Virtual golf simulation apparatus, and method for providing guidance for aiming at pin by using same

Abstract

The present invention is to provide a virtual golf simulation apparatus and a method for providing guidance for aiming at a pin by using same, in a system in which golf play is performed such that a virtual golf course is rendered through a video and a trajectory of a golf ball struck by a user is simulated on the virtual golf course, wherein, when an approach shot is made from a predetermined position around a green and the approach shot is highly difficult due to the presence of hazardous areas such as a bunker or a hazard around the green, guidance is provided to enable a user to move the ball to a position on the green where putting is easier and aim at the pin.

Description

Virtual Golf Simulation Device and Method of Providing Pin Strategy Guide Using the Same

[0001] The present invention relates to a virtual golf simulation device capable of providing a pin attack guide that can move the ball onto the green by avoiding danger areas around the green in a golf play method in which a virtual golf course is visualized and the trajectory of a golf ball struck by a user is simulated on the virtual golf course, and a method for providing a pin attack guide through the same.

[0002] A virtual golf simulation device, such as a screen golf system in which a virtual golf course is visualized and the trajectory of a golf ball struck by a user is simulated on the virtual golf course, has a screen installed indoors that can display a virtual golf course, and when a golfer strikes a golf ball toward the screen, it has a configuration that detects the speed and direction of the golf ball and displays the progress of the golf ball on the screen.

[0003] Just as it is difficult to make an approach shot from around the green to the green when playing golf using a virtual golf simulation device, especially when there are bunkers or hazards between the ball's position and the green, attempting an approach shot from that location can easily result in the ball falling into the bunker or hazard, creating a difficult situation, and this risk is even higher for players with low skill levels or beginners.

[0004] In such cases, when there are hazardous areas such as hazards around the green in actual golf courses, it is necessary to attack the pin by making a layup rather than sending the ball directly to the pin location. However, since the interface was provided to simply make an approach shot while aligned in a straight line from the ball location to the pin location in the past, there is a problem in that even if the user devises a strategy to attack the pin, there is no opportunity to apply it during the virtual golf game.

[0005] [Prior Art Literature]

[0006] Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1019803

[0007] Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1828869

[0008] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0102136

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a virtual golf simulation device and a method for providing a pin attack guide through the same, which can provide a guide to enable a user to move the ball to a position on the green where putting is easy and attack the pin when making an approach shot from a predetermined position around the green, in a system where a virtual golf course is visualized and the trajectory of a golf ball struck by a user is simulated on the virtual golf course. This is achieved when the approach shot is very difficult, such as when there is a dangerous area around the green like a bunker or hazard.

[0010] A virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a virtual golf simulation device that enables a user to play golf based on a virtual golf course image, and comprises: a data storage unit that stores terrain information and data for image implementation regarding each of a plurality of virtual holes constituting the virtual golf course; an image implementation unit that implements an image regarding a virtual hole in which the user plays golf using the information stored in the data storage unit; and a control unit that displays a trajectory line as a pin attack guide, which can move the virtual ball to a position for attacking the pin on the green by bypassing a danger area between the position of the virtual ball and the green when the virtual ball is located within a predetermined range around the green during the process of the user playing golf in the virtual hole.

[0011] Additionally, preferably, the control unit generates an aiming line from a virtual ball position located within a predetermined range around the green to a pin position on the green, and when the aiming line passes through a danger area including at least one of a bunker and a hazard between the virtual ball position and the green, it calculates and displays a pin attack guide either by the user's selection or automatically.

[0012] Additionally, preferably, the control unit is characterized by deriving a trajectory line that can move the virtual ball to a position for attacking the pin on the green by bypassing the danger zone between the virtual ball position and the green through statistical analysis of the shot trajectories of other users of the same skill level as the user in an area of ​​a predetermined size including the virtual ball position of the user, and providing it as the pin attack guide.

[0013] Additionally, preferably, the control unit is characterized by providing the pin attack guide by analyzing the terrain information of the green and the pin location to determine at least one location on the green that can facilitate putting into the hole cup as a pin attack target location, and displaying a trajectory line that can move the virtual ball from the virtual ball location to the pin attack target location.

[0014] Additionally, preferably, the control unit analyzes the terrain information of the green and the pin location to determine at least one location on the green that can facilitate putting into the hole cup as a pin target location, calculates a layup point that goes from the virtual ball location to the pin target location by bypassing the danger area, and provides a pin target guide by displaying a trajectory line connecting the virtual ball location to the pin target location via the layup point.

[0015] Meanwhile, a method for providing a pin attack guide through a virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for providing a pin attack guide through a virtual golf simulation device that enables a user to play golf based on a virtual golf course image, comprising: a step of positioning the user's virtual ball within a predetermined range around the green in a virtual hole on the virtual golf course; a step of determining at least one location on the green that can facilitate putting into a hole cup by analyzing the terrain information of the green and the pin location as a pin attack target location; and a step of providing the pin attack guide by deriving and displaying a trajectory line that can move the virtual ball to the pin attack target location on the green by bypassing the danger area between the location of the virtual ball and the green.

[0016] Additionally, preferably, the step of providing the pin attack guide comprises the step of calculating a layup point that bypasses the danger area from the virtual ball position to the pin attack target position, and the step of providing the pin attack guide by displaying a trajectory line that connects the virtual ball position to the pin attack target position via the layup point.

[0017] The virtual golf simulation device and the method for providing a pin attack guide according to the present invention have the effect of providing a guide to enable strategic pin attack when an approach shot is made at a predetermined location around the green in a system where a virtual golf course is visualized and the trajectory of a golf ball struck by a user is simulated on the virtual golf course, thereby giving strategy to the user's golf play and stimulating interest in the play. This is achieved by providing a guide that enables strategic pin attack when the approach shot is very difficult, such as when there is a dangerous area around the green, such as a bunker or hazard.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a screen golf system to which a virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process for providing a pin targeting guide to a user through a virtual golf simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 are drawings respectively showing examples of cases where, during a user's play process using a virtual golf simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the ball is located within a predetermined range around the green and a danger zone exists between the ball position and the green.

[0022] FIGS. 6, FIGS. 7, and FIGS. 8 are drawings illustrating cases where a pin attack guide is provided by displaying a trajectory line connecting from the ball position to the target position on the green, bypassing the danger area, in the state as shown in FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5, respectively.

[0023] Specific details regarding the virtual golf simulation device according to the present invention and the method for providing a pin targeting guide through the same will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0024] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example in which a virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied to a screen golf system, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto and can be applied to any type of system or device in which a virtual golf course is simulated and visualized and a virtual golf ball image is simulated therein.

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a screen golf system to which a virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a screen golf system to which a virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied may be installed in a predetermined space provided so that a user (P) can strike a golf ball placed on a golf mat (103) at a hitting table (102) toward a screen (104) in front with a golf club (GC), and may be configured to include a simulator (200), a sensing device (200), and an image output unit (300).

[0027] The above sensing device (200) is a device that senses the movement of at least one of a golf club and a golf ball according to the user's golf swing, and uses a camera to capture and collect images of the golf ball struck by the user's golf shot within the camera's field of view, and performs analysis such as image processing on the collected images to calculate sensing information such as motion parameters for the movement of the golf ball and transmits it to the simulator (100).

[0028] The above simulator (100) is configured to include a data storage unit (110), an image implementation unit (120), a control unit (210), etc., and may be equipped with an operation unit (130) as a means for a user to operate to set the environment of a virtual golf simulation or to adjust aiming, etc. during a virtual golf play.

[0029] The above data storage unit (110) stores image data and terrain data necessary for image implementation of a virtual golf course for virtual golf simulation, and can store terrain information regarding the terrain of an actual golf course.

[0030] A virtual golf course implemented by a virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention may be composed of a plurality of virtual holes, similar to regular holes of an actual golf course, and a virtual green is provided for each of the plurality of virtual holes, and the data storage unit (110) described above may store all terrain information for the plurality of different virtual holes and virtual greens as described above.

[0031] The above data storage unit (110) may be configured to store all various data regarding the terrain of the virtual golf course, and may also be configured to receive various data regarding the virtual golf course from a server (not shown) via a network and store it temporarily.

[0032] The above image implementation unit (120) performs information processing to implement an image using terrain information regarding a virtual golf course stored in the terrain information storage unit (110), and can perform information processing to implement an image in which the trajectory of a golf ball struck by a user is simulated on the virtual golf course.

[0033] The image data processed by the image implementation unit (120) is projected onto the screen (104) through the image output device (300), thereby allowing the user (P) to view the image (SI) projected onto the screen (104).

[0034] The above image implementation unit (120) may be implemented as a modular component that performs image processing functions in a single independent device, or it may be implemented as a single independent device itself.

[0035] The above control unit (140) is a component responsible for controlling all processing for virtual golf simulation, and applies sensing information regarding a moving golf ball extracted according to the sensing result of the sensing device (200) to a physics engine to perform various calculations and controls for implementing a simulation in which a virtual ball on an image corresponding to the user's golf ball moves on a virtual golf course with an image implemented.

[0036] The control unit (140) can provide a pin attack guide by displaying a trajectory line that moves the virtual ball to a position for attacking the pin on the green by bypassing the danger zone between the position of the virtual ball and the green when the virtual ball is located within a predetermined range around the green during the user's golf play process in each of the plurality of virtual holes constituting the virtual golf course. Specific details regarding this will be described later.

[0037] Meanwhile, with reference to FIG. 3, a method for providing a pin targeting guide through a virtual golf simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process for providing a pin targeting guide to a user through a virtual golf simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] A method for providing a pin targeting guide through a virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 3 will be explained with reference to FIG. 4 to 8.

[0039] FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 respectively illustrate examples of cases where a ball is located within a predetermined range around the green and a danger zone exists between the ball position and the green during a user's play process using a virtual golf simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 6, FIGS. 7, and FIGS. 8 respectively illustrate cases where a pin attack guide is provided by displaying a trajectory line connecting the ball position to a target position on the green by bypassing the danger zone from the ball position in a state as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5.

[0040] In the process of playing golf (S100) on a virtual hole of a virtual golf course visualized using a virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, a ball (virtual ball) simulated on the image based on the sensing result of a golf ball struck by the user may be located within a predetermined range around the green (virtual green of the corresponding hole) (S110).

[0041] In this way, when a ball struck and moved by the user in the hole being played is located within a predetermined range around the green, the virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention performs an aiming alignment from the ball position in the screen image to the pin position on the green and generates and displays an aiming line (S120).

[0042] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, when a ball is positioned (Pb) at a predetermined distance from the green (GR), the aiming alignment from the ball position (Pb) to the pin position (Ph) on the green (GR) is established so that the ball position (Pb) and the pin position (Ph) are aligned in a straight line from the front of the screen, and an aiming line (AL) is created from the ball position (Pb) to the pin position (Ph) on the green (GR) to make it easy for the user looking at the screen to aim at the pin position (Ph) and take a shot straight ahead.

[0043] Figure 5 similarly illustrates the case where a ball is positioned (Pb) at a predetermined distance from the green (GR) and an aiming line (AL) is created from the ball position (Pb) to the pin position (Ph) on the green (GR).

[0044] However, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, if there is a danger zone such as a bunker (BK) and a hazard (HZ) between the ball position (Pb) and the green (GR), specifically if the aiming line (AL) from the ball position (Pb) to the pin position (Ph) on the green (GR) passes through a danger zone such as a bunker (BK) or a hazard (HZ), a pin attack guide may be executed either by the user's selection or automatically.

[0045] If Fig. 4, as described above, represents a three-dimensional view looking at the green from the ball position, Fig. 5 represents a two-dimensional view of the surroundings centered on the green (GR). In the screen image provided by the virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the three-dimensional view shown in Fig. 4 is the entire screen, and the two-dimensional view shown in Fig. 5 can be displayed through a minimap displayed on one side of the screen or a separate display window.

[0046] However, additional requirements for executing the pin attack guide as described above may be added. As described above, even if there are danger areas such as bunkers (BK) and hazards (HZ) between the ball position (Pb) and the green (GR), if the user's skill level is high or the user's green landing rate is high, the shot may be taken directly to the position for attacking the pin on the green without bypassing the danger area.

[0047] Accordingly, a virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention can execute a pin attack guide when the skill level or green landing rate of the user is low or the green landing rate is low, by referring to the user's skill level or green landing rate data when there is a danger area such as a bunker (BK) and a hazard (HZ) between the ball position (Pb) and the green (GR) as described above.

[0048] Alternatively, as described above, if there is a danger area such as a bunker (BK) and a hazard (HZ) between the ball position (Pb) and the green (GR), the pin attack guide described above can be executed if there is a statistical analysis of the shot trajectories of other users of the same skill level as the user in a predetermined area of ​​a predetermined size that includes the user's virtual ball position, and if the number of cases where the ball is placed on the green by bypassing the danger area is greater than a predetermined rate.

[0049] Returning to FIG. 3, when the pin attack guide is executed at step S130, the control unit of the virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention analyzes the terrain information of the green and the location of the hole cup from the data storage unit and determines at least one location on the green that can facilitate putting to the hole cup as a pin attack target location (S140).

[0050] And, a layup point that bypasses the danger area from the current ball position to the pin target position, that is, a fairway area around the green that allows the ball to be placed on the green from the current ball position, can be searched and a point on a safe area between the said area and the green that is free from the said danger area or another danger area can be calculated as the said layup point (S150).

[0051] When the pin target position and layup point are calculated in this manner, the control unit of the virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention can provide a pin targeting guide by deriving and displaying a trajectory line connecting the current ball position to the said layup point and the layup point to the pin target position on the green, respectively (S160).

[0052] In this regard, referring to FIG. 6, a pin attack guide can be executed when there is a danger area such as a bunker (BK) and a hazard (HZ) between the ball position (Pb) and the green (GR) as illustrated, or when additional requirements as previously described are determined. Accordingly, the topographic information of the green (grD) and the location of the hole cup (Ph) can be analyzed to determine at least one location on the green (GR) that facilitates putting to the hole cup (Ph) as a pin attack target position (510), and a layup point (520) can be calculated to go to the pin attack target position (510) by bypassing the danger area (BK, HZ, etc.) from the ball position (Pb).

[0053] In relation to the determination of the pin target location described above, the control unit of the virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention may determine the pin target location by specifying, from the green terrain information (grD), the location of at least one point on the area closest to the flat terrain, i.e., the area with a shallow green slope, which is lower than the height of the hole cup location (Ph).

[0054] In relation to the calculation of the location of the above-mentioned layup point, the control unit of the virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention may search for the location of at least one point on another area where there is no danger area between the ball position (Pb) or the range of the danger area is narrow and close, and there is no danger area between the green or the range of the danger area is narrow and the distance from the green is close, and identify it as the above-mentioned layup point.

[0055] That is, the area containing the aforementioned layup point can be specified as a close area with no danger zone, a narrow and easily accessible area between it and the ball position, and also a close area with no danger zone, a narrow and easily accessible area between it and the green, and at least one point location on the specified area can be calculated as the aforementioned layup point.

[0056] As described above, when the pin target position (510) on the green (GR) and the layup point (520) in the surrounding area are calculated, the control unit of the virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention can provide a pin target guide (530) by deriving and displaying a trajectory line (531) connecting the current ball position (Pb) to the layup point (520) as shown in FIG. 7, and a trajectory line (532) connecting the layup point (520) to the pin target position (510) on the green (GR).

[0057] A pin attack guide (530) like this may provide information on only one path from the ball position to the pin attack target position via the layup point, or if multiple layup points or multiple pin attack target positions are calculated, it may provide information on multiple paths from the ball position to the pin attack target position via the layup point so that the user can select one path.

[0058] Figure 8 also shows a plan view in which a pin attack guide is provided in the same manner as described above.

[0059] A control unit of a virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention calculates a pin target position (512) on the green (GR) and a layup point (522) in the surrounding area, and derives and displays a trajectory line (541) connecting the current ball position (Pb) to the layup point (522) as shown in FIG. 8, and a trajectory line (542) connecting the layup point (522) to the pin target position (512) on the green (GR), thereby providing a pin target guide that allows the ball to reach an advantageous position on the green (GR) by bypassing a danger area (hazard (HZ), etc.) from the ball position (Pb).

[0060] As described above, in addition to the method in which the control unit of a virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention analyzes the terrain information of the green and the hole cup location to find a pin target location, searches the area around the green to find a layup point, and provides a pin target guide of a trajectory line connecting them, it is possible to derive and provide a trajectory line of a pin target guide by other methods.

[0061] That is, the control unit of a virtual golf simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention can derive a trajectory line that can move the ball to a predetermined position for attacking the pin on the green by bypassing a danger zone from the ball's position as described above, through statistical analysis of the shot trajectories of other users who have the same skill level or a similar range of green landing rate records as the user in a predetermined size area including the user's current ball position, and provide it as a pin attack guide.

[0062] For example, it is possible to derive a detour trajectory based on at least one of the records from which other users with the same skill level as the above user have hit the ball onto the green from similar positions, and to provide the detour trajectory as a pin attack guide.

[0063] Meanwhile, returning to Fig. 3, when a pin approach guide is presented as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the user may select the trajectory line presented by the pin approach guide, or may not select it and directly take a shot to the green.

[0064] In addition, multiple pin strategy guides are provided, and the user can select one of the provided guides to proceed with the gameplay.

[0065] When a user selects a trajectory line presented as a pin targeting guide (S170), the control unit of the virtual golf simulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention changes the screen view to ensure aiming alignment from the current ball position to the layup point and generates an aiming line from the ball position to the layup point so that the user can take a golf shot toward the layup point (S180). Accordingly, when the ball reaches the vicinity of the layup point, the screen view is changed again to ensure aiming alignment from the ball position to the pin target position on the green, and an aiming line is generated from the ball position to the pin target position so that the user can take a golf shot toward the pin target position on the green.

[0066] As described above, the present invention has the advantage of providing a pin targeting guide that could not be implemented in conventional virtual golf simulation device-based screen golf systems, etc., when making an approach shot from a predetermined position around the green in a system where a virtual golf course is visualized and the trajectory of a golf ball struck by a user is simulated on the virtual golf course, in cases where the approach shot is very difficult due to the presence of dangerous areas such as bunkers or hazards around the green, thereby guiding the ball to reach a stable and strategic position on the green by strategically avoiding or bypassing the dangerous area between the ball position and the green, thereby adding strategy to the user's golf play and generating interest in the play.

[0067] The virtual golf simulation device and the method for providing a pin targeting guide through the same according to the present invention can be used in industrial fields related to golf and in the so-called screen golf industry, which enables the enjoyment of golf play based on virtual golf simulation.

Claims

1. A virtual golf simulation device that enables a user to play golf based on virtual golf course video, A data storage unit that stores topographic information and data for image implementation regarding each of a plurality of virtual holes constituting the above virtual golf course; A video implementation unit that implements a video of a virtual hole where the user plays golf using information stored in the data storage unit; and A control unit that displays a trajectory line as a pin attack guide, which allows the virtual ball to be moved to a position for attacking the pin on the green by bypassing the danger zone between the position of the virtual ball and the green when the virtual ball is located within a predetermined range around the green during the user's golf play process in the virtual hole; A virtual golf simulation device including 2. In paragraph 1, the control unit is, A virtual golf simulation device characterized by generating an aiming line from a virtual ball position located within a predetermined range around the green to a pin position on the green, and calculating and displaying a pin attack guide either by the user's selection or automatically when the aiming line passes through a danger area including at least one of a bunker and a hazard between the virtual ball position and the green.

3. In paragraph 1, the control unit is, A virtual golf simulation device characterized by deriving a trajectory line capable of moving the virtual ball to a position for attacking the pin on the green by bypassing the danger zone between the virtual ball position and the green through statistical analysis of shot trajectories of other users of the same skill level as the user in an area of ​​a predetermined size including the virtual ball position of the user, and providing it as a pin attack guide.

4. In paragraph 1, the control unit is, A virtual golf simulation device characterized by providing a pin attack guide by analyzing the terrain information of the green and the pin location to determine at least one location on the green that can facilitate putting into the hole cup as a pin attack target location, and displaying a trajectory line that can move the virtual ball from the virtual ball location to the pin attack target location.

5. In paragraph 1, the control unit is, A virtual golf simulation device characterized by analyzing the terrain information of the green and the pin location to determine at least one location on the green that facilitates putting into the hole cup as a pin target location, calculating a layup point that bypasses the danger area from the virtual ball location to the pin target location, and providing a pin target guide by displaying a trajectory line connecting the virtual ball location to the pin target location via the layup point.

6. A method for providing a pin approach guide through a virtual golf simulation device that enables a user to play golf based on virtual golf course video, wherein A step in which the user's virtual ball is located within a predetermined range around the green on a virtual hole on the virtual golf course; A step of determining at least one location on the green that facilitates putting into the hole cup as a pin target location by analyzing the terrain information of the green and the pin location; and A step of providing a pin attack guide by deriving and displaying a trajectory line that can move the virtual ball to the pin attack target position on the green by bypassing the danger area between the virtual ball position and the green; A method for providing a pin approach guide through a virtual golf simulation device including 7. In paragraph 6, the step of providing the pin attack guide is, A step of calculating a layup point that bypasses the danger area from the above virtual ball position to the above pin target position, and A method for providing a pin attack guide through a virtual golf simulation device, characterized by including the step of providing the pin attack guide by displaying a trajectory line connecting the virtual ball position to the pin attack target position via the layup point.

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