CA2829954C - Apparatus and method for virtual golf driving range simulation - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for virtual golf driving range simulation Download PDFInfo
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- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
- A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
- A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
- A63B24/0003—Analysing the course of a movement or motion sequences during an exercise or trainings sequence, e.g. swing for golf or tennis
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
- A63B24/0021—Tracking a path or terminating locations
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- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
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- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
- A63B69/3605—Golf club selection aids informing player of his average or expected shot distance for each club
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/04—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00 for small-room or indoor sporting games
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- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
- G09B29/00—Maps; Plans; Charts; Diagrams, e.g. route diagram
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- G09B29/007—Representation of non-cartographic information on maps, e.g. population distribution, wind direction, radiation levels, air and sea routes using computer methods
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- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
- G09B9/00—Simulators for teaching or training purposes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
- A63B24/0021—Tracking a path or terminating locations
- A63B2024/0028—Tracking the path of an object, e.g. a ball inside a soccer pitch
- A63B2024/0034—Tracking the path of an object, e.g. a ball inside a soccer pitch during flight
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
- A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
- A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
- A63B2071/0636—3D visualisation
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
- A63B2220/803—Motion sensors
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Abstract
Disclosed herein are a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus and method that are capable of providing various practice modes for each kind of golf shot so that a user can intensively practice a specific golf shot through golf simulation based on virtual reality, realizing a virtual environment which cannot be experienced on a real golf driving range so that the user can intensively practice a golf shot that can be utilized in a real game with interest, and enabling the user to evaluate his/her golf shot through analysis based on the simulation result of the golf shot, thereby dramatically improving the user's golf skill.
Description
Description Title of Invention: APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR VIRTUAL
GOLF DRIVING RANGE SIMULATION
Technical Field [11 The present invention relates to a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus and method, and, more particularly, to a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus and method which sense a golf ball hit by a user and simulate the trajectory of the ball so that the user can practice a golf shot in a technical manner in a virtual environment for golf practice.
Background Art
GOLF DRIVING RANGE SIMULATION
Technical Field [11 The present invention relates to a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus and method, and, more particularly, to a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus and method which sense a golf ball hit by a user and simulate the trajectory of the ball so that the user can practice a golf shot in a technical manner in a virtual environment for golf practice.
Background Art
[2] With the recent upsurge of the golfing population, a so-called screen golf system, which offers the same sense of reality that a golfer would feel playing a round of golf on a real golf course using a virtual golf simulation apparatus based on virtual reality, has gained popularity.
1131 The screen golf system senses the velocity and direction of a golf ball that a golfer hits onto a screen installed indoors for displaying a virtual golf range and displays the progress of the golf ball on the screen so that the golfer feels as if they were playing a round of golf on a real golf course.
[4] The virtual golf simulation apparatus enables a user to play a round of virtual golf so that the user can improve his/her skill when playing a round of golf on a real golf course.
1151 However, golf is a hard sport in which it is necessary to take various golf shots using various golf clubs depending upon the distance to a hole cup. For this reason, the user must skillfully take almost all kinds of golf shots during a round of golf so as to get a good score. As long as the user is not a professional, however, some kinds of golf shots taken by the user may be poor, and the conventional virtual golf simulation apparatus is limited for the user to intensively practice his/her poor golf shots.
[6] This is because the conventional virtual golf simulation apparatus realizes an image regarding a virtual golf course on which a round of golf is played, and therefore, it is not possible to intensively practice only one or two golf shots.
1171 The user must practice a specific golf shot on a real golf driving range so as to in-tensively practice the golf shot. However, practice of the golf shot on the real golf driving range is too tiresome to stimulate the user's interest with the result that im-provement in golf skill of the user is very slow.
1181 Therefore, there is a high necessity for a new golf practice apparatus concept that is capable of enabling a specific golf shot, which is possible only on a real golf driving range, to be intensively practiced through golf simulation based on virtual reality and providing various functions, which cannot be provided on the real golf driving range, to improve golf skill of a user based on golf simulation using various high-technology apparatuses and systems.
Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus and method that are capable of providing various practice modes for each kind of golf shot so that a user can intensively practice a specific golf shot through golf simulation based on virtual reality, realizing a virtual environment which cannot be experienced on a real golf driving range so that the user can in-tensively practice a golf shot that can be utilized in a real game with interest, and enabling the user to evaluate his/her golf shot through analysis based on the simulation result of the golf shot, thereby dramatically improving the user's golf skill.
Solution to Problem [10] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus including a sensing device for sensing at least one of a golf club and a ball according to a golf swing performed by a user, an image processing device for im-plementing a virtual environment in which the user practices a specific golf shot as an image, a virtual environment control means for presetting a plurality of practice modes to intensively practice according to golf shot types and, when one of the practice modes is selected, realizing a virtual environment corresponding to the selected practice mode through the image processing device, and a simulation means for simulating a trajectory of the ball based on the result sensed by the sensing device in the realized virtual environment.
[11] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus including a sensing device for sensing at least one of a golf club and a ball according to a golf swing performed by a user, an image processing device for implementing a virtual environment in which the user practices a specific golf shot as an image, a communication means for receiving data regarding a virtual golf course selected by the user from a server storing data regarding a plurality of virtual golf courses on which a round of virtual golf is played, a virtual environment control means for presetting a plurality of practice modes to intensively practice according to golf shot types and realizing a virtual environment in which a golf shot based on each of the practice modes can be taken at a position at which the golf shot is possible on a virtual golf course, and a simulation means for simulating a trajectory of
1131 The screen golf system senses the velocity and direction of a golf ball that a golfer hits onto a screen installed indoors for displaying a virtual golf range and displays the progress of the golf ball on the screen so that the golfer feels as if they were playing a round of golf on a real golf course.
[4] The virtual golf simulation apparatus enables a user to play a round of virtual golf so that the user can improve his/her skill when playing a round of golf on a real golf course.
1151 However, golf is a hard sport in which it is necessary to take various golf shots using various golf clubs depending upon the distance to a hole cup. For this reason, the user must skillfully take almost all kinds of golf shots during a round of golf so as to get a good score. As long as the user is not a professional, however, some kinds of golf shots taken by the user may be poor, and the conventional virtual golf simulation apparatus is limited for the user to intensively practice his/her poor golf shots.
[6] This is because the conventional virtual golf simulation apparatus realizes an image regarding a virtual golf course on which a round of golf is played, and therefore, it is not possible to intensively practice only one or two golf shots.
1171 The user must practice a specific golf shot on a real golf driving range so as to in-tensively practice the golf shot. However, practice of the golf shot on the real golf driving range is too tiresome to stimulate the user's interest with the result that im-provement in golf skill of the user is very slow.
1181 Therefore, there is a high necessity for a new golf practice apparatus concept that is capable of enabling a specific golf shot, which is possible only on a real golf driving range, to be intensively practiced through golf simulation based on virtual reality and providing various functions, which cannot be provided on the real golf driving range, to improve golf skill of a user based on golf simulation using various high-technology apparatuses and systems.
Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus and method that are capable of providing various practice modes for each kind of golf shot so that a user can intensively practice a specific golf shot through golf simulation based on virtual reality, realizing a virtual environment which cannot be experienced on a real golf driving range so that the user can in-tensively practice a golf shot that can be utilized in a real game with interest, and enabling the user to evaluate his/her golf shot through analysis based on the simulation result of the golf shot, thereby dramatically improving the user's golf skill.
Solution to Problem [10] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus including a sensing device for sensing at least one of a golf club and a ball according to a golf swing performed by a user, an image processing device for im-plementing a virtual environment in which the user practices a specific golf shot as an image, a virtual environment control means for presetting a plurality of practice modes to intensively practice according to golf shot types and, when one of the practice modes is selected, realizing a virtual environment corresponding to the selected practice mode through the image processing device, and a simulation means for simulating a trajectory of the ball based on the result sensed by the sensing device in the realized virtual environment.
[11] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus including a sensing device for sensing at least one of a golf club and a ball according to a golf swing performed by a user, an image processing device for implementing a virtual environment in which the user practices a specific golf shot as an image, a communication means for receiving data regarding a virtual golf course selected by the user from a server storing data regarding a plurality of virtual golf courses on which a round of virtual golf is played, a virtual environment control means for presetting a plurality of practice modes to intensively practice according to golf shot types and realizing a virtual environment in which a golf shot based on each of the practice modes can be taken at a position at which the golf shot is possible on a virtual golf course, and a simulation means for simulating a trajectory of
3 the ball based on the result sensed by the sensing device in the realized virtual en-vironment.
[12] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a virtual golf driving range simulation method including being selected to any one from among a plurality of practice modes to intensively practice each kind of golf shot, realizing a virtual environment corresponding to the selected practice mode so that the golf shot is taken based on the selected practice mode, sensing at least one of a ball and a golf club according to a golf shot taken by a user, and simulating a trajectory of the ball based on the sensed result in the realized virtual environment.
Advantageous Effects of Invention [13] The virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus and method according to the present invention have the effect of providing various practice modes for each kind of golf shot so that a user can intensively practice a specific golf shot through golf simulation based on virtual reality, realizing a virtual environment which cannot be ex-perienced on a real golf driving range so that the user can intensively practice a golf shot that can be utilized in a real game with interest, and enabling the user to evaluate his/her golf shot through analysis based on the simulation result of the golf shot, thereby dramatically improving the user's golf skill.
Brief Description of Drawings [14] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in con-junction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[15] FIG. 1 is a view showing the construction of a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[16] FIG. 2 is a view showing the construction of a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[17] FIGS. 3 to 7 are views showing an example of a virtual environment realized by the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the present invention; and [18] FIGS. 8 to 10 are flow charts showing various embodiments of a virtual golf driving range simulation method according to the present invention.
Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention [19] Now, exemplary embodiments of a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus and method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[20] First, a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the construction of a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus
[12] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a virtual golf driving range simulation method including being selected to any one from among a plurality of practice modes to intensively practice each kind of golf shot, realizing a virtual environment corresponding to the selected practice mode so that the golf shot is taken based on the selected practice mode, sensing at least one of a ball and a golf club according to a golf shot taken by a user, and simulating a trajectory of the ball based on the sensed result in the realized virtual environment.
Advantageous Effects of Invention [13] The virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus and method according to the present invention have the effect of providing various practice modes for each kind of golf shot so that a user can intensively practice a specific golf shot through golf simulation based on virtual reality, realizing a virtual environment which cannot be ex-perienced on a real golf driving range so that the user can intensively practice a golf shot that can be utilized in a real game with interest, and enabling the user to evaluate his/her golf shot through analysis based on the simulation result of the golf shot, thereby dramatically improving the user's golf skill.
Brief Description of Drawings [14] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in con-junction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[15] FIG. 1 is a view showing the construction of a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[16] FIG. 2 is a view showing the construction of a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[17] FIGS. 3 to 7 are views showing an example of a virtual environment realized by the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the present invention; and [18] FIGS. 8 to 10 are flow charts showing various embodiments of a virtual golf driving range simulation method according to the present invention.
Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention [19] Now, exemplary embodiments of a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus and method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[20] First, a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the construction of a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus
4 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[21] As shown in FIG. 1, the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a sensing device 10, a database 20, an image processing device 30, an image output device 40, a club recognition device 50, and a controller M.
[22] Basically, the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the present invention realizes a virtual environment for allowing a user to practice golf on a golf driving range and simulates a golf shot taken by the user so that the user can evaluate his/her golf shot.
[23] A golf driving range embodied by the present invention is a 'virtual golf driving range' on which a virtual environment that can be experienced on a real golf driving range is realized so that a user can practice a golf shot which is more exciting, more intensive, and more practically useful in a real game.
[24] The virtual environment regarding the virtual golf driving range is realized by the virtual environment control means 200 through the image processing device 30 using data obtained from the database 20. In the virtual environment realized as described above, a golf club which a user uses to take a golf shot is recognized by the club recognition device 50. When the user takes a golf shot, the sensing device 10 senses the golf shot taken by the user, and the simulation means 100 calculates a trajectory of the ball based on the sensed result and the recognized club information so that the ball is simulated in the realized virtual environment.
[25] The virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the present invention and a conventional virtual golf simulation apparatus are similar to each other in terms of hardware but are different from each other in terms of software.
[26] That is, the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the present invention realizes a virtual environment which provides contents for golf practice. On the other hand, the virtual golf simulation apparatus realizes a real golf course (or a golf course which is not really present but is imaginarily designed) as an image based on virtual reality (hereinafter, referred to as a 'virtual golf course') so that a user can play a round of virtual golf in the same manner as playing a round of golf on a real golf course in the virtual reality in which the virtual golf course is implemented as an image.
[27] Consequently, the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the present invention may be implemented in a manner similar to a so-called screen golf system, in which the conventional virtual golf simulation apparatus is implemented, in terms of hardware, and therefore, the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the present invention may be composed so that a hitting plate, on which a user performs a golf swing to hit a ball, and a screen disposed in front of the hitting
[21] As shown in FIG. 1, the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a sensing device 10, a database 20, an image processing device 30, an image output device 40, a club recognition device 50, and a controller M.
[22] Basically, the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the present invention realizes a virtual environment for allowing a user to practice golf on a golf driving range and simulates a golf shot taken by the user so that the user can evaluate his/her golf shot.
[23] A golf driving range embodied by the present invention is a 'virtual golf driving range' on which a virtual environment that can be experienced on a real golf driving range is realized so that a user can practice a golf shot which is more exciting, more intensive, and more practically useful in a real game.
[24] The virtual environment regarding the virtual golf driving range is realized by the virtual environment control means 200 through the image processing device 30 using data obtained from the database 20. In the virtual environment realized as described above, a golf club which a user uses to take a golf shot is recognized by the club recognition device 50. When the user takes a golf shot, the sensing device 10 senses the golf shot taken by the user, and the simulation means 100 calculates a trajectory of the ball based on the sensed result and the recognized club information so that the ball is simulated in the realized virtual environment.
[25] The virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the present invention and a conventional virtual golf simulation apparatus are similar to each other in terms of hardware but are different from each other in terms of software.
[26] That is, the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the present invention realizes a virtual environment which provides contents for golf practice. On the other hand, the virtual golf simulation apparatus realizes a real golf course (or a golf course which is not really present but is imaginarily designed) as an image based on virtual reality (hereinafter, referred to as a 'virtual golf course') so that a user can play a round of virtual golf in the same manner as playing a round of golf on a real golf course in the virtual reality in which the virtual golf course is implemented as an image.
[27] Consequently, the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the present invention may be implemented in a manner similar to a so-called screen golf system, in which the conventional virtual golf simulation apparatus is implemented, in terms of hardware, and therefore, the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the present invention may be composed so that a hitting plate, on which a user performs a golf swing to hit a ball, and a screen disposed in front of the hitting
5 plate for displaying an image regarding a virtual golf driving range are provided in a space for golf practice having a predetermined size.
[28] Hereinafter, the respective components of the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the present invention to embody the above-mentioned charac-teristics will be described in more detail.
[29] The sensing device 10 senses the motion of a golf club and/or a ball according to a golf swing performed by a user.
[30] The sensing device 10 may be embodied in various forms. For example, the sensing device 10 may be implemented by an infrared sensor which emits infrared light, receives an infrared light component reflected by a golf club head moved when a user hits a ball and the ball hit by the user, and analyzes the received infrared light component, a laser sensor which irradiates a laser, senses a laser component blocked by a golf club head moved when a user hits a ball and the ball hit by the user, and analyzes the sensed laser component, or an image sensor which collects images regarding a ball hit by a user as the result of a golf swing and analyzes the collected images.
[31] Meanwhile, the database 20 stores all data necessary for virtual golf driving range simulation. Specifically, the database 20 stores data regarding a virtual golf course im-plemented by imaging a real golf course. Consequently, it is possible to realize a virtual environment in which a user can practice a golf shot based on a practice mode selected by the user on a virtual golf course selected by the user.
[32] Also, the database 20 may store personal information of users registered in the system or previously recorded information of the respective users.
[33] Meanwhile, the image processing device 30 processes and implements an image regarding a virtual environment in which a user can practice a specific golf shot.
[34] That is, the virtual environment control means 200 sets a virtual environment in which a user can practice a specific golf shot based on a practice mode selected by the user, image-processes the set virtual environment through the image processing device 30, and outputs the image-processed virtual environment through the image output device 40.
[35] The image processing device 30 may be implemented as a modulated part for performing an image processing function in an independent apparatus or may be im-plemented as an independent apparatus.
[36] The image output device 40 outputs the image information processed by the image processing device 30 to a screen. The image output device 40 may beimplemented as a display device or a projector for projecting an image onto a screen to display the image.
[37] The club recognition device 50 is provided to recognize a golf club held by a user
[28] Hereinafter, the respective components of the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the present invention to embody the above-mentioned charac-teristics will be described in more detail.
[29] The sensing device 10 senses the motion of a golf club and/or a ball according to a golf swing performed by a user.
[30] The sensing device 10 may be embodied in various forms. For example, the sensing device 10 may be implemented by an infrared sensor which emits infrared light, receives an infrared light component reflected by a golf club head moved when a user hits a ball and the ball hit by the user, and analyzes the received infrared light component, a laser sensor which irradiates a laser, senses a laser component blocked by a golf club head moved when a user hits a ball and the ball hit by the user, and analyzes the sensed laser component, or an image sensor which collects images regarding a ball hit by a user as the result of a golf swing and analyzes the collected images.
[31] Meanwhile, the database 20 stores all data necessary for virtual golf driving range simulation. Specifically, the database 20 stores data regarding a virtual golf course im-plemented by imaging a real golf course. Consequently, it is possible to realize a virtual environment in which a user can practice a golf shot based on a practice mode selected by the user on a virtual golf course selected by the user.
[32] Also, the database 20 may store personal information of users registered in the system or previously recorded information of the respective users.
[33] Meanwhile, the image processing device 30 processes and implements an image regarding a virtual environment in which a user can practice a specific golf shot.
[34] That is, the virtual environment control means 200 sets a virtual environment in which a user can practice a specific golf shot based on a practice mode selected by the user, image-processes the set virtual environment through the image processing device 30, and outputs the image-processed virtual environment through the image output device 40.
[35] The image processing device 30 may be implemented as a modulated part for performing an image processing function in an independent apparatus or may be im-plemented as an independent apparatus.
[36] The image output device 40 outputs the image information processed by the image processing device 30 to a screen. The image output device 40 may beimplemented as a display device or a projector for projecting an image onto a screen to display the image.
[37] The club recognition device 50 is provided to recognize a golf club held by a user
6
7 PCT/KR2012/002350 when the user stands on the hitting plate while holding the golf club to take a golf shot.
[38] The club recognition device 50 may be embodied in various forms. For example, the club recognition device 50 may be implemented as a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, which is configured so that, when a user stands on the hitting plate in a state in which an RFID tag containing information regarding a golf club is attached to the golf club, the RFID reader (club recognition device) installed near the hitting plate reads the RFID tag attached to the golf club held by the user for receiving information regarding the golf club to recognize the golf club.
[39] Also, the club recognition device 50 may be implemented as a barcode reader for reading a barcode or a quick response (QR) reader for reading a QR code. A
barcode or a QR code containing information regarding a golf club is attached to the golf club, and the barcode reader or the QR reader installed near the hitting plate reads the barcode or the QR code to recognize the golf club.
[40] Also, the club recognition device 50 may be implemented as a camera device. A
mark is formed at the golf club, and the camera acquires an image regarding the golf club and recognizes the mark regarding the golf club to recognize the golf club.
[41] Information regarding the golf club recognized by the club recognition device 50 and the result sensed by the sensing device 10 are processed by the simulation means 100.
The processed result may be used to more accurately calculate the trajectory of the ball, to determine whether the golf club is suitable for the practice mode selected by the user, or to recognize what kind of golf club is used by the user so that a virtual en-vironment is realized based on a position at which a golf shot can be taken using the golf club.
[42] Meanwhile, the controller M is a component for controlling the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus. The controller M includes a simulation means 100 and a virtual environment control means 200.
[43] The simulation means 100 simulates the trajectory of the ball based on the result sensed by the sensing device 10 in the realized virtual environment. That is, the simulation means 100 receives specific physical information of the ball based on the motion of the golf club and/or the ball sensed by the sensing device 10, calculates the trajectory of the ball based on the received information of the ball, and simulates the calculated trajectory of the ball in the realized virtual environment.
[44] The virtual environment control means 200 presets a plurality of practice modes to intensively practice each kind of golf shot and realizes a virtual environment corre-sponding to the selected practice mode through the image processing device 30 and the image output device 40.
[45] The virtual environment control means 200 presets a plurality of practice modes for each kind of golf shot. For example, the virtual environment control means 200 presets a long game practice mode to intensively practice at least one golf shot selected from among a driver shot, a wood shot and an iron shot and a short game practice mode to intensively practice an approach shot and/or putting. The virtual environment control means 200 realizes a virtual environment in which a golf shot can be taken based on each practice mode.
[46] The driver shot (also referred to as a tee shot) is a shot taken using a driver, which is one of the golf clubs, the wood shot is a shot taken using a wood driver, such as number 3 wood or number 4 wood, and the iron shot is a shot taken using number iron to number 9 iron.
[47] The approach shot includes a pitch shot and a chip shot. The pitch shot is a shot taken using a pitch wedge or a sand wedge in the vicinity of a green so that a ball is located on the green, and the chip shot is a shot taken in the vicinity of the green so that the ball approaches a hole cup.
[48] The putting is a shot taken using a putter on the green so that the ball enters the hole cup.
[49] Although the virtual environment control means 200 defines and sets the practice modes, such as the long game practice mode and the short game practice mode, based on kinds of golf shots as described above, the virtual environment control means 200 may also define and set a driver practice mode to practice a driver shot, a wood practice mode to practice a wood shot, an iron practice mode to practice an iron shot, a pitch practice mode to practice a pitch shot, a chip practice mode to practice a chip shot, and putting practice mode to practice putting.
[50] Also, the virtual environment control means 200 may set a real game practice mode in which a golf shot practiced in a different practice mode is practiced on a virtual hole as in a real game or a mission execution mode in which a goal is achieved step by step with respect to some kinds of golf shots and may realize a virtual environment based on the set modes.
[51] The virtual environment control means 200 preferably includes a mode setting means 210 for presetting a plurality of practice modes to intensively practice according to golf shot types and a mode realization means 220 for realizing a virtual environment for golf shot practice based on information preset by the mode setting means 210 with respect to the respective practice modes through the image processing device 30.
[52] In particular, the virtual environment control means 200 realizes a virtual en-vironment in which a golf shot based on each practice mode is taken at a specific position at which the shot can be taken on a virtual golf course (a golf course based on virtual reality including regular 18 holes and configured so that a round of virtual golf can be played at the conventional virtual golf simulation apparatus).
[53] That is, the mode setting means 210 sets a specific position at which a golf shot is
[38] The club recognition device 50 may be embodied in various forms. For example, the club recognition device 50 may be implemented as a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, which is configured so that, when a user stands on the hitting plate in a state in which an RFID tag containing information regarding a golf club is attached to the golf club, the RFID reader (club recognition device) installed near the hitting plate reads the RFID tag attached to the golf club held by the user for receiving information regarding the golf club to recognize the golf club.
[39] Also, the club recognition device 50 may be implemented as a barcode reader for reading a barcode or a quick response (QR) reader for reading a QR code. A
barcode or a QR code containing information regarding a golf club is attached to the golf club, and the barcode reader or the QR reader installed near the hitting plate reads the barcode or the QR code to recognize the golf club.
[40] Also, the club recognition device 50 may be implemented as a camera device. A
mark is formed at the golf club, and the camera acquires an image regarding the golf club and recognizes the mark regarding the golf club to recognize the golf club.
[41] Information regarding the golf club recognized by the club recognition device 50 and the result sensed by the sensing device 10 are processed by the simulation means 100.
The processed result may be used to more accurately calculate the trajectory of the ball, to determine whether the golf club is suitable for the practice mode selected by the user, or to recognize what kind of golf club is used by the user so that a virtual en-vironment is realized based on a position at which a golf shot can be taken using the golf club.
[42] Meanwhile, the controller M is a component for controlling the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus. The controller M includes a simulation means 100 and a virtual environment control means 200.
[43] The simulation means 100 simulates the trajectory of the ball based on the result sensed by the sensing device 10 in the realized virtual environment. That is, the simulation means 100 receives specific physical information of the ball based on the motion of the golf club and/or the ball sensed by the sensing device 10, calculates the trajectory of the ball based on the received information of the ball, and simulates the calculated trajectory of the ball in the realized virtual environment.
[44] The virtual environment control means 200 presets a plurality of practice modes to intensively practice each kind of golf shot and realizes a virtual environment corre-sponding to the selected practice mode through the image processing device 30 and the image output device 40.
[45] The virtual environment control means 200 presets a plurality of practice modes for each kind of golf shot. For example, the virtual environment control means 200 presets a long game practice mode to intensively practice at least one golf shot selected from among a driver shot, a wood shot and an iron shot and a short game practice mode to intensively practice an approach shot and/or putting. The virtual environment control means 200 realizes a virtual environment in which a golf shot can be taken based on each practice mode.
[46] The driver shot (also referred to as a tee shot) is a shot taken using a driver, which is one of the golf clubs, the wood shot is a shot taken using a wood driver, such as number 3 wood or number 4 wood, and the iron shot is a shot taken using number iron to number 9 iron.
[47] The approach shot includes a pitch shot and a chip shot. The pitch shot is a shot taken using a pitch wedge or a sand wedge in the vicinity of a green so that a ball is located on the green, and the chip shot is a shot taken in the vicinity of the green so that the ball approaches a hole cup.
[48] The putting is a shot taken using a putter on the green so that the ball enters the hole cup.
[49] Although the virtual environment control means 200 defines and sets the practice modes, such as the long game practice mode and the short game practice mode, based on kinds of golf shots as described above, the virtual environment control means 200 may also define and set a driver practice mode to practice a driver shot, a wood practice mode to practice a wood shot, an iron practice mode to practice an iron shot, a pitch practice mode to practice a pitch shot, a chip practice mode to practice a chip shot, and putting practice mode to practice putting.
[50] Also, the virtual environment control means 200 may set a real game practice mode in which a golf shot practiced in a different practice mode is practiced on a virtual hole as in a real game or a mission execution mode in which a goal is achieved step by step with respect to some kinds of golf shots and may realize a virtual environment based on the set modes.
[51] The virtual environment control means 200 preferably includes a mode setting means 210 for presetting a plurality of practice modes to intensively practice according to golf shot types and a mode realization means 220 for realizing a virtual environment for golf shot practice based on information preset by the mode setting means 210 with respect to the respective practice modes through the image processing device 30.
[52] In particular, the virtual environment control means 200 realizes a virtual en-vironment in which a golf shot based on each practice mode is taken at a specific position at which the shot can be taken on a virtual golf course (a golf course based on virtual reality including regular 18 holes and configured so that a round of virtual golf can be played at the conventional virtual golf simulation apparatus).
[53] That is, the mode setting means 210 sets a specific position at which a golf shot is
8 taken based on a practice mode selected by a user or selected according to a preset in-formation in a virtual golf course selected by the user or selected according to a preset information, and the mode realization means 220 realizes a virtual environment regarding a specific virtual golf course so that a golf shot can be practiced based on the selected practice mode at the specific position set by the mode setting means 210.
11541 For example, when a user plays a round of virtual golf on Pebble Beach Golf Course (a virtual golf course obtained by realizing Pebble Beach Golf Links located at Pebble Beach, California, USA as virtual reality) through the virtual golf simulation apparatus, a driver shot on hole number 1 may be out of bounds (OB). In order to intensively practice such a driver shot, therefore, the user may select a practice mode to intensively practice a driver shot through the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the present invention, and may select hole number 1 of Pebble Beach Golf Course as a virtual environment. In this case, the mode setting means 210 of the virtual environment control means 200 may set a virtual environment corresponding to a tee shot position of hole number 1 of Pebble Beach Golf Course, and the mode realization means 220 may realize a virtual environment based on information preset by the mode setting means 210 through the image processing device so that a driver shot can be practiced at the tee shot position of hole number 1 of Pebble Beach Golf Course.
11551 Also, when a user plays a round of virtual golf on Pine Valley Golf Club (a virtual golf course obtained by realizing Pine Valley Golf Club located at southern New Jersey, USA as virtual reality) through the virtual golf simulation apparatus, an approach shot on hole number 3 may fail. In order to intensively practice such an approach shot, therefore, the user may select a practice mode to intensively practice an approach shot through the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the present invention, may select hole number 3 of Pine Valley Golf Club as a virtual environment, and may select a specific position of the selected hole number 3 of Pine Valley Golf Club at which an approach shot is to be taken, thereby realizing a virtual environment regarding the vicinity of a green of hole number 3 of Pine Valley Golf Club so that the approach shot can be intensively practiced at the selected position.
11561 Meanwhile, the virtual environment control means 200 may include a shot analysis means 230 for analyzing a golf shot in each practice mode and providing the analysis result.
11571 For example, when a user selects a practice mode for driver shot practice, the shot analysis means 230 analyzes not only a speed of a club head when the user takes a driver shot, a face angle at the time of impact, an impact position of the club head, and a swing path, but also statistics of slice, hook and a flight distance based on the result of a plurality of driver shots, and provides the analysis result.
11581 When the user selects a practice mode for pitch shot practice, the shot analysis means
11541 For example, when a user plays a round of virtual golf on Pebble Beach Golf Course (a virtual golf course obtained by realizing Pebble Beach Golf Links located at Pebble Beach, California, USA as virtual reality) through the virtual golf simulation apparatus, a driver shot on hole number 1 may be out of bounds (OB). In order to intensively practice such a driver shot, therefore, the user may select a practice mode to intensively practice a driver shot through the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the present invention, and may select hole number 1 of Pebble Beach Golf Course as a virtual environment. In this case, the mode setting means 210 of the virtual environment control means 200 may set a virtual environment corresponding to a tee shot position of hole number 1 of Pebble Beach Golf Course, and the mode realization means 220 may realize a virtual environment based on information preset by the mode setting means 210 through the image processing device so that a driver shot can be practiced at the tee shot position of hole number 1 of Pebble Beach Golf Course.
11551 Also, when a user plays a round of virtual golf on Pine Valley Golf Club (a virtual golf course obtained by realizing Pine Valley Golf Club located at southern New Jersey, USA as virtual reality) through the virtual golf simulation apparatus, an approach shot on hole number 3 may fail. In order to intensively practice such an approach shot, therefore, the user may select a practice mode to intensively practice an approach shot through the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the present invention, may select hole number 3 of Pine Valley Golf Club as a virtual environment, and may select a specific position of the selected hole number 3 of Pine Valley Golf Club at which an approach shot is to be taken, thereby realizing a virtual environment regarding the vicinity of a green of hole number 3 of Pine Valley Golf Club so that the approach shot can be intensively practiced at the selected position.
11561 Meanwhile, the virtual environment control means 200 may include a shot analysis means 230 for analyzing a golf shot in each practice mode and providing the analysis result.
11571 For example, when a user selects a practice mode for driver shot practice, the shot analysis means 230 analyzes not only a speed of a club head when the user takes a driver shot, a face angle at the time of impact, an impact position of the club head, and a swing path, but also statistics of slice, hook and a flight distance based on the result of a plurality of driver shots, and provides the analysis result.
11581 When the user selects a practice mode for pitch shot practice, the shot analysis means
9 230 analyzes not only an impact position of a club head, a trajectory angle, and a flight distance but also statistics of a green location rate and proximity to a hole cup, and provides the analysis result.
[59] That is, the shot analysis means 230 is characterized not by analyzing a golf shot based on general items but by analyzing a golf shot based on a practice mode selected by a user according to specific items referring to the golf shot and providing the analysis result.
[60] In terms of hardware, the mode setting means 210, the mode realization means 220 and the shot analysis means 230 may be implemented as a single controller configured to perform the functions of the respective means or as a plurality of controllers corre-sponding to the respective means. In terms of software, the mode setting means 210, the mode realization means 220 and the shot analysis means 230 may be implemented as a single program configured to perform the functions of the respective means or as a plurality of programs corresponding to the respective means.
[61] Hereinafter, a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
2.
[62] As shown in FIG. 2, the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to this embodiment of the present invention may be connected to a server S via a network.
[63] The server S includes a network connection means connected to a plurality of virtual golf driving range simulation apparatuses via a network. The network connection means may be connected to a user's personal computer or mobile terminal via a network, such as wireless Internet.
[64] The server S may include an interface means for providing an interface screen regarding the user's personal computer or mobile terminal connected via the network.
Also, the server S may include a storage means for storing data regarding a plurality of virtual golf courses.
[65] The virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus preferably includes a commu-nication means 60 connected to the server S via the network. Other components, such as a controller M, a sensing device 10, an image processing device 30, and a club recognition device 50, of the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus are identical to those of the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the previous embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Consequently, a detailed description of the components of the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to this em-bodiment identical to those of the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the previous embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be omitted.
[66] Meanwhile, a database 20 of the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to this embodiment does not store data regarding a virtual golf course for
[59] That is, the shot analysis means 230 is characterized not by analyzing a golf shot based on general items but by analyzing a golf shot based on a practice mode selected by a user according to specific items referring to the golf shot and providing the analysis result.
[60] In terms of hardware, the mode setting means 210, the mode realization means 220 and the shot analysis means 230 may be implemented as a single controller configured to perform the functions of the respective means or as a plurality of controllers corre-sponding to the respective means. In terms of software, the mode setting means 210, the mode realization means 220 and the shot analysis means 230 may be implemented as a single program configured to perform the functions of the respective means or as a plurality of programs corresponding to the respective means.
[61] Hereinafter, a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
2.
[62] As shown in FIG. 2, the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to this embodiment of the present invention may be connected to a server S via a network.
[63] The server S includes a network connection means connected to a plurality of virtual golf driving range simulation apparatuses via a network. The network connection means may be connected to a user's personal computer or mobile terminal via a network, such as wireless Internet.
[64] The server S may include an interface means for providing an interface screen regarding the user's personal computer or mobile terminal connected via the network.
Also, the server S may include a storage means for storing data regarding a plurality of virtual golf courses.
[65] The virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus preferably includes a commu-nication means 60 connected to the server S via the network. Other components, such as a controller M, a sensing device 10, an image processing device 30, and a club recognition device 50, of the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus are identical to those of the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the previous embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Consequently, a detailed description of the components of the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to this em-bodiment identical to those of the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the previous embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be omitted.
[66] Meanwhile, a database 20 of the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to this embodiment does not store data regarding a virtual golf course for
10 realizing a virtual environment for each practice mode. The server S is configured to store the data regarding the virtual golf courses.
[67] When a user selects any one from among a plurality of virtual golf courses, therefore, the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus receives data regarding the selected virtual golf course from the server S through the communication means 60 and tem-porarily stores the received data in the database 20.
[68] Also, the server S may provide a practice mode in which a golf shot that a user needs to practice, a golf course, or the degree of difficulty in mission is adjusted using record information regarding previous use of the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus registered in the system upon providing virtual environment data for each practice mode.
[69] Hereinafter, an example of a virtual environment realized by the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7.
[70] First, when the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus is operated as shown in FIG. 3, kinds of practice modes are displayed so that a user can select one of the practice modes.
[71] In an example shown in FIG. 3, a long game practice mode Ml, a short game practice mode M2, a real game practice mode M3, and a mission execution mode are displayed. The long game practice mode M1 is a practice mode set to intensively practice at least one golf shot selected from among a driver shot, a wood shot and an iron shot and to realize a virtual environment based thereon. The short game practice mode M2 is a practice mode set to intensively practice at least one golf shot selected from among a pitch shot, a chip shot and putting and to realize a virtual environment based thereon. The real game practice mode M3 is a practice mode set to practice a golf shot practiced in a different practice mode on a simple golf course having about three or four holes as in a real game and to realize a virtual environment based thereon.
The mission execution mode M4 is a practice mode set to achieve a goal step by step with respect to some kinds of golf shots and to realize a virtual environment based thereon.
[72] After one of the practice modes is selected, a virtual place at which a golf shot based on the selected practice mode is taken, i.e. a virtual golf course, may be selected. FIG.
4 shows an example of a screen displaying various virtual golf courses, one of which is selected.
[73] In an example shown in FIG. 4, a golf course and a specific hole of the golf course can be simultaneously selected. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.
For example, a golf course may be selected first, and then a user may directly select a desired one from among 18 holes of the selected golf course.
[67] When a user selects any one from among a plurality of virtual golf courses, therefore, the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus receives data regarding the selected virtual golf course from the server S through the communication means 60 and tem-porarily stores the received data in the database 20.
[68] Also, the server S may provide a practice mode in which a golf shot that a user needs to practice, a golf course, or the degree of difficulty in mission is adjusted using record information regarding previous use of the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus registered in the system upon providing virtual environment data for each practice mode.
[69] Hereinafter, an example of a virtual environment realized by the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7.
[70] First, when the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus is operated as shown in FIG. 3, kinds of practice modes are displayed so that a user can select one of the practice modes.
[71] In an example shown in FIG. 3, a long game practice mode Ml, a short game practice mode M2, a real game practice mode M3, and a mission execution mode are displayed. The long game practice mode M1 is a practice mode set to intensively practice at least one golf shot selected from among a driver shot, a wood shot and an iron shot and to realize a virtual environment based thereon. The short game practice mode M2 is a practice mode set to intensively practice at least one golf shot selected from among a pitch shot, a chip shot and putting and to realize a virtual environment based thereon. The real game practice mode M3 is a practice mode set to practice a golf shot practiced in a different practice mode on a simple golf course having about three or four holes as in a real game and to realize a virtual environment based thereon.
The mission execution mode M4 is a practice mode set to achieve a goal step by step with respect to some kinds of golf shots and to realize a virtual environment based thereon.
[72] After one of the practice modes is selected, a virtual place at which a golf shot based on the selected practice mode is taken, i.e. a virtual golf course, may be selected. FIG.
4 shows an example of a screen displaying various virtual golf courses, one of which is selected.
[73] In an example shown in FIG. 4, a golf course and a specific hole of the golf course can be simultaneously selected. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.
For example, a golf course may be selected first, and then a user may directly select a desired one from among 18 holes of the selected golf course.
11 [74] On the other hand, FIG. 5 shows an example of a virtual environment realized based on the practice mode and the virtual golf course selected by the user.
Specifically, FIG.
shows that a user selects drive shot practice in the long game practice mode M1 and hole number 14 of High 1 Country Club (CC), which is a virtual golf course, and a virtual environment is realized based on the position of a tee box (TB) at which a user takes a driver shot with respect to a ball B on hole number 14 of High 1 CC.
[75] Consequently, it is possible for the user to intensively and repeatedly practice a driver shot at the position of the tee box on hole number 14 of High 1 CC.
[76] If the user selects iron shot practice, a virtual environment is realized based on the position of the selected virtual golf course at which an iron shot can be taken. Since the iron shot can be taken at any position remote from a green by a predetermined distance, it is possible for the user to select the position at which an iron shot is to be taken (at this time, several positions may be displayed so that the user can select one of the positions) or to directly designate the position at which an iron shot is to be taken and practice the iron shot. Alternatively, a virtual environment may be realized so that the user does not directly select or designate a specific position but takes an iron shot at a predetermined position.
[77] Meanwhile, FIG. 6 shows that a user selects pitch shot practice in the short game practice mode and hole number 14 of High 1 CC, which is a virtual golf course, and a virtual environment is realized based on the position at which a user takes a pitch shot on hole number 14 of High 1 CC.
[78] That is, a virtual environment regarding a region in the vicinity of a green of hole number 14 of High 1 CC selected by the user is realized, and the user may select a specific position, such as a fairway F, rough R, and a bunker BK, in the vicinity of a green G and may hit the ball B at the selected position to repeatedly and intensively practice the pitch shot.
[79] At this time, the user may select hole number 14 of High 1 CC and may take a pitch shot at a predetermined position at which the pitch shot is to be taken.
Alternatively, a virtual environment may be realized so that the user can directly select or designate the position at which the pitch shot is to be taken and can practice the pitch shot at the selected/designated position.
[80] FIG. 7 shows an example of the user directly selecting/designating the position at which a pitch shot is to be taken in the virtual environment shown in FIG. 6.
[81] As shown in FIG. 7, a 30 m section, a 60 m section, or a 90 m section may be set in the vicinity of the green G, and the position at which the user directly takes a pitch shot in the set section may be designated. Alternatively, one section may be selected from among a plurality of sections so that a predetermined position of the selected section is set as the position at which a pitch shot is to be taken.
Specifically, FIG.
shows that a user selects drive shot practice in the long game practice mode M1 and hole number 14 of High 1 Country Club (CC), which is a virtual golf course, and a virtual environment is realized based on the position of a tee box (TB) at which a user takes a driver shot with respect to a ball B on hole number 14 of High 1 CC.
[75] Consequently, it is possible for the user to intensively and repeatedly practice a driver shot at the position of the tee box on hole number 14 of High 1 CC.
[76] If the user selects iron shot practice, a virtual environment is realized based on the position of the selected virtual golf course at which an iron shot can be taken. Since the iron shot can be taken at any position remote from a green by a predetermined distance, it is possible for the user to select the position at which an iron shot is to be taken (at this time, several positions may be displayed so that the user can select one of the positions) or to directly designate the position at which an iron shot is to be taken and practice the iron shot. Alternatively, a virtual environment may be realized so that the user does not directly select or designate a specific position but takes an iron shot at a predetermined position.
[77] Meanwhile, FIG. 6 shows that a user selects pitch shot practice in the short game practice mode and hole number 14 of High 1 CC, which is a virtual golf course, and a virtual environment is realized based on the position at which a user takes a pitch shot on hole number 14 of High 1 CC.
[78] That is, a virtual environment regarding a region in the vicinity of a green of hole number 14 of High 1 CC selected by the user is realized, and the user may select a specific position, such as a fairway F, rough R, and a bunker BK, in the vicinity of a green G and may hit the ball B at the selected position to repeatedly and intensively practice the pitch shot.
[79] At this time, the user may select hole number 14 of High 1 CC and may take a pitch shot at a predetermined position at which the pitch shot is to be taken.
Alternatively, a virtual environment may be realized so that the user can directly select or designate the position at which the pitch shot is to be taken and can practice the pitch shot at the selected/designated position.
[80] FIG. 7 shows an example of the user directly selecting/designating the position at which a pitch shot is to be taken in the virtual environment shown in FIG. 6.
[81] As shown in FIG. 7, a 30 m section, a 60 m section, or a 90 m section may be set in the vicinity of the green G, and the position at which the user directly takes a pitch shot in the set section may be designated. Alternatively, one section may be selected from among a plurality of sections so that a predetermined position of the selected section is set as the position at which a pitch shot is to be taken.
12 [82] FIG. 7 shows that the user directly designates an arbitrary position in the vicinity of the 60 m section and practices a pitch shot at the position.
[83] A rough R and bunker BK as well as a fairway may be present in the vicinity of the green G, and the user may select or designate pitch shot practice in the rough R or the bunker BK.
[84] A virtual ball B is formed at the position at which the pitch shot is to be taken, and a virtual environment is realized based on the position.
[85] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, it is possible for the user to directly select or designate the position of a pin P (a flag put in a hole cup), i.e. position of the hole cup, on the green G. Candidate positions, at which the pin P is to be located, on the green G
are displayed, as shown in FIG. 7, so that the user can select one of the positions. Al-ternatively, it is possible for the user to directly designate an arbitrary position on the green G.
[86] When the user selects or designates the position of the pin P, a virtual environment is realized so that a new hole cup and a new pin P are created at the position, and the user may practice a golf shot to the selected or designated position of the pin P
as a target.
[87] Hereinafter, various embodiments of a virtual golf driving range simulation method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.
[88] First, a virtual golf driving range simulation method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8.
[89] A user selects a practice mode from among a plurality of preset practice modes to practice according to golf shot types (51).
[90] Subsequently, the user selects a virtual golf course from among a plurality of virtual golf courses (S2). At this time, as the user selects the virtual golf course, a specific hole of the selected virtual golf course may be automatically selected.
Alternatively, the user may select a virtual golf course and may select a specific hole from among a plurality of holes of the selected virtual golf course.
[91] When the selection of the practice mode and the virtual golf course is completed, the user may select or designate the position at which a golf shot is to be taken based on the selected practice mode on the selected virtual golf course (S3). Of course, the user may not select or designate the position at which a golf shot is to be taken but a golf shot may be taken based on the selected practice mode at a predetermined position on the selected virtual golf course.
[92] When the selection of the practice mode, the selection of the virtual golf course, and the selection or designation of the position at which a golf shot is to be taken on the selected virtual golf course are completed as described above, the controller realizes a virtual environment in which the user can take a golf shot at the selected or designated position (or the predetermined position) on the selected virtual golf course (S4).
[83] A rough R and bunker BK as well as a fairway may be present in the vicinity of the green G, and the user may select or designate pitch shot practice in the rough R or the bunker BK.
[84] A virtual ball B is formed at the position at which the pitch shot is to be taken, and a virtual environment is realized based on the position.
[85] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, it is possible for the user to directly select or designate the position of a pin P (a flag put in a hole cup), i.e. position of the hole cup, on the green G. Candidate positions, at which the pin P is to be located, on the green G
are displayed, as shown in FIG. 7, so that the user can select one of the positions. Al-ternatively, it is possible for the user to directly designate an arbitrary position on the green G.
[86] When the user selects or designates the position of the pin P, a virtual environment is realized so that a new hole cup and a new pin P are created at the position, and the user may practice a golf shot to the selected or designated position of the pin P
as a target.
[87] Hereinafter, various embodiments of a virtual golf driving range simulation method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.
[88] First, a virtual golf driving range simulation method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8.
[89] A user selects a practice mode from among a plurality of preset practice modes to practice according to golf shot types (51).
[90] Subsequently, the user selects a virtual golf course from among a plurality of virtual golf courses (S2). At this time, as the user selects the virtual golf course, a specific hole of the selected virtual golf course may be automatically selected.
Alternatively, the user may select a virtual golf course and may select a specific hole from among a plurality of holes of the selected virtual golf course.
[91] When the selection of the practice mode and the virtual golf course is completed, the user may select or designate the position at which a golf shot is to be taken based on the selected practice mode on the selected virtual golf course (S3). Of course, the user may not select or designate the position at which a golf shot is to be taken but a golf shot may be taken based on the selected practice mode at a predetermined position on the selected virtual golf course.
[92] When the selection of the practice mode, the selection of the virtual golf course, and the selection or designation of the position at which a golf shot is to be taken on the selected virtual golf course are completed as described above, the controller realizes a virtual environment in which the user can take a golf shot at the selected or designated position (or the predetermined position) on the selected virtual golf course (S4).
13 [93] As the user takes the golf shot at the selected or designated position on the selected virtual golf course, the sensing device senses the motion of a golf club or a ball, and the controller calculates the trajectory of the ball based on the sensed result so that simulation can be performed in the realized virtual environment (S5).
[94] The club recognition device recognizes the golf club held by the user when the user stands on the hitting plate while holding the golf club to take a golf shot.
In a case in which the recognized golf club is not suitable for golf shot practice based on the practice mode selected by the user, the controller may output video or audio in-formation informing the user that it is necessary to replace the golf club.
[95] For example, if the user selects a practice mode for driver shot practice and stands on the hitting plate while holding number 7 iron, the club recognition device recognizes the golf club held by the user, informs the user that the golf club held by the user is not suitable, and guides the user so that the user can practice a golf shot using a driver.
[96] After the simulation is performed, the shot is analyzed based on the simulation result, and the controller provides the analysis result to the user (S6).
[97] Next, a virtual golf driving range simulation method according to another em-bodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9.
[98] A user selects a practice mode from among a plurality of preset practice modes to practice according to golf shot types (S10). For example, the long game practice mode or the short game practice mode as described above may be selected.
[99] At this time, the user selects a kind of golf shot that can be taken in the selected practice mode (S20). For example, in case of selecting the long game practice mode, it is possible to select a golf shot from among a driver shot, a wood shot, and an iron shot. Subsequently, the user selects a virtual golf course from among a plurality of virtual golf courses (S30).
[100] When the above-mentioned selection is completed, the controller realizes a virtual environment in which the user can take a golf shot at a predetermined position at which the selected golf shot can be taken or at a position selected or designated by the user so that the selected golf shot can be taken on the selected virtual golf course (S40).
[101] As the user takes the golf shot, simulation is performed in the realized virtual en-vironment (S50). Subsequently, the shot is analyzed based on the simulation result, and the analysis result is provided to the user (S60).
[102] The club recognition device may recognize the golf club held by the user when the user stands on the hitting plate while holding the golf club to take a golf shot. In a case in which the recognized golf club is not suitable for golf shot practice based on the practice mode selected by the user, the controller may output video or audio in-formation informing the user that it is necessary to replace the golf club.
[94] The club recognition device recognizes the golf club held by the user when the user stands on the hitting plate while holding the golf club to take a golf shot.
In a case in which the recognized golf club is not suitable for golf shot practice based on the practice mode selected by the user, the controller may output video or audio in-formation informing the user that it is necessary to replace the golf club.
[95] For example, if the user selects a practice mode for driver shot practice and stands on the hitting plate while holding number 7 iron, the club recognition device recognizes the golf club held by the user, informs the user that the golf club held by the user is not suitable, and guides the user so that the user can practice a golf shot using a driver.
[96] After the simulation is performed, the shot is analyzed based on the simulation result, and the controller provides the analysis result to the user (S6).
[97] Next, a virtual golf driving range simulation method according to another em-bodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9.
[98] A user selects a practice mode from among a plurality of preset practice modes to practice according to golf shot types (S10). For example, the long game practice mode or the short game practice mode as described above may be selected.
[99] At this time, the user selects a kind of golf shot that can be taken in the selected practice mode (S20). For example, in case of selecting the long game practice mode, it is possible to select a golf shot from among a driver shot, a wood shot, and an iron shot. Subsequently, the user selects a virtual golf course from among a plurality of virtual golf courses (S30).
[100] When the above-mentioned selection is completed, the controller realizes a virtual environment in which the user can take a golf shot at a predetermined position at which the selected golf shot can be taken or at a position selected or designated by the user so that the selected golf shot can be taken on the selected virtual golf course (S40).
[101] As the user takes the golf shot, simulation is performed in the realized virtual en-vironment (S50). Subsequently, the shot is analyzed based on the simulation result, and the analysis result is provided to the user (S60).
[102] The club recognition device may recognize the golf club held by the user when the user stands on the hitting plate while holding the golf club to take a golf shot. In a case in which the recognized golf club is not suitable for golf shot practice based on the practice mode selected by the user, the controller may output video or audio in-formation informing the user that it is necessary to replace the golf club.
14 [103] In the following, a virtual golf driving range simulation method according to a further embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
10.
[104] A user selects a practice mode from among a plurality of preset practice modes to practice according to golf shot types (S100).
[105] Subsequently, the user selects a virtual golf course on which a golf shot is to be taken (S200).
[106] Subsequently, a golf club used by the user is recognized by the club recognition device (S300).
[107] At this time, the controller realizes a virtual environment based on the position at which the user can take a golf shot using the golf club recognized by the club recognition device on the virtual golf course selected by the user (S400).
That is, the controller realizes a virtual environment in which the user can take a golf shot at a pre-determined position at which the user can take the golf shot using the recognized golf club or at a position selected or designated by the user so that the user can take the golf shot using the recognized golf club on the selected virtual golf course (S400).
[108] For example, when the user selects the short game practice mode and stands on the hitting plate while holding a sand wedge, the club recognition device recognizes that the golf club to be used by the user is a sand wedge, and a virtual environment is realized based on a position at which the user can take a golf shot using the sand wedge (it may be a predetermined position, or the user may select or designate a more concrete position from an approximate position at which the user can take the golf shot using the sand wedge) on the selected virtual golf course.
[109] After the virtual environment is realized as described above, the user takes a golf shot, the sensing device senses the golf shot taken by the user, and the controller simulates the trajectory of a ball based on the sensed result (S500).
Subsequently, the shot is analyzed based on the simulation result, and the analysis result is provided to the user (S600).
Mode for the Invention [110] Various embodiments of a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus and method have been described in the best mode for carrying out the invention.
Industrial Applicability [111] In the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus and method according to the present invention as described above, it is possible to provide various practice modes for each kind of golf shot so that a user can intensively practice a specific golf shot through golf simulation based on virtual reality, to realize a virtual environment which cannot be experienced on a real golf driving range so that the user can intensively
10.
[104] A user selects a practice mode from among a plurality of preset practice modes to practice according to golf shot types (S100).
[105] Subsequently, the user selects a virtual golf course on which a golf shot is to be taken (S200).
[106] Subsequently, a golf club used by the user is recognized by the club recognition device (S300).
[107] At this time, the controller realizes a virtual environment based on the position at which the user can take a golf shot using the golf club recognized by the club recognition device on the virtual golf course selected by the user (S400).
That is, the controller realizes a virtual environment in which the user can take a golf shot at a pre-determined position at which the user can take the golf shot using the recognized golf club or at a position selected or designated by the user so that the user can take the golf shot using the recognized golf club on the selected virtual golf course (S400).
[108] For example, when the user selects the short game practice mode and stands on the hitting plate while holding a sand wedge, the club recognition device recognizes that the golf club to be used by the user is a sand wedge, and a virtual environment is realized based on a position at which the user can take a golf shot using the sand wedge (it may be a predetermined position, or the user may select or designate a more concrete position from an approximate position at which the user can take the golf shot using the sand wedge) on the selected virtual golf course.
[109] After the virtual environment is realized as described above, the user takes a golf shot, the sensing device senses the golf shot taken by the user, and the controller simulates the trajectory of a ball based on the sensed result (S500).
Subsequently, the shot is analyzed based on the simulation result, and the analysis result is provided to the user (S600).
Mode for the Invention [110] Various embodiments of a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus and method have been described in the best mode for carrying out the invention.
Industrial Applicability [111] In the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus and method according to the present invention as described above, it is possible to provide various practice modes for each kind of golf shot so that a user can intensively practice a specific golf shot through golf simulation based on virtual reality, to realize a virtual environment which cannot be experienced on a real golf driving range so that the user can intensively
15 practice a golf shot that can be utilized in a real game with interest, and to enable the user to evaluate his/her golf shot through analysis based on the simulation result of the golf shot, thereby dramatically improving the user's golf skill. Consequently, the present invention can be widely used in industries related to the virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus and method.
Claims (16)
1. A virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus comprising:
a sensing device for sensing at least one of: a golf club and a ball, according to a golf swing performed by a user;
a database for storing data regarding a plurality of virtual golf courses, wherein the virtual golf course is a golf course realized by imaging processing including a plurality of holes so that a round of virtual golf can be played;
an image processing device for implementing a virtual environment in which the user practices a specific golf shot as an image using data stored in the database;
a virtual environment control means for controlling the image processing device to realize the virtual environment, wherein the virtual environment control means is configured:
to preset a plurality of practice modes for the user to intensively practice golf shots according to golf shot types;
to set a practice mode for the user to practice a specific golf shot selected among the preset practice modes;
to set a virtual golf course as a virtual environment for the user to practice a golf shot in the selected practice mode selected among the plurality of the virtual golf courses stored in the database;
to set a specific position on one of: a selected hole and a predetermined hole of the set virtual golf course according to the set practice mode so that the user practices a golf shot according to the set practice mode at the specific position on the selected or predetermined hole of the set virtual golf course; and to realize a virtual environment according to the selected or predetermined hole of the set virtual golf course based on the specific position so that a golf shot can be repeatedly practiced at the specific position on the set hole of the virtual golf course in the set practice mode, and a simulation means for simulating a trajectory of the ball based on the result sensed by the sensing device in the realized virtual environment.
a sensing device for sensing at least one of: a golf club and a ball, according to a golf swing performed by a user;
a database for storing data regarding a plurality of virtual golf courses, wherein the virtual golf course is a golf course realized by imaging processing including a plurality of holes so that a round of virtual golf can be played;
an image processing device for implementing a virtual environment in which the user practices a specific golf shot as an image using data stored in the database;
a virtual environment control means for controlling the image processing device to realize the virtual environment, wherein the virtual environment control means is configured:
to preset a plurality of practice modes for the user to intensively practice golf shots according to golf shot types;
to set a practice mode for the user to practice a specific golf shot selected among the preset practice modes;
to set a virtual golf course as a virtual environment for the user to practice a golf shot in the selected practice mode selected among the plurality of the virtual golf courses stored in the database;
to set a specific position on one of: a selected hole and a predetermined hole of the set virtual golf course according to the set practice mode so that the user practices a golf shot according to the set practice mode at the specific position on the selected or predetermined hole of the set virtual golf course; and to realize a virtual environment according to the selected or predetermined hole of the set virtual golf course based on the specific position so that a golf shot can be repeatedly practiced at the specific position on the set hole of the virtual golf course in the set practice mode, and a simulation means for simulating a trajectory of the ball based on the result sensed by the sensing device in the realized virtual environment.
2. The virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the virtual environment control means is configured to preset the plurality of practice modes including a long game practice mode and a short game practice mode, wherein the long game practice mode realizes a virtual environment for a user to intensively practice at least one golf shot selected from the group consisting of: a driver shot, a wood shot, and an iron shot, and the short game practice mode realizes a virtual environment for a user to intensively practice at least one golf shot selected from the group consisting of: a pitch shot, a chip shot, and putting.
3. The virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the virtual environment control means is configured to preset the plurality of practice modes including at least one practice mode selected from a group consisting of: a driver practice mode to practice a driver shot, a wood practice mode to practice a wood shot, an iron practice mode to practice an iron shot, a pitch practice mode to practice a pitch shot, a chip practice mode to practice a chip shot, and putting practice mode to practice putting.
4. The virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the virtual environment control means is configured to preset the plurality of practice modes further including at least one of a real game practice mode and a mission execution mode, wherein the real game practice mode realizes a virtual environment for a user to practice with a golf shot practiced in a different practice mode on at least one virtual hole of a golf course as in a real game, and a mission execution mode realizes a virtual environment in which a goal is achieved step by step with respect to some kinds of golf shots.
5. A virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus comprising:
a sensing device for sensing at least one of a golf club and a ball according to a golf swing performed by a user;
an image processing device for implementing a virtual environment in which the user practices a specific golf shot as an image;
a club recognition device for obtaining information regarding a golf club used by the user to take a golf shot;
a virtual environment control means for controlling the image processing device to realize the virtual environment, wherein the virtual environment control means is configured:
to preset a plurality of practice modes for the user to intensively practice golf shots according to golf shot types;
to set a practice mode for the user to practice a specific golf shot selected among the preset practice modes;
to recognize a golf club to be used by the user to take a golf shot in the set practice mode from information regarding the golf club obtained by the club recognition device; and to realize a virtual environment based on a position at which the user can practice a golf shot using the recognized golf club in the set practice mode repeatedly, and a simulation means for simulating a trajectory of the ball based on the result sensed by the sensing device in the realized virtual environment.
a sensing device for sensing at least one of a golf club and a ball according to a golf swing performed by a user;
an image processing device for implementing a virtual environment in which the user practices a specific golf shot as an image;
a club recognition device for obtaining information regarding a golf club used by the user to take a golf shot;
a virtual environment control means for controlling the image processing device to realize the virtual environment, wherein the virtual environment control means is configured:
to preset a plurality of practice modes for the user to intensively practice golf shots according to golf shot types;
to set a practice mode for the user to practice a specific golf shot selected among the preset practice modes;
to recognize a golf club to be used by the user to take a golf shot in the set practice mode from information regarding the golf club obtained by the club recognition device; and to realize a virtual environment based on a position at which the user can practice a golf shot using the recognized golf club in the set practice mode repeatedly, and a simulation means for simulating a trajectory of the ball based on the result sensed by the sensing device in the realized virtual environment.
6. The virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a shot analysis means for analyzing a golf shot in each of the practice modes and providing the analysis result.
7. The virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the simulation means calculates the trajectory of the ball based on the result sensed by the sensing device and the information regarding the golf club recognized by the club recognition device and performs simulation.
8. The virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the virtual environment control means is configured to determine whether the golf club is suitable for the selected practice mode based on the information regarding the golf club recognized by the club recognition device and to inform the user of the determination result.
9. The virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a shot analysis means for analyzing a golf shot according to each of the practice modes based on each golf club recognized by the club recognition device and for providing the analysis result.
10. A virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus comprising:
a sensing device for sensing at least one of a golf club and a ball according to a golf swing performed by a user;
an image processing device for implementing a virtual environment in which the user practices a specific golf shot as an image;
a communication means for receiving data regarding a virtual golf course selected by the user from a server storing data regarding a plurality of virtual golf courses, wherein the virtual golf course is a golf course realized by imaging processing including a plurality of holes so that a round of virtual golf can be played;
a virtual environment control means for controlling the image processing device to realize the virtual environment, wherein the virtual environment control means is configured:
to preset a plurality of practice modes for the user to intensively practice golf shots according to golf shot types;
to set a practice mode for the user to practice a specific golf shot selected among the preset practice modes;
to set a virtual golf course as a virtual environment for the user to practice a golf shot in the selected practice mode selected among the plurality of the virtual golf courses stored in the server;
to set a specific position on one of: a selected hold and a predetermined hole of the set virtual golf course according to the set practice mode so that the user practice a golf shot according to the set practice mode at the specific position on the selected or predetermined hole of the set virtual golf course; and to realize a virtual environment according to the selected or predetermined hole of the set virtual golf course based on the specific position so that a golf shot can be repeatedly practiced at the specific position on the set hole of the virtual golf course in the set practice mode, and a simulation means for simulating a trajectory of the ball based on the result sensed by the sensing device in the realized virtual environment.
a sensing device for sensing at least one of a golf club and a ball according to a golf swing performed by a user;
an image processing device for implementing a virtual environment in which the user practices a specific golf shot as an image;
a communication means for receiving data regarding a virtual golf course selected by the user from a server storing data regarding a plurality of virtual golf courses, wherein the virtual golf course is a golf course realized by imaging processing including a plurality of holes so that a round of virtual golf can be played;
a virtual environment control means for controlling the image processing device to realize the virtual environment, wherein the virtual environment control means is configured:
to preset a plurality of practice modes for the user to intensively practice golf shots according to golf shot types;
to set a practice mode for the user to practice a specific golf shot selected among the preset practice modes;
to set a virtual golf course as a virtual environment for the user to practice a golf shot in the selected practice mode selected among the plurality of the virtual golf courses stored in the server;
to set a specific position on one of: a selected hold and a predetermined hole of the set virtual golf course according to the set practice mode so that the user practice a golf shot according to the set practice mode at the specific position on the selected or predetermined hole of the set virtual golf course; and to realize a virtual environment according to the selected or predetermined hole of the set virtual golf course based on the specific position so that a golf shot can be repeatedly practiced at the specific position on the set hole of the virtual golf course in the set practice mode, and a simulation means for simulating a trajectory of the ball based on the result sensed by the sensing device in the realized virtual environment.
11. The virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the virtual environment control means is configured to provide a practice mode in which a golf shot that the user needs to practice, a golf course, or a degree of difficulty in mission is adjusted using record information regarding the user's previous use of virtual golf simulation.
12. A virtual golf driving range simulation method of a virtual golf driving range simulation apparatus including a sensing device, a database, an image processing device, and a virtual environment control means, the method comprising:
being selected to any one from among a plurality of practice modes and setting the selected practice mode, wherein the plurality of practice modes are preset by the virtual environment control means so that the user intensively practices golf shots according to golf shot types;
being selected to any one from among a plurality of virtual golf courses stored in the database, wherein each of the virtual golf course is a golf course realized by imaging processing including a plurality of holes so that a round of virtual golf can be played;
setting the selected virtual golf course as a virtual environment for the user to practice a golf shot in the selected practice mode;
setting by the virtual environment control means, a specific position on one of: a selected hole and a predetermined hole of the set virtual golf course according to the set practice mode so that the user practice a golf shot according to the set practice mode at the specific position on the selected or predetermined hole of the set virtual golf course;
realizing a virtual environment according to the selected or predetermined hole of the set virtual golf course based on the specific position so that a golf shot can be repeatedly practiced at the specific position on the set hole of the virtual golf course in the set practice mode;
sensing at least one of a ball and a golf club according to a golf shot taken by a user; and simulating a trajectory of the ball based on the sensed result in the realized virtual environment.
being selected to any one from among a plurality of practice modes and setting the selected practice mode, wherein the plurality of practice modes are preset by the virtual environment control means so that the user intensively practices golf shots according to golf shot types;
being selected to any one from among a plurality of virtual golf courses stored in the database, wherein each of the virtual golf course is a golf course realized by imaging processing including a plurality of holes so that a round of virtual golf can be played;
setting the selected virtual golf course as a virtual environment for the user to practice a golf shot in the selected practice mode;
setting by the virtual environment control means, a specific position on one of: a selected hole and a predetermined hole of the set virtual golf course according to the set practice mode so that the user practice a golf shot according to the set practice mode at the specific position on the selected or predetermined hole of the set virtual golf course;
realizing a virtual environment according to the selected or predetermined hole of the set virtual golf course based on the specific position so that a golf shot can be repeatedly practiced at the specific position on the set hole of the virtual golf course in the set practice mode;
sensing at least one of a ball and a golf club according to a golf shot taken by a user; and simulating a trajectory of the ball based on the sensed result in the realized virtual environment.
13. The virtual golf driving range simulation method according to claim 12, wherein the step of being selected to any one from among the plurality of virtual golf courses comprises, being selected to at least one from among a plurality of holes constituting the selected virtual golf course.
14. The virtual golf driving range simulation method according to claim 12, wherein the step of being selected to any one from among the plurality of virtual golf courses comprises, being selected to a predetermined hole of the selected virtual golf course as a hole at which a golf shot is to be taken as one of the virtual golf courses is selected.
15. The virtual golf driving range simulation method according to claim 12, wherein the practice modes comprise a long game practice mode to intensively practice at least one golf shot selected from among a driver shot, a wood shot, and an iron shot, and the step of realizing the virtual environment comprises implementing a virtual environment in which a golf shot is taken at a position selected from among a position at which a driver shot can be taken, a position at which a wood shot can be taken, and a position at which an iron shot can be taken according to a preset information or at a position selected or designated by the user on the selected virtual golf course.
16. The virtual golf driving range simulation method according to claim 12, wherein the practice modes comprise a short game practice mode to intensively practice at least one golf shot selected from among a pitch shot, a chip shot, and putting, and the step of realizing the virtual environment comprises implementing a virtual environment in which a golf shot is taken at a position selected from among a position at which a pitch shot can be taken, a position at which a chip shot can be taken, and a position at which putting can be taken according to a preset information or at a position selected or designated by the user on the selected virtual golf course.
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| PCT/KR2012/002350 WO2012134207A2 (en) | 2011-03-31 | 2012-03-30 | Apparatus and method for virtual golf driving range simulation |
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| JP2006288416A (en) * | 2005-04-05 | 2006-10-26 | Yasuyuki Tanemoto | Putter practice device |
| JP2007301173A (en) * | 2006-05-11 | 2007-11-22 | Mizuno Corp | Stroked golf ball display device and program |
| JP5266513B2 (en) * | 2007-12-19 | 2013-08-21 | 株式会社セガ | Golf simulator, golf game apparatus and program |
| KR101068726B1 (en) * | 2008-09-02 | 2011-09-28 | 권구만 | A game control system and methods of screen golf |
| US8758103B2 (en) * | 2009-01-19 | 2014-06-24 | Full Swing Golf | Methods and systems for sports simulation |
| CN101890218B (en) * | 2009-05-19 | 2012-07-04 | 高夫准株式会社 | Virtual golf simulator, sensor therein and sensing method of virtual golf simulator |
| US20100311512A1 (en) * | 2009-06-04 | 2010-12-09 | Timothy James Lock | Simulator with enhanced depth perception |
| TWI424865B (en) * | 2009-06-30 | 2014-02-01 | Golfzon Co Ltd | Golf simulation apparatus and method for the same |
| KR100923069B1 (en) * | 2009-06-30 | 2009-10-22 | (주) 골프존 | Virtual golf simulation device and swing plate for the same |
| CN101934134B (en) * | 2009-07-01 | 2012-10-31 | 高夫准株式会社 | Virtual golf analog device, sensing device arranged in virtual golf analog device and sensing method of virtual golf analog device |
| KR100953131B1 (en) * | 2009-09-29 | 2010-04-16 | (주) 골프존 | Apparatus for virtual golf simulation and method for the same |
| KR100970675B1 (en) * | 2009-11-30 | 2010-07-15 | (주) 골프존 | Virtual golf simulation device and system including the same, and method for virtual golf simulation |
| KR101019803B1 (en) * | 2010-06-30 | 2011-03-04 | (주) 골프존 | Apparatus for virtual golf simulation and method for the same |
-
2011
- 2011-03-31 KR KR1020110029719A patent/KR101079013B1/en active IP Right Review Request
-
2012
- 2012-03-30 TW TW101111360A patent/TWI449560B/en active
- 2012-03-30 CN CN201280015271.3A patent/CN103458978B/en active Active
- 2012-03-30 WO PCT/KR2012/002350 patent/WO2012134207A2/en active Application Filing
- 2012-03-30 JP JP2014502478A patent/JP5835784B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2012-03-30 CA CA2829954A patent/CA2829954C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP5835784B2 (en) | 2015-12-24 |
| CN103458978B (en) | 2015-09-23 |
| CN103458978A (en) | 2013-12-18 |
| WO2012134207A3 (en) | 2012-12-06 |
| CA2829954A1 (en) | 2012-10-04 |
| KR101079013B1 (en) | 2011-11-01 |
| TW201302274A (en) | 2013-01-16 |
| TWI449560B (en) | 2014-08-21 |
| WO2012134207A2 (en) | 2012-10-04 |
| JP2014512215A (en) | 2014-05-22 |
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