Apparatus and method for providing golf game

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for providing a golf game are provided. The apparatus for providing a golf game, according to one embodiment, comprises: a simulation unit for simulating a ball movement on a virtual golf course on the basis of a golf shot of a player in a shot order; and a control unit, which provides an interface for setting an automatic order switching mode, acquires biometric information of a user located in a hitting area when an input for the automatic order switching mode is acquired, and identifies the user on the basis of the biometric information such that, when it is determined that the user is not the player in the shot order, the player in the shot order is changed to the user.

Description

Golf game providing device and method

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification relate to an apparatus and method for providing a golf game using biometric recognition, and more specifically, to an apparatus and method for providing a golf game that automatically changes the game order using biometric recognition technology.

[0002] A screen golf system is a system that installs a screen capable of displaying a virtual golf course indoors and, when a golfer hits a ball toward the screen, senses the ball's speed and direction to display the ball's movement on the screen, thereby providing a sense of realism similar to playing a round at an actual golf course without having to go to a golf course. Related prior art includes Korean Patent Registration No. 10-148789 (Title of Invention: Screen Golf System).

[0003] Screen golf systems can provide golf games to a single golf user or multiple golf users. Through this, golf users can play golf games with several people, just like playing on a real golf course.

[0004] However, in the case of golf games played through screen golf systems, players must play according to a designated order, and separate operations were required to change the player in the shot order. Furthermore, if a player other than the one in the shot order actually takes a shot without changing the player, errors may occur in the player's shot record due to the discrepancy between the player recognized by the system and the player who actually took the shot. Therefore, there has been a need for technology that can automatically change the shot order or the player located in the teeing area without separate operations.

[0005] Meanwhile, the aforementioned background technology is technical information that the inventor possessed for the derivation of the present invention or acquired during the process of deriving the present invention, and it cannot be considered as prior art disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of the present invention.

[0006] The embodiments disclosed in this specification aim to provide a golf game providing device and method that identify a user located in a hitting area through biometric recognition and, based on this, automatically change the player in the shot order without separate operation.

[0007] A golf game providing device is disclosed, comprising, as a technical means for achieving the aforementioned technical task, a simulation unit that simulates the movement of a ball on a virtual golf course based on a golf shot by a player in the shot order, and a control unit that provides an interface for setting an automatic order switching mode, and when input for the automatic order switching mode is obtained, obtains biometric information of a user located in a teeing area, identifies the user based on the biometric information, and when it is determined that the user is not the player in the shot order, changes the player in the shot order to the user.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a golf game providing method performed by a golf game providing device comprises the steps of: providing an interface for setting an automatic sequence switching mode; when input for the automatic sequence switching mode is obtained, obtaining biometric information of a user located in a teeing area, identifying the user based on the biometric information of the user, and when it is determined that the user is not the player in the shot order, changing the player in the shot order to the user; and simulating ball movement on a virtual golf course based on the golf shot of the player in the shot order.

[0009] According to any one of the aforementioned means for solving the problem, a golf game providing device and a golf game providing method can be presented that identify a user located in the batting area through biometric recognition and, based on this, automatically change the player in the shot order without separate operation.

[0010] The effects obtainable from the disclosed embodiments are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the disclosed embodiments belong from the description below.

[0011] The attached drawings illustrative of preferred embodiments disclosed in this specification serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept disclosed in this specification, along with specific details for implementing the invention; therefore, the contents disclosed in this specification should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0012] FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2 are diagrams for schematically explaining the operation of a golf game providing device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a golf game providing device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIGS. 4 to 16 are flowcharts illustrating a method for providing a golf game according to an embodiment.

[0015] Various embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The embodiments described below may be implemented in various different forms. In order to explain the features of the embodiments more clearly, detailed descriptions of matters widely known to those skilled in the art to which the following embodiments belong have been omitted. Additionally, parts of the drawings unrelated to the description of the embodiments have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the specification have been given similar reference numerals.

[0016] Throughout the specification, when a configuration is described as being "connected" to another configuration, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected," but also cases where they are "connected with another configuration in between." Furthermore, when a configuration is described as "including" another configuration, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other configurations but may include additional configurations.

[0017] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as 'first' or 'second' as used herein, may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. Such terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components.

[0018] First, the terms used in this specification will be explained.

[0019] "Shot order" refers to the sequence of positions in the teeing area and taking a shot, meaning it can refer to the timing of play in the golf game, and "player in shot order" refers to the player who is in their turn to take a shot in the golf game. When a golf shot occurs in Ready Mode, the golf game providing device considers the golf shot as the shot of the player in shot order and can record the results of the analysis of the shot for the player in shot order.

[0020] “Player in line for a shot,” that is, a player whose turn it is to take a shot, may also be referred to as a “batting user,” who is a user positioned in the batting area to take a shot. Hereinafter, “player in line for a shot” and “batting user” may be used interchangeably and may be interpreted as having the same meaning.

[0021] "Candidate user" may refer to a user located in the batting area who is determined to be the batting user (the player in the shot order).

[0022] The “driving area” refers to a specific area on the tee where the ball (golf ball) is placed and where a strike is made by a golf club.

[0023] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0024] FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2 are diagrams for schematically explaining the operation of a golf game providing device according to one embodiment.

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a golf game providing device (100) is provided in a screen golf booth (1) equipped with a teeing area (10) and a screen (30) to provide a golf game that multiple users play on a virtual golf course. That is, the golf game providing device (100) can provide a golf game in which multiple users participate on a virtual golf course.

[0026] The golf game providing device (100) can enable a user to take a golf shot according to the play order. For example, the golf game providing device (100) can display users participating in the golf game and the player currently in the shot order by including the play order (50, 51) in the golf game image projected on the screen (30) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Additionally, for example, the golf game providing device (100) may display the player in the shot order (batting table user) among the users participating in the golf game exclusively on the screen (30), display who the player in the shot order (batting table user) is who is currently positioned at the batting table and whose turn it is to play through an input / output unit, or provide a voice notification of who the player in the shot order (batting table user) is.

[0027] Meanwhile, the golf game providing device (100) can acquire biometric information of the user (candidate user) and identify the user (candidate user) based on the acquired biometric information of the user (candidate user) when the golf game starts or after a user's shot ends and when a user (candidate user) is detected in the teeing area.

[0028] Then, it is determined whether the identified user (candidate user) is the player (batting table user) in the shot order, and if the identified user is not the player (batting table user) in the shot order, the golf game providing device (100) can change the identified user to the player (batting table user) in the shot order without any separate operation by the user. If a change in the player in the shot order occurs, the golf game providing device (100) can display the play order reflecting the change result on the screen (30).

[0029] Here, the play order displayed on the screen (30) may include the names of the users participating in the golf game, along with an indication of who among the users participating in the golf game is the player whose turn it is to play the shot. For example, the play order may include the names and nicknames of the users participating in the golf game, or, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, simply numbered usernames such as Player 1 and Player 2 for the purpose of identifying the users participating in the golf game. By displaying the player whose shot order is different from other users who are not in the shot order, the player whose shot order is can be distinguished from other users. For example, to distinguish the player whose shot order is (the user at the tee) from other users, colors, icons, etc., or visual effects may be added, and as shown in FIG. 1, images corresponding to the names of other users and the names of the player whose shot order is (the user at the tee) may be configured differently.

[0030] For example, when the first user (Player 1) is indicated as the player in the shot order as shown in FIG. 1, that is, when the second user (Player 2, U) is located in the batting area during the shot order of the first user (Player 1), the golf game providing device (100) that identifies the second user (U) changes the second user (U) to the player in the shot order (batting area user), and displays the play order (51) with the result of the change reflected as in FIG. 2 on the screen (30) through the video output device (40), or displays the changed player in the shot order (batting area user) through the input / output unit (120) to be described later.

[0031] Meanwhile, the golf game providing device (100) will be described in more detail later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a golf game providing device according to one embodiment.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, the golf game providing device (100) may include a memory (110), an input / output unit (120), a simulation unit (130), an image processing unit (140), a control unit (150), and a communication unit (160).

[0034] Various types of data, such as files, applications, and programs for providing a golf game, may be installed and stored in the memory (110). For example, a biometric recognition algorithm required for user identification may be stored in the memory (110) in the form of a program, and an image analysis algorithm for acquiring biometric information contained in an image or determining whether the user possesses a golf club may be stored in the form of a program. Additionally, an artificial intelligence model used for biometric recognition or image analysis may be stored in the memory (110) in the form of a program. The control unit (150) may access and use the data stored in the memory (110) or store new data in the memory (110).

[0035] The input / output unit (120) may include an input unit for receiving input from a user and an output unit for displaying processing results based on the input. For example, the input / output unit (120) may include an operation panel for receiving user input and a display panel for displaying a screen. According to an embodiment, the input / output unit (120) may receive information about one or more users participating in a golf game, receive user input regarding settings related to the golf game, and output processing results based on the received input. For example, through the input / output unit (120), input for user login or operation commands for the simulation environment may be obtained, and the user login result processed by the control unit (150) described later, the play order processing, and settings for the manipulated simulation environment may be output.

[0036] Additionally, the input unit may include devices capable of receiving various forms of user input, such as a keyboard, physical buttons, a touch screen, a camera, or a microphone. For example, biometric information including at least one of a user's facial image and an iris image may be received through a camera implemented as an input unit, along with information about the user received from the user by another input device implemented as an input unit, and the control unit (150) described later may match the input biometric information with the user and store it. Additionally, the control unit (150) described later may acquire a user image for analyzing whether the user possesses a golf club through a camera implemented as an input unit, and may analyze whether the user possesses a golf club based on the acquired user image. Additionally, the output unit may include a display panel or a speaker, etc. However, it is not limited thereto, and the input / output unit (120) may include a configuration that supports various inputs and outputs.

[0037] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the input / output unit (120) may include a sensing device for sensing at least one of the movements of a batting user (U), a ball (G), and a golf club (C) located in a batting area, as shown in FIG. 1. For example, the sensing device may be implemented as a camera that photographs the batting area, or as an imaging device such as a vision sensor that photographs the batting area with a camera, or as an IR sensor or a radar sensor.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the sensing device monitors the batting area and acquires an image when the ball (G) is struck by a golf club in the batting area (i.e., when a shot is taken), and can sense at least one of the movement of the golfer (U), the movement of the ball (G), and the movement of the golf club from the image. Additionally, the sensing device can sense at least one of the movement of the batting user (U), the ball (G), and the golf club (C) when the batting user (U) takes a shot of the ball (G) toward the screen (30) in ready mode.

[0039] Specifically, for example, the control unit (150) described below determines that a user located in the batting area, i.e., a candidate user, is the player (batting user) in the shot order, and activates the ready mode after confirming whether the user possesses a golf club (C). When the ready mode is activated and the shot of the batting user is sensed, the sensing device can sense the movement of at least one of the batting user (U), the ball (G), and the golf club (C). If the ready mode is deactivated, the sensing device may not sense anything.

[0040] In this way, as the motion of at least one of the batting user (U), ball (G), and golf club (C) is sensed, the sensing device calculates sensing information such as motion parameters for the movement of the ball and transmits it to the control unit (150) or the simulation unit (130). The simulation unit (130) that has acquired the sensing information can calculate shot data from the sensing information and simulate the ball movement trajectory, or the control unit (150) that has acquired the sensing information can have the simulation unit (130) simulate the ball movement trajectory.

[0041] Additionally, when the presence of a candidate user in the batting area is detected, the sensing device may capture at least one of the user's facial image and iris image and transmit it to the control unit (150). Additionally, when the presence of a candidate user in the batting area is detected, the sensing device may transmit a user image captured of the user (candidate user) in the batting area to the control unit (150). In this case, the user image may be an image of the candidate user, or, if the candidate user is holding a club, an image containing at least a part of the candidate user's appearance and the club. Accordingly, the control unit (150) can analyze the transmitted user image to determine whether the candidate user is holding a club, and if the candidate user is a batting area user, it can activate a ready mode in response to the confirmed presence of a club based on the image analysis result. At this time, the sensing device may be implemented as an integral part of the camera described above.

[0042] Although the above-described sensing device is described as being integrally provided as an input / output unit of the golf game providing device (100), it may be installed at any location of the batting cage (10) or screen golf booth (1) separately from the golf game providing device (100) and may communicate with the golf game providing device (100). When the sensing device is installed in the screen golf booth (1), it may be implemented as a plurality of vision sensors, and when implemented as a plurality of vision sensors, each vision sensor may sense by overlapping with the batting cage area.

[0043] Meanwhile, the simulation unit (130) can simulate the movement of a ball on a virtual golf course based on a golf shot by a teeing user (U). That is, the simulation unit (130) can simulate a virtual ball movement trajectory on a virtual golf course based on at least one of the movements of the teeing user (U), the ball (G), and the golf club (C) obtained by the sensing device. According to an embodiment, the simulation unit (130) can simulate the virtual ball movement on a virtual golf course by calculating shot data from the sensing information obtained by the input / output unit (120).

[0044] Meanwhile, the image processing unit (140) is provided to process golf game images required for a golf game. The golf game images may include virtual golf simulation images and play order (50, 51). The image processing unit (140) can generate and output virtual golf simulation images based on simulation results received from the simulation unit (130), and can generate and output a play order with visual effects to distinguish the player (user at the tee) in the shot order from other users based on information received from the control unit (150) to be described later.

[0045] Specifically, the image processing unit (140) can process virtual golf simulation images, such as images of a virtual golf course and images of ball movement, based on a virtual ball movement trajectory simulated by the simulation unit (130). That is, the image processing unit (140) can process virtual golf simulation images, such as images of ball movement on a virtual golf course, by considering the virtual ball movement trajectory simulated through the simulation unit (130) and the actual ball movement characteristics. Accordingly, when a teeing user (U) takes a shot (i.e., strikes the ball (G) toward the screen (30)) in the teeing area, the camera captures this and transmits it to the simulation unit (130), and based on the ball movement trajectory simulated by the simulation unit (130), the image processing unit (140) can construct virtual golf simulation images, such as images of ball movement on a virtual golf course, by considering the actual ball movement characteristics.

[0046] The image processing unit (140) may include an image output device (40) that outputs an image to a screen (30), and may project and display a virtual golf simulation image and a play order on the screen (30) through the image output device (40). Additionally, the image processing unit (140) may display the play order through a display provided in the input / output unit.

[0047] The image processing unit (140) can display the play order (50, 51) along with a virtual golf simulation image in an area of ​​the screen (30) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The image processing unit (140) can add colors, icons, etc., or apply visual effects to distinguish the player (batting user) in the shot order from other users within the play order, and can configure images corresponding to the names of other users and the names of the player (batting user) in the shot order, respectively, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0048] Meanwhile, the golf game providing device (100) may include a communication unit (160) for performing wired or wireless communication with another device or network. The communication unit (160) may include a communication module that supports at least one of various wired or wireless communication methods, for example, the communication module may be implemented in the form of a chipset.

[0049] The golf game providing device (100) can receive data and images related to the golf game through the communication unit (160), transmit an ID and password entered by a user to a server, and receive information about the user corresponding to the ID and password from the server and transmit it to the memory (110) and the control unit (150).

[0050] The wireless communication supported by the communication unit (160) may be, for example, generational mobile communication, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, Ultra Wide Band (UWB), or Near Field Communication (NFC). Additionally, the wired communication supported by the communication unit (160) may be, for example, USB or HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface).

[0051] Meanwhile, the control unit (150) controls the overall operation of the golf game providing device (100) and may include a processor such as a CPU, GPU, etc. The control unit (150) may control other components included in the golf game providing device (100) to perform the golf game providing method.

[0052] For example, the control unit (150) can execute a program stored in memory (110), match the user's biometric information obtained through the input / output unit (120) to the user and store it in memory (110) as registered biometric information, or control the image processing unit (140) to display a play order that reflects a change in the batting user (player in the shot order). For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the control unit (150) can control the image processing unit (140) so that the batting user (player in the shot order) changes from the first user to the second user, and the second user is displayed as the batting user (player in the shot order).

[0053] Additionally, the control unit (150) includes at least one processor and may execute a program for performing a golf game provision method and identify a candidate user by analyzing biometric information of a candidate user obtained through a camera.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the control unit (150) may provide an interface capable of setting an automatic order switching mode that automatically changes the player (batting user) in the shot order using biometric recognition. When the control unit (150) obtains input for the automatic order switching mode, that is, when the automatic order switching mode is set, it may obtain biometric information of a user (candidate user) located in the batting area, identify the candidate user based on the obtained biometric information of the user, and determine whether the identified user is the player (batting user) in the shot order.

[0055] For example, the control unit (150) detects whether there is a user (candidate user) within the batting area, and if there is only one candidate user within the batting area, it can obtain the biometric information of the candidate user. The control unit (150) may detect whether there is a candidate user within the batting area by analyzing an image of the batting area, or it may detect whether there is a candidate user within the batting area by using a sensor (e.g., an infrared sensor) provided to detect whether there is a candidate user within the batting area.

[0056] The control unit (150) can obtain a biometric image of a candidate user based on an image within the batting area obtained through a camera, or separately obtain biometric information of a candidate user by analyzing a user image taken of the candidate user.

[0057] For example, the control unit (150) can analyze an image within the batting area to recognize whether a candidate user is present, and if the presence of a candidate user is detected, it can extract a facial image from the image within the batting area. For example, the control unit (150) can extract a facial image from an image within the batting area using a deep learning model such as a CNN or an RNN, or it can extract a facial image by extracting eyes or facial contours from an image within the batting area. If a facial image can be extracted, the control unit (150) can obtain the facial image as biometric information of the candidate user by using any one of the aforementioned techniques from an image within the batting area. Furthermore, the control unit (150) can obtain the position of the eyes based on the facial image and, based on the obtained position of the eyes, extract an iris image of the user.

[0058] On the other hand, if the control unit (150) determines that it cannot extract a facial image from an image within the batting area, it can obtain a user image by re-photographing a candidate user to additionally extract a facial image or an iris image, and can extract a facial image from the obtained user image.

[0059] Alternatively, the control unit (150) may acquire a user image of a candidate user within the batting area to determine whether biometric information and golf club possession are possible, regardless of whether facial image extraction is possible from an image within the batting area. Furthermore, as described above, the control unit (150) may analyze the user image to detect the position of the user's face and, based on this, extract a facial image of the candidate user, and further extract an iris image based on the extracted facial image.

[0060] Meanwhile, the control unit (150) can identify a candidate user based on the acquired biometric information and determine whether the identified candidate user is a player (batting user) in the shot order. For example, the control unit (150) can calculate the similarity between the biometric information of user A and the biometric information of the candidate user based on the biometric information of user A stored in memory (110) and the acquired biometric information of the candidate user, and if the calculated similarity is greater than or equal to a threshold, the candidate user can be identified as user A. If biometric information for multiple users is stored in memory (110), the control unit (150) can calculate the similarity between each of the multiple users stored in memory (110) and the biometric information of the candidate user, and identify the user with the highest calculated similarity as the candidate user, or identify the user with a similarity greater than or equal to a threshold among the calculated similarities as the candidate user.

[0061] The control unit (150) can change the player (batting user) in the shot order according to the judgment result. As described in FIGS. 1 and 2, if the player (batting user) in the shot order is the first user (Player 1) and the candidate user (U) located at the batting position is identified as the second user (Player 2), the control unit can change the player (player in the shot order) to the second user (U) and display the play order (51) reflecting the change of the player (batting user) in the shot order.

[0062] Meanwhile, the control unit (150) can register the biometric information of a user participating in a golf game obtained through the input / output unit (120) by matching it to the user, and can identify the user (candidate user) based on the registered biometric information and the biometric information of the candidate user.

[0063] Specifically, the control unit (150) can obtain information about a user participating in a golf game through the input / output unit (120) before the start of the golf game and register the user or process the login based on the information. For example, the information about the user may be an ID and password for member login in the case of a registered member, or a name or nickname used temporarily to participate in the golf game. For example, when the control unit (150) obtains an ID and password from a user, it can transmit the obtained ID and password to a server through the communication unit (160), and if there is user information corresponding to the transmitted ID and password of the user, it can perform member login of the user by receiving the corresponding user information.

[0064] Information about the user may additionally include biometric information. The control unit (150) may acquire biometric information through an interface for receiving information about the user displayed on the input / output unit (120), and the acquired biometric information may include at least one of a facial image and an iris image. At this time, the biometric information may be acquired by capturing it with a camera provided in the input / output unit (120).

[0065] In this case, biometric information is not essential for participating in the golf game, but may be an additional element registered at the user's discretion. Therefore, among the multiple users participating in the golf game, there may be one or more users whose biometric information is not registered (hereinafter referred to as “unregistered users”). Distinguished from such unregistered users, among the multiple users, users whose biometric information is registered are referred to as “registered users” below.

[0066] The control unit (150) can extract feature points from biometric information including at least one of an acquired facial image and an iris image, and register the extracted feature points as biometric information by matching them with a user. The control unit (150) can also extract biometric information of a candidate user located within the batting area from an image within the batting area or an image of a user obtained by photographing the batting area through a camera. The control unit (150) can also extract feature points from the extracted biometric information and identify a candidate user based on the extracted feature points and the registered biometric information. For example, the control unit (150) can calculate the similarity between the feature points included in the registered biometric information and the extracted feature points, and if the calculated similarity is greater than or equal to a threshold, identify the candidate user as a registered user.

[0067] However, when identifying candidate users, there may be cases where no user exists that matches the registered biometric information. In one embodiment, if it is determined that there is no matching user because there is no registered biometric information corresponding to the candidate user's biometric information, the control unit (150) checks whether there is an unregistered user and can change the player (batting user) in the shot order according to the number of unregistered users.

[0068] For example, if the control unit (150) identifies two or more unregistered users, if the player in the shot order is a registered user, it may provide a notification that the candidate user is not the player in the shot order (batting user). On the other hand, if only one unregistered user is identified, the control unit (150) may change the player in the shot order (batting user) to the unregistered user.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the control unit (150) can cause the simulation unit to simulate the movement of the ball on a virtual golf course based on at least one of the movements of the teeing table user (U), the ball (G), and the golf club (C) obtained through the sensing device. Meanwhile, the control unit (150) can prevent the teeing table user from processing the golf shot until it reaches a ready mode state.

[0070] That is, the control unit (150) can cause the sensing device to acquire at least one of the movements of the teeing table user (U), the ball (G), and the golf club (C) in a ready mode state, and cause the simulation unit to simulate the movement of the ball on a virtual golf course based on the acquired sensing information. In other words, by activating the ready mode, the control unit (150) can cause the sensing device to sense the movement of at least one of the teeing table user, the ball, or the golf club, and transmit the sensing result to the simulation unit (130) so that the simulation unit (130) can process the simulation.

[0071] To this end, the control unit (150) can activate a ready mode that recognizes the shot of the player (batting table user) in response to whether the player (batting table user) in the shot order possesses a golf club after the candidate user is identified and the player (batting table user) in the shot order is confirmed according to the identification result.

[0072] Specifically, the control unit (150) can use an image within the batting area acquired to detect the presence or absence of a user (candidate user) or a user image acquired to identify a candidate user to check whether the batting user possesses a golf club, and activate a ready mode in response to whether the batting user possesses a golf club.

[0073] For example, if it is confirmed that the teeing table user possesses a golf club, the control unit (150) can activate the ready mode, whereas if the teeing table user does not possess a golf club, the control unit (150) cannot activate the ready mode, and as a result, the shot of the teeing table user (player in the shot ranking) cannot be recognized.

[0074] That is, the control unit (150) may not activate the ready mode if it is not confirmed whether the user possesses a golf club. In this case, as the ready mode is deactivated, the control unit (150) may cause the sensing device not to sense the movement of the user (U), ball (G), and golf club (C). According to another embodiment, the control unit (150) may re-acquire an image within the batting area or a user image through the sensing device to re-determine the acquisition of biometric information of the candidate user, identification of the candidate user, and whether the user possesses a golf club.

[0075] The control unit (150) can determine whether the player (player in the shot order) is holding a golf club based on a previously captured image within the batting area or a user image. For example, the control unit (150) can analyze the image within the batting area and determine that the player (player in the shot order) is holding a golf club if the number of pixels having values ​​within a preset range is greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0076] More specifically, the control unit (150) can analyze an image or user image within the batting area to identify the area where the user is located in the image, and among the pixels in a preset part of the area where the user is located, for example, when the area where the user is located is divided equally into two vertical areas based on the center of the area where the user is located, for the lower area, if the number of pixels having the same pixel value (RGB value) along the horizontal axis is greater than or equal to a threshold, or if the number of pixels where the difference between pixel values ​​(RGB values) along the horizontal axis is within a predetermined range is greater than or equal to a threshold, or if the number of pixels having pixel values ​​(RGB values) within a predetermined range is greater than or equal to a threshold, it can be determined that the batting area user is holding a golf club.

[0077] As another example, the control unit (150) may analyze an image or user image within a batting area and determine the shape formed by the pixels based on the location of pixels having values ​​within a preset range among the pixels within a specific area, and determine that the shape formed by the pixels is a long bar shape, thereby determining that the user is holding a golf club.

[0078] As another example, the control unit (150) may determine whether a golf club is being held by using deep learning based on a previously captured image within the batting area or a user image. The control unit (150) may train an artificial intelligence model using images of a user holding a golf club within the batting area, and input an image within the batting area or a user image into the trained artificial intelligence model to check whether the user is holding a golf club.

[0079] The control unit (150) can simulate ball movement on a virtual golf course simulated through the simulation unit (130), and the control unit (150) can record the simulation results in correspondence with the player (user at the tee) in the shot order. For example, the control unit (150) can record shot data (e.g., ball speed, direction angle, launch angle, backspin, sidespin, carry, distance, etc.), ball landing position, score, etc. in correspondence with the player (user at the tee) in the shot order.

[0080] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, if the identified candidate user does not match the player in the shot order, the control unit (150) may trigger a change of the player in the shot order. When the change of the player in the shot order is triggered, the control unit (150) determines whether a hole change is predicted for the candidate user, and may change the player in the shot order to the candidate user based on the result of the determination.

[0081] Specifically, when a change in the player in the shot order is triggered, the control unit (150) determines whether a change in the hole of the candidate user is predicted based on the candidate user's play record, and if a change in the hole of the candidate user is not predicted, the player in the shot order (player at the tee) can be changed to the candidate user, and if a change in the hole of the candidate user is predicted, the player in the shot order can not be changed, and additionally, a notification can be provided that the candidate user's play has ended on the hole currently being played.

[0082] Generally, a golf game can be played on at least some of the 18 holes. Each user can play on each hole in which the game is being played, and when all users finish playing on a hole, the game moves to the next hole and continues. The golf game may end when all users finish playing on the hole designated as the final hole. Here, for each hole, each user can play from the tee shot to a hole-in, and when a hole-in—that is, when the ball struck by the user enters the hole—play for that hole may end.

[0083] Here, if the hole currently in progress is not the last hole of the golf game, a 'hole change may be predicted' in the sense that play on the hole currently in progress has ended and play on the next hole must begin. Additionally, if the hole currently in progress is the last hole of the golf game, a 'hole change may be predicted' for a user who has finished playing that hole in the sense that they have finished playing the entire golf game.

[0084] Hereinafter, in this specification, the prediction of a hole change for a specific user includes that if the hole currently being played is not the last hole of the golf game, it is the user's turn to play the next hole, and if the hole currently being played is the last hole of the golf game, it is the user's play for the hole currently being played has ended (i.e., a hole-in has ended on the hole currently being played).

[0085] For example, if a user (U) located at the batting position (10) of FIG. 1 is identified as a second user (PLAYER 2) and is confirmed not to be the first user shown in the play order (50), a change of player in the shot order is triggered, and the control unit (150) can determine whether a change of hole for the second user is predicted based on the hole currently being played and the play record of the second user (U).

[0086] If the hole currently being played is not the last hole, and the number of the hole currently being played is the same as the number of the hole that the second user is to play, the control unit (150) determines that a hole change is not expected and can change the player (player at the tee) in the shot order to the second user (PLAYER 2), and if not, can maintain the player (player at the tee) in the shot order.

[0087] For example, assuming that the hole currently in progress in the golf game is not the last hole but the 2nd hole is being played, and the candidate user currently at the tee finishes all play for hole A and it is the candidate user's turn to play for the 3rd hole, which is the next hole after the 2nd hole, the control unit (150) determines that a change of hole for the candidate user is predicted and may not change the candidate user to the player (tide user) in the shot order.

[0088] On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the candidate user's play for the 2nd hole has not ended, the control unit (150) determines that a hole change for the candidate user is not predicted and can change the candidate user to a player (batting user) in the shot order.

[0089] Meanwhile, if the hole currently being played is the last hole, the 18th hole, and it is confirmed that the play of the second user (U) on the 18th hole has ended, the control unit (150) determines that a hole change is predicted and does not change the player (player at the tee) in the shot order, but maintains the first user (PLAYER 1), and additionally provides a notification via voice or screen (30) that the user currently at the tee is not the player in the shot order.

[0090] Meanwhile, the control unit (150) may maintain the current player (player at the batting table) without changing them to another user if the player (player at the batting table) in the shot order changes and, after the player (player at the batting table)'s shot, a change in the hole is not predicted for the player (player at the batting table) in the shot order. In other words, after a change in the player (player at the batting table) in the shot order occurs, the control unit (150) checks whether play for the corresponding hole has ended due to the result of the player (player at the batting table)'s shot and determines whether a change in the hole is predicted, and if a change in the hole is not predicted, it may maintain the player (player at the batting table) in the shot order who is currently at the batting table.

[0091] For example, as described in FIGS. 1 and 2, after the player (player at bat) in the shot order is changed to the second user (PLAYER 2), the control unit (150) checks the result of the second user (U)'s shot, and if it is determined that no hole change occurs as a result of the second user (U)'s shot, the player (player at bat) in the shot order (51) shown in FIG. 2 can be maintained as the second user (PLAYER 2).

[0092] Meanwhile, the control unit (150) may change the player in the shot order according to a preset standard when a change in the hole of the player in the shot order is predicted as a result of the shot of the player in the shot order (player at the tee) for the current hole. For example, if a change in the player in the shot order (player at the tee) occurs and a change in the hole of the player in the shot order is predicted as a result of the shot of the player in the shot order (player at the tee) that was changed in the current hole, the control unit (150) may designate the player in the shot order (player at the tee) before the change as the player in the shot order (player at the tee) or designate the player with the shortest tee shot distance among the users who have not yet played as the player in the shot order.

[0093] Additionally, the control unit (150) can maintain the player in the shot order (batting user) as the identified user (candidate user) if the player in the shot order (batting user) is changed and the player in the shot order (batting user) is detected in the batting area for a predetermined time after hitting the ball. On the other hand, the control unit (150) can change the player in the shot order (batting user) to another user if the player in the shot order (batting user) is changed and the movement of the player in the shot order (batting user) is detected within a predetermined time after hitting the ball.

[0094] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, if the player (batting user) in the shot order is changed to the second user, and after the second user (U) takes a shot, no movement of the second user is detected within the batting cage (10) for a predetermined period of time, the player (batting user) in the shot order can be maintained as the second user (U). On the other hand, if the player (batting user) in the shot order is changed to the second user, and after the second user (U) takes a shot, movement of the second user (U) is detected within a predetermined period of time, for example, if no user is detected in the batting cage (10) within a predetermined period of time after the second user (U) in FIG. 2 takes a shot, the player (batting user) in the shot order can be changed to a user other than the second user.

[0095] Meanwhile, the control unit (150) determines whether a change in hole of the player in the shot order (batting user) is predicted when the player in the shot order (batting user) is changed and the player in the shot order (batting user) is detected in the batting area for a predetermined time after hitting the ball, and can maintain the player in the shot order (batting user) as an identified user (candidate user) only if a change in hole is not predicted according to the result of the determination. On the other hand, if the control unit (150) detects the movement of the player in the shot order (batting user) within a predetermined time after the player in the shot order (batting user) is changed and the player in the shot order (batting user) hits the ball, the player in the shot order can be changed to another user.

[0096] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, after the player (batting user) in the shot order is changed to the second user, and after the second user (U) takes a shot, if no movement of the second user is detected within the batting cage (10) for a predetermined period of time, it is determined whether a hole change of the player (batting user) in the shot order is predicted, and only if a hole change is not predicted can the player (batting user) in the shot order be maintained as the second user (U), and if a hole change is predicted, the player (batting user) in the shot order can be changed to another user.

[0097] On the other hand, if the player (batting user) in the shot order is changed to the second user, and after the second user (U) takes a shot, the movement of the second user (U) is detected within a predetermined time, for example, if no user is detected at the batting position (10) within a predetermined time after the second user (U) of FIG. 2 takes a shot, the player (batting user) in the shot order can be changed to a user other than the second user.

[0098] Meanwhile, the fact that a hole change is predicted for the last player in the play order (the player at the tee) may mean that the play of all users participating in the golf game has ended for the hole currently being played.

[0099] Accordingly, if the player (tee user) in the shot order is the last player to play in the play order and a hole change is predicted for that user, the control unit (150) may reset the play order for all users. Additionally, when the control unit (150) changes the hole being played in the golf game, users may take a tee shot one by one according to a preset order, and the play order may be determined based on the tee shot distance.

[0100] As described above, a golf game providing device (100) according to one embodiment can prevent errors in a user's play record that may occur when the actual shot order player and the candidate user do not match by using biometric information obtained based on an image within the teeing area to determine whether the candidate user is the teeing order user. In addition, when the actual shot order player and the candidate user do not match, the candidate user is automatically changed to the teeing order user without separate operation by the user, thereby reducing unnecessary time consumption that may occur while playing the golf game.

[0101] In the embodiments above, the term 'part' refers to a software or hardware component such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC, and the 'part' performs certain roles. However, the meaning of 'part' is not limited to software or hardware. The 'part' may be configured to reside in an addressable storage medium or may be configured to run one or more processors. Accordingly, as an example, the 'part' includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, as well as processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.

[0102] The functions provided within the components and 'parts' can be combined into a smaller number of components and 'parts' or separated from additional components and 'parts'.

[0103] In addition, the components and '~parts' may be implemented to play one or more CPUs, GPUs within the device or secure multimedia card.

[0104] Based on the drawings below, a method for providing a golf game according to various embodiments will be described.

[0105] FIGS. 4 to 16 are flowcharts illustrating a method for providing a golf game according to an embodiment. The method for providing a golf game illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 16 includes steps processed sequentially in the golf game providing device (100) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. Therefore, even if details are omitted below, the description above regarding the golf game providing device (100) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 can also be used in the biometric recognition method according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 16.

[0106] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a golf game according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are detailed steps S430 of FIG. 4.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 4, the golf game providing device (100) provides an interface for an automatic sequence switching mode (S410) and can determine whether input for the automatic sequence switching mode has been obtained (S420). If input for the automatic sequence switching mode has been obtained, the golf game providing device (100) obtains biometric information of a user located in the teeing area, i.e., a candidate user, and identifies the user (candidate user) based on the biometric information of the user (candidate user). If the user (candidate user) is not the player in the shot order, the player in the shot order can be changed (S430). At this time, additionally, the golf game providing device (100) can display a video including a play order that reflects the change of the player in the shot order, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0108] Specifically, referring to FIG. 5, the golf game providing device (100) can detect whether there is a user (candidate user) within the batting area by analyzing an image within the batting area (S510). Based on the analysis results within the batting area, the golf game providing device (100) can detect the number of users (candidate users) in addition to whether there is a user (candidate user) within the batting area, and can determine whether the number of detected users (candidate users) is one (S520). At this time, the golf game providing device (100) can acquire an image within the batting area through a camera that captures the batting area.

[0109] If there are multiple detected users (candidate users), the golf game providing device (100) may not perform identification of candidate users, may maintain the player in the existing shot order, and may repeat step S510 and subsequent steps.

[0110] On the other hand, if there is only one detected user (candidate user), the golf game providing device (100) acquires biometric information of the user (candidate user), identifies the user (candidate user) based on the acquired biometric information of the user (candidate user), determines whether the identified user (candidate user) is the player in the shot order, and if the identified user (candidate user) is not the player in the shot order, the player in the shot order can be changed to the identified user (candidate user) (S530).

[0111] For example, when a golf game providing device (100) detects one user (candidate user), it may obtain biometric information by analyzing the area where the user (candidate user) is detected on an image within the batting area, or by taking a picture of the user (candidate user) with a camera and analyzing the acquired image of the user (candidate user). As an example, the acquired biometric information may be a facial image or an iris image.

[0112] Next, the golf game providing device (100) can identify the user (candidate user) based on the biometric information of the acquired user (candidate user) and determine whether the user (candidate user) is a player in the shot order.

[0113] Finally, if the identified user (candidate user) is not the player in the shot order, the golf game providing device (100) can change the player in the shot order to the identified user (candidate user).

[0114] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a golf game according to a second embodiment, specifically embodying step S430 of FIG. 4 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the golf game providing device (100) is basically similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, but after matching the identified user (candidate user) with the player in the shot order, it activates a ready mode that can recognize the shot of the player in the shot order based on whether the player in the shot order located within the tee box possesses a golf club, and can acquire the shot of the player in the shot order.

[0115] Since each of steps S610 to S630 in Fig. 6 is identical to each of steps S510 to S530 in Fig. 5, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 6, the golf game providing device (100) can determine whether the player in the shot order possesses a golf club by analyzing an image of a user within the teeing area (S640). Specifically, the golf game providing device (100) can determine whether the player in the shot order possesses a golf club by analyzing an image within the teeing area obtained to detect the presence or absence of a user (candidate user), or, if there is a user image obtained separately to obtain biometric information of a user (candidate user).

[0117] More specifically, the golf game providing device (100) can determine whether the player in the shot order possesses a golf club based on a previously captured image within the teeing area or a user image. For example, the golf game providing device (100) can analyze an image within the teeing area and determine that the player in the shot order possesses a golf club if the number of pixels having the same pixel value or a preset range of pixel values ​​within a specific area is greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0118] As another example, the golf game providing device (100) may determine the shape formed by the pixels based on the location of pixels having values ​​within a preset range among pixels within a specific area, and if the shape formed by the pixels is a long bar shape, it may determine that the player in the shot order is holding a golf club.

[0119] The golf game providing device (100) can activate the ready mode if it determines that the player in the shot order possesses a golf club (S650). If it determines that the player in the shot order does not possess a golf club, the golf game providing device (100) may not activate the ready mode and may repeat steps S610 and subsequent steps.

[0120] Returning to Fig. 4, the golf game providing device (100) can simulate the movement of a ball on a virtual golf course based on the shot of a player in the shot order (S440), and can store a play record based on the simulation result by matching it to the player in the shot order.

[0121] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a golf game providing method according to a third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the golf game providing device (100) can determine whether to change the player in the shot order based on the result of the shot, that is, the position of the ball predicted by the shot of the player in the shot order, after the player in the shot order has taken a shot.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 7, in the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, an interface for an automatic order switching mode is provided (S710), and when an input for the automatic order switching mode is obtained (S720), biometric information of a user (candidate user) located in the batting area can be obtained, and the user (candidate user) can be identified based on the biometric information, and if the identified user (candidate user) is not the player in the shot order, a change of the player in the shot order can be triggered (S730).

[0123] Steps S710 and S720 are identical to steps S410 and S420 of FIG. 4, respectively, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0124] The golf game providing device (100) can determine whether a hole change of the identified user (candidate user) is predicted when a change of the player in the shot order is triggered (S740).

[0125] If a hole change is not predicted, the golf game providing device (100) can change the player in the shot order to an identified user and simulate the movement of the ball on the virtual golf course based on the shot of the player in the changed shot order (S750).

[0126] On the other hand, if a hole change is predicted, the player in the shot order may not be changed, and furthermore, the golf game providing device (100) may display a message on the screen (30) or provide a voice notification indicating that the user currently located in the teeing area has finished playing on the hole. Additionally, the golf game providing device (100) may perform steps S730 to S740 again.

[0127] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a golf game provision method according to a fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the golf game provision device (100) receives information about a user participating in the golf game before starting the golf game, and receives biometric information together with the information, matches the received biometric information to the user to register it, and then identifies a candidate user based on the registered biometric information and the biometric information of the candidate user.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 8, the golf game providing device (100) provides an interface for obtaining information about one or more users participating in the golf game, and can register the biometric information obtained through the interface by matching it to the user (S810).

[0129] For example, a golf game providing device (100) can obtain a name or nickname to be displayed in the play order from input by a user, or a member ID and password required to obtain member information from a server, as information about the users participating in the golf game, and additionally obtain biometric information including at least one of a user's facial image or iris image.

[0130] The golf game providing device (100) can register the acquired biometric information by matching it with a corresponding user based on the acquired biometric information and information about the users. For example, the golf game providing device (100) can extract feature points included in a facial image or an iris image and register the feature points by matching them to a user.

[0131] Next, the golf game providing device (100) provides an interface for an automatic sequence switching mode (S820), and when it obtains an input for the automatic sequence switching mode (S830), it obtains biometric information of a user (candidate user) located in the teeing area, identifies the user based on the biometric information of the user (candidate user), and if the identified user (candidate user) is not the player in the shot order, it can change the player in the shot order (S840).

[0132] At this time, the golf game providing device (100) can display a play order that reflects a change in the player's shot order. In addition, the golf game providing device (100) can obtain biometric information of a user (candidate user) located in the hitting area by analyzing a user image or an image within the hitting area, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 4.

[0133] Finally, the golf game providing device (100) can simulate the movement of a ball on a virtual golf course based on the player's shot in the shot order (S850).

[0134] Meanwhile, in the method for providing a golf game according to the fourth embodiment, when inputting information about a user participating in the golf game, there may be additional cases where biometric information is input.

[0135] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a golf game according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a detailed embodiment of step S840 of FIG. 8. The method for providing a golf game according to the fifth embodiment is basically similar to the embodiment of FIG. 8, but includes processing for a user whose biometric information is not registered because biometric information is not entered by the user when inputting information about a user participating in the golf game.

[0136] Specifically, referring to FIG. 9, the golf game providing device (100) can acquire biometric information of a user (candidate user) at the tee and identify the user (candidate user) based on the acquired biometric information of the user (candidate user) and the registered biometric information (S910).

[0137] At this time, the golf game providing device (100) determines whether there is a user among the users whose biometric information is registered that matches the biometric information of a user (candidate user) (S920), and if there is a matching user, determines whether the matching user is the same as the player in the shot order, and if the player in the shot order and the matching user are different, the player in the shot order can be changed to the matching user (S930).

[0138] Meanwhile, if the golf game providing device (100) determines in step S920 that there are no matching users, it counts the number of users among the users participating in the golf game whose biometric information is not registered and determines whether there is only one user whose biometric information is not registered (S940). If there is only one user whose biometric information is not registered, the golf game providing device (100) changes the player whose shot order is the unregistered user (S950), and if there are multiple unregistered users, it can check whether the player whose shot order is the unregistered user whose biometric information is registered (S960).

[0139] If the player in the shot order is a registered user, a notification is provided that a user other than the player in the shot order is positioned at the tee without changing the player in the shot order, and the player in the shot order can be maintained (S970). Afterwards, the golf game providing device (100) can repeat step S910 and subsequent steps.

[0140] On the other hand, if the player in the shot order is not a registered user, the golf game providing device (100) can retain the player in the shot order (S980).

[0141] Meanwhile, FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a golf game according to a sixth embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a detailed illustration of step S1020 of FIG. 10. The method for providing a golf game according to a sixth embodiment relates to a method for providing a golf game to a plurality of users as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 10, the golf game providing device (100) can identify a first user as a batting cage user (S1010). Then, it can acquire biometric information of a candidate user located in a batting cage area and identify a candidate user based on the biometric information of the candidate user (S1020).

[0143] Specifically, referring to FIG. 11, the golf game providing device (100) can detect whether there is a candidate user within the batting area by analyzing an image within the batting area (S1110). Based on the results of analyzing the image within the batting area, the golf game providing device (100) can detect the number of candidate users in addition to whether there is a candidate user within the batting area, and can determine whether the number of detected candidate users is one (S1120). At this time, the golf game providing device (100) can acquire an image within the batting area through a camera that captures the batting area.

[0144] If multiple candidate users are detected, the golf game providing device (100) may not perform the acquisition of candidate users' biometric information and identification of candidate users, and may repeat step S1110 and subsequent steps. On the other hand, if only one candidate user is detected, the golf game providing device (100) may acquire the candidate user's biometric information and identify the candidate user based on the candidate user's biometric information (S1130).

[0145] For example, when a user is detected, the golf game providing device (100) may obtain biometric information by analyzing the area where the candidate user is detected on an image within the batting area, or by taking a picture of the candidate user with a camera and analyzing the acquired user image to obtain the candidate user's biometric information. For example, the biometric information may be a facial image or an iris image.

[0146] Next, returning to FIG. 10, the golf game providing device (100) checks whether the candidate user is the first user (S1030), and if the candidate user is the first user, it maintains the batting user, but if the candidate user is a second user different from the first user, it can change the batting user from the first user to the second user and display it (S1040).

[0147] Meanwhile, the golf game providing device (100) can additionally simulate the movement of a ball on a virtual golf course based on a shot by a teeing user and record the simulation results by matching them to the teeing user.

[0148] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a golf game according to the 7th embodiment. The 7th embodiment can activate a ready mode capable of recognizing a user's shot based on whether an identified user located within the teeing area possesses a golf club, and can acquire the user's shot when the ready mode is activated.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 12, the golf game providing device (100) can identify a first user as a batting cage user (S1210). Then, it can acquire biometric information of a candidate user located in the batting cage area and identify the candidate user based on the biometric information of the candidate user (S1220).

[0150] Next, the golf game providing device (100) checks whether the candidate user is the first user (S1230), and if the candidate user is the first user, it maintains the batting user, but if the candidate user is a second user different from the first user, it can change the batting user from the first user to the second user and display it (S1240).

[0151] Steps S1210 through S1240 of FIG. 12 are identical to steps S1010 through S1040 of FIG. 10, respectively, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, just like step S1020, step S1220 can identify a candidate user according to the process illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0152] Next, the golf game providing device (100) can determine whether the user at the teeing table possesses a golf club by analyzing an image of the user within the teeing table area (S1250). Specifically, the golf game providing device (100) can determine whether the user at the teeing table possesses a golf club by analyzing an image within the teeing table area obtained to detect the presence or absence of a candidate user, or, if there is a user image obtained separately to obtain biometric information of the candidate user.

[0153] The golf game providing device (100) can determine whether a user at a batting cage possesses a golf club based on an image within a batting cage area or a user image that has been captured. For example, the golf game providing device (100) can analyze an image within a batting cage area or a user image and determine that the user at a batting cage possesses a golf club if the number of pixels having values ​​within a preset range is greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0154] As another example, the golf game providing device (100) may determine the shape formed by the pixels based on the location of pixels having values ​​within a preset range among pixels in a specific area on an image within a teeing area or a user image, and if the shape formed by the pixels is a long bar shape, it may determine that the teeing user is holding a golf club.

[0155] When the golf game providing device (100) determines that the user is holding a golf club, it can activate a ready mode (S1260) and simulate the movement of the ball on the virtual golf course based on the user's shot at the teeing table (S1270). On the other hand, when the golf game providing device (100) determines that the user is not holding a golf club, it can not activate a ready mode, re-collect images within the teeing table area, and perform steps S1220 through S1240.

[0156] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a golf game providing method according to the eighth embodiment. Referring to FIG. 13, the golf game providing device (100) can indicate a first user as a teeing table user (S1310). Then, it can acquire biometric information of a candidate user located in a teeing table area and identify the candidate user based on the biometric information of the candidate user (S1320). Next, the golf game providing device (100) can check whether the candidate user is the first user (S1330).

[0157] Steps S1310 through S1330 are identical to steps S1210 through S1230 of FIG. 12, so a detailed description will be omitted. Additionally, step S1320 can also be implemented according to FIG. 11, just like step S1020.

[0158] Meanwhile, as a result of checking whether the candidate user is the first user, if the candidate user is the first user, the golf game providing device (100) can maintain the teeing user. On the other hand, if the candidate user is a second user different from the first user, a change of the teeing user to the second user is triggered, and it can be determined whether a hole change is predicted for the second user (S1340). If a hole change for the second user is not predicted, the golf game providing device (100) can change the teeing user from the first user to the second user and display it (S1350). However, if a hole change is predicted for the second user, the golf game providing device (100) can repeat step S1320 and subsequent steps.

[0159] Finally, the golf game providing device (100) can simulate the movement of a ball on a virtual golf course based on a shot by a teeing user (S1360).

[0160] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a method for providing a golf game according to the ninth embodiment.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 14, the golf game providing device (100) can identify a first user as a batting cage user (S1410). Then, it can acquire biometric information of a candidate user located in the batting cage area and identify the candidate user based on the biometric information of the candidate user (S1420). Step S1420 is the same step as Step S1020 of FIG. 10, and can be embodied according to FIG. 11, just like Step S1020 of FIG. 10.

[0162] Next, the golf game providing device (100) checks whether the candidate user is the first user, and if the candidate user is the second user different from the first user, it can change the teeing user from the first user to the second user and display it (S1430). Then, the golf game providing device (100) can simulate the movement of the ball on the virtual golf course based on the second user's shot (S1440).

[0163] Meanwhile, the golf game providing device (100) checks whether there is no movement of the second user's position for a predetermined time after the second user takes a shot (S1450), and if there is no movement of position, it maintains the batting user as the second user and can display the batting user as the second user. On the other hand, if there is a movement of the second user's position within the predetermined time, it can change the batting user to another user and display them (S1460).

[0164] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a method for providing a golf game according to the 10th embodiment.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 15, the golf game providing device (100) can identify a first user as a batting cage user (S1510). Then, it can acquire biometric information of a candidate user located in the batting cage area and identify the candidate user based on the biometric information of the candidate user (S1520). Step S1520 is the same step as Step S1020 of FIG. 10, and can be embodied according to FIG. 11, just like Step S1020 of FIG. 10.

[0166] Next, the golf game providing device (100) checks whether the candidate user is the first user, and if the candidate user is the second user different from the first user, it can change the teeing user from the first user to the second user and display it (S1530). Then, the golf game providing device (100) can simulate the movement of the ball on the virtual golf course based on the second user's shot (S1540).

[0167] Meanwhile, as in FIG. 14, the golf game providing device (100) can check whether there is no movement of the second user's position for a predetermined period of time after the second user has taken a shot (S1550).

[0168] If there is a change in the location of the second user within a predetermined time, the golf game providing device (100) may change the batting user to another user and display them (S1590). For example, the golf game providing device (100) may display another user as the batting user according to a preset order, or after the second user's location change, acquire biometric information of a candidate user within the batting area and change the identified user as the batting user based on the acquired biometric information and display them.

[0169] On the other hand, if there is no change in location, the golf game providing device (100) checks whether a hole change is predicted for the second user (S1560). If a hole change is not predicted, the golf game providing device (100) may keep the teeing table user as the second user (S1570), and if a hole change is predicted, may change the teeing table user to another user or provide a notification requesting a change of the teeing table user (S1580), and then the golf game providing device (100) may repeat steps S1520 and thereafter.

[0170] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a method for providing a golf game according to the 11th embodiment. In the 11th embodiment, the golf game providing device (100) receives information about one or more users participating in the golf game before starting the golf game, and may receive information including biometric information. After matching the received biometric information to the user and registering it, the device may identify a candidate user based on the registered biometric information and the biometric information of the candidate user.

[0171] Meanwhile, when inputting information about a user participating in a golf game, there may be cases where biometric information is additionally input, and the golf game providing method according to the 11th embodiment may include processing for a user whose biometric information is not registered.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 16, the golf game providing device (100) provides an interface for obtaining information about a user participating in a golf game, and can register the biometric information obtained through the interface by matching it to the user (S1610).

[0173] For example, the golf game providing device (100) may include information about the user participating in the golf game, such as a name to be displayed in the order of play or a member ID and password necessary to obtain member information from the server, and additionally may obtain biometric information including at least one of the user's facial image or iris image.

[0174] The golf game providing device (100) can register biometric information by matching it with the user based on the acquired biometric information and information about the user. For example, the golf game providing device (100) can extract feature points included in a facial image or an iris image and register the feature points by matching them to the user.

[0175] Next, the golf game providing device (100) may indicate the first user as a batting cage user (S1620). Here, the first user may be a registered user with registered biometric information, but may also be a user with unregistered biometric information.

[0176] And, the golf game providing device (100) can acquire biometric information of a candidate user located in a teeing area and identify the candidate user based on the acquired biometric information of the candidate user and the registered biometric information (S1630).

[0177] The golf game providing device (100) determines whether there is a user among the registered users participating in the golf game whose biometric information matches that of a candidate user (S1640), and if there is a matching user, determines whether the matching user is the first user who is the current user at the teeing table, and if the matching user is a second user different from the first user, it can change the user at the teeing table to the second user and display it (S1650).

[0178] Meanwhile, if the golf game providing device (100) determines that there is no user whose biometric information matches that of a candidate user, it can count the number of users whose biometric information is not registered among the users participating in the golf game and determine whether there is one user whose biometric information is not registered (S1660).

[0179] If there is only one user whose biometric information is not registered, the golf game providing device (100) changes the teeing table user to an unregistered user and displays it (S1670). If there are multiple unregistered users, it can check whether the first user is a registered user whose biometric information is registered (S1680). If the first user is not a registered user, the golf game providing device (100) maintains the teeing table user as the first user and can provide a notification that another user other than the first user is located at the teeing table (S1695), and can repeat steps S1630 and subsequent steps.

[0180] On the other hand, if the first user is a registered user, the batting user can be maintained as the first user (S1690).

[0181] As described above, the golf game provision method according to the embodiment described in this specification can prevent errors in the user's play record that may occur when the candidate user and the player in the actual shot order do not match by verifying whether the candidate user is the player in the shot area using biometric information obtained based on an image within the shot area. Furthermore, in the event that the player in the actual shot order and the candidate user do not match, the candidate user is automatically changed to the player in the shot area without separate operation by the user, thereby reducing unnecessary time consumption that may occur during the golf game.

[0182] Meanwhile, the method for providing a golf game according to the embodiments described herein may also be implemented in the form of a computer-readable medium that stores instructions and data executable by a computer. In this case, the instructions and data may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate a specific program module to perform a specific operation. Furthermore, the computer-readable medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, as well as removable and non-removable media. Additionally, the computer-readable medium may be a computer recording medium, which may include both volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented by any method or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. For example, the computer recording medium may be a magnetic storage medium such as an HDD and an SSD, an optical recording medium such as a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disc, or a memory included in a server accessible via a network.

[0183] Additionally, the method for providing a golf game according to the embodiments described herein may be implemented as a computer program (or computer program product) comprising instructions executable by a computer. The computer program includes programmable machine instructions processed by a processor and may be implemented in a high-level programming language, an object-oriented programming language, assembly language, or machine language, etc. Additionally, the computer program may be recorded on a tangible computer-readable recording medium (e.g., memory, hard disk, magnetic / optical medium, or SSD (Solid-State Drive), etc.).

[0184] Accordingly, the method for providing a golf game according to the embodiments described herein may be implemented by executing a computer program as described above by a computing device. The computing device may include at least some of a processor, memory, a storage device, a high-speed interface connected to the memory and a high-speed expansion port, and a low-speed interface connected to a low-speed bus and a storage device. Each of these components may be connected to one another using various buses and may be mounted on a common motherboard or mounted in other suitable ways.

[0185] Here, the processor can process instructions within the computing device, such as instructions stored in memory or storage devices to display graphic information for providing a Graphic User Interface (GUI) on external input and output devices, such as a display connected to a high-speed interface. In another embodiment, a plurality of processors and / or a plurality of buses may be utilized together with a plurality of memories and memory types. Additionally, the processor may be implemented as a chipset comprising chips including a plurality of independent analog and / or digital processors.

[0186] In addition, memory stores information within a computing device. For example, memory may consist of volatile memory units or a set thereof. As another example, memory may consist of non-volatile memory units or a set thereof. Furthermore, memory may be other forms of computer-readable media, such as magnetic or optical discs.

[0187] And the storage device can provide a large amount of storage space to the computing device. The storage device may be a computer-readable medium or a configuration containing such a medium, and may include, for example, devices or other configurations within a Storage Area Network (SAN), and may be a floppy disk device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, or a tape device, flash memory, or other similar semiconductor memory device or device array.

[0188] The embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described above can be easily modified into other specific forms without altering the technical concept or essential features of the embodiments described above. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single unit may be implemented in a distributed manner, and components described as distributed may likewise be implemented in a combined form.

[0189] The scope of protection sought through this specification is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and should be interpreted to include all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and the concept of equivalents.

Claims

1. In a golf game providing device, A simulation unit that simulates the movement of a ball on a virtual golf course based on a player's golf shot in the shot order; and A golf game providing device comprising a control unit that provides an interface for setting an automatic sequence switching mode, and when input for the automatic sequence switching mode is obtained, obtains biometric information of a user located in a batting area, identifies the user based on the biometric information, and when it is determined that the user is not the player in the shot order, changes the player in the shot order to the user.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A golf game providing device characterized by obtaining biometric information by analyzing an image of the user.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above golf game providing device is, It further includes an image processing unit that outputs a play order including shot order and ball movement on a virtual golf course, and The above control unit is, A golf game providing device that outputs a play order reflecting a change in the player's shot order through the above image processing unit.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A golf game providing device that checks whether the user possesses a golf club and, in response to whether the user possesses a golf club, activates a recognizable ready mode for the player's shot in the shot sequence.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above control unit is, A golf game providing device that analyzes an image within the batting area and determines that the user possesses a golf club if the number of pixels having a value within a preset range is greater than or equal to a threshold.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A golf game providing device that detects whether a user is present within the batting area and identifies the user based on the biometric information when only one user is detected within the batting area.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A golf game providing device that, when a change of the player in the shot order is triggered by the user, determines whether a hole change is predicted for the user, and changes the player in the shot order to the user according to the result of the determination.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A golf game providing device that provides an interface for obtaining information about the user of the above-mentioned user, registers biometric information obtained through the interface by matching it to the user, and identifies the user based on the registered biometric information and the biometric information of the user.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above control unit is, A golf game providing device that, when it is determined that there is no user matching the above biometric information, checks for the presence of a user whose biometric information is not registered, and if the result of the check is that there is only one user whose biometric information is not registered, changes the player in the shot order to the said unregistered user.

10. In Paragraph 8, The above control unit is, A golf game providing device that, when it is determined that there is no user matching the above biometric information, checks for the presence of users whose biometric information is not registered, and if the result of the check shows that there are multiple users whose biometric information is not registered and the player in the above shot order is one of the registered users, provides a notification that the user at the above tee is not the player in the above shot order.

11. A method for providing a golf game performed by a golf game providing device, A step of providing an interface for setting an automatic sequence switching mode; When input for the above automatic sequence switching mode is obtained, the biometric information of a user located in the batting area is obtained, and the user is identified based on the biometric information of the user, and if it is determined that the user is not the player in the shot order, the player in the shot order is changed to the user; and A method for providing a golf game, comprising the step of simulating the movement of a ball on a virtual golf course based on the player's shot in the above shot sequence.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above-mentioned changing step is, A method for providing a golf game characterized by obtaining biometric information by analyzing an image of the user.

13. In Paragraph 11, The above method of providing a golf game is, A method for providing a golf game, comprising the step of outputting a play order including a shot order and ball movement on a virtual golf course, and further including the step of outputting a play order that reflects a change in the player of the shot order.

14. In Paragraph 11, The above method of providing a golf game is, A method for providing a golf game, further comprising the step of checking whether the user possesses a golf club and, in response to whether the user possesses a golf club, activating a ready mode in which the player’s shot in the shot sequence is recognizable.

15. In Paragraph 14, The step of activating the above ready mode is, A method for providing a golf game, comprising the step of analyzing an image within the batting area and determining that the user possesses a golf club if the number of pixels having a value within a preset range is greater than or equal to a threshold.

16. In Paragraph 11, The above-mentioned changing step is, A golf game providing method comprising the step of detecting whether a user is present within the batting area, and if only one user is detected within the batting area, identifying the user based on the biometric information.

17. In Paragraph 11, The above-mentioned changing step is, A method for providing a golf game, comprising the step of, when a change of the player in the shot order is triggered by the user, determining whether a hole change is predicted for the user, and changing the player in the shot order to the user according to the result of the determination.

18. In Paragraph 11, The above method of providing a golf game is, The method further includes the step of providing an interface for obtaining information about the user of the above-mentioned user, and registering the biometric information obtained through the interface by matching it to the user. The above-mentioned changing step is, A method for providing a golf game, comprising the step of identifying the user based on registered biometric information and the user's biometric information.

19. In Paragraph 18, The above-mentioned changing step is, A method for providing a golf game, further comprising the step of, when it is determined that there is no user matching the above biometric information, checking whether there is a user whose biometric information is not registered, and if the result of the check is that there is only one user whose biometric information is not registered, changing the player in the shot order to the said unregistered user.

20. In Paragraph 18, The above-mentioned changing step is, A method for providing a golf game, further comprising the step of, when it is determined that there is no user matching the above biometric information, checking whether there is a user whose biometric information is not registered, and if the result of the check is that there are multiple users whose biometric information is not registered and the player in the above shot order is one of the registered users, providing a notification that the user at the above tee is not the player in the above shot order.

Images