JP4074801B2 - Golf course data providing system and golf data display PDA used in the system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a golf course data providing system capable of obtaining in real time approach information from an actual position of a player to a pin on a golf course using a PDA (personal digital assistant).
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, golf players play on the golf course while listening to the direction from the caddy to the approach, the distance from the pin, the position of the pond, the bunker, or the OB position. However, some players may wish to play by judging the direction and method of approach and the distance to the pin. In addition, when playing without a caddy, the player must determine the approach direction and distance. On the other hand, the caddy is not always able to accurately measure the distance because the distance to the pin etc. is measured using a grove or pile as a mark. In particular, it is not easy to determine the wind direction on the green at the tee position.
[0003]
Thus, for example, using a golf course management system that manages the running of a golf cart, information such as a topographic map of a golf course and a wind direction may be transmitted to the golf cart and provided to each player. . A system for transmitting information using a golf cart is disclosed in the following patent document, for example.
[0004]
[Patent Literature]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-335546
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the method of transmitting information about a golf course to each player using a golf cart has the following problems.
[0006]
First, it is possible to determine in which hole the player is playing based on the position of the golf cart, but in most cases, the position of the golf cart and each player is separated. For this reason, since the position of each player cannot be detected accurately, the distance from each player to the pin position cannot be individually notified to each player. Also, approach information such as the direction from each player to the pin position and the wind direction in that direction cannot be provided to each player.
[0007]
In addition, since the running path of the golf cart is formed along a position off the green, it is possible for each player to go to the golf cart for each play and check the screen of the information receiving device mounted on the golf cart. It is cumbersome and cannot provide approach information of each player in real time.
[0008]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a golf course data providing system that can provide each player with approach information from a player's actual position to a pin in real time on a golf course using a PDA. Another object is to propose a golf data display PDA for use in the system.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, a golf course data providing system according to the present invention includes:
A PDA for possession by a golf player;
A data providing device for providing data to the PDA;
The data providing device includes:
A database in which golf course data is stored and retained;
A communication unit for communicating with the PDA;
An update unit for updating the contents of the database,
The PDA
A data communication unit that communicates with the data providing device;
A first storage unit that stores and holds first golf course data that does not vary in a predetermined period unit such as a day unit among the golf course data;
A second storage unit that stores and holds second golf course data that is received from the data providing device via the data communication unit and fluctuates in a predetermined period unit such as a day unit in the golf course data;
A position detector that detects the position of the PDA using GPS;
An input section;
A data display;
Based on an instruction input from the input unit, at least one data included in the first and second golf course data is displayed on the data display together with the position data detected by the position detection unit. And a control unit to
The first golf course data includes at least (a) an overall course view of each hole (b) a bunker position of each hole (c) a pond position of each hole (d) an OB position of each hole,
The second golf course data includes at least (e) a pin hole position of each hole (f) a tee-up position of each hole ,
The controller is
In the data providing apparatus, the first golf course data stored in the first storage unit is updated only when the first golf course data in the database is updated by the update unit, and
Regardless of whether or not the first golf course data in the database is updated, the second golf course communicates with the data providing device at a predetermined timing and is stored in the second storage unit. It is characterized by updating only data .
[0010]
In the golf course data providing system using the PDA of the present invention, the position of each golf player carrying the PDA is displayed on the screen of the data display of the PDA and the data desired to know such as the bunker position and the pond position. Is displayed. Therefore, each golf player can consider the approach method and the like while viewing the screen. In addition, data that does not change such as the entire course map is registered in advance in the PDA, and only the pin hole position and tee-up position that change from day to day need only be downloaded from the data providing device side to the PDA. Compared with a system or the like that receives data from the data providing apparatus side, the communication time for data reception can be shortened, so that the requested data can be displayed quickly.
[0011]
Also, on the PDA side, the first golf course data (the data in the first storage unit) such as the whole course map that does not fluctuate on a daily basis is only when the data is updated on the data providing device side. In the daily use of the PDA, only the second golf course data (the data in the second storage unit) such as the pin hole position and the tee-up position that fluctuate on a daily basis at the start of use is updated. Therefore, data can be updated efficiently according to the type of data, and the communication time can be shortened.
[0013]
Here, in the present invention, when any one of the data display requests (a) to (f) is input from the input unit, the control unit displays only the request data on the entire course diagram. It is desirable to generate image data for displaying the image in different forms and display the image data on the data display. For example, if the data for which the display request is issued is displayed in a blinking manner or in a different color, the visibility is improved.
[0014]
The control unit may display the enlarged image data of the image data on the data display centered on the position of the PDA when an enlarged display request is input from the input unit.
[0015]
Further, when the enlarged image data is displayed, it is very convenient for a golf player to display the distance and / or direction from the position of the PDA to the pin hole of the hole where the PDA is located.
[0016]
Similarly, it is desirable to display the angle formed by the direction from the position of the PDA to the pin hole of the hole where the PDA is located and the direction to the bunker and / or pond.
[0017]
Furthermore, when the PDA is located on the green, in other words, when the golf player is located on the green, whether the hook line or the slice line extends from the position to the pin. It is desirable to display information on approach methods including
[0018]
Next, in the present invention, as the golf course data, prepare (g) third golf course data such as wind direction (h) lightning strike information of each hole that changes from moment to moment,
When there is a request to display data included in the third golf course data from the input unit of the PDA, the control unit accesses the data providing device via the data communication unit and receives the request data. Thus, it is desirable to display on the data display.
[0019]
On the other hand, the present invention relates to a golf data display PDA used in a golf course data providing system, and the golf data display PDA of the present invention has the above-described configuration.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of a golf course data providing system to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0021]
(overall structure)
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a golf course data providing system according to the present embodiment. The golf course data providing system 1 includes a data providing device 2 configured by a computer system installed in a golf course management facility, and a plurality of PDAs 3 (3 (1), 3 (2) lent to each golf player. ), 3 (3)...
[0022]
The data providing device 2 includes a database 21 and a management server 22 in which course data for each hole of the golf course is registered. The management server 22 includes a communication unit 23 that transmits and receives data to and from each PDA 3, an input unit 24 such as a keyboard or a touch panel system, an output unit 25 such as a liquid crystal display or a printer, and an input from the input unit 24. An editing / updating unit 26 that edits and updates the registered contents of the database 21 based on the data, and a control unit 27 that controls driving of each unit are provided.
[0023]
The following information is registered in the database 21 for each hole.
(A) Overall view of each hole course (b) Bunker position of each hole (c) Pond position of each hole (d) OB position of each hole (e) Pin hole position of each hole (f) Tee-up of each hole Location (g) Wind direction of each hall (h) Weather information such as lightning strikes [0024]
In the database 21 of this example, among these data, (a) to (d) do not vary in units of days and are classified as first golf course data A. Data (e) and (f) basically change daily and are classified as second golf course data B. The remaining data (g) and (h) change every moment and are classified as third golf course data C.
[0025]
The first golf course data A is input via the input unit 24 when there is a change. Under the control of the control unit 27, the first golf course in the database 21 according to the change data by the editing / updating unit 26. The registration part of data A is updated. On the other hand, as for the 2nd golf course data B, in this example, data is inputted from the input part 24 every day, and the registration part of the said 2nd golf course data B is updated. Since the third golf course data C is converted every moment, the third golf course data C is input every time, and the registration part of the third golf course data C is updated, so that the latest data is always held.
[0026]
Next, each PDA 3 includes a data communication unit 31 that communicates with the data providing device 2, a storage unit 32, a position detection unit 33 that detects the position of the PDA 3 using the GPS 4, and an operation unit 34. And a liquid crystal display 35 and a control unit 36 for controlling the driving of each part. The storage unit 32 includes a first storage area 32A in which the first golf course data A is stored and held, and a second storage area 32B in which the second golf course data B is stored and held. It is included.
[0027]
The first golf course data A is stored in advance in the storage area 32A, and the storage area 32A is also updated only when the first golf course data A is updated. On the other hand, the second golf course data B is downloaded from the data providing device 2 side via the communication unit and the data communication unit 31 every morning, for example, and stored and held in the second storage area 32B. As a download form, USB or the like may be used, or wireless download may be used. The third golf course data C can be downloaded by wireless communication when the PDA 3 accesses the data providing device 2 when a download request is input from the operation unit 34.
[0028]
The controller 36 of the PDA 3 can display various golf course data in various forms on the screen of the liquid crystal display 35 together with the position data of the PDA 3 detected by the position detector.
[0029]
For example, in this example, each of the data (a) to (f) can be displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 35 by operating the numeric keys “1” to “6” of the PDA 3. Further, the approach information on the green can be displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 35 by operating the numeric keypad “7”. Further, for example, when the numeric keypad “8” is operated, the PDA 3 can access the data providing device 2 and download the third golf course data (g) and (h).
[0030]
Although each data is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 35 by operating the numeric keypad, it may be a means for operating using a touch panel system in which a finger is pressed on the screen for operation.
[0031]
(Description of operation)
The display operation of the PDA 3 in the golf course data providing system 1 having the above configuration will be described collectively.
[0032]
As described above, the second golf course data (e) and (f) that fluctuate on a daily basis in the database 21 of the data providing device 2 are updated every morning. Each PDA 3 is downloaded each morning with the latest second golf course data (g) and (h) updated via USB or the like, and the latest downloaded second golf course data B is stored in the second memory. It is stored and held in the area 32B.
[0033]
Thus, the PDA 3 after the second golf course data B is updated is lent to each golf player who starts playing. When the PDA 3 is turned on and, for example, the numeric key “0” is pressed, the image data D0 shown in FIG. 2A is displayed on the display screen 35a of the liquid crystal display 35 of the PDA 3. As shown in FIG. 2A, the display image D0 displays the data A and B of the above (a) to (f). That is, when there is a pond position 64 and an OB in the course of the course including the tee-up position 51 and the green position 52, a bunker position 62, a pin hole position 63, and a pond. Each OB line 65 is displayed as an image. At the same time, the position of the PDA 3, in other words, the position 67 of the player who owns the PDA 3 is displayed in a blinking manner.
[0034]
Thereafter, when any one of the numeric keys “1” to “6” of the PDA 3 is pressed, image data corresponding to the operated numeric key is generated, and the screen display of the PDA 3 displays the tee-up position 51 and the green position 52, respectively. The entire course of the hole including the display image in which only the outline of FIG. 61 flashes, the display image in which only the bunker position 62 flashes, the display image in which only the pin hole position 63 flashes, and in the case of the course with a pond, When there is an OB, a display image in which only the OB line 65 flashes, and a display image in which only the tee-up position 51 flashes.
[0035]
Further, when the player is on the green, when the numeric keypad “7” is operated, approach information on the green is displayed on the liquid crystal display 35 of the PDA 3 by, for example, a display image D7 as shown in FIG. Is done. In the display image D7, the golf ball 71 is displayed at the position of the PDA 3, the pin 72 and the pin hole 73 are displayed, and the distance x from the golf ball 71 to the pin hole 72 is displayed. In addition, an approach line (hook line, slice line) from the golf ball 71 to the pin hole 72 is displayed as a line drawing 74.
[0036]
Furthermore, when any one of the same numeric keys “1” to “7” is repeatedly pressed, in this example, the display mode is switched to the enlarged display mode, and each display image is enlarged and displayed. For example, when the numeric keypad “3” is pressed twice in succession, an enlarged display image as shown in FIG. In the enlarged display image D3A of the present example, the distance x from the golf ball 71 to the pin hole 73, the direction from the golf ball 71 to the pin hole 73, and the direction from the golf ball 71 to the bunker 62 adjacent to the green. The angle y between them is displayed.
[0037]
In addition, the thing of various forms can be considered as the display form of each display image, and the enlarged display image of each image. In addition, instead of operating the numeric keypad twice in succession, a function key may be assigned as an operation key for shifting to the enlarged display mode, and each display image is displayed as an operation key instead of the numeric keypad. You may use the touch panel system which presses a finger | toe to a form and makes it an enlarged display image of each image. Furthermore, the return from the enlarged display mode to the normal display mode can also be performed by continuous operation of the numeric keypad or operation of the function keys. When the OFF key OFF of the operation unit 34 of the PDA 3 is operated, the display operation is finished.
[0038]
Next, when the numeric keypad “8” is operated in the ON state, the PDA 3 accesses the data providing device 2 to download the third golf course data C and hold it in the storage unit 32. Thereafter, when the numeric keypad “0” is operated, an image in which the wind direction is displayed by an arrow 66 is displayed as shown in FIG. When each of the numeric keys “1” to “6” is operated after taking in the wind direction data, for example, as shown in FIG. 2C, an arrow 66 indicating the wind direction can be displayed.
[0039]
In addition, when the numeric keypad “9” is operated after the third golf course data C is taken in, weather information such as a lightning strike is displayed on the screen.
[0040]
The third golf course data C is updated to the latest data every time the ten key “8” is operated to access the data providing device 2.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the golf course data providing system of the present invention, approach information from the actual play position to the pin by the golf player possessing the PDA can be accurately provided in real time. become.
[0042]
Data that does not fluctuate on a daily basis is registered in advance in the PDA, data that fluctuates on a daily basis is downloaded before the PDA is lent, and data that fluctuates from moment to moment can be downloaded by wireless communication during play. Therefore, data can be updated efficiently according to the type of data, and the latest data can be displayed without increasing the communication speed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the overall configuration of a golf course data providing system to which the present invention is applied.
FIGS. 2A to 2C are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a display screen of a PDA in the system of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Golf course data providing system 2 Data providing device 3 PDA
4 GPS
21 Database 22 Management Server 23 Communication Unit 24 Input Unit 25 Output Unit 26 Editing / Updating Unit 27 Control Unit 31 Communication Unit 32 Storage Units 32A, 32B Storage Area 33 Position Detection Unit 34 Operation Unit 35 Liquid Crystal Display 36 Control Unit A First Golf Course Data B Second Golf Course Data C Third Golf Course Data

Claims (8)

A PDA for possession by a golf player;
A data providing device for providing data to the PDA;
The data providing device includes:
A database in which golf course data is stored and retained;
A communication unit for communicating with the PDA;
An update unit for updating the contents of the database,
The PDA
A data communication unit that communicates with the data providing device;
A first storage unit that stores and holds first golf course data that does not vary in a predetermined period unit such as a day unit among the golf course data;
A second storage unit that stores and holds second golf course data that is received from the data providing device via the data communication unit and fluctuates in a predetermined period unit such as a day unit in the golf course data;
A position detector that detects the position of the PDA using GPS;
An input section;
A data display;
Based on an instruction input from the input unit, at least one data included in the first and second golf course data is displayed on the data display together with the position data detected by the position detection unit. And a control unit to
The first golf course data includes at least (a) an overall course view of each hole (b) a bunker position of each hole (c) a pond position of each hole (d) an OB position of each hole,
The second golf course data includes at least (e) a pin hole position of each hole (f) a tee-up position of each hole ,
The controller is
In the data providing apparatus, the first golf course data stored in the first storage unit is updated only when the first golf course data in the database is updated by the update unit, and
Regardless of whether or not the first golf course data in the database is updated, the second golf course communicates with the data providing device at a predetermined timing and is stored in the second storage unit. A golf course data providing system that updates only data. In claim 1,
When the control unit receives any one of the data display requests (a) to (f) from the input unit , the control unit displays only the request data in a different form on the entire course diagram. A golf course data providing system characterized by generating image data and displaying the image data on the data display . In claim 2 ,
When the enlarged display request is input from the input unit, the control unit displays the enlarged image data of the image data on the data display centering on the position of the PDA. . In claim 2 or 3,
A golf course data providing system , wherein the image data includes a distance and / or direction from a position of the PDA to a pin hole of a hole where the PDA is located . In any one of claims 2 to 4 ,
The image data includes an angle between a direction from the position of the PDA to a pin hole of a hole where the PDA is located and a direction to a bunker and / or a pond. Course data provision system. In any one of claims 2 to 5,
When the PDA is located on the green , the image data includes information on an approach method including whether the position to the pin is a hook line or a slice line. A featured golf course data provision system. In any one of claims 1 to 6,
The golf course data includes third golf course data that changes from moment to moment,
The third golf course data includes at least
(G) Wind direction of each hole
(H) Lightning strike information
Is included,
When there is a display request for data included in the third golf course data from the input unit of the PDA, the control unit accesses the data providing device via the data communication unit and receives the request data. And the golf course data provision system characterized by displaying on the said data display . The PDA for displaying golf data used in the golf course providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 .

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