JP2022007885A - Interface device for virtual sports, virtual golf device using the same, and virtual sports device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an interface device for virtual sports, a virtual golf device using the same, and a virtual sports device.SOLUTION: An interface device for virtual sports includes a body and an input part capable of inputting at least part of commands that can be used by a user in the play of the virtual sports, and includes input means which is configured with remote control type portable devices, or which allows the input part to input commands when the user steps on the input part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to an interface device for virtual sports, a virtual golf device using the interface device, and a virtual sports device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a virtual sports interface device that allows a user to easily execute a necessary command during virtual sports play, a virtual golf device that uses the interface device, and a virtual sports device.

In recent years, simulation devices have been developed that allow people to enjoy sports competitions without going to the site using 3D stereoscopic images and computer simulation technology, and virtual indoor sports competitions such as golf and baseball have become widespread. ing. Such virtual indoor sports competitions give the feeling of playing real sports outdoors, but save time and money compared to playing in an outdoor field, thus saving time and money. It is popular with modern people who have difficulty playing actual competitions for some reason.

Virtual sports competitions are also called screen sports because the play screen is displayed on a large screen. Screen sports require various settings regarding the play method, etc., and are configured so that the user can select various options in order to give a sense of realism as if playing an actual sport. There is. For example, in the case of screen golf, the user can select the difficulty level of golf play. The user can also change the weather conditions such as the wind strength and direction of the golf course. Also, while playing screen golf, the user can see the terrain around the point where the golf ball is located so that the user can make an accurate shot. Thus, in order to select options or change settings, the user must enter the command they want to execute. However, it is very inconvenient for the user to move to a place equipped with an input device during play and input a command using a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new device that can simplify the input procedure when the user executes a command.

The present invention has been invented in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an interface device for virtual sports that allows a user to easily execute a desired command while playing screen sports. And.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a virtual sports device that utilizes the virtual sports interface device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a virtual golf device in which the sport is golf.

In addition, other objects of the present invention can be clearly understood from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

In order to achieve the above object, the virtual sports interface device according to the embodiment of the present invention can input at least a part of the main body and commands that can be used by the user in the play of the virtual sports. It includes an input unit, and includes an input means composed of a remote control type portable device or the input unit can be stepped on by a user to input a command.

The virtual sports device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the virtual sports interface device.

In the virtual golf device according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the user hits an actual golf ball, the control unit calculates the trajectory of the actual golf ball hit, and the virtual golf device follows the calculated trajectory in the virtual golf course. It includes a display unit that displays a virtual golf ball that moves in motion, and a user interface device for inputting at least a part of commands that can be used by the user in playing virtual golf.

In the virtual golf device, the user interface device includes input means for setting one of the first and second putting modes, and the virtual golf course is a hole cup and a flagpole arranged in the hole cup. In the first putting mode, both the hole cup and the flagpole (pin) are displayed, and in the second putting mode, only the hole cup is displayed except for the flagpole.

The virtual golf device is a hitting mat on which the actual golf ball before hitting is placed, and further includes the hitting mat including a first region and a second region, and the virtual golf course is the first region. A first virtual area corresponding to the above and a second virtual area corresponding to the second area are included, and the user interface device includes an input means for setting one of the first and second striking modes. In the first hitting mode, it is recognized that the hitting is effective only when the actual golf ball and the virtual golf ball are located in the regions corresponding to each other at the time of hitting by the user, and in the second hitting mode, the user It is recognized that the hitting is also effective when the actual golf ball and the virtual golf ball are located in regions where they do not correspond to each other at the time of hitting.

In the virtual golf device, the control unit is effective only when the actual golf ball is hit in the second hitting mode while the actual golf ball is placed in the first region of the hitting mat. The control unit calculates the trajectory of the actual golf ball hit, and the control unit determines that the virtual golf ball is in the second virtual region and the actual golf ball is the second hit mode. When the golf ball is hit while being placed in the first region, the trajectory of the actual hit golf ball is calculated, and the flight distance according to the calculated trajectory is adjusted.

In the virtual golf device, the user interface device includes an input means for canceling a hit, an input means for requesting a virtual caddy, an input means for requesting a user to provide a golf ball for hitting, and the virtual golf. It includes at least one of an input means for displaying an inclination on the course and an input means for adjusting a screen on which the virtual golf course is displayed.

In the virtual golf device, the user interface device includes input means composed of a remote control type portable device or capable of a user stepping on and inputting a command.

According to the virtual sports interface device of the present invention, the virtual golf device using the same, and the virtual sports device, there is an effect that the user can easily execute a desired command while playing screen sports.

It is a schematic block diagram of the virtual baseball apparatus according to the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the interface device for virtual sports which can be used for the virtual baseball device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of the interface device for virtual sports which can be used for the virtual baseball device of FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the virtual golf apparatus according to the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the interface device for virtual sports which can be used for the virtual golf device of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st and 2nd putting modes. It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st and 2nd striking modes. It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st and 2nd striking modes. It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st and 2nd striking modes. It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st and 2nd striking modes. It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st and 2nd striking modes. It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st and 2nd striking modes. It is a figure which shows the screen of the screen which displays the virtual caddy. It is a figure which shows schematic the means of providing the golf ball installed in the striking mat. It is a figure which shows the screen screen which displays a grid and an indicator. It is a figure which shows an example of adjusting a screen screen with an adjustment button. It is a figure which shows the interface device for virtual sports by another Example of this invention.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples. The object, features and advantages of the present invention can be easily understood from the following examples. The present invention is not limited to the examples described herein, and may be embodied in other embodiments. In the examples presented herein, the ideas of the present invention are fully communicated so that the disclosed contents are thorough and complete, and to a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. It is provided to ensure that. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited by the following examples.

In the present specification, terms such as first and second are used to describe various elements, but the elements should not be limited by such terms. This term has only been used to distinguish the elements from each other. Also, when it is mentioned that one layer (membrane) is on another layer (membrane) or substrate, it is formed directly on or between other layers (membranes) or substrate. It means that a third layer (membrane) can also intervene in.

In the drawings, the size of the elements, or the relative sizes between the elements, may be illustrated with some exaggeration for a clearer understanding of the invention. In addition, the shape of the illustrated element may be changed to some extent due to mutations in the manufacturing process. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be limited to the illustrated shapes and should be understood to include some modifications, unless otherwise noted.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a virtual baseball device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 and 3 show an example of a virtual sports interface device that can be used in the virtual baseball device of FIG.

Referring to FIG. 1, the virtual baseball device (100) includes a batter plate (110), a control unit (120), a sensing unit (130), an input unit (140), a display unit (150), and a ball pitching unit (160). )including. Further, the display unit (150) includes a beam projector (151) and a screen (152).

The batter plate (110) is a place where the user is located to hit a baseball ball. The striking plate (110) is separated from the screen (152) by a predetermined distance. The separation distance corresponds to the distance between the pitcher and the catcher in actual baseball. Or, if the installation space is insufficient, the separation distance is set shorter than the distance between the pitcher and the catcher in actual baseball.

The control unit (120) serves to control the overall operation between the components of the virtual baseball device (100). For example, when the user is positioned on the batter plate (110), the ball pitching unit (160) is controlled so that the user can pitch the baseball ball. Further, the control unit (120) plays a role of calculating the hitting result (ground ball, fly, hit, home run, etc.) of the hit baseball ball when the user hits the pitched baseball ball. Although not shown in the drawings, it is preferable that the control unit (120) includes a database. The database stores information necessary for calculating the hit result of a baseball ball hit by a user and information on a baseball-related image displayed on a screen (152).

The sensing unit (130) senses the movement of the baseball ball hit by the user and grasps the overall physical state of the hit baseball ball (speed, moving direction, etc. of the baseball ball). The grasped information is transmitted to the control unit (120) and used for the calculation operation of the control unit (120). Any sensing means such as a camera or a sensing sensor can be used as the sensing unit (130). The camera, the sensing sensor, and the like can be used alone or together. Further, only one may be used, or a plurality of may be used.

The input unit (140) is for receiving various information from the user, and a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, or the like can be used. Screen baseball requires input from the user in various situations. For example, in screen baseball, multiple users are divided into two teams, a first attack (first attack of each inning) and a second attack (after attack of each inning), and compete for victory or defeat. In such a type of match, it is necessary to input the nickname of the team member, the name of the team, and the like, and at this time, the input unit (140) is required.

The beam projector (151) of the display unit (150) protects the pitching pitcher, the virtual baseball ball displayed on the screen (152) in response to the baseball ball hit by the user, and the virtual baseball ball. It plays the role of projecting images such as the appearance of the defender on the screen (152). The screen (152) displays the image projected by the beam projector (151) and provides it to the user.

Assuming that the surface of the screen (152) facing the striking plate (110) is the "front surface" and the opposite surface is the "rear surface", the ball pitching portion (160) is installed on the rear surface side of the screen (152). The ball pitching unit (160) fires a baseball ball so that the user located on the hit plate (110) can hit the ball. Although not shown in the drawing, a pitching hole is formed in the screen (152), and a baseball ball launched from the ball pitching portion (160) passes through the screen (152) through the pitching hole and reaches the user. can do.

Although not shown in the drawings, it is preferable that the virtual baseball device (100) is provided with an audio device that guides the user of the progress of the game and reproduces various sound effects according to the progress of the game.

The play process in the virtual baseball device (100) having the above configuration is as follows. When the user hits a pitched baseball ball on the batter plate (110), the sensing unit (130) detects the state of the hit baseball ball, and the control unit (120) uses the sensing information from the sensing unit (130). Based on this, the trajectory of the hit baseball ball and the hitting result are calculated, and the screen (152) displays the image of the calculated result. In the case of team play, the above process is repeated until one team becomes three-out, and when it becomes three-out, the above process is repeated until the offense and defense are changed and the other team becomes three-out. In this way, the team that gets the highest score wins by playing until the end of the match while switching offense and defense.

While playing on the virtual baseball device (100), the user may try to execute various commands. For example, the user can set the play options he / she desires. Specifically, there are cases where it is desired to change the ball speed or quality of a baseball ball launched from the ball pitching unit (160). It is very inconvenient for the user to move away from the striking plate (110) to the input unit (140) in order to change the ball speed or quality. In consideration of the inconvenience of the user, the virtual baseball device (100) according to the present embodiment is provided with an interface device for the convenience of the user. This interface device operates in conjunction with the control unit (120) so that the user can more conveniently execute a desired command.

Referring to FIG. 2, the interface device (1) is arranged in the vicinity of the striking plate (110) and is configured to operate by stepping on a button with a foot. If the interface device (1) is located in the vicinity of the hit plate (110), the user located on the hit plate (110) to hit the baseball ball uses the interface device (1) in the vicinity. You can easily execute the required commands at any time. For example, the interface device (1) includes a ball speed button (11) for changing the ball speed and a ball quality button (12) for changing the ball quality. The user can step on either the weak (slow) ball speed button (11a) or the strong (fast) ball speed button (11b) of the ball speed button (11) with his / her foot to obtain a slow ball or a fast ball from the ball pitching section (160). The ball can be fired. Further, the user steps on either the straight ball button (12a) or the changing ball button (12b) of the ball quality button (12) with his / her foot to launch a straight ball or a changing ball from the ball pitching portion (160). Can be done.

Referring to FIG. 3, the interface device (2) is composed of a remote control type portable device. When the interface device (2) is configured by the remote control method, the user can easily execute the desired command by operating the interface device (2) when necessary while carrying the interface device (2) in a pocket or the like. Can be executed. Similar to the one described with reference to FIG. 2, the interface device (2) of the present embodiment has a ball speed button (21) for changing the ball speed, a ball quality button (22) for changing the ball quality, and the like. include. The ball speed button (21) for changing the ball speed includes a weak (slow) ball speed button (21a) and a strong (fast) ball speed button (21b), and the ball quality button (22) for changing the ball quality is Includes a straight ball button (22a), a changing ball button (22b), and the like.

In the interface device (1 and 2) described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, an example of changing the ball speed and the ball quality has been described, but other commands other than the change of the ball speed and the ball quality should be input. It is also possible to apply other structures other than the stepping motion and the form of the remote control. The above-mentioned interface device can also be used for virtual sports devices other than baseball, and an embodiment used for the virtual golf device will be described below. The term "virtual" is used herein, taking into account the fact that the user's play results are displayed on the screen and that the image itself on the screen is not a real-world object. Is. In addition, some objects displayed on the screen are expressed with the term "virtual" in order to more clearly indicate that they do not actually exist. For example, "virtual golf course" means a golf course displayed on the screen, and "virtual golf ball" means a golf ball displayed on the screen.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the virtual golf device (200) includes a striking plate (210), a control unit (220), a sensing unit (230), an input unit (240), and a display unit (250).

The striking plate (210) is provided with a striking mat (M), and a striking golf ball is placed on the striking mat (M). When playing screen golf, the user hits a golf ball located on the hit plate (210) and placed on the hit mat (M).

The control unit (220) serves to control the overall operation between the components of the virtual golf device. For example, although not shown in the drawing, the striking mat (M) is provided with a providing means for automatically providing a golf ball for striking, and the control unit (220) is provided with a golf ball according to the time when the user strikes. The means for providing the golf ball is controlled so as to be provided. Further, the control unit (220) calculates what kind of trajectory and / or what distance the golf ball will fly when the user hits the golf ball, assuming that the golf ball flies at an actual golf course. Play a role. Although not shown in the drawing, the control unit (220) is provided with a database, and the database contains information and a display unit (250) necessary for calculating the hit result of a golf ball hit by a user. Information on the displayed golf-related video is saved.

The sensing unit (230) senses a physical state such as the speed, moving direction, and rotation angle of the golf ball hit by the user. The sensing unit (230) includes a sensing means for sensing the physical state of the golf ball, and various sensors, cameras, and the like can be used as the sensing means. The camera, the sensing sensor, and the like can be used alone or together. Moreover, only one may be used, or a plurality may be used. The information detected by the sensing unit (230) is transmitted to the control unit (220), and the control unit (220) calculates the trajectory and flight distance of the golf ball based on the information from the sensing unit (230).

The input unit (240) is for receiving various information from the user, and a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, or the like can be used. In screen golf, the user may be required to enter information, such as when the user enters his or her ID or password to log in, or when the user selects the golf course or difficulty level he or she wants to play. obtain. An input unit (240) is provided for such a case. The information input through the input unit (240) is transmitted to the control unit (220), and the control unit (220) processes the user's request based on the transmitted information. For example, when a user selects a specific golf course, the control unit (220) performs necessary processing so that the golf course can be played. That is, the control unit (220) is provided with a video processing means for processing an image, and when the user selects a specific golf course, the image processing means generates an image of the golf course and displays the display unit (220). It is transmitted to 250), and the display unit (250) displays the transmitted image and provides it to the user.

The display unit (250) includes a beam projector (251) and a screen (252). The beam projector (251) projects the related image on the screen (252) so that the virtual golf course and the virtual golf ball are displayed on the screen (252), and the screen (252) displays the projected golf-related image. It plays a role of providing to users.

Although not shown in the drawings, it is preferable that the virtual golf device (200) is provided with an audio device that guides the user of the progress of the game and reproduces various sound effects according to the progress of the game.

The process of playing screen golf in the virtual golf device (200) having the above configuration is as follows. When the user hits a golf ball placed on the hit plate (210), the sensing unit (230) detects the state of the hit golf ball, and the control unit (220) is based on the sensing information from the sensing unit (230). The flight trajectory of the hit golf ball is calculated, and the screen (252) displays an image of the virtual golf ball moving based on the calculated result. At this time, the virtual golf ball in the screen (252) flies according to the calculated trajectory and then lands at a specific point on the virtual golf course in the screen (252), and the user is in the screen (252). Continue hitting from the point where the virtual golf ball of No. The user repeats this process until he holes in the hole cup.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a virtual sports interface device that can be used in the virtual golf device of FIG.

Referring to FIG. 5, the interface device (3) has a structure in which (the user) can step on and execute a command. However, it is also possible to apply the above-mentioned remote control-shaped structure or other structures not described above. The interface device (3) is provided with buttons for setting various operations and options necessary for playing screen golf. For example, a hit cancel button (31), a putting mode button (32), a hit mode button (33), a caddy button (34), a golf ball button (35), a grid button (36), an adjustment button (37), and the like are provided. Has been done. These buttons can be a kind of hot key or abbreviated key for a given command, which allows the user to easily execute the necessary commands while playing screen golf. be able to. The specific operation of these buttons will be described below.

The hit cancel button (31) is an input means for executing a so-called "mulligan" in actual golf. "Mulligan" means a second shot given without penalty if the hit is the worst shot. This is a golf term derived from the name of a person named Mulligan who requested a chance to hit again because it was difficult to play a match with a golfer who had a large difference in ability. When the result of hitting a golf ball is the worst, the user can easily cancel the hit by using the hit cancel button (31).

The putting mode button (32) is an input means for selecting one of the first and second putting modes. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the first and second putting modes. Referring to FIG. 6A, in the first putting mode, the hole cup (HC) and the flagpole (F) are all displayed on the virtual golf course displayed on the screen. On the other hand, referring to FIG. 6B, in the second putting mode, only the hole cup (HC) is displayed except for the flagpole (F) in the virtual golf course displayed on the screen. Whether or not to display the flagpole (F) can have a substantial effect on the play of screen golf.

As illustrated in FIG. 6A, in the first putting mode displaying the flagpole (F), the user plays an actual golf ball with the virtual golf ball (VB) located at the starting point (SP). Suppose you are putting. When the user puts, the control unit (see reference numeral 220 in the drawing of FIG. 4) calculates the trajectory of the actual golf ball based on the physical state of the actual golf ball put on, and the virtual golf ball in the screen. (VB) moves along the calculated locus. Assuming that the virtual golf ball (VB) moves along the first path (P1) based on the calculated trajectory, if the flagpole (F) is located on the first path (P1), the virtual golf ball (F) VB) will collide with the flagpole (F). The result of the collision is determined based on the direction and speed at which the virtual golf ball (VB) collides with the flagpole (F), which can be additionally calculated by the control unit.

For example, when the control unit calculates the first path (P1) as a locus for a virtual golf ball (VB) and then grasps that the flagpole (F) exists in the first path (P1), the control unit is the first. When a virtual golf ball (VB) moving along a route (P1) reaches the flagpole (F), it grasps what direction and speed it moves, and based on the grasped result, the flagpole The trajectory of the virtual golf ball (VB) after the collision with (F) can be additionally calculated. As a result of the additional calculation, the virtual golf ball (VB) can be ejected from the flagpole (F) after the collision and can move along the second path (P2). Alternatively, as a result of the additional calculation, the virtual golf ball (VB) can move below the flagpole (F) along the third path (P3) and hole in the hole cup (HC) after the collision. Therefore, the flagpole (F) can act as a sudden variable that determines whether or not to hole in.

As shown in FIG. 6B, it is assumed that the user puts the virtual golf ball (VB) at the starting point (SP) in the second putting mode in which the flagpole (F) is not displayed. When the user puts, the control unit calculates the trajectory of the actual golf ball based on the physical state of the actual golf ball put on, and the virtual golf ball (VB) in the screen becomes the calculated trajectory. Move along. Assuming that the virtual golf ball (VB) moves along the fourth path (P4) according to the calculated trajectory and the fourth path (P4) passes over the hole cup (HC), the first putting mode Since the flagpole (F) is placed in the hole cup (HC), the virtual golf ball (VB) collides with the flagpole (F) and its route is changed. Since there is no F), the virtual golf ball (VB) moves along the fourth path (P4) without changing its path and stays at a predetermined position.

Thus, the first and second putting modes do not just make a visual difference depending on whether or not the flagpole (F) is displayed, but the flagpole (F) is the path of the virtual golf ball (VB). Because it affects the result of playing screen golf, it can directly affect the result. Since it is not possible to predict how the path of a virtual golf ball (VB) will change after a collision with the flagpole (F), the "flagpole (F)" can be regarded as a kind of sudden variable. can. The user uses the first putting mode when he / she wishes to apply such a sudden variable according to his / her preference, and when he / she wishes that such a sudden variable is not applied, the first By using the two-putting mode, the user can play screen golf in various ways he / she desires. When the user tries to select the desired mode among the first and second putting modes while playing screen golf, the user can easily select by using the putting mode button (32) of the interface device (3). Can be completed. That is, the user can step on the putting mode button (32) to set the first putting mode, or step on the putting mode button (32) again to set the second putting mode.

The striking mode button (33) is an input means for selecting one of the first and second striking modes. Further, FIGS. 7 to 12 are diagrams for explaining the first and second striking modes.

Referring to FIG. 7, the striking mats (M) include a plurality of regions that are distinguished from each other to provide first and second striking modes. Specifically, the striking mat (M) is divided into a first striking region (M1) and a second striking region (M2), and the second striking region (M2) is further divided into two sub-regions (S1, S2) that are different from each other. It is classified into. As a result, the striking mat (M) is generally divided into three areas.

Each segmented area on the striking mat (M) is configured to correspond to a terrain with different attributes in a real golf course. For example, an actual golf course has terrain with various attributes such as fairways, roughs, and bunkers. Roughs are areas where the length of the turf is longer than that of fairways, and roughs with long turf are more difficult to hit and more difficult to hit than fairways with short grass. In addition, the bunker is an area mainly composed of sand, and it is more difficult to hit with sand, and the difficulty of hitting is higher than that of the turf terrain (fairway, rough).

The batting mat (M) is configured to correspond to terrain with various attributes in a real golf course such as fairways, roughs and bunkers. For example, the first hitting area (M1) corresponds to the fairway with the lowest hitting difficulty in actual golf, and the second hitting area (M2) corresponds to a non-fairway (rough, bunker, etc.) with a higher hitting difficulty than the fairway. The area with a higher hitting difficulty level is referred to as a "non-fairway" for convenience), and the two divided areas (S1 and S2) of the second hitting area (M2) are used for roughs and bunkers with different hitting difficulty levels. It is configured to correspond. Therefore, the fairway area and the rough area (M1 and S1) corresponding to the fairway and the rough are formed of artificial turf having different lengths, and the bunker area (S2) corresponding to the bunker gives a feeling of hitting with sand. It is preferably formed of a material that can be given. In actual golf, there are other terrains other than fairways, roughs and bunkers like water hazards, and roughs and bunkers are also subdivided like light roughs, heavy roughs, fair bunkers and green bunkers. Can be configured in various forms so that the terrain of the actual golf course can be reflected in various ways, and the striking mat having a plurality of regions is not limited to the structure shown in FIG.

With reference to FIG. 8, the virtual golf course displayed on the screen can be reproduced as it is from the actual golf course. In other words, just as a real golf course has terrain with various attributes such as fairways, roughs, and bunker, virtual golf courses on the screen also have various attributes such as virtual fairways, roughs, and virtual bunker. The terrain with various attributes is displayed.

In this way, the striking mat (M) is divided into a plurality of areas so as to correspond to the plurality of areas displayed on the screen, so that the user can use the area on the screen where the virtual golf ball is placed and the striking mat (M). After arranging the actual golf balls so that the areas where the actual golf balls are placed correspond to each other, the actual golf balls can be hit (first hitting mode). Alternatively, the user can place the actual golf ball in the area of the hitting mat (M) that he / she wants to play and hit the ball regardless of the area where the virtual golf ball is placed on the screen (second hitting mode). The user can select and play one of the first and second striking modes different from each other according to his / her play tendency, and uses the striking mode button (33) when selecting the play mode. be able to.

In the first hit mode, the hit is considered to be effective only when the terrain where the virtual golf ball is located in the screen and the area where the actual golf ball of the hit mat (M) is located correspond to each other. .. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, when a virtual golf ball (VB) is located on a virtual fairway on a virtual golf course on the screen, the actual golf ball (RB) is placed in the fairway area of the striking mat. The blow is effective when it is hit. Further, as shown in FIGS. 9 (b) and 9 (c), when the virtual golf ball (VB) is located in the virtual rough / virtual bunker on the virtual golf course on the screen, the actual golf ball (RB) is located. Hitting is effective when placed in the rough area / bunker area of the hitting mat. When the hitting of the golf ball is recognized as effective, the control unit (see reference numeral 220 in the drawing of FIG. 4) calculates the trajectory of the golf ball, and the screen displays an image of a virtual golf ball moving along the calculated trajectory. Is displayed. On the other hand, regarding the hitting of the golf ball which is recognized as invalid, even if the user hits the golf ball, the subsequent movement (the locus is calculated and calculated) by the hit of the golf ball by the control unit, the screen, etc. Displaying a virtual golf ball moving along the line, etc.) is not performed. Whether or not the hit in the first hit mode is effective is that the sensing unit (see reference numeral 230 in the drawing 4 of FIG. 4) senses the current position of the hitting mat on which the actual golf ball (RB) is placed. Can be grasped by. That is, by checking whether the area where the actual golf ball (RB) of the batting mat is placed corresponds to the area where the virtual golf ball (VB) is landed in the screen, the actual golf With respect to the position (current position) of the hitting mat on which the ball (RB) is placed, it is possible to grasp whether or not the hitting is effective. Prevents the user from entering a ball ready state where the user can hit the golf ball if the current position of the hitting mat on which the actual golf ball (RB) is placed is not a valid hitting position. The user can be guided to put the golf ball in the correct position on the hitting mat and hit it.

In the second striking mode, as illustrated in FIG. 10A, when the virtual golf ball (VB) is located on the virtual fairway in the virtual golf course on the screen, the actual golf ball (RB) is the striking mat. The blow is effective when placed in the fairway area of. Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 (b) and 10 (c), when the virtual golf ball (VB) is located in the virtual rough / virtual bunker on the virtual golf course on the screen, the actual golf ball (RB) is used. It is also effective to hit the ball when it is placed in the fairway area of the hitting mat. In the situation illustrated in FIG. 10 (a), the position of the virtual golf ball (VB) in the screen and the area where the actual golf ball (RB) of the striking mat is placed correspond to each other. , FIGS. 10 (b), 10 (c) show that the position of the virtual golf ball (VB) in the screen and the area where the actual golf ball (RB) of the striking mat is placed are mutually exclusive. Do not correspond. The second hit mode is valid only when the actual golf ball (RB) is unconditionally placed on the fairway area of the hit mat and hit, regardless of the position of the virtual golf ball (VB) on the screen. It is recognized that it is a serious blow. When it is recognized that the hitting of the golf ball is effective, the control unit calculates the trajectory of the golf ball, and the screen displays an image of a virtual golf ball moving along the calculated trajectory. On the other hand, regarding the hitting of the golf ball which is recognized as invalid, even if the user hits the golf ball, the subsequent movement (the locus is calculated and calculated) by the hit of the golf ball by the control unit, the screen, etc. Displaying a virtual golf ball moving along the line, etc.) is not performed. Whether or not the hit in the second hitting mode is effective can be grasped by the sensing unit detecting whether or not the actual golf ball (RB) is placed in the fairway area of the hitting mat. In the second hitting mode, if the position (current position) of the hitting mat on which the actual golf ball (RB) is placed is not a valid hitting position, the user is ready to hit the golf ball (the ready state). It is possible to guide the user to put the golf ball in the correct position on the hitting mat and hit it without entering the ball ready state.

There is a difference in the method of calculating the trajectory of the golf ball between the first and second striking modes. In the first striking mode, the locus is calculated using the first method, and in the second striking mode, the locus is calculated by using the first and second methods in combination.

In the first method, the trajectory of the golf ball is calculated based on the physical state of the golf ball hit by the user. The physical state of the golf ball is sensed by the sensing unit, and specifically, the values of various physical parameters indicating the physical state of the golf ball are sensed. The types of physical parameters are extremely diverse, and the movement of the hit golf ball fluctuates from moment to moment. Therefore, when calculating the trajectory in consideration of all of these, the calculation process is extremely complicated. become. Therefore, for convenience of explanation, a simplified process of calculating a golf ball trajectory using only some of the various physical parameters for a golf ball (eg, the golf ball's moving speed and direction) will be described.

Referring to FIG. 11, the golf ball (B) hit by the user flies at a predetermined speed (V1) and direction (θ1). The velocity (V1) is the velocity after the golf ball is hit, and the direction (θ1) is an angle tilted with respect to the horizontal plane as a factor indicating the direction of flight by the hit. The control unit calculates what kind of trajectory (T) the golf ball (B) has when it moves with the above physical parameters (V1, θ1). After extracting the parameter indicating the physical properties of the golf ball (B) in this way, the locus (T) is calculated by using the parameter as it is, which is the method of calculating the locus of the golf ball in the first method.

In the second method, after calculating the flight distance of the golf ball, this is artificially reduced. Referring to FIG. 12, in the second method, the locus (T) of the golf ball is first calculated in the same manner as in the first method. That is, when the golf ball (B) hit by the user has a predetermined velocity (V1) and direction (θ1), the control unit has the golf ball (B) having the above physical parameters (V1, θ1). Calculate what kind of locus (T) you have when exercising. After calculating the locus (T) in this way, the flight distance of the golf ball (B) is artificially reduced by a predetermined distance (d). The amount of reduction in flight distance is set to differ depending on the attribute of the terrain in which the virtual golf ball is located on the screen.

In the first hitting mode, the trajectory of the golf ball is calculated based on the first method. In the second hit mode, when the virtual golf ball in the screen is located on the virtual fairway, the trajectory of the golf ball is calculated based on the first method, and the virtual golf ball in the screen is in the virtual rough or virtual. When located in the bunker, the trajectory of the golf ball is calculated based on the second method. In short, in the first and second striking modes, the first method is applied when the terrain where the virtual golf ball is located in the screen corresponds to the area where the actual golf ball of the striking mat is placed, and the second The method is applied when the terrain where the virtual golf ball is located in the screen and the area where the actual golf ball is placed on the striking mat do not correspond. Specifically, the second method is applied to the situations shown in FIGS. 10 (b) and 10 (c). In the situation where the virtual golf ball in the screen is located in the virtual rough as shown in FIG. 10B, the actual golf ball must be placed in the rough area of the hitting mat to hit, but the second hit mode is set. The selected user can place the actual golf ball in the fairway area of the batting mat and hit it. Hitting in the fairway area is easier to hit the golf ball than hitting in the rough area, so there is a high possibility that the calculated flight distance will increase. In the second method, the calculated flight distance is reduced by a predetermined distance (d) to correct the increase in the flight distance by hitting in the fairway region. Similarly, in the situation where the virtual golf ball in the screen is located in the virtual bunker as shown in FIG. 10 (c), the actual golf ball must be placed in the bunker area of the batting mat and hit, but the second hit. The user who selects the mode can place the actual golf ball in the fairway area of the batting mat and hit it. Hitting in the fairway area is easier to hit a golf ball than hitting in the bunker area, so there is a high possibility that the calculated flight distance will increase. In the second method, the calculated flight distance is reduced by a predetermined distance (d) to correct the increase in the flight distance by hitting in the fairway region. Comparing the rough and the bunker, the flight distance when hitting with a bunker is generally further reduced, so the reduction rate of the flight distance when the virtual golf ball in the screen is in the virtual bunker is in the screen. It is set larger than the reduction rate of the flight distance when the virtual golf ball is in the virtual rough. For example, if the former is 20%, the latter is set to 10%.

The first and second striking modes can be easily selected by using the striking mode button (33). In particular, if the interface device is configured to allow the user to step on and enter commands, or if it is configured with a remote-controlled portable device, the user will always have the first and second while playing screen golf. One of the striking modes can be easily selected.

The caddy button (34) is an input means for calling the caddy. FIG. 13 shows a screen on which a virtual caddy is displayed. Referring to FIG. 13, the user can use the caddy button (34) to display the virtual caddy (VC) on the screen. Just as a caddy provides advice on various plays in actual golf, you can call a virtual caddy (VC) to receive advice in screen golf. As play advice provided by a virtual caddy (VC), there may be advice for shots as illustrated in FIG. In addition to the advice on shots, the play advice provided by the virtual caddy (VC) may include information on the golf course (distance from the current position of the virtual golf ball to the hole cup, etc.). The caddy button (34) can be used to call the virtual caddy (VC) to be displayed by clicking this button in the absence of the virtual caddy (VC). Or, before the user hits, call the virtual caddy (VC) for advice, and after the virtual caddy (VC) disappears, the user clicks this button to recall the virtual caddy (VC). This can be used in applications that require the advice to be provided again.

The golf ball button (35) is an input means requesting that the golf ball be provided. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing a means for providing a golf ball installed on a striking mat. Referring to FIG. 14, a golf ball providing means (4) is installed below the striking mat (M). The golf ball providing means (4) includes a tee member (5), and the tee member (5) is usually buried under the striking mat (M) and is not exposed on the striking mat (M). The golf ball button (35) can be used in applications where the user requires the striking mat (M) to provide a golf ball. That is, when the user clicks the golf ball button (35), the golf ball providing means (4) raises the tee member (5) while the golf ball is placed on the upper side of the tee member (5). (5) and the golf ball are exposed on the striking mat (M). When the striking mat (M) divided into a plurality of areas (M1, S1, S2) is used, the golf ball providing means (4) mainly provides the golf ball to the fairway area (M1). Further, the golf ball providing means (4) automatically provides the golf ball to the striking mat (M) at an appropriate time before the user's striking under the control of the control unit (see the drawing reference numeral 220 in FIG. 4). be able to. If the golf ball is automatically provided when needed, it is usually not necessary to use the golf ball button (35). However, the golf ball button (35) is used when the golf ball cannot be automatically provided due to an operation error, or when a new golf ball is needed due to a user's mistake (for example, the user automatically). It can be used for (for example, when the golf ball comes off the hitting mat (M) and rolls to another place by touching the supplied golf ball).

The grid button (36) is an input means that requests the screen to display a grid and an indicator to indicate the slope of the terrain. FIG. 15 shows a screen screen on which a grid and indicators are displayed. Referring to FIG. 15, the user can use the grid button (36) to display the grid (G) on the screen, which has an indicator (I) indicating the slope of the terrain. Is displayed. When a virtual golf ball (VB) lands in the green area of a virtual golf course during the play of screen golf, the user puts toward the hole cup (HC). The green terrain on an actual golf course has various slopes, and in screen golf, the slope of the green terrain of actual golf is reproduced on a virtual golf course. In actual golf, the golfer can directly check the slope of the green terrain with the naked eye, but in screen golf, it is difficult to grasp the slope of the green terrain only from the image on the screen, so the grid (G) and indicator (I) The slope of the green terrain is shown by using the above. Specifically, the grid (G) includes a plurality of horizontal lines (G1) and vertical lines (G2), and the indicator (I) moves on the horizontal lines (G1) / vertical lines (G2) of the grid (G). Includes horizontal indicator (I1) and vertical indicator (I2). The direction in which the horizontal indicator (I1) moves on the horizontal line (G1) of the grid (G) indicates the inclination direction of the green (moving from a place with a high inclination to a place with a low inclination), and the length of the horizontal indicator (I1). Is displayed in proportion to the inclination (or when the horizontal indicator (I1) is displayed as a point form, it is also possible to express the inclination (the faster the movement speed, the steeper the inclination) by the moving speed of the point. ). Similarly, the direction in which the vertical indicator (I2) moves on the vertical line (G2) of the grid (G) indicates the inclination direction of the green (moves from a place with a high inclination to a place with a low inclination), and the vertical indicator (I2). ) Is displayed in proportion to the inclination (or when the vertical indicator (I2) is displayed as a point form, the inclination (the faster the movement speed, the steeper the inclination) is expressed by the movement speed of the point). Is also possible).

As described above, the user can grasp the slope of the green terrain by displaying the grid (G) and the indicator (I) using the grid button (36), and appropriately based on the grasped slope. You can put.

The adjustment button (37) is an input means for adjusting the screen screen. FIG. 16 shows an example of adjusting the screen screen with the adjustment button. To give an example of adjusting the screen screen while playing screen golf, the user can adjust the aiming in screen golf by using the adjustment button (37). As illustrated in FIG. 16 (a), the screen displays a virtual golf ball (VB) and a hole cup (HC) placed on the green terrain when the user puts. In FIG. 16A, the hole cup (HC) is located in front of the virtual golf ball (VB), but even if the virtual golf ball (VB) is put on the front in such a situation, it can be put on. It can fail. This is because if the green is a sloped terrain (for example, a sloped terrain with a high left side and a low right side), even if you put it in front, the virtual golf ball (VB) will roll to the right as it approaches the hole cup (HC). Because there is a high possibility of going. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the green terrain in putting. In actual golf, the golfer can recognize the slope around the green and the hole cup and make an appropriate putting, but in screen golf, the virtual golf course is displayed two-dimensionally, so the actual golf It is difficult to grasp the green terrain like. Therefore, a putting guide (PG) for guiding the user in the putting direction is displayed in consideration of the inclination of the green terrain in the putting situation. When the putting guide (PG) is displayed, the putting can be performed in the direction guided by the putting guide (PG) (upper left direction in FIG. 16A). Alternatively, putting can be performed after performing Aiming. In this case, the user clicks the "right-pointing triangle" button on the adjustment button (37) to adjust the screen so that the putting guide (PG) faces the front as shown in FIG. 16 (b). ), Then you can put in the front direction. In the adjustment button (37), the "left-pointing triangle" button can be used for aiming in the opposite direction, and the other "upward-pointing triangle (△)" and "downward-pointing triangle (▽)" buttons are also screen screens in the corresponding direction. Can be used to adjust.

FIG. 17 shows an interface device for virtual sports according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 17, the interface device is composed of a remote control type portable device. The interface device includes a large number of input buttons, and each input button is displayed with a number. Other symbols, text, images, etc. may be displayed instead of numbers. The difference between the interface device of this embodiment and the interface device of the above-mentioned embodiment is that the usage of each input button is not fixed, and the user can change the usage of each input button at his / her own convenience. Is. For example, it is assumed that the remote control type interface device according to this embodiment is used as an interface device for screen golf. As described with reference to FIG. 5, in the interface device for screen golf, a hit cancel button, a putting mode button, a hit mode button, a caddy button, a golf ball button, a grid button, an adjustment button, and the like are used. Further, since various commands can be used by the user during the play of screen golf, there may be a case where a button other than the button shown in FIG. 5 is required. It is not possible to have all the buttons for every command so that the interface device can execute all the commands needed while playing screen golf. Since the commands mainly used by each user are different, the interface device according to this embodiment does not specify the command executed by the input buttons while preventing the number of input buttons from increasing, and the command desired by the user is not specified. It is configured so that the input button can be set with. For example, assuming that a particular user mainly uses only the striking mode button, putting mode button, grid button, and caddy button, the user himself / herself before playing screen golf, as illustrated in FIG. By setting each input button of the interface device of the above so that the command mainly used can be executed, the corresponding function can be conveniently used. Since the execution of the command is controlled by the control unit (see the drawing reference numeral 220 in FIG. 4), the above setting process is executed in cooperation with the control unit.

If the interface device is a remote control type portable device, its volume is not large, so when multiple users play screen golf, each user wants to use the interface device button while using his or her own interface device. You can set it as you like. If the interface device has the same or similar form as that shown in FIG. 5, multiple users cannot use their own dedicated interface device. However, even with such an interface device, the function of the input button can be set for each user as desired. For example, assuming that users A and B play screen golf together, user A sets the interface device in the first setting, and user B sets the interface device in the second setting, golf play in screen golf. Since the hitting order is automatically determined according to the progress of the hit, the interface device should be operated in the first setting when the user A hits, and the interface device should be operated in the second setting when the user B hits. Then, it is possible to set and use the function of the input button for each user as desired. Alternatively, a camera or the like is installed separately (instead of installing the camera separately, it is also possible to use the camera of the sensing unit (see the drawing reference numeral 230 in FIG. 4) that detects the physical state of the golf ball). After that, the camera detects the user located on the striking plate, and when the user A is located on the striking plate, the interface device is operated in the first setting, and when the user B is located on the striking plate. Can allow the interface device to operate in the second setting.

The specific examples of the present invention have been considered above. Those who have ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs will understand that the present invention can be embodied in a modified form within a range that does not deviate from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed examples should be considered from a descriptive point of view, not from a limiting point of view. The scope of the invention is set forth in the claims, not the description described above, and all differences within the equivalent scope should be construed as included in the invention.

1, 2, 3: Interface equipment 100: Virtual baseball device 110, 210: Strike plate 120, 220: Control unit 130, 230: Sensing unit 140, 240: Input unit 150, 250: Display unit

Claims (8)

An interface device for virtual sports
With the main body
An input unit that allows users to input at least a part of commands that can be used in the virtual sports play.
Including
It consists of a remote-controlled portable device, or includes an input means on which the input unit can be stepped on to input a command.
Interface equipment for virtual sports. A virtual sports device including the interface device for virtual sports according to claim 1. When the user hits an actual golf ball, a control unit that calculates the trajectory of the actual golf ball hit and
A display unit that displays a virtual golf ball that moves along the calculated trajectory on a virtual golf course, and a display unit.
A user interface device for entering at least some of the commands that the user can use in playing virtual golf, and
Including virtual golf equipment. The user interface device includes input means for setting one of the first and second putting modes.
The virtual golf course includes a hole cup and a flag pole placed in the hole cup.
In the first putting mode, both the hole cup and the flagpole are displayed, and in the second putting mode, only the hole cup is displayed except for the flagpole.
The virtual golf device according to claim 3. A hitting mat on which the actual golf ball before hitting is placed, further including the hitting mat including the first region and the second region.
The virtual golf course includes a first virtual area corresponding to the first area and a second virtual area corresponding to the second area.
The user interface device includes input means for setting one of the first and second striking modes.
In the first hitting mode, it is recognized that the hitting is effective only when the actual golf ball and the virtual golf ball are located in the regions corresponding to each other at the time of hitting by the user.
In the second hitting mode, it is recognized that the hitting is effective even when the actual golf ball and the virtual golf ball are located in regions where the actual golf ball and the virtual golf ball do not correspond to each other at the time of hitting by the user.
The virtual golf device according to claim 3. The control unit recognizes that the hit is effective only when the actual golf ball is hit in the state where the actual golf ball is placed in the first region of the hit mat in the second hit mode, and the hit is made. Calculate the trajectory of the actual golf ball
When the control unit is hit in the second hitting mode with the virtual golf ball in the second virtual area and the actual golf ball placed in the first area, the hitting unit is hit. Calculate the actual trajectory of the golf ball and adjust the flight distance according to the calculated trajectory.
The virtual golf device according to claim 5. The user interface device displays an input means for canceling a hit, an input means for requesting a virtual caddy, an input means for requesting the user to provide a golf ball for hitting, and an inclination on the virtual golf course. 3. The virtual golf device according to claim 3, comprising at least one of an input means for adjusting the screen for displaying the virtual golf course and an input means for adjusting the screen on which the virtual golf course is displayed. The virtual golf device according to claim 3, wherein the user interface device is composed of a remote control type portable device, or includes an input means capable of a user stepping on and inputting a command.

Images