JP2011518591A - Golf game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The golf ball struck by the player from the tee area (22) to the second area (27) having the golf holes (26, 30) is then under the bottom edge (65) of the transparent screen (64). Pass through the photoelectric beam device (66, 67). The holes (26, 30) are integrated with each ball sensor connected to a control device (60) for assigning each score. The selected hole may be illuminated, and the control device rewards a successful put into the selected hole with a higher score.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a golf game apparatus.

  Golf is a very popular sport and as a result there is a high demand for golf related games and related products. Various indoor pad games have been proposed, but there are also points that are not good.

  For example, a problem with unmanaged games is that when a prize is awarded, each player can deceive the game owner or each other. Otherwise, many people who enjoy golf-related games have difficulty maintaining scores and can consume more time. Among players, playing on a device that does not change in any way can be tedious after a certain time.

WO92 / 10248 pamphlet

  Each aspect of the present invention seeks to overcome or reduce one or more of the above problems.

  The first aspect of the present invention relates to a golf game apparatus. The golf game apparatus includes a putter surface including a first tee area for a player and a second area having one or more golf holes, and is between the tee area and the second area. A screen is provided that prevents the player from accessing the second area.

  The apparatus may be provided with means for identifying a ball and any other object moving from the first area to the second area. The identification means may determine the height, length and / or direction of motion of the object with one or more photoelectric beams. For example, two beams may be provided at different heights on the putter surface and / or at different distances from the first area.

  Preferably, the second area has a plurality of golf holes, and means for selecting one of the holes and causing the player to discriminate the selected hole is provided. In order to perform this discrimination, preferably means are provided for illuminating the selected hole.

  In each preferred embodiment, each means is provided in each hole to detect the entry of the golf ball and to send a signal indicating it to the control means. The control means may comprise means for indicating that the golf ball enters the hole. This control means may assign a specific score to the player. In each preferred embodiment, the control means is also connected to the hole selection and discrimination means taken up in the section above, and if it is detected that a ball enters the selected hole, a higher score is obtained. Assign.

  One preferred embodiment has nine holes arranged in a diagonal cross.

  The putter surface may be inclined toward the tee area so that a ball that fails to catch each golf hole can return to the player. The device has a second surface that is below the putter surface and further slopes toward the tee area of the device so that a ball descending through one of the holes is the tee. It may be possible to return to the ball receiving means at the end of the area.

  The device may preferably comprise a putter secured to the device, for example by a security cable. The device may also be provided with one or more golf balls.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, a playing surface having a plurality of golf holes and one of the holes are selected, and the selected hole is discriminated by illuminating the player, for example. A golf game apparatus is provided.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a putter surface having a plurality of golf holes, each means provided in each hole for detecting the entry of a golf ball, and each score assigned and indicated above. There is provided a golf game apparatus including means for responding to the detection means.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view showing a portion of the playing surface of the apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is a development view of the portion of FIG.

  Referring to the drawings, a golf game apparatus or machine 10 includes a playing portion 12 having a playing surface portion 14 and a base portion 16. The right hand side end of the portion 14 of the playing surface is continuous with the tee area 22 where the player stands and strikes the golf ball 24 using the putter 25. The player obtains a ball from the tray 41 through the substantially L-shaped opening 31 in the portion 14 and plays.

  The ball is struck toward nine holes 26 arranged in a diagonal cross shape opposite the portion 14 or adjacent to the field outer end 27. Between the end 27 and the adjacent end of the base 16 is a gap 28 that extends across the width of the device 10. Each ball 24 that does not fall into one of the holes 26 falls into the gap 28.

  This portion 14 is designed so that if the ball is struck with insufficient force, the ball will not reach the gap 28 and will not fall into any hole in each of the holes 26, and will be placed on the player under gravity. It is inclined slightly downward toward the tea area 22 so as to return.

  The base 16 is divided into relatively large grooves 43 and raised areas 44, and the balls falling into the holes 26 descend through the passages 32 into the grooves 43. As its left end, the base has a smaller groove 45 through which the ball descends through the gap 28 or hole 30. The groove 45 communicates with the groove 43 via the channel 47. The floor surface of the groove 45 is inclined toward the middle portion of the device, and the floor surface of the channel and the groove 43 is inclined toward the right-hand side end portion of the device. Thus, the ball descending into the gap 28 or hole 30 is directed into the groove along the channel 47 and is thus directed into the tray in communication with the groove 43 by the channel 48. . A ball falling through one of the holes 26 directly enters the groove 43 and is then guided into the tray 41.

  A ball detector is provided in each hole to detect the path of the ball. In the illustrated embodiment, the ball blocks the light beam as it falls through the hole, and each light beam detector is controlled by a cable extending under the playing portion 12. 60.

  The controller 60 has means for giving a score to the player when the ball detector for the hole sends a signal thereto. This score is displayed on the panel 62. A ball passing through the hole 30 is always awarded a high score and / or a prize such as a cash payment. The device 60 also has means for illuminating a selected hole of the respective holes 26 and allowing the player to discriminate it. This illumination is a means of a ring around each hole. As the ball passes through the illuminated hole 26, the controller gives a higher score than for each of the other holes 26.

  In order to prevent access outside the field of the device, a tilted transparent screen or cover 64 (FIG. 1) is provided in the housing. The lower edge 65 of the screen 64 is spaced above the surface of the portion 14 by a length of 5 cm or slightly greater than the diameter of the golf ball.

  Referring to FIG. 2, two photoelectric barrier devices 66a and 66b and 67a and 67b are located below the screen 64. The photoelectric beam between the barrier elements 66a and 66b is about 1 cm above the surface of the portion 14. The barrier elements 67a, 67b are spaced further away from the tee area 22, and the photoelectric beam therebetween is approximately 4 cm above the surface of the portion 14. Each signal from the beam device is supplied to a control device 60. The control device 60 uses the signals to pass a ball passing from the tee area to the left hand side or the field outer edge and a ball passing to the opposite side. And means for identifying other objects moving below the screen 64, such as putters or other elongated objects. These three situations may be displayable on the display screen 62, and the device 60 has a visual and audible alarm device that is activated when an object other than the ball is detected. It may be.

  The putter 25 is flexible but is attached to the control device by the length of a strong cable 71 to prevent theft.

  Each typical game played using the apparatus 10 will be described below.

  The user first inserts a coin or bill into a suitable groove (not shown) in the device 60 by a specific value. Otherwise, payment may be made automatically. The user then selects the number of players using the convenience of touching the display screen 62. Similarly, the user then selects the type of game that he wants to play (eg, in practice, a challenge game or a cash acquisition game).

  One or more balls are then released into the tray 41 by a solenoid or other suitable mechanism.

  The controller 60 then illuminates the light around each of the holes 26 to indicate which holes will attract a particular score. The player then places the ball 24 on the tee area 22 and puts the ball on the left hand side end of the playing surface. The ball passes under the edge 65 of the screen 64 and passes sequentially through the photoelectric barrier devices 66a, 66b and 67a, 67b. Thus, the control device 60 can now detect that the ball has properly entered the area with each hole 26. If the ball descends into the hole 26, the appropriate score is given along with the appropriate sound, graphics output and / or light. If the ball enters the illuminated hole 26 or a specific hole 30, each is given a different score and causes a different accompanying effect.

  If the ball is hit too hard and fails to catch all of the holes, the ball descends to the gap 28 or “out of limit” and returns to the ball release mechanism via grooves 45 and 43. If multiple balls are initially provided on the tray 41, the balls are then prevented from returning to the tray by a physical barrier (not shown) in the channel 48. If a single ball is initially placed on tray 41, this ball returns to tray 41; the number of shots is counted, and the physical barrier is activated when the number of shots reaches a predetermined number. The

  If the ball is hit too softly and fails to catch each hole 26, the ball will return below the ramp to the tee area 22. This opposite movement of the ball is detected by the photoelectric barrier devices 67a, 67b and 66a, 66b, and the control device takes this into account for the next shot.

  At the end of the game, any cash prize can be withdrawn by a suitable money handling machine (not shown) integrated into the device 60.

  If the user of the device attempts to deceive, the act of decoy is detected and indicated by the controller 60 with the help of the following components.

(I) one or more sensors (not shown) that check that the screen 64 is correctly in place;
(Ii) Photoelectric beam devices 66a, 66b and 67a located in any of the above devices to provide an indication of something other than the golf ball entering the field. 67b, and other possible elements as well;
(Iii) An accurate timing device (not shown) that ensures that each golf ball is detected by various sensors in the correct logic sequence at the correct time interval.

  The apparatus described above has a number of advantages. This device provides a nine-hole pad course that occupies a small area while providing a realistic and artificial pad surface. This apparatus employs a standard golf ball 24, an actual putter 25, and standard-sized golf holes 26. Thus, this device provides a game based on physical skills using normal put action, i.e. there is no simulation or automation to assist or disturb the player.

  The machines are designed for leisure, entertainment, fans and challenges for all ages and abilities. This system automatically gives each player a score for each shot aggregated at the end of the game. The system can pay cash prizes or automatically pay prize tickets if necessary. Also, ball collection, automatic scoring, and cash handling are all performed with few moving parts that provide high reliability. The calculation and payment of cash prizes can be easily undertaken under the control of software within the device 60.

  Each of its components can pass through a standard doorway and then easily assembled. This system is sturdy and robust and can resist attempts to hesitate. In addition to resisting this stumbling, the screen 64 acts to keep the holes 26 and the rest of the out-of-field area clean. The playing surface 14 can be easily separated from the base 16 to assist in providing further service when cleaning and replacing each sensor or other component if necessary.

  This deceptive feature allows cash to be paid automatically and quickly without the need for monitoring or checking, and leagues, events held with or without the above units And allow competition.

  Various modifications can be made to the apparatus described above. For example, any suitable number of each hole 26 may be provided from 1 to 18 or more. Each hole may be arranged in a square, circle or any other desired pattern. The hole 30 may be omitted, or a plurality of “special holes” may be provided. This device may be provided for personal use without a money handling device.

  A photoelectric beam device having three or more beam holes or more may be provided. If sufficient beam devices are provided, the ball detector device in each hole can be omitted. For example, a grid of intersecting photoelectric beams with a mutual spacing of 50 mm makes it possible to always track the position of the ball by appropriate software in the control device 60.

  Instead of or in addition to the photoelectric beam device, other presence detection devices for detecting a golf ball, such as a capacitance detector, may be used. The putter 25 may also include a sensor indicating the control device 60 when the ball is hit.

  Another way to track each ball and / or prevent deception is to install one or more cameras to monitor the device. By supplying each output signal to the control device, each camera can automatically give a score to the player in the appropriate software, and prevent fraud. A camera can be provided at a position 84 in the center of the back side of the device and / or at a position 85 on the side of the control device 60; multiple additional cameras may be provided.

  Other means may be provided to illuminate the selected hole, for example, one or more movable searchlights may be directed to the selected hole. It is possible to try to select the holes in other ways, for example, each hole may have a number or other means of discrimination, and the controller 60 is audible on the display screen 62. The discrimination means may be shown visually and / or visually.

  The apparatus may be operated with a single ball or with multiple balls to increase the speed of play.

  The base may include an adjustable foot that assists in leveling the device on an uneven floor. This base may be equipped with wheels for ease of installation and movement.

  The device can be used for a single player or a group of players who play alternating shots. Multiple machines can be linked via the Internet, a wireless network, etc., so that players can play with each other at different gathering locations.

  If desired, a display screen 82 may be provided instead of or in addition to the off-field end of the device 10. The control device 60 may be integrated with the display screen 82 or may be positioned as any device in the device or as a separate device.

  The control device 60 may be integrated with software for correcting the level of scoring and / or the payment of cash prizes in consideration of the skill level of each player.

  The device can be modified to replicate other games or sports. For example, this device would be possible if it had a cue that would be used in place of the putter 25 at the top level of the table and would be directed to a ball or billiard towards the holes. Otherwise, instead of the putter 25, it is possible to provide a ballet of croquet to direct each ball through a hole or a ring.

  The features of the various modifications may be combined as desired or exchanged for each other.

Claims (15)

A pad surface (14) including a first tee area (22) for a player and a second area (27) having one or more golf holes (26, 30); A golf game apparatus comprising: a screen (64) provided between the second areas and preventing access to the second areas. 2. The golf game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor means (66) detects a ball and / or other object moving between the first area (22) and the second area (27). , 67) is provided. 3. A golf game apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the two or more sensor means (66, 67) are arranged at different heights above the pad surface. 4. A golf game apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the two or more sensor means (66, 67) are arranged at different distances from the first area. The golf game apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the or each sensor (66, 67) includes a photoelectric beam device. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second area has a plurality of golf holes (26), and selects one of the golf holes and uses the selected hole as a player. A golf game apparatus, characterized in that a means for determining is provided. 7. The golf game apparatus according to claim 6, wherein illumination means is provided for discriminating the selected hole. 8. The golf game according to claim 6, wherein each means is provided in each hole for detecting that a golf ball has entered and for sending a signal indicating the golf ball to the control means. apparatus. 9. An apparatus according to claim 6 and 8, wherein the control means (60) assigns a score for the ball entering the hole (26, 30), wherein the control means is also connected to the hole selection and discrimination means. A golf game apparatus characterized in that if it is detected that a ball enters the selected hole (26), a higher score is assigned. The golf club according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a second surface (43) that slopes toward the tee area below the pad surface of the device. Game device. 11. The game device according to claim 1, further comprising a putter (25) fixed to the device. One or more sensors in a golf game device comprising a first tee area (22) for a player and a second area (27) having one or more golf holes (26, 30) The means (66, 67) is arranged to detect the presence, height, length and / or direction of motion of a ball or other article moving between the upper first and second areas. A golf game apparatus. A playing surface (14) having a plurality of golf holes (26); and means for selecting one of the holes and causing the player to discriminate the selected hole. A golf game apparatus. 14. The golf game apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising illumination means for discriminating the selected hole (26). A pad surface (14) having a plurality of golf holes (26, 30), means provided in each hole for detecting the entrance of the golf hole, and the detecting means for assigning and indicating each score Means for responding to the golf game device.

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