JP5298354B2 - Golf support apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide useful information when playing a golf. <P>SOLUTION: This golf support device is moved to a cup position on a green, and the cup information is registered in a cup-position buffer memory on the basis of the current location. A drawing position of a flag icon I5 becomes an actual position which is point-registered as the cup position. When this point registration processing is not performed, the flag icon I5 is drawn in a green center position as shown by a chain double-dashed line. After the cup position is registered, when the cup position is returned to a position at which a ball is actually hit, a control part draws a distance display region R5 up to the cup position on a remaining distance display region R1 up to a normal green center as shown in the figure, calculates a distance between the current location (own icon I) up to the cup position and displays it ("56" in the figure). By this arrangement, a user can utilize the golf support device for the selection of the kind of a club at approach by confirming the distance up to a cup. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2013,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a golf support device that provides various types of information to a golf player during play of a golf course.

  For example, a GPS receiver can be used to display the distance and course layout from the current position to a green or bunker, etc. at a golf course, or to accurately and easily record the position where the ball was hit during golf play There is a golf support device (Patent Document 1, etc.). The apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 communicates with GPS satellites, and acquires position information acquisition means for acquiring current position information, position information recording means for recording position information, and visual layout of golf course holes. Layout information recording means for recording the information of the layout image that can be recognized visually together with the latitude and longitude information, and the hit locus display processing means for plotting the position information on the layout image and displaying the hit locus It is equipped with.

  According to the invention of this patent document 1, by confirming the hit locus after play, the content of the play can be confirmed / reflected, the course layout can be confirmed in advance or during play, and the green or bunker from the current position during play. Play strategy can be performed by checking the distance to etc.

  Further, Patent Document 2 stores and holds layout information of each golf course of a golf course including a pin position (cup position) of a hole, and a distance from a position detected by the hitting position detection means to a pin position of the hole And a function to display the hitting direction on the hole course screen.

JP 2003-339929 A JP 2001-346930 A

  In this type of conventional golf support apparatus, the remaining distance from the current position to the green is, for example, the distance to the green edge or the distance to a fixed position such as the center of the green. Therefore, it is impossible to accurately grasp the distance to the actual pin. In particular, if the area is large, such as 1 green, the difference between the remaining distance to the actual pin (cup) of the course currently being played and the displayed remaining distance will be large, and club number selection and swing adjustment May not be performed properly.

  Furthermore, when playing golf, simply knowing the exact remaining distance to the pin is not enough, and while looking at the course layout, think about the hazard position existing in the course, the presence / absence / direction of inclination, etc. You will decide how to capture the course. At this time, the distance to each position in the course can be taught by Caddy, but it is cumbersome to listen each time, and it is realistic if caddy is not nearby or self-playing in the first place You may not be able to visit.

  Thus, in the current golf support apparatus, there is a problem that sufficient information is not yet provided when playing golf.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a golf support apparatus according to the present invention includes an information presentation unit that displays a hole layout of a golf course on a display unit, and a cup position on a green of the hole layout displayed by the information presentation unit Cup position registration means for registering, current position detection means for detecting the current position, remaining cup distance calculation means for calculating the distance from the current position detected by the current position detection means to the cup position, and the calculation Distance display means for displaying a distance, and the cup position registration means displays a screen simulating green on the display unit, and registers the cup position based on a numerical value inputted for the distance from a specific position. Displays the function and information for identifying the course of the golf course, and when registration of the course to be started is accepted, the cup position of the course is entered. Cup position input screen for configured as a function of draw.

  Usually the cup position is different every day. Therefore, in the case of a fixed object such as the distance to the center of the green, it is not possible to obtain an accurate remaining distance from the current position. On the other hand, in this invention, the exact distance to a cup can be displayed by registering the cup position of the day. Therefore, checking the distance to the cup can be used for selecting the club type in the approach.

  (2) The cup position registration means may have a function of registering the cup position based on the current position detected by the current position detection means when moving to the cup position on the green. Thereby, a simple and accurate cup position can be obtained. Moreover, the player can know the exact distance without actually walking.

  (3) The cup position registration means may register the cup position based on a designated point on the green displayed on the display unit. In this way, you can easily register without actually going to the green.

  (4) The cup position registered by the cup position registration means may be erased when a hole out occurs. In the case of hole-out, for example, it can be detected that the player has left the hole based on the current position, or that the user has moved to the next hole. Since the cup position changes every day, the position information of the cup position becomes unnecessary when a hole is made. Therefore, the use of useless memory capacity can be reduced by erasing. In addition, it is possible to prevent display based on cup position information on different days by mistake.

  (5) Position designation means for designating an arbitrary point of the course layout presented on the display unit by the information presentation means, the current position detected by the current position detection means, and the point designated by the position designation means And a target point distance display means for displaying the distance calculated by the distance calculation means to the target point. You can know the distance from the current position to any point, so for example check where you should hit in relation to your flight distance, or the distance to where you can not go by typing such as a hazard You can get useful information for course capture.

  (6) Remaining distance calculating means for calculating the remaining distance from the point specified by the position specifying means to the green, and remaining distance displaying means for displaying the remaining distance obtained by the remaining distance calculating means. Good. If you set the target point to the point where the ball falls (the next place to hit), you can know the distance to the green from there, so the more appropriate target when you hit this time considering the remaining distance of the next place to hit The point can be specified.

  (7) A two-point position designating unit for designating two points on the course layout presented on the display unit by the information presenting unit, and a distance between the two points designated by the two-point position designating unit 2 A point-to-point distance calculation unit and a point-to-point distance display unit that displays the distance obtained by the point-to-point distance calculation unit may be provided. Thereby, it is possible to confirm an arbitrary section distance on the course, and to know information useful for the course capture.

  (8) Origin position registration means for registering the origin position, movement distance calculation means for calculating the distance from the origin position to the current position, and movement distance display means for displaying the distance obtained by the movement distance calculation means It is good to provide. This is realized in the “practice mode” of the embodiment. When practicing, the distance between the hitting point and the target can be set accurately, which is suitable for sharpening the sense of distance.

  (9) A golf course layout may be drawn on the display screen when the starting position is registered by the starting position registration means. In this way, even in a general place such as a garden, the atmosphere of a golf course appears, which is attractive and preferable.

  (10) The program of the present invention may be a program for causing a computer to realize the function as each means in the golf support apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9).

  It is possible to know the distance to the actual cup position, and to provide useful information when playing golf.

1 is an external view showing an embodiment of a golf support apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows suitable one Embodiment of this 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 a display screen. 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 a display screen. 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 a display screen. It is a flowchart which shows the algorithm of the registration process when not playing. 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 a display screen. It is a flowchart which shows another algorithm of the registration process when not playing. It is a flowchart which shows the algorithm of the registration process in play.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The golf support apparatus of the present embodiment displays the course layout of an actual golf course, or measures the current position and notifies the current position, the remaining distance to the green, etc. in real time along with the movement of the player It is also called a golf navigation device.

  1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of a golf support apparatus 1 according to the present invention. The golf support apparatus 1 includes a display unit 3 on the upper surface of a flat, substantially rectangular case 2. The display unit 3 constitutes a transflective liquid crystal touch panel. As a result, it is possible to display clearly even during dazzling daytime, and visibility is improved. In addition, a backlight is built-in, and the screen backlight is turned on when a button is operated or the screen is touched, thereby improving the visibility. However, if the light is always turned on, the remaining amount of the battery is consumed faster, so that the light is turned off after the set time. This time can be changed by user setting (for example, selected from 5 seconds / 10 seconds / 20 seconds / 30 seconds / 60 seconds). Further, it is possible to adopt a mode (OFF) in which no light is lit. Further, a charging lamp 8 is disposed on the rear side of the upper surface of the case 2.

  On both sides of the case 2, a power button 4 and a location registration button 5 are arranged. The power button 4 is used not only for turning on / off the power but also for switching the lock / release of the touch panel operation. Specifically, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the power button 4 is pressed and held for a long time (for example, 2 seconds or more) in the power-off state, the power is turned on, and the control unit 11 displays a predetermined main menu screen on the display unit 3. indicate. Further, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the power button 4 has been pressed and held while the power is on, the control unit 11 draws a predetermined end screen on the display unit 3 and then turns off the power.

  Further, when the power button 4 is pressed for a short time in the power-on state, the control unit 11 that has detected the switch alternately switches the lock / release of the touch panel. That is, if the current state is in the locked state, the operation is canceled and the operation using the touch panel is enabled. The current state is notified by an icon drawn at a predetermined position on the display unit 3. The location registration button 5 is a button used for location registration and the like, and specific processing functions associated with the operation of this button will be described later.

  A GPS receiver 6 that receives radio waves from a GPS satellite is mounted inside the front side of the case 2. Further, an openable / closable terminal cover 7 is attached to the rear surface of the case 2, and when the terminal cover 7 is opened as shown in FIG. 1B, the miniUSB terminal 9 is exposed. Charging can be performed by connecting an AC adapter to the miniUSB terminal 9, and data can be transmitted and received by connecting a USB cable to a personal computer.

  In the case 2, a GPS receiving unit 6 that receives a GPS signal and obtains a current position (longitude / latitude), a golf course data storage unit 12 that stores golf information such as a course layout of the golf course in advance, Based on the current position information from the GPS receiving unit 6, the golf course data storage unit 12 is accessed, the control unit 11 that performs control for acquiring information about the golf course and outputting it to the output device, and the display unit 3 that constitutes the output device. In addition, a speaker 15, a battery 17 serving as a power source when being carried, a storage device 18 that stores an execution result of the control unit 11, a geomagnetic sensor 19, and the like are provided.

  The golf course data storage unit 12 is configured by a recording medium such as an internal memory or a removable 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, the position of an object on the course such as a golf course green or a bunker), and the like. These pieces of 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 11 includes a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, flash memory, various peripheral circuits, an interface, and the like. When the power is turned on, the controller 11 is supplied with power from the battery 17 and starts operating. The control unit 11 develops the OS and application program recorded in the flash memory on the RAM by the boot loader recorded in the ROM, and executes the OS and application program on the RAM, thereby executing various processes shown below. To implement various functions.

  The storage device 18 records the calculation results, and may be an internal storage device that cannot be attached or detached, or a slot portion (including a read / write function) for attaching a removable 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 unit 12 in an actual device.

  The battery 17 is a rechargeable secondary battery such as a rechargeable battery, and can be charged from the miniUSB terminal 9. Based on the output of the geomagnetic sensor 19, the control unit 11 obtains the azimuth and angle that this device is facing.

  Hereinafter, the function of the control unit 11 will be described based on a specific display screen. The control unit 11 accesses the golf course data storage unit 12 based on the position information (longitude / latitude) from the GPS reception unit 6 and reads information on the golf course currently being played. Then, the control unit 11 reads the corresponding course from the current position information and draws it on the display unit 3. An example of a display screen drawn on the display unit 3 is as shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the layout of the hole currently being played is drawn on the entire display screen so that the green is on top. Then, the control unit 11 draws the icon I in a superimposed manner at a position corresponding to the place where the user is in the drawn hall (the current position acquired from the GPS receiving unit 6). As a result, it is possible to know the direction toward the green and the position, size, and shape of the pond, bunker, etc. existing around the green. Further, the control unit 11 draws the concentric circle line L on the hole layout with the self icon I as the center. Thereby, the user can understand the approximate distance to the pond and the bunker. In this way, by displaying the course layout, the user can check the strategy for each hole even in the first course.

  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 green edge and the position of the green center are registered as green information. Therefore, the control unit 11 obtains the distance between the current position and the center of the green, and displays the remaining distance to the center of the green (“366” in the figure). Further, the control unit 11 obtains an intersection between the current position and the green center and the green edge, obtains a distance between the obtained intersection position and the current position, and displays a remaining distance to the green edge ( In the figure, “350”).

  Further, the control unit 11 draws the flag icon I5 at a location corresponding to the pin position (cup position) on the green. The drawing position of the flag icon I5 is the center of the green as an initial value. As will be described later, since the pin position can be changed by user registration, the changed position becomes the changed position. In accordance with the change, the remaining distance from the current position to the pin position is obtained, and the obtained remaining distance is displayed in the display area of the remaining distance to the green center.

  In the upper area of the display screen of the display unit 3, an icon I1 indicating the remaining battery level, an icon I2 indicating the hole number 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. Further, the time is displayed at the right end of the information area. The icon I3 for green identification is switched by operating the point registration button 5. That is, when the control unit 11 displays a hole having two greens and recognizes that the point registration button 5 has been pressed for a short time, the control unit 11 switches from the currently selected green to another green, and the switching is performed. At the same time, the drawing position of the flag icon I5 and the display of the icon I3 are switched.

  In addition, any point can be registered based on a switch operation or the like. Specifically, when recognizing that the location registration button 5 has been pressed for a long time (for example, 2 seconds or longer), the control unit 11 acquires the current position at that time from the GPS reception unit 6 and registers the location. This arbitrary point can be used, for example, to register a point where the ball is actually hit. When an arbitrary point registered in such a manner exists in the hole layout displayed on the display screen, a point registration icon I0 is drawn at the corresponding position as shown in FIG. Further, the control unit 11 draws the spot registration icon I0 and draws a flight distance display region R2 at the lower left of the display screen. The initial value displayed in the flight distance display area R2 is “0” as shown.

  Further, based on the output of the geomagnetic sensor 19, the control unit 11 detects the direction in which the present apparatus is facing, and draws the direction as a direction indicating line S composed of an arrow and a dotted line on the hole layout. The starting point of this direction indicating line S is the current position (self icon I). As a result, when the user changes the direction with the apparatus held, the direction indicating line S on the display screen turns following the direction, so the direction indicating line S (dotted line) is desired to be green or hit. By matching with the place, you can confirm that there is a target point ahead. Therefore, even when the field of view is bad or far away due to fog or the like, or when trees or obstacles exist, the direction can be accurately known.

  Further, the control unit 11 obtains the distance between the position registered in this way and the current position of the current icon I, and displays the distance in the flight distance display region R2 prepared at the lower left of the display screen. Thereby, for example, the user registers a spot position where the ball is hit, and then hits the ball and moves to the drop point. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the distance from the registered position (shot position) to the current position (falling point) is displayed in the flight distance display area R2 (“232” in the figure). Thereby, the actual flight distance can be known. As is apparent from FIGS. 4 and 5 and the like, the control unit 11 is configured to position the own icon I indicating the current position in the lower center of the display screen in the basic state.

  In addition, a plurality of spot registrations can be performed, and each piece of location information registered for each spot is recorded in the storage device 18 in the registration order for each hole. Thus, by registering the shot position where the ball was hit each time, the locus of play on the actual golf course can be recorded, and each hole layout is drawn on the display unit 3 together with the point registration icon I0. By doing so, the actual play trajectory can be confirmed on the display screen.

<Distance display function to any point (target point)>
For example, as shown in FIG. 3 or the like, an arbitrary place on the course is touched while displaying the course of golf navigation. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 11 draws the course so that the touched position is at the center position of the screen, and the mark M indicating the target position at the touched position (the circle is superimposed on the circle) Draw. And the control part 11 calculates | requires the distance from the present location to the point touched, and displays the calculated | required distance on distance display area | region R3 to a target position ("200" in a figure). At the same time, the control unit 11 calculates the remaining distance (edge position, center pin position) from the touched point to the green and displays it in the remaining distance display area R1. The user compares the distances displayed in both areas R1 and R3, so that the club type to be used this time at the current position for hitting the touched point and the next club to be used to aim at the green from the touched point. You can consider what each species is appropriate for.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 11 draws a reduction button B1, an enlargement button B2, and a return button B3 at the lower end of the display screen, and triangles at the middle positions of the course layout display area. The cursor K is drawn. When recognizing that the reduction button B1 / enlargement button B2 has been pressed, the control unit 11 reduces / enlarges and draws the course layout. Further, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the cursor K has been pressed, the control unit 11 moves and draws the course layout in that direction. At this time, since the position of the mark M is at the center of the screen, the position on the course indicated by the mark M changes with the movement, so the distance to the point indicated by the mark M and the remaining distance from the point Is recalculated and displayed in the regions R3 and R1. This is preferable because it is possible to easily examine which position should be aimed.

  This function mainly displays the distance to the point you want to aim at, but as a usage method, you can also use it to display the distance to the place where you can't aim (don't type). In other words, by setting the touch position as a bunker or other hazard, the distance to the hazard is displayed, and it is useful for selecting a club type that stops before the hazard or a club type that can reliably exceed the hazard. You can also

<Distance display function>
The point-to-point distance display function is a function for obtaining a distance between two designated points by designating (touching) two points to be confirmed and displaying the obtained distance. Thereby, the arbitrary section distance on a course can be confirmed.

  For example, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the menu button B4 set in FIGS. 3 to 5 and the like is touched, a menu screen (not shown) is displayed over the course layout. Since the button area for selecting each function is prepared on the menu screen, the control unit 11 recognizes that the button for designating “distance between two points” has been selected, so that the function is selected. to start. First, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 11 superimposes on the course layout, draws a triangular cursor K at each of the upper, lower, left, and right intermediate positions of the course layout display area, and the intersection ( A mark M ′ is drawn on the center of the screen. Further, the control unit 11 draws a reduction button B1, an enlargement button B2, and a return button B3 at the lower end of the display screen, and draws a two-point distance display region R4 on the lower left side. Here, since two points are not selected, the distance display is “0”.

  In this state, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the reduction button B1 / enlargement button B2 has been pressed, it draws the course layout by reducing / enlarging it. Further, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the cursor K has been pressed, the control unit 11 moves and draws the course layout in that direction. When an arbitrary point on the screen is touched in this state, the control unit 11 recognizes the touched point and draws a start icon Is (for example, a red circle) at the position (see FIG. 8). Therefore, the user can register the position by displaying the first point to be confirmed on the screen and touching it. In addition, when the first point is registered (the start icon Is is drawn) and the screen is touched next time, the control unit 11 registers the touched point as the second point, The end icon Ie is drawn at that position (see FIG. 9). The end icon Ie may be a red circle having the same shape and the same size as the start icon Is, or by making at least one of shape, size, and color different from each other, it may be determined which is the start icon Is. .

  If the two points are registered, the control unit 11 draws a straight line L1 connecting the two points, calculates the distance between the two points, and displays the calculated distance between the two points. It is displayed on R4 ("148" in the figure).

  Thereby, it is possible to know the distance between any two points on the course ground, and to obtain information useful for determining the course capture method. When the return button B3 is selected, the display returns to the basic display shown in FIG.

<Cup position registration function>
The cup position registration function is a function that can register the cup position of the day of play on site. That is, as described above, a uniform remaining distance such as a green edge or a green center is displayed in the remaining distance display region R1. On the other hand, on an actual golf course, the cup position changes every day. Therefore, when the position of the cup is at the edge of the green, the larger the size of the green or the closer to the green, the greater the deviation from the cup position (pin position) set at the center of the green. In particular, the closer to the green as in the approach shot, the more the influence of the error becomes.

  Therefore, by registering the cup position on the day of play on the spot, the user can check the exact remaining distance by accurately obtaining and displaying the distance to the cup without measuring. As a result, accurate navigation to the hole-out can be realized.

  Specifically, the user moves to the cup position on the green while carrying the apparatus and registers the position of the cup position. In this point registration, for example, the control unit 11 that recognizes that the “cup point registration” button prepared on the menu screen has been touched activates the cup point registration mode. If the location registration button 5 is pressed and held for a long time (for example, 2 seconds or longer) in the cup location registration mode, the current location (obtained from the GPS receiver 6) at that time is registered in the buffer memory as a cup location. . Therefore, the user activates the cup point registration mode until the cup position is reached or when the cup position is reached, and the user presses the point registration button 5 in a state where the apparatus is positioned immediately above or just above the cup position. Accurate position can be registered by long pressing.

  Thus, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the drawing position of the flag icon I5 is the actual position registered as a cup position. When this point registration processing is not performed, the flag icon I5 is drawn at the green center position as indicated by a two-dot chain line. The flag icon I5 drawn based on this point registration processing and the flag icon I5 drawn at the center of the green originally registered at the time of factory shipment have different drawing modes. Specifically, the control unit 11 draws the flag icon I5 with different display colors. Instead of changing the display color in this way, various different modes can be taken, such as changing the shape and dimensions, and blinking the flag icon I5 based on the location registration. Thus, by making the drawing modes different, the user can easily recognize which flag mixture is currently drawn. Of course, the same may be used without changing the drawing mode in this way.

  FIG. 10 shows a state in which the cup position is registered and then returned to the position where the ball is actually hit. When the cup position is registered in this way, the control unit 11 draws the distance display area R5 to the cup position on the normal remaining distance display area R1, and also displays the current position (self-icon I ) To the cup position and the distance is displayed (“56” in the figure). Thus, the user can check the distance to the cup to help select the club type during the approach.

  And once the control part 11 registers a cup point into a buffer memory, it hold | maintains a cup position until the hole is complete | finished. As a result, even if the player does not get on the green with a single shot, the remaining distance to the accurate cup position can be known based on the previously registered cup position in the case of another close shot. In addition, when putting on the green, the remaining distance information can be used effectively.

  In addition, the control part 11 erase | eliminates the registered cup position, when it is judged based on the positional information acquired from the GPS receiving part 6 that it moved to the next hole. The registered cup position is also erased when the power is turned off.

  In the above example, the point registration of the cup position is performed by going to the actual cup position and pressing and holding the point registration button 5. However, the point registration is not limited to the long pressing of the point button. The current position when instructed by various methods such as clicking on the prepared button area can be registered as the cup position.

  In this way, an accurate position can be registered by actually moving to the cup position. For example, the setting target green is drawn on the screen, and the cup position is registered by touching an arbitrary point on the green. You can also In this case, it is preferable that the green is enlarged and displayed as much as possible because the point can be accurately registered. Of course, in this method, the accuracy is lower than that actually registered at the cup position as in this embodiment, but the accuracy is higher than the display of the remaining distance uniformly set at the center of the green, Since it is not necessary to actually go to the green, registration is possible even at relatively remote points, which is preferable in that speedy play can be promoted. Furthermore, Mr. Caddy carries materials that describe the approximate pin position of the day, and in the case of self-play, there are golf courses that can acquire the material that describes the pin position of the day. Once you register the cup position, you can select the club type by knowing the remaining distance to the approximate cup position, even if it is a remaining distance of 100 to 150 yards or more and it is difficult to actually go to the green Can be made more accurate.

  In this embodiment, the cup position is erased when moving the hole, but it may be left as it is. In particular, when playing the same hole twice on the day, such as 1 land half or 2 lands, it is convenient because the information of the previously registered cup position can be used as it is. However, even in that case, when the play of the day is completed, it is preferable to delete it. By erasing in such a manner, it is possible to suppress the display of the remaining distance based on the wrong cup position registered at the time of playing at a later time.

  If it is not erased, for example, there is a merit that more accurate and detailed play reflection and examination can be performed by capturing and recording information on the cup position together with a personal computer or the like. . In that case, in order to avoid the display of incorrect information as described above, the registered cup position is registered in association with the date, and is not displayed when the registration date is not the month and day of the play (the cup (Position information is not used). Further, the control unit 18 may be provided with a real-time clock, and the date / time information may be recorded in association with the position information.

  The registration of the cup position in the above embodiment is registered by moving to the actual cup position, but can also be performed manually without moving to the actual cup position. The cup position registration process associated with the manual operation may be performed during actual play at the golf course or when not played. Registration when not playing may be performed in the golf course or before arriving at the golf course. The state of not playing in the golf course is, for example, after arriving at the golf course such as in the morning of the play day until going to the course (first hole) where the game is actually played, or after the completion of the play of the first 9 holes In some cases, you may be in a clubhouse for lunch or other waiting times that occur until the second half of the 9th hole starts.

  FIG. 12 shows an algorithm for registration processing when not playing. First, when the power is turned on with the operation of the power button 4, the control unit 11 displays a predetermined main menu screen on the display unit 3 (S1, S2). When the control unit 11 detects that “Cup Registration” is selected from the processing items listed on the menu screen (not shown) (pressing the touch panel, etc.), it displays the current position information acquired from the GPS receiving unit 6. Based on this, the golf course registered in the golf course data storage unit 12 is searched (S4).

  When there is a golf course corresponding to the current position, the control unit 11 displays a golf course selection screen for the golf course on the display unit 3 (S5). That is, a golf course usually has a plurality of courses with 9 holes as one course. For example, in a golf course consisting of 18 holes, there are an OUT course and an IN course. In this case, the order in which each course turns is determined depending on which course is played first. In addition, in the case of a golf course having 3 courses (27 holes) or more, each course is given a name and the order of course turning (A course → B course → C course) is determined. Therefore, especially in the case of a golf course having three or more courses, there are courses that are not played on the day for players who play one land. Since it is sufficient for the user to register only the course to be actually played, this apparatus has a function of selecting a course for registering the cup position (pin position).

  That is, the control unit 11 displays a list of names of the corresponding golf courses and course names existing in the golf course, and prompts registration of the course to be started. The course is selected by determining the position touched by the touch panel by the control unit 11 and specifying the corresponding course name. The user may select a plurality of courses or a single course.

  As for golf course data, in golf courses with 3 or more courses, if you also have information on the order of play of each course, if you specify the course to start, the course to play next will be specified it can. Therefore, even when one course is selected as described above, the control unit 11 specifies the course to be played next based on the information of the above-mentioned play order when registration of all the holes in the course is completed. It is advisable to have a function to encourage registration of the first hole of the course.

  On the other hand, when the position cannot be detected by GPS, the manual selection mode is set (S6), the control unit 11 specifies the golf course in accordance with the user's input, and displays the golf course selection screen for the specified golf course on the display unit 3. Display (S7). To select a golf course, enter a keyword such as “Reading Kana” (Hiragana / Alphabet) or “Telephone Number” and search for a matching golf course, or enter a region and display the corresponding golf course in a list. Can be used to prompt selection and merge them. The area can be entered by gradually narrowing the area, such as region → prefecture → ……, and can be selected from text input or list display. Further, it is possible to adopt a method of drawing a map and specifying it while gradually narrowing the area (enlarging the drawn map). The golf course selection process in process step S7 can be basically the same as in process step S5. Further, if one or both of these processing steps s5 and S7 are provided with an input screen for designating a hole to be input, finer settings can be made. For example, if the pin position is known to some extent in the course you often visit, or you can visually check from the hole (fairway rough) that you are playing, you can easily correct the deviation from the center position in the player's head In such a case, if it is sufficient to display the reference cup position and the remaining distance to the position, the cup position registration process can be omitted. Of course, as described below, it is possible to skip substantial input processing by skipping the input of the corresponding hole in the cup position registration processing, but skipping by specifying the input hole in advance. Processing is also unnecessary, and input processing becomes simpler.

  Next, the control part 11 performs the input operation of a cup position (S8). The control unit 11 reads the data of the first hole of the course designated in the preprocessing (S5, S7) from the golf course data storage unit 12, and draws the cup position input screen on the display unit 3. In the present embodiment, the following four types of input of the cup position are prepared, and which method is used is set by user setting from the menu screen.

<Block input method>
As shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 11 draws a screen simulating the green G of the corresponding hole on the display unit 3, and draws a lattice frame K that covers all the green. The user visually recognizes a cup position diagram prepared by the golf course, and touches and selects a place considered to be close among the areas defined by the lattice frame K. The control unit 11 sets the touched position as the cup position. Although the shape of the green G is circular in the figure, it is assumed that it actually approximates the green shape of an actual hole.

  To get information about the actual cup position, the golf course has a paper (cup position map) describing the cup position (pin position) of the day placed in the cart, or Caddy is carrying it So use it. Of course, the present invention is not limited to such paper, and the user can set the cup position based on information provided through various media prepared by the golf course (homepage, signboard displaying green information, etc.). Confirm and register.

  Further, the number of grids constituting the grid frame K may be arbitrarily changed (vertical 10 / horizontal 10, vertical 3 / horizontal 10, etc.), or may be a fixed value (vertical 5 / horizontal 5). The lattice frame K is an aggregate of a plurality of lattices divided into n × m, but one value may be “1”. In particular, while usually attacking from the front of the green, the remaining distance to the cup is more greatly affected by the shift in the depth in the front-rear direction than the shift in the width direction from the center position on the green. Therefore, it is possible to easily set by dividing only the front-rear direction without dividing in the horizontal width direction. The pin display based on the registered cup position is, for example, a representative point such as the center of the grid.

<Numerical value input method>
As shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 11 prepares a screen imitating the green G on the screen, and inputs the distances X and Y from the specific position (P1, P2) by numerical values. The specific positions P1 and P2 can be, for example, the right end (P1) and the front end (P2) of green. The distances X and Y are determined by touching numerical input boxes B1 and B2 provided on the display screen. That is, when the control unit 11 detects that any one of the numerical value input boxes B1 and B2 is touched, the control unit 11 draws the numeric keypad button area on the display unit 3 and draws the numeric keypad from the user. In response to the input, the corresponding numbers are displayed in the numerical value input boxes B1 / B2. Then, in response to pressing of the confirmation button, the numeric key input button area is erased and a mark M is drawn at a point specified by X and Y. The user determines whether the position is acceptable from the position of the mark M on the green G, the numerical value displayed in the numerical value input box, and the like. Touch the registration button area to be omitted.

<Inference input method>
In the case of an apparatus provided with a touch panel, the control unit 11 draws a screen simulating green G on the screen of the display unit 3 as shown in FIG. Then, the control unit 11 detects the touched position on the green G and determines the position as the cup position.

  In the case of an apparatus that does not include a touch panel, the control unit 11 draws a screen imitating the green G on the screen of the display unit 3 as shown in FIG. ) With an arrow pointer over it. The control unit 11 receives an instruction from an input device such as a button switch or a remote controller, and moves the arrow pointer up / down / left / right to determine the position.

  The control unit 11 registers the cup position determined using any one of the input methods described above in association with the hole number in an internal / external memory (such as the storage device 18) such as a RAM / memory (S9).

  After this registration, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a next hole (S10). If there is, the control unit 11 returns to the processing step S8, switches the next hole to the processing target, and sets the cup position. Perform input tasks. Whether or not the next hole exists is determined by, for example, determining whether or not there is a next hole on the same course as the currently processed hole from the golf course data registered in the golf course data storage unit 12. 11 may automatically determine, or the control unit 11 draws a button area for inputting whether or not there is a next hole at a predetermined position on the display unit 3 and detects which button area is touched. You may judge by. In the case of automatic determination, when the input is completed up to the last hole of the same course, it may be set to end once or may be set to set the first hole of the next course to be processed.

  It should be noted that an interrupt (end) button area is displayed on each screen that transits during the cup position registration process, and the control unit 11 performs the process when detecting that the interrupt (end) button area is touched. finish. In addition, when the golf course is selected after the process is once completed in a state where it is registered halfway and then the above processing steps are performed again, the control unit 11 determines the cup position for each hole of the course to be processed. The presence / absence of registration is searched, an unregistered hole is set as a processing target, and the processing after processing step S8 is executed for the processing target hole.

  If it is impossible to register the cup position for all holes before the start of play due to the relationship with the start time, etc., the cup position is registered halfway, and then the cup position is changed during the play described below. You can register or register for the first half of the course before the start, and for the second half of the course during breaks such as lunch.

  FIG. 16 shows another algorithm for the registration process when not playing. Also in this example, when the power is turned on in accordance with the operation of the power button 4, the control unit 11 displays a predetermined main menu screen on the display unit 3 (S11, S12). When the control unit 11 detects that “Cup registration (use of data)” is selected from the processing items listed on the menu screen (not shown), the storage device 18 (media card or the like) ) Or the GPS coordinates of the cup position of each hole registered in the external storage device via the USB cable connected to the USB terminal 9 is acquired and registered (S14). In order to use this function, the golf course (golf club) side discloses the position information (longitude / latitude) of the cup position on the current day or the next day on a homepage or a computer (server) installed on the golf course. The obtained data is obtained in advance via the Internet and stored in a recording medium on a media card or the like, or connected to a computer or the like installed at a golf course via a USB cable to obtain data. This can be achieved. By performing this processing, it is possible to register the accurate cup position all at once.

  FIG. 17 shows an algorithm for registration processing during play. The controller 11 draws a menu screen during execution of the golf navigation mode (S21). When the control unit 11 detects that “Cup Registration” has been selected from the menu screen (S22), the control unit 11 proceeds to a cup position input operation (S23).

  This cup position input operation is performed after the course to be processed is specified. That is, the control unit 11 determines which hole is currently located from the current position information acquired from the GPS receiving unit 6 and each hole layout (with position information) of the golf course. Then, the control unit 11 sets the hole currently being played as a processing target, reads green information of the hole, and draws an input screen of the cup position on the display unit 3. The cup position input process after the hole to be processed is thus determined is performed in the same manner as the above four input processes.

  Depending on the golf course, without providing information that specifically describes the cup position as described above, it is possible to change the color of the flag attached to the upper end of the cage, or to be attached to the flagpole so as to be slidable up and down The position of the cup may be informed by the position of the cup. In that case, the cup position informs approximate information such as the front side of the green, the center, and the back side. Therefore, in the block input method using a grid frame, the number of grids in the horizontal width direction is one as shown in FIG. 13B, and a plurality of grids in the front-rear direction (three in the figure, but four or more) Good) should be used.

  The control unit 11 registers the cup position designated by various input methods in a predetermined storage device in association with the hole information (S24). Next, the controller 11 determines whether or not there is a next hole (S25). If there is a next hole, the control target hole is switched to the next hole, and the process returns to step S23. When the registration of all holes is completed, the branch determination in process step S25 is No, and the process returns to process step S21. The processing steps S24 and S25 can be the same as the processing steps S9 and S10.

  In processing step S23, when the cup position has already been registered for the hole at the current position, the next hole is set as the processing target. Thereby, for example, information on cup positions can be registered sequentially during play while using the time during which the cart is moving. In particular, in the case of a golf course where cup position information is provided in the cart, processing can be performed smoothly by registering at a place with green information (cup position information). In addition, the user does not play a delayed play by performing the registration process by dividing into small portions such as one or a plurality of holes while moving in the cart. In addition, as described above, in the case of golf information in which the information on the cup position is notified in the state of a flagpole (pin), since the cup position cannot be registered unless it is actually played, It is convenient to be able to register.

  In addition, when the registration of the cup position of one hole is completed, the control unit 11 automatically displays a cup position selection screen for the next hole so that a plurality of courses to be continued in the cart travel time can be continued. Can be registered easily.

  The information on the cup position registered as described above can be used to determine the remaining distance from the current position to the cup as described above. By drawing the flag icon I5 at the position corresponding to the registered cup position together with a figure simulating the image, even when hitting from a place where the green is not directly visible, such as turret green or dock wreck, the green state is imaged Since it becomes easy, it is preferable.

  Further, when detecting that the current position is moving to the next hole position, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the cup position of the next hole has been registered. To draw a cup position registration. That is, process step S23 is executed. By automatically drawing the registration screen in this way, the user does not need to perform a screen operation to read the cup registration screen, and how much can be entered when the registration of the cup position information has been completed up to an intermediate hole. Even if you don't remember what you were doing, it's convenient because you can know by automatically drawing the registration screen if you come to an unregistered hall. Moreover, by registering the cup position while moving to the next hole, not only can the movement time be used effectively and there is no delay play, the opportunity to think about how to capture the next hole to play and It is preferable because a more effective capture image can be conceived from the confirmation of the cup position.

  In addition, when the cup position of the next hole has been registered, the control unit 11 does not further prompt the registration of the cup position for the unregistered holes after that, but reflects the registered cup position. And a schematic diagram of the entire course are displayed on one screen alternately or simultaneously. Thereby, the player can think about the capture method while moving by looking at the green and the course in which those cup positions are accurately reflected.

  In addition, by providing the function to automatically draw the cup position registration screen as described above, the user can input the cup position for the appropriate hole at the appropriate location, and input for that purpose. Since a specific process is not necessary for reading the screen, there is a merit that the player can concentrate on the play. Furthermore, as a condition for automatically drawing the registration screen for the cup position at an appropriate location, in addition to the detection during the movement to the next hole as described above, the movement of the cart even during the actual hole playing It may be detected that it is in the middle. In such a case, the control unit 11 identifies the hole that is currently being played based on the current position information obtained from the GPS receiving unit 6, determines whether or not the cup position information is registered for the hole, and if not registered You should draw a registration screen. The determination as to whether or not the cart is moving may be, for example, a case where the moving speed exceeds the moving speed due to normal walking (a certain speed or higher). In addition, depending on the golf course, the area (cart path) in which the cart can travel may be determined. In such a case, the movement by the cart is detected when it is detected that the current position is within the area in which the cart can travel. It is good to judge as medium. In addition, for example, even when the player carrying this device goes to the cart to pick up a club and selects and removes the necessary club from the golf bag, the player must be in an area where the cart can run. become. Therefore, in addition to being in the area where the cart can travel and moving (regardless of speed), it may be determined that the cart is moving when both conditions are satisfied. In that case, even if the moving speed of the cart is slow (equivalent to the walking speed or running speed of a person), it can be detected that the cart is moving, and if the cart is simply picked up, the movement is Since there is almost no false detection can be prevented.

  Further, the controller 11 detects that the current position obtained from the GPS receiver 6 is within the golf course and detects a speed / trajectory corresponding to the movement of the cart to the first hole. “Do you want to register the cup position of?” May be displayed.

  In addition, it is preferable that the apparatus has a function of communicating (data exchange) with another apparatus by wireless communication (including infrared communication) / wired communication. In this way, when a plurality of people having the same type of device play at the same golf course, one person performs registration processing of the cup position and uses the communication function to register the registered data to the other device. By transferring to, it is not necessary for everyone to register the cup position information, and the cup position can be registered more easily. In addition, it is good for those who register the cup position for all holes by one person (one device) and transfer / distribute it to other devices, or for different holes in multiple devices. It is also possible to complete the registration of the cup position in a short time by registering information on the cup position and exchanging information. In particular, in the case of a self-course, considering the input during play, it is difficult for the person who drives the cart to input the cup position, so that data registered by other people can be used.

  The golf support apparatus may further include an in-vehicle mode such as a road map display function for displaying a road on which the vehicle travels when installed on the vehicle. And it is good to set it as the structure which can be mode-switched mutually with the golf mode which is a function as a golf assistance apparatus described so far. For the mode switching, for example, a switching button or the like connected to the control unit 11 may be provided, and the control unit 11 may detect and switch the operation of the switching button.

  The road map display function can be realized by a configuration used in a known navigation device or the like. For example, road map information including road position information is stored in the storage device 18, the current position is acquired from the GPS receiver 6, and road map information in a predetermined range from the current position is read from the storage device 18. This can be realized by displaying a road at a corresponding position on the display unit 3.

  Further, the position information acquired from the GPS receiver 6 during the execution of the road map display function is stored as needed, and the position stored during the execution of the road map display function when switched to the golf support function. Based on the information, the golf course currently being played displayed by the golf support function may be specified. For example, the golf course closest to the position information stored during the execution of the road map display function may be searched from the golf course data storage unit 12 and the golf course may be identified as the golf course currently being played.

  Note that, as the in-vehicle mode, a drive information providing function related to the current position may be provided instead of the road map display function or including the road map display function. Further, the following configuration may be used instead of the switching button. For example, a portable golf support device 1 having a golf support function for providing golf information related to a golf course and a cradle (cradle body) for installing the golf support device 1 at a predetermined position of the vehicle are provided. The golf support apparatus 1 is detachable from the cradle, and activates a golf mode that is operated by a built-in battery in a portable mode that operates when the cradle is detached. On the other hand, in a state where the golf support apparatus 1 is attached to the cradle, the golf support apparatus 1 receives power supplied from the vehicle side via the cradle, charges the battery, and activates a vehicle-mounted mode that operates by power supply from the vehicle side. In the in-vehicle mode, a drive information providing function for informing drive information that is useful information during driving is activated. Which mode is used depends on whether or not power is supplied from the cradle. When power is supplied from the cradle, the control unit 11 switches to the in-vehicle mode, and when power is not supplied from the cradle in the in-vehicle mode, the control unit 11 stores the current position information at that time and enters the suspended state. When activated in a state where there is no power supply from the cradle, it may be activated in the golf mode, and the currently playing golf course displayed by the golf support function may be specified based on the stored current position information. . The process of specifying the golf course to be displayed in the golf mode based on the current position information stored in the in-vehicle mode is executed only when the GPS receiver 6 is in a non-positioning state in the golf mode. May be.

  When the golf mode is activated, the control unit 11 displays a message such as “Do you want to register the cup position?” On the display unit 3, and if the cup position is not registered, or the cup position registration function You may perform the process which specifies this golf course, after registration is completed.

  In this way, even if the current position cannot be measured by the GPS receiver 6 at the golf course, the golf course currently being played can be displayed immediately based on the position information measured in the in-vehicle mode. In particular, in golf courses, there are cases where stable positioning may not be possible due to the shadows of trees, but the golf course can be quickly used by using the positioning results in a place where GPS positioning is easy in a large area such as a parking lot. Can be displayed. In addition, the GPS receiver 6 may not be able to measure immediately after power-on or return from suspend due to the characteristics of GPS, or the accuracy may not be sufficient, but it uses location information based on the results of continuous positioning in the in-vehicle mode. By specifying the golf course currently being played, the golf course can be specified and displayed immediately and accurately.

<Practice mode>
This practice mode is suitable for distance confirmation during approach practice. In this practice mode, the distance traveled from the registered starting point is displayed in real time in the movement distance display area R6. Thereby, the distance of the place where the net or other target is placed can be confirmed, for example, in practice practice. Specifically, the control unit 11 that has recognized that the “practice mode” button has been touched on the menu screen activates the practice mode and draws a practice mode screen as shown in FIG. The course drawn in this practice mode is virtual. Drawing a virtual but imitating golf course in this way gives a more realistic atmosphere, increasing interest. In particular, the display of green makes you feel like you are practicing an approach, and it also encourages you to practice.

  Next, the starting point is registered. That is, the user touches the registration button B7 prepared on the display screen at the place where the ball is hit. When recognizing that the registration button B7 is touched, the control unit 11 acquires the current position at that time from the GPS receiving unit 6 and registers it as the starting position.

  Next, the user moves to a target place or a place where a net or the like is placed. The control unit 11 calculates the distance from the registered starting position to the current position and displays it in the movement distance display area R6 (in the figure, “40” is displayed). Then, the user knows the distance from the place where the ball is hit from the numerical value displayed in the movement distance display area R6, and when the distance is desired to practice, the user installs the target at that position. Thereby, the position to hit the ball and the distance to the target can be set accurately.

  The user then returns to the position where he hits the ball and hits the ball toward the target. As a result, the correct sense of distance can be refined and practical skills can be gained, making it suitable for approach practice. This practice mode can be preferably used when, for example, a distance of 20 yards or 40 yards is determined and the distance is hit in a home garden or practice field.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Golf assistance apparatus 2 Case 3 Display part 5 Point registration button 11 Control part 12 Golf course data storage part 17 Battery

Claims (20)

Information presentation means for presenting a golf course hole layout on a display unit;
Cup position registration means for registering the cup position on the green of the hole layout displayed by the information presentation means;
Current position detecting means for detecting the current position;
A remaining cup distance calculating means for obtaining a distance from the current position detected by the current position detecting means to the cup position;
Distance display means for displaying the calculated distance;
With
The cup position registration means draws a screen imitating green on the display unit, registers the cup position based on a numerical value inputted for the distance from the specific position, and information for specifying the course of the golf course A golf support apparatus having a function of drawing and displaying a cup position input screen for inputting a cup position of a course when the registration of the course to be displayed and started is accepted .   The cup position registration means displays information specifying a current golf course from the current position detected by the current position detection means and specifying the course of the golf course for the golf course. Item 4. The golf support device according to Item 1.   3. The golf support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cup position registering unit draws the cup position input screen for a hole next to a hole having a registered cup position.   The said cup position registration means draws the said cup position input screen for the hole in which a cup position is unregistered during the movement which satisfy | fills the set conditions, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Golf support device.   The golf support apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the movement is at least one of movement to the next hole or movement in a cart.   When the cup position registration means registers the cup position of the last hole of the course in which the cup position is being registered, the cup position registration means draws the cup position input screen for the first hole of the course to be played next. The golf assistance apparatus in any one of Claim 1 to 5.   The said cup position registration means registers the said cup position based on the numerical value input about the 1st distance from the right end or left end of a green, and the 2nd distance from the front end of the green. 6. The golf support apparatus according to any one of 6 above.   The cup position registration means displays a numerical value input box on the display unit, and registers the cup position based on the numerical value input to the numerical value input box. The golf support apparatus described.   When detecting that the numerical value input box has been touched, the cup position registration means displays a numeric keypad input button area on the display unit, receives a numeric keypad input from the numeric keypad input button area, and inputs the corresponding number. The golf support apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the golf support apparatus is displayed in a numerical value input box.   The golf support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cup position registration unit draws a mark at a cup position specified by a distance from the specific position based on the input numerical value. . At least one registration method different from the registration method of the cup position based on the numerical value,
The golf support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cup position is registered based on a set position registration method.   The different registration method is characterized in that a grid frame is overlaid on a screen imitating green drawn on the display unit, and a cup position is registered based on an area partitioned by the touched grid frame. The golf support apparatus according to claim 11.   The golf support apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the number of grids constituting the grid frame is configured to be changeable.   The golf support apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the lattice frame is divided only in the front-rear direction. A function of drawing a screen imitating green on the display unit and drawing an icon indicating the cup position of the green,
The icon drawing mode is different between an icon indicating a cup position registered in advance and an icon indicating a cup position registered by the cup position registration means. The golf support apparatus described.   The distance display means simultaneously displays the remaining distance from the current position to the green and the remaining distance from the current position to the cup position registered by the cup position registration means. The golf assistance apparatus in any one of.   The golf support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a function of inquiring whether or not to register a cup position when detecting that the first hole is being moved. A golf support function that is a function of the golf support apparatus according to claim 1,
In-vehicle mode that operates when installed in a vehicle,
The golf support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein when switching from the in-vehicle mode to the golf support mode, a nearby golf course is detected and the golf support mode for the golf course is operated.   The golf support apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising a function of inquiring whether or not to register a cup position when the golf support mode is switched.   The program for making a computer implement | achieve the function as each means in the golf assistance apparatus in any one of Claim 1 to 19.