JP2022037206A - Gold support device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a golf support device which can provide proper information considering the difference of elevation of the actual golf course.

SOLUTION: A golf support device includes: a function of storing position information for obtaining the horizontal distance between two points of a golf course and acquiring information of the difference of elevation between the two points set to the positions for hitting balls; and a function of outputting on a display unit advice information like the adjusted carry with respect to the difference of elevation and horizontal distance when hitting the balls from the acquired information on the difference of elevation and the stored position information. The information on the difference of elevation is obtained by using the inclination of the case attached with a camera, the inclination obtained from the output of an acceleration sensor and the horizontal distance between the two points when, for example, the camera is directed to the set position (for example, pin) of the golf course.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a golf support device and a program.

For example, using a GPS receiver, the distance from the current position to the green, bunker, etc. and the course layout can be visually recognizable at the golf course, and the position where the ball was hit during golf play can be accurately and easily displayed. There is a golf support device that enables recording in (Patent Document 1 etc.).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-39423

The function of displaying the course layout on the display screen of this type of golf support device is, for example, to draw the course layout of the entire hole being played, or to enlarge and draw a designated area. The longitude / latitude information is used as the position information for specifying each point in the course for specifying the course layout. Therefore, for example, the remaining distance from the current position where the ball is to be hit to the green, the bunker, or the like is the horizontal distance on the quadratic plane.

On the other hand, there is a difference in elevation in an actual golf course, and there is a problem that the distance to be hit cannot be known accurately at a horizontal distance on a plane. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, if there is no height difference between the point where the ball is hit and the target drop point such as the green, and there is a remaining distance of X yards, for example, the green is at a higher position. In that case, if the ball is hit with the intention of a horizontal flight distance of X yards, the flight distance is insufficient, and it is actually necessary to assume a distance of X yards + α. On the other hand, if the green is at a lower position, the flight distance will be over if you hit it with the intention of a horizontal flight distance of X yards, so in reality, the distance of X yards-α'is assumed. You need to hit.

As described above, since the conventional golf support device obtains and outputs the remaining distance without considering the height difference of the actual golf course, the information to be provided lacks accuracy and is not sufficient.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the golf support device according to the present invention (1) stores position information for obtaining a horizontal distance between two points on a golf course, and stores a position to hit a ball and a set position. It has a function to acquire information on the height difference between the two points and output advice information based on the height difference when hitting the ball from the acquired height difference information and the stored position information to the display unit. rice field. The set position may be a target point where the ball is hit, such as a green or an arbitrary point on the course, or a target place where the ball should not be hit, such as a hazard or an OB line. The advice information may be useful information, for example, when hitting a ball. For example, useful information may be information necessary for hitting a ball so as to carry the ball to a green or a target place where the ball is hit at a predetermined position in the course. For example, in the display of the remaining distance, conventionally, only the horizontal distance between two points is notified without considering the height difference, but for example, it is preferable that the information considering the height difference is notified. It is good because the user can appropriately select the number of the club and adjust the strength and swing width of the swing.

(2) A camera and a sensor for detecting the inclination of the case in which the camera is mounted are provided, and the function of acquiring the height difference information is when the camera is pointed at the set position of the golf course. It is preferable to obtain the height difference information by using the inclination obtained from the output of the sensor and the horizontal distance between the two points. The determination that the camera is pointed may be, for example, based on an instruction from the user or automatically determined by the device side. As the one based on the instruction from the user, for example, touching the display screen, pressing a predetermined operation button, or the like may be performed. For example, if an image captured by the camera is displayed on the display unit and the user confirms the displayed content and gives an instruction, the time when the camera is pointed can be easily recognized. As the automatic judgment on the device side, for example, image recognition processing or judgment from the state of the device may be performed. In the image recognition process, for example, characteristic elements of a set position such as a pin or a bunker existing in an image captured by a camera are extracted by image recognition and automatically based on the position of the characteristic element or the like. You should recognize it. In particular, pinpoint-installed items such as pins on the green are easy to pinpoint, and because they are more characteristic than landscapes and greens, they can be easily extracted by image recognition. good. Further, for example, when the device / camera is facing the same direction for a predetermined time, it may be determined that the device / camera is facing the set position. Judgment based on the relevant time may be made by a simple device / process such as a time measuring means such as a timer. Further, the information on the height difference is not limited to the one obtained when some condition is satisfied in this way. For example, as described in the embodiment, the information on the height difference may be obtained at appropriate time intervals. good. In this case, the height difference information is obtained even when the camera is not pointed at the set position. As described above, the present invention does not exclude seeking information on the height difference when the camera is not pointed at the set position. Then, for example, by outputting the obtained result together with the captured image to the display unit or the like, the user can recognize that the camera is pointed at the set position, and the height difference output when the user recognizes it. The information is the required information.

If the height difference is calculated based on the inclination and the horizontal distance, for example, it is not necessary to have the altitude information at each point, so that it is not necessary to prepare and register the altitude information in advance, and the conventional longitude is used. It is better to use the position information for measuring the horizontal distance such as latitude. In addition, the memory capacity can be reduced because the altitude information is not required. The camera may be specialized for measuring tilt, but it is also good to use it for performing other functions such as shooting function, especially for shooting the user's swing and checking the swing. It is good to configure it. The camera may be, for example, an image pickup means, and the sensor may be, for example, an acquisition means. The camera may be, for example, a three-dimensional millimeter-wave radar, or the sensor may take a picture of the case from the outside, detect the tilt, and acquire the tilt from the outside by communication. However, especially for cameras and sensors, it is preferable because the devices can be easily unified and miniaturized. Although it is referred to as "tilt of the case in which the camera is attached", for example, the tilt of the image pickup means or the tilt of the camera may be used. The reference direction of the inclination may be, for example, a horizontal direction or a vertical direction. The vertical direction may be, for example, the direction of gravitational acceleration. The "when the camera is pointed" may be, for example, when a signal indicating that the camera is pointed is input from the input means. For example, it is preferable to provide an input means for inputting what the user has pointed. Further, as "when the camera is pointed", for example, it may be recognized and determined by image recognition or the like that a reference target is imaged at a predetermined reference position. For example, the reference position may be a predetermined position on the screen on which the image captured by the camera is displayed, and in particular, a marker or the like indicating the reference position may be displayed on the captured image. Further, the reference target may be a target position on the golf course or a position around the target position and easily identifiable. For example, it may be the position of the boundary between the target place and the place other than the target place. For example, when aiming at the green, it may be the edge of the green. Further, for example, when aiming at the cup, it is preferable to set the position of the flag standing on the pin at the cup position or around the cup position for easy identification. In particular, it is preferable to set the position of the target in which the position information of the target is stored in advance. For example, it may have a function of displaying a golf course layout and may be the position of a target held to display the course layout. For example, it may be the position of a pond or a bunker, but in this case, since the position is stored in the information of the line or surface, it is preferable to provide a means for inputting which place of the line or surface corresponds to. .. For example, it has a function to store the shape of the hole in association with the position information and display the shape of the hole, and set the specified position (for example, the touched position) in the shape of the hole as the position of the target. You may do it. Further, for example, a representative position in a line or a surface may be stored or calculated and used. Further, more preferably, it is preferable that the position is stored or calculated as information on the point where the position is uniquely specified. For example, it may be a position that can be stored or calculated so that the distance from the current position can be obtained and displayed numerically. For example, the edge position / center position in the back or front of the green or hazard, the cup position, or the like may be used.

(3) The set position is a green pin position position, and the inclination may be obtained when the camera is pointed at the green pin. Since the pin position is pinpoint, it is easy to point the camera at an appropriate position without widening the width, and information considering the height difference is also appropriate, which is preferable.

(4) An alignment guide is displayed on the display unit, an image is taken by the camera, and information on the height difference is obtained from the inclination when the apex of the pin displayed on the display unit coincides with the alignment guide. It is good to do so. The pin vertices are easy to align with the alignment guide, so operation is easy. Also, for example, the length of the pin is usually about 7 feet, and since the user holds the golf support device in his hand and operates while looking at the display unit, the position of the camera is higher than the ground where the ball is hit. .. If the height of the user is, for example, about 160 to 180 cm, the position of the camera is close to that. Then, the height position of the apex of the pin with respect to the green surface becomes close to the height position from the ground where the ball is hit to the camera, and it is good that the height difference can be obtained by appropriately tilting without correction.

(5) It is preferable to obtain the information on the inclination and the height difference based on the output of the sensor when the touch to the instruction area set on the display unit is detected. For example, even if the orientation of the golf support device or the camera is difficult to fix, it is good because the inclination and the height difference can be appropriately obtained by touching the camera when the camera is appropriately aimed at the target location or the like. The instruction area may be a button or the like displayed in a specific area of the display unit such as a shutter button of a camera, and may be within the specific area, but may be the entire display unit. For example, it is preferable to display the alignment guide, align the image of the reference target with the position of the alignment guide, and touch the image.

Further, in the configuration in which the guide is not displayed, or even in the configuration in which the guide is displayed, it is preferable that the touched position is the position where the target is located and the inclination is obtained.

(6) It has a function of displaying the image captured by the camera on the display unit in real time, a function of obtaining the height difference information at regular intervals, and a function of outputting the obtained height difference information to the display unit. It is good. In this way, for example, when the golf support device and the camera are turned so that the camera faces the set position of the golf course gradually, the displayed height difference information is also updated sequentially. Then, the advice information based on the height difference displayed when the camera is correctly pointed at the set position of the golf course becomes the regular one. Therefore, when the user changes the direction of the camera while looking at the display unit, the user can check the advice information displayed when the camera is correctly oriented to know the necessary information without giving an instruction such as touching the display unit. be able to. In real time, for example, there may be a delay or dropped frames, but it is particularly preferable to display the delay time and time interval so that it can be recognized that there is no delay or dropped frames.

(7) It is preferable to have a function of obtaining a distance from the current position to the pin based on the length of the pin that is imaged by the camera and displayed on the display unit. Since the length of the pin is known, the farther the distance from the current position is, the smaller the display is displayed. Therefore, it is preferable to know the remaining distance to the pin based on the length of the pin displayed on the display unit. In this way, the pin position in the actual golf course changes every day, so the pin position of the green is usually set to a specific position such as the center of the green. Then, the inclination obtained by imaging the pin with the camera is with respect to the actual pin position, while the horizontal distance is a specific position such as the center of the green, so that they do not match. From the difference in distance due to the discrepancy, the obtained height difference includes an error. Therefore, if the remaining distance is calculated based on the length of the pin, the exact distance to the pin can be known.

If the remaining distance (horizontal distance) is long, the error will be absorbed, but the error will have an effect especially when approaching the green. Therefore, it is better to obtain the remaining distance based on the length of the pin displayed on the display unit in a range close to the green. It is recommended to set the range so that it cannot be ignored because of the influence of the error. On the other hand, if it is too close, the user can visually confirm the pin position, so that the advantage of using this function is reduced. In particular, if the scales are arranged as in (8) below, the measurable area is widened and the display area of the scales is also widened. Therefore, it is preferable to set the upper limit / lower limit within a certain range.

(8) A distance measurement scale having a pair of marks arranged at intervals according to the remaining distance to the pin is displayed on the display unit, and both ends of the pins displayed on the display unit are each pair of marks. By matching, it is preferable that the user can recognize the remaining distance to the pin corresponding to the distance between the marks. It is good because the user can easily know the remaining distance to the pin.

(9) It is preferable to display the course layout being played on the display unit, set the touched point on the displayed course layout as the set position, and obtain the height difference information. This is preferable because it is possible to easily specify an arbitrary point that the user wants to know.

(10) After the touch, when a flick in the set direction is detected, the function of acquiring the height difference information and the function of outputting the advice information based on the height difference when hitting the ball may be activated. .. This is preferable because the position can be specified and the activation command can be executed in a series of operations. The set direction may be the direction not used for other instructions.

(11) The advice information is at least one of the height difference information, the target horizontal distance when hitting the ball, the adjusted flight distance with respect to the horizontal distance to the set position, and the club count to be used. good. This information is good because it is useful information for selecting a club to be used and adjusting the strength and swing width of the swing.

(12) It is preferable to have a function of outputting the advice information to the same display screen as the horizontal distance to the set position. By doing so, the relationship with the horizontal distance can be understood, and the club can be easily and appropriately selected, for example, the one that is the largest / smaller than the one with the horizontal distance.

(13) It is preferable to have a function of storing the flight distance of each club count and notifying the club count to be used based on the stored flight distance. By doing so, the user can know the recommended number of the club and can easily select the club, which is good. Especially for beginners and beginners, even if the height difference is notified, it may not be easy to guess how many numbers should be changed from the number used at the horizontal distance, but the recommended number is specifically notified. It should be easy to understand.

(14) The flight distance for each club count is a relationship between the measured flight distance of the user and the club count used, and the registration of the club count used is the short-range radio attached to the club. It is advisable to read from the tag in which the information of the count corresponding to communication is registered by using short-range wireless communication. By doing so, it is good that the number of the club used can be registered with a simple operation and does not interfere with golf play or the like. As the count information, the count itself may be used. It may also be used as identification information that can identify the count.

(15) When the golf number is registered by means other than short-range wireless communication, it is preferable to have a function of notifying the existence of the tag. The notification of the existence of the tag may be, for example, to notify that the registration of the count can be easily performed using the tag.

(16) A function to memorize the flight distance for each club count and display the course layout being played on the display unit, and information based on the estimated flight distance for each club count based on the current position in the course layout. It is good to have a function to display them in layers. This is preferable because the user can know which club should be used when the drop point is decided in consideration of the course strategy. Also, if you have a number that you are good at, it is preferable because you can know where to hit in the direction of the club that you are good at. In addition, the drop point of the ball can be predicted in advance when the ball jumps out in a direction different from the target direction. Therefore, it is possible to select a club that does not have a problem even if it jumps out in the different directions, and the course strategy may be appropriate.

(17) The information based on the estimated flight distance may indicate the expected arrival point of the ball determined by taking into account the height difference with respect to the current position. By doing this, you can see if the flight distance is more suitable for the actual course layout, which is useful information for deciding the club selection and hitting direction.

(18) The flight distance of each club count has at least an upper limit value and a lower limit value, and the information based on the estimated flight distance becomes the upper limit value and the lower limit value when the club of the selected count is used. It is preferable to indicate the expected arrival area of the ball set based on the above. There are variations in the flight distance of clubs. Therefore, for example, even if the player does not fly too much or does not fly too much, he / she can select a club that does not enter the hazard or the like, and the course strategy may be appropriately made.
(19) The program of the present invention is a program for realizing the function as a golf support device according to any one of (1) to (18) in a computer.

According to the present invention, since the information based on the height difference is notified, the user can know useful information suitable for the actual course. Therefore, club selection, swing strength / swing width adjustment, and course strategy can be performed more appropriately.

It is a figure explaining the difference in the flight distance based on the height difference between the point where a ball is hit and the point where the ball is dropped. (A) is a front view showing the appearance of a preferred embodiment of the golf support device according to the present invention, and (b) is a perspective view seen from the rear side. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen. It is a figure explaining the action. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. These drawings are used to illustrate the technical features that may be adopted by the present invention. The configuration of the device and the like described are not limited to that, but are merely explanatory examples.
"Basic configuration of golf support device"

FIG. 2 shows the external configuration of the golf support device 1, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration thereof. The golf support device 1 is provided with a display unit 3 on the front surface of a flat, substantially rectangular case 2. The display unit 3 constitutes a touch panel 22 of a semi-transmissive liquid crystal display. A power button 4 and a point registration button 5 are arranged on both sides of the case 2, respectively. The power button 4 is used as a power ON / OFF button and a touch panel operation lock / unlock switching button. Specifically, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the power button 4 has been pressed and held (for example, for 3 seconds or longer) while the power is off, the power is turned on, and the control unit 11 displays a predetermined main menu screen on the display unit 3. indicate. Further, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the power button 4 has been pressed and held while the power is on, the control unit 11 draws a predetermined end screen on the display unit 3 and then turns off the power.

Further, when the power button 4 is briefly pressed while the power is on, the control unit 11 that detects it alternately switches the lock / release of the touch panel 22. If it is currently in the locked state, it is released and the operation by the touch panel 22 is enabled, and if it is currently in the unlocked state, it is switched to the locked state and the operation by the touch panel 22 is invalidated. The current state is notified by an icon drawn at a predetermined position on the display unit 3. The point registration button 5 is a button used for registering a point or the like.

The GPS receiving unit 6 that receives radio waves from GPS satellites is mounted inside the front side of the case 2. Further, a terminal cover 7 that can be opened and closed is attached to the side surface of the case 2. When the terminal cover 7 is opened, the card insertion slot 8 for inserting a microSD card and the miniUSB terminal 9 are exposed. It can be charged by connecting an AC adapter to the miniUSB terminal 9, and data can be sent and received by connecting a USB cable to a personal computer.

Inside the case 2, a GPS receiving unit 6 that receives a GPS signal and obtains a current position (longitudinal / latitude), a golf course data storage unit 12 that stores golf information such as a golf course course layout in advance, and a golf course data storage unit 12. A control unit 11 that accesses the golf course data storage unit 12 based on the current position information from the GPS reception unit 6 to acquire information about the golf course and output the information to the output device, and a display unit 3 constituting the output device. It also includes a speaker 15, a battery 17 that serves as a power source for carrying, a storage unit 18 that stores execution results of the control unit 11, a geomagnetic sensor 19, an acceleration sensor 20, and the like. A camera 21 is provided on the back side of the case 2.

The control unit 11 includes a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, flash memory, various peripheral circuits, interfaces, and the like. When the power is turned on, the control unit 11 is supplied with power from the battery 17 and starts operation. The control unit 11 expands the OS and application program recorded in the flash memory on the RAM by the boot loader recorded in the ROM, and executes the OS and the application program on the RAM to perform various processes shown below. To realize various functions.

The golf course data storage unit 12 is composed of a recording medium such as a detachable external recording medium (microSD memory card or the like). The golf information stored in the golf course data storage unit 12 includes data about an actual golf course and the like. The data about the golf course includes, for example, the course layout of each hole, the position information of an object on the course such as a green of a golf course, a hazard such as a bunker, a pond, or a stream, or an arbitrary point on the course. The position information is information for specifying a horizontal position such as longitude / latitude information.
The storage unit 18 records the calculation result and uses an internal memory.

The battery 17 is a rechargeable secondary battery like a rechargeable battery, and can be charged from the miniUSB terminal 9. The control unit 11 obtains the direction and angle to which the device is facing based on the output of the geomagnetic sensor 19. The angle is, for example, an angle in the horizontal plane from which the reference direction (for example, "north") is 0 °.

As the acceleration sensor 20, for example, a triaxial acceleration sensor is used. The control unit 11 acquires information on the inclination of the present device from the output of the acceleration sensor 20. The inclination is the angle of inclination from the point of standing in the vertical plane.

The direction of the field of view of the camera 21 is set to face the horizontal direction when the golf support device 1 is erected in a vertical plane. When the front and back surfaces of the case 2 are parallel, the field of view of the camera 21 faces in a direction orthogonal to the back surface of the case 2. Further, since the display unit 3 is usually arranged parallel to the front surface of the case 2, the direction of the field of view of the camera 21 and the plane of the display unit 3 are orthogonal to each other. The image / video captured by the camera 21 is output to the display unit 3. The control unit 11 displays a recording start button and a recording end button on the display unit 3 on the image captured by the camera 21. When the control unit 11 detects that the recording start button portion is touched, the control unit 11 records the image captured by the camera 21 in the storage unit 18. The control unit 11 automatically ends recording after a lapse of a set time from the start of video recording. Further, when the control unit 11 detects that the recording end button is touched before the set time elapses, the control unit 11 ends the recording. This recording function is used, for example, to store the moving image data of the swing when hitting the ball taken by the camera 21 in the storage unit 18. Then, the user can check the form by reading the moving image data recorded during or after the play from the storage unit 18 and playing / outputting the video data to the display unit 3.

[Basic display functions]
The control unit 11 accesses the golf course data storage unit 12 based on the position information (longitude / latitude) from the GPS reception unit 6 and reads out the information of the golf course currently being played. Then, the control unit 11 reads out the corresponding hole from the current position information and draws it on the display unit 3. As an example of the display screen drawn on the display unit 3, FIG. 4 and the like are shown. As shown, draw the layout of the currently playing hole so that the green is on top of the entire display screen. Then, the control unit 11 superimposes the own icon I on the position corresponding to the place where the user is in the drawn hall (the current position acquired from the GPS receiving unit 6) and draws the icon I. As a result, the user can know the direction toward the green and the position, size, and shape of the pond, bunker, etc. existing around the green. Further, the control unit 11 draws the concentric circle lines L on the layout of the hole centering on the own icon I. This allows the user to understand the approximate distance to the pond or bunker. By displaying the course layout in this way, the user can consider how to capture each hole even if it is the first course.

The remaining distance display area R1 is set at the lower right of the screen. The position of the green edge and the position of the center of the green are registered in the golf course data storage unit 12 as information on the green. Therefore, the control unit 11 obtains the distance between the current position and each position on the green, and displays the remaining distance to the green in the remaining distance display area R1. In the illustrated example, the remaining distance display area R1 displays four pieces of information at the same time. The remaining distance display area R1 has, in order from the top, a green position display and a distance unit display unit, a green back edge distance display unit, a green center (pin position) distance display unit, and a green front distance display unit.

The green position display and distance unit display section display information such as the green to be used. If there are two greens in one hole, the currently selected green is L (left side) or R (right side). The unit of the displayed numerical value is displayed in yd (yard) or m (meter). When the control unit 11 detects that the remaining distance display area R1 is touched, the control unit 11 alternately switches the display of the green used R / L and displays the remaining distance to the switched green.

The control unit 11 obtains the distance from the current position to the center of the green (pin position), and displays the obtained distance in the center of the green (pin position) (“422” in the figure). The position of the center of the green (pin position) is the center position of the green stored in the golf course data storage unit 12 or the actual cup position registered by the user. Which one to use depends on the user settings.

Further, the control unit 11 obtains the distance from the current position to the green back edge, and displays the obtained distance on the green back edge distance display unit (“433” in the figure). The distance to the back edge of the green is, for example, when the position information is registered over the entire circumference of the green as the position information of the green edge in the golf course data storage unit 12, the control unit 11 has the current position and the green. Find the intersection of the extension of the line connecting the center (or pin position position) and the green edge, and find the distance between the found intersection position and the current position. When the position of the green back edge is registered in the golf course data storage unit 12, the control unit 11 obtains the distance between the current position and the registered green back edge position.

Further, the control unit 11 obtains the intersection of the line connecting the current position and the center of the green (or the pin position position) with the green edge, obtains the distance between the obtained intersection position and the current position, and obtains the distance between the green front edge and the green edge. It is displayed on the display unit (“410” in the figure).

The control unit 11 draws the flag icon I1 at a position corresponding to the currently set pin position. The initial value of the pin position is the center position of the green. Further, the present embodiment has a cup position registration function. For example, the user activates the cup position registration mode and touches a predetermined position on the green displayed based on the information obtained from the golf course or the like. The control unit 11 detects the touched position on the green and registers the position as the cup position. When the cup position is registered by user registration, the pin position is the set position of the green center position and the cup position. It is preferable that the display mode of the flag icon I1 is different between the case where the flag icon I1 is displayed at the center position of the green and the case where the flag icon I1 is displayed at the cup position.

When a hazard such as a bunker, a pond, or a stream exists in the displayed course, the control unit 11 draws the hazard icon I2 at the position of the hazard. Further, the control unit 11 acquires the hazard position information, obtains the distance from the current position to the hazard, and displays the remaining distance D. For the remaining distance D, only numbers are displayed. The unit is the same as that displayed in the remaining distance display area R1. In the illustrated example, one bunker is installed around each of the left and right greens, so the hazard icon I2 and the remaining distance D (“389” and “421” in the figure) are located at each bunker position. Is displayed. Further, when there are a plurality of hazards on the course, and particularly when the hazards are close to each other, it may be difficult to know which hazard the remaining distance D is for. In the present embodiment, the hazard icon I2 and the remaining distance D are connected by a line S1 and linked.

Further, the information of the selected hazard among the hazards on which the hazard icon I2 is displayed is displayed in the hazard information display area R2 provided at the lower left of the display screen. In the hazard information display area R, an icon for specifying the type of hazard is displayed on the upper side, and the remaining distance is displayed on the lower side. The hazard displayed in the hazard information display area R2 is selected by touching the hazard icon I2 displayed on the course layout. When the control unit 11 detects that the hazard icon I2 has been touched, the control unit 11 identifies the touched hazard, displays an icon displaying the type of the hazard and the remaining distance, and displays the selected hazard icon I2 and others. It is displayed in a display mode different from that of the hazard icon I2. In the illustrated example, the hazard icon I2 is in the form of an inverted triangle, the shape of the selected hazard icon is enlarged, and the display color is also different. By changing the display mode in this way, the hazard displayed in the hazard information display area R2 at the lower left of the display screen of the display unit 3 can be seen at a glance which hazard in the course.

The control unit 11 displays an icon indicating the remaining battery level and the current time at the upper right of the display screen of the display unit 3. Further, the control unit 11 displays the hole number and the number of PARs of the displayed course on the upper left of the display screen of the display unit 3.

Based on the output of the geomagnetic sensor 19, the control unit 11 detects the direction in which the apparatus is facing, and draws the direction as a direction indicating line S consisting of an arrow and a dotted line on the hall layout. The starting point of this direction indicator line S is the current position (own icon I). As a result, when the user changes the direction while holding the present device, the direction indicator line S on the display screen turns accordingly, and the user wants to hit the direction indicator line S (dotted line) in green or. By adjusting to the location, you can confirm that the target point is ahead of you. Therefore, even if the visibility is poor due to fog or the like, or even if there are trees or obstacles, the user can accurately know the direction.

<Point registration function>
Further, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the point registration button 5 has been pressed for a long time (for example, for 3 seconds or longer), the control unit 11 acquires the current position at that time from the GPS receiving unit 6 and registers the point. This arbitrary point can be used, for example, to register the point where the ball was actually hit. When any point registered in this way exists in the hall layout displayed on the display screen, the control unit 11 draws the point registration icon I3 at the corresponding position (see FIG. 5).

Further, a plurality of point registrations can be performed, and the control unit 11 records each position information registered at that point in the storage unit 18 in the order of registration for each hole. As a result, by registering the shot position where the ball is hit each time, the trajectory of the actual golf course play can be recorded, and each hole layout is drawn on the display unit 3 together with the point registration icon I3. By doing so, you can check the actual play trajectory on the display screen.

<Flight distance measurement function>
The flight distance measurement function has a function of calculating the flight distance when the ball is actually hit. The control unit 11 obtains the distance between the position registered as the point when the ball was hit last time and the current position of the own icon I. The calculated distance is the flight distance. The control unit 11 displays the obtained distance in a flight distance display area prepared at an appropriate position on the display screen (not shown). This flight distance measurement function is activated based on, for example, a touch operation on the display unit 3. For example, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the submenu button B1 set in FIGS. 4 and 5 is touched, the control unit 11 superimposes and displays a submenu screen (not shown) on the course layout. Since the menu screen has a button area for selecting each function, the control unit 11 activates the function by recognizing that the button for specifying "flying distance measurement" has been selected. After activation, the flight distance is calculated based on the position where the ball was hit last time and the current position.

<Distance display function between two points>
The two-point distance display function is a function that obtains the distance between the specified two points by designating (touching) two points to be confirmed and displays the obtained distance. This allows the user to check any section distance on the course.

For example, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the submenu button B1 set in FIGS. 4 and 5 is touched, the control unit 11 superimposes and displays the submenu screen (not shown) on the course layout. Since the menu screen has a button area for selecting each function, the control unit 11 recognizes that the button for designating the "distance between two points" has been selected, thereby performing the function. to start. Then, first, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the user touches an arbitrary point on the screen displaying the course layout, the control unit 11 recognizes the touched point and the start icon is at that position. Draw Is (eg, blue circle). Further, when the screen is touched next time in the state where the first point is registered (the start icon Is is drawn), the control unit 11 registers the touched point as the second point. , Draw an end icon Ie at that position (see FIG. 6B). This end icon Ie may be a blue circle having the same shape and dimensions as the start icon Is, or it is preferable to make it clear which is the start icon Is by making at least one of the shape, size, and color different. ..

If the two points are registered, the control unit 11 draws a straight line L1 connecting the two points, calculates the distance between the two points, and displays the calculated distance in the distance display area between the two points. Displayed on R4 (“188” in the figure).

As a result, the user can know the distance between any two points on the course, and can obtain useful information for deciding how to capture the course. When the back button B3 is selected, the display returns to the basic display shown in FIG. 4 and the like.

Also, if the distance display function between two points is activated and the place to be touched first is the own icon I, the distance from the current position to an arbitrary point in the course will be obtained. Therefore, for example, when the user first touches his / her own icon I and then touches the back side of the hazard such as a bunker, a pond, or a stream, the two-point distance display area R4 is to carry over the hazard. It will display the required distance. Therefore, the user selects the club with the number required to exceed the distance. Also, for example, if you first touch your own icon I and then touch the front side of the hazard such as a bunker, pond, stream, etc., the longest distance that does not reach the hazard is displayed in the two-point distance display area R4. become. The user can select a club that does not enter the hazard in consideration of the run.

[Notification considering height difference]
The various distances described above are calculated by the control unit 11 based on the position information (longitude / latitude) stored in the golf course data storage unit 12. Therefore, each of the obtained distances is a horizontal distance. On the other hand, the notification function considering this height difference acquires information on the height difference between the two points of the point where the ball is hit and the set position, and from the acquired height difference information and the stored position information, It is a function to notify information based on the height difference when hitting the ball.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 obtains the inclination of the device with respect to the horizontal based on the output of the acceleration sensor 20, obtains the height difference from the obtained inclination and the horizontal distance, and outputs the obtained height difference information. When the mode for performing the notification in consideration of the height difference is selected, the control unit 11 displays the image captured by the camera 21 on the display unit 3. While watching the image displayed on the display unit 3, the user points the golf support device 1 / camera 21 so as to face the target place for finding the remaining distance such as the green. For example, assuming that the target location is a clean pin position, as shown in FIG. 7, the user 31 points the golf support device 1 and the camera 21 held in his / her hand toward the green pin 30.

From the output of the acceleration sensor 20, the control unit 11 obtains the inclination of the golf support device 1 and the camera 21 at this time, and the inclination angle α from the horizontal plane. Further, the control unit 11 has a horizontal distance between two points from the current position acquired based on the output of the GPS receiving unit 6 and the position information of the green pin position which is the target location stored in the golf course data storage unit 12. Ask for. Then, the control unit 11 obtains the height difference between the current position and the target position based on the inclination / inclination angle α and the horizontal distance. The control unit 11 outputs the obtained height difference.

In the present embodiment, when the information on the height difference is obtained, the golf support device 1 and the camera 21 are oriented to the apex of the pin 30. For example, in the case of a launch in which the green surface is higher than the position where the ball is hit, the green surface cannot be seen from the point of the user 31, and the golf support device 1 may not be properly directed to the root of the pin 30. .. On the other hand, if the pin 30 is aligned with the apex as in the present embodiment, the golf support device 1 and the camera 21 can be correctly aimed at the target point regardless of whether the golf support device 1 or the camera 21 is launched or downhill. Further, the user 31 points the camera 21 toward the target place while looking at the display screen of the display unit 3 while holding the golf support device 1 in his hand. Then, the golf support device 1 in such a state is located above the ground on which the ball is placed by a predetermined distance. Therefore, when the golf support device 1 located above is directed toward the ground at the target point (for example, the green, the root of the pin 30), the height difference between the ground on which the ball is placed and the green at the target point cannot be accurately measured. For example, in the case of a downhill where the green is at a low position as shown in FIG. 7, the inclination angle α'from the horizontal plane when aligned with the root of the pin 30 is larger than the inclination angle α when aligned with the apex of the pin 30. Will also increase, and the height difference will also increase. On the other hand, the length of the pin 30 is 7 feet (2.13 meters). For example, if the height of the user 31 is about 160 to 180 cm, it is more accurate to point it toward the apex of the pin 30 with less error. It is good because the inclination can be obtained and the height difference can be obtained. Further, it is preferable that the user registers his / her height and makes a correction in consideration of the difference from the pin apex based on the registered height.

As a specific example for realizing the notification function considering the above height difference, for example, the following is performed. First, it is assumed that the golf support device 1 is used in a vertically long state. Therefore, the display unit 3 is basically in a vertically long state, the longitudinal direction of the display unit 3 is the vertical direction, and the lateral direction of the display unit 3 is the horizontal direction and the horizontal direction.

For example, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the submenu button B1 set in FIGS. 4 and 5 is touched, the control unit 11 superimposes and displays a submenu screen (not shown) on the course layout. Since the menu screen has a button area for selecting each function, the control unit 11 recognizes that the button for designating the "height difference information notification" has been selected, thereby performing the function. to start. Then, first, as shown in FIG. 8A, the control unit 11 displays the alignment guide at the center position in the vertical direction of the display screen of the display unit 3. The alignment guide includes a guideline 33 extending laterally. Further, the control unit 11 displays a scale 35 extending in the vertical direction on the right side of the display screen, and displays a numerical value 36 corresponding to the outside of the scale 35. The scale 35 has a layout in which short line segments 35a extending laterally are arranged vertically at regular intervals (for example, a length corresponding to 0.5 yards). These scales 35, numerical values 36, and the like are for notifying information regarding the height difference. Further, the control unit 11 activates the camera 21 and displays the image captured by the camera 21 on the display unit 3. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8B, the control unit 11 superimposes the guideline 33, the scale 35, the numerical value 36, and the like on the image captured by the camera 21.

The user adjusts the direction and posture of the golf support device 1 to point the camera 21 at the pin, and aligns the apex of the pin displayed on the display unit 3 with the guideline 33. The control unit 11 obtains the height difference between the current position and the green based on the horizontal distance from the current position to the pin position and the inclination obtained from the acceleration sensor 20. Then, the control unit 11 scrolls the scale 35 and displays the line segment 35a corresponding to the obtained height difference so as to overlap the guideline 33. At the same time, the control unit 11 displays the obtained height difference numerically on the height difference display unit 37 at the lower left of the display screen. In the example shown in FIG. 7B, the position of −20 yards of the scale 35 coincides with the guideline 33, and the numerical value displayed on the height difference display unit 37 at the lower left of the display screen is “-20yd”. Further, in FIG. 7A, since the golf support device 1 is held in a vertically upright state and the camera 21 is oriented in the horizontal direction, the position of 0 yards of the scale 35 coincides with the guideline 33. , The numerical value displayed on the height difference display unit 37 at the lower left of the display screen is also "± 0yd".

In this way, the height difference of the green with respect to the current position is notified as numerical information. Therefore, the user can obtain useful information when deciding which club to use by going one step further from the rough information such as launch / downhill and knowing the height difference concretely.

For example, to determine the number to be used based on the height difference based on the number of the club normally used by the user when the remaining distance (horizontal distance) to the green, which is one of the basic functions of this device, is used. It is useful and you can decide the appropriate number. In addition, as will be described later, as information on the height difference, a guideline such as a guideline distance (horizontal distance) that should be targeted when actually hitting from the obtained height difference, and an adjustment flight distance such as "○○ yard long / short". When notifying the distance, the actual horizontal distance to be adjusted varies depending on the individual ball muscle or the like, so it is better to notify the height difference as in the present embodiment and leave the sense of distance to be adjusted to the user.

Further, in the present embodiment, the orientation can be specified by a simple process such as aligning the pin vertices with the guideline 33, and if it is a pin position, the position can be specified pinpointly, so that the height difference can be obtained from an accurate inclination. It is preferable because it can be done. The position of the pin position registered as the initial value is the center of the green. Therefore, if the default value is used, the distance to the actual pin position (horizontal distance) and the remaining distance to the center of the green will be different. However, since the deviation is within half of the width of the green and the front-back length, it may be possible to absorb it as an error, or even if it cannot be absorbed, it may be possible to notify the information regarding the height difference as a guideline to some extent. Then, if the actual pin position is registered using the cup position registration function, a more accurate height difference can be obtained and appropriate information based on the difference can be notified.

The timing of calculation / notification of the height difference may be performed at all times in real time, or may be performed when the set conditions are satisfied. In the case of constantly performing in real time, for example, when the height difference information notification function is activated, the control unit 11 obtains the remaining distance (horizontal distance) from the current position to the green and maintains the horizontal distance. Then, the control unit 11 acquires the output of the acceleration sensor 20 in a constant cycle, obtains the inclination, obtains the height difference based on the obtained inclination and the horizontal distance, and notifies the scale 35 and the numerical value based on the obtained height difference. conduct. In this way, as the direction and tilt of the camera 21 are changed, the scale 35 scrolls according to the change in the tilt, and the numbers displayed on the height difference display unit 37 change. good. Further, for example, as the guideline 33 approaches the apex of the pin, the height difference notified also approaches the correct one. Therefore, even if the apex of the pin and the guideline 33 do not match, the user has a certain height. It is good because you can know the difference.

Further, when notifying when the set conditions are satisfied, for example, it is determined by image recognition processing whether or not the pin vertices and the guideline 33 match, the inclination at the time of matching is acquired, and the inclination is obtained based on the determination. It is advisable to obtain the height difference and output the obtained height difference information. Further, for example, it may be triggered by touching the display screen. For example, the control unit 11 may acquire the inclination when it detects that the display screen is touched, obtain the height difference based on the inclination, and output the obtained height difference information. To detect the touch of the display screen, for example, it is preferable to display a shutter button on the display screen and detect that the display area of the shutter button is touched. By doing so, for example, it becomes an image of pressing the shutter of the camera function of a camera or a smartphone, and the user can operate it without discomfort. In particular, if the image being captured is blurred due to camera shake and the orientation of the camera cannot be fixed with the pin vertices and guidelines aligned, the image recognition process can be used to accurately and easily tilt the image. It is preferable because it can be obtained. Also, in the case of touching the shutter button, if the pin apex and the guideline are touched and the inclination is obtained based on the information taken at that time, an appropriate height difference can be obtained. In addition, it is advisable to continue displaying the image when touched as a still image. As a result, the user can confirm the image used when the height difference is obtained by looking at the display unit 3, and if the pin apex and the guideline match, the information based on the notified height difference is correct. It can be understood that, and if there is a large deviation due to inconsistency, the measurement can be performed again.

Further, by using the image recognition process, for example, in the above-mentioned function of constantly obtaining and notifying the height difference information, it is automatically detected that the apex of the pin and the guideline 33 match, and the height difference information when they match is used. It is good to change the notification mode. As an example of changing the notification mode, it is preferable to change or blink at least one display color of the guideline 33, the scale 35, the numerical value 36, and the height difference display unit 37. Further, for example, when it is detected that the apex of the pin and the guideline 33 match, the height difference information to be notified may be locked, and the height difference information at the time of matching may be continuously notified. The information on the height difference to be locked may be all of the scale 35, the numerical value 36, and the height difference display unit 37, or may be a part of the information. In some cases, for example, the numerical value of the height difference display unit 37 may be locked and fixed, and scrolling of the scale 35 or the like may be performed in conjunction with the inclination.

In the present embodiment, the camera 21 that shoots the green and the pin, which are the target destinations, is used for the function of shooting a moving image and checking the swing form. In this way, the camera 21 mounted by this device has a function for acquiring information related to golf navigation (for example, a notification function considering the height difference) and another function (for example, a swing check function). Used for both. By using the camera in combination, the camera can be used effectively, and the equipment and parts for realizing each function can be compactly and efficiently mounted.

[Modification 1] (Change of notification mode)
In the above-described embodiment, the height difference information is displayed on the image captured by the camera 21, but for example, it is preferable to simultaneously notify the height difference information and other information. Other information includes, for example, information on the horizontal distance to the target site. For example, the height difference may be added next to the remaining distance to the green pin position displayed in the remaining distance display area R1 shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. 4, when three distances are displayed, such as the front of the green, the pin position, and the back edge of the green, the horizontal distance to the pin position can be obtained by writing the distance next to the remaining distance indicating the pin position. It's good because the relationship is easy to understand.

After displaying the screen for acquiring / notifying information on the height difference shown in FIG. 7 (b), when the screen transitions to the display screen for the hole shown in FIG. Information on the distance and the height difference should be notified on the same screen. Further, the distance to the front edge of the green or the back edge of the green may not be displayed, and the information on the remaining distance to the pin position and the height difference may be displayed on the same screen.

[Modification 2] (Change of notification content)
* Adjusted flight distance notification In the above-described embodiment, the height difference obtained as information regarding the height difference is notified as it is, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various related information may be notified. For example, the control unit 11 may obtain an adjusted flight distance based on the height difference and notify it. The adjusted flight distance is an information / numerical guideline for how many yards or meters should be hit with respect to the horizontal distance to the target point. As shown in FIG. 1, the horizontal distance between the intersection position between the trajectory / ball line of the ball shown by the solid line and the horizontal line at the same height as the point where the ball is hit by the dotted line and the current position is actually the target location. It is a measure of the horizontal distance to be hit in order to hit the ball. Therefore, in the case of downhill, for example, a message such as "hit α'yard short" is output, and in the case of launch, a message such as "hit α'yard long" is output. The message is displayed on the display screen or output by voice.

For specific numerical values of α and α', for example, a table in which the height difference and the adjusted flight distance are associated is stored and stored. The control unit 11 accesses the table based on the obtained height difference, acquires the corresponding adjustment flight distance, and notifies the table. In addition, a table in which the height difference and the adjusted flight distance are related should be provided for each horizontal distance. For example, a table for horizontal distances X1 to X2, a table for X2 to X3, and the like are prepared for each flight distance. Even if the height difference is the same, if the horizontal distance is significantly different, the adjusted flight distance will be affected. Therefore, by preparing a plurality of tables according to the horizontal distance, it is good to be able to give advice on a more appropriate adjustment flight distance.

As described in the above-described embodiment, the adjusted flight distance also varies depending on the ball muscle. Therefore, there are multiple types of tables that associate the height difference with the adjusted flight distance according to the ball line (for example, general / high trajectory / low trajectory, etc.), and the user sets his / her own ball line and sets the table accordingly. It is advisable to use to notify the adjusted flight distance.

Also, for example, if you are an advanced player who can change the ball muscle according to the situation, it is complicated to switch the table according to the ball muscle to be used each time you hit. Therefore, it is preferable for the advanced person to notify the height difference as in the above-described embodiment and leave the adjustment of the actual flight distance to the user. On the other hand, for example, beginners and beginners often do not know how much the flight distance should be adjusted even if the height difference is notified. Therefore, for the beginners and the like, it may be easy to understand that the adjusted flight distance is notified as in this modification.

* Target horizontal distance notification Information on the height difference may be, for example, the horizontal distance as a target / guide when hitting a ball. The trajectory / ball line of the ball shown by the solid line in FIG. 1 and the horizontal distance between the intersection position of the ball hitting point and the horizontal line at the same height as the point where the ball is hit and the current position are obtained, and the obtained horizontal distance is notified. For example, the control unit 11 calculates the horizontal flight distance by obtaining the above-mentioned adjusted flight distance and adding or subtracting it to the horizontal distance to the green, which is the actual target location.

* Notification of the number of the club used-The club that associates the flight distance with the club (count) -Remembers the flight distance information. Then, the control unit 11 obtains the above-mentioned target horizontal distance, accesses the stored club-flying distance information, acquires the information of the club number appropriate for the obtained target horizontal distance, and notifies the information. The club-flying distance information storage unit stores, for example, the average information of the golfer as an initial value. For this average information, it is advisable to prepare multiple types of data according to gender, age, golf history, etc., and let the user select them. In addition, it is advisable to let the user himself / herself register the average flight distance of each club. By doing so, it is possible to notify the club (count) more suitable for the user, which is good.

Furthermore, if the flight distance when actually hitting the ball is calculated by the flight distance measurement function, it is advisable to register the number of the club used in relation to the flight distance. By doing so, the user can register the flight distance for a more accurate count, and the reliability of the count notification is high, which is good. In particular, when the flight distance is registered by self-report, the flight distance when a nice shot is taken as a user's psychology remains in the head, and the flight distance may be registered longer than the actual flight distance. On the other hand, if the flight distance (for example, the average value) of each club number is registered in the club-distance information storage unit based on the flight distance data accumulated in the actual play, the flight distance information will be accurate. preferable.

Further, the flight distance obtained by this flight distance measurement function is a horizontal distance. Actually, it is necessary to adjust by the height difference, but since the ball is hit in various situations of launch / downhill using the same number of clubs, the influence of the height difference is offset by finding the average value, for example. To. Therefore, the number of the club used and the horizontal distance may be recorded in association with each other without adjusting the height difference. Further, in order to perform more accurately, for example, it is preferable to have a function of allowing the user to select whether or not to use the flight distance obtained by the flight distance measurement function for the club-flying distance information. By doing so, for example, it is possible to select and register the flight distance when hitting the ball in a place where the height difference is small. The function to let the user select is, for example, a touched instruction input button by displaying a confirmation message of registration or not, a "YES" / "NO" instruction input button, etc. on the display after requesting by the flight distance measurement function. Follow the instructions. Further, since it is troublesome to input each time a player plays, for example, if there is no instruction for a certain period of time after measuring the flight distance, a predetermined process (for example, "registered" or "unregistered") may be executed. Furthermore, it may be registered when the number of the club used is input.

It is preferable to input the count of the used club by displaying the count input screen on the display unit 3 and touching the display unit 3 by the user. Further, performing the work of touching and inputting the display unit 3 in this way may interfere with smooth golf play. Therefore, for example, it is preferable to use NFC (Near Field Communication) so that the number can be registered. For example, an NFC-compatible tag with a registered count is attached to the grip end of a club or the like. When the golf support device 1 mounted on the NFC and the grip end of the used club are brought close to each other, the golf support device 1 / control unit 11 acquires the count information data registered in the tag. Then, the control unit 11 associates the acquired count information with the flight distance and registers it as club-flying distance information.

In addition, it is advisable to register the count before hitting the ball or immediately after hitting the ball. In particular, when the number is registered using the above-mentioned NFC, when the club to be used is held in the hand, the grip end or the like of the club to which the tag is attached comes close to or comes into contact with the golf support device 1. By doing so, you can register the number smoothly and without sending it to the tag attached to another club. Furthermore, considering the user's movement, the golf support device 1 is operated at the point where the ball is hit, the distance to the target point such as the green is confirmed, and the height to the target point is used by using the notification function considering the height difference. Determine the number of clubs to use by getting information on the difference. Then, he actually hits the ball with the club with the determined number. At this time, for example, after the grip end of the club taken out from the golf bag or the like and held in the hand is brought close to the golf support device 1, the user faces the ball and hits the ball. The process of bringing the grip end closer to the golf support device 1 is good because it blends into the operation from the determination of the number to the actual hitting of the ball without discomfort and does not interfere with the play.

Further, in the case of a device having a function of registering a club count using NFC in this way, when the control unit 11 detects that the count has been manually input, for example, "there is a tag to stop at the grip. , Etc., the image of the actual tag, the advertisement / information such as the URL of the purchase site, etc. may be displayed.

Further, when the count is not registered, the control unit 11 may notify the information indicating that the count is not registered. This notification should be a mode that is not very conspicuous, a mode that is casual, and a mode that does not interfere with the next hit. Such aspects include, for example, blinking, message (voice / display), icon display, and the like.

The registration of the flight distance for each club number of the user is not limited to the above, and for example, the flight distance of each club is measured multiple times by using a device for obtaining the flight distance different from this device. .. Then, the average value of the measured data may be registered. The device for determining the flight distance is not limited to the device that measures the actual flight distance like this device, but the device that estimates the estimated flight distance based on the swing speed of the club when hitting the ball was launched. Various devices can be used, such as those that estimate the estimated flight distance using the initial velocity of the ball and the swing velocity of the club. Then, it is preferable to have a function of transferring the flight distance data obtained by the device for obtaining the flight distance to the golf support device 1 of the present invention. As a transfer function, for example, data may be transferred by physically connecting with a communication cable or using various wireless communications, or the data may be copied via a recording medium such as a micro SD card. You can do it. By transferring in this way, the user does not have to manually input the flight distance, labor is reduced, and there is no erroneous input, which is preferable.

[Modification 3] (Distance to another target site)
In the above-described embodiment and modification, the target location is clean, the camera 21 is pointed at the pin to obtain the inclination, and the information regarding the height difference with respect to the pin position position is notified. The present invention is not limited to this, and it is preferable to obtain the height difference between the current location and an arbitrary point in the course and notify the information regarding the obtained height difference.

Arbitrary points are points where location information is registered, such as hazards such as bunkers, ponds, and streams, boundaries between fairways and roughs, boundaries with OBs, and landmarks such as large trees in fairways. , There are obstacles in the hall. Since these points have geographical characteristics and are easily distinguished from other places, even when the image is taken by the camera 21, it is easy to understand on the display unit 3 in relation to the surroundings, and it is easy to follow the guideline. Moreover, even if there is no geographical feature like this, it can be any point as long as the location information is registered. Further, with respect to the green, not only the pin position but also any position on the green and the green edge can be any point. These arbitrary points may be, for example, a target point when the ball is shot in the course strategy, or conversely, an avoidance target point where the ball such as a hazard or a rough should not be hit.

The designation of this arbitrary point may be specified by touching a point on the screen, for example, on a screen displaying a hole as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the numerical value D is linked and displayed on, for example, a bunker, the bunker linked to the numerical value D may be designated when the portion of the numerical value D is touched. In this way, you can easily specify a point by touching any point in the hall. Further, the notification function in consideration of the height difference may be activated, for example, by flicking the display unit 3 in the vertical direction. In this way, for example, flicking downward while touching an arbitrary point is preferable because it is possible to specify the point and activate the notification function in consideration of the height difference in a series of operations. Further, the reason why the flick in the vertical direction is used in this way is to set the hole to be switched by the flick in the horizontal direction and to distinguish it from the operation. Further, it is preferable that the input using such a flick is performed instead of the touch operation for the menu screen described in the above-described embodiment.

Also, if there is a spread like a hazard, it is difficult to pinpoint the direction of the camera. In this case, the user will adjust the camera orientation and guidelines to the approximate position. In this case, for example, in the case of obtaining the height difference to this arbitrary point, the flight distance to be hit tends to be relatively long. Such a long distance is preferable because the degree of spread of the hazard can be absorbed as an error. Further, as described above, when the pin position is used as the initial value and the inclination is obtained together with the pin, an error of the final obtained height appears. Given this error, the spread of hazards is not an issue. Further, by providing a zoom function on the camera 21 of the golf support device 1 and enlarging and showing the peripheral area including the target place where the point is registered, a more appropriate position can be specified.

Further, image data for enlarged display is separately prepared and registered in the golf course data storage unit 12. When the control unit 11 receives the above-mentioned enlarged display instruction, it is preferable to access the golf course data storage unit 12 and perform drawing based on separately prepared image data. In the past, one image was prepared to display the entire course, and when an enlargement instruction was received, the image was simply zoomed in and drawn, but it is suitable for enlarged display as in this modified example. By drawing a separately prepared image, more useful information can be provided to the user. As the image data for the enlarged display, for example, a hazard such as a bunker or a live-action image obtained by capturing a mark area may be used. By using a live-action image, the situation can be understood, for example, in the case of a bunker, the situation around the outside can be understood, and it becomes easier to align the camera 21 with the correct target position.

Further, for example, if a hazard such as a bunker, a pond, or a stream is captured as a live-action image and displayed on the display unit 3, the situation of the bunker or the like can be seen at a glance. For example, in the case of a bunker, for example, you can know whether it is a bunker that is deep and has a high chin that you should definitely avoid, or if it is a bunker that is shallow and the chin on the green side is easy to put out so there is no problem even if you hit it, and decide the point to attack. Useful for. Also, from the situation around the bunker and the surroundings of the pond / stream, it is possible to know whether the ball is easy to roll in from the front, and when carving in front of the hazard, it is necessary to make the target point of the ball's fall point closer to the front. It is easy to judge whether or not there is. By registering the live-action image in this way, it is possible to provide useful information to the user in addition to determining the target location for obtaining the height difference. In addition, the image data for providing such useful information is not limited to the live-action image, but may be an illustration or the content to be drawn may be changed according to the scale (for example, the more detailed information is for enlarged display). Is displayed).

Of course, it is better not to hit the bunker, but depending on the depth, size and shape of the bunker, relative position to the green, sand quality, etc., the bunker should never be hit and recovery can be achieved even if it is hit. There is a bunker that does not have much problem even if it is easy to enter. In this way, it is advisable to notify the bunker that should be absolutely avoided and the bunker that should not be avoided in different modes. In a different aspect, for example, the drawing color of a normal bunker is brown with the image of sand, but the display color of the bunker that should be absolutely avoided is red, etc. It is advisable to add icons, signs, marks, etc.

[Modification example 4] (Calculation of height difference)
Altitude information is also stored as position information of each position in the course. In this way, when calculating the remaining distance to the green or the distance to the target point such as an arbitrary point in the course, the height difference is obtained from the altitude information of the current position and the altitude information of the target area. Based on the obtained height difference, it is preferable to carry out the functions of the above-described embodiments and modifications. By doing so, it is not necessary to incline the camera 21 toward the target location, and information based on the height difference with high accuracy can be easily and quickly notified. On the other hand, when the inclination is obtained as in the above-described embodiment, the position information can be the latitude / longitude information, so that the memory capacity can be reduced.

[Modification 5] (Estimated flight distance notification function for each club)
As a basic function, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 11 has a function of drawing a concentric circle line L overlaid on the layout of the hole centering on the own icon I. This allows the user to understand the approximate distance to the pond or bunker.

In this modification, the control unit 11 displays the flight distance for each club around the current position as concentric circles. In this way, the user obtains the number of the club associated with the concentric circles close to the target target and displays it. In this way, the user can know the number of the club to be used, so that the club can be easily selected. Further, as the flight distance to the count of this club, for example, the flight distance / average flight distance for each count stored in the club-flying distance information storage unit may be used.

Also, even if you hit with a club of the same count, the flight distance varies. Therefore, for example, the data of the maximum flight distance and the minimum flight distance when hit normally is stored for each club count, and the planned fall area of the ball when the club with the count selected by the user is used is laid out on the course. It is good to draw on top of it. By drawing the planned fall area, for example, in the case of a club with a large difference between the maximum flight distance and the minimum flight distance, select a club or hit the ball in consideration of the case of flying too much or not flying. It is good because you can formulate a course strategy such as making a decision.

Further, by storing the altitude information of each position as in the above-mentioned modification 4, for example, the planned flight distance for each club count is drawn not as a concentric circle but as a line considering the height difference from the current position. You may.

[Modification 6] Correction of flight distance using height difference It has a function of calculating a flight distance in consideration of the height difference when actually hitting a ball. The control unit 11 obtains the distance between the position registered as the point when the ball was hit last time and the current position of the own icon I. The obtained distance is the horizontal flight distance between two points. Further, as the height difference to the current point based on the position registered as the point, for example, the height difference used when the ball was hit last time is stored in memory. The control unit 11 obtains a flight distance in consideration of the height difference based on the horizontal flight distance and the height difference. In addition, when the point where the ball was hit last time is known, the height difference is calculated by pointing the camera at the position where the ball was hit, calculating the height difference from the obtained inclination, and determining the height difference from the obtained horizontal flight distance and height difference. It is good to find the flight distance considering the height difference.

The control unit 11 outputs the flight distance in consideration of the height difference thus obtained to the display unit 3. At this time, it is advisable to output information such as the number of the club used and the estimated distance to be the target obtained at the time of the previous hit. By checking the estimated distance, the actual flight distance, and the number used at the drop point, you can reflect on and confirm whether the number of the club used was correct, and use it for subsequent play. Especially by checking during play, you can check your physical condition and flight distance on that day, and the influence of the weather such as wind and rain, and you can correctly select the number of the club after that.

[Modification 7]
FIG. 9 shows a display example of yet another modification. In this example, a scope 40 extending in a cross shape in the vertical and horizontal directions was used instead of the linear guideline 33 extending in the left-right direction as a guide / index for aligning the vertices of the pins. The scope 40 is arranged so as to extend vertically and horizontally to the central cross-shaped element 41, the scale elements 42 arranged at equal intervals outside the cross-shaped element 41, and the scale elements 42 further outside. It consists of a linear element 43. Align the apex of the pin with the intersection of the central cross element 41. By arranging the line segments that serve as guides in the vertical direction in this way, it becomes easy to align the pin positions. In particular, by providing the scale elements 42 arranged at equal intervals, for example, it becomes easy to confirm the amount of deviation of the pin apex position on the display unit 3 when the posture of the golf support device 1 is changed. Then, it may be easy to appropriately adjust the amount of changing the posture of the golf support device 1 with reference to the amount of deviation.

Further, in the modified example shown in FIG. 9, the scope 40 for the vertices of the pins is displaced to the upper side of the display screen of the display unit 3. For example, the central cross element 41 is located at the upper 1/3 position. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the amount of the sky reflected in the area above the display unit 3 and increase the area in which the course is imaged.

Further, in this modification, a height difference information display area 45 schematically showing the height difference is provided in the lower 1/3 area of the display screen of the display unit 3. Along with this, the area of the upper two-thirds of the display screen of the display unit 3 becomes the main display area 46. When focusing on the main display area 46, it can be said that it is arranged in the center of the screen in the same manner as the guideline 33 of the above-described embodiment.

The height difference information display area 45 draws a triangular figure schematically showing the height difference. In the figure, the left end of the triangle is the point where the ball is hit, and the right end is the position of the pin position such as the center of the green. When the green is in a low position, it becomes a right triangle having a hypotenuse that descends to the right as shown in the figure, and when the green is in a high position, it becomes a right triangle having a hypotenuse that rises to the right. The length of each side constituting the triangle changes depending on the height difference and the horizontal distance. The upper and lower sides of the triangle indicate the height difference, and the obtained numerical value (“30” in the figure) is also written. The left and right sides of the triangle indicate the horizontal distance, and the obtained numerical value (“100” in the figure) is also written. Further, in the hypotenuse portion, the target flight distance (“70” in the figure) is also written. By showing the shape and numerical value of the triangle, it is good to be able to more intuitively understand the height difference and the distance to be targeted when actually hitting the ball.

Further, in this modification, the distance measurement scale 50 is drawn on the lower left side of the main display area 46. The distance measurement scale 50 in this modification is used when the height of the point where the ball is hit and the height of the pin position of the green are equal to each other. The distance measurement scale 50 has a pair of marks drawn at predetermined intervals. The pair of marks is composed of two line segments. The distance between the two line segments is set to match the length of the pin displayed on the display unit 3 when horizontal at each distance. For example, if the scale added to the upper line segment when the upper and lower ends of the pin touch two line segments is "40", it can be seen that the remaining distance to the pin is 40 yards / 40 meters. .. Whether it is a yard or a meter depends on, for example, the setting of the unit to be used.

For example, if the actual cup position is not registered, the remaining distance to the green will be the distance to the center position of the green. For example, if the remaining distance to the green is sufficiently long compared to the size of the green, the difference between the center position of the green, which is the reference for determining the horizontal distance, and the position where the pin is actually standing is absorbed as an error. Therefore, there is no problem in deciding the number of clubs to use based on the remaining distance to the center of the green. On the other hand, when the distance is less than 100 yards and the distance is approaching 60 yards or 60 meters, the influence of the deviation between the center position of the green and the position where the pin is actually standing may not be negligible. This is especially noticeable when the green is large, such as one green, or when the pin position is near the green edge and away from the center position. In such a case, if the distance to the pin is obtained based on the length of the pin displayed on the display unit 3 using the distance measurement scale 50 as in this modification, the cup position is not registered in advance. However, since you can know the exact remaining distance to the pin position and cup position, you can select the club to use and adjust the swing appropriately.

On the other hand, if it is closer than, for example, 20 yards or 20 meters, the distance to the cup position can be understood by eye measurement. Therefore, it is preferable to set the range from 20 to 60 as shown in the figure.

Since the distance measurement scale 50 is configured by using two line segments having gradually different intervals, the remaining distance can be recognized as a continuous analog value. For example, in the illustrated example, in addition to the 20 and 60 at both ends and the 40 in the center where specific numerical values are described, a scale without a numerical value is placed in the middle to show the positions of 30 and 50. Furthermore, even between these scales, the approximate remaining distance can be estimated from the scale. Therefore, in this example, the remaining distance can be known relatively accurately in increments of 10 (yards / meter), and the approximate remaining distance can be known in increments of 5 (yards / meter). If you are a general golf player, it is enough to have information on the remaining distance in 10 (yard / meter) increments, and even if you are an advanced golfer, if you can know the distance in 5 (yard / meter) increments. It is preferable because it provides useful information.

Further, in the illustrated example, one of the two line segments constituting the distance measurement scale 50 is a straight line extending in the left-right direction, but it may be a straight line extending diagonally or a curved line. Further, the upper side may be a straight line extending in the left-right direction and the lower side may be a curved line. Further, instead of a continuous line segment, it may be composed of a plurality of sets of line segments for measuring a plurality of remaining distances discretely. For example, the distance measurement scale may be composed of a plurality of sets of line segments arranged at intervals according to each distance, such as in increments of 10 yards.

The layout of the distance measurement scale 50 is not limited to that shown in the figure, and may be, for example, close to the scope 40. Since this distance measurement scale 50 is used when it is horizontal, for example, when the height difference is 0 or small as a result of finding the inclination and the height difference by aligning the apex of the pin with the cross-shaped element 41 of the scope 40, it is as it is. The distance can be obtained by moving the golf support device 1 a little and adjusting the pin to the distance measurement scale 50. By doing so, the remaining distance can be appropriately measured even if the posture of the golf support device 1 is changed little.

Further, the straight line constituting the distance measurement scale 50 may also be used as the straight line element 43 of the scope 40. In such a case, it is preferable to make the upper side a straight line instead of making the lower side a straight line as shown in the figure. When the upper side is a straight line, the position of the apex of the pin does not need to be changed, and the inclination of the golf support device 1 does not need to be changed, so that the change in posture can be minimized.

Further, for example, the distance between the scale elements 42 on the upper side or the lower side of the cross-shaped element 41 of the scope 40 is appropriately set. The appropriate setting is the lower end or the lower end of the pin when the apex or lower end of the pin is aligned with the cross element 41 when the remaining distance to the pin is predetermined (for example, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 yards). A line segment constituting the scale element 42 is arranged at the position of the apex. In this way, the scope 40 constitutes a distance measurement scale when it is horizontal.

Further, the distance measurement scale 50 is used when it is horizontal. Therefore, for example, the distance measurement scale 50 may be drawn when the height difference is 0 or within a certain margin range. By doing so, it is sufficient to know at a glance whether the remaining distance can be measured using the distance measurement scale 50 in the current horizontal state. Further, instead of controlling the distance measurement scale 50 so as to be cost / non-display, it is preferable to change the display color (for example, blue when horizontal, red when there is a height difference, etc.).

Further, the distance measurement scale 50 is used only when it is horizontal. This changes, for example, when there is a height difference, the length of the pin becomes shorter than when it is plain. Therefore, even when there is a height difference, even if the distance measurement scale 50 shown in the figure is used for measurement, it cannot be performed correctly. In order to solve the problem, it is advisable to correct the distance between the two lines constituting the distance measurement scale 50 according to the obtained height difference.

Furthermore, in addition to the above-mentioned examples, the distance to the pin may be obtained based on the length of the pin displayed on the display unit 3. For example, the pin portion is specified by image recognition processing, and the length between the apex and the lower end is obtained. Then, the distance from the obtained length to the pin position may be calculated.

Although the golf course data storage unit 12 is a detachable external recording medium in the embodiment, an internal memory may be used. Further, although the storage unit 18 is configured to be composed of an internal memory in the embodiment, a removable external recording medium such as a microSD card may be used. Further, the recording medium, the internal memory, and the like constituting the storage unit 18 may be shared with the golf course data storage unit 12 in an actual device.
The present invention may be appropriately combined with the above-described embodiments and modifications, or may be incorporated into another modification.

1 Golf support device 2 Case 3 Display unit 4 Power button 5 Point registration button 6 GPS receiver 11 Control unit 12 Golf course data storage unit 15 Speaker 17 Battery 18 Storage unit 19 Geomagnetic sensor 20 Acceleration sensor 21 Camera 22 Touch panel 30 Pin 31 User 33 Guideline 35 Scale 35a Line segment 37 Height difference display unit 40 Scope 41 Cross-shaped element 42 Scale element 43 Straight line element 45 Height difference information display area 46 Main display area 50 Distance measurement scale

Claims (5)

A golf support device characterized by having a function of recognizing a pin on the green existing in an image captured by a camera and performing a predetermined process. The golf support device according to claim 1, further comprising a function of extracting pins existing in an image captured by the camera by image recognition as a function of performing the predetermined process. The golf support device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a function of determining whether or not the apex of the pin coincides with the guide by the image recognition as a function of performing the predetermined process. As a function of performing the predetermined process, it is provided with a function of determining whether or not the apex of the pin matches the guide by the image recognition, acquiring the inclination at the time of matching, and obtaining the height difference based on the inclination. The golf support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A program for realizing the function of the golf support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 on a computer.

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