KR102344919B1 - Virtual golf device and virtual golf system using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a virtual golf device and a virtual golf system using the same. The virtual golf device comprises: a control unit for performing a calculation process of calculating a trajectory of a hit real golf ball when a user hits the real golf ball; a display unit showing a virtual golf course and a virtual golf ball. The virtual golf ball has an image corresponding to the real golf ball hit by the user.

Description

Virtual golf device and virtual golf system using the same

The present invention relates to a virtual golf apparatus and a virtual golf system using the same, and more particularly, to a virtual golf apparatus and virtual golf system using the same, which greatly improves the reality in virtual golf play such as screen golf.

Simulation devices for enjoying sports games without going out to the field have been developed using 3D stereoscopic images and computer simulation technology, and virtual indoor sports games such as golf and baseball are widely distributed. In the case of screen golf, which is a representative indoor sport, the image of the golf course is displayed through the screen, giving the feeling of being playing an actual golf game outdoors, while saving time and money compared to playing in an outdoor field. It is very popular among modern people who find it difficult to play golf due to time or financial reasons.

An important point in the popularization of screen golf is whether real golf can be realistically reproduced. Screen golf reflects and plays various things applied to real golf in order to realistically reproduce real golf. For example, in an actual golf course, terrain having various properties such as fairways, roughs, and bunkers exists, and various terrains such as fairways, roughs, and bunkers are displayed on the golf course on the screen. In addition, in screen golf, a plurality of areas such as a fairway correspondence area, a rough correspondence area, and a bunker correspondence area are divided in the hitting plate on which the golf ball is placed in screen golf. By placing a golf ball on the rough-corresponding area on the plate and hitting it, it is possible to experience the feeling of hitting like hitting a golf ball that landed on the rough in real golf.

Reproducing the actual golf course on screen golf as above is a general feature that can be uniformly applied to all screen golf users. However, as the popularity of screen golf increases, users expect that the reality of screen golf will be further improved by reproducing the characteristic aspects of individual golfers beyond reproducing the actual golf course in general features.
The technology that is the background of the present invention is disclosed in Korean Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-2019-0098587 (2019.08.22).

The present invention was invented in view of the above circumstances, and by displaying a golf ball image corresponding to the real image of the golf ball used on the screen, the user's own personal golf ball can be used in virtual golf play, and the actual golf play An object of the present invention is to provide a virtual golf device that can reflect differences in individual play characteristics of users and greatly improve reality in real golf.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a virtual golf system using the virtual golf device.

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

A virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit that performs a calculation process for calculating a trajectory of the hit real golf ball when a user hits a real golf ball, and a display unit that shows a virtual golf course and a virtual golf ball Including, the virtual golf ball has an image corresponding to the real golf ball hit by the user.

In the virtual golf apparatus, the virtual golf ball may move in the virtual golf course according to the trajectory calculated in the calculation process.

In the virtual golf device, the virtual golf ball is a first virtual golf ball that moves according to a trajectory calculated in the calculation process on the virtual golf course, and a second virtual golf ball having an image corresponding to the real golf ball. It may include a virtual golf ball.

The virtual golf device may further include a storage unit for storing information on a plurality of golf balls. In addition, the virtual golf device further includes a sensing unit for detecting the real golf ball, and the control unit receives the result detected by the sensing unit, and compares the sensing result with information stored in the storage unit to allow the user It is possible to identify the actual golf ball hit by the .

In the virtual golf device, the control unit provides first and second play modes, and in the first play mode, the user can use his or her personal golf ball, and in the second play mode, the user can use the hitting plate You can use the golf ball that is automatically provided to you. In addition, the virtual golf apparatus may further include an interface device having an input means for allowing a user to select any one of the first and second play modes.

In the virtual golf device, when a situation in which the virtual golf ball is deformed occurs, the virtual golf ball may have an image reflecting the deformation state in addition to an image corresponding to the real golf ball of the real golf ball.

A virtual golf device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit that performs a calculation process for calculating a trajectory of the hit real golf ball when a user hits a real golf ball, and moves according to the calculated trajectory on a virtual golf course. It includes a display unit for showing a virtual golf ball and a storage unit for storing information on the plurality of golf balls. In addition, a selection process may be performed before the user hits the actual golf ball, and in the selection process, information about a plurality of golf balls stored in the storage unit is provided to the user, and the user can use the information in the provided information. At least one of a plurality of golf balls may be selected.

The virtual golf device further includes a sensing unit for detecting the real golf ball, and the control unit receives the result detected by the sensing unit, compares the sensing result with information stored in the storage unit, and allows the user It is possible to identify the actual golf ball hit. Here, when the identified real golf ball is the same as the golf ball selected in the selection process, the control unit performs the calculation process by applying the first calculation method, and the identified real golf ball is not the same as the golf ball selected in the selection process If not, the calculation process may be performed by applying the second calculation method.

A virtual golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the aforementioned virtual golf device and a server unit communicatively connected to the virtual golf device, wherein the server unit stores information about a plurality of golf balls. provide wealth

A virtual golf system according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a virtual golf apparatus and a server unit communicatively connected to the virtual golf apparatus. The virtual golf device, when a user hits a real golf ball, shows a control unit that performs a calculation process for calculating a trajectory of the hit real golf ball and a virtual golf ball moving according to the calculated trajectory in a virtual golf course Including a display unit, the server unit is provided with a storage unit for storing information about the plurality of golf balls. In addition, a selection process may be performed before the user hits the actual golf ball, and in the selection process, information about a plurality of golf balls stored in the storage unit is provided to the user, and the user can use the information in the provided information. At least one of a plurality of golf balls may be selected.

According to the virtual golf apparatus of the present invention and the virtual golf system using the same, the user's own personal golf ball can be used in virtual golf play, and by displaying a golf ball image corresponding to the real image of the golf ball on the screen, real golf play It can reflect the differences in individual play characteristics of each user and greatly improve the reality in real golf.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a virtual golf apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 to 8 are diagrams illustrating an operation process applicable to the virtual golf apparatus of FIG. 1 .
9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an interface device that allows a user to select a play mode when the first and second play modes are applied.
10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a virtual golf apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process applicable to the virtual golf apparatus of FIG. 10 .
12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a golf ball selection screen displayed on the virtual golf device of FIG. 10 .
13 is a view for explaining a first calculation method in the virtual golf apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a view for explaining a second calculation method in the virtual golf apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a screen when the first and second calculation methods are applied.
16 is a schematic configuration diagram of a virtual golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail through examples. Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood through the following examples. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and may be embodied in other forms. The embodiments introduced herein are provided so that the disclosed content can be thorough and complete, and so that the spirit of the present invention can be sufficiently conveyed to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited by the following examples.

In this specification, terms such as first, second, etc. are used to describe various elements, but the elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the elements from each other. Also, when an element is referred to as being above another element, it means that it may be formed directly on the other element or that a third element may be interposed therebetween.

In the drawings, the size of elements, or the relative sizes between elements, may be exaggerated for a clearer understanding of the present invention. In addition, the shape of the element shown in the drawings may be slightly changed due to variations in the manufacturing process or the like. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification should not be limited to the shapes shown in the drawings unless otherwise noted, and should be understood to include modifications to a certain extent.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a virtual golf apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 2 to 8 are diagrams illustrating an operation process applicable to the virtual golf apparatus of FIG. 1 , and FIG. 9 is a first and second diagram 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an interface device that allows a user to select a play mode when the play mode is applied.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a virtual golf apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a hitting plate 110 , a control unit 120 , a storage unit 130 , a sensing unit 140 , an input unit 150 , and a sound unit. 160 and a display unit 170 .

The striking plate 110 is a place for striking the golf ball, and the user strikes the golf ball placed therein located on the striking plate 110 .

The control unit 120 performs a calculation process for calculating the trajectory of the golf ball. In the calculation process, when the user hits the golf ball, assuming that the golf ball actually flies on the golf course, what kind of trajectory and/or how far the golf ball will fly is calculated. In addition, the controller 120 may provide various play options to the user while controlling the overall operation among the components of the virtual golf device. For example, the controller 120 provides the user with the first and second play modes, so that the user can select and play any one of the two play modes. In the first play mode, the user may use his/her own personal golf ball, and in the second play mode, the user may use the golf ball automatically provided to the hitting plate 110 . Although not shown in the drawings, the striking plate 110 is provided with a golf ball providing means for automatically providing a golf ball for striking. In the first play mode, the control unit 120 controls the golf ball providing means not to be operated, and the user may place the golf ball prepared by the user on the hitting plate 110 according to the timing of hitting and hit it. Among screen golf users, there may be users who prefer to hit with a golf ball that they normally use rather than a golf ball provided at a screen golf course, and these users prepare their own personal golf ball in the first play mode So it can be used for hitting. In the second play mode, the user does not need to separately prepare a golf ball, and the control unit 120 controls the golf ball providing means so that the golf ball is provided to the hitting plate 110 in accordance with the timing at which the user strikes.

The storage unit 130 may store various data necessary for the operation of the virtual golf device, and also stores information about various golf balls. The golf ball information includes information on commercial golf balls currently used in the market.

The sensing unit 140 detects a physical state such as a speed, a movement direction, a rotation angle, etc. of the golf ball hit by the user. The sensing unit 140 includes a sensing unit for sensing the physical state of the golf ball, and various sensing sensors or cameras may be used as the sensing unit. The camera or the detection sensor may be used alone or together, and may be used singularly or used in plurality. The information detected by the sensing unit 140 is transmitted to the control unit 120 , and the control unit 120 performs the calculation process based on the information sensed by the sensing unit 140 .

The input unit 150 is for receiving various types of information from a user, and a keyboard/mouse or a touch screen may be used. In screen golf, information input from the user is sometimes required, such as when the user inputs his or her ID or password to log in, or when the user selects a golf course or difficulty to play. 150 is provided. Information input from the input unit 150 is transmitted to the control unit 120 , and the control unit 120 processes a user's request based on the transmitted information. For example, the user may select any one of the first and second play modes described above through the input unit 150 , and the control unit 120 automatically provides a golf ball to the hitting plate 110 according to the user's selection. may or may not be provided. Also, when the user inputs personal information such as a child or password for login, the controller 120 may check the input personal information to determine whether to approve the login.

The sound unit 160 includes a sound device such as a speaker, and serves to guide the user of the progress of the game and reproduce various sound effects according to the progress of the game.

The display unit 170 may include a beam projector 171 and a screen 172 . The beam projector 171 projects a related image on the screen 172 so that the golf course and the golf ball are displayed on the screen 172, and the screen 172 serves to display the projected golf related image to the user. For reference, below, some objects displayed on the screen 172 may be expressed by attaching the term 'virtual'. This means that it does not exist in the real world and is displayed on the screen 172. For example, 'virtual golf course' means a golf course displayed on the screen 172, and 'virtual golf ball' is a screen It means that the golf ball is displayed at 172 .

The screen golf play process in the virtual golf device having the above configuration is as follows. When a user hits a golf ball placed on the striking plate 110 , the sensing unit 140 detects the physical state of the hit golf ball, and the control unit 120 based on the sensing information from the sensing unit 140 . The flight trajectory of the hit golf ball is calculated, and an image of the virtual golf ball moving according to the calculated result is displayed on the screen 172 . At this time, the virtual golf ball in the screen 172 flies on the calculated trajectory and then lands at a specific point on the virtual golf course in the screen 172, and the user can see the virtual golf ball in the screen 172 lands. Repeat the above process until you hit a hole in the hole cup while continuing to hit from the spot.

According to the present embodiment, the virtual golf device 100 may identify a golf ball to be hit by the user and display it on the screen. Referring to FIG. 2 , an operation process for identifying and showing an actual golf ball includes a plurality of steps. In the first step (S1), the real golf ball placed on the striking plate 110 is detected, the detected golf ball is identified in the second step (S2), and in the third step (S3), it corresponds to the identified golf ball Displays a virtual golf ball that does. The details of each of the first to third steps S1, S2, and S3 are as follows.

Referring to FIG. 3 , in the first step S1 , the sensor 2 acquires the golf ball image GI in a state where the golf ball 1 to be hit is placed on the striking plate 110 . The golf ball image GI is not necessarily obtained when the golf ball is placed on the striking plate 110, and may be obtained by photographing a moving golf ball after the golf ball is struck. The golf ball 1 may be a personal golf ball separately prepared by the user or a golf ball provided by the virtual golf device 100 . As the detector 2 , a camera having a photographing function or the like may be used. Here, the sensor 2 may serve as the sensor 140 for detecting the physical state of the hit golf ball 1 . That is, the sensor 2 creates a golf ball image (GI) by photographing the golf ball 1 placed on the striking plate 110 and serving as the sensing unit 140 for detecting the physical state of the golf ball 1 . role can be performed together. Alternatively, the sensor 2 may be provided separately from the detection unit 140 to serve only to generate a golf ball image GI from the golf ball 1 placed on the striking plate 110 .

Referring to FIG. 4 , in the second step ( S2 ), the golf ball is identified from the golf ball image GI. As shown in FIG. 4 , data for a plurality of golf balls is stored in the storage unit 130 . Specifically, the storage unit 130 may store information on individual golf balls in a storage area for golf ball information by being classified for each golf ball. For example, information on individual golf balls such as golf ball GB1 and golf ball GB2 is separately divided, and information about each golf ball that is divided may include image information, product information, specification information, etc. . The image information includes all external images of the golf ball exposed to the outside, such as the overall outline of the golf ball, pictures, characters, symbols, etc. displayed on the surface of the golf ball, and the convex pattern of the surface for indicating dimples. The product information includes information such as manufacturer, year of manufacture, model name, size, weight, material, and the like. The specification information includes information indicating characteristics or performance of a golf ball. For example, a golf ball may have various specifications such as a medium trajectory characteristic strong against wind, a characteristic capable of high and long flight, a characteristic indicating a soft feel, and a straight flight characteristic, depending on a material, shape, dimple pattern, etc.

In order to identify the golf ball, the control unit 120 compares the golf ball image (GI) obtained in the first step (S1) with the image information of each golf ball stored in the storage unit 130, the stored A process of finding a golf ball corresponding to the golf ball image GI from among the golf balls is performed. For example, the image I1 of the golf ball GB1 in the first storage area is compared with the golf ball image GI. If it is determined that they are different as a result of the comparison, the image I2 of the golf ball GB2 in the second storage area is compared with the golf ball image GI. In the comparison process, the overall outline of the golf ball to be compared, pictures, letters, symbols, etc. displayed on the surface, and convex and convex patterns on the surface can be compared as a whole. By repeating this process, the same image I2 as the golf ball image GI can be found, and from this, it can be identified that the golf ball in the golf ball image GI is a GB2 golf ball.

5 to 8, in the third step (S3), a virtual golf ball corresponding to the identified golf ball is displayed on the screen in various ways. Referring to FIG. 5 , a window W displaying information of a user who is playing is displayed on the screen, and brief information about the user (such as an ID or personal record) may be displayed on the screen. The user window W may also display brief information (manufacturer of golf ball, brand name, etc.) indicating what kind of identified golf ball is. Referring to FIG. 6 , only brief information about the user (such as an ID or personal record) is displayed on the user's window W in the screen, and the virtual golf ball VB corresponding to the golf ball that the user wants to use is displayed on the screen. It can be displayed in more detail in the main part of the screen (center or bottom of the screen, etc.). At this time, the virtual golf ball VB may be displayed to have an image corresponding to the real golf ball identified. Since the main purpose of the screen is to show a virtual golf course and a virtual golf ball (VB) moving in the virtual golf course, the virtual golf ball (VB) image corresponding to the identified real golf ball is displayed by the user You can make it visible only in the state before hitting it and then disappear. Referring to FIG. 7 , the virtual golf ball VB moves along the trajectory T calculated according to the physical state of the actual golf ball hit by the controller 120 , and the virtual golf ball VB moves along the trajectory T. The golf ball VB may be displayed to have an image corresponding to the real golf ball identified in the second step S2. Referring to FIG. 8 , in addition to moving the virtual golf ball according to the trajectory T calculated by the control unit 120 (named 'first virtual golf ball (VB)' for convenience), a separate window ( W') includes two of those displayed as an enlarged image (named 'second virtual golf ball (VB')' for convenience). Here, at least a second virtual golf ball VB' among the first and second virtual golf balls VB and VB' may be displayed to have an image corresponding to the real golf ball identified. Since the first virtual golf ball VB occupies a very small area compared to the entire screen size, even if it is displayed to have an image corresponding to the real golf ball identified, it may not be easy for the user to grasp with the naked eye. In contrast, the second virtual golf ball VB' displayed in a separate window W' may be displayed as an enlarged image to display additional information. Since it is an enlarged image, if an image corresponding to the real golf ball is provided, the user can easily grasp it with the naked eye. Here, the second virtual golf ball VB' may represent the spin direction of the golf ball hit by the user as the additional information. Even if it is not the spin direction, the second virtual golf ball VB' may be used to indicate other additional information useful for the user's play.

As described above, when the virtual golf ball VB has an image corresponding to the real golf ball, the user can easily determine which golf ball he is playing with. In particular, when the user plays with his or her personal golf ball (the first play mode), a real image of his or her personal golf ball is displayed on the screen, so that the user can feel as if he or she is playing with his or her personal golf ball at an actual outdoor golf course. You can feel it, and accordingly, the reality of screen golf can be greatly improved.

On the other hand, in order to further improve the reality of screen golf, the virtual golf ball (VB) not only has an image corresponding to the real golf ball of the real golf ball, but also when a situation in which the virtual golf ball (VB) is deformed occurs during screen golf play, It may additionally have an image reflecting such a deformation state. For example, if a scratch occurs on the surface while the virtual golf ball VB moves along the trajectory T calculated by the control unit 120 (the virtual golf ball VB collides with a hard object or is scratched) If a scratch occurs on the surface, etc.), the virtual golf ball VB thereafter may be displayed with a scratch image added to the image corresponding to the real thing, and as a result, the user may feel as if the golf ball is damaged in actual golf play. The realism of screen golf can be greatly improved.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the virtual golf apparatus 100 may include a separate interface device 111 for selecting the first and second play modes. The interface device 111 is disposed in the vicinity of the striking plate 110, so that a user positioned on the striking plate 110 to hit the golf ball can conveniently use the first and second interface devices 111 in the vicinity at any time. You can choose any one of 2 play modes. For example, the interface device 111 may be provided with 'No. ① button 111a' for selecting the first play mode and 'No. ② button 111b' for selecting the second play mode, The user can conveniently select a desired mode from among the first and second play modes at any time by stepping on any one of the ① button 111a and ② the button 111b with his/her foot. For example, the user may select the first or second play mode by pressing the ① button 111a or ② the button 111b before making the first hit (tee shot) in a round of a specific golf course. In addition, when the user makes an intermediate blow after the tee shot (for example, when the hit golf ball falls into the obi area and receives a penalty and hits again), the user presses the buttons ① and ② before hitting the play mode by pressing the buttons 111a and 111b. can be changed in any way you want even in the middle of course attack.

The interface device 111 may further include a button for selecting the first and second play modes, as well as another button 111c for inputting a command frequently used by the user during screen golf play. For example, the button 111c may be a button for adjusting an angle or position at which a picture in a screen is viewed.

The interface device 111 is not essential, and the user may select a desired play mode among the first and second play modes using a common input device such as a mouse or keyboard.

10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a virtual golf apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process applicable to the virtual golf apparatus of FIG. 10, and FIG. 12 is the virtual golf apparatus of FIG. It is a view showing an example of a golf ball selection screen displayed in , FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a first calculation method in a virtual golf apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a view for explaining an embodiment of the present invention It is a view for explaining the second calculation method in the virtual golf apparatus, and FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of a screen displayed on the screen when the first and second calculation methods are applied.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the virtual golf apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment includes a hitting plate 210 , a control unit 220 , a storage unit 230 , a sensing unit 240 , an input unit 250 , and a display unit 270 . is provided. The striking plate 210 is a place where a user is positioned to hit a golf ball, and although not shown in the drawings, a golf ball providing means for automatically providing a golf ball may be installed under the striking plate 210 . A computer device capable of driving predetermined software is used as the control unit 220 , and an internal or external storage device of the computer device may be used as the storage unit 230 . In addition, a sensing means such as a camera may be used as the sensing unit 240 , and an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse may be used as the input unit 250 . The display unit 270 includes a beam projector 271 and a screen 272 . These configurations are not significantly different in operation from those of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. Although not shown in the drawings, the sound unit in the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1 may be provided in the form of a separately provided speaker. Compared with the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1 , the virtual golf apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment further includes an auxiliary display 280 . A monitor or a kiosk may be used as the secondary display 280 . Various types of information may be displayed on the auxiliary display 280 for user convenience. For example, golf ball information for performing a selection process of selecting a golf ball to be described later may be displayed on the auxiliary display 280 . In this way, both the screen 272 and the auxiliary display 280 can show various types of information or images to the user, but the screen 272 shows the main image related to the screen golf play and the auxiliary display 280 shows the user's necessary information. It is possible to perform different roles by showing auxiliary information. The screen 272 for showing the main image in screen golf and the auxiliary display 280 for showing the auxiliary information required by the user are separately provided according to the type of object to be displayed, so that the user's convenience can be improved.

The virtual golf apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment may provide the user with the first and second play modes as in the previous embodiment. In the first play mode, the user may use his/her own personal golf ball, and in the second play mode, the user may use a golf ball provided by the virtual golf device 200 instead of the personal golf ball.

According to the present embodiment, the virtual golf device 200 may select a golf ball before the user hits the golf ball, and the method of calculating the trajectory of the golf ball may vary according to the selection. Referring to FIG. 11 , an operation process including a selection process includes a plurality of steps. Select a golf ball in the first step (S10), detect the actual golf ball placed on the striking plate 210 in the second step (S20), and identify the detected golf ball in the third step (S30), In the fourth step (S40), it is checked whether the selected golf ball and the identified golf ball are the same, and in the fifth and sixth steps (S50, S60), the first or second according to the result checked in the fourth step (S40) The trajectory of the golf ball is calculated according to the calculation method, and a virtual golf ball is displayed on the screen 272 in the seventh step (S70). The details of each of the first to seventh steps (S10 - S70) are as follows.

Referring to FIG. 12 , in the first step ( S10 ), the user may perform a selection process for a golf ball before hitting the actual golf ball, and golf ball information for the selection process is displayed on the auxiliary display 280 . do. Specifically, the auxiliary display 280 may display commercial golf balls currently distributed in the market, and accordingly, the displayed golf ball items are displayed separately for each manufacturer, and also the golf balls of the same manufacturer are displayed separately for each brand or characteristic. can be

Following the first step (S10), a second step (S20) of detecting an actual golf ball used for hitting and a third step (S30) of identifying which type of golf ball is the detected golf ball are performed. In the second step (S20), an image of an actual golf ball is obtained, and in a third step (S30), the used golf ball is identified by comparing the obtained image with information stored in the storage unit 230, these steps Since the contents of steps S1 and S2 described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 may be applied to steps S20 and S30, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the fourth step (S40), the control unit 220 checks whether the identified golf ball (the golf ball used by the user when hitting) and the golf ball selected in the selection process are the same, and if the result is the same, the fifth step (S50) calculates the trajectory of the golf ball according to the first calculation method, and if it is not the same, calculates the trajectory of the golf ball according to the second calculation method in the sixth step (S60). After the selection process, the user can actually hit the same golf ball as the golf ball selected by the user, or hit a golf ball different from the golf ball selected by the user. In the case of hitting a golf ball different from the selected golf ball, a sixth step (S60) proceeds.

Referring to FIG. 13 , in the calculation process according to the first calculation method, based on the physical state of the golf ball B hit by the user, what trajectory the golf ball B will fly is calculated. The physical state of the golf ball (B) is detected by the sensing unit 240, the physical state may be grasped by various physical parameter values. Since the physical parameters are very diverse and the movement of the hit actual golf ball B is also changed every moment, when calculating the trajectory in consideration of all of them, the calculation process becomes very complicated. Therefore, for convenience of explanation, a process of calculating the trajectory of the golf ball B will be described with a very simplified model using only some of the various physical parameters for the golf ball B (eg, the moving speed and the moving direction of the golf ball).

13, when the user hits the golf ball (B), the golf ball (B) flies with a predetermined speed (V1) and direction (θ1). Here, the velocity V1 may be the initial velocity immediately after the golf ball is hit, and the direction θ1 may be an angle inclined with respect to the horizontal plane as a factor indicating the direction in which the golf ball flies by the strike. In the calculation process, it is calculated what trajectory T1 the golf ball B will have when it moves with the physical parameters V1 and θ1. The first calculation method is to extract the parameters representing the physical properties of the golf ball B as described above, and then calculate the trajectory T1 using the parameters as they are. In other words, it is used without changing the physical state of the actual golf ball (B) hit by the user, and this is a typical calculation method. The first calculation method is to hit the same golf ball as the golf ball selected by the user, so that the 'user's selection condition' and the 'actual hitting condition' correspond to each other, and the calculation process according to the first calculation method requires that both conditions correspond to each other. In this case, the usual calculation method is applied as it is.

In contrast, since the second calculation method is applied when hitting a golf ball different from the golf ball selected by the user, it is a common calculation method to compensate for the difference between the 'user's selection condition' and the 'actual hitting condition' and a different calculation method is applied. For example, the trajectory of the golf ball may be calculated by partially changing parameters indicating the physical properties of the golf ball B identified by the sensing unit 240 in the calculation process. Specifically, referring to FIG. 14( a ), when it is assumed that the golf ball B hit by the user has a predetermined speed V1 and a direction θ1 , the first from the above physical parameters V1 and θ1 Assuming that 1 trajectory T1 is calculated, in this method, the velocity value among the physical parameters of the golf ball is transformed to calculate the deformation value 'V2' as follows.

V2 = f(V1, α)

As described above, when the deformation value 'V2' is calculated from the initial velocity value V1, the trajectory T2 is calculated from the deformed velocity V2 and the direction value θ1.

Here, α is a variable representing a difference value according to the difference between the specifications of the golf ball selected by the user and the specifications of the golf ball actually used (α = Δ(selected golf ball - used golf ball)), f(V1, α) It can be called a function or expression with V1 and α as variables. For example, if there is a difference in the flying distance characteristics between the selected golf ball and the used golf ball and a speed difference of α occurs uniformly for the same swing, f(V1, α) is a simple form

f(V1, α) = V1 + α

can be According to this form, the velocity V1 of the hit golf ball (B) increases or decreases according to the value of α and is transformed into V2, and the trajectory of the golf ball is changed in the calculation process based on the deformed V2. When the user selects golf ball A and actually hits golf ball B, V1 and θ1 indicate the hitting result by golf ball B, but if the calculation process is performed using only V1 and θ1, the user hits golf ball A The chosen action cannot be reflected in the calculation process. However, if a function or formula such as f(V1, α) is derived in consideration of the specifications of golf ball A, the speed value is transformed from V1 to V2 accordingly, and the calculation process is performed based on V2, θ1. The result of the act of selecting golf ball A may be reflected in the trajectory of the golf ball hit by the user.

For example, it is assumed that the golf ball A selected by the user is a golf ball personally held by the user, and the golf ball B actually hit by the user is a golf ball provided by a screen golf course in which a virtual golf device is installed. Since the user hits the golf ball A he owns on the actual golf course, he may wish to hit using his golf ball A on the screen golf course as well. However, there may be cases in which the user must inevitably hit a golf ball different from his or her personal golf ball, such as when the user does not bring his or her personal golf ball A to the screen golf course. In this case, the user uses a golf ball provided in the screen golf course in an unavoidable situation, but may wonder what the hitting result will be when he hits the golf ball he owns. In consideration of this point, in the virtual golf apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the second calculation method of calculating the trajectory of the golf ball under the assumption that the selected golf ball is hit is applied. Accordingly, when considering the difference in various specifications between the golf ball A selected by the user and the golf ball B actually hit by the user, if the golf ball A is hit, the speed of the hit golf ball is a predetermined variation compared to when the golf ball B is hit. If it is determined that it increases by (α), the modified velocity value (V2) is derived from the actual velocity value (V1) using the formula f(V1, α) = V1 + α, and based on this, the trajectory of the golf ball is calculated Calculate.

Here, depending on the difference in specifications between the golf ball A selected and the golf ball B used, f(V1, α) may have a more complex form rather than a simple form of adding a predetermined variation α. Because the difference in specifications between golf balls is very diverse, it can be a more complicated formula rather than a simple formula like the one above.

The trajectory of the golf ball can be calculated by changing a variable other than the speed value. For example, as shown in FIG. 14(b), when it is assumed that the golf ball B hit by the user has a predetermined speed V1 and a direction θ1, the physical parameters V1 and θ1 ), assuming that the first trajectory T1 is calculated from the directional value, not the velocity value, among the physical parameters of the golf ball, the deformation value 'θ2' can be calculated as follows.

θ2 = f(θ1, α)

As above, when the deformation value 'θ2' is calculated from the initial direction value θ1, the trajectory T2 is calculated from the velocity V1 and the deformation value θ2.

Here, 'f(θ1, α)' is a function or formula using θ1 and α as variables.

f(θ1, α) = θ1 + α

can be However, since the difference in specifications between golf balls is very diverse, it may be a more complicated calculation formula rather than a simple calculation formula as above.

In this way, parameters representing the physical properties of the golf ball (B) are extracted, and at least some of the parameters are artificially transformed according to the difference in specifications between the golf ball selected by the user and the golf ball hit by the user, and then based on this Calculating the trajectory T2 is a calculation process according to the second calculation method. Here, only two physical parameters, a speed value and a direction, have been described as examples, but this is only a simplified description to help understanding, and there are various physical parameters (spin direction of the golf ball, spin value, etc.) in calculating the trajectory of the golf ball. ) can be used, so it is also possible to calculate the trajectory of a deformed golf ball by modifying various other physical parameters other than the velocity value and direction.

Referring to FIG. 15 , when there are a plurality of users who play screen golf, a first calculation method may be applied to a certain user and a second calculation method may be applied to a certain user according to each user. For example, it is assumed that user A and user B play together, but the golf ball selected in the selection process and the golf ball used for hitting are the same as the golf ball selected by user A in the selection process, and the golf ball selected in the selection process and the golf ball used for hitting are different for user B. . Accordingly, the first calculation method is applied to user A and the second calculation method is applied to user B. 15 , when user A plays, a window W1 for user A may be displayed on the screen, and when user B plays, a window W2 for user B may be displayed on the screen. In the user windows W1 and W2, personal information that can identify the user (ID, name, nickname, etc.) and the user's past record or current play status may be briefly displayed. In addition, the user windows W1 and W2 are configured to display which calculation method is applied to the user so that the user can check by himself or herself. The user can enjoy screen golf in the way he or she wants while changing the selection of golf balls or changing the current calculation method while changing the golf ball being used.

The operation process in which the trajectory of a golf ball calculated by applying the first or second calculation method according to a selection of a golf ball and hitting the same golf ball as the selected golf ball is described has been described above. In the selection process, the user selects a golf ball that he personally owns, and can feel the hitting sensation as if hitting using his or her own personal equipment on a screen golf course, and thus the reality of screen golf can be improved. Alternatively, the user can select an unknown golf ball that he or she has never actually used. In this case, the user can experience the feeling of hitting the unknown golf ball in advance.

16 is a schematic configuration diagram of a virtual golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 16 , the virtual golf system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of virtual golf devices 10 and a server unit 20 . The virtual golf device 10 is connected to the server unit 20 through a wired/wireless communication network or the like. The virtual golf device 10 serves as a service provider that provides a screen golf service to a user when a login is made. The virtual golf apparatus 10 may have the same or similar structure to the virtual golf apparatus described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15 . The server unit 20 may be a central server used by a service provider operating a plurality of virtual golf devices 10 to manage the plurality of virtual golf devices 10 . A user who wants to use the screen golf service first logs in to receive the service, and the server unit 20 checks the identity of the user when logging in and determines whether to approve the login. The server unit 20 may be provided with a storage unit 21 that stores information necessary to confirm the identity of the user.

As with the virtual golf apparatus described above, in the virtual golf apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the user selects the first play mode or the second play mode and uses his or her personal golf ball or the virtual golf apparatus 10 Golf balls provided by the company may be used. In addition, the virtual golf device 10 may identify a golf ball hit by the user and display a virtual golf ball having an image corresponding to the real golf ball on the screen. In order to identify the golf ball, information on various golf balls used in the market is required, which may be stored in the storage unit 21 . For example, image information, product information, specification information, etc. of each of various golf balls may be stored.

A user playing on the virtual golf device 10 may select a golf ball before hitting it. In addition, the first calculation method or the second calculation method may be applied depending on whether the selected golf ball and the same golf ball are hit, and the trajectory of the golf ball may be calculated. For the selection process, the storage unit 21 may store information about various golf balls. For example, image information, product information, specification information, etc. of each of various golf balls may be stored.

When various golf ball information is stored in the storage unit 21 as described above, there is no need to separately store the golf ball information in each virtual golf device 10 connected to the server unit 20 . Each virtual golf device 10 may actually use information stored in the storage unit 21 while being connected to the server unit 20 by wire and/or wirelessly.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can understand that the present invention can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. will be. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments are to be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the present invention is indicated in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the present invention.

10, 100, 200: virtual golf device
20: server unit
21: storage
110, 210: hitting plate
120, 220: control unit
130, 230: storage unit
140, 240: sensing unit

Claims (13)

a control unit for performing a calculation process of calculating the trajectory of the hit actual golf ball when the user hits the actual golf ball; and
a display unit showing a virtual golf course and a virtual golf ball;
including,
The virtual golf ball has an image corresponding to the real golf ball hit by the user.
Virtual golf device. According to claim 1,
A virtual golf device in which the virtual golf ball moves according to the trajectory calculated in the calculation process on the virtual golf course. The method of claim 1,
The virtual golf ball includes a first virtual golf ball moving according to the trajectory calculated in the calculation process on the virtual golf course and a second virtual golf ball having an image corresponding to the real golf ball Virtual golf device. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A virtual golf device further comprising a storage unit for storing information on a plurality of golf balls. 5. The method of claim 4,
Further comprising a sensing unit for detecting the actual golf ball,
After receiving the result detected by the sensing unit, the control unit compares the sensing result with information stored in the storage unit to identify an actual golf ball hit by the user. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Further comprising a striking plate on which the actual golf ball is placed when the user hits the actual golf ball,
The control unit provides first and second play modes,
In the first play mode, the user can use his/her own personal golf ball, and in the second play mode, the user can use the golf ball automatically provided to the hitting plate. 7. The method of claim 6,
The virtual golf apparatus further comprising an interface device having an input means for a user to select any one of the first and second play modes. According to claim 1,
When a situation in which the virtual golf ball is deformed occurs, the virtual golf ball has an image reflecting the deformed state in addition to an image corresponding to the real golf ball of the real golf ball. a control unit for performing a calculation process of calculating the trajectory of the hit actual golf ball when the user hits the actual golf ball;
a display unit for displaying a virtual golf ball moving according to the calculated trajectory on a virtual golf course; and
a storage unit for storing information about a plurality of golf balls;
including,
The selection process may proceed before the user hits the actual golf ball,
In the selection process, information about a plurality of golf balls stored in the storage unit is provided to the user, and the user can select at least one of the plurality of golf balls from the provided information. 10. The method of claim 9,
Further comprising a sensing unit for detecting the actual golf ball,
After receiving the result detected by the sensing unit, the control unit compares the sensing result with information stored in the storage unit to identify an actual golf ball hit by the user. 11. The method of claim 10,
When the identified real golf ball is the same as the golf ball selected in the selection process, the control unit performs the calculation process by applying the first calculation method, and when the identified real golf ball is not the same as the golf ball selected in the selection process A virtual golf device for performing the calculation process by applying the second calculation method to A virtual golf device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; and
a server unit communicatively connected to the virtual golf device;
including,
The server unit includes a storage unit for storing information on a plurality of golf balls
Virtual golf system. virtual golf device; and
a server unit communicatively connected to the virtual golf device;
including,
The virtual golf device, when the user hits a real golf ball, shows a control unit that performs a calculation process for calculating a trajectory of the hit real golf ball and a virtual golf ball moving according to the calculated trajectory in a virtual golf course including a display,
The server unit has a storage unit for storing information about a plurality of golf balls,
The selection process may proceed before the user hits the actual golf ball,
In the selection process, information on a plurality of golf balls stored in the storage unit is provided to the user, and the user can select at least one of the plurality of golf balls from the provided information.

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