KR20240057491A - Virtual golf device and virtual golf system providing golf related information - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a virtual golf device and a virtual golf system that provide golf-related information. The virtual golf device includes a display unit that displays a virtual golf course, and when a user hits a real golf ball, a virtual golf device corresponding to the real golf ball in the virtual golf course is displayed based on the state of the actual golf ball hit. It includes a calculation unit that calculates the movement of the ball, and an information provision unit that provides golf-related information to the user when the information provision requirements are met.

Description

Virtual golf device and virtual golf system providing golf-related information {VIRTUAL GOLF DEVICE AND VIRTUAL GOLF SYSTEM PROVIDING GOLF RELATED INFORMATION}

The present invention relates to a virtual golf device and a virtual golf system, and more specifically, to a virtual golf device and a virtual golf system that provide golf-related information to users who play virtual golf such as screen golf.

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 feeling of playing a real golf game outdoors, while saving time and money compared to playing in an outdoor field. Screen golf is suitable for time and economic reasons. For this reason, it is popular with modern people who have difficulty playing golf on an actual golf course.

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, the virtual golf device used in screen golf needs to provide services specialized for screen golf, which are difficult to provide on an actual golf course, to provide user convenience and increase interest.

The present invention was invented in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a virtual golf device that can provide useful golf play information that matches the user's situation or various golf-related information that takes into account the user's personal preferences. .

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a virtual golf system that can provide useful golf play information that matches the user's situation or various golf-related information that takes into account the user's personal preferences.

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 for achieving the above object includes a display unit that displays a virtual golf course, and when a user hits a real golf ball, the virtual golf course is displayed based on the state of the actual golf ball hit. It includes a calculation unit that calculates the movement of the virtual golf ball corresponding to the actual golf ball, and an information provision unit that provides golf-related information to the user when the information provision requirements are met.

In the virtual golf device, the information provision requirements may vary depending on the situation in which the user's virtual golf ball is located on the virtual golf course.

In the virtual golf device, the provided golf-related information may vary depending on the situation in which the user's virtual golf ball is located on the virtual golf course.

In the virtual golf device, the golf-related information may vary depending on the personal preference of the user who receives the golf-related information.

A virtual golf device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a display unit that displays a virtual golf course, and when a user hits a real golf ball, the real golf in the virtual golf course is displayed based on the state of the actual golf ball hit. It includes a calculation unit that calculates the movement of a virtual golf ball corresponding to the ball, and an information provision unit that provides golf-related information to the user. In addition, the golf-related information provided by the information provision unit includes at least one of golf play information, golf play advice, and user missions, and the information provided may vary depending on the personal preference of the user who receives the golf-related information. .

In the virtual golf device, the user's personal preference may include the user's personality type according to MBTI.

A virtual golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a service device, at least one virtual golf device communicatively connected to the service device, and information provision for providing golf-related information to a user when information provision requirements are met. Includes wealth. Here, the virtual golf device has a display unit that displays a virtual golf course, and when the user hits a real golf ball, it corresponds to the real golf ball in the virtual golf course based on the state of the actual golf ball hit. It includes a calculation unit that calculates the movement of the virtual golf ball.

A virtual golf system according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a service device, at least one virtual golf device communicatively connected to the service device, and an information provider for providing golf-related information to a user. Here, the virtual golf device has a display unit that displays a virtual golf course, and when the user hits a real golf ball, it corresponds to the real golf ball in the virtual golf course based on the state of the actual golf ball hit. It includes a calculation unit that calculates the movement of the virtual golf ball. Additionally, the information provided by the information provider includes at least one of golf play information, golf play advice, and user missions, and the information provided may vary depending on the personal preference of the user who receives the information.

In the virtual golf system, the information provider may be provided in the service device or the virtual golf device.

According to the present invention, there is an effect of providing useful golf play information to the user that matches the situation in which the user is playing. Additionally, it has the effect of encouraging user interest by providing various golf-related information that takes into account the user's personal preferences.

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 flow chart illustrating a process for providing golf-related information.
Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a method for storing user data used to generate golf-related information.
Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of practice play data that can be used to generate golf-related information.
5 to 11 are diagrams showing examples of various golf-related information.
Figure 12 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 is a flowchart showing another example of a process for providing golf-related information.
Figure 14 is a diagram showing another example of a method of storing user data used to generate golf-related information.
Figures 15 to 17 are diagrams showing various examples of providing golf-related information in consideration of the user's personal preferences.
Figure 18 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 19 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a virtual golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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 Figure 1, the virtual golf device according to an embodiment of the present invention 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. Includes.

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, an information provision 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 information provision unit 22 functions to generate related information so that various information related to golf can be provided to the user. The detailed operation of the information providing unit 22 will be described later. The storage unit 23 serves to store various programs or data necessary for the control unit 20, the calculation unit 21, the information provision 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 and a screen. The projector projects golf-related images on the screen so that images of the golf course and golf balls are displayed on the screen, and the screen displays the projected golf-related images and shows them to the user. Although not shown in the drawing, the display unit 60 may further include a display device such as a kiosk that serves as an auxiliary display in addition to the screen.

In this specification, there may be cases where the term 'virtual' is used to express some objects displayed on the screen. This means that it does not exist in the real world but is displayed as an image on the screen. For example, 'virtual golf course' means a golf course displayed on the screen, and 'virtual golf ball' means a golf ball displayed on the screen. It means.

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 flies 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.

Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a process for providing golf-related information.

Referring to FIG. 2, the operation process of providing golf-related information of the virtual golf device includes first to third steps (S1, S2, and S3). In the first step (S1), the current situation the user is in is identified, in the second step (S2) it is checked whether the information provision requirements are met, and in the third step (S3), information is generated and provided to the user. The second step (S2) is not essential and can be omitted. If the second step (S2) is omitted, the first and third steps (S1, S3) are sequentially executed to check the current situation the user is in and provide information that matches the situation. When the second step (S2) is executed, the third step (S3) is executed only when the information provision requirements are met.

Information provision may be performed by the information provision unit 22, and for this purpose, the information provision unit 22 may use artificial intelligence. When using artificial intelligence, it can be configured to receive the necessary data and then use it to output the results. Here, artificial intelligence is a program that artificially implements human intellectual ability, and machine learning technology can be applied to artificial intelligence. By applying machine learning technology, artificial intelligence can analyze a large number of input data and derive results on its own, unlike traditional programs that derive results determined by rules. When applying artificial intelligence, various data can be used as input data. For example, user data and/or golf course data may be used as input data, and such data may be stored in a storage means such as the storage unit 23.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of storing user data used to generate golf-related information, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of practice play data that can be used to generate golf-related information.

Referring to FIG. 3, user data used to provide information may be allocated a different storage area for each user and stored in the area allocated to each user. For example, if there are different users A and B, the area storing information about user A and the area storing information about user B may be separated from each other, and the area storing information for each user may be The user's personal information data (D1), play data (D2), personal record data (D3), etc. may be stored. The user's personal information data (D1) includes information about the user's personal information, such as the user's name, gender, age, body (height, weight, whether he or she is right-handed or left-handed, etc.). The user's play data (D2) includes play results such as the golf course on which the user played and the score at the golf course. Personal record data D3 may include personal record information calculated from the results of the user's play. For example, average number of strokes, distance, fairway landing rate, green accuracy, average number of puttings, etc. may be calculated and stored from the user's play results. The average number of strokes refers to the average value of the total number of strokes recorded by the user. Flying distance refers to the distance the golf ball flies by each golf club shot used by the user. Fairway landing rate is a numerical representation of the percentage of tee shots landing on the fairway (without falling into the rough or bunkers). Green accuracy is expressed as a percentage of the number of times a golf ball is hit on the green below the standard. The average number of putts is calculated by dividing the total number of putts during an 18-hole round by 18. For example, if the total number of putts is 30, it is 1.67 (30/18 = 1.666). Distance can be seen as indicating long-hitting ability, fairway landing rate or green accuracy indicates shot accuracy, and average number of putts indicates putting accuracy. Using these, the user's golf skills can be evaluated. For example, the average number of strokes represents the user's golf ability in a comprehensive aspect, and distance, fairway landing rate, green accuracy, average number of puttings, etc. can be seen as representing the user's golf ability in specific aspects, and these can be used appropriately. By doing this, you can find out what the user's golf skills are. The user's golf skills identified here can be used when generating golf-related information. For example, for users with high golf skills, a high-difficulty strategy that can achieve a high score can be proposed, and for users with low golf skills, a low-difficulty strategy that cannot obtain a high score but is risk-free can be proposed. .

As shown in FIG. 3, play data (D2) and personal record data (D3) are actual game data when playing against others on a specific virtual golf course and practice hitting when the user warms up before playing. It includes practice data when performing the test, and the actual data and practice data may be stored separately from each other.

Practice data may include the results of a user repeatedly hitting a golf ball with a specific golf club. For example, if a user practices driver shots, wood shots, iron shots, wedge shots, etc. 5-10 times, the play record for each shot can be saved. Referring to Figure 4, for example, when a user makes 10 practice hits with a driver, practice play data such as distance, direction angle, side spin, launch angle, left and right angle, and backspin can be obtained for each round, which is It may be stored in an area of the storage unit 23 that stores information about the user. Additionally, the average value for 10 practice hits may also be stored in the storage unit 23. Practice data represents the results of the user's practice prior to the day's game, through which the user's condition on the day can be known. The user's condition on the day can be used when providing golf-related play information or advice to the user. Since practice data may vary depending on the conditions of each day, it can be configured to be used only on the day the user plays, and the stored practice data is deleted when the user's play on that day is completed.

Below, we look at some specific examples of what information is provided and under what circumstances.

5 to 11 are diagrams showing examples of various golf-related information.

Referring to Figure 5, assume a tee shot in a par 5 hole. The screen displays a virtual golf ball corresponding to the user's golf ball and a virtual golf course near the point where the virtual golf ball is placed. In addition, the virtual golf device may be equipped with a display device such as a kiosk that serves as an auxiliary display in addition to the screen. In this case, the kiosk may display a flat map showing the overall view of the virtual golf course that the user is currently playing. . In this situation, first to fourth information (R11, R12, R13, R14) may be provided as golf-related information. The first information (R11) represents the expected path of the ball due to the user's hitting and the probability of the ball reaching the destination according to the expected path. The second information (R12) represents an ideal target point recommended from the perspective of course strategy. The third information (R13), like the first information (R11), represents the expected path of the ball due to the user's hitting and the probability that the ball will reach the destination according to the expected path, and the first information (R11) information is displayed on the screen. While it is displayed in the main area (center part of the screen), the third information (R13) is displayed as a mini map in the sub-area of the screen (edge part of the screen). Fourth information (R14) indicates golf clubs that the user can use. The golf club shown in the fourth information (R14) represents a golf club that users can normally use according to the distance between the current virtual golf ball and the hole cup.

The first to fourth information (R11, R12, R13, R14) can be generated using an artificial intelligence program of the information providing unit 22, and various users stored in the storage unit 23 when generating the information. Various data can be used, such as data (practice data/actual data, etc.), data about the virtual golf course on which the user is playing, etc. For example, the information provider 22 can determine that the ideal target point for a tee shot is 200m ahead based on user data and golf course data, and reflects the user's practice data, etc. to determine that the user's driver shot has a distance of 180m. If it is sliced to the right and the golf ball is expected to reach the rough terrain with a 70% probability, a point 200m ahead is provided as second information (R12), and the expected arrival point of the golf ball and the probability of the prediction are provided. It can be provided as first and third information (R11, R13).

Some or all of the above information (R11, R12, R13, R14) (user-provided information is not limited to the information mentioned here and other additional information may be provided) is provided automatically or through the provision of certain information. It can be provided if the requirements are met. The above predetermined information provision requirements include when the user is in a ball-ready state ready to hit a golf ball and when the expected arrival position by a driver shot deviates significantly from the ideal target point by more than a predetermined range (e.g., driver There may be cases where the golf ball is expected to reach a location within a radius of 10m from the ideal target point due to a shot).

Referring to FIG. 6, assume a situation in which a second or more shot is taken after the first tee shot in a par 5 hole. The screen displays a virtual golf ball corresponding to the user's golf ball and a virtual golf course near the point where the virtual golf ball is placed. If a kiosk that acts as an auxiliary display is provided, the virtual golf ball that the user is currently playing is displayed on the screen. A plan map showing a view of the golf course may be displayed. In this situation, the first to fifth information (R21, R22, R23, R24, and R25) may be provided as golf-related information. The first information (R21) represents the expected path of the ball due to the user's hitting and the probability of the ball reaching the destination according to the expected path. The second information (R22) represents an ideal target point recommended from the perspective of course strategy. The third information (R23) represents uphill/downhill information on sloping terrain. In the third information (R23), uphill and downhill terrain can be displayed in different colors, for example, uphill terrain can be displayed in red and downhill terrain in blue. At this time, a specific value indicating the degree of slope can be displayed. The fourth information (R24), like the first information (R21), represents the expected path of the ball due to the user's hitting and the probability that the ball will reach the destination according to the expected path, and the fourth information (R24) represents the edge of the screen. It is displayed on the minimap provided in this section. The fifth information (R25) indicates golf clubs that can normally be used by the user in the current situation and recommended clubs suitable for the user currently playing.

The first to fifth information (R21, R22, R23, R24, R25) can be generated using an artificial intelligence program of the information providing unit 22, and when generating information, the information stored in the storage unit 23 A variety of data can be used, such as various user data (practice data/actual data, etc.), data about the virtual golf course on which the user is playing, etc. For example, the information provider 22 determines from user data and golf course data that the player will make a shot with iron number 7 on an uphill slope due to the player's tendency, and the iron shot results in a distance of 150m for the right slice pitch. If the golf ball is expected to reach the rough terrain with an 80% probability, this can be provided as first and fourth information (R21, R24). Additionally, a point that is judged to be an ideal target for golf course strategy can be calculated and provided as second information (R22).

Some or all of the above information (R21, R22, R23, R24, R25) (user-provided information is not limited to the information mentioned herein and other additional information may be provided) is automatically provided or provided as prescribed. It can be provided if the information provision requirements are met. The above predetermined information provision requirements include when the user is in a ball-ready state ready to hit a golf ball and when the expected arrival position by the shot deviates significantly from the ideal target point by more than a predetermined range (e.g. (when the golf ball is expected to reach a location outside the 10m radius from the ideal target point), there may be a case where there is a sloping uphill/downhill terrain and the incline is above a certain value, making the shot difficult.

Referring to FIG. 7, assume an approach shot is taken in a par 5 hole. The screen displays a virtual golf ball corresponding to the user's golf ball and a virtual golf course near the point where the virtual golf ball is placed. If a kiosk that acts as an auxiliary display is provided, the virtual golf ball that the user is currently playing is displayed on the screen. A plan map showing a view of the golf course may be displayed. In this situation, first and second information (R31, R32) may be provided as golf-related information. First information (R31) represents golf clubs that the user can use. The second information (R32) represents the average trajectory according to the distance in the user's hitting, the expected destination of the ball, and the probability of the ball reaching the destination. The golf club shown in the first information (R31) may be a golf club that users can use on average depending on the distance between the current virtual golf ball and the hole cup, and the user who is playing may use the golf club displayed in the first information (R31). You can use a golf club or choose a golf club that suits you based on your own judgment. When displaying the first information (R31), the probability that the ball will go in the midpoint direction (the direction from the current virtual golf ball toward the target hole cup) without deviating from the target area when using the golf club may be further displayed. The second information R32 may be displayed in a side top view as shown in FIG. 7. The above information (R31, R32) can be generated using an artificial intelligence program of the information provision unit 22, and various user data (practice data/actual data) stored in the storage unit 23 when generating the information. etc.), data about the virtual golf course on which the user is playing, etc. can be used.

Some or all of the above information (R31, R32) (user-provided information is not limited to the information mentioned herein and other additional information may be provided) is provided automatically or when certain information provision requirements are met. It may be provided in some cases. The above predetermined information provision requirements include when the user is in a ball-ready state ready to hit the golf ball and when the current position of the virtual golf ball is within a predetermined distance from the hole cup (for example, when the virtual golf ball is within a predetermined distance from the hole cup) (if the distance is less than 100m), etc.

Referring to FIG. 8, it is assumed that the user's virtual golf ball is putting in the green area. The screen displays a virtual golf ball corresponding to the user's golf ball, a green area where the virtual golf ball is placed, and a target hole cup (or a flag located on the hole cup). Additionally, if a kiosk that serves as an auxiliary display is provided, a flat map showing the virtual golf course the user is currently playing may be displayed there. In this situation, first to third information (R41, R42, R43) may be provided as golf-related information. The first information (R41) represents the target point for successful putting. The purpose of putting is to roll a golf ball and put it into the hole cup, but the target point of putting may be different from the position of the hole cup where the golf ball should be placed. This is because there may be a slope in the green area, and even if you putt with the goal of reaching the hole cup, there is a possibility of failing to hole-in due to the influence of the slope. Considering the above-mentioned slope, when putting is aimed at a position that is a few cups away from the hole cup, there may be a high possibility of successful putting, and the first information (R41) is set as the target considering the slope of the green area. Indicates the point to be taken. ‘Putting guide’ may be displayed as second information (R42). The putting guide indicates the direction in which the golf ball should roll when putting and/or the expected path the golf ball will roll when putting, considering the slope of the green area. The putting guide can be displayed in color, and depending on the color, the level of intensity of the putting can be expressed. For example, if you need to putt hard (if you need to putt a lot of ball speed), the putting guide can be displayed in red, and if you need to putt weakly (if you need to putt a lot of ball speed), the putting guide can be displayed in green. The user's expected putting result can be displayed in a side top view format as the third information (R43) along with the first and second information (R41, R42).

The first to third information (R41, R42, R43) can be generated using an artificial intelligence program of the information providing unit 22, and various user data stored in the storage unit 23 when generating the information ( practice data/actual data, etc.), data about the virtual golf course on which the user is playing, etc. can be used. For example, if the information provider 22 predicts that the user's putting will reach a point about 3 meters short of the hole cup based on the user's past play record or practice range data, the expected result is sent as third information (R43). Also, considering the above expected results, the target point, which is the first information (R41), can be set and displayed to be about 3 m behind the hole cup.

Since putting is a critical play that determines victory or defeat in golf, various types of information can be provided in a putting situation. Referring to FIG. 9, in a putting situation, first to third information (R51, R52, R53) different from the information described with reference to FIG. 8 may be provided as golf-related information. The first information (R51) represents the expected putting direction by the user's putting, and the second information (R52) represents the angular deviation between the putting guide (indicated by a yellow curve in FIG. 9) and the expected putting direction, which is the first information (R51). represents. Additionally, in order to understand the angle deviation more clearly, the angle deviation can be displayed in the form of a side top view as third information (R53).

Some or all of the above information (R41, R42, R43, R51, R52, R53) (user-provided information is not limited to the information mentioned herein and other additional information may be provided) is provided automatically, or It can be provided when certain information provision requirements are met. The above predetermined information provision requirements include when the user is in a ball-ready state ready to putt and when the expected arrival point of the golf ball by the user's putting deviates significantly from the hole cup by more than a predetermined range (for example, when putting (if the expected arrival point is 1m away from the hole cup), or if the angular deviation between the user's expected putting direction and the putting guide direction is significantly different than a predetermined range (for example, if the expected putting direction is greater than the putting guide direction) There may be cases where there is a difference of more than 1m in distance in the direction of .

Referring to Figure 10, assume a tee shot in a par 3 hole. The screen displays a virtual golf ball corresponding to the user's golf ball and a virtual golf course near the point where the virtual golf ball is placed. Additionally, the virtual golf device may be equipped with a display device such as a kiosk that serves as an auxiliary display in addition to the screen. In this case, the kiosk may display a flat map showing an overall view of the virtual golf course that the user is currently playing. In this situation, first and second information (R61, R62) may be provided as golf-related information. The first information (R61) represents the expected arrival point of the ball due to the user's hitting and the probability of the ball reaching the destination point. The second information (R62) represents information about golf clubs, such as golf clubs that the user can use and golf clubs that are recommended to the user. Here, the golf clubs that the user can use represent golf clubs that general users can normally use according to the distance between the current virtual golf ball and the hole cup, and the recommended golf clubs are based on the user's golf skills and play style. Indicates golf clubs that can be customized and recommended. As second information (R62), the expected on-green probability (hitting a golf ball and sending it to the green area) when using a normal golf club and the expected on-green probability when using a recommended golf club are further provided. You may. In the above-mentioned par 5 hole tee shot situation, the ideal shot target point recommended from the perspective of course strategy was indicated. In the par 3 hole, the overall distance of the course is short, so most tee shots are attempted on the green towards the hole cup, so the course itself is Unless it is of an unusual shape, there is no need to indicate a separate recommended target point.

The above-described information (R61, R62) can be generated using an artificial intelligence program of the information providing unit 22, and when generating the information, various user data (practice data/actual data) stored in the storage unit 23 etc.), data about the virtual golf course on which the user is playing, etc. can be used. For example, as a result of analyzing various data, in the virtual golf course currently being played, the distance from the tee shot position to the hole cup is 170m, and a distance of more than 150m is required to reach the green, and the average user uses A golf club. If the average distance is 155m, but the currently playing user understands that the average distance with golf club A is less than 150m and the average distance with golf club B is 160m, consider the case where the user uses the regular golf club A. Assuming that the expected arrival point of the ball due to the user's strike and the probability of the ball reaching the expected arrival point (see the description 'ROUGH 98%' in R61 of Figure 10), the user uses golf club A. information is generated that the on-green probability is 2% (see the description 'IRON4 (GREEN) 2%' in R62 in Figure 10) and that it is recommended to use B golf club with an on-green probability of 90%. You can then provide this information.

Some or all of the above information (R61, R62) (user-provided information is not limited to the information mentioned herein and other additional information may be provided) is provided automatically or when certain information provision requirements are met. It may be provided in some cases. The above predetermined information provision requirements include when the user is in a ball-ready state ready to hit a golf ball and when the probability of hitting the green with a tee shot is less than a predetermined value (for example, when a tee shot is made with a golf club of wood or smaller) There may be cases where the on-green probability is expected to be less than 80%).

Referring to FIG. 11, assume a bunker shot situation. The screen displays a virtual golf ball corresponding to the user's golf ball, a bunker where the virtual golf ball is placed, and the golf course surrounding it. Additionally, the virtual golf device may be equipped with a display device such as a kiosk that serves as an auxiliary display in addition to the screen. In this case, the kiosk may display a flat map showing a view of the virtual golf course that the user is currently playing. In this situation, the first to fourth information (R71, R72, R73, and R74) may be provided as golf play information. The first information (R71) represents the topographical characteristics of the bunker, the second information (R72) represents the angle of the bunker by comparing the trajectory of the user's golf club, and the third information (R73) represents the recommended direction for the bunker shot to aim for. , and the fourth information (R74) indicates a golf club that the user can use.

A bunker usually has a shape where the ground is lower than other surrounding grass areas, and a slope is formed at the edge of the bunker. As the first information (R71), uphill/downhill information in the bunker can be displayed. At this time, uphill and downhill terrain can be displayed in different colors, for example, uphill terrain can be displayed in red and downhill terrain in blue. The second information (R72) compares the angle of the bunker with the trajectory of the golf club of the user's bunker shot, allowing the user to determine whether the user can escape from the bunker through the bunker shot. In the third information (R73), the recommended direction may be the direction toward the target hole cup. Alternatively, if there is a direction that is easy to escape from the bunker even if it is not directly toward the hole cup, that direction may be recommended with bunker escape as the priority goal. The fourth information (R74) may display information about golf clubs that a typical user can use for a bunker shot.

The above information (R71, R72, R73, R74) is generated by the information provider 22 and, if necessary, can be generated using an artificial intelligence program, etc. For example, using user data (practice data/actual data, etc.), the average trajectory angle of the user's bunker shot can be predicted, and the current virtual golf course can be predicted from data on the virtual golf course the user is playing. The slope angle of the bunker where the golf ball is placed can be known, and by comparing the two, it is possible to predict whether the bunker can be escaped by a bunker shot, so the prediction result can be generated and provided as second information (R72).

Some or all of the above information (R71, R72, R73, R74) (user-provided information is not limited to the information mentioned here and other additional information may be provided) is provided automatically or through the provision of certain information. It can be provided if the requirements are met. The predetermined information provision requirements may include cases where the user is in a ball-ready state ready to hit a golf ball, cases where the probability of escaping the bunker by a bunker shot is expected to be low, etc.

Above, we have explained what information is provided under what circumstances and the information provision requirements for providing the information. However, a few examples are explained here, and there may be more that are not explained in relation to the information provision situation/information provision requirements/content of the information provided.

Figure 12 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, the virtual golf device according to this embodiment includes a hitting plate 110, a simulator 120, a camera 130, an input device 140 such as a keyboard/mouse, a speaker 150, and a screen 161. ), projector 162, and kiosk 163. Additionally, the simulator 120 may include a calculation unit 121, an information provision unit 122, and a storage unit 123. The calculation unit 121 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 information provision unit 122 functions to generate related information to provide users with various information related to golf. The storage unit 123 serves to store various programs or data necessary for the simulator 120, calculation unit 121, information provider 122, etc. to perform the above operations. The hitting plate 110, simulator 120, camera 130, input device 140 such as keyboard/mouse, speaker 150, screen 161, and projector 162 are included in the virtual golf device of the above-described embodiment. It performs a role corresponding to the hitting plate 10, the control unit 20, the detection unit 30, the input unit 40, the sound unit 50, and the display unit 60, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The kiosk 163 is a small display that includes LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), LED (Light Emitting Diode), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), FED (Field Emission Display), PDP (Plasma Display Panel), and Flexible Display. It may be made up of various display devices such as the like. According to this embodiment, the virtual golf device includes two devices for displaying images, the screen 161 and the kiosk 163, and thus various screens and information can be dynamically provided to the user. The screen 161 displays a screen that can be provided as a main image to the user, such as a virtual golf ball and a virtual golf course, and the kiosk 163 can display a screen that provides the main image or auxiliary information. For example, the kiosk 163 may display a map representing a floor plan of the virtual golf course that the user is currently playing.

In the virtual golf device of this embodiment, like the above-described embodiment, the information provider 122 can generate various golf-related information and provide it to the user. Information may be provided according to the method in the above-described embodiment or according to another method described below.

Figure 13 is a flowchart showing another example of a process for providing golf-related information.

Referring to FIG. 13, the operation process of providing golf-related information of the virtual golf device includes first to fourth steps (S10, S20, S30, and S40). In the first step (S10), the current situation the user is in is identified, in the second step (S20) it is checked whether the information provision requirements are met, in the third step (S30) the user's personal preference is checked, and in the fourth step (S30), the user's personal preference is checked. In step S40, information is generated and provided to the user. The second step (S20) is not essential and can be omitted. If the second step (S2) is omitted, the first, third, and fourth steps (S10, S30, and S40) are sequentially executed to check the current situation and personal preference of the user, and then Information that matches your preferences is provided. When the second step (S2) is executed, the third and fourth steps (S30, S40) are executed only when the information provision requirements are met.

Information provision may be performed by the information provision unit 122. The information provision operation may be performed using artificial intelligence, etc., as in the above-described embodiment. Unlike the above-described embodiment, in this embodiment, the user's personal preference can be checked during the information provision operation, and then information can be provided by reflecting the checked personal preference. For this purpose, information about the user's personal preference may be stored, and the personal preference information may be stored in the storage unit 123.

Figure 14 is a diagram showing another example of a method of storing user data used to generate golf-related information.

Referring to FIG. 14, user data used to provide information may be allocated a different storage area for each user and stored in the area allocated to each user. For example, if there are different users A and B, the area storing information about user A and the area storing information about user B may be separated from each other, and the area storing information for each user may be The user's personal information data (D10), play data (D20), personal record data (D30), personal preference data (D40), etc. may be stored. The user's personal information data (D10) includes information about the user's personal information, such as the user's name, gender, age, body (height, weight, whether he or she is right-handed or left-handed, etc.). The user's play data (D20) includes play results such as the golf course on which the user played and the score at the golf course. Personal record data D30 may include personal record information calculated from the results of the user's play. For example, average number of strokes, distance, fairway landing rate, green accuracy, average number of puttings, etc. may be calculated and stored from the user's play results. Personal preference data (D40) stores information representing the user's personal preference. Personal tendency refers to the user's personality and may include, for example, whether the user prefers adventurous play or stable play.

Alternatively, personal preference may include the user's personality type according to the user's MBTI. MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) is a personality type test designed by Myers and Briggs based on Jung's psychological typology. MBTI classifies personality into 16 types based on four preference indicators. The above four preference indicators include whether you are an extrovert (E) or introvert (I) in the direction of energy and focus of attention, whether you are a sensing type (S) or intuitive type (N) in collecting information, and a thinking type in decision making ( There are items such as whether you are a feeling type (T) or feeling type (F), and whether you are a judgment type (J) or perceiving type (P) when dealing with the external world. When performing the MBTI test, the user answers various questions, and by analyzing the questions/answers, it is possible to find out what type the user corresponds to for each of the four preference indicators, and as a result, ISTJ, ENFP It can be determined which type the user belongs to among a total of 16 personality types, such as: MBTI has recently become widely popular in Korea, and users can easily check their personality type through internet sites or various apps.

The above personal preference data can be obtained by having the user input the information himself through the input device 140, such as a keyboard/mouse. Alternatively, the information may be obtained by presenting several questions to the information provider, having the user answer them, identifying the user's personal tendencies based on the questions/answers, and then storing the identified information.

As shown in FIG. 14, the play data (D20) and personal record data (D30) are actual game data when playing against others on a specific virtual golf course and practice hitting when the user warms up before the actual game. It includes practice data when used, and the actual data and practice data can be stored separately from each other. Practice data represents the results of the user's practice prior to the game on the day, through which the user's condition on the day can be known, and the user's condition data on the day can be used when providing golf-related play information or advice to the user.

Below, we look at some examples of how the information provided to users may vary depending on the user's personal preferences.

Figures 15 to 17 are diagrams showing various examples of providing golf-related information in consideration of the user's personal preferences.

Referring to FIG. 15, assume a situation in which a user is playing on a predetermined virtual golf course and wants to send a virtual golf ball from the current location to the green area through a shot he or she is currently attempting. Also, in the current situation, there are two ways to send a virtual golf ball to the green area. The first method is to send the virtual golf ball to the green area with one shot along the first path (P1), and the second method is to send the virtual golf ball to the green area with one shot. It is assumed that the virtual golf ball is sent to the green area with two shots along the second path (P2). The first method has the advantage of being able to hit the entire green with one hit, so the number of strokes is less, but there is a risk that the first path (P1) has a bunker, so if the shot distance is insufficient, you may fall into the bunker. The second method has the disadvantage of increasing the number of strokes by hitting the green with two hits, but the second route (P2) has the advantage of avoiding the bunker relatively clearly because it bypasses the bunker. In other words, the first method is characterized by a high risk but a large reward when successful, and the second method is characterized by a small risk but a small reward when successful.

Information provided to the user by the information provider 122 may include advice information about golf play. When providing golf play advice in a situation such as that shown in FIG. 15, a course strategy method according to the first method or a course strategy method according to the second method may be provided depending on the user's personal preference. For example, if the user tends to prefer adventurous play, golf play advice based on the first method may be provided, and if the user tends to prefer stable play, golf play advice may be provided based on the second method.

Information provided to the user by the information provider may include information about various contents, such as missions to be performed by the user. The mission presents a goal that the user can achieve through golf play, etc., and may include daily missions, weekly missions, monthly missions, etc. based on the time given to achieve the mission. When a user achieves a mission, a certain reward may be given. The reward may include providing items with various functions or discounting service fees using a virtual golf device. The mission given to the user may vary depending on who the user is, and the user's personal preference may be reflected in deciding which mission to give to which user.

For example, if the user says that the personality type according to MBTI is 'ISTJ', it is known that the owner of the ISTJ personality is "serious, systematic, and prefers to work systematically according to a standard method." Taking these characteristics of the ISTJ personality type into consideration, when giving a mission to the user, a mission that is structured to develop step by step can be given. For example, as shown in Figure 16, a first goal such as 'tee shot over 140m' is presented as a daily mission, and when the user achieves the first goal, a goal slightly adjusted upward from the first goal such as 'tee shot over 150m' is set. In the same way as suggested, it is possible to provide a mission that gradually increases the level of difficulty and encourages the user to systematically improve their golf skills little by little.

As another example, if the user says that the personality type according to MBTI is 'ENFP', it is known that the owner of ENFP personality "pursues an ideal life, is sensitive and curious, and tends to see the possibility of something rather than practicality." there is. Considering these characteristics of the ENFP personality type, when giving a mission to the user, an impromptu mission can be given rather than a well-planned mission. For example, referring to Figure 17, random missions such as 'get out of the bunker at once' can be provided as daily missions.

Above, several examples of providing golf play information, golf play advice, golf play missions, etc. to users were explained, taking into account the user's personal tendencies, especially the user personality type according to MBTI. The personal tendencies or types of information provided to users described here are just a few examples of the types that represent the various characteristics of users and a few examples of various types of information that can be provided to users, and reflect various user tendencies that are not mentioned here. Other content not mentioned herein may also be provided to the user.

Figure 18 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a virtual golf device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 18, 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. The virtual golf device according to this embodiment may also be equipped with a means for providing various contents or information to the user, and the information provision means may generate appropriate information and provide it to the user through the screen 101c or a kiosk screen. You can. The information provision means may be provided in the simulator device 101b.

Figure 19 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a virtual golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 19, the virtual golf system according to an embodiment of the present invention 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 18, 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 include a central server used by a service provider operating a plurality of screen golf courses to manage the virtual golf device 100 provided at the plurality of screen golf courses. The service device 200 is provided with an information provision 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 can store not only the user's identity verification information but also the user's play records, etc., and for this purpose, the storage unit 220 has a data storage structure as shown in FIG. 3 and/or FIG. 14. You can. 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 the virtual golf system according to this embodiment, the information provision unit 210 provided in the service device 200 provides various contents, information, etc. to the user, similar to the information provision unit in the virtual golf device of the above-described embodiment. can do. Since the information providing unit 210 is provided in the service device 200, there is no need for a separate information providing unit to be provided in each of the plurality of virtual golf devices. Alternatively, the service device 200 may not be provided with the information provision unit 210, and instead, each virtual golf device 100 may be provided with an information provision unit.

Although we have looked at specific embodiments of the present invention as described 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 course;
When a user hits a real golf ball, a calculation unit that calculates the movement of the virtual golf ball corresponding to the real golf ball in the virtual golf course based on the state of the real golf ball hit; and
an information provision department to provide golf-related information to users when the information provision requirements are met;
containing
Virtual golf device. According to paragraph 1,
A virtual golf device in which the information provision requirements may vary depending on the situation in which the user's virtual golf ball is located on the virtual golf course. According to paragraph 1,
A virtual golf device in which the provided golf-related information may vary depending on the situation in which the user's virtual golf ball is located on the virtual golf course. According to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A virtual golf device in which the golf-related information may vary depending on the personal preference of the user who receives the golf-related information. A display unit that displays a virtual golf course;
When a user hits a real golf ball, a calculation unit that calculates the movement of the virtual golf ball corresponding to the real golf ball in the virtual golf course based on the state of the real golf ball hit; and
an information provision department to provide golf-related information to users;
Contains,
The golf-related information provided by the information provision unit includes at least one of golf play information, golf play advice, and user missions, and the information provided may vary depending on the personal preference of the user who receives the golf-related information.
virtual golf device According to clause 5,
A virtual golf device where the user's personal preference includes the user's personality type according to MBTI. service device;
At least one virtual golf device communicatively connected to the service device; and
an information provision department to provide golf-related information to users when the information provision requirements are met;
Contains,
The virtual golf device includes a display unit that displays a virtual golf course, and when a user hits a real golf ball, a virtual golf device corresponding to the real golf ball in the virtual golf course based on the state of the actual golf ball hit. Including a calculation unit that calculates the movement of the golf ball of
Virtual golf system. service device;
At least one virtual golf device communicatively connected to the service device; and
an information provision department to provide golf-related information to users;
Contains,
The virtual golf device includes a display unit that displays a virtual golf course, and when a user hits a real golf ball, a virtual golf device corresponding to the real golf ball in the virtual golf course based on the state of the actual golf ball hit. It includes a calculation unit that calculates the movement of the golf ball,
The information provided by the information provider includes at least one of golf play information, golf play advice, and user missions, and the information provided may vary depending on the personal preference of the user who receives the information.
Virtual golf system. According to claim 7 or 8,
The information provider is a virtual golf system provided in the service device or the virtual golf device.

Images