WO2011065804A2

WO2011065804A2 - Apparatus for virtual golf simulation and method for the same

Info

Publication number: WO2011065804A2
Application number: PCT/KR2010/008528
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jae Yoon Ok
Original assignee: Golfzon Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2009-11-30
Filing date: 2010-11-30
Publication date: 2011-06-03
Also published as: WO2011065804A3; TWI415654B; TW201117862A; CN102100968A; KR100970172B1; CN102100968B

Abstract

Disclosed herein are a virtual golf simulation apparatus and method that are capable of allowing golfers to variously change a view of a green during simulation of a virtual golf course, thereby satisfying various demands of the golfers enjoying virtual golf in a virtual golf simulation environment and inducing interest of the golfers. The virtual golf simulation apparatus includes a setting means for setting the position of a hole cup on a putting green and an image processing unit for generating a hole cup at a predetermined position on the putting green.

Description

APPARATUS FOR VIRTUAL GOLF SIMULATION AND METHOD FOR THE SAME

The present invention relates to a virtual golf simulation apparatus and method, and, more particularly, to a virtual golf simulation apparatus and method wherein a virtual golf course is imaged and simulated, and the trajectory of a golf ball hit by a user, i.e., a golfer, is simulated in the virtual golf course.

Generally, a golf game is a game having a series of processes in which a player hits a golf ball from a tee box to a green such that the golf ball is put into a hole cup on the green. In particular, in the case of a putting which is performed on the green, it is necessary to accurately catch a lie on the green and to put the golf ball in a correction direction using proper force. Therefore, the putting is a very troublesome and difficult potion of the golf game.

Generally, a golfer observes a green while sitting down several steps behind a golf ball or putting eyes almost near the ground so as to catch a lie between the golf ball and a hole cup before the golfer putts the golf ball or when the golfer plays a short game in the vicinity of the green. Also, the golfer observes the green from the left side of the green, from the right side of the green, from behind the hole cup, or from the rear of the green so as to catch a middle lie between the golf ball and the hole cup. In addition, it is necessary to catch a minute line in the vicinity of the hole cup so as to perform an accurate putting.

Meanwhile, with the recent upsurge of the golfing population, a so-called screen golf system has gained popularity, which allows a golfer to practice golf and to enjoy a virtual golf game using a virtual golf simulation apparatus.

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 a shot of the golf ball on the screen.

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

Even in such a virtual golf simulation apparatus, it is very important to catch a lie between a golf ball and a hole cup on a green. In the virtual golf simulation apparatus, a lie is mechanically displayed on a putting green, for example, a curve of the green, a left or right lie, and an upward or downward lie are displayed only based on the eyes of a player watching the hole cup from a position where the golf ball is located. Therefore, a more realistic putting cannot be achieved.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a virtual golf simulation apparatus and method that are capable of allowing golfers to selectively or arbitrarily set a green view during simulation of a virtual golf course, thereby satisfying various demands of the golfers enjoying virtual golf in a virtual golf simulation environment and inducing interest of the golfers.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a virtual golf simulation apparatus for performing golf simulation in a virtual golf course including an image processing unit for processing an image to display a simulation image related to a green of the golf course, a setting means for changing green views of the green in the virtual golf simulation, and a controller for controlling an image of a specific green view changed with respect to the green by the setting means during golf simulation to be displayed through the image processing unit.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a virtual golf simulation apparatus for performing golf simulation in a virtual golf course including a storage unit for storing simulation image information on a green in the golf course and information on a plurality of green view images according to a player view, a manipulation unit for allowing the player to arbitrarily or selectively set a specific green view image from the information on the green view images stored in the storage unit, and an image processing unit for outputting a simulation image related to the green from the information stored in the storage unit and for generating a green view image set according to manipulation through the manipulation unit during golf simulation.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a virtual golf simulation method for performing golf simulation in a virtual golf course including displaying a basic green view image related to a green of the golf course, setting information on a green view changed with respect to the basic green view according to player manipulation, generating the set green view image, and displaying the generated green view image.

In the virtual golf simulation apparatus and method according to the present invention, it is possible to allow golfers to selectively or arbitrarily set the position of a hole cup on a green during simulation of a virtual golf course and to generate a hole cup at the set position. Consequently, the virtual golf simulation apparatus and method according to the present invention have the effects of satisfying various demands of the golfers enjoying virtual golf in a virtual golf simulation environment and inducing interest of the golfers.

The above and other objects, features 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 is a view illustrating a screen golf system to which a virtual golf simulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of the virtual golf simulation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an example of a selection menu including selection of a green view of the virtual golf simulation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4 to 10 are views illustrating various green view images of the virtual golf simulation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 11 and 12 are flow charts illustrating embodiments of a virtual golf simulation method according to the present invention.

Now, exemplary embodiments of a virtual golf simulation apparatus and method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The virtual golf simulation apparatus and method according to the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Typically, the virtual golf simulation apparatus and method according to the present invention may be applied to a so-called screen golf system.

Hereinafter, the virtual golf simulation apparatus and method according to the present invention will be applied to a screen golf system, to which, however, the present invention is not limited. For example, the present invention may be applied to a variety of systems and/or apparatuses that are capable of simulating and imaging a virtual golf course and simulating a virtual golf ball image.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a screen golf system to which a virtual golf simulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of the virtual golf simulation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a virtual golf simulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a swing plate 20, an image output unit P, having a sensing device S, for outputting a predetermined image to a screen C disposed in front of the image output unit, and a simulator for storing and processing all data necessary for virtual golf simulation.

The simulator may include an image processing unit D for displaying a simulation image of a virtual golf course, a storage unit T, and a controller M.

The storage unit T stores all data necessary for virtual golf simulation including data on a virtual golf course. The image processing unit D is provided to process all images related to virtual golf simulation, such as images related to a virtual golf course, images related to movement of a golf ball, and images for menu selection, as data stored in the storage unit T.

The controller M is provided to perform various calculations for virtual golf simulation and to control components of the virtual golf simulation apparatus.

That is, when a golfer hits a golf ball on the swing plate 20 to the screen C, the sensing device S senses the shot of the golf ball, and transmits the sensing result to the controller M. The controller M transmits the sensing result to the image processing unit D. The image processing unit D extracts golf simulation image information, such as a movement image of the golf ball, from the storage unit T in consideration of movement properties of the golf ball. The golf simulation image information is projected on the screen C through the image output unit P such that a golf game through virtual simulation is performed.

The storage unit T stores green imanges and green view images according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the image processing unit D processes and outputs the green view images.

The sensing device S (see FIG. 2) may be embodied by an infrared light transmitting and receiving sensor mounted at the swing plate 20 or a camera sensor mounted at the ceiling or the wall. In addition, the sensing device may be embodied by other different sensors.

Meanwhile, the virtual golf simulation apparatus according to this embodiment includes a setting means for performing a system setting or various settings for a virtual golf game, particularly for setting a green view in a virtual golf course such that the green view can be changed by manipulation of a player. In addition, the virtual golf simulation apparatus according to this embodiment includes a manipulation unit O for allowing the player to perform the setting through the setting means.

FIG. 1 illustrates a keyboard 11 disposed in a protection box 10 having a simulator mounted therein as an example of the manipulation unit O. A touch screen 30 mounted at a side wall W may be provided as an example of the manipulation unit O. Also, although not shown, a mouse device may be provided together with the keyboard.

Meanwhile, although not shown, a remote control (not shown) may be provided as the manipulation unit such that the remote control can directly communicate with the simulator or the touch screen to control virtual golf simulation.

Also, a user may stand on the swing plate 20 to conveniently perform a system setting for the virtual golf simulation apparatus or various setting for a virtual golf game through manipulation keys or switches 22. Changing or setting of a green view according to an embodiment of the present invention may also be easily performed on the swing plate through the manipulation keys or switches 22.

The present invention basically provides a green view image which embodies a putting green in a virtual golf course at various selective or arbitrary angles or at various points of time. The present invention includes all units for allowing a user, i.e., a player, to set green views and generate a putting green image according to the set green view.

Setting of the putting green image based on such various views may be performed uniformly or as default before a round of virtual golf is played. During the round of virtual golf, particularly the position of a hole cup may be separately set in a corresponding hole. Also, when a putting is performed on a green or in the vicinity of the green in the corresponding hole, for example, when an approach is performed in an apron or a green edge, various green view images may be set to be continuously displayed. When a plurality of players play a round of golf, on the other hand, different green view images may be set for each player.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an example of a selection menu from which selection of a green view can be set on a screen.

As shown in FIG. 3, a green view setting tab 110 is displayed on a selection menu 100. In addition, various setting tabs may be provided. In the green view setting tab 110 is displayed a selection display unit 111 through which basic, a rear, a left side, a right side, opposite to a hole cup, or zoom-in may be selected.

FIGS. 4 to 10 are views illustrating various green view images of the virtual golf simulation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a basic green view image displayed when a golf ball is on a putting green. The basic green view image may be displayed even when the golf ball is on the putting green, for example even when the golf ball approaches the vicinity of the putting green. An upward path or a downward path between the golf ball and a hole cup and a left or right lie are displayed on the basic green view image. For example, the left or right lie may be seen through a curve of a grid. Although not shown exactly, the upward path and the downward path are images that provide a player with lie information through a specific color indicating a specific motion object or altitude difference. Based on such information, the player controls the direction and intensity of putting. The basic green view image of FIG. 4 is selected again when the player performs no additional input or after the player watches a putting green view. Or basic green view image of FIG. 4 is displayed again when the player performs putting after the lapse of a predetermined time.

FIG. 5 illustrates an image in which a view angle at which a green is watched is changed to observe a lie between a golf ball and a hole cup. The green view of FIG. 4 shows a green view image in which the lie of the green is observed in a state in which the golfer stands, whereas the green view of FIG. 5 shows a green view image in which a green state is observed in more detail in a state in which the golfer sits down.

A difference between the green view of FIG. 4 and the green view of FIG. 5 may be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 6 illustrates that a golfer P observes a green G in a state in which the golfer P stands facing to a hole cup H from a golf ball, and FIG. 7 illustrates that the golfer P observes the green G in a state in which the golfer P sits down facing to the hole cup H from the golf ball.

A green view of the green G which the golfer P watches in the state shown in FIG. 6 corresponds to the basic green view shown in FIG. 4, and a green view of the green G which the golfer P watches in the state shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to the green view shown in FIG. 5.

That is, the basic green view shown in FIG. 4 is a green view in which a view angle of the golfer is a°, and the green view shown in FIG. 5 is a green view in which a view angle of the golfer is b° (here, b° is less than a°). In the virtual golf simulation apparatus according to this embodiment, a green view image having a view angle changed by user manipulation is displayed. Consequently, when a user enjoying virtual golf simulation putts a golf ball, he/she can catch a lie of a green in a virtual golf course in the same manner as on an actual golf course.

In the virtual golf simulation apparatus according to this embodiment, the view angle of the green view may be changed from a° to b° (or vice versa) by user manipulation. In addition, the view angle of the green view may be gradually changed from a° to b° (or vice versa) by user manipulation.

Meanwhile, FIG. 8 shows an image which is viewed at a position shifted to the right so as to observe a lie of a middle portion between a golf ball and a hole cup. That is, FIG. 8 illustrates a putting green view image showing the lie between the golf ball and the hole cup. Of course, an image which is viewed at a position shifted to the left may also be provided.

FIG. 9 shows an image which is viewed at a position shifted to the rear of a hole cup so as to observe a lie between a golf ball and the hole cup. That is, FIG. 9 illustrates a putting green view image showing the lie between the golf ball and the hole cup.

FIG. 10 illustrates a zoom-in putting green view image enlarged around a hole cup so as to observe a minute lie around the hole cup.

It is possible for the player to more accurately observe the lie so as to putt the golf ball through the various green view images described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 8 to 10, thereby providing the same sense of reality that a the player would feel playing a round of golf in a real golf course.

Hereinafter, a virtual golf simulation method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

First, a virtual golf simulation method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 11.

A player plays a round of golf in a virtual golf course through the virtual golf simulation apparatus (S10). The player may perform various shots, such as a drive shot, an iron shot, and an approach shot. When a golf ball is on a green, the player putts the golf ball.

When the player has a turn to putt the golf ball (S20), a selection menu related to various green views is displayed through the green view setting means (S30). For example, a selection menu related to a basic green view, a rear green view, a left side green view, a right side green view, an opposite-side-to-hole cup green view, and a zoom-in green view may be displayed. Even a green view showing a green which is viewed in the same direction may have different view angles.

When the player selects a specific one from the various green views of the selection menu (S40), the green view image selected by the player is displayed on the screen (S50).

Therefore, the player may catch a lie on the green while watching the green view image displayed on the screen.

When a predetermined time lapses after the selected green view image is displayed (when the player performs no additional manipulation for a predetermined time), the basic green view image is preferably displayed on the screen. The basic green view image may be displayed by additional manipulation of the player even before the predetermined time lapses (S60).

The player putts the golf ball in a state in which the basic green view image is displayed (S80). However, the player does not necessarily putt the golf ball only in a state in which the basic green view image is displayed. The player may putt the golf ball even in a state in which a green view selected from the selection menu by the player is displayed.

Upon completion of putting, putting simulation is performed (S90).

Hereinafter, a virtual golf simulation method according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 12.

A player plays a round of golf in a virtual golf course through the virtual golf simulation apparatus (S100). When a golf ball is on a green as a result of simulation, the player putts the golf ball.

When the player has a turn to putt the golf ball (S200), a basic green view image is displayed (S300).

According to manipulation of the player (S400), the green view setting means sequentially displays determined various green views (S500). For example, various green views, such as a rear green view, a left side green view, a right side green view, an opposite-side-to-hole cup green view, and a zoom-in green view may be sequentially displayed according to manipulation of the player in a state in which the basic green view is displayed. Also, a view angle of each green view may be changed and displayed according to manipulation of the player.

Therefore, the player may catch a lie on the green while watching the various green view images displayed on the screen (S600).

When a predetermined time lapses after a specific green view image is displayed (when the player performs no additional manipulation for a predetermined time), the basic green view image is preferably displayed on the screen. The basic green view image may be displayed by additional manipulation of the player even before the predetermined time lapses.

The player putts the golf ball in a state in which the basic green view image or the specific green view image is displayed (S800). Upon completion of putting, putting simulation is performed (S900).

Various embodiments of a APPARATUS FOR VIRTUAL GOLF SIMULATION AND METHOD FOR THE SAME have been described in the best mode for carrying out the invention.

The virtual golf simulation apparatus and method according to the present invention is applied to a so-called screen golf system such that a user can enjoy golf in a virtual reality environment. Consequently, the present invention has industrial applicability.

Claims

A virtual golf simulation apparatus for performing golf simulation in a virtual golf course, comprising:

an image processing unit for processing an image to display a simulation image related to a green of the golf course;

a setting means for changing green views of the green in the virtual golf simulation; and

a controller for controlling an image of a specific green view changed with respect to the green by the setting means during golf simulation to be displayed through the image processing unit.
The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting means comprises: an imaging means for displaying a selection menu related to the green views; and

a manipulation unit for allowing a player to select a specific green view from the selection menu.
The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

the setting means is configured to preset information on the green views, and

the setting means comprises a manipulation unit for allowing a player to perform a manipulation such that the preset green views are sequentially displayed.
The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

the setting means is configured to preset and displayinformation on the various green views, and

the setting means comprises a manipulation unit for allowing a player to select a green view which is to be used when the player plays a round of golf from the preset green views.
The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the preset green views comprise at least one selected from a group consisting of a basic green view, a rear green view, a left side green view, a right side green view, an opposite-side-to-hole cup green view, and a zoom-in green view.
The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting means comprises a manipulation unit for allowing a player to change a view angle of the green view and select a green view having the changed view angle.
A virtual golf simulation apparatus for performing golf simulation in a virtual golf course, comprising:

a storage unit for storing simulation image information on a green in the golf course and information on a plurality of green view images according to a player view;

a manipulation unit for allowing the player to arbitrarily or selectively set a specific green view image from the information on the green view images stored in the storage unit; and

an image processing unit for outputting a simulation image related to the green from the information stored in the storage unit and for generating a green view image set according to manipulation through the manipulation unit during golf simulation.
The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the green views comprise at least one selected from a group consisting of a basic green view, a rear green view, a left side green view, a right side green view, an opposite-side-to-hole cup green view, and a zoom-in green view.
The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a basic green view image is displayed when a player input for green view setting is not performed for a predetermined time after the set green view image is displayed.
The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the green views have different view angles at which the player watches the green.
A virtual golf simulation method for performing golf simulation in a virtual golf course, comprising:

displaying a basic green view image related to a green of the golf course;

setting information on a green view changed with respect to the basic green view according to player manipulation;

generating the set green view image; and

displaying the generated green view image.
The virtual golf simulation method according to claim 11, wherein the setting step comprises:

displaying a selection menu for various green views which are different from the basic green view; and

setting the green view selected from the selection menu.
The virtual golf simulation method according to claim 11, wherein the setting step comprises selecting and setting a green view having a different view angle at which the player watches the green from the basic green view according to player manipulation.
The virtual golf simulation method according to claim 11, wherein the setting step comprises selecting and setting a green view having a different position at which the player watches the green from the basic green view according to player manipulation.
The virtual golf simulation method according to claim 11, further comprising displaying the basic green view image after a predetermined time lapses after the generated green view image is displayed.
The virtual golf simulation method according to claim 11, further comprising displaying the basic green view image according to player selection after the generated green view image is displayed.