KR20220000140A - Interface apparatus for virtual sports, virtual golf device and virtual sports device using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an interface device for virtual sports that allows a user to conveniently execute a desired command while playing screen sports, and a virtual golf simulator and virtual sports simulator using the same. The interface device for virtual sports comprises: a main body; and an input unit in which a user can input at least some of the commands that can be used by the user while playing the virtual sports capable. The interface device for virtual sports consists of a remote-control-type portable device, or further comprises an input means allowing a user to input a command by stepping on the input unit.

Description

Interface device for virtual sports, virtual golf device and virtual sports device using the same

The present invention relates to an interface device for virtual sports, a virtual golf device using the same, and a virtual sports device, and more particularly, to an interface device for virtual sports that allows a user to conveniently execute a desired command during virtual sports play, and a virtual sports device using the same It relates to golf devices and virtual sports devices.

Recently, simulation devices for enjoying sports games without going out to the field have been developed using 3D stereoscopic images and computer simulation technologies, and virtual indoor sports games such as golf and baseball are widely distributed. These virtual indoor sports games give the feeling of being played outdoors while saving time and money compared to playing in an outdoor field. popular

Virtual sports events can be called screen sports because the play screen is displayed on a large screen. Screen sports require various settings for the play method, and in addition, the user can select various options in order to give a sense of realism as if they are playing an actual sport. For example, in the case of screen golf, it is possible to select the difficulty of golf play or to change weather conditions such as the wind strength or direction of the golf course. In addition, during golf play, the user may want to examine the surrounding terrain of the golf ball so that an accurate shot can be made. In this way, in order to select an option or change a setting, the user must input a command desired to be executed. During play, moving to a place equipped with an input device and inputting it individually whenever necessary using a keyboard or mouse is not recommended. It is very inconvenient for users. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new device that can simplify the input procedure when the user executes a command.

The present invention was invented in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an interface device for virtual sports in which a user can conveniently execute a desired command while playing screen sports.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a virtual sports device using the interface device for virtual sports.

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

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

An interface device for virtual sports according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body and an input unit for inputting at least some of commands that can be used by a user when playing the virtual sports, and is configured as a portable device of a remote control type, or The input unit includes an input means for inputting a command by stepping on the user's foot.

A virtual sports apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the interface device for virtual sports described above.

A virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit that calculates a trajectory of the hit real golf ball when a user hits a real golf ball, and displays a virtual golf ball moving according to the calculated trajectory on a virtual golf course. a display unit, and a user interface device for inputting at least some of commands that a user can use in the play of virtual golf.

In the virtual golf device, the user interface device includes an input means for setting any one of the first and second putting modes, and the virtual golf course includes a hole cup and a flagpole disposed on the hole cup, In the first putting mode, both the hole cup and the flagpole may be displayed, and in the second putting mode, only the hole cup may be displayed except for the flagpole.

The virtual golf device further includes a hitting mat on which the real golf ball before hitting is placed, the hitting mat including a first area and a second area, wherein the virtual golf course includes a first virtual area corresponding to the first area and the A second virtual region corresponding to the second region, and the user interface device includes an input means for setting any one of the first and second striking modes, and in the first striking mode, when the user strikes Only when the real golf ball and the virtual golf ball are located in regions corresponding to each other, it is recognized as an effective hit, and in the second hitting mode, the real golf ball and the virtual golf ball are located in an area that does not correspond to each other when the user hits Even in this case, it can be recognized as a valid blow. Here, the control unit may calculate the trajectory of the hit real golf ball by recognizing it as an effective hit only when the real golf ball is hit in the state lying in the first area of the hitting mat in the second hitting mode. have. Also, in the second hitting mode, when the virtual golf ball is in the second virtual region and the real golf ball is hit in the first region, the control unit calculates the trajectory of the hit real golf ball, The flying distance may be adjusted according to the calculated trajectory.

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

In the virtual golf device, the user interface device may be configured as a portable device of a remote control type or may include an input means through which a user can input a command by stepping on the device.

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

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a virtual baseball apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 and 3 are diagrams illustrating examples of interface devices for virtual sports that can be used in the virtual baseball device of FIG. 1 .
4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a virtual golf apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an interface device for virtual sports that can be used in the virtual golf apparatus of FIG. 4 .
6 is a view for explaining the first and second putting mode.
7 to 12 are views for explaining the first and second striking modes.
13 is a view showing a screen on which a virtual caddy is displayed.
14 is a view schematically showing a golf ball providing means installed on the hitting mat.
15 is a diagram illustrating a screen on which a grid and an indicator are displayed.
16 is a diagram illustrating an example of adjusting a screen screen with an adjustment button.
17 is a diagram illustrating an interface device for virtual sports according to another 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 baseball apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams illustrating examples of interface devices for virtual sports that can be used in the virtual baseball apparatus of FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIG. 1 , the virtual baseball apparatus 100 includes a hitting plate 110 , a control unit 120 , a sensing unit 130 , an input unit 140 , a display unit 150 , and a ball pitching unit 160 . Here, the display unit 150 includes a beam projector 151 and a screen 152 .

The hitting plate 110 is a place for the user to position to hit the baseball. The striking plate 110 is spaced apart from the screen 152 by a predetermined distance. This distance may correspond to the distance between the pitcher and the catcher in actual baseball or may be set shorter than this if the installation space is insufficient.

The control unit 120 serves to control the overall operation between the components of the virtual baseball apparatus 100 . For example, when the user is positioned on the hitting plate 110, the ball pitching unit 160 may be controlled to pitch a baseball to the user. In addition, when the user hits the pitched baseball, the control unit 120 serves to calculate the hitting result (ground ball, fly, hit, home run, etc.) of the hit baseball. Although not shown in the drawing, the control unit 120 may be provided with a database, and the database contains information necessary for calculating the hitting result of the baseball hit by the user or the baseball-related image to be displayed on the screen 152. Information may be stored.

The sensing unit 130 is for detecting the movement of the baseball hit by the user to determine the overall physical state of the hit baseball (speed or movement direction of the baseball, etc.), and the identified information is the control unit 120 ) and may be used for the calculation operation of the control unit 120 . As the detection unit 130, a detection means such as a camera or a detection sensor may be used, and the camera or detection sensor may be used alone or together, or only one or several units may be used.

The input unit 140 is for receiving various types of information from the user, and a keyboard or mouse may be used. In screen baseball, input from the user is required in various situations. For example, in screen baseball, a plurality of users divide teams to form two teams, and each team makes a first attack (second attack in each inning) and a second attack (attack by the horse in each inning) to compete for victory or defeat. Since it is necessary to input the nickname of the team member or the name of the team in the match, the input unit 140 is required.

The beam projector 151 of the display unit 150 shows the appearance of a pitching pitcher, a virtual baseball displayed on the screen 152 in response to a baseball hit by the user, an appearance of a defender defending the virtual baseball, etc. It serves to project the image of the screen (152). The screen 152 displays the image projected from the beam projector 151 and shows it to the user.

In the screen 152, if the surface facing the striking plate 110 is referred to as 'front' for convenience and the opposite surface is referred to as 'rear,' the ball pitching part 160 is installed on the 'rear' of the screen 152. The ball pitching unit 160 fires a baseball so that a user located on the hitting plate 110 can hit. Although not shown in the drawing, a pitching hole is formed in the screen 152, so that the baseball fired from the ball pitching unit 160 can pass through the screen 152 through the pitching hole and reach the user. .

Although not shown in the drawings, the virtual baseball apparatus 100 may further include an audio device for guiding the user of the progress of the game and reproducing various sound effects according to the progress of the game.

A play process in the virtual baseball device 100 having the above configuration is as follows. When the user strikes a baseball pitched from the hitting plate 110 , the sensing unit 130 detects the state of the hit baseball, and the control unit 120 strikes based on the sensing information from the sensing unit 130 . The trajectory of the baseball and the hitting result are calculated, and the image of the calculated result is displayed on the screen 152 . In the case of team play, the above process is repeated until a three-out is reached in one team, and the above process is repeated until the other team becomes a three-out. In this way, the team with the highest score is the winner by playing the game until the end of the match by alternating the number of moves.

During play in the virtual baseball device 100 , the user may want to execute various commands. For example, the user may want to set a desired play option, and more specifically, may wish to change the constraint or pitch of the baseball fired from the ball pitching unit 160 . It may be very inconvenient for the user to move from the hitting plate 110 to the input unit 140 to change the restraint or pitch, and the virtual baseball device 100 according to the present embodiment is provided with an interface device for user convenience. have. Such an interface device works in conjunction with the control unit 120 so that a user can more conveniently execute a desired command.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the interface device 1 is disposed in the vicinity of the striking plate 110 and configured to be operated by stepping on a button with a foot. When the interface device 1 is disposed in the vicinity of the hitting plate 110, the user positioned on the hitting plate 110 to hit the baseball can conveniently execute a desired command at any time using the nearby interface device 1 can do it For example, the interface device 1 may include a constraint button 11 for changing the constraint and a pitch button 12 for changing the pitch, and the user may use the weak constraint button 11a of the constraint button 11 ) and the strong restraint button 11b, by stepping on any one of the feet, it is possible to launch a slow ball or a fast ball from the ball pitching unit 160 . In addition, the user can cause the ball pitching unit 160 to fire a fast ball or a change ball by stepping on any one of the fast ball button 12a and the change ball button 12b of the ball pitch button 12 .

Referring to FIG. 3 , the interface device 2 may be configured as a portable device of a remote control type. When the interface device 2 is configured as a remote control method, a user can easily execute a desired command by operating the interface device 2 whenever necessary while carrying the interface device 2 in a pocket or the like. As described with reference to FIG. 2 , the interface device 2 of this embodiment includes a constraint button 21 for changing a constraint and a ball quality button 22 for changing a constraint, and a constraint for changing the constraint. The button 21 includes a weak constraint button 21a and a strong constraint button 21b, and the pitch button 22 for changing the pitch may include a fastball button 22a and a change ball button 22b. have.

In the interface devices 1 and 2 described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 , examples of changing the constraint or the pitch have been described, but other commands other than the constraint or the pitch change can be input, and furthermore, other than the form of a remote control or stepping on the foot Other structures of may be applied. In addition, the interface device can be used for other virtual sports devices other than baseball. Hereinafter, an embodiment used for a virtual golf device will be described. For reference, the use of the term 'virtual' in this specification takes into account that the user's play result is displayed on the screen and that the image in the screen does not exist in the real world. In addition, for some objects displayed on the screen, the term 'virtual' may be added to express the meaning that they do not exist in reality more clearly. For example, 'virtual golf course' means a golf course displayed on a screen, and 'virtual golf ball' means a golf ball displayed on a screen.

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

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

The hitting plate 210 is provided with a hitting mat (M), the hitting mat (M) is placed a golf ball for hitting. When playing screen golf, the user strikes the golf ball placed on the hitting plate 210 and placed on the hitting mat (M).

The controller 220 serves to control the overall operation between the components of the virtual golf apparatus 200 . For example, although not shown in the drawings, the hitting mat (M) may be provided with a means for automatically providing a golf ball for hitting, the control unit 220 is the golf ball providing means according to the timing of hitting the user can be controlled so that the golf ball is provided at an appropriate time. In addition, the control unit 220 serves to calculate what kind of trajectory and/or what distance it will fly when the user hits the golf ball, assuming that the golf ball actually flies on the golf course. . Although not shown in the drawings, the control unit 220 may be provided with a database, and the database includes information necessary for calculating the hitting result of a golf ball hit by the user or a golf-related image to be displayed on the display unit 250 . Information may be stored.

The sensing unit 230 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 230 includes a sensing means for detecting the physical state of the golf ball, and various sensors or cameras may be used as the sensing means. The camera or the detection sensor may be used alone or together, and may be used singularly or used in plurality. The information sensed by the sensor 230 is transmitted to the controller 220 , and the controller 220 calculates the trajectory or distance of the golf ball based on the information sensed by the sensor 230 .

The input unit 240 is for receiving various types of information from a user, and a keyboard/mouse or a touch screen may be used. In screen golf, when a user inputs his/her ID or password to log in, when the user selects a golf course or difficulty to play, etc., information input from the user is sometimes required. 240) is provided. Information input from the input unit 240 is transmitted to the control unit 220 , and the control unit 220 processes the user's request based on the transmitted information. For example, when the user selects a specific golf course, the control unit 220 prepares the golf course so that the user can play the golf course. Specifically, the control unit 220 is provided with an image processing means for processing an image, so that when the user selects a specific golf course, the image processing means transmits the corresponding golf course image to the display unit 250 to be displayed. have.

The display unit 250 includes a beam projector 251 and a screen 252 . The beam projector 251 projects a related image on the screen 252 so that the virtual golf course and the virtual golf ball are displayed on the screen 252, and the screen 252 displays the projected golf related image to the user. .

Although not shown in the drawings, the virtual golf device 200 may further include a sound device for guiding the user of the progress of the game and reproducing various sound effects according to the progress of the game.

The playing process in the virtual golf device 200 having the above configuration is as follows. When the user hits a golf ball placed on the striking plate 210 , the sensing unit 230 detects the state of the hit golf ball, and the control unit 220 strikes based on the sensing information from the sensing unit 230 . The flight trajectory of the golf ball is calculated, and an image of the virtual golf ball moving as the calculated result is displayed on the screen 252. Accordingly, the virtual golf ball in the screen 252 flies with the calculated trajectory and then the screen (252) The user lands at a specific point on the virtual golf course, and the user repeats the above process until the virtual golf ball in the screen 252 hits the landing point and makes a hole in the hole cup.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an interface device for virtual sports that can be used in the virtual golf apparatus of FIG. 4 .

Referring to FIG. 5 , the interface device 3 has a structure in which a command is executed by stepping on it. However, the above-described remote control type structure or other structures may be applied. The interface device 3 may be provided with buttons for various manipulations or option setting required for screen golf play. For example, hitting cancel button 31, putting mode button 32, hitting mode button 33, caddy button 34, golf ball button 35, grid button 36, adjustment button 37, etc. This may be provided. The above button can be viewed as a kind of hotkey or shortcut for a predetermined command, and the user can conveniently execute a desired command during screen golf play by using the hotkey. Hereinafter, specific operations of the buttons will be described.

The hitting cancel button 31 is an input means for executing a so-called 'mulligan' in actual golf, and the 'mulligan' means a second shot that is given without penalty even if the first shot is wrong. This is a golf term derived from the name of a man named Mulligan, who asked for a chance to hit again when it was difficult to play equally with golfers with a wide skill gap. When the result of hitting the golf ball is too bad, the user can conveniently cancel the hit by using the hit cancel button 31 .

Putting mode button 32 is an input means for selecting any one of the first and second putting mode. 6 is a view for explaining the first and second putting modes. Referring to FIG. 6(a), in the first putting mode, the hole cup HC and the flagpole F in the virtual golf course displayed on the screen. ) are all displayed. In contrast, referring to FIG. 6B , in the second putting mode, only the hole cup HC is displayed except for the flagpole F in the virtual golf course displayed on the screen. Whether or not the flagpole F is displayed may affect actual screen golf play.

As shown in FIG. 6( a ), it is assumed that the user puts the actual golf ball while the virtual golf ball VB is located at the starting point SP in the first putting mode displaying the flagpole F. . When the user puts, the control unit (refer to reference numeral 220 in FIG. 4 ) calculates the trajectory of the real golf ball based on the physical state of the putt real golf ball, and the virtual golf ball (VB) in the screen is the calculated trajectory. move according to Here, assuming that the virtual golf ball VB moves along the first path P1, when the flagpole F is located on the first path P1, the virtual golf ball VB is the flagpole F ) will collide with The result of the collision may vary depending on which direction and at what speed the virtual golf ball VB collides with the flagpole F, which may be additionally calculated by the control unit.

For example, if the control unit calculates the first path P and then determines that the flagpole F exists on the first path P, a virtual golf ball that moves along the first path P ( When VB) reaches the flagpole F, it is determined from which direction it moves and at what speed, and based on the determined result, it is possible to additionally calculate the trajectory after the collision with the flagpole F. As a result of the additional calculation, the virtual golf ball VB may be bounced off the flagpole F after the collision and move along the second path P2. Alternatively, as a result of the additional calculation, the virtual golf ball VB moves downward from the flagpole F along the third path P3 after the collision and may become a hole in the hole cup HC. Therefore, the flagpole (F) can act as an abrupt variable that determines whether or not a hole-in is made.

As shown in FIG. 6(b) , it is assumed that the user puts the virtual golf ball VB at the starting point SP in the second putting mode in which the flagpole F is not displayed. When the user puts, the control unit calculates the trajectory of the actual golf ball based on the physical state of the putt real golf ball, and the virtual golf ball VB on the screen moves according to the calculated trajectory. When it is assumed that the virtual golf ball VB moves along the fourth path P4 according to the calculated trajectory and the fourth path P4 passes over the hole cup HC, in the first putting mode, the hole cup HC ), the virtual golf ball (VB) collides with the flagpole (F) and its path may be changed, but in the second putting mode, since the flagpole (F) is not present, the virtual golf ball ( VB) moves along the fourth path P4 without changing the path and lands at a predetermined position.

As such, the first and second putting modes are not only a visual difference depending on whether or not the flagpole F is displayed, but also screen golf play because the flagpole F affects the path of the virtual golf ball VB. can directly affect the results of Since it is impossible to predict how the path of the virtual golf ball VB will change after it collides with the flagpole F, the 'flagstick F' can be viewed as a kind of abrupt variable. The user uses the first putting mode when he/she wants these unexpected variables to be applied according to his/her preference, and uses the second putting mode if he/she wants these unexpected variables not to be applied. You can play screen golf with When a user wants to select a desired mode among the first and second putting modes during screen golf play, the user can simply complete the selection by using the putting mode button 32 of the interface device 3 . That is, the user may set the first putting mode by pressing the putting mode button 32 or set the second putting mode by pressing the putting mode button 32 again.

The hitting mode button 33 is an input means for selecting any one of the first and second hitting modes. 7 to 12 are views for explaining the first and second striking modes.

Referring to FIG. 7 , in order to provide the first and second striking modes, the striking mat M may include a plurality of regions separated from each other. Specifically, the striking mat (M) is divided into a first striking region (M1) and a second striking region (M2), the second striking region (M2) is divided into two different sub-regions (S1, S2), In this way, the overall hitting mat (M) may be divided into three areas.

The division area in the hitting mat (M) may be configured to correspond to the terrain having various properties in the actual golf course. For example, an actual golf course has terrain having various properties such as fairways, roughs, and bunkers. The rough is an area in which the length of the grass is longer than that of the fairway. As such, in the rough with a long grass, the hitting is more difficult than a fairway with a short grass, so the hitting difficulty is high. In addition, the bunker indicates an area mainly made of sand, and the hitting is more difficult in sand, and thus the difficulty of hitting is higher than that of grass areas (fairway, rough).

The hitting mat (M) may be configured to correspond to the terrain having various properties in an actual golf course, such as fairways, roughs, bunkers. For example, the first hitting area M1 corresponds to a fairway having the lowest difficulty in hitting in actual golf, and the second hitting area M2 is a non-fairway (rough, bunker, etc.) having a higher hitting difficulty compared to fairways. The area with high hitting difficulty is called 'non-fairway' for convenience). can To this end, the fairway and rough areas M1 and S1 corresponding to the fairway and the rough are formed of artificial turf, but the lengths of the artificial turf are different from each other, and the bunker area S2 corresponding to the bunker is struck from sand. It can be formed of a material that can give a striking feeling. In actual golf, there may be terrain other than fairways, roughs, and bunkers, such as water hazards, and rough or bunkers may be subdivided such as light rough, heavy rough, fair bunkers, and green bunkers. It may be configured in various forms to reflect the topography of the actual golf course in various ways, and even a multi-region hitting mat is not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 7 .

Referring to FIG. 8 , the virtual golf course displayed on the screen may reproduce and express the actual golf course as it is. That is, just as a real golf course has terrain having various properties such as fairways, roughs, and bunkers, terrain having various properties such as virtual fairways, virtual roughs, and virtual bunkers may be displayed on a virtual golf course on the screen.

In this way, since the hitting mat (M) is divided into a plurality of regions to correspond to a plurality of regions displayed on the screen, the user can place the virtual golf ball on the screen and the real golf ball on the hitting mat (M). After arranging the actual golf ball so that the regions correspond to each other, it is possible to hit the actual golf ball (first hitting mode). Alternatively, the user may place and hit the real golf ball in the area of the hitting mat (M) that is convenient for him to play regardless of whether the virtual golf ball on the screen is placed in any area (second hitting mode). The user can select and play any one of the first and second hitting modes that are different from each other according to his or her play tendency, and can use the hitting mode button 33 to select the play mode.

In the first hitting mode, it is recognized as an effective hit only when the terrain in which the virtual golf ball is positioned in the screen and the area in which the real golf ball is positioned on the hitting mat M correspond to each other. For example, as shown in Fig. 9(a), in the virtual golf course on the screen, the virtual golf ball VB is located on the virtual fairway and the real golf ball RB is placed on the fairway area of the hitting mat. The blow is valid. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 9(b) and 9(c), in the virtual course on the screen, the virtual golf ball VB is located in the virtual rough/virtual bunker and the real golf ball RB is located in the rough area of the hitting mat. /A blow is valid when placed in the bunker area. When it is recognized that the hitting of the golf ball is valid, the controller (refer to reference numeral 220 in FIG. 4 ) calculates the trajectory of the golf ball, and a virtual golf ball image moving along the calculated trajectory is displayed on the screen. Regarding the invalid golf ball hitting, even if the user hits the golf ball, subsequent actions (calculating the trajectory and displaying a virtual golf ball moving according to the calculated trajectory) are not executed in the control unit, screen, etc. . Whether or not the hitting in the first hitting mode is effective can be detected by detecting the position where the actual golf ball (RB) is placed on the hitting mat in the sensing unit (refer to reference numeral 230 in FIG. 4). That is, by checking whether the area where the real golf ball (RB) is placed on the hitting mat corresponds to the area where the virtual golf ball (VB) in the screen is landed, the position where the actual golf ball (RB) is currently placed on the hitting mat is valid. You can figure out where you can hit. If the position where the actual golf ball (RB) is currently placed on the hitting mat is not a position for effective striking, it may operate so that the user does not become ready to hit the golf ball (ball ready state), and thus Accordingly, it is possible to induce the user to hit the golf ball by placing it in the correct position on the hitting mat.

In the second hitting mode, as shown in Fig. 10 (a), in the virtual golf course on the screen, the virtual golf ball (VB) is located on the virtual fairway and the real golf ball (RB) is placed on the fairway area of the hitting mat. In this case, the blow is valid. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 10 (b) and (c), in the virtual course on the screen, the virtual golf ball VB is located in the virtual rough/virtual bunker and the real golf ball RB is located in the fairway area of the hitting mat. Strikes in the lying position are valid. The situation shown in Fig. 10 (a) corresponds to the position of the virtual golf ball (VB) in the screen and the area where the real golf ball (RB) of the hitting mat is placed, but is shown in Figs. 10 (b) and (c) The situation is that the location of the virtual golf ball (VB) in the screen and the area where the actual golf ball (RB) of the hitting mat is placed do not correspond to each other. In the second hitting mode, regardless of the location of the virtual golf ball (VB) in the screen, it is recognized as an effective hit only when the real golf ball (RB) is unconditionally placed on the fairway area and hit. When it is recognized that the hitting of the golf ball is valid, the control unit calculates a trajectory of the golf ball, and a virtual golf ball image moving along the calculated trajectory is displayed on the screen. Regarding the invalid golf ball hitting, even if the user hits the golf ball, the control unit, the display unit, etc. do not execute a subsequent operation (calculating a trajectory and displaying a virtual golf ball moving according to the calculated trajectory) according to the golf ball strike. . Whether or not the hitting in the second hitting mode is effective may be determined by detecting whether the actual golf ball RB on the hitting mat is placed in the fairway area in the sensing unit. If the position where the actual golf ball (RB) is currently placed on the hitting mat in the second hitting mode is not a position for effective hitting, so that the user does not become ready to hit the golf ball (ball ready state) may work, thereby enticing the user to strike the golf ball in the correct position on the hitting mat.

The first and second hitting modes are different in a way of calculating the trajectory of the golf ball. In the first striking mode, the trajectory is calculated using the first method, and in the second striking mode, the trajectory is calculated by mixing the first and second methods.

In the first method, based on the physical state of the golf ball hit by the user, it is calculated which trajectory the golf ball will fly. The physical state of the golf ball is sensed by the sensing unit. Specifically, values of various physical parameters indicating the physical state of the golf ball may be sensed. Since the physical parameters are very diverse and the movement of the hit golf ball 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 description, a very simplified golf ball trajectory calculation process using only some of the various physical parameters of the golf ball (eg, the moving speed and the moving direction of the golf ball) will be described.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the golf ball B hit by the user flies with a predetermined speed V1 and a direction θ1 . Here, the speed V1 may be the speed 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 blow. The control unit calculates which trajectory (T) the golf ball (B) will have when it moves with the physical parameters (V1, θ1). As such, after extracting the parameters indicating the physical properties of the golf ball B, calculating the trajectory T using the parameters as they are is the golf ball trajectory calculation method under the first method.

In the second method, after calculating the flying distance of the golf ball, it can be artificially reduced. Referring to FIG. 12 , in the second method, the trajectory T of the golf ball is calculated in the same manner as in the first method. That is, when it is assumed that the golf ball B hit by the user has a predetermined speed V1 and a direction θ1, the control unit determines that the golf ball B moves with the physical parameters V1 and θ1. Calculate what trajectory (T) it will have at the time. After calculating the trajectory T in this way, the flying distance of the golf ball B is artificially reduced by a predetermined distance d. Here, the reduction amount of the flying distance may be set differently according to the properties of the terrain where the virtual golf ball is located on the screen.

In the first hitting mode, the trajectory of the golf ball is calculated according to the first method. In the second hitting mode, when the virtual golf ball in the screen is located on the virtual fairway, the trajectory of the golf ball is calculated according to the first method, and when the virtual golf ball in the screen is located in the virtual rough or virtual bunker, the second method Accordingly, the trajectory of the golf ball is calculated. In other words, regardless of whether the first and second striking modes are, the first method is applied when the terrain where the virtual golf ball is located in the screen and the area where the real golf ball is placed on the hitting mat correspond to each other, and the second method is This is applied when the terrain where the virtual golf ball is located and the area where the actual golf ball is placed on the hitting mat do not match. Specifically, the second method is applied to the situation shown in FIGS. 10(b) and (c). In a situation where the virtual golf ball on the screen is located in the virtual rough as shown in FIG. 10(b), the user who has selected the second hitting mode must hit the actual golf ball by placing the actual golf ball on the rough area of the hitting mat. You can place it in the area and hit it. Strike in the fairway area is easier to hit the golf ball compared to hitting in the rough area, so the calculated flying distance can be long. to compensate for the increase in Similarly, in a situation in which the virtual golf ball on the screen is located in the virtual bunker as shown in FIG. 10(c), the real golf ball must be placed in the bunker area of the hitting mat and hit, but the user who selects the second hitting mode hits the real golf ball on the hitting mat You can hit it by placing it on the fairway area. Strike in the fairway area is easier to hit the golf ball compared to hitting in the bunker area, so the calculated flying distance can be long. to compensate for the increase in Comparing the rough and the bunker, the distance reduction rate when the virtual golf ball on the screen is in the virtual bunker is lower than the reduction rate when the virtual golf ball on the screen is in the virtual rough, because the flying distance is generally reduced when hitting the bunker. bigger For example, if the former is 20%, the latter can be about 10%.

The first and second hitting modes can be easily selected using the hitting mode button (33). In particular, if the interface device is configured so that a user can input a command by stepping on it or a remote-control portable device, the user can conveniently select any one of the first and second hitting modes at any time during screen golf play. can

The caddy button 34 is an input means for calling the caddy. 13 is a view showing a screen on which a virtual caddy is displayed. Referring to FIG. 13 , the user may display the virtual caddy VC on the screen by using the caddy button 34 . Just as a caddy provides advice on various types of play in real golf, screen golf can also provide advice by calling a virtual caddy (VC). The play advice provided by the virtual caddy VC may be advice on a shot as shown in FIG. 13 . In addition, the play advice provided by the virtual caddy VC may be information about the golf course (the distance from the point where the virtual golf ball is currently located to the hole cup, etc.) even if it is not advice about a shot. The caddy button 34 may be used to call a virtual caddy (VC) to appear when this button is clicked in a state where there is no virtual caddy (VC). Alternatively, when the virtual caddy (VC) appears just before the user strikes and disappears after providing advice, when the user clicks this button, the virtual caddy (VC) reappears and requests to provide the advice again. can

The golf ball button 35 is an input means for requesting that the golf ball be provided. 14 is a view schematically showing a golf ball providing means installed on the hitting mat. Referring to FIG. 14 , a golf ball providing means 4 is installed under the hitting mat M. The golf ball providing means (4) is provided with a tee member (5), usually the tee member (5) is buried under the hitting mat (M) is not exposed to the outside. The golf ball button 35 may be used for the purpose of requesting the user to provide a golf ball to the hitting mat (M). That is, when the user clicks the golf ball button 35, the golf ball providing means 4 raises the tee member 5 above the hitting mat M in a state where the golf ball is placed on the upper side of the tee member 5 to make the tee The member 5 and the golf ball are exposed to the outside of the hitting mat (M). When the hitting mat (M) bent into a plurality of regions (M1, S1, S2) is used, the golf ball providing means (4) mainly provides the golf ball to the fairway region (M1). In addition, the golf ball providing means 4 may automatically provide a golf ball to the hitting mat (M) at an appropriate time before the user's hitting under the control of the control unit (refer to reference numeral 220 in FIG. 4). That is, the golf ball can be automatically provided whenever a user needs it, and the golf ball button 35 is used when the golf ball is not provided automatically due to an operational error or when a new golf ball is needed due to a user's mistake ( For example, when the user accidentally touches the automatically supplied golf ball with a golf club and the golf ball leaves the hitting mat (M) and rolls to another place), etc.) may be used.

The grid button 36 is an input means for requesting to display a grid and an indicator on the screen to indicate the terrain slope. 15 is a diagram illustrating a screen on which a grid and an indicator are displayed. Referring to FIG. 15 , the user may display a grid G on the screen by using the grid button 36 , and an indicator I indicating the inclination of the terrain may be displayed on the grid G. When the virtual golf ball VB lands on the green area on the virtual golf course during screen golf play, the user puts toward the hole cup HC. The topography of the green in an actual golf course has various inclinations, and in screen golf, the slope of the green topography of an actual golf is reproduced on a virtual golf course. In actual golf, the golfer can directly check the slope of the green terrain with the naked eye, but in screen golf, it is difficult to grasp the slope of the green terrain only with the image on the screen. can show the slope of Specifically, the grid G is represented by a plurality of horizontal lines G1 and vertical lines G2, and the indicator I is a horizontal indicator I1 moving on the horizontal line G1/vertical line G2 of the grid G ) and a vertical indicator (I2). The direction in which the horizontal indicator I1 moves on the horizontal line G1 of the grid G indicates the inclination direction of the green (moving from a high slope to a low slope), and the length of the horizontal indicator I1 is proportional to the slope (or the horizontal indicator I1 may be displayed in the form of a point, but the inclination (the faster the moving speed, the steeper) may be expressed) according to the moving speed of the point). Similarly, the direction in which the vertical indicator I2 moves on the vertical line G2 of the grid G indicates the inclination direction of the green, and the length of the vertical indicator I2 may be displayed to be proportional to the inclination (or the vertical indicator ( I2) is displayed in the form of a point, but the gradient can be expressed according to the moving speed of the point).

As described above, the user can use the grid button 36 to display the grid (G) and the indicator (I) to determine the inclination of the green terrain, and to putt appropriately by paying attention to the identified inclination.

The adjustment button 37 is an input means for adjusting the screen screen. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of adjusting a screen screen with an adjustment button. As an example of adjusting the screen screen, the user may adjust the aiming in the screen golf by using the adjustment button 37 . As shown in FIG. 16( a ), when the user is in a putting situation, the virtual golf ball VB and the hole cup HC placed on the green terrain are displayed on the screen. In FIG. 16 (a), the hole cup HC is positioned in front of the virtual golf ball VB. In this situation, you can be sure that putting is successful even if you simply put the virtual golf ball VB in the front. can't This is because, for example, if the terrain of the green is not flat, for example, if the left side is high and the right side is low, it is highly likely that the virtual golf ball VB will roll to the right with respect to the hole cup HC even if you put it in the front. Therefore, it is necessary to putt in consideration of the topography of the green. In real golf, the golfer recognizes the inclination around the green and the hole cup and puts appropriately, but in screen golf, the virtual golf course is displayed in two dimensions, so It is difficult to grasp the topography of the green. Therefore, the putting guide PG for guiding the user in the putting direction in consideration of the inclination of the green terrain in the putting situation may be displayed. When the putting guide PG is displayed, you may putt in the direction indicated by the putting guide PG (upper left direction in FIG. 16(a)), but you may putt after performing the aiming (Aiming). That is, by clicking the right arrow (▶) in the adjustment button 37, the user adjusts (aiming) the screen so that the putting guide PG faces the front as shown in FIG. 16(b) and then the front You can putt in any direction. In the adjustment button 37, the left arrow (◀) can be used for aiming in the opposite direction, and other up and down arrows (▲/▼) can be conveniently used for adjusting the screen screen in the corresponding direction.

17 is a diagram illustrating an interface device for virtual sports according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 17 , the interface device may be configured as a remote-control type portable device. The interface device includes a plurality of input buttons, and a number is displayed on each input button. Here, other than numbers, symbols, text, images, etc. may be displayed. In this embodiment, the difference from the interface devices of the previous embodiments is that the purpose of each input button is not fixed and can be changed according to the user's convenience. For example, it is assumed that the remote control type interface device according to the present embodiment is used as an interface device for screen golf. As described with reference to FIG. 5, the screen golf interface device may include a hitting cancel button, a putting mode button, a hitting mode button, a caddy button, a golf ball button, a grid button, an adjustment button, and the like. In addition, since there may be various commands that the user wants to use during screen golf play, other buttons may be required in addition to the buttons shown in FIG. 5 . Therefore, it is not easy to provide all the corresponding buttons so that the interface device can execute all commands. Although commands mainly used by each user may be different, in the interface device according to the present embodiment, the command to be executed by the input button is not specified while the number of input buttons is not unnecessarily increased, and each user uses his or her own desired commands. It is configured to be set to . For example, if a specific user mainly uses the hitting mode button, putting mode button, grid button, and caddy button, as shown in FIG. After setting a button to execute the frequently used command, the corresponding functions can be conveniently used. Since the execution of the command is controlled by the control unit (refer to reference numeral 220 in FIG. 4 ), the above setting process may be performed in conjunction with the control unit.

If the interface device is a portable device of the remote control type, the volume is not large, so if multiple users play screen golf, each user uses their own dedicated interface device and controls the buttons of each interface device according to their convenience. You can set it up and play. If the interface device is not a portable device and has a shape as illustrated in FIG. 5 , a plurality of users cannot each use the dedicated interface device. However, even in this type of interface device, it is possible to set the function of the input button differently for each user. For example, assuming that A and B users play screen golf together, A sets the interface device to the first setting and B sets the interface device to the second setting, in screen golf, according to the progress of golf play, Since the hitting sequence is automatically determined, the interface device may be operated with the first setting if it is the order in which A should currently hit, and the interface device may be operated with the second setting if the sequence in which B should hit. Or after installing a camera separately (instead of installing a camera separately, a camera of a sensing unit (refer to reference numeral 230 in FIG. 4) that detects the physical state of the golf ball may be used), the camera is positioned on the striking plate By detecting the user, if A is the order to strike, the interface device may be operated with the first setting, and if B is the order to hit, the interface device may be operated with the second setting.

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.

1, 2, 3: Interface device
100: virtual baseball device
200: virtual golf device
110, 210: hitting plate
120, 220: control unit
130, 230: detection unit
140, 240: input unit
150, 250: display

Claims (9)

An interface device for virtual sports, comprising:
main body; and
an input unit capable of inputting at least some of commands usable by a user in playing the virtual sport;
including,
A virtual sports interface device comprising a remote-control type portable device or an input unit for inputting a command by the input unit stepping on the user's foot. A virtual sports device comprising the interface device for virtual sports according to claim 1 . a control unit that calculates a 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 user interface device for inputting at least some of commands that a user can use in playing virtual golf;
containing
Virtual golf device. 4. The method of claim 3,
The user interface device includes an input means for setting any one of the first and second putting mode,
The virtual golf course includes a hole cup and a flagpole disposed on the hole cup, wherein both the hole cup and the flagpole are displayed in the first putting mode, and only the hole cup is displayed except the flagpole in the second putting mode Being a virtual golf device. 4. The method of claim 3,
The actual golf ball is placed before hitting, further comprising a hitting mat comprising a first area and a second area,
The virtual golf course includes a first virtual area corresponding to the first area and a second virtual area corresponding to the second area,
The user interface device includes an input means for setting any one of the first and second hitting mode,
In the first hitting mode, when the user hits, the real golf ball and the virtual golf ball are recognized as effective hitting only when they are located in the corresponding regions, and in the second hitting mode, the real golf ball and the real golf ball when the user hits A virtual golf device that is recognized as a valid hit even when the virtual golf balls are located in areas that do not correspond to each other. 6. The method of claim 5,
The control unit, in the second hitting mode, a virtual golf device for calculating the trajectory of the real golf ball hit by recognizing that the real golf ball is hit as an effective hit only when it is hit while lying in the first area of the hitting mat . 7. The method of claim 6,
In the second hitting mode, if the virtual golf ball is in the second virtual region and the real golf ball is hit in the first region,
The controller calculates a trajectory of the hit real golf ball, and adjusts a flying distance according to the calculated trajectory. 4. The method of claim 3,
The user interface device includes an input means for canceling hitting, an input means for requesting a virtual caddy, an input means for requesting the user to provide a golf ball for hitting, an input means for displaying a slope on the virtual golf course, and A virtual golf device comprising at least one of input means for adjusting a screen on which the virtual golf course is displayed. 4. The method of claim 3,
The user interface device is configured as a portable device of a remote control type, or a virtual golf device comprising an input means for inputting a command by a user stepping on the device.

Images