80, or 32 can display a warning message, emit a warning sound (threatening sound), or notify a security center. Furthermore, the cameras 11 of the monitor devices 8, 80, etc., the camera 31 of the cart 30, the pin camera 6B, the sub-camera 38, and the camera of the sub-pin camera 6C, etc., installed in each of the systems 1A to 1F can be used to monitor (view) the physical condition of the user 3 using the monitor devices 8, 80, 32, etc. In other words, information related to the physical condition of the user 3, such as blood pressure, pulse, and complexion, can be read from the images captured by each camera (AI can also be applied).

[0072] The monitor devices 8, 80, 32 may display information about the weather at the golf course (weather, temperature, humidity, wind direction, wind force, lightning information, heavy rain information, etc.) and may also display weather warnings (alerts).

[0073] Each device in each of the systems 1A to 1F may further be equipped with a microphone or camera (not shown). The microphones, cameras, and input devices such as sensors (not shown) provided in each device in each of the systems 1A to 1F, including the camera 11 of the monitor device 8, the camera 31 of the cart 30, and the camera (not shown) of the mobile terminal device 20, can be used for authentication (face authentication, voice authentication, etc.) of the user 3 when using the systems 1A to 1F. Well-known authentication techniques can be applied to authenticate the user 3.

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

[0075] The computers provided in each device in each of the systems 1A to 1F may be computers equipped with AI. For example, the display control processors 10 and 36 may generate advertising video signals and audio signals using AI. Furthermore, the AI-equipped computers may have multiple functions, such as performing a predetermined function, emitting light, or outputting audio, in response to a predetermined voice input such as "Alexa (registered trademark)," "OK Google (registered trademark)," or "Hey Siri (registered trademark)." Furthermore, each of the systems 1A to 1F may be capable of interactively linking with a system other than the golf support system. For example, each of the systems 1A to 1F may be linked with an existing point-granting system (so-called point card) provided by a company as a tool to support consumer purchasing activities.

[0076] In addition, each of the systems 1A to 1F may provide advertising videos in response to a cup-in, as well as various other content such as banner advertising videos, music, miles, mileage, stay mileage, discount tickets, service coupons, prizes, sound effects, lighting effects, advice on user 3's golf play, caddy functions (guidance and explanations of golf courses), golf insurance subscription services, and golf insurance subscription information.

[0077] The power source (battery) used for each device in each of the systems 1A to 1F may be any known power source, such as a rechargeable battery or a solar cell. When a rechargeable battery is used as the power source, it may be capable of being charged via air charging (wireless power transmission) or USB. Furthermore, the golf play area 2 to which each of the systems 1A to 1F is applied is not limited to an outdoor golf course, but may also be an indoor golf driving range or a golf driving range such as a putting practice facility.

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

[0079] In this specification, a "virtual golf game" refers to a simulation by a computer device 40 of a golf play in which a golf ball 5V is hit in a virtual golf play area 2V in accordance with real-world operations by a user 3. The object of the "virtual golf game" is to hit a golf ball 5V in the virtual golf play area 2V in accordance with real-world operations by a user 3 and place the golf ball 5V in a cup 6V (cup-in). Note that the "virtual golf game" may utilize well-known technologies, such as VR (virtual reality) technology that blocks out the real world and simulates golf play in a digitally reproduced virtual space, AR (augmented reality) technology that overlays digital information on the real world to simulate golf play, or MR (mixed reality) technology.

[0080] The golf support system 1G includes, as its hardware configuration, a computer device 40, a display device 41, and an input device 42. The computer device 40 is an electronic control device (computer) that controls the overall operation of the golf support system 1G, and is an electronic device equipped with a processor and a storage device (both not shown). The computer device 40 is configured to realize various functions by executing computer programs stored in a storage device (not shown). The functions implemented by the computer device 40 include a function for playing the virtual golf game described above and a function unique to the golf support system 1G, i.e., a function for providing a predetermined advertising video in response to a cup-in.

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

[0082] The display device 41 is communicably connected to the computer device 40 and can display information on a screen 41A based on various information transmitted from the computer device 40. This screen 41A displays at least an image of a virtual golf play area 2V and an image of a virtual golf ball 5V placed within the virtual golf play area 2V. The image of the virtual golf play area 2V is an image of a so-called golf course, and is, for example, an image of the golf course viewed from the perspective of a user playing golf on the golf course. The image of the virtual golf play area 2V reflects the golf ball 5V, the fairway, the green 7V, as well as various objects present in and around the golf course, such as pins, bunkers, ponds, and woods.

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

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

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

[0086] The input device 42 may also include a camera 42E that captures footage of the user 3 swinging the club 4. While FIG. 8 shows an example in which the camera 42E is attached to the display device 41, the camera 42E may be installed anywhere as long as it can capture footage of the user 3 swinging the club 4. The footage captured by the camera 42E can be analyzed using well-known video analysis processing to obtain various pieces of information that identify the swing using the golf club 4. The information obtained from this video analysis processing can be used as operation information. In this case, the video analysis processing may be performed by the computer device 40, or a computer for video analysis processing may be provided in the input device 42.

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

[0088] The computer device 40 includes, as functional elements, a processing processor 40A and a display control processor 40B. The processing processor 40A performs processing to simulate a golf play in which a golf ball 5V is virtually hit in a virtual golf play area 2V based on operation information input from an input device 42, and updates the position of the golf ball in the virtual golf play area 2V based on the processing results (virtual golf game progress function), and also performs processing to detect whether the golf ball 5V has gone into a cup 6V provided in the virtual golf play area 2V (cup-in detection function).

[0089] The virtual golf game progress function updates the image of the virtual golf play area 2V displayed on the display device 41 according to the results of the golf play simulation. Specifically, the image of the virtual golf play area 2V is updated to show the vicinity of the destination of the hit golf ball, and the golf ball 5V is positioned within the updated virtual golf play area 2V. Note that well-known technologies can be applied to this virtual golf game progress function.

[0090] In the virtual golf game progress function described above, if the result of simulating a golf play is that the hit golf ball lands within the cup 6V, the processing processor 40A detects that the ball has gone in. In this case, the processing processor 40A transmits to the display control processor 40B a detection signal indicating that the golf ball 5V has gone in.

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

[0092] In this case, when a cup-in occurs, the video of the golf play progress may be switched to an advertising video, or the advertising video may be displayed overlaid on the video of the golf play progress in the manner of a so-called banner advertisement or pop-up advertisement. Note that the specific processing and additional functions of the display control processor 40B are common to the display control processor 10 described in relation to the system 1A of Figure 1, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0093] 11 , for example, an audio device 41D may be provided in the display device 41, and cheers (voice), music, etc. may be played in response to a cup-in. An audio device 42D may be provided in the input device 42, and cheers (voice), music, etc. may be played in response to a cup-in. Furthermore, the mobile terminal device 20 of the user 3 may be linked to the other devices 40, 41, and 42 of the system 1G. That is, an image of the virtual golf play area 2V or an advertising video may be displayed on the display screen 21 of the mobile terminal device 20, and voice or music may be played from an audio device (not shown) of the mobile terminal device 20.

[0094] Supplements related to the above embodiments are disclosed. [Supplementary Note 1] A golf support system for supporting a user's golf play in which the user hits a golf ball with a golf club in a golf play area, comprising: a monitor device installed in the golf play area and capable of displaying images; a detection device that detects when the golf ball goes into a cup installed in the golf play area; and a display control processor connected to the monitor device and the detection device so as to be able to exchange information, and that, when the detection device detects the golf ball going into the cup, generates an advertising video signal for outputting a predetermined advertising video and causes the monitor device to display the advertising video based on the advertising video signal. [Supplementary Note 2] The golf support system described in Supplementary Note 1, characterized in that the monitor device is installed in a partial area of ​​the golf play area that includes a green on which the cup is installed. [Supplementary Note 3] The golf support system described in Supplementary Note 1 or 2, characterized in that the monitor device is mounted on a mobile device that moves within the golf play area. [Supplementary Note 4] The golf support system described in Supplementary Note 3, characterized in that the mobile device is a cart that carries the user and travels within the golf play area. [Supplementary Note 5] The golf support system of any one of Supplements 1 to 4, wherein the monitor device includes: a first monitor device installed in a portion of the golf play area that includes a green on which the cup is located; and a second monitor device installed on a mobile device that moves within the golf play area, the first monitor device and the second monitor device being connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other and displaying information in cooperation with each other. [Supplementary Note 6] The golf support system of any one of Supplements 1 to 5, wherein the display control processor is built into the monitor device. [Supplementary Note 7] The golf support system of any one of Supplements 1 to 6, wherein the detection device includes: a camera that captures video of the golf ball; and a video processing processor that analyzes the video captured by the camera and performs processing to determine whether the golf ball has gone into the cup in the video.[Supplementary Note 8] The golf support system of Supplementary Note 7, wherein the image processor further recognizes each golf ball in the video and automatically tracks each golf ball. [Supplementary Note 9] The golf support system of Supplementary Note 7, wherein the image processor further determines the number of strokes from when the golf ball in the video reaches the green on which the cup is provided until the ball goes in, and the display control processor generates the advertising video signal when the number of strokes is a predetermined number. [Supplementary Note 10] The golf support system of Supplementary Note 9, wherein the image processor accepts setting of the predetermined number of strokes by the user. [Supplementary Note 11] The golf support system of Supplementary Note 7, wherein the image processor further determines the number of strokes from when the golf ball in the video reaches the green on which the cup is provided until the ball goes in, and the display control processor generates different advertising video signals depending on the number of strokes in order to output advertising videos according to the number of strokes. [Appendix 12] The golf support system of Appendix 7, characterized in that the camera is mounted on a mobile device that is movable within the golf play area. [Appendix 13] The golf support system of Appendix 7, characterized in that a sub-camera separate from the camera is fixedly installed at an arbitrary location within the golf play area or is movable within the golf play area. [Appendix 14] The golf support system of Appendix 12, characterized in that the mobile device is a monitor device that is movable within the golf play area. [Appendix 15] The golf support system of Appendix 1, characterized in that the monitor device is provided in a mobile terminal device owned by the user. [Appendix 16] The golf support system of Appendix 1, characterized in that a plurality of monitor devices are provided within the golf play area. [Appendix 17] The golf support system of Appendix 1, characterized in that the monitor device includes a horizontal maintenance mechanism that keeps the screen of the monitor device horizontal.[Supplementary Note 18] The golf support system according to Supplementary Note 1, characterized in that the detection device includes a sensor attached to the cup and detects that the golf ball has gone in. [Supplementary Note 19] A golf support system applied to a virtual golf game played in a virtual golf play area generated by a computer device, wherein the virtual golf game is a game in which the computer device simulates a golf play in which a golf ball is hit in the virtual golf play area in accordance with real operations by a user, the golf support system comprising: the computer device; a display device connected to the computer device so as to be able to communicate with information, and which visually presents to the user the virtual golf play area generated by the computer device and the virtual golf ball placed in the virtual golf play area; and an input device connected to the computer device so as to be able to communicate information, and which inputs operation information indicating the operation for hitting the golf ball in the virtual golf play area to the computer device, a processing processor that executes a process for simulating the golf play of virtually hitting a golf ball in the virtual golf play area based on the operation information, updates the position of the golf ball in the virtual golf play area based on the result of the process, and executes a process for detecting whether the golf ball has gone into a cup provided in the virtual golf play area as a result of the update; and a display control processor that generates an advertising video signal for outputting a predetermined advertising video when the processing processor detects that the golf ball has gone into the cup, and displays the advertising video based on the advertising video signal on the display device.

[0095] 1A to 1G Golf support system 2 Golf play area 3 User 4 Golf club 5 Golf ball 6 Cup 6A Pin 6B Pin camera 6C Sub-pin 7 Green 8, 8', 8'' Monitor device 8A Display screen 8B Housing 8C Control device 8D Audio device 8E Communication device 8F Wheels 8G, 8GL, 8GR, 8K Stand (leveling maintenance mechanism) 8H Extension and retraction control mechanism (leveling maintenance mechanism) 8J Level sensor (leveling maintenance mechanism) 9 Detection device 10 Display control processor 10A Signal generation function 10B Advertisement display function 11 Camera 12 Image processing processor 20 Portable terminal device 21 Display screen 30 Cart 31 Camera 32 Monitor device 33 Control device 34 Communication device 35 Audio device 36 Display control processor 37 Image processing processor 38 Sub-camera 40 Computer device 41 Display device 42 Input device 60 Sensor 80, 80A, 80B, 80C Monitor device 81 Vehicle body 81A Upper part 81B Main body 81C Lower part 82, 83 Stand

Claims

1. A golf support system for supporting a user's golf play in which the user hits a golf ball with a golf club in a golf play area, comprising: a monitor device installed in the golf play area and capable of displaying images; a detection device that detects when the golf ball goes into a cup installed in the golf play area; and a display control processor that is connected to the monitor device and the detection device so as to be able to send and receive information, and that generates an advertising video signal for outputting a predetermined advertising video when the detection device detects the golf ball going into the cup, and displays the advertising video based on the advertising video signal on the monitor device.

2. The golf support system according to claim 1, wherein the monitor device is installed in a part of the golf playing area, including the green on which the cup is located.

3. The golf support system according to claim 1, wherein the monitor device is mounted on a mobile device that moves within the golf playing area.

4. The golf support system according to claim 3, wherein the mobile device is a cart that carries the user and travels within the golf playing area.

5. The golf support system of claim 1, wherein the monitor devices include a first monitor device installed in a portion of the golf playing area that includes the green on which the cup is located, and a second monitor device installed on a mobile device that moves within the golf playing area, and the first monitor device and the second monitor device are connected so that they can communicate with each other and display information in cooperation with each other.

6. The golf support system according to claim 1, wherein the display control processor is built into the monitor device.

7. The golf support system of claim 1, wherein the detection device includes a camera that captures an image of the golf ball, and an image processor that analyzes the image captured by the camera and performs processing to determine whether the golf ball has gone into the cup in the image.

8. The golf support system according to claim 7, wherein the image processor further performs processing to individually recognize the golf balls in the image and automatically track each of the golf balls.

9. The golf support system of claim 7, wherein the image processing processor further determines the number of strokes from when the golf ball in the image reaches the green on which the cup is located until it goes into the cup, and the display control processor generates the advertising video signal when the number of strokes is a predetermined number.

10. The golf support system according to claim 9, wherein the image processor accepts the user's setting of the predetermined number of strokes.

11. The golf support system of claim 7, wherein the image processing processor further determines the number of strokes from when the golf ball in the image reaches the green on which the cup is located until it goes into the cup, and the display control processor generates the advertising video signal that differs depending on the number of strokes in order to output advertising video according to the number of strokes.

12. The golf support system according to claim 7, wherein the camera is mounted on a mobile device that is movable within the golf playing area.

13. The golf support system according to claim 7, characterized in that a sub-camera separate from the camera is fixedly installed at any location within the golf playing area or is movable within the golf playing area.

14. The golf support system according to claim 12, wherein the mobile device is a monitor device that is movable within the golf playing area.

15. The golf support system according to claim 1, wherein the monitor device is provided in a mobile terminal device owned by the user.

16. The golf support system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of said monitor devices are provided within said golf playing area.

17. The golf support system according to claim 1, wherein the monitor device includes a horizontal maintenance mechanism for maintaining the screen of the monitor device horizontal.

18. The golf support system according to claim 1, wherein the detection device includes a sensor attached to the cup for detecting that the golf ball has entered the cup.

19. A golf support system applied to a virtual golf game played in a virtual golf play area generated by a computer device, wherein the virtual golf game is a game in which the computer device simulates a golf play in which a golf ball is hit in the virtual golf play area in response to real operations by a user, the golf support system comprising: the computer device; a display device connected to the computer device so as to be able to communicate with the computer device and visually presenting to the user the virtual golf play area generated by the computer device and the virtual golf ball placed in the virtual golf play area; and an input device connected to the computer device so as to be able to communicate with the computer device and inputting operation information indicating the operation for hitting the golf ball in the virtual golf play area to the computer device, wherein the computer device comprises a processing processor that performs a process for simulating the golf play in which the golf ball is virtually hit in the virtual golf play area based on the operation information, updates the position of the golf ball in the virtual golf play area based on the result of the process, and executes a process for detecting whether the golf ball has gone into a cup provided in the virtual golf play area as a result of the update; a display control processor that generates an advertising video signal for outputting a predetermined advertising video when the processing processor detects that the golf ball has gone into the cup, and that causes the display device to display the advertising video based on the advertising video signal.

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