JP2022120124A - Golf practice support device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device suitable for portability, capable of being dimensioned according to the place of use, without being unnecessarily large.

SOLUTION: A golf practice support device includes a detachable first case main body 21 and a detachable second case main body 22, and the second case main body includes a Doppler sensor 31. The first case main body includes a position measurement unit 11 for obtaining the current position, a golf course data storage unit 12 for storing and holding course layout information of a golf course, and a control unit 13 for reading out the course layout being played from the golf course data storage unit on the basis of the current position obtained by the position measurement unit, and outputting it to a display device 14. The control unit also has a function to measure the club swing speed on the basis of the output of the Doppler sensor to obtain an estimated flight distance. When the first case main body is operated alone, a navigation function that displays the course layout is activated, and when the second case main body is connected, a practice function to obtain the swing speed or the like is activated.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a golf practice/support device and program having a function of providing golf information related to golf to a golf player and a function useful for golf practice.

For example, using a GPS receiver, it is possible to display the distance from the current position to the green, bunkers, etc. and the course layout at the golf course, or to accurately and easily record the ball hit position during golf play. There is a golf support device (Patent Document 1, etc.). The device disclosed in this Patent Document 1 communicates with GPS satellites to obtain positional information of itself, positional information recording means to record the positional information, and layout of golf course holes. Layout information recording means for recording visually recognizable layout image information together with its latitude and longitude information; Hit trajectory display processing means for plotting position information on the layout image and displaying the hit trajectory. and

According to the invention of Patent Document 1, by confirming the hit trajectory after playing, it is possible to confirm and reflect on the contents of the play, confirm the course layout in advance or during play, and check the green and bunkers from the current position during play. By checking the distance to etc., you can make a play strategy.

JP 2003-339929

Conventional golf support devices have been improved by increasing the types of golf-related information provided and by adding golf-related functions. As the number of functions increases, the types of antennas and sensors that are used also increase, and the overall size of the device increases. In addition, the device includes functions that are not used at the place where it is taken, and along with the increase in size of the device, there is a problem of portability.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the golf training/assistance device according to the present invention includes (1) a speed measuring sensor for measuring the speed of a moving object, a position measuring section for obtaining a current position, and the position measuring section. a first control unit that accesses golf course data storage means for storing and holding course layout information of the golf course based on the current position obtained in step 2, reads out the course layout and outputs the course layout to a first display unit; and a second control unit that obtains the speed of the golf ball or the club head moving with the swing of the golf club based on the output, and outputs information based on the obtained speed to the second display unit. Based on speed may be speed (swing speed/ball speed) itself, or information (estimated flight distance, etc.) obtained based thereon.

A velocity measurement sensor corresponds to the Doppler sensor 31 in the embodiment. The speed measurement sensor may detect and output information for measuring speed, like the Doppler sensor of this embodiment, and may not necessarily detect and calculate the actual speed. Golf course data storage means corresponds to the golf course data storage unit 12 in the embodiment. In the embodiment, it is integrally mounted in the case, but as described in the modified example, it may be separately set in a server or the like.

In the present invention, the first control unit is operated to execute a golf support mode (golf navigation mode in the embodiment) for displaying course layout information on the first display unit based on the current position, and output from the speed measurement sensor is obtained by the second control unit, the swing speed and the ball speed are calculated, and a golf practice mode in which the results and the like are output to the second display unit can be executed.

(2) Separable first case main body and second case main body are provided, and the second case main body includes the speed measuring sensor and communication for transmitting the output of the speed measuring sensor to the first case main body side. a communication interface for receiving the output of the speed measurement sensor sent from the second main body case; the position measuring unit; the first control unit; 2 control unit.

During execution of the golf support mode (golf navigation mode in the embodiment) that operates the first control unit and displays the course layout information on the first display unit based on the current position, the speed measurement sensor is not essential. The second case body and the first case body are separated. Therefore, the first case main body can be used alone, and it becomes compact and convenient to carry. In particular, when the golf support mode is operated, since the player is moving through the golf course, it is preferable that the player is compact and lightweight so as not to interfere with portability.

On the other hand, during practice, both the first case body and the second case body are used, the output from the speed measurement sensor is acquired by the second control unit, the swing speed and ball speed are calculated, and the result is displayed on the second display. Start the golf practice mode output to the section. Normally, golf practice involves hitting a golf ball at the practice range or practicing swinging in the garden of one's home or other places. Even if the overall size of the device becomes somewhat large by using both equally, there is no big problem. In addition, a control unit and a man-machine interface (input means such as switches and output means of the display unit) for executing the golf practice mode are incorporated in the first case main body, and are also used for executing the golf support mode. By doing so, the overall size of the device can be further reduced.

Also, when the second control unit operates, the second control unit acquires the output of the speed measurement sensor, so both the second case main body and the first case main body can operate and communicate, so the installation position of the second display unit is , the second case main body side, or the first case main body side as in the embodiment. When the second display section is installed in the first case main body, the first display section and the second display section may be used in common as an actual hardware component. Furthermore, each display section may be provided separately from each case main body, and each control section may output necessary information to the display section.

(3) The first case main body has a judging section for judging whether or not the second case main body is connected, and when the second case main body is not connected to the first case main body, the second case main body is It is preferable that the second control section operates when the first control section operates and the second case body is connected to the first case body. By automatically switching the operation mode (operating control unit) depending on the presence or absence of the second case main body, the user does not have to switch the mode in a special way, and it is convenient because it operates in a mode suitable for each connection situation. . Of course, even if such a function for switching the automatically operating control unit is provided, such switching may be preferentially performed so that execution in another mode can be performed by manual operation or the like.

(4) The first display section and the second display section may be provided on the first case main body. By arranging the first display section and the second display section collectively, the display section can be set at an easily visible location on the entire case. In other words, even if the two display units are installed separately, since both display units are arranged in easy-to-see locations, the user can easily view the display regardless of which mode is executed and which display unit is used. can be secured. (5) Further, it is preferable that the first display section and the second display section are configured in common. By doing so, not only can the cost be reduced by reducing the number of parts, but also the overall size can be reduced, which is preferable.

(6) The first control section and the second control section may be configured with the same CPU. Since the control units that implement each function are configured by the same CPU, the device configuration including the interface with the input/output unit can be simplified and downsized, and the programs to be executed can be easily switched.

(7) A club type input unit for designating a club type to be used, wherein the second control unit estimates using the calculated speed and a coefficient associated with the club type designated by the club type input unit. A distance calculation function for calculating a flight distance may be provided, and the estimated flight distance obtained by the distance calculation function may be stored in the storage unit in association with the club type. The club type input section is realized by the switch 19 in the embodiment. It is preferable that the storage section is provided in the first case main body as in the embodiment. Since the estimated flight distance measured in the golf practice mode is stored in the storage part of the first case body, the data stored in the storage part can be read and written even after the second case body is removed.

(8) The first control unit draws a mark at a position corresponding to the current position obtained by the position measurement unit in the course layout displayed on the first display unit, It is preferable to have a function of reading the distance from the storage unit and displaying it on the first display unit. The mark corresponds to the self icon I of the embodiment. By displaying the current position and the estimated flight distance, it is possible to easily understand whether or not the selected club type will reach the target location.

(9) The estimated flight distance may be displayed by drawing a circle centered on the mark and having a radius equal to the estimated flight distance. Drawing a circle makes it possible to visually and intuitively recognize the ball, and to predict the position where the ball will fly if the ball is hit obliquely due to a mistake.

(10) The estimated flight distance displayed on the first display unit may be at least one of an average value, a maximum value, and a minimum value. By displaying the average value, it is possible to predict the landing position when flying normally, and by displaying the highest and lowest values, it is possible to predict the ball's arrival when the hit is too good or when the ball is hit incorrectly. Predictable position is preferred.

(11) The second control unit has a function of displaying a hole layout of a golf course on the first display unit or the second display unit, and a distance calculation unit centering on a specified point on the hole layout. and a ball stopping point candidate display function for drawing a circle having a radius equal to the estimated flight distance obtained in (1), wherein the designated point is a designated point in the tee ground on the hole layout or the ball stopping point candidate display. It may be a specified point on the circumference of the circle drawn by the function. The hole layout may be that of a virtual golf course or that of a real golf course. In either case, it is possible to practice closer to actual golf play.

(12) The hole layout may be for the actual golf course stored in the golf course data storage unit. This is preferable because the simulation can be performed using the actual hole layout of the golf course.

(13) The second control unit has a function of displaying the actual golf course layout stored in the golf course data storage means on the first display unit or the second display unit, and a function of displaying the course layout on the course layout. The intersection of the circumference of a circle centered on a specified point and having a radius equal to the estimated flight distance obtained by the distance calculation section and the reference line set in the course layout is obtained, and the obtained intersection is determined. and a function of determining the ball stop point by pressing the ball and displaying the determined point. In this way, the stop position of the ball can be determined automatically, so the user does not have to specify the stop position for each shot, which is convenient.

(14) The reference line may indicate a strategy route for holes in the course layout. In this case, the intersection of the attack route and the circumference can be set as the stop position, and the position can be easily obtained.

(15) The approach route is a line that connects a predetermined position on the tee ground to a predetermined position on the green, and if the line is non-linear, it is specified by one or more reference points indicating the position where the direction changes. should be configured to By doing so, it is possible to set a capture route based on a small amount of information.

(16) The reference line may be a fairway boundary line and/or a course boundary line of the course layout. In this case, the points of intersection of the two boundary lines forming a pair and the circumference can be obtained, and a predetermined position (for example, the middle point) on the line (chord/arc) connecting the two points of intersection can be set as the stop position. .

(17) A function of displaying the course layout of the golf course on the first display unit or the second display unit, and receiving the designation of the target point on the displayed course layout, the distance from the current position to the target point , accesses the estimated flight distance storage means that stores the estimated flight distance for each club type, and uses the calculated distance and the estimated flight distance for each club type when hitting the ball toward the target point. It is desirable to have a function of determining a club type suitable for the event and reporting information about the determined club type. By doing so, the club type can be easily selected.

(18) A configuration may be provided in which a function of notifying the determined estimated flight distance of the determined club type and the determined distance is provided. By doing so, it can be easily determined whether or not the club type determined by the device is correct.

(19) A program of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to implement the functions of the golf training/assistance device according to any one of (1) to (18) above.

In the present invention, the golf support mode displays the course layout information on the first display unit based on the current position, and the second control unit acquires the output from the speed measurement sensor, calculates the swing speed and the ball speed, and calculates the swing speed and the ball speed. It is possible to execute both the golf practice mode in which the results and the like are output to the second display section. In particular, if the first case main body and the second case main body are made separable, the size can be adjusted according to the place of use, and the size will not be increased unnecessarily, making it suitable for portability.

It is a figure which shows an example of a utilization aspect. It is a figure which shows an example of a utilization aspect. FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention; It is a figure which shows an example of a display screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a display screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the hole on the software memorize|stored in the hole layout and apparatus in a virtual golf course. It is a figure explaining other embodiments. It is a figure explaining other embodiments. It is a figure explaining other embodiments. It is a figure explaining other embodiments.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The golf practice/support device of this embodiment displays the course layout of an actual golf course, measures the current position, moves the player, and provides real-time notification of the current position and the remaining distance to the green, such as golf navigation. It has a golf support function and a golf practice function that calculates and outputs the head speed of the golf club, the ball speed of the ball actually hit, and the estimated flight distance.

1 and 2 are diagrams showing an example of the state of use of the golf training/assistance device of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2(a), the golf practice/support device 10 is installed at a predetermined position behind the golf player 1 who swings the golf club 2. As shown in FIG. A specific installation position is such that the detection range of the golf practice/assistance device 10 includes the point where the head 2a of the golf club 2 during a swing moves at the maximum speed. As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, the vicinity of the lowest point of the movement locus 3 of the head 2a of the golf club 2 is the impact position with respect to the ball 4, and the moving speed of the head 2a is normally at its maximum speed near this position. Therefore, the installation position is on the tangential line 5 of the lowest point of the movement trajectory 3 and behind the golf player 1 . In this case, the distance between the ball 4 and the golf practice/support device 10 is about 1 m. As will be described later, the golf training/assistance device 10 has a built-in Doppler sensor. Therefore, the opening surface 11a of the antenna of the Doppler sensor is installed so as to directly face the ball 4 (facing the tangent line 5). be.

This installation position corresponds to a club other than a putter, and the ball 4 may be omitted. In other words, when the ball 4 is actually hit, the golf training/support device 10 simultaneously measures both the head speed and the ball speed each time the ball 4 is swung, and does not place the ball 4 (even if the ball 4 is placed). Only the head speed is measured when swinging without actually hitting the ball.

On the other hand, when the club used is a putter, the installation position is as shown in FIG. 2(b). In other words, the golf training/support device is positioned diagonally in front of the golfer 1, more specifically, at a position about 20 cm ahead of the ball 4 as viewed from the golfer 1 and about 20 cm ahead in the launch direction of the ball 4. Put 10. Then, the opening surface 11a of the antenna of the golf practice/assistance device 10 is directed to about 1 m from where the ball 4 rolls. In this mode of use, in order to measure the ball speed, it is essential that the golfer 1 puts down the ball 4 and actually hits it. Since the speed measurement area of the golf practice/assistance device 10 is set to a certain area where the ball B rolls, and the movement locus of the head 2'a of the putter 2' does not exist within the measurement area, the head speed cannot be measured. Measurement is not possible. Therefore, only the velocity of the ball is measured.

FIG. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of a golf practice/support device 10 according to the present invention. This golf practice/support device 10 comprises a first case body 21 and a second case body 22, both of which are detachable. A connection mechanism is provided on the side surfaces of both the case bodies 21 and 22, and the side surfaces are aligned and brought into contact with each other to be connected. When connected, they constitute one housing. Along with this coupling, the first connector 23 and the second connector 36 arranged on the respective side surfaces are coupled and electrically connected to enable transmission/reception of data and power supply. Further, by connecting the first and second connectors 23 and 36, the first and second case bodies 21 and 22 may be mechanically connected.

The first case main body 21 incorporates elements that constitute golf support functions such as golf navigation. That is, the first case main body 21 contains a position measurement unit 11 that receives GPS signals and obtains the current position, a golf course data storage unit 12 that stores golf information such as the course layout of the golf course in advance, and a position sensor. A control unit 13 that accesses the golf course data storage unit 12 based on the current position information from the measurement unit 11, acquires information about the golf course, and controls output to an output device; a display device 14 that constitutes the output device; A speaker 15, a connection state detection unit 16 for detecting whether or not the second case main body 22 is connected, and a battery 17 that serves as a power source when carried. Furthermore, the first case main body 21 also includes a storage device 18 , various switches 19 , and a communication interface 20 .

The golf course data storage unit 12 is composed of a recording medium such as an internal memory and a detachable external recording medium (such as a micro SD memory card). The golf information stored in the golf course data storage unit 12 includes data on the actual golf course (course layout of each hole, positions of objects on the course such as greens and bunkers on the golf course). These information can be the same as those disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-57189 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-339929.

The control unit 13 includes a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, flash memory, various peripheral circuits, interfaces, and the like. When the power switch is turned on, the control unit 13 is supplied with power from the battery 17 and starts operating. The control unit 13 expands the OS and application programs recorded in the flash memory onto the RAM using the boot loader recorded in the ROM, and executes the OS and application programs on the RAM to perform the following various processes. to implement various functions.

The storage device 18 stores the calculation results, and may be a non-detachable internal storage device or a slot section (including read/write function) for loading a detachable recording medium such as an SD memory card. . The recording medium/device constituting the storage device 18 may be shared with the golf course data storage section 12 in an actual device.

The connection state detection unit 16 detects whether or not the second case body 22 is attached to the first case body 21. For example, the side surface of the first case body 21 (the connection surface with the second case body 22) ), a pressure-sensitive/contact type switch (sensor) such as a limit switch is arranged, and when both case bodies 21 and 22 are connected, the switch is turned ON (or OFF), and both case bodies 21 and 22 are separated. This can be realized by setting the switch to turn OFF (or ON) when the second case body 22 is removed from the first case body 21 . At this time, the switch should be flush with the surface of the first case main body 21 or slightly recessed inside, and the switch should be pushed by a projection or the like provided on the second case main body 22 . In this way, when carrying the first case main body 21 alone, it is possible to prevent the switch from being erroneously pressed and an erroneous determination that the second case main body 22 is connected. In addition, it is not limited to such a direct contact type, and a non-contact type such as a proximity sensor can also be used. A detection result of the connection state detection unit 16 is provided to the control unit 13 .

The display device 14 is formed from an LCD, an organic EL display, or the like. The battery 17 may be a primary battery such as a dry battery, or a rechargeable secondary battery such as a rechargeable battery. The switch 19 includes a power switch for turning on/off the power and an operation switch for giving various instructions. A touch panel may be provided on the surface of the display device 14 and used as an operation switch.

The control section 13 determines the operation mode based on the detection result from the connection state detection section 16 . That is, the control unit 13 obtains an application program for realizing a golf support function (golf navigation mode) such as golf navigation, the head speed of the golf club, the ball speed of the ball actually hit, the estimated flight distance, and the like. An application program for realizing the output golf practice function (golf practice mode) is provided, and these are switched and executed. In this embodiment, when the first case main body 21 is used alone without being connected to the second case main body 22, the control unit 13 executes the golf navigation mode and changes the second case main body 22 to the first case main body. When connected to the case main body 21, the control section 13 executes the golf practice mode.

As described above, the control unit 13 automatically switches between the golf navigation mode and the golf practice mode based on the detection result of the connection state detection unit 16. However, a manual operation mode switching switch is provided as the switch 19 so that the user can switch between the golf navigation mode and the golf practice mode. You may enable it to switch a mode based on the instruction|indication of . In this case, the manual mode switching function based on the user's instruction and the automatic switching function can coexist. That is, for example, when the first case body 21 and the second case body 22 are in a connected state, the controller 13 automatically switches to the golf practice mode based on the detection result from the connection state detector 16. When the golf navigation mode is selected by the mode switch, the control unit 13 switches the program to be executed to the golf navigation mode. As a result, for example, the first case main body 21 and the second case main body 22 are brought to a golf course, and practice is performed with the two connected before playing, and the case main bodies 21 and 22 are connected and practiced. When playing a round, you can switch to golf navigation mode and carry it to the course. That is, it is possible to prevent the user from misplacing the second case body 22 by removing it for use in the golf navigation mode.

The control unit 13 executing the golf navigation mode accesses the golf course data storage unit 12 based on the position information (longitude/latitude) from the position measurement unit 11, and reads out the information of the golf course currently being played. Then, from the current position information, the corresponding course is read out and drawn on the display device 14 . An example of the display screen drawn on the display device 14 is shown in FIG. In this figure, the player's own icon I is drawn in the center of the display screen to indicate where the player is, and the layout of the hole currently being played is drawn so that the green is on top. This makes it possible to know the direction toward the green as well as the position, size and shape of ponds and bunkers around the green. Also, a concentric line L centered on the player's icon I is superimposed on the layout of the hole and drawn. This gives you an idea of approximate distances to ponds and bunkers. By displaying the course layout in this way, even if the user is playing the course for the first time, he/she can confirm the strategy for each hole.

A remaining distance display area R1 is set at the lower right of the screen. That is, in the golf course data storage unit 12, the position of the edge of the green and the position of the center of the green are registered as green information. Therefore, the control unit 13 obtains the distance between the current position and the center of the green, and displays the remaining distance to the center of the green ("149" in the figure). Also, the intersection between the line connecting the current position and the center of the green and the edge of the green is obtained, the distance between the position of the obtained intersection and the current position is obtained, and the remaining distance to the green edge is displayed ("132" in the figure). ”). Furthermore, a directional arrow Y pointing from the current position to the center of the green is drawn.

In addition, any point can be registered based on switch operation or the like. Specifically, the control unit 13 acquires the current position from the position measurement unit 11 at the time of receiving the point registration processing by a switch operation or the like, and registers the point. This arbitrary point can be used, for example, to register the point where the ball was actually hit. If any point registered in this manner exists within the hole layout displayed on the display screen, a point registration icon I0 is drawn at the corresponding position. Further, the distance from the registered position to the current position of the self icon I is obtained and displayed in the flying distance display area R2 prepared at the lower left of the display screen ("138" in the figure). Also, a plurality of point registrations can be performed, and the position information of each of the point registrations is recorded in the storage device 18 in order of registration for each hole. Thus, by registering the position where the ball is hit each time as a point, it is possible to record the trajectory of the actual play on the golf course, and the layout of each hole is drawn on the display device 14 together with the point registration icon I0. By doing so, you can check the trajectory of the actual play on the display screen.

In addition, in the upper area of the display screen of the display device 14, an icon I1 indicating the remaining battery level, an icon I2 indicating the number of the hole currently being played, and an icon I3 (L( Left side)/R (right side)) and an icon I4 (yd (yard)/m (meter)) indicating the unit of distance display are displayed. Furthermore, the time is displayed at the right end of the information area.

In addition, as will be described later, the present embodiment has a golf practice mode, in which the estimated flight distance for each club type can be recorded. Therefore, when using the golf navigation mode, when the control unit 13 recognizes the designation of the club type (number), it reads out the estimated flight distance for the designated club type from the storage device 18, and displays it on the course layout display screen. Overlap display. At this time, the estimated flight distance may be displayed as numbers in text, or a circle having a radius corresponding to the estimated flight distance may be drawn on the display screen with the self-icon I as the center. In particular, when the estimated flight distance is indicated by a circle, whether the selected club type is appropriate in relation to the remaining distance, and if the launch direction deviates from the target direction, hazards such as bunkers and ponds and rough It is preferable because the judgment of the possibility of being caught by the target can be visually and intuitively understood.

The club type can be specified by operating a club selection switch provided as one of the switches 19 for selecting and specifying the club type. Then, the control unit 13 calculates an estimated flight distance from the selected club type, head speed, ball speed, and other information. Specifically, when the control unit 13 recognizes that the club selection switch has been pressed (for example, “short press”), the club types are cycled in the following order.
"1W → 3W → 5W → 3I → 4I → 5I → 6I → 7I → 8I → 9I → W (wedge) → Pt (putter)"

In addition, the control unit 13 appropriately uses "W, I, t and 7 segments" in the club type display area set at a predetermined position on the display screen of the display device 14 to select the current club type. Shows the club species that are being used. That is, when woods (1W, 3W, 5W) are selected, "W" is displayed and the selected number is displayed, and irons (3I, 4I, 5I, 6I, 7I, 8I, 9I) are selected. If the wedge (W) is selected, only "W" is displayed, and if the putter (Pt) is selected, "I" and the selected number are displayed. displays only "t" (it is also possible to display P together using 7 segments).

Furthermore, as will be described later, when the control unit 13 is provided with a function of determining the maximum and minimum estimated flight distances measured in the golf practice mode, in addition to the estimated flight distance (average value), the maximum It is better to display the value and the minimum value together. As an example of the display layout in such a case, as shown in FIG. 5, it can be performed by drawing concentric circles (S0: average value, SH: maximum value, SL: minimum value) centering on self-icon I. FIG. This makes it possible to more accurately predict the reach of the ball when it hits too well and flies too far (maximum value) or fails to hit (minimum value), and can appropriately select the type of club.

As described above, in the golf navigation mode, the control unit 13 draws the course layout of the hole currently being played on the display screen of the display device 14, and displays the own icon at the point corresponding to the current position on the course layout. Draw I. Therefore, when an arbitrary point on the displayed course layout is designated as a point (target point) to be hit, the control unit 13 calculates the distance from the current position to the designated point, and It is preferable to have a function of determining the suitable club type and displaying information about the determined club type. At this time, the distance to the point should also be displayed.

That is, as will be described later, information (average value, maximum value, minimum value, etc.) relating to the estimated flight distance for each club type is recorded in the storage device 18 or the like. Therefore, the calculated distance to the point is compared with the estimated flight distance (for example, average value) of each club type, and the closest club type is determined. Also, the club type is not limited to this, and the club type with the closest estimated flight distance may be selected among clubs with a larger estimated flight distance.

Then, the control unit 13 preferably displays the type of club and the estimated flight distance as information on the determined club type. If the estimated flight distance is displayed together with the maximum and minimum values together with the average value, by displaying the distance to the point together, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the club type is appropriate.

Furthermore, in the golf navigation mode, the actual play can be recorded by using the location registration function and the club type specification function. When the user hits the ball, the user operates the switch 19 to register the point of hitting and the type of club to be used. The control unit 13 associates the position at which the ball is hit with the type of club used at that time and registers them in the storage device 18 in order from the first hit. Since the flight distance of the ball hit this time is the distance between the position registered this time and the position registered next time, the control unit 13 calculates the actual flight distance, , the type of club and the actual flight distance are registered in association with each other. Thereby, the control unit 13 obtains the average flight distance, maximum flight distance, and minimum flight distance for each club type, and displays them on the display device 14 . At this time, for example, by displaying the actual flight distance and the estimated flight distance together (simultaneously/alternately), the difference between the estimated flight distance and the actual flight distance can be recognized. By sequentially displaying the estimated flight distance and the actual flight distance during play and confirming the difference between them, the user can check whether the condition of the day is flying or not compared with the normal estimated flight distance. Also, by recognizing the degree thereof, the club type to be actually used can be appropriately selected on the basis of the displayed estimated flight distance + club type during the subsequent play of the day.

Further, the flight distance displayed when the club type is selected may be replaced by the actual flight distance instead of the estimated flight distance acquired in the golf practice mode as described above. The estimated flight distance is simply and conveniently calculated based on the swing speed, ball speed, etc., and does not necessarily represent the actual flight distance due to factors such as factors used during calculation. Therefore, the control unit 13 has a function of displaying information based on past actual flight distances for the same club type of the user as the flight distance displayed when the club type is selected. In this case, the information based on the actual flight distance may be the average value of the actual flight distances, or may be the maximum or minimum actual flight distances in the same manner as the estimated flight distance. Further, whether to output the actual flight distance or the estimated flight distance can be selected alternatively based on switch operation, or both can be displayed.

In addition, by registering the history data of the actual flight distance in association with date (date and time) information, for example, the control unit 13 can display information based on the actual flight distance based on today's play. In this way, since the actual flight distance closer to the playing environment such as the player's condition and the course condition of the day is displayed, it is easier to make a strategy. Especially in the case of clubs that are used many times, such as drivers on the tee and good clubs on the fairway, if you can check the actual flight distance of the day, the direction of launch, It can provide useful information for making an appropriate selection of grit.

Furthermore, since the control unit 13 recognizes where the golf course currently being played is, the information based on the actual play (hitting position, club type, flight distance, etc.) It is preferable to register the information in association with information (golf course name, identification code, etc.) that identifies the golf course. In this way, when the same golf course is played multiple times, information based on the actual flight distance (average flight distance, maximum flight distance, minimum flight distance, etc. for each club type) on that golf course is displayed. good to do

Also, even if the mode for displaying the actual flight distance is selected, there may be no actual flight distance data for the selected club type. It is preferable to have a function to read and display the distance. In particular, when the actual flight distance limited to the day's play or the actual flight distance limited to the golf course is selected as described above, the type of club selected for the next shot cannot be used for the first time. Therefore, it is better to display the estimated flight distance as reference information. In that case, it is displayed so that it can be seen that it is an estimated flight distance.

Furthermore, by using a removable recording medium such as a memory card as the storage device 18, or by using a USB or other predetermined wired/wireless communication interface with an external device, the actual play stored in the storage device 18 can be performed. The information collected and recorded based on this can be transferred to an external device such as a personal computer, managed, and displayed on a large screen.

A microwave Doppler sensor 31 having an output frequency of 24.15 GHz and an output signal of the Doppler sensor 31 (one wave corresponding to 6 mm movement of the golf club head) are amplified in the second case main body 22 . An amplifier 32 and a comparator 33 that compares the signal amplified by the amplifier 32 with a reference value and outputs a Doppler pulse (a high level signal if the reference value is greater than the reference value and a low level signal if the reference value is less than the reference value). It has components used only in the practice mode, a communication interface 34 necessary for transmitting and receiving data to and from the first case main body 21 side, and a second connector 36 . The side surface of the second case main body 22 is also provided with a protrusion 35 for causing the connection state detection section 16 in the first case main body 21 to detect connection. A control unit such as a CPU that performs arithmetic processing and control for executing the golf practice mode, switches as a man-machine interface, and an output device (display device) are mounted on the first case main body 21. It is also used.

As a result, when the golf navigation mode is used, the second case main body containing the Doppler sensor, etc., which is not required for the mode is removed, and the first case main body 21 operates alone, making it compact and portable to the golf course. And it doesn't get in the way when you carry it around during play. On the other hand, when using the golf practice mode, by connecting the second case main body 22 and the first case main body 21, it is possible to use the control unit and the man-machine interface mounted on the first case main body 21. The entire device with the case body united does not become so large, and even though it is a device capable of executing two modes, many devices and parts are shared to reduce the number of parts and reduce the cost.

The sensors and various electronic circuits inside the second case main body 22 operate based on the battery 17 inside the first case main body 21 . That is, by connecting the first case body 21 and the second case body 22 , power is supplied from the first connector 23 to the second case body 22 via the second connector 36 .

The analog signal amplified by the amplifier 32 and the pulse signal output from the comparator 33 are given to the control section 13 via the communication interface 34 →second connector 36 →first connector 23 →communication interface 20 . The analog signal amplified by the amplifier 32 is converted into a digital signal by an A/D converter built in the control section 13 .

When the second case body 22 is connected to the first case body 21, the controller 13 executes the golf practice mode. Therefore, the control section 13 obtains the swing speed based on these signals. That is, as described above, when the power is turned on, the analog waveform obtained by amplifying the output of the Doppler sensor 31 by the amplifier 32 is subjected to threshold processing by the comparator 33, and the encoded Doppler pulse is output from the comparator 33 to the control unit 13. is entered in Therefore, the control unit 13 obtains the period of the Doppler pulse using a built-in counter, and obtains the speed of the moving body. When the moving body is a golf club head, the head speed is obtained, and when the moving body is a ball, the ball speed (initial velocity) is obtained. For this specific calculation algorithm, for example, various calculation algorithms can be used in addition to the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-86845.

Furthermore, in order to specialize in measuring the speed of the head speed during a golf club swing, the device temporarily accumulates speed data from the start to the end of the swing, and then calculates the maximum speed of the swing from the accumulated data. do it.

Also, when only practice swings are performed without placing the ball, the control unit 13 can easily obtain the head speed by the known algorithm described above. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the ball is actually hit, the control section 13 obtains the ball speed and the head speed at the same time. This is because the moving speed of the head accompanying the swing of the golf club gradually increases from the start of the swing, reaches the maximum speed near the front and back of hitting the ball, and then gradually slows down. On the other hand, when the golf club starts swinging, the ball remains stationary, so the movement speed is 0, and when the head hits it and it is launched, it moves and the speed increases. There is a lag between the peak of the head speed change and the peak of the ball speed change (the peak of the ball speed occurs with a delay). Therefore, since two speed peaks are generated, the respective speeds can be obtained. Specifically, for example, both speeds can be obtained using the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-86845.

Also, the ball speed is not limited to being determined based on the Doppler pulse as described above. Alternatively, D-converted data may be stored in a separate memory, and frequency spectrum analysis (for example, fast Fourier transform (FFT), etc.) may be performed on the A/D-converted data stored in the memory for calculation. The golf ball is smaller and farther than the head. Even for an input signal with a low level Doppler signal due to a small reflected wave and a disadvantageous SN ratio, the FFT disperses the noise component over the entire frequency by frequency decomposition, and the signal component is extracted as a line spectrum. A sufficient SN ratio for analysis can be secured.

In addition, the start of storage in the memory may be performed on the condition that the swing is detected. In this way, there is no need for constant accumulation, and the load required for memory update processing is reduced. At this time, the swing determination function should determine that there has been a swing when the period of the Doppler signal based on the Doppler signal output by the Doppler sensor 31 becomes a periodic pattern corresponding to the swing of the golf club. The controller 13 displays the obtained speed on the display device 14 and stores it in the storage device 18 .

Further, the apparatus has a club selection switch as the switch 19 for selecting and designating the type of club in accordance with the club to be used. The button elements constituting the switch 19 are the same as those used in the golf navigation mode, and the control unit 13 recognizes that the operation of the same switch is a different instruction depending on the mode being executed. Then, the control unit 13 calculates an estimated flight distance from the selected club type, head speed, ball speed, and other information. Specifically, when the control unit 13 recognizes that the club selection switch has been pressed (for example, “short press”), the club types are cycled in the following order.
"1W → 3W → 5W → 3I → 4I → 5I → 6I → 7I → 8I → 9I → W (wedge) → Pt (putter)"

In addition, the control unit 13 appropriately uses "W, I, t and 7 segments" in the club type display area set at a predetermined position on the display screen of the display device 14 to select the current club type. Shows the club species that are being used. That is, when woods (1W, 3W, 5W) are selected, "W" is displayed and the selected number is displayed, and irons (3I, 4I, 5I, 6I, 7I, 8I, 9I) are selected. If the wedge (W) is selected, only "W" is displayed, and if the putter (Pt) is selected, "I" and the selected number are displayed. displays only "t" (it is also possible to display P together using 7 segments).

The control unit 13 has an estimated flight distance calculation function. This estimated flight distance calculation function calculates the estimated flight distance from the ball speed and the type of club used when the ball is actually hit, and calculates the estimated flight distance from the head speed and the type of club used when swinging. It is a function. Specifically, the coefficient for the ball speed and the coefficient for the bed speed are set in advance for each club type (a club type-coefficient table is provided), and the coefficient corresponding to the club type is set for the ball speed or head speed. The multiplied value is the estimated flight distance. The presence or absence of the ball may be specified manually by manual operation, or may be automatically recognized by a device provided with various sensors.

Measurement results are stored in the storage device 18 . The control unit 13 reads the past history stored in the storage device 18 and displays it on the display device 14 in accordance with an instruction based on the operation of the switch 19, or obtains and displays the average value of the past measurement results. It has a function of displaying on the device 14 . The average value is the average value of club types selected from the history recorded in the storage device 18 (up to 500 cases). Further, the control unit 13 extracts the maximum price for each club type and the maximum price, and displays them together.

Further, as described in the golf navigation mode, when the actual flight distance is calculated by point registration or the like and recorded together with the type of club used, the control unit 13 does not allow the same club type stored in the storage device 18 to It is preferable to read out the actual flight distance, calculate a correction value from the difference/ratio from the estimated flight distance, and correct the estimated flight distance with the correction value when calculating the estimated flight distance. As for the actual flight distance, for example, a driver often hits a full shot even in actual play, but an iron with a large number often hits a half shot from the remaining distance. Therefore, in the golf navigation mode, information on whether or not to use the data for determining the average value of the actual flight distance (whether or not a full shot was made) is recorded as additional information, and this correction value is used. When obtaining the distance, it is preferable to use the average value of the actual flight distances in the case of a full shot from the additional information. The display of the actual flight distance in the golf navigation mode may also be obtained from shots that meet certain conditions, such as full shots.

Next, the "training mode", which is one of the golf practice modes, will be described. The training mode assumes a virtual golf course and rotates around the virtual course in a game-like manner. There is a "full round" that rotates 1 to 18 holes in one set, and a "hole designation" that completes with an arbitrarily designated hole. . By operating a hole designation switch prepared as a switch 18, a play style of "full round" or "hole designation" is selected. In this embodiment, since 18 holes are prepared, for example, every time the hole designation switch is pressed, "full round"→"designate hole (1st)"→"designate hole (2nd)"→... . . . ``Hole Designation (18th)'' → ``Full Round'' → . . . Of course, it can be specified more easily by increasing the number of switches.

The course layout of the virtual course (18 holes in total) used in the training mode is stored in the storage device 18 of the first case main body 21 or the golf course data storage section 12 and displayed on the display device 14 .

An example of the layout of one hole is the hole layout shown in FIG. Then, the user advances the game based on the layout diagram of the hole to be played. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the holes on the software executed by the control unit 13 are divided into zones simply according to the distance.

This training mode reads stored map data of a virtual golf course (course) (distance from tee ground to cup, position of penalty zone such as OB, water hazard, etc.), The estimated flight distance is calculated from the speed or ball speed, and the remaining distance to the cup is obtained. below).

That is, the control unit 13 calculates an estimated flight distance based on the head speed or the ball speed, subtracts the calculated estimated flight distance from the remaining distance at the shot position of the ball, position), and add "1 stroke" to the number of strokes. The control unit 13 displays the calculated remaining distance and the number of hits on the display device 14 . Also, if the stopping point of the ball obtained by adding the estimated flight distance to the current position (the next shot position of the ball) is a penalty area such as a water hazard or OB, the control unit 13 blinks the remaining distance for several seconds, and then The penalty is added to the number of strokes and the remaining distance is corrected, and the number of strokes and remaining distance after correction are displayed. When entering a water hazard, the remaining distance is obtained by setting the boundary position on the tee ground side of the water hazard as the shot position of the next ball and calculating the distance from there to the cup. Also, when the ball enters the OB zone, the previous shot position is set as the next shot position, and the distance from there to the cup is the remaining distance after correction. In other words, the remaining distance at the time of the previous shot (the distance obtained by adding the estimated flying distance from the previous shot to the current remaining distance) is the remaining distance after correction.

Then, when the stop point of the ball becomes the green area (the green is turned on), the microcontroller 14 lights the logo of “NICE ON” on the display device 14 . Also, on the green, the unit of distance changes from "yard" to "m" (meter).

Further, when the remaining distance becomes 1 m or less, it is regarded as a cup-in, and the control section 13 displays a display representing the cup-in on the display device 14 for several seconds. Also, when the remaining distance is in the range of 1 to 3 m, "OK" (one stroke plus a hole out) is given, and the control section 13 displays OK on the display device 14 for several seconds.

Furthermore, it has a function of using the course layout of the actual golf course stored in the golf course data storage unit 12 as the course layout used in this training mode. As a result, for example, at a driving range or the like, the simulation can be enjoyed as if playing on an actual golf course, or it can be used for practice prior to actual play.

In practice, the user selects a golf course to use from a menu screen (not shown). As described above, the golf course data storage unit 12 stores data on the actual golf course (course layout of each hole, positions of objects on the course such as greens and bunkers on the golf course), etc. as one type of golf information. is stored, the control unit 13 accesses the golf course data storage unit 12 to read out the course layout of the designated golf course, and draws the course layout of a predetermined hole on the display device 14 . At this time, the predetermined holes to be drawn are the same as the virtual golf course in the training mode described above. After that, when the play of that hole is completed, the next hole becomes the predetermined hole. Also, when "designate hole" for playing a designated hole is selected, the designated hole becomes a predetermined hole to be drawn.

The user designates a location (shot position) to hit the ball on the hole to be played drawn on the display device 14 . This can be specified, for example, by providing a touch panel on the display screen of the display device 14 and touching an arbitrary point on the course layout drawn on the display device 14 . The control unit 13 sets the point on the course layout touched on the touch panel as the shot position, and draws a predetermined icon (mark) at the shot position. The user can confirm whether the shot position is correct by looking at the icon. If the position of the drawn icon is different from what the user expects, the user touches the display device 14 (touch panel) again to reset the shot position.

In actual golf play, the first shot is taken from the tee ground. Therefore, as for the position touched by the user, the position of the tee shot can be specified by touching an arbitrary point within the tee ground on the course layout drawn on the display device 14 . Also, when the area outside the teeing ground is touched, it is possible to practice shots after the second shot in actual golf course play. In other words, by designating various points near the green, you can practice aiming at the green from various points, or practice strategies for the second and subsequent shots, assuming that you miss the tee shot. can be done.

Furthermore, since the first shot in actual play is a tee shot from the tee ground, the golf course data storage unit 12 stores a predetermined position within the tee ground (a preset position such as the center of the area, the center of the front end, etc.). ) is registered, and the control unit 13 may determine the registered predetermined position in the tee ground as the read shot position. By doing so, since the shot position is automatically determined, the user does not have to manually specify the shot position.

The control unit 13 recognizes the club type designated via the club selection switch, calculates the estimated flight distance from the swing speed or the ball speed by the estimated flight distance calculation function, and lays out the course centering on the determined shot position. Draw a concentric circle of the estimated flight distance on the display.

The user designates a predetermined position on the concentric circle of the displayed estimated flight distance. When the ball is actually hit, it is estimated from the direction of the actual flight, and the intersection of the flight direction and the concentric circle is specified. In the case of just swinging, an arbitrary point is specified. This designation is performed by touching a corresponding position on the displayed concentric circle when the touch panel is superimposed on the display device 14 . If there is no touch panel, the control unit 13 draws a mark (cursor) indicating a ball stop position candidate at an arbitrary point on the displayed concentric circle. Then, the user can operate the cursor key or the like prepared as the switch 19 to move the mark indicating the stop position candidate along the concentric circle of the estimated flight distance and select the desired position. .

This designated point becomes the point at which the next ball is hit (shot position). Also, the flight distance, the remaining distance to the hole, and the like are displayed in the same manner as in the golf navigation mode and the golf practice mode. This process is repeated until a hole-out is reached. Also, when the ball is on the green, as in the training mode, if the ball reaches a predetermined distance from the cup position, it may be regarded as a cup-in, or an OK putt may be made by adding one stroke.

This simulation data is recorded in the storage device 18, taken into an external device such as a personal computer, and can be displayed, stored, and processed on the personal computer. In addition, if actual play data for the course being simulated is stored, the control unit 13 reads out the average value, maximum value, minimum value, etc. of the data, and displays and compares them during the simulation as well. Display, etc.

The results of the simulation using the course layout of the actual golf course are stored in the storage device 18, and when the golf navigation mode is executed on the actual golf course, the control unit 13 stores the results. The simulation results stored in device 18 can be read out and output to display device 14 . As a result, it is possible to check the simulation results during actual play and use them as a reference when attacking holes.

FIG. 7 and subsequent figures show another algorithm for executing the training mode (simulation) using the course layout of an actual golf course. In the above-described embodiment, the ball stop position is determined by the user specifying an arbitrary point on the concentric circle corresponding to the estimated flight distance centered on the shot position. This is because the apparatus can calculate the estimated flight distance of a shot ball, but cannot detect the flight direction of the ball. Therefore, in the above embodiment, the user is instructed to perform the manual operation. By allowing the user to specify in this way, when the ball is actually hit, the stop position can be determined in accordance with the flight direction of the ball. On the other hand, it is complicated in that it is necessary to designate the stop position of the ball each time the ball is hit. Therefore, in the embodiments shown in FIG. 7 and subsequent figures, the golf practice/support device 10 (control unit 13) is provided with a function of automatically determining the ball stop position.

In order to realize the function of automatically determining the stop position of the ball, the data about the actual golf course stored in the golf course data storage unit 12 is the above-described embodiment in relation to the course layout of each hole. In addition to the above, position information for specifying the position of the boundary between the fairway and the rough is also registered. The positional information for specifying the position of this boundary line is information indicating the absolute position of an arbitrary point on the boundary line and the order of arrangement of each point. This makes it possible to reproduce the boundary line between the fairway and the rough by connecting the absolute positions of adjacent points with a straight line or the like. The more points on the boundary that are registered, the closer the shape of the actual fairway can be reproduced. In addition, location information for specifying the boundaries of ponds and other water hazards, the outer edge of the green, and the location information for specifying the outer edge of each hole to specify the area of each hole are also registered. do. Location information for specifying the boundaries of these water hazards, the perimeter of the green, and the location of the perimeter of the hole is the location for identifying the boundary between the fairway and the rough. As with the information, it is the absolute position information of arbitrary points on each boundary line and outer periphery, and the information indicating the order of arrangement of each point. Furthermore, positional information (absolute positional information) of the cup is also registered in the golf course data storage unit 12 .
The algorithm for implementing this function of automatically determining the stop position of the ball is as follows.

[Determination of tee shot position]
First, as shown in FIG. 7A, the control section 13 determines the position P of the tee shot. This determination may be made in response to a user's designation as in the above-described embodiment, or may be performed at a predetermined position within the tee ground registered in the golf course data storage unit 12 (the center of the area, the center of the front end, etc.). position set in advance) may be automatically set.

[Determination of ball stop position: based on both sides of the fairway]
Next, the control unit 13 recognizes the club type designated via the club selection switch, and obtains an estimated flight distance from the swing speed or the ball speed by the estimated flight distance calculation function. The control unit 13 obtains the intersection points A and B between the concentric circle S of the estimated flight distance r centered at the shot position P and both sides of the fairway F (boundaries with the rough). Find the midpoint Q of the connecting virtual line KS. That is, the control unit 13 extracts the points registered as the positional information in order to specify the boundary line between the fairway trough and the concentric circle S around the circumference of the concentric circle S. Two continuous points existing across the circumference of are obtained, and the intersection of the line segment connecting the two points and the concentric circle S is obtained. The control unit 13 obtains the intersection points A and B by executing such processing on both sides of the fairway F, respectively.

The control unit 13 determines the stop position of the ball based on the determined midpoint Q. Specifically, let the position of the center point Q which concerns be a stop position. Then, the control unit 13 puts an icon indicating the stop position on the course layout display corresponding to the obtained stop position. possible). The reason why the midpoint of the imaginary line KS formed by the straight line connecting the two intersection points A and B is determined as the ball stop position is that the arithmetic processing can be performed easily. The illustrated concentric circle S and virtual line KS are for explaining the algorithm of the arithmetic processing of the control unit 13, and the concentric circle S and virtual line KS are not actually displayed on the display device 14. FIG.

[Second and subsequent shots]
For the second and subsequent shots, the control unit 13 sets the ball stop position automatically determined for the previous shot as the current shot position. As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 13 calculates the estimated flight distance from the swing speed or the ball speed by the estimated flight distance calculation function in the same manner as described above, and the estimated flight distance centered on the hit point (current shot position). Intersection points A1 and B1 between the concentric circle S1 of r1 and both sides of the fairway F (boundaries with the rough) are obtained, and a midpoint Q1 of a virtual line KS1 connecting the intersection points A1 and B1 is obtained. Then, the control unit 13 determines the stop position of the ball based on the determined midpoint Q1. Here, the position of the midpoint Q1 is determined as the ball stop position. Then, the control unit 13 puts an icon indicating the stop position at the position on the course layout display corresponding to the determined stop position (in the figure, it is indicated as "x", but it may be an icon imitating a ball or other various icons). to draw.

[Green-on processing]
As shown in FIG. 8, when the concentric circle based on the estimated flight distance intersects the green G like the concentric circle S3, the controller 13 determines that the green is on. Whether or not the golf course intersects with the green G is determined based on whether or not there is an intersection of the outer periphery of the green registered in the golf course data storage unit 12 and the concentric circle based on the estimated flight distance. The control unit 13 determines that the green is turned on when the intersection exists.

When the ball is on the green, the control unit 13 determines the stop position of the ball on the green. That is, the control unit 13 obtains the intersection of the concentric circle S3 and the boundary line of the green G, obtains the midpoint of the virtual line connecting the intersections, and determines the green-on position based on the midpoint. Such a process can be executed by replacing both sides of the fairway in the process of finding the intersection of both sides of the fairway (boundaries with the rough) and the concentric circles S and S1 with the boundaries of the green.

[Hole-out processing]
The control unit 13 reads the position information of the cup position registered in the golf course data storage unit 12, and obtains the distance (remaining distance) from the position where the green is turned on to the cup position. If the calculated remaining distance is less than a predetermined distance (for example, 1 m), it is regarded as a chip-in, the process for the hole concerned is terminated, and the next hole is played.

The golf practice/support device of this embodiment can also estimate the distance of the putt. Therefore, when the remaining distance to the cup exceeds a predetermined distance, the control unit 13 subtracts the estimated flight distance obtained by the putt from the remaining distance to the cup from the position where the green was turned on. Find the remaining distance after When the remaining distance after such a putt becomes equal to or less than a predetermined distance (for example, 1 m), it is regarded as a cup-in, and the control unit 13 displays a display representing the cup-in on the display device 14 for several seconds. Also, when the remaining distance is in the range of 1 to 3 m, "OK" (one stroke plus a hole out) is given, and the control section 13 displays OK on the display device 14 for several seconds.

In addition, the processing based on the putt is omitted, and the position where the green is on is obtained. , the control may be performed such that one stroke is added as the number of putts and the ball is holed out. Also, as for the number of putts, it is possible to add a predetermined number according to the distance to the cup instead of simply adding one stroke when the green is on.

[Processing when both sides of the fairway cannot be used]
As shown in FIG. 7, for example, there are cases where the estimated flight distance r4 of a ball hit from the teeing ground is too short to reach the fairway. Then, the intersection of the concentric circle S4 of the estimated flight distance r4 and both sides of the fairway F cannot be obtained. In such a case, the controller 13 uses both sides of the hole instead of both sides of the fairway. That is, since the golf course data storage unit 12 also registers the position information for specifying the position of the outer edge of the hole, the same processing as for both sides of the fairway described above, that is, the fairway and the rough, is performed. The position information for specifying the position of the boundary line is replaced with the position information for specifying the position of the outer edge of the hole.

That is, the control unit 13 extracts the points registered as the position information to specify the outer periphery of the hole existing near the circumference of the concentric circle S4, and from the information indicating the arrangement order of each point, determines the circumference of the concentric circle S4. , and the intersection of the line segment connecting the two points and the concentric circle S4 is obtained. The control unit 13 obtains respective intersections A″ and B″ by executing such processing on both sides of the hole. Then, the control unit 13 obtains the midpoint Q4 of the imaginary line KS'' connecting the intersections A'' and B'', and determines the stop position of the ball based on the obtained midpoint Q. The position of the point Q4 is set as the stop position, and the control unit 13 puts an icon indicating the stop position ("x" in the figure, but a ball model) at the position on the course layout display corresponding to the determined stop position. (which can be anything else).

In addition, there is a case where the estimated flight distance of a ball hit toward the green is short and the ball stops at a position between the fairway and the green (see concentric circle S2 in FIG. 8). In such a case, since the intersections of the concentric circle S2 and both sides of the fairway cannot be obtained, the control unit 13 obtains the intersections A2 and B2 of both sides of the hole and the concentric circles S2, and creates an imaginary line connecting the intersections. The ball stop position is determined based on the midpoint of line KS2.

[Determination of Ball Stopping Position (Modification 1): Based on Hole Side]
In the above-described embodiment in which the ball stop position is automatically determined, the stop position is determined based on the midpoint Q between both sides A and B of the fairway, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 13 determines based on the midpoint of the intersections A' and B' between both sides of the hole and the concentric circle S. That is, since the golf course data storage unit 12 also registers the position information for specifying the position of the outer edge of the hole, the same processing as for both sides of the fairway described above, that is, the fairway and the rough, is performed. The position information for specifying the position of the boundary line is replaced with the position information for specifying the position of the outer edge of the hole. In other words, even if there is an intersection of the concentric circle and both sides of the fairway, the above-described "processing when both sides of the fairway cannot be used" is executed. By doing so, the ball stop position can be determined by the same algorithm regardless of the presence or absence of the intersection of the fairway and the concentric circle.

However, depending on the hole, there may be a large forest or the like on either the left or right side of the fairway, making the area on one side of the fairway extremely wide. In such a case, if the midpoint between the two sides of the hole is taken, the ball may stop at the fairway or even fall into the forest. In this case, it is preferable to have a function of determining a predetermined position in the fairway as the ball stop position. This function, for example, obtains the midpoint of an imaginary line that connects the intersections with both sides of the hole, and determines whether or not the midpoint position is within the fairway. In the case of inside the fairway, the midpoint position is determined as the stop position of the ball. On the other hand, if the ball is outside the fairway, a predetermined position within the fairway on the imaginary line KS, for example, the intersection with the side of the fairway near the midpoint position is obtained, and the ball stop position is determined based on that position. do. If such an intersection does not exist, it means that the ball does not reach the fairway, so the midpoint of the virtual line is determined as the ball stop position.

[Determination of Ball Stop Position (Modification 2)]
In the above-described embodiment and modification 1, a virtual line connecting the intersections of the concentric circles centered on the shot position and having the estimated flight distance and the fairway, green, or both sides of the course is determined. The point was taken as the stop position of the ball. This imaginary line is also a chord between two points of intersection on the circumference of the concentric circle, and if the position of the midpoint of the imaginary line is taken as the ball's stopping position, it will be shorter than the estimated flying distance.

Therefore, it is preferable to set the stop position of the ball at a predetermined position on the circumference of the concentric circle. Specifically, the control unit 13 obtains the midpoint of an arc AB where A and B are the intersections of the concentric circle and both sides of the fairway, and determines that position as the stop position of the ball. The midpoint of this arc AB intersects the radius passing through the midpoint Q from the center P (shot position) of the concentric circle S, for example, by using the midpoint Q of the straight imaginary line KS connecting the intersections A and B. A point on the circumference of the concentric circle S is obtained, and the ball is stopped at that point. Arithmetic processing for determining the midpoint of the arc AB may be performed without being limited to determination based on the midpoint Q of the virtual line KS. By determining the stop position of the ball on the circumference of the concentric circle S in this way, the ball stops at a position that corresponds to the estimated flight distance, which is preferable in that accurate simulation can be performed.

The predetermined position on the circumference of the above concentric circles is determined as the stopping position of the ball, not limited to the midpoint of the arc between both sides of the fairway, but the arc between the intersections of the concentric circle and both sides of the green. It is preferable to use the midpoint of the green to find the position where the green is on, or to find the ball stop position by using the midpoint of the arc between the intersections of the concentric circle and both sides of the hole.

Taking the example of the case where the ball is hit from the tee ground and the estimated flight distance r2 is short and does not reach the fairway, the width of both sides of the hole is longer than the width of the fairway. Since the difference between the midpoint Q4 of the string A″B″ and the midpoint Q4′ of the arc A″B″ is large, the midpoint Q4′ of the arc A″B is the center point of the ball. , the simulation can be performed accurately.

Also, taking the second shot in FIG. , B2, the midpoint of the virtual line (string) KS2 that connects B2 is the ball's stopping position. However, if the ball's stop position is determined on the circumference of the concentric circle S2 of the estimated flight distance as in this modified example, such a contradiction does not occur.

In particular, if the course layout of the hole is dogleg or the width of the hole is wide, and the distance between the two points of intersection of the concentric circle and both sides of the hole is long, an imaginary line connecting the points of intersection with a straight line ( There is a large difference between determining the ball's stopping position on the chord and determining the ball's stopping position on the concentric circle (arc).

Therefore, it is possible to set all the ball stop positions on concentric circles as in this modified example. If the distance exceeds the reference value, it may be set on the concentric circle (midpoint of the arc between the two intersections).

[Ball stop position correction function]
The control unit 13 preferably has a position correction function for the automatically determined stop position of the ball. That is, for example, when a touch panel is superimposed on the display device 14, the control unit 13 detects that the user has dragged the icon indicating the stop position of the ball, and moves the stop position according to the drag. The movement at this time should preferably be on a virtual line or on a concentric circle. If there is no touch panel, the control unit 13 receives an instruction of a moving direction from a cursor key prepared as a switch 19, and displays an icon indicating a stop position in the instructed moving direction on a virtual line or on a concentric circle. Moving.

[Treatment of water hazards, etc.]
Positional information (boundaries) for specifying areas such as water hazards is also registered in the golf course data storage unit 12 . Therefore, the control unit 13 determines whether or not the stop position of the ball obtained by the various algorithms described above is within the water hazard. The stop position is determined and one stroke is added. The predetermined position on the front side of the water hazard is, for example, the intersection of a straight line that passes through the initially obtained ball stop position and the cup position in the water hazard and the boundary line of the water hazard (on the opposite side of the green). and determine the intersection point at the predetermined position.

[Visualization of arithmetic processing]
In the above-described embodiment, the icon indicating the stop position is drawn without drawing the concentric circle S or the virtual line KS. , a function of drawing a virtual line KS in addition to the concentric circle S may be provided.

[Embodiment using strategy route]
Algorithms for automatically determining the stop position of the ball are not limited to the examples described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a capture route RT is registered for each hole, and the ball is determined to stop on the capture route RT.

That is, position information for identifying the strategy route RT is registered in the golf course data storage unit 12 in association with each hole. This capture route RT connects a predetermined position (for example, the center) of the tee ground to the green (cup). The positional information for identifying this strategy route RT is the absolute position of any point on the strategy route RT and the This is information indicating the order of arrangement. By registering the position information of many positions on the line indicating the attack route RT, even a complicated curve can be reproduced and a more accurate attack route can be created.

Then, as shown in FIG. 9, in the dogleg course, the capture route RT is specified by a curved line or a polygonal line. When the capture route is curved in this way, the position information for specifying the capture route RT is the predetermined position in the tee ground, the predetermined position in the green (cup position), and the curved inflection point. Register the location information of the point. The more inflection points you register, the more smoothly you can set a strategy route that follows the course layout. On the other hand, as the number of registrations decreases, the reproduced attack route RT becomes a linear polygonal line, making it impossible to reproduce a smooth curve, but the amount of memory used can be reduced.

For short holes and other holes with a straight course layout, the strategy route RT may be specified by a straight line connecting the tee ground and the cup. In the case of such a straight line, the position information for specifying the capture route RT is to register at least the absolute positions of two points, a predetermined position in the tee ground and the green (cup). Of course, you may register the positional information of several points on a straight line.

Since the actual cup position varies depending on the day, it is preferable to set the capture route RT with the center of the green as a virtual cup position. In addition, the capture route RT may vary depending on the influence of trees and other obstacles planted on the course and the flight distance of the player. , you can use it.

[Stop Position Determination Processing]
The actual ball stop position determination process is performed as follows. The control unit 13 recognizes the club type designated via the club selection switch, obtains the estimated flight distance from the swing speed or the ball speed, and creates a concentric circle S of the estimated flight distance r centered on the hitting point P, A point of intersection Q' with the attack route RT is obtained, and the position of the point of intersection Q' is determined as the stop position of the ball. The intersection point Q' between the concentric circle S and the attack route RT is, for example, two adjacent two points registered on the front side and the back side of the circumference of the concentric circle S from the position information registered for specifying the attack route RT. It is determined by acquiring the position information of two positions and finding the intersection of the line connecting the two positions and the circumference of the concentric circle S. FIG. Then, an icon indicating the stop position is drawn at a position on the course layout display corresponding to the determined stop position of the ball. For the second and subsequent shots, the same procedure is used to find the ball stop position, and this is repeated until the ball is holed out. Other processing can be similar to that described above. By setting the strategy route RT in this way, the process of determining the ball stop position for each shot can be easily performed.

[User registration process for capture route]
The strategy route RT is registered in the golf course data storage unit 12 at the time of shipment or after data update after purchase, but it is preferable to provide a function for user registration. That is, the control unit 13 displays the course layout of the hole to be registered on the display device 14 according to the instruction from the user. The user touches and designates an arbitrary point in the displayed course layout. At this time, touch the route from the tee ground to the green in order. The control unit 13 draws the designated point with a circle or other mark, and also draws a straight line connecting adjacent points. As a result, a capture route made up of polygonal lines is drawn superimposed on the course layout. The user presses a confirmation button or the like if the displayed strategy route is acceptable. When the control unit 13 detects that the confirmation button has been pressed, the control unit 13 registers the currently displayed attack route (the point touched by the user) as information about the attack route in the user data.

In addition, it is preferable that each point specifying the capture route of the user data has a function to move the position in the edit mode, delete the already set point, or add a new point. As a result, it is possible to set a capture route according to the improvement of the user's technical ability. In this way, the user can set an appropriate strategy route according to his/her own ball, flight distance, etc., and can perform simulation/practice more suited to the actual battle.

Also, it would be good to have a function that allows you to edit the capture routes that are registered as standard. That is, when such a capture route is reproduced by connecting a plurality of registered points (inflection points), each point can be moved. The attack route after editing may be updated by overwriting, or may be saved separately as user data.

In the embodiment, one capture route is prepared as standard for each hole, but a plurality of capture routes may be set and the user may select one when using. The plurality of capture routes include, for example, "general male", "female" (capture route from ladies tee), "long-distance hitter", and "beginner" (for short-distance hitters).

In use, the control unit 13 determines the stopping point of the ball based on either the attack route of the user data or the attack route set as standard. As to which one to use, an instruction from the user may be received each time, or if there is user data, the user data may be preferentially used.

In each of the modes described above, the control unit 13 preferably has a function of calculating the hit ratio when the ball is actually hit. The hit rate can be determined based on the head speed and the speed (initial velocity) of the ball as it is launched. That is, when the ball can be neatly punched (high meat rate), the head 2a of the golf club 2 pushes out the ball 4 while crushing it, and the ball 4 receives the repulsive force due to its own elastic restoring force and the head 2a. The ball speed (initial speed) increases due to the moment of inertia. On the other hand, if the ball cannot be punched cleanly (bad hit: low meet rate), the repulsive force is small, the moment of inertia received from the head 2a is small, and the ball speed is low. Therefore, the control unit 13
Meet ratio = ball speed/head speed to calculate the meet ratio.

The control unit 13 aggregates the meeting rate for each club type, obtains the average value, the maximum value and the minimum value, and records them in the storage device 20 or displays them on the display device 14 . By looking at the average value for each club type, the user can objectively recognize good clubs with a high hit rate and weak clubs with a low hit rate, which can be useful in constructing subsequent practice plans. . Also, by looking at the highest value and the lowest value, it is possible to know which club type has a stable meat rate and which club type has an unstable meat rate from the difference between them. In the case of a club type with a stable hit rate, if the head speed is constant, the variation in flight distance will be small, but if the hit rate is not stable, the variation in flight distance will be large even if the head speed is constant. Become. The actual predicted flight distance may be obtained by multiplying the estimated flight distance obtained from the head speed by a coefficient based on the meet rate.

As this coefficient, the meat rate may be used as it is, or a table of multiplication rates for meat rates may be prepared and the multiplication rates for meat rates may be used. The higher the meat rate, the larger the multiplication rate.

In the case of the golf practice mode, as described above, by outputting the meeting rate to the display device 14 as the measurement result, the user can recognize the strengths and weaknesses of each club type. The meat rate can be displayed simply by text, or by displaying the average, maximum, and minimum values in graphics such as bar graphs and concentric circles, so that the range of variation can be intuitively understood for each club type. You can do it.

In addition, when operating in golf navigation mode, the estimated flight distance (average value) and the range of variation (maximum/minimum) when selecting the club type from the current position are calculated and displayed. The distance may be obtained and displayed.

Furthermore, in the training mode using the course layout of an actual golf course, if the processing considering the meeting ratio is performed, it becomes more realistic. That is, when the hit rate is low, the estimated flight distance is low, but it is often the case that the ball does not fly straight (slice/hook) due to miss hits. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 13 determines a position shifted by a predetermined angle .theta. That is, the control unit 13 obtains the intersection point Q″ between the concentric circle S′ whose estimated flight distance is shortened as the hitting rate decreases and the correction line rotated by the angle θ from the capture route RT, and determines the point of intersection Q″ to stop the ball. By using the angle, if the flight distance is short, the amount of deviation from the strategy route RT is small, but if the flight distance is long, the deviation from the strategy route RT is large, so it is possible to adjust the position according to the actual play. It becomes a thing.

The angle .theta. may be a fixed value, or it may be increased as the meet rate is lower so that the car will turn more sharply (deviate from the capture route). The direction of shifting may be determined randomly each time, or may be shifted in a predetermined direction. It is also possible to inquire whether to shift or not, wait for an instruction from the user, and shift in the instructed direction. The predetermined direction may be one in which the device is always shifted to one side, or may be specified by the user. If it is determined to some extent whether to turn left or right when the user misses a shot, adopting the latter method brings the situation closer to the actual situation.

For the next shot, the processing is executed with the ball stop position that is shifted from the capture route as the shot position. In other words, once the estimated flight distance is obtained based on the swing or the like, the point of intersection between the concentric circle centered on the deviated stop position of the ball and the attack route RT is obtained, and that point is used as the stop position of the next ball.

Also, when the ball deviates from the capture route RT in this way, or when the flight distance is too short or too long, the stopping position of the ball may deviate from the fairway such as the rough. In this case, when the ball is actually hit from such a position, it is easy to miss the shot. Therefore, when the ball is hit from a position other than the fairway, the estimated flight distance is multiplied by a predetermined coefficient to shorten the flight distance. Or, if a function is provided to randomly shift the capture route RT by a predetermined angle θ, the interest will increase.

Each result stored in the storage device 14 in each mode can be transferred to a personal computer, stored in the personal computer's storage device, and a large amount of data can be saved and managed over a long period of time. In addition, by displaying the data recorded in this manner on the screen of a personal computer, it becomes easier to see, and more detailed analysis can be performed by performing more complicated arithmetic processing and statistical processing.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, golf information such as the course layout of the golf course is registered in the golf course data storage unit 12, and the control unit 13 accesses the golf course data storage unit 12 to obtain necessary data. was read out and processed in various ways, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, part or all of the information to be registered in the golf course data storage unit 12 is registered in the server. The golf practice/assistance device has a function of communicating with the server, and the control unit 13 accesses the server as appropriate, acquires necessary information, and executes processing.

In this case, the information registered in the server includes not only information common to multiple users such as the course layout of a golf course, but also user-specific information such as a strategy route set by the user used in the training mode. obtain. Common information can be accessed and acquired by each person, and user-specific information is identified by an ID or the like so that only the user can access it. Furthermore, each result stored in the storage device 14 in each mode is also registered in the server as user-specific information. may be executed.

In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the first connector 23 and the second connector 36 provided on the side surfaces of the first case body 21 and the second case body 22 are directly connected to integrate the two case bodies. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the two connectors 23 and 36 may be connected by a connection cable. In that case, a connection cable that can transmit not only signals but also power may be used, and power may be supplied from the first case main body 21 to the second case main body 22, or the second case main body 22 side may be used. However, a separate battery or the like may be provided so that the second case main body 22 side can be driven independently.

Furthermore, the data communication between the first case body 21 and the second case body 22 is not limited to wired communication such as a connection cable, and may be performed using infrared or other wireless communication. In that case, the first case main body 21 and the second case main body 22 are separate units, and can be used by installing them in appropriate positions.

When data communication is performed between both case bodies using a connection cable or wireless communication, whether or not the second case body 22 is connected is determined based on a switch provided on the first case body 21, for example. Alternatively, the determination may be made based on whether or not a signal has been sent from the second case main body 22 side.

10 golf practice/support device 11 position measurement unit 12 golf course data storage unit 13 control unit 14 display device 15 speaker 16 connection state detection unit (determining means)
17 battery 21 first case main body 22 second case main body 31 Doppler sensor (velocity measurement sensor)

Claims (3)

a function of displaying an image of the golf course based on the golf course information;
A function of displaying a strategy route of the golf course based on position information for specifying the strategy route of the golf course;
a function to edit the strategy route;
has
The function to display the capture route of the golf course is
Displaying a strategy route specified by a curve or polygonal line that bends at a predetermined position on the golf course and reaches a predetermined position in the green,
The function to edit the capture route is
A device that enables movement of an inflection point that is curved at the predetermined location on the golf course. a function of displaying an image of the golf course based on the golf course information;
A function of displaying the strategy route based on position information for specifying the strategy route of the golf course;
a function to edit the strategy route;
has
The function to display the capture route is
If the golf course is a dogleg course, displaying a strategy route specified by a curve or polygonal line that bends at a predetermined position in the tee ground and reaches a predetermined position in the green,
The function of editing the attack route enables moving an inflection point that is curved at a predetermined position within the teeing ground in the golf course that is the dogleg course. A program for causing a computer to implement the functions of the device according to claim 1 or 2.

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