KR20240057490A - Virtual golf device capable of applying various game rules and method for operating virtual golf device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a virtual golf device capable of applying various game rules and a method of operating the virtual golf device. The virtual golf device includes a display unit that displays a virtual golf ball and a score area corresponding to a real golf ball, and when a user hits the real golf ball, it calculates the movement of the virtual golf ball based on the state of the actual golf ball hit. and a calculation unit, and when the virtual golf ball, which moves as calculated by the calculation unit, reaches the score area, the score obtained by the user is calculated based on the location where the virtual golf ball arrived.

Description

A virtual golf device capable of applying various game rules and a method of operating the virtual golf device {VIRTUAL GOLF DEVICE CAPABLE OF APPLYING VARIOUS GAME RULES AND METHOD FOR OPERATING VIRTUAL GOLF DEVICE}

The present invention relates to a virtual golf device capable of applying various game rules and a method of operating the virtual golf device.

Recently, as the golf population has increased, screen golf, which allows users to enjoy golf using virtual golf devices, has become widely popular. In screen golf, images of the golf course are displayed on a screen, giving the impression that you are playing a real golf game outdoors, while saving time and money. Screen golf is a way to play golf in the field for time or economic reasons. It is popular with modern people in difficult times.

When comparing screen golf and real golf, screen golf has the advantage of being able to provide users with technical services that are difficult to provide in real golf in an open outdoor space due to the nature of the service in a closed indoor space. Therefore, there is a need to promote user convenience and encourage interest in virtual golf devices used in screen golf by providing services that utilize these advantages.

The present invention was invented in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a virtual golf device and a method of operating the virtual golf device that can inspire user interest and improve golf skills by applying various game rules to golf play. It is for that purpose.

Additionally, other objects of the present invention can be clearly understood from the following description and attached drawings.

A virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display unit that displays a virtual golf ball and a score area corresponding to a real golf ball, and when a user hits the real golf ball, the virtual golf ball is displayed based on the state of the actual golf ball hit. A calculation unit that calculates the movement of the golf ball, and when the virtual golf ball that moves as calculated by the calculation unit reaches the score area, the score obtained by the user is calculated based on the location where the virtual golf ball arrived. do.

In the virtual golf device, the score area has the same shape as the curling target area, and curling game rules can be applied to the score calculation.

In the virtual golf device, the score area includes a plurality of division areas spaced apart from each other, and the score given may vary depending on which division area the virtual golf ball lands in. Here, the plurality of division areas may include a first division area that assigns a first point, a second division zone that is larger than the first point, and a size smaller than the first division zone, or the first division zone that gives a second point that is larger than the first point. It may include a second division area that is provided in a smaller number than the area.

In the virtual golf device, users include different first users and second users, and the virtual golf ball includes a first virtual golf ball corresponding to an actual golf ball hit by the first user and the second virtual golf ball. It includes a second virtual golf ball corresponding to the actual golf ball hit by the user, and after the first virtual golf ball arrives at a predetermined position, the second virtual golf ball moves and collides with the first virtual golf ball. In this case, the score can be calculated by considering that the first and second virtual golf balls have not collided with each other.

In the virtual golf device, users include different first users and second users, and the virtual golf ball includes a first virtual golf ball corresponding to an actual golf ball hit by the first user and the second virtual golf ball. It includes a second virtual golf ball corresponding to the actual golf ball hit by the user, and after the first virtual golf ball arrives at a predetermined position, the second virtual golf ball moves and collides with the first virtual golf ball. In this case, the score can be calculated by reflecting the movement of the first and second virtual golf balls due to the collision.

In the virtual golf device, the user can select the size of the virtual golf ball, and the calculation unit can calculate the movement of the virtual golf ball by reflecting the size of the virtual golf ball selected by the user.

The virtual golf device may further include a management unit that calculates a score obtained by the user based on the location where the virtual golf ball arrives.

A method of operating a virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display step of displaying a score area, and when a user hits an actual golf ball, a virtual golf device corresponding to the actual golf ball is generated based on the state of the actual golf ball hit. A calculation step of calculating the movement of the ball, and when the virtual golf ball that moves as calculated by the calculation unit reaches the score area, a score of calculating the score that the user gets based on the location where the virtual golf ball arrived. Includes calculation steps.

According to the virtual golf device and the operating method of the virtual golf device of the present invention, there is an effect of inspiring user interest and improving golf skills by allowing various game rules different from typical golf rules to be applied to golf play. .

1 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the process of operating a virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 3 to 7 are diagrams specifically showing each step of the operation process in the play method to which curling game rules are applied.
8 to 11 are diagrams for explaining various game rules applicable to the operating method of the virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12 to 16 are diagrams for explaining play options that a user can select in a method of operating a virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 17 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 18 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a system in which a plurality of virtual golf devices are connected through a network.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail through examples. The purpose, features, and advantages of the present invention will be easily 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 to ensure that the disclosed content is thorough and complete and to enable the idea of the present invention to be sufficiently conveyed to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Accordingly, the present invention should not be limited by the following examples.

Although terms such as first and second are used in this specification to describe various elements, the elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish the elements from one another. Additionally, when an element is referred to as being on top of another element, it means that it can be formed directly on top of the other element or that a third element may be interposed between them.

In the drawings, the sizes of elements, or the relative sizes between elements, may be somewhat exaggerated for a clearer understanding of the present invention. Additionally, the shapes of elements shown in the drawings may change somewhat due to variations in the manufacturing process. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in this specification should not be limited to the shapes shown in the drawings unless otherwise specified, and should be understood to include some degree of modification.

1 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the virtual golf device according to this embodiment includes a hitting plate 10, a control unit 20, a detection unit 30, an input unit 40, a sound unit 50, and a display unit 60. .

The hitting plate 10 is an area where the user is positioned to hit the golf ball. The hitting plate 10 may be a plate-shaped object or may not be a separate object but simply a part of the floor where the virtual golf device is installed and where the user is located. Although not shown in the drawing, the hitting plate 10 is equipped with a hitting mat on which a golf ball is placed, and an auto tee having a structure that can move up and down is installed on the hitting mat. Golf balls for hitting may be automatically provided to the user through the automatic tee.

The control unit 20 controls the overall operation of each component of the virtual golf device. For example, the control unit 20 can control the auto tee installed on the hitting mat so that a golf ball for hitting is provided from the auto tee according to the time when the user hits. Additionally, when the user selects a specific golf course, the control unit 20 executes necessary operations so that the user can play on the golf course. That is, the control unit 20 is equipped with an image processing means to process an image, and when the user selects a specific golf course, the image processing means creates a corresponding golf course image and transmits it to the display unit 60, so that the image is displayed. It can be done as much as possible.

The control unit 20 includes a calculation unit 21, a management unit 22, and a storage unit 23. The calculation unit 21 performs a calculation process to calculate a trajectory assuming that the golf ball moves on an actual golf course in its physical state based on the physical state of the golf ball hit by the user. The management unit 22 executes an operation to calculate a score according to the user's play. In particular, various game rules other than ordinary golf rules can be applied to the virtual golf device of the present invention in calculating scores, and the management unit 22 calculates the score in accordance with the game rules and determines the result of win or loss according to the score. Can perform various management roles, such as: Detailed operations of the management unit 22 will be described later. The storage unit 23 serves to store various programs or data necessary for the control unit 20, calculation unit 21, management unit 22, etc. to perform the above operations.

The detection unit 30 is used to detect the movement of the golf club or the movement of the golf ball hit by the user to determine the information necessary for the calculation process. The detection unit 30 can capture the movement of the golf club or golf ball. Detection means such as cameras or detection sensors may be used. Various sensing methods such as image sensing, light emission/reception sensing, and laser sensing may be applied to the sensing means, and through these sensing methods, information on the state of a golf club or a golf ball hit by a user can be determined. The cameras, detection sensors, etc. may be used alone or together, and only one or multiple units may be used. The information obtained through the detection unit 30 is transmitted to the control unit 20 and used in the calculation process.

The input unit 40 is used to receive various information from the user, and a keyboard or mouse can be used. For example, the input unit 40 can be used when entering an ID or password for logging in, selecting a golf course to play or difficulty level of play, etc.

The sound unit 50 may include an audio device such as a speaker, and serves to guide the user on the progress of the game and play various sound effects according to the progress of the game.

The display unit 60 includes a projector 61 and a screen 62. The projector 61 projects golf-related images on the screen 62 so that images of the golf course and golf balls are displayed on the screen 62, and the screen 62 displays the projected golf-related images to show them to the user. do.

In this specification, there may be cases where the term 'virtual' is used to express some objects displayed on the screen. This is used to avoid confusion with objects that exist in the real world and means that they are displayed as images on the screen. For example, 'virtual golf course' means a golf course displayed on the screen, and 'virtual golf ball' means a golf course displayed on the screen. This means a golf ball displayed on a screen.

A virtual golf device is a device that is installed on a screen golf course, etc. to allow screen golf to be played. When a user plays screen golf, the virtual golf device operates as follows. When a user hits a golf ball, the sensing unit 30 detects the physical state, such as the movement of the golf club or the moving speed or direction of the golf ball hit by the user. The information detected by the detection unit 30 is transmitted to the control unit 20, and the calculation unit 21 of the control unit 20 performs a calculation process based on the transmitted information. The display unit 60 displays an image of a virtual golf ball moving along the trajectory calculated in the calculation process. At this time, the virtual golf ball moves along the calculated trajectory and lands at a specific point on the virtual golf course on the screen, The user continues the next hit from the point where the virtual golf ball lands.

In the above virtual golf device, users can play according to normal golf rules. Alternatively, the user can play according to various game rules that are different from regular golf. Hereinafter, a method of operating the virtual golf device when the various game rules are applied will be described.

Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the process of operating a virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the operation process when playing according to various rules includes first to third steps (S1, S2, and S3). A display step is performed in the first step (S1), a calculation step is performed in the second step (S2), and a score calculation step is performed in the third step (S3). In the display stage, a score area may be displayed. The score area is the area that serves as the basis for calculating the score that determines the winner or loser of the game, and can take various forms depending on what game rules are applied. The display step is not essential and may be omitted. In the calculation stage, when the user hits a golf ball, a process is performed to calculate what trajectory the golf ball will take based on the physical state of the golf ball. In the score calculation step, when the golf ball moves as calculated in the calculation step, the score is calculated depending on which point in the score area the golf ball moves to.

Figures 3 to 7 are diagrams specifically showing each step of the operation process in the play method to which curling game rules are applied.

Referring to FIG. 3, in the display stage, a score area is displayed on the virtual golf course on the screen. In actual golf, the score is determined by how many times you hit the golf ball to make a hole in the hole cup. In actual golf, the final target point is the hole cup where the golf ball must be inserted, so in normal golf, the area where the hole cup is is the score area. It can be. In the virtual golf device according to this embodiment, curling game rules can be applied, and the score area has the same or similar shape as the curling target area. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the score area may be divided into multiple areas composed of a plurality of circles. The plurality of areas includes a central area A10 and a peripheral area A20 surrounding the central area, and the peripheral area A20 includes a first area A21 adjacent to the central area A10, a first It includes a second area A22 surrounding the area and a third area A23 surrounding the second area. At least some or all of the areas may be displayed in color so that the area division is clearly revealed. For example, the center area (A10) and the second area (A22) are displayed in white, the first area (A21) between the center area (A10) and the second area (A22) is displayed in red, and the outermost area (A21) is displayed in red. The third area A23 may be displayed in blue. Although not shown in the drawing, when the score area is displayed, a message informing that the score is calculated according to the curling rules may be displayed on the screen. This step is not essential and can be omitted. In the subsequent process, when the user hits a golf ball, the trajectory of the virtual golf ball is calculated based on the physical state of the hit golf ball, and an image of the virtual golf ball rolling is displayed on the screen. Since the score area may be displayed on the screen when the virtual golf ball rolls to the score area, it is not necessary to display the score area on the screen and show it to the user first before the user hits the golf ball.

Referring to Figure 4, the user hits an actual golf ball placed on the hitting mat. In curling, a 'stone' is played by rolling it on a sheet of ice, and the rolling of the stone can be seen as similar to the rolling of a golf ball, so if you play in a way that replicates the motion of rolling the stone, hitting the golf ball is equivalent to putting. do. However, since play does not need to be limited to the action of rolling the stone, hitting a golf ball may also include a shot that makes the golf ball float.

Referring to FIG. 5, when a user hits a golf ball, the calculation unit 21 of the control unit 20 calculates the trajectory of the golf ball based on the physical state of the hit golf ball. Several methods can be applied in calculating the trajectory of a golf ball, one of which is to detect parameters representing the physical state of the golf ball after hitting and calculate the trajectory from this. When the user's hit is putting, the parameters may include the speed of the golf ball (V) and the angle (θ) indicating the rolling direction of the putted golf ball on the horizontal plane. Here, velocity (V) and angle (θ) are examples of parameters, and other parameters may be used in addition to these. In any case, the trajectory of the golf ball can be calculated by applying a calculation model using physical laws based on parameters such as velocity (V) and angle (θ).

Referring to Figure 6, the virtual golf ball (VB) on the screen moves as calculated in the calculation step and stops at a predetermined point. When the virtual golf ball (VB) reaches the score area and stops, the score is calculated depending on which point in the score area it reaches. For example, assume that a first user and a second user take turns putting a golf ball, and the result of the putting is calculated according to a curling rule to determine a win or loss. Here, the first and second users may each be playing as individuals in a one-on-one match, or may be composed of multiple users and playing as a team. When the first user's virtual golf ball is called the first virtual golf ball (VB1) and the second user's virtual golf ball is called the second virtual golf ball (VB2), the first and second users each putt. Assume that the execution results are as shown in Figure 7. At this time, the management unit 22 applies the curling rule to calculate scores for the putting results of the first user and the second user. According to the curling rule, the score is calculated based on how many stones (corresponding to the virtual golf balls (VB1, VB2) in FIG. 7) arrive close to the center (corresponding to the center area (A10) in FIG. 7). do. When the curling rule is applied to golf, only the user side of the golf ball located closest to the center area (A10) scores points, but the user side that scores points is located closer to the center area (A10) than other users' golf balls. You get points equal to the number of golf balls. In the situation shown in FIG. 7, three first virtual golf balls (VB1) are located closer to the center area (A10) than the second virtual golf ball (VB2), and in this case, the first user scores 3 points. and the second user gets 0 points. As another example, although not shown in the drawing, one first virtual golf ball (VB1) reaches the first area (A21) of the surrounding area (A20), and one second virtual golf ball (VB2) reaches the surrounding area (A21). Assume that the second area (A22) of the area (A20) is reached, and the first, second, and virtual golf balls (VB1, VB2) each reach the third area (A23) of the surrounding area (A20). do. In this case, since the first virtual golf ball VB1 in the first area A21 is located closest to the center area A10, only the first user gets a score. Except for the first virtual golf ball VB1 in the first area A21, the remaining first virtual golf balls VB1 are located in the third area A23 and are located in the second area A22. Since it is located farther from the center area A10 than the golf ball VB2, no score can be obtained from the first virtual golf ball VB1, and the first user cannot use the first virtual golf ball VB1 in the first area A21. You only get 1 point from the golf ball (VB1). This score calculation may be performed by the management unit 22.

Curling lasts 10 rounds (called 'ends' in curling) and 16 stones are thrown in each round. In golf play, curling rules can be applied as is or modified. That is, the first and second users each putt 16 times in one round, calculate how many points among the first and second users depending on the landing position of the putted golf ball, and perform these rounds 10 times. You can repeat the game to determine victory or defeat based on the final score. Alternatively, you can play by changing the number of rounds or the number of putts per round.

The method of applying the curling rule to golf play has been described above. Golf can be played by applying not only the curling rule but also various other game rules, and several examples of applying other game rules will be described below.

8 to 11 are diagrams for explaining various game rules applicable to the operating method of the virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, the score area may include a plurality of division areas. For example, the plurality of division areas may have a shape similar to an archery target. Specifically, if the plurality of division areas are named first to fifth areas (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5), the first area (B1) has a circular shape located at the center, and the second area ( B2) has a ring-shaped shape surrounding the first area B1, the third area B3 has a ring-shaped shape surrounding the second area B2, and the fourth area B4 is the third area B4. It may have a ring-shaped shape surrounding B3, and the fifth area B5 may have a ring-shaped shape surrounding the fourth area B4. In archery, scores are displayed on the target area, and when a player fires an arrow toward the target and the arrow hits the target, the player receives the score indicated in the area where the arrow reached. These archery game rules can be applied to golf play, and in this case, when the user hits (shots or puts) a real golf ball on the virtual golf device, the virtual golf on the screen is based on the physical state of the hit golf ball. When the movement of the ball is calculated and the virtual golf ball moves as calculated and reaches the score area, the user receives a score depending on which point in the score area the virtual golf ball reaches. When a score area as shown in FIG. 8 is used, the highest score may be given to the first area (B1), and lower scores may be given as it moves outward from the first area (B1). For example, 5 points, 4 points, and 3 points for the first area (B1), the second area (B2), the third area (B3), the fourth area (B4), and the fifth area (B5), respectively. 2 points or 1 point can be awarded. Figure 8 shows a score area with five division areas, and the number of division areas can be changed. For example, the score area may be composed of divided areas of 1st, 2nd,..., n areas (n is an integer of 3 or more), where the first area is located at the center and has the radius of the first distance. It has a circular shape, and the second area surrounds the first area and has a ring-shaped shape where the inside has a radius of the first distance and the outside has a radius of the second distance, and in this way, the n-th area is the n-th area. It may have a ring-shaped shape that surrounds the -1 area and has a radius of the n-1th distance on the inside and a radius of the nth distance on the outside. In this case, n points may be given to the first area, n-1 points may be given to the second area, and 1 point may be given to the nth area. Here, the operation of assigning points to each area, calculating the score when the golf ball reaches each area, etc. may be executed by the management unit 22.

Archery can be played in an individual/team format, and the winner or loser is determined by the results of firing arrows multiple times, and there is a time limit when firing arrows. All or part of these archery rules can be applied to golf play. Additionally, the shape of the target does not necessarily have to be the same as that of the archery target or as shown in FIG. 8, and a target of another shape may be used.

Referring to FIG. 9, the score area may include a plurality of division areas that are spaced apart from each other. For example, the plurality of division areas may include first to seventh areas C1 to C7 that have a circular shape and are spaced apart from each other. Each area is marked with a number representing the score. The first area (C1) is marked with the number 1, the second area (C2) is marked with the number 2, and so on, and the seventh area (C7) is marked with the number 7 is displayed. Similar to the fact that in normal golf play, when a golf ball is putt and a hole is made, the course is completed, in this embodiment, valid points are obtained when the golf ball hit by the user reaches a plurality of division areas. You can set the game rules. Additionally, the user can set the game rule by obtaining points corresponding to the number displayed in each section where the golf ball reaches. For example, as a result of the user putting a golf ball, if the virtual golf ball reaches the nth area (n is a natural number between 1 and 7), the user can obtain n points, and 1 to 1 or many to 7 The game rule can be set so that after multiple users take turns putting once or multiple times, the player with the higher total points wins. The game rules and score calculation can be processed by the operation of the management unit 22.

Referring to FIG. 10, the score area may include a plurality of division areas that are spaced apart from each other. For example, the plurality of division areas may include first to seventh areas C1 to C7 that have a circular shape and are spaced apart from each other. Each area is marked with a number representing the score, which indicates the points (score) the user gets when the golf ball reaches the area. The sizes of the plurality of division areas according to this embodiment are different from each other. That is, the size of the first area C1 is the largest and the size of the seventh area C7 is the smallest, and the size gradually becomes smaller from the first area C1 to the seventh area C7. The smaller the size, the more difficult it is to reach the golf ball to the relevant area. Conversely, the larger the size, the easier it is to reach the golf ball to the relevant area. In other words, a small-sized area can be said to have a high difficulty in sending a golf ball to that area, and conversely, a large-sized area can be said to have a low difficulty in sending a golf ball to that area. In this embodiment, it can be said that the difficulty of sending a golf ball to that area is low. The number of points earned is increased, and the points obtained for areas with low difficulty are decreased.

Referring to FIG. 11, the score area may include a plurality of division areas that are spaced apart from each other. For example, the plurality of division areas may include first to fourth areas C1 to C4 that have a circular shape and are spaced apart from each other. Each area is marked with a number representing the score, which indicates the points (score) the user gets when the golf ball reaches the area. The plurality of division areas according to this embodiment have different numbers of division areas. That is, the first area C1 has 4 units, the second area C2 has 3 units, the third area C3 has 2 units, and the fourth area C4 has 1 unit. The smaller the number, the more difficult it is to reach the golf ball to the relevant area. Conversely, the larger the number, the easier it is to reach the golf ball to the relevant area. That is, in areas with a small number of areas, the difficulty of sending a golf ball to that area can be said to be high, and conversely, in areas with a large number of areas, the difficulty of sending a golf ball to that area can be said to be low. In this embodiment, the difficulty of sending a golf ball to that area is low. For area 3 (C3) or area 4 (C4)), the points earned are large (3 or 4 points), and for areas with low difficulty (area 1 (C1) or area 2 (C2)), the points earned are large (3 or 4 points). The point is made small (1 point or 2 points).

The game rules applicable when the score area includes a plurality of division areas that are separated from each other have been described above. However, the plurality of division areas are not limited to the content shown in Figures 9 to 11, and the division areas The number/shape/arrangement structure, etc. may be configured differently from the content shown in FIGS. 9 to 11. Additionally, the number/shape/arrangement structure, etc. of the plurality of division areas is not limited to a specific form and may be determined randomly each time play progresses.

So far, we have mainly looked at the game rules applicable to the structure of the score area, but there may be various options for play options other than the structure of the score area, and the method of the game may vary depending on the selections. .

12 to 16 are diagrams for explaining play options that a user can select in a method of operating a virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, different first and second users are competing in an archery target-shaped score area, and the first user first puts a golf ball and throws a virtual golf ball (first Assume that the virtual golf ball (VB1) has reached a predetermined position in the score area. Also, in this state, it is assumed that a second user puts his/her golf ball and a virtual golf ball (second virtual golf ball (VB2)) corresponding to the putted golf ball is moving to the score area. As shown in FIG. 12, the second virtual golf ball VB2 is moving toward the first virtual golf ball VB1 and may collide with the first virtual golf ball VB1. In this situation, the user can choose between two play options. The first option is to prevent the effect of the collision from being reflected even if a collision occurs between virtual golf balls (VB1, VB2), and the second option is to ensure that the effect of the collision is reflected between the virtual golf balls (VB1, VB2). . Referring to FIG. 13, the effect of collision is not reflected, meaning that even if the second virtual golf ball (VB2) collides with the first virtual golf ball (VB1), it is as if the first virtual golf ball (VB1) is not affected by the collision. An effect similar to absorbing all occurs, so that the first virtual golf ball (VB1) remains in its original position and the second virtual golf ball (VB2) stops adjacent to the first virtual golf ball (VB1). It means to do it. In contrast, reflecting the effect of collision means that the effect that can occur when the second virtual golf ball (VB2) collides with the first virtual golf ball (VB1) is exerted. For example, as shown in FIG. 14 As shown, the first virtual golf ball (VB1) gains power due to the impact of the collision and bounces away from its original position, and the second virtual golf ball (VB2) loses power due to the impact of the collision and is thrown back. 1 The virtual golf ball (VB1) may come to rest at a location.

Unlike real play, golf play in a virtual golf device does not occur on the field, but shows the final play result as an image on the screen. Therefore, the final play result shown on the screen can be arbitrarily adjusted, and the first option is physical. Although it does not comply with the rules, it can be said to take advantage of the unique feature of virtual golf play that allows the user to adjust the play results as desired. The second option is in accordance with the laws of physics, and in actual curling, plays in which the leading team's stone is hit by the succeeding team's stone and a takeout occurs frequently. The first and second users competing with each other can select which option to play with before starting play, and the calculation unit 21 and/or management unit 22 calculates the play result according to the user's selected option. and calculate the score. The first option can block the variable called 'collision between virtual golf balls (VB1, VB2)', so it is suitable for users who want a relatively stable play method without any advantages or disadvantages depending on whether they hit first or last. The second option has a variable called 'collision between virtual golf balls (VB1, VB2)', so unexpected situations can occur and is suitable for users who want a dynamic way of playing. Here, a play option that allows you to select whether or not to reflect the collision effect between virtual golf balls (VB1, VB2) when playing in the score area in the archery target shape is explained. In addition to the archery target shape, Figures 6 and 6 Even when playing in various types of score areas shown in Figures 9 to 11, a play option that allows you to select whether or not to reflect the collision effect can be applied.

Another user-selectable play option is that the user can adjust the size of the golf ball. As before, assume that different first and second users are competing in an archery target-shaped score area. Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the first user first puts a golf ball and his/her first virtual golf ball (VB1) reaches a predetermined position in the score area, and in this state, the second user's putt Assume that the second user's second virtual golf ball (VB2) is moving to the score area. The user can arbitrarily select the size of the golf ball shown on the screen. In FIG. 15, the virtual golf ball is selected as the first size (R1), which is the size of a normal golf ball, and in FIG. 16, the virtual golf ball is selected as the normal golf ball size. The second size (R2), which is larger than the golf ball size, is selected. As shown in FIG. 15, when the size of the golf ball is the first size (R1), the first and second virtual golf balls (VB1, VB2) do not collide with each other and the second virtual golf ball ( VB2) passes by the first virtual golf ball (VB1). As shown in FIG. 16, when the size of the golf ball is the second size (R2), the second virtual golf ball (VB2) collides with the first virtual golf ball (VB1), and the first virtual golf ball (VB2) collides with the first virtual golf ball (VB1). The golf ball (VB1) will bounce out of the score area due to the collision, and the rolling force of the second virtual golf ball (VB2) will be weakened due to the collision and will stop near the location of the first virtual golf ball (VB1). You can. In this way, depending on how the size of the golf ball is selected, whether or not there is a collision between the golf balls may vary, and as a result, the score obtained by the user may vary. Increasing the size of the golf ball to increase collision is suitable for users who like unexpected situations and want a dynamic way of playing. When playing on a real field, you cannot change the size of the golf ball, but unlike actual play, play results on a virtual golf device are displayed as images on the screen, so you can arbitrarily adjust the play results displayed on the screen. It can be said that the fact that the virtual golf ball size can be changed is used to meet the various needs of users by utilizing the characteristics unique to virtual golf play. Adjusting the size of the golf ball according to the user's selection and calculating the movement of the golf ball by reflecting the adjusted golf ball size can be handled by the calculation unit 21 and/or the management unit 22. Here, a play option that allows you to select the size of the golf ball when playing in the archery target-shaped score area is explained. In addition to the archery target shape, various types of scores shown in Figures 6, 9 to 11, etc. Even when playing in the area, a play option that allows you to select the size of the golf ball can be applied.

As such, according to this embodiment, by providing various play options such as selecting whether to reflect the collision effect between golf balls or arbitrarily adjusting the size of the golf ball, users can play golf in more diverse ways. Accordingly, user interest can be further heightened. Normally, formal golf play consists of 18 holes, but since it takes a considerable amount of time to play 18 holes, the total play time may feel too long for users who simply want to compete. However, according to this embodiment, the play time can be shortened in a way desired by the user by applying various game rules such as curling rules, and thus users can enjoy playing golf while competing in a relatively short period of time.

The various game rules and various play options applicable to the virtual golf device have been described above. Before starting play, the user can first select the desired game rule and play option. To this end, the management unit 22 can display a selection menu of game rules and play options on a screen, etc. In addition, when the user selects a specific game rule and play option, the management unit 22 links with other components (calculation unit 21, display unit 60, etc.) to reflect the play option, and determines whether the user has hit In this case, after determining the position of the user's virtual golf ball in the score area, the score according to the game rule is calculated by considering what game rule is currently being applied, and the score can be displayed on the screen to inform the user. At this time, the management unit 22 can determine the result of the game according to the score calculation result and inform the user.

Figure 17 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 17, the virtual golf device according to this embodiment includes a plurality of booths 101, 102, and 103. Each booth (101, 102, 103) is configured identically. For example, the first booth 101 has a hitting plate 101a, a simulator device 101b with a kiosk screen, a screen 101c, etc., and the other booths 102 and 103 also have the same components. Although not shown in the drawing, each booth (101, 102, 103) may be further equipped with other devices such as a camera to detect the movement of the golf club/golf ball when hitting. In each booth (101, 102, 103), multiple users can take turns playing golf. Alternatively, in each booth (101, 102, 103), the user can play solo while being separated from users of other booths. In the virtual golf device according to this embodiment, the management unit of the above-described embodiment may be provided in the simulator device 101b, etc., and through the management unit, the user can play golf according to various game rules of his or her choice.

Figure 18 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a system in which a plurality of virtual golf devices are connected through a network.

Referring to FIG. 18, the virtual golf system includes a virtual golf device 100 and a service device 200. As the virtual golf device 100, a virtual golf device such as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 17, etc. may be used. The virtual golf device 100 can be installed at a home or public screen golf course where screen golf can be played. If there are multiple screen golf courses, the virtual golf device 100 is installed at each screen golf course, so that there are a plurality of screen golf courses in total. It may be available. The virtual golf device 100 is communicationally connected to the service device 200 through a wired or wireless communication network. The service device 200 may be a central server used by a service provider operating a plurality of screen golf courses to manage the virtual golf device 100 provided in the plurality of screen golf courses. The service device 200 is provided with a management unit 210 and a storage unit 220.

A user who wishes to use the screen golf service first logs in to receive the service, and the service device 200 can confirm the user's identity when logging in and determine whether to approve the login. For the login operation, the storage unit 220 stores information necessary to verify the user's identity. The storage unit 220 may store not only information for user identification but also user play records. In this way, various user information is stored in the storage unit 220, so the virtual golf devices 100 connected to the service device 200 by wire and/or wirelessly use the information stored in the storage unit 220. It can be used, and there is no need to separately store user information in each of the virtual golf devices 100.

In a system in which a plurality of virtual golf devices 100 are connected through a communication network, the management unit 210 provided in the service device 200 may perform operations similar to the management unit in the virtual golf device of the above-described embodiment. there is. That is, through the management unit 210, the user can play golf according to various game rules of his or her choice. Since the management unit 210 is provided in the service device 200, there is no need for a separate management unit 210 to be provided in each of the plurality of virtual golf devices. Alternatively, the service device 200 may not be provided with a management unit 210, but instead, each virtual golf device 100 may be provided with a management unit.

Although we have looked at specific embodiments of the present invention above, those skilled in the art will 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 should be considered from an illustrative rather than a restrictive perspective. The scope of the present invention is indicated in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the equivalent scope should be construed as being included in the present invention.

10: striking plate
20: control unit
30: detection unit
40: input unit
50: Sound department
60: display unit
100: Virtual golf device
200: service device

Claims (9)

A display unit that displays a virtual golf ball and a score area corresponding to an actual golf ball; and
a calculation unit that calculates the movement of the virtual golf ball based on the state of the actual golf ball when the user hits the actual golf ball;
Contains,
When the virtual golf ball, which moves as calculated by the calculation unit, reaches the score area, the score obtained by the user is calculated based on the location where the virtual golf ball arrived.
Virtual golf device. According to paragraph 1,
The score area has the same shape as the curling target area, and the curling game rules are applied to the score calculation. According to paragraph 1,
A virtual golf device in which the score area includes a plurality of division areas spaced apart from each other, and the score given varies depending on which division zone the virtual golf ball lands in. According to paragraph 3,
The plurality of division areas are,
A first division area that gives the first point, and
Giving a second point larger than the first point, and including a second division area that has a smaller size than the first division area or is provided in a smaller number than the first division area.
Virtual golf device. According to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Users include different first users and second users,
The virtual golf ball includes a first virtual golf ball corresponding to an actual golf ball hit by the first user and a second virtual golf ball corresponding to an actual golf ball hit by the second user,
If the second virtual golf ball moves and collides with the first virtual golf ball after the first virtual golf ball arrives at a predetermined location, it is considered that the first and second virtual golf balls did not collide with each other. A virtual golf device that calculates scores. According to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Users include different first users and second users,
The virtual golf ball includes a first virtual golf ball corresponding to an actual golf ball hit by the first user and a second virtual golf ball corresponding to an actual golf ball hit by the second user,
When the second virtual golf ball moves and collides with the first virtual golf ball after the first virtual golf ball arrives at a predetermined position, the movement of the first and second virtual golf balls due to the collision is A virtual golf device that calculates scores based on reflection. According to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A virtual golf device where the user can select the size of the virtual golf ball, and the calculation unit calculates the movement of the virtual golf ball by reflecting the size of the virtual golf ball selected by the user. According to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A virtual golf device further comprising a management unit that calculates a score obtained by a user based on the location where the virtual golf ball arrives. A display step of displaying a score area;
A calculation step of calculating the movement of a virtual golf ball corresponding to the actual golf ball based on the state of the actual golf ball when the user hits the actual golf ball; and
When the virtual golf ball, which moves as calculated by the calculation unit, reaches the score area, a score calculation step of calculating a score obtained by the user based on the location where the virtual golf ball arrived;
containing
How the virtual golf device operates.

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