WO2011002226A2

WO2011002226A2 - Virtual golf simulation apparatus and swing plate for the same

Info

Publication number: WO2011002226A2
Application number: PCT/KR2010/004248
Authority: WO
Inventors: Heung Ryul Zo; Jae Yoon Ok
Original assignee: Golfzon Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2009-06-30
Filing date: 2010-06-30
Publication date: 2011-01-06
Also published as: TWI410264B; WO2011002226A3; KR100923069B1; TW201100145A

Abstract

It is an object of the present invention to provide a virtual golf simulation apparatus and a swing plate for the same, which allow a golfer that has stood on a base zone to simply operate a specific information displayed on a screen without moving out of the base zone during a virtual golf game and thus increase the golfer's convenience, the objects can be accomplished by the provision of a virtual golf simulation apparatus including a simulator for displaying virtual golf simulation image information and operation information for virtual golf round according to the virtual golf simulation, and a swing plate having a predetermined area on which a golfer swings a golf club, and allowing the golfer to operate to the information displayed by the simulator.

Description

VIRTUAL GOLF SIMULATION APPARATUS AND SWING PLATE FOR THE SAME

The present invention relates to a virtual golf simulation apparatus and a swing plate for the same, and more particularly, to a virtual golf simulation apparatus and a swing plate for the same, which facilitate a golfer enjoying a virtual golf game to simply select a particular menu on a display or to select a particular operation, thus increasing the golfer’s convenience.

With recent upsurge in interest in playing golf, a so-called screen golf system has gained popularity, which provides a realistic virtual golf simulation so that a golfer can practice golf and enjoy a virtual golf game.

The screen golf system senses the speed and direction of a golf ball that a golfer hits onto a screen installed indoors for displaying a virtual golf range, and displays the trajectory of the shot on the screen.

The screen golf system implemented using a virtual golf simulation apparatus characteristically offers the same sense of reality that the golfer would feel in a real golf course, when the golfer hits the golf ball in the same manner as in a golf practice range.

It may occur that when the golfer stands on a base zone to hit a golf ball, he or she needs to select a specific operation displayed on a screen. Conventionally, the golfer moves from the base zone to an operator, selects the specific operation, and then returns to the base zone, which is very annoying and inconvenient to the golfer.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a virtual golf simulation apparatus and a swing plate for the same, which allow a golfer that has stood on a base zone to simply operate a specific information displayed on a screen without moving out of the base zone during a virtual golf game and thus increase the golfer’s convenience.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a virtual golf simulation apparatus including a simulator for displaying virtual golf simulation image information and operation information for virtual golf round according to the virtual golf simulation, and a swing plate having a predetermined area on which a golfer swings a golf club, and allowing the golfer to operate to the information displayed n by the simulator.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a swing plate which a virtual golf simulation apparatus uses for displaying virtual golf simulation image information and operation information for virtual golf round according to the virtual golf simulation, including a plate part having a base zone on which a golfer stands and a hitting zone on which the golfer swings a golf club, and a key unit provided at a portion of the plate part, for allowing the golfer to operate to the operation information for the virtual golf round according to the virtual golf simulation.

The virtual golf simulation apparatus and the swing plate for the same according to the present invention allow a golfer that has stood on a base zone to simply select a specific operation displayed on a screen without moving out of the base zone during a virtual golf game. Thus the golfer’s convenience is increased.

The above and other objects, characteristics and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a screen golf system to which a virtual golf simulation apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is applied;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a control structure in the virtual golf simulation apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 illustrate swing plates for the virtual golf simulation apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

The matters defined in the description such as a detailed construction and specific elements, are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

A virtual golf simulation apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described below, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the virtual golf simulation apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a swing plate 100, a sensing device S, an image output device 20 for outputting a predetermined image to a screen 30 in front of it, and a simulator 10 for storing and processing all data required for a golf simulation.

The simulator 10 includes an image processing controller 11, an image processing engine 12, an image DataBase (DB) 13, an operator 40, and a controller M.

When a golfer stands on the swing plate 100 and hits a golf ball onto the screen 30, the sensing device S senses the shot and outputs a sensed signal to the controller M. The controller M provides the received sensed signal to the image processing controller 11. The image processing controller 11 extracts and processes golf simulation image information such as a video of the shot of the golf ball based on movement characteristics of the golf ball from the image DB 13 and projects the processed golf simulation image information to the screen 30. In this manner, a virtual golf game is played.

The swing plate 100 may include a plate part 110, a hitting zone 120, a plate driving unit 101, and a key unit 130. The plate driving unit 101 controls the inclination of the plate part 110 in correspondence with the inclination of a virtual place according to the golf simulation image information.

The key unit 130 is provided on a portion of the plate part 110, preferably on a frontal portion of the plate part 110 in order to facilitate the golfer to manipulate the key unit 130.

The operator 40 of the simulator 10 is provided to enable the golfer to perform complex operations for a virtual golf simulation. For example, the golfer logs in to the screen golf system by the operator 40 at the start of a virtual golf game or sets a virtual golf rounding environment by the operator 40.

The key unit 130 is used for the golfer to manipulate a specific operation on a screen simply while the golfer stays on the swing plate 100, rather than the key unit 130 serves the purpose of complex operations like the operator 40. Thus, once the golfer stands on the swing plate 100, the key unit 130 gets rids of the constraint of the golfer’s movement out of the swing plate 100.

In this context, the key unit 130 preferably has a simple configuration. Thus the key unit 130 preferably includes directional keys 130a to 130d and a function key 130e.

For example, when the golfer stands on the swing plate 100 and intends to select a particular menu item in a menu displayed on the screen during a virtual golf game, the golfer may invoke the menu on the screen by manipulating the function key 130e of the key unit 130, select the menu item by manipulating the directional keys 103a to 130d in the menu displayed on the screen, and then completes the selection by manipulating the function key 130e again. In this manner, an intended operation can be simply selected.

In addition, if the golfer standing on the swing plate 100 intends to adjust a target distance before swinging his golf club during a virtual golf game, the golfer may adjust the target distance simply by manipulating the directional keys 130a to 130d. The golfer may also change his or her aiming simply with the directional keys 130a to 130d.

While the key unit 130 may be recessed into the plate part 110 of the swing plate 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, it may be installed to protrude to some extent from the plate part 110.

The key unit 130 is shown in FIG. 1 to include the left, right, up and down directional keys 130a to 130d and the function key 130e, which should not be construed as limiting the scope and spirit of the present invention. Thus, the key unit 130 may include a key for performing any other particular function.

Any sensor or switch may be used for each key of the key unit 130, as far as the sensor or switch generates a predetermined signal by manipulation of a golfer.

For example, the key may be configured as a pressure sensor using a piezoelectric device. Specifically, when a golfer applies some pressure to the key with his or her foot or golf club, the key generates a predetermined signal.

In another example, it is also possible to realize the key using a proximity sensor or a contact sensor. Specifically, the key may operate when a golfer places an object to be sensed in the vicinity of the key or contacts the key with the object. The object may be the golfer’s foot or golf club.

In a further example, the key may be configured as an optical sensor. Preferably, the optical sensor is a reflective optical sensor.

Specifically, the key is implemented as an optical sensor with a light emitting part and a light receiving part. When a golfer places an object to be sensed near to the key, light emitted from the light emitting part of the optical sensor is reflected from the object and then receiving the reflected light on the light receiving part of the optical sensor. Thus the key operates.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, exemplary embodiments of the swing plate for the virtual golf simulation apparatus according to the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 3 illustrates a swing plate in which pressure sensors are used for the manipulation key unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the key unit 130 of the swing plate 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a key sensing unit 131 for generating a predetermined signal by manipulation of a golfer and outputting the signal to the simulator 10, and a key indication unit 132 corresponding to the key sensing unit 131, having predetermined key indications on the plate part 10, for a golfer’s manipulation.

In FIG. 3, the key sensing unit 131 includes pressure sensors 131a to 131e, by way of example.

The key indication unit 132 covers the key sensing unit 131 including the pressure sensors 31a to 131e. In FIG. 3, the plate part 110 is shown to be partially cut in order to show the key sensing unit 131 under the key indication unit 132.

The key indication unit 132 indicates functions corresponding to keys. The key indication unit 132 may be formed of the same material as or a different material from the plate part 110. Preferably, the key indication unit 132 may be colored differently from the plate part 110 so that a golfer may identify keys easily.

Key indications 132a to 132e correspond to the pressure sensors 131a to 131e of the key sensing unit 131, respectively.

When the key sensing unit 131 includes the pressure sensors 131a to 131e, it is preferred that the key indications 132a to 132e are provided in such a manner that the key indications 132a to 132e may easily transfer pressure applied by a golfer’s object to be sensed (e.g. the golfer’s foot or golf club) to the pressure sensors 131a to 131e.

For example, the keys 132a to 132e may be buttons. If the plate part 110 is formed of artificial turf, the key indications 132a to 132e may be formed of artificial turf in a different color.

FIG. 4 illustrates a swing plate in which the key unit 130 includes proximity/contact sensors according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the key unit 130 of the swing plate 100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes the key sensing unit 131 for generating a predetermined signal by manipulation of a golfer and outputting the signal to the simulator 10, and the key indication unit 132 corresponding to the key sensing unit 131, having predetermined key indications for a golfer’s manipulation.

In FIG. 4, the key sensing unit 131 includes proximity/contact sensors 133a to 133e, by way of example.

The key indication unit 131 covers the key sensing unit 131 including the proximity/contact sensors 133a to 133e. In FIG. 4, the plate part 110 is shown to be partially cut in order to show the key sensing unit 131 under the key indication unit 132.

The key indication unit 132 indicates functions corresponding to keys. The key indication unit 132 may be formed of the same material as or a different material from the plate part 110. Preferably, the key indication unit 132 may be colored differently from the plate part 110 so that a golfer may identify the keys easily.

The key indications 132a to 132e correspond to the proximity/contact sensors 133a to 133e of the key sensing unit 131, respectively.

When a golfer’s object to be sensed is placed near to or contacts a proximity/contact sensor, the proximity/contact sensor operates by generating a predetermined signal due to a change in a magnetic field or an electrical field.

Preferably, the key indications 132a to 132e are provided in such a manner that the key indications 132a to 132e may protect the key sensing unit 131 with the proximity/contact sensors 133a to 133e. If the plate part 110 is formed of artificial turf, the key indications 132a to 132e may also be formed of artificial turf in a different color, thus looking sophisticated.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the hitting zone provided on a portion of the plate part 110 includes a divided hitting zone 150. The divided hitting zone 150 is divided into a fairway zone 151, a rough zone 152, and a bunker zone 153.

The divided hitting zone 150 allows a golfer to selectively swing a golf club on one of the fairway zone 151, the rough zone 152, and the bunker zone 153 according to whether a golf ball is placed on a fairway, a rough, or a bunker during a simulated virtual golf game. Hence, the golfer may feel a more realistic sense about the golf game.

FIG. 5 illustrates a swing plate in which the key unit 130 includes optical sensors according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the key unit 130 of the swing plate 100 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes the key sensing unit 131 for generating a predetermined signal by manipulation of a golfer and outputting the signal to the simulator 10, and the key indication unit 132 corresponding to the key sensing unit 131, having predetermined indications for a golfer’s manipulation.

In FIG. 5, the key sensing unit 131 includes optical sensors 134a to 134e, by way of example.

The key indication unit 132 covers the key sensing unit 131 including the optical sensors 134a to 134e. In FIG. 5, the plate part 110 is shown to be partially cut in order to show the key sensing unit 131 under the key indication unit 132.

The key indication unit 132 may be formed of the same material as or a different material from the plate part 110. Preferably, the key indication unit 132 may be colored differently from the plate part 110 so that a golfer may identify keys easily.

The key indications 132a to 132e correspond to the optical sensors 134a to 134e of the key sensing unit 131, respectively.

It is preferred that each of the optical sensors 134a to 134e is a reflective optical sensor including a light emitting part and a light receiving part.

When a golfer’s object to be sensed contacts an optical sensor, light emitted upward from the light emitting part of the optical sensor is reflected from the golfer’s object and incident on the light receiving part of the optical sensor, thus generating a predetermined signal. In this manner, the optical sensor operates.

Preferably, the key indications 132a to 132e are provided in such a manner that the key indications 132a to 132e may protect the key sensing unit 131 with the optical sensors 134a to 134e. It is also preferred that the key indications 132a to 132e are formed of a transparent material to allow light emitted from the light emitting parts of the optical sensors 134a to 134e to be transmitted through the key indications 132a to 132e.

Various embodiments have been described in the best mode for carrying out the invention.

The golf simulation apparatus and the swing plate for the same according to the present invention can enhance the virtual reality-based golf technology by enabling a golfer to simply select an intended operation information during a virtual golf game, thus increasing the golfer’s convenience. Therefore, the present invention is widely applicable to a golf-related industry or a golf simulation-related industry based on sensing.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

A virtual golf simulation apparatus comprising:

a simulator for displaying virtual golf simulation image information and operation information for virtual golf round according to the virtual golf simulation; and

a swing plate having a predetermined area on which a golfer swings a golf club, and allowing the golfer to operate to the information displayed by the simulator.
The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the swing plate includes:

a plate part having a base zone on which the golfer stands and a hitting zone on which the golfer swings a golf club; and

a key unit provided at a portion of the plate part, for allowing the golfer to operate to the information displayed by the simulator.
The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the swing plate further comprises a plate driving unit for controlling an inclination of the plate part according to a play state of the golfer.
The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the hitting zone is divided into a fairway zone and a rough zone, or a fairway zone, a rough zone, and a bunker zone corresponding to virtual places in which a golf ball is hit.
The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to any of claims 2, 3 and 4, wherein the key unit includes:

a key sensing unit for generating a predetermined signal according to a manipulation of the golfer and outputting the predetermined signal to the simulator; and

a key indication unit formed in correspondence with the key sensing unit and having predetermined indications for manipulation on the plate part.
The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 3 and 4, wherein the key unit includes a plurality of keys that include directional keys for a directional manipulation, and at least one of function keys for performing a predetermined function.
The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the key sensing unit includes a pressure sensor for sensing a predetermined pressure and generating a signal according to the sensed pressure.
The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the key sensing unit includes a proximity or contact sensor for sensing a nearby presence or contact of an object placed by the golfer and generating a signal according to the sensed nearby presence or contact of the object.
The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the key sensing unit includes an optical sensor for operating when light emitted from a light emitting part of the optical sensor is reflected from an object and receiving the reflected light on a light receiving part of the optical sensor.
The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein each of the keys is at least one of a pressure sensor, a proximity or contact sensor, and an optical sensor.
A swing plate which a virtual golf simulation apparatus uses for displaying virtual golf simulation image information and operation information for virtual golf round according to the virtual golf simulation, the swing plate comprising:

a plate part having a base zone on which a golfer stands and a hitting zone on which the golfer swings a golf club; and

a key unit provided at a portion of the plate part, for allowing the golfer to operate to the operation information for the virtual golf round according to the virtual golf simulation.
The swing plate according to claim 11, wherein the key unit includes:

a key sensing unit for generating a predetermined signal according to a manipulation of the golfer and outputting the predetermined signal to a simulator; and

a key indication unit formed in correspondence with the key sensing unit and having predetermined indications for manipulation on the plate part.
The swing plate according to claim 11, wherein the key sensing unit includes one of a pressure sensor for sensing a predetermined pressure and generating a signal according to the sensed pressure, a proximity or contact sensor for sensing a nearby presence or contact of an object placed by the golfer and generating a signal according to the sensed nearby presence or contact of the object, and an optical sensor for operating when light emitted from a light emitting part of the optical sensor is reflected from an object and incident on a light receiving part of the optical sensor.