WO2012002751A2 - Virtual golf simulation apparatus and method - Google Patents

Virtual golf simulation apparatus and method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012002751A2
WO2012002751A2 PCT/KR2011/004806 KR2011004806W WO2012002751A2 WO 2012002751 A2 WO2012002751 A2 WO 2012002751A2 KR 2011004806 W KR2011004806 W KR 2011004806W WO 2012002751 A2 WO2012002751 A2 WO 2012002751A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
golf
virtual
distance
information
user
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2011/004806
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2012002751A3 (en
Inventor
Jae Yoon Ok
Tae Wook Choi
Original Assignee
Golfzon Co., Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from KR1020100063215A external-priority patent/KR101019862B1/en
Priority claimed from KR1020100063017A external-priority patent/KR101019803B1/en
Application filed by Golfzon Co., Ltd. filed Critical Golfzon Co., Ltd.
Priority to CN201180041841.1A priority Critical patent/CN103079653B/en
Priority to JP2013518255A priority patent/JP5686449B2/en
Publication of WO2012002751A2 publication Critical patent/WO2012002751A2/en
Publication of WO2012002751A3 publication Critical patent/WO2012002751A3/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B19/00—Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass
    • G09B19/003—Repetitive work cycles; Sequence of movements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0346—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of the device orientation or free movement in a 3D space, e.g. 3D mice, 6-DOF [six degrees of freedom] pointers using gyroscopes, accelerometers or tilt-sensors

Definitions

  • 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 manipulated on directly hit by a user is simulated in the virtual golf course.
  • a golf game is a sport having a series of processes in which a player hits a golf ball from a tee box to a green so that the golf ball is put into a hole cup on the green. It is necessary to accurately confirm the landform of a golf course and for the player to hit the golf ball in a correct direction using proper force. Also, the trajectory of the golf ball may be changed depending upon intensity of wind, kind of a golf club used to hit the golf ball or the like. For this reason, the golf game is a very complicated sport.
  • the screen golf system senses the velocity and direction of a golf ball that a golfer hits onto a screen installed indoors to display a virtual golf range and displays the trajectory of the golf ball on the screen.
  • a virtual golf simulation apparatus It is possible for such a virtual golf simulation apparatus to provide various contents based on various kinds of advanced apparatuses and systems, which cannot be provided by a real golf course or a golf practice range. It is necessary for the virtual golf simulation apparatus to simulate a golfer playing a round of golf in a real golf course, thereby providing the same sense of reality that the golfer would feel playing a round of golf in a real golf course, enabling the golfer to improve his/her golf skill using various functions which cannot be provided by the a real golf course and improving golfer convenience.
  • a virtual golf simulation apparatus including an image processing means to process and display an image of a virtual golf course, a simulation means to perform golf simulation with respect to a golf ball hit by a user in the virtual golf course, and a recommended region display means to analyze golf simulation information on the virtual golf course to calculate and display a recommended region including a point at which golf simulation is advantageously carried out when the golf ball hit by the user is to be placed.
  • the virtual golf simulation apparatus further includes a database to store at least one selected from among information on a landform of the virtual golf course, information on a golf club, information on a golf record of the user, information on weather in the virtual golf course, wherein the recommended region display means is configured to analyze information extracted from the database to calculate and display the recommended region.
  • the database is configured to store information on at least one virtual caddie, wherein the recommended region display means is configured to provide an image and/or voice of a virtual caddie selected by the user to guide the calculated recommended region.
  • the virtual golf simulation apparatus further includes a distance information processing means to calculate a distance from the golf ball to a target point or a specific point in the recommended region in the simulation image and to divide the calculated distance into predetermined unit distances and display the divided distances.
  • a distance information processing means to calculate a distance from the golf ball to a target point or a specific point in the recommended region in the simulation image and to divide the calculated distance into predetermined unit distances and display the divided distances.
  • a virtual golf simulation method including processing and displaying a simulation image of a virtual golf course, analyzing golf simulation information on the virtual golf course, and calculating and displaying a recommended region including a point at which golf simulation is advantageously carried out when a golf ball hit by a user is to be placed.
  • the virtual golf simulation apparatus and method according to the present invention as described above, it is possible to enable a user to easily manage a golf course and thus easily playing a virtual golf game, when the user plays the virtual golf game through virtual golf simulation based on a golf game machine or a screen golf system, thereby improving user convenience.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the construction of a virtual golf simulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a view showing a whole golf simulation image realized by the virtual golf simulation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 are views showing examples of a recommended region displayed in a mini map image shown in FIG. 2 in detail;
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 are flow charts showing a virtual golf simulation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 are views showing examples of distance information displayed in the mini map image shown in FIG. 2 in detail;
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 are flow charts showing a process of displaying distance information in the virtual golf simulation method according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of a case in which distance display in the mini map shown in FIG. 8 is changed depending upon the change of user aiming in detail;
  • FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a process of displaying distance information shown in FIG. 11.
  • FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a virtual golf simulation method according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the virtual golf simulation apparatus may be applied to a virtual reality-based golf system, such as a so-called screen golf system, in which a user directly takes a golf swing to perform virtual golf simulation.
  • a virtual reality-based golf system such as a so-called screen golf system
  • the virtual golf simulation apparatus according to the present invention may be applied to a golf game through game machines for home use or personal computers and a golf game provided by a mobile terminal, such as a smart phone.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the construction of a virtual golf simulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the virtual golf simulation apparatus may include a control unit M, a manipulation means 100, a sensing means 200, a club recognition means 300, a database 500, an image processing device 600 and a voice processing device 700.
  • the manipulation means 100 is provided to manipulate a golf game performed by the virtual golf simulation apparatus or various settings for the golf game.
  • the manipulation means 100 is used to log on when initiating virtual golf simulation or set a virtual golf round environment.
  • the manipulation means 100 may be used to manipulate a virtual golf game.
  • the sensing means 200 senses movement properties of the hit golf ball and movement properties of the golf club during a golf swing.
  • the sensing means may be a sensing device using an image sensor to continuously capture an image of the golf ball or the golf club and to analyze the captured image to extract movement properties of the golf ball or the golf club or a sensing device using an infrared light emitting/ light receiving sensor.
  • the sensing means may include all kinds of sensing devices, such as a laser sensing device and a radar sensing device.
  • the sensing means 200 may be applied to a virtual reality-based system, such as a so-called screen golf system, in which a user directly hits a golf ball to perform virtual golf simulation through the virtual golf simulation apparatus.
  • a virtual reality-based system such as a so-called screen golf system
  • the sensing means 200 is not applied to a case in which a golf game is performed using a game machine or a mobile communication terminal.
  • the club recognition means 300 may be applied to a virtual reality-based golf simulation system in which a user directly hits a golf ball using a golf club to perform golf simulation.
  • the club recognition means 300 is used to obtain information on a golf club, such as kind or specification of a golf club which a user uses to hit a golf ball, and to reflect the obtained information on the golf club in virtual golf simulation.
  • a storage tag such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or a RuBee tag
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • RuBee reader may receive the information from the storage tag.
  • club recognition means 300 to recognize information on the golf club is not necessarily needed.
  • the user may directly select a golf club which the user wishes to use through the manipulation means 100 and information on the selected golf club is reflected, thereby achieving more preferable simulation.
  • the image processing device 600 extracts data on a golf course for golf simulation or interface for various selections for a round of golf from the database 500, image processes the extracted data and outputs the image processed data through the image output device 400.
  • the voice processing device 700 processes various voice data in a golf course and outputs the processed voice data through the voice output device 800.
  • the image processing device 600 and the voice processing device 700 may be provided as separate devices or modules. Alternatively, the image processing device 600 and the voice processing device 700 may be integrated into a single device or module.
  • the database 500 is a storage means to store all data for golf simulation.
  • the database 500 may include a simulation information storage unit 510, a golfer information storage unit 520, a golf record storage unit 530, a landform information storage unit 540, a weather information storage unit 550 and a caddie information storage unit 560.
  • the above storage units may be provided as separate storage devices. Alternatively, the storage units may be partially provided in a physical space of a single storage device.
  • All of the storage units are not necessarily provided. At least one selected from among the golfer information storage unit 520, the golf record storage unit 530, the landform information storage unit 540, the weather information storage unit 550 and the caddie information storage unit 560.
  • the simulation information storage unit 510 stores all data for golf simulation.
  • the simulation information storage unit 510 stores data on an image of a golf course, a background image and voice effects in the golf course.
  • the golfer information storage unit 520 stores personal information on golfers registered in a system through member registration.
  • the golf record storage unit 530 stores data on various golf records, such as an average, an average flight distance, a fairway rate, green in regulation, a putting average, a sand saving rate and a far saving rate, of a golfer playing a round of golf through the virtual golf simulation apparatus.
  • the golf record storage unit 530 may sort and store the records on a per golfer basis of golfers stored in the golfer information storage unit 520. Alternatively, the golf record storage unit 530 may sort and store the records based on specific sorting conditions. For example, skill ranks may be granted to golfers and the golf records may be sorted and stored on a per skill rank basis.
  • the landform information storage unit 540 stores information on a landform of a golf course which is simulated, for example information on the height of the landform or information on a lie of a green.
  • the weather information storage unit 550 stores weather of a golf course, for example information on direction and velocity of wind in the golf course.
  • the caddie information storage unit 560 stores information on voices and/or images of caddies and various information on characters of the caddies, which is necessary for a virtual caddie to guide to a virtual golf game during virtual golf simulation.
  • the caddie information storage unit 560 may store information on a single virtual caddie or information of a plurality of different virtual caddies.
  • the respective virtual carries may be set to have different skill values.
  • the virtual caddie in a case in which golf is guided by a virtual caddie having a high skill value, it is possible for the virtual caddie to provide a more accurate high-level course management method to a user.
  • the virtual caddie in a case in which golf is guided by a virtual caddie having a low skill value, it is possible for the virtual caddie to provide a low-level course management method to a user.
  • Selection of the virtual caddies having different skill values may be limited on a per user rank basis.
  • users using the virtual golf simulation apparatus are sorted based on skill ranks, and a system may be set so that users having high skill ranks may have an authority to select virtual caddies having high skill values.
  • the control unit M controls the database 500, the image processing device 600 and the voice processing device 700.
  • the control unit M includes a simulation means M1, a recommended region display means M2 and a distance information processing means M3.
  • the simulation means M1 simulates a golf ball hit in a virtual golf course.
  • the moving golf ball and/or a golf club used to hit the golf ball is sensed by the sensing means 200, and the simulation means M1 calculate the trajectory of the moving golf ball based on the sensed result so that the golf ball is simulated in a virtual golf course.
  • the club recognition means 300 may obtain information on the golf club of the user or reflect information on the golf club input by the user through the manipulation means 100 in calculating the trajectory of the golf ball so that the golf ball is simulated.
  • the simulation means M1 may calculate the trajectory of the golf ball based on conditions (for example, head speed, kind and impact point of the golf club) when the user hits the golf ball in the golf game so that the golf ball is simulated.
  • the recommended region display means M2 calculates and displays a region of a predetermined size including a point at which golf simulation is advantageously performed, i.e. a recommended region.
  • the recommended region display means M2 extracts and analyzes information on a distance from the golf ball to a target point in the simulation image, information on the landform of the virtual golf course, information on the golf club used by the user, golf record information of the user and weather information of the virtual golf course from the database 500 to calculate and display a recommended region in which the hit golf ball is dropped to an advantageous point.
  • the distance information processing means M3 calculates and displays a distance from the golf ball to a target point or a specific point in the recommended region in the simulation image.
  • the distance from the golf ball to the target point or the specific point in the recommended region is divided into predetermined units so that the user can more easily manage the course.
  • the simulation means M1, the recommended region display means M2 and the distance information processing means M3 may be realized as a single controller configured to perform the functions of the above means or separate controllers configured to respectively perform the functions of the above means.
  • the simulation means M1, the recommended region display means M2 and the distance information processing means M3 may be realized as a single program configured to perform the functions of the above means or separate programs configured to respectively perform the functions of the above means.
  • FIGS. 2 to 4 together with the block diagram of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 2 is a view showing a whole golf simulation image realized by the virtual golf simulation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention and FIGS. 3 and 4 are views showing examples of a recommended region displayed in a mini map image shown in FIG. 2 in detail.
  • an image realized by the virtual golf simulation apparatus preferably includes a main image 10 in which an image of a virtual golf course and an image of golf simulation performed in the virtual golf course and a mini map 20 provided at one side of the main image to display a scaled-down image of the golf course.
  • control unit M extracts data related to realization of the main image 10 and data related to realization of the image of the mini map 20 from the simulation information storage unit 510 of the database 500 and transmits the extracted data to the image processing device 600.
  • the image processing device 600 processes the image information and outputs the processed image information through the image output device 400.
  • the recommended region display means M2 calculates a specific region including a point advantageous as a point to which the golf ball is dropped when the golf ball is hit to the next point, i.e. a recommended region, based on landform information of the golf course extracted from the landform information storage unit 540 of the database 500, information on a golf record of the user extracted from the golf record storage unit 530 of the database 500, weather information on direction and velocity of wind in the golf course extracted from the weather information storage unit 550 of the database 500, and golf club recognition information acquired from the club recognition means 300 or information on the golf club selected by the manipulation means 100 and displays the calculated region in the main image 10 or in the mini map 20 to guide a preferably hitting position to the user.
  • a recommended region based on landform information of the golf course extracted from the landform information storage unit 540 of the database 500, information on a golf record of the user extracted from the golf record storage unit 530 of the database 500, weather information on direction and velocity of wind in the golf course extracted from the weather information storage unit 550 of the database
  • the recommended region display means M2 synthetically analyzes one or more of the extracted information items to visually guide a position at which the golf ball is advantageously dropped when the user hits the golf ball.
  • the recommended region display means M2 may extract information on a specific virtual caddie from the caddie information storage unit 560 of the database 500 so that the recommended region can be guided through an image and/or voice of the extracted virtual caddie.
  • the recommended region may be calculated and displayed according to a very accurate high-level course management method.
  • the recommended region may be calculated and displayed according to a low-level course management method.
  • the control unit may be set so that the first virtual caddie guides a recommended region analyzed using only landform information extracted from the landform information storage unit.
  • the control unit may be set so that the second virtual caddie guides a recommended region having high accuracy analyzed and calculated using various information, such as weather information and golf record information, in addition to the landform information.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 show cases in which a recommended region is displayed on a green in the mini map when a user hits an approach shot (hitting a golf ball toward a green and a pitch iron club or a sand iron club is used so that the golf ball can be placed on the green at once).
  • an image of a golf ball 1 and an image of a green G may be displayed in the mini map 20 when an approach shot is hit.
  • a guide line L from the golf ball 1 to a target point may be displayed.
  • the guide line L may be changed by user manipulation of the manipulation means.
  • a distance D from the golf ball 1 to the target point is displayed together with the guide line L.
  • the target point is a hole cup 2. This is because golf is a sport to put a golf ball into the hole cup.
  • the golf ball must be hit to a position at which the golf ball can be easily put into the hole cup, i.e. a position suitable for putting, and therefore, the landform of the green G must be observed and the goal ball must be hit to a position having a landform suitable for putting.
  • the virtual golf simulation device analyzes various information, such as landform information, stored in the database and displays the recommended region A as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to guide that, when the golf ball is dropped inside the recommended region A, the user can more advantageously putt the golf ball at the next step, thereby improving user convenience.
  • various information such as landform information
  • a region near the hole cup 2 at which the change of a lie is not excessive at a side of the green G having a relatively high altitude (an altitude is high at the right side of the green G in FIG. 3 and an altitude is high at the front side of the green G in FIG. 4) may be displayed as the recommended region A.
  • the recommended region A may be displayed as including a stepwise recommended regions A1 and A2 or A1, A2 and A3 so that the user can hit the approach shot while concentrating on the target point, and therefore, it is possible for the user to selectively aim at one of the stepwise recommended regions.
  • the recommended region A as shown in FIG. 3 and 4 is based on the landform information of the green G.
  • the recommended region A may be corrected based on information on a golf club which the user will be use to hit the approach shot.
  • the recommended region A as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 may be corrected by reflecting an analysis result based on the golf record of the user. For example, it is possible to derive a spin property of the golf ball when synthetically analyzing approach shot records of the user and to correct the position of the recommended region A to a side at which the trajectory of the golf ball is sharply curved based on the derived spin property of the golf ball.
  • a main image and a mini map of a golf course are displayed (S10 and S20) and a golf simulation image is displayed through the main image and the mini map as a virtual golf game is performed (S30).
  • the recommended region display means extracts and analyzes necessary information, such as landform information of the golf course, from the database and displays a recommended region related to a dropping point of the golf ball in the main image or in the mini map (S50).
  • the recommended region display means may extract caddie information from the database so that a guide image and/or voice can be output by a virtual caddie, thereby guiding the recommended region (S60).
  • Steps S30 to S60 are shown in more detail in FIG. 6.
  • a virtual golf game is played (S300) and it is determined whether a golfer has a turn to hit a shot (S51).
  • the shot includes a tee shot, a wood shot, an iron shot and an approach shot.
  • a recommended region may be displayed in the main image or the mini map of the simulation image.
  • the golfer may manipulate the manipulation means to display the recommended region.
  • the recommended region may be automatically displayed according to predetermined conditions.
  • the recommended region display means determines whether the recommended region is requested to be displayed manually or automatically (S52).
  • the recommended region display means extracts and analyzes at least one selected from among landform information, club recognition information, golfer record information and weather information (S53).
  • the recommended region is displayed in the main image or in the mini map based on the information analyzed at Step S53 (S54).
  • aiming i.e. the direction of a guide line
  • a distance from the golf ball to the specific point of the recommended region is displayed (S55).
  • a guide image and/or voice provided by a virtual caddie is output (S60), and it is determined whether the golfer has hit the golf ball (S70). That is, when the golfer hits the golf ball, the sensing means senses the hit golf ball, and therefore, the control unit senses the shot of the golf ball.
  • the sensing means senses the hit golf ball with the result that the trajectory of the golf ball is calculated and virtual golf simulation is performed based on the calculated trajectory of the golf ball (S80).
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 together with the block diagram of FIG. 1.
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 are views showing examples in which a distance from the golf ball 1 to a target point (here, the hole cup 2) in the mini map 20 is displayed through several stages when a user hits an approach shot.
  • the distance from the golf ball 1 to the hole cup 2 is displayed in stages so that a user can more preferably hit an approach shot.
  • a guide line L from the golf ball 1 to the hole cup 2 is displayed, and a first distance D1 and a second distance D2 are displayed on the guide line L so that a user can more strategically hit an approach shot.
  • the first distance D1 is a distance from the golf ball 1 to the contour B of the green and the second distance D2 is a distance from the contour B of the green to the hole cup 2.
  • the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 may be automatically displayed when the user hits the approach shot. Alternatively, the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 may be manually displayed through user manipulation.
  • FIG. 8 shows a case in which a third distance D3 is displayed in addition the distances shown in FIG. 7.
  • the first distance D1 is a distance from the golf ball 1 to a contour B1 of the green G at one side thereof
  • the second distance D2 is a distance from the contour B1 of the green G to the hole cup 2
  • the third distance D3 is a distance from the hole cup 2 to a contour B2 of the green G at the other side thereof.
  • the user determines whether the user forward the golf ball to the front part of the green or to the rear part of the green, i.e. the part of the green behind the hole cup in consideration of a lie on the green. If the user forwards the golf ball to the front part of the green, it is determined how the user swings based on the first distance D1. On the other hand, if the user forwards the golf ball to the rear part of the green, it is determined how the user swings based on the first distance D1, the second distance D2 and the third distance D3. In this way, the user can strategically hit the approach shot.
  • a main image and a mini map image of a virtual golf course are output and displayed (S100 and S110).
  • a user may hit an approach shot (S130). For example, if a golf ball comes into a predetermined distance based on the hole cup in a state in which the golf ball is not placed in the green during the virtual golf game, the control unit may determine that the user should hit an approach shot.
  • the user may confirm whether a distance for the approach shot will be displayed in the mini map (S140). At this time, the user may manipulate the manipulation means so that the distance is displayed in the mini map in stages. Alternatively, the distance may be automatically displayed in the mini map in stages according to predetermined setting.
  • the display of the distance for the approach shot in the mini map is achieved by simultaneously or sequentially performing a step (S150) of calculating a distance (first distance) between the golf ball and a contour of the green at one side thereof and displaying the calculated distance (first distance) in the mini map and a step (S160) of calculating a distance (second distance) between the contour of the green at one side thereof and the hole cup and displaying the calculated distance (second distance) in the mini map.
  • the display of the distance for the approach shot in the mini map may be achieved by further performing a step (S170) of calculating a distance (third distance) between the hole cup and a contour of the green at the other side thereof and displaying the calculated distance (third distance) in the mini map.
  • the user may hit an approach shot in a state in which the distances are displayed and the caddie guides the display of the distances, and the approach shot is simulated (S190).
  • steps (S200 and S210) of outputting a main image and a mini map image of a virtual golf course, a step (S220) of playing a virtual golf game, and a step of determining whether a user has a turn to hit a shot (S230) are carried out. If the user hits the shot (in this case, the user may hit either an approach shot or an iron shot), the control unit calculates and displays a distance from a golf ball to a target point, i.e. a target distance, in the mini map based on landform information of the golf course (S240).
  • a target point i.e. a target distance
  • the user may manipulate the manipulation means to request divided distances of the target distance to be displayed in the mini map (S250).
  • the control unit divides the calculated target distance into at least two distances and displays the divided distances in the mini map (S260).
  • the distance from the golf ball to the hole cup may be calculated as the target distance at Step S240.
  • the target distance may be divided into a first distance from the golf ball to the contour of the green and a second distance from the contour of the green to the hole cup, and the first distance and the second distance may be displayed.
  • a guide image and/or voice of a virtual caddie is output (S270) so that the display of the divided distances can be guided by the virtual caddie.
  • FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of a case in which a guide line is changed and therefore distance display in the mini map shown in FIG. 8 is changed depending upon the change of user aiming
  • FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a process of displaying the distance shown in FIG. 11.
  • a first distance D1, a second distance D2 and a third distance D3 on the guide line L1 may be changed into a first changed distance D1’, a second changed distance D2’ and a third changed distance D3’ on the guide line L2.
  • the guide line L2 based on the changed aiming passes through a contour B1’ of the green at one side thereof, a position 2’ corresponding to the hole cup 2 and a contour B2’ of the green at the other side thereof.
  • the first changed distance D1’ is a distance between the golf ball 1 and the contour B1’ of the green
  • the second changed distance D2’ is a distance between the contour B1’ of the green at one side thereof and the position 2’ corresponding to the hole cup
  • the third changed distance D3’ is a distance between the position 2’ corresponding to the hole cup and the contour B2’ of the green at the other side thereof.
  • the position 2’ corresponding to the hole cup may be defined as a point at which an imaginary line passing through the hole cup 2 intersects the guide line L2.
  • the imaginary line passing through the hole cup 2 may be a horizontal line or a line designated by the user.
  • the imaginary line passing through the hole cup 2 may be a line perpendicular to the guide line L2.
  • FIG. 11 the point at which the imaginary line passing through the hole cup in a state in which the imaginary line is perpendicular to the guide line L2 intersects the guide line L2 is shown as the position 2’ corresponding to the hole cup.
  • control unit determines whether aiming has been changed by user manipulation (S400).
  • a distance between the golf ball and the contour of the green at one side thereof in the changed aiming direction is calculated and displayed (S410)
  • a distance between the contour of the green at one side thereof and the position corresponding to the hole cup in the changed aiming direction is calculated and displayed (S420)
  • a distance between the position corresponding to the hole cup and the contour of the green at the other side thereof in the changed aiming direction is calculated and displayed (S430).
  • Steps S410 to S430 may be simultaneously or sequentially carried out. Alternatively, Steps S410 to S430 may be carried out only based on a request through user manipulation.
  • the perpendicular distance between the hole cup and the guide line in the changed aiming direction may be displayed so that the user can confirm how far a route in which the user will hit a shot from the hole cup (S440).
  • voice and/or image information of a specific virtual caddie is output so that the specific virtual caddie can guide the display of the distances (S450).
  • the user may hit an approach shot in a state in which the distances are displayed and the caddie guides the display of the distances as described above, and the approach shot is simulated (S460).
  • a user Before playing a virtual golf game, a user may select a virtual caddie who guide a golf game of the user (S500). At this time, the user may directly select a specific virtual caddie by manipulating the manipulation means or randomly select one from a plurality of virtual caddies. Alternatively, the system may analyze the skill rank of the user and select a virtual caddie suitable for the user.
  • the virtual caddie is selected from a plurality of virtual caddies stored in the caddie information storage unit 560 (see FIG. 1) of the database.
  • the virtual caddies are set to have different skill values.
  • steps (S510 and S520) of outputting a main image and a mini map of a virtual golf course, a step (S530) of playing a virtual golf game, and a step of determining whether the user has a turn to hit a shot (S540) are carried out. If the user hits the shot (in this case, the user may hit an approach shot, an iron shot or a driver shot), the control unit calculates and displays a distance from a golf ball to a target point, i.e. a target distance, in the mini map based on landform information of the golf course (S550).
  • a weighted value based on the skill value of the selected virtual caddie is applied to the distance calculated at Step S550 to calculate a distance with accuracy corresponding to the skill value of the selected virtual caddie (S560).
  • the distance obtained through application of the weight value as described above is displayed in the mini map (S570) and a voice and/or image is output so that the caddie can guide the distance displayed in the mini map (S580).
  • the first user has selected a first caddie and the second user has selected a second caddie.
  • the first caddie has a skill value of 80 and a second caddie has a skill value of 100.
  • the weighted value to the first caddie is 0.8 and the weighted value to the second caddie is 1.
  • the control unit calculates 83.75 m as the distance from a golf ball of the first user to the hole cup when the first user has a turn to hit an approach shot, the first caddie announces a message “The remaining distance to the hole cup is 67.00 m” to the first user.
  • control unit calculates 76.15 m as the distance from a golf ball of the second user to the hole cup when the second user has a turn to hit an approach shot
  • the second caddie announces a message “The remaining distance to the hole cup is 76.15 m” to the second user.
  • virtual caddies may be set to have different skill values, and users select virtual caddies based on their skill ranks and play virtual golf games according to the guidance of the selected virtual caddies.
  • the distance guided by a caddie in a real golf course is not always correct. That is, a skilled caddie guides a correct distance whereas an unskilled caddie guides a relatively incorrect distance. Consequently, the above conditions are reflected in the virtual golf simulation apparatus so that the user has the same sense of reality that the user would feel playing a round of golf in a real golf course when playing the virtual golf game.
  • the virtual golf simulation apparatus and method according to the present invention as described above, it is possible to enable a user to easily manage a golf course and thus easily playing a virtual golf game, when the user plays the virtual golf game through virtual golf simulation based on a golf game machine or a screen golf system, thereby improving user convenience.
  • the present invention can be widely used in industries related to the virtual golf simulation apparatus and method.

Abstract

Disclosed herein are a virtual golf simulation apparatus and method that enables a user to easily manage a golf course and thus easily playing a virtual golf game, when the user plays the virtual golf game through virtual golf simulation based on a golf game machine or a screen golf system, thereby improving golf skill of the user and inducing interest in the golf game and that is capable of providing contents provided through the virtual golf simulation in a more active golfer-oriented form, thereby improving user convenience.

Description

VIRTUAL GOLF SIMULATION APPARATUS AND METHOD
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 manipulated on directly hit by a user is simulated in the virtual golf course.
Generally, a golf game is a sport having a series of processes in which a player hits a golf ball from a tee box to a green so that the golf ball is put into a hole cup on the green. It is necessary to accurately confirm the landform of a golf course and for the player to hit the golf ball in a correct direction using proper force. Also, the trajectory of the golf ball may be changed depending upon intensity of wind, kind of a golf club used to hit the golf ball or the like. For this reason, the golf game is a very complicated sport.
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 velocity and direction of a golf ball that a golfer hits onto a screen installed indoors to display a virtual golf range and displays the trajectory of the golf ball on the screen.
It is possible for such a virtual golf simulation apparatus to provide various contents based on various kinds of advanced apparatuses and systems, which cannot be provided by a real golf course or a golf practice range. It is necessary for the virtual golf simulation apparatus to simulate a golfer playing a round of golf in a real golf course, thereby providing the same sense of reality that the golfer would feel playing a round of golf in a real golf course, enabling the golfer to improve his/her golf skill using various functions which cannot be provided by the a real golf course and improving golfer convenience.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a virtual golf simulation apparatus and method that enables a user to easily manage a golf course and thus easily playing a virtual golf game, when the user plays the virtual golf game through virtual golf simulation based on a golf game machine or a screen golf system, thereby improving golf skill of the user and inducing interest in the golf game and that is capable of providing contents provided through the virtual golf simulation in a more active golfer-oriented form, thereby improving user convenience.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a virtual golf simulation apparatus and method that is capable of applying conditions in that, when users play a round of golf in a real golf course, the guidance of a distance in the golf course varies depending upon skill of caddies, by which golf record is affected to virtual golf simulation so as to vary the guidance of the distance in the golf course performed by virtual caddies varies depending upon skill values of the respective virtual caddies so that the user can suffer from various actual conditions caused in the real golf course even when the user plays a round of virtual golf through the virtual golf simulation, thereby providing the same sense of reality that the user would feel playing a round of golf in the real golf course.
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 including an image processing means to process and display an image of a virtual golf course, a simulation means to perform golf simulation with respect to a golf ball hit by a user in the virtual golf course, and a recommended region display means to analyze golf simulation information on the virtual golf course to calculate and display a recommended region including a point at which golf simulation is advantageously carried out when the golf ball hit by the user is to be placed.
Preferably, the virtual golf simulation apparatus further includes a database to store at least one selected from among information on a landform of the virtual golf course, information on a golf club, information on a golf record of the user, information on weather in the virtual golf course, wherein the recommended region display means is configured to analyze information extracted from the database to calculate and display the recommended region.
Preferably, the database is configured to store information on at least one virtual caddie, wherein the recommended region display means is configured to provide an image and/or voice of a virtual caddie selected by the user to guide the calculated recommended region.
Preferably, the virtual golf simulation apparatus further includes a distance information processing means to calculate a distance from the golf ball to a target point or a specific point in the recommended region in the simulation image and to divide the calculated distance into predetermined unit distances and display the divided distances.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a virtual golf simulation method including processing and displaying a simulation image of a virtual golf course, analyzing golf simulation information on the virtual golf course, and calculating and displaying a recommended region including a point at which golf simulation is advantageously carried out when a golf ball hit by a user is to be placed.
In the virtual golf simulation apparatus and method according to the present invention as described above, it is possible to enable a user to easily manage a golf course and thus easily playing a virtual golf game, when the user plays the virtual golf game through virtual golf simulation based on a golf game machine or a screen golf system, thereby improving user convenience.
Also, it is possible to apply conditions in that, when users play a round of golf in a real golf course, the guidance of a distance in the golf course varies depending upon skill of caddies, by which a golf record is affected to virtual golf simulation so as to vary the guidance of the distance in the golf course performed by virtual caddies varies depending upon skill values of the respective virtual caddies so that the user can suffer from various actual conditions caused in the real golf course even when the user plays a round of virtual golf through the virtual golf simulation, thereby providing the same sense of reality that the user would feel playing a round of golf in the real golf course.
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 block diagram schematically showing the construction of a virtual golf simulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a view showing a whole golf simulation image realized by the virtual golf simulation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 3 and 4 are views showing examples of a recommended region displayed in a mini map image shown in FIG. 2 in detail;
FIGS. 5 and 6 are flow charts showing a virtual golf simulation method according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 7 and 8 are views showing examples of distance information displayed in the mini map image shown in FIG. 2 in detail;
FIGS. 9 and 10 are flow charts showing a process of displaying distance information in the virtual golf simulation method according to the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of a case in which distance display in the mini map shown in FIG. 8 is changed depending upon the change of user aiming in detail;
FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a process of displaying distance information shown in FIG. 11; and
FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a virtual golf simulation method according to another embodiment of 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 according to the present invention may be applied to a virtual reality-based golf system, such as a so-called screen golf system, in which a user directly takes a golf swing to perform virtual golf simulation. In addition, the virtual golf simulation apparatus according to the present invention may be applied to a golf game through game machines for home use or personal computers and a golf game provided by a mobile terminal, such as a smart phone.
First, the construction of a virtual golf simulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the construction of a virtual golf simulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a control unit M, a manipulation means 100, a sensing means 200, a club recognition means 300, a database 500, an image processing device 600 and a voice processing device 700.
The manipulation means 100 is provided to manipulate a golf game performed by the virtual golf simulation apparatus or various settings for the golf game. For example, the manipulation means 100 is used to log on when initiating virtual golf simulation or set a virtual golf round environment.
If the virtual golf simulation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied to a mobile communication terminal or a game machine, the manipulation means 100 may be used to manipulate a virtual golf game.
When a user directly hits a golf ball using a golf club through the virtual golf simulation apparatus, the sensing means 200 senses movement properties of the hit golf ball and movement properties of the golf club during a golf swing.
The sensing means may be a sensing device using an image sensor to continuously capture an image of the golf ball or the golf club and to analyze the captured image to extract movement properties of the golf ball or the golf club or a sensing device using an infrared light emitting/ light receiving sensor. In addition, the sensing means may include all kinds of sensing devices, such as a laser sensing device and a radar sensing device.
The sensing means 200 may be applied to a virtual reality-based system, such as a so-called screen golf system, in which a user directly hits a golf ball to perform virtual golf simulation through the virtual golf simulation apparatus. However, the sensing means 200 is not applied to a case in which a golf game is performed using a game machine or a mobile communication terminal.
The club recognition means 300 may be applied to a virtual reality-based golf simulation system in which a user directly hits a golf ball using a golf club to perform golf simulation. The club recognition means 300 is used to obtain information on a golf club, such as kind or specification of a golf club which a user uses to hit a golf ball, and to reflect the obtained information on the golf club in virtual golf simulation.
For example, when a user while a storage tag, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or a RuBee tag, containing information on a golf club is attached to the golf club, a RFID reader or a RuBee reader may receive the information from the storage tag.
Consequently, information on a golf club used by a user is recognized by the club recognition means 300 and the recognized information is reflected in golf simulation, thereby performing more accurate and real golf simulation.
However, the club recognition means 300 to recognize information on the golf club is not necessarily needed.
That is, in a case in which virtual golf simulation is performed using a game machine for golf games or a mobile communication terminal or in a virtual reality-based virtual golf simulation apparatus in which a user directly hits a golf ball, the user may directly select a golf club which the user wishes to use through the manipulation means 100 and information on the selected golf club is reflected, thereby achieving more preferable simulation.
Meanwhile, the image processing device 600 extracts data on a golf course for golf simulation or interface for various selections for a round of golf from the database 500, image processes the extracted data and outputs the image processed data through the image output device 400.
The voice processing device 700 processes various voice data in a golf course and outputs the processed voice data through the voice output device 800.
The image processing device 600 and the voice processing device 700 may be provided as separate devices or modules. Alternatively, the image processing device 600 and the voice processing device 700 may be integrated into a single device or module.
The database 500 is a storage means to store all data for golf simulation. The database 500 may include a simulation information storage unit 510, a golfer information storage unit 520, a golf record storage unit 530, a landform information storage unit 540, a weather information storage unit 550 and a caddie information storage unit 560.
The above storage units may be provided as separate storage devices. Alternatively, the storage units may be partially provided in a physical space of a single storage device.
All of the storage units are not necessarily provided. At least one selected from among the golfer information storage unit 520, the golf record storage unit 530, the landform information storage unit 540, the weather information storage unit 550 and the caddie information storage unit 560.
The simulation information storage unit 510 stores all data for golf simulation. For example, the simulation information storage unit 510 stores data on an image of a golf course, a background image and voice effects in the golf course.
The golfer information storage unit 520 stores personal information on golfers registered in a system through member registration.
The golf record storage unit 530 stores data on various golf records, such as an average, an average flight distance, a fairway rate, green in regulation, a putting average, a sand saving rate and a far saving rate, of a golfer playing a round of golf through the virtual golf simulation apparatus.
The golf record storage unit 530 may sort and store the records on a per golfer basis of golfers stored in the golfer information storage unit 520. Alternatively, the golf record storage unit 530 may sort and store the records based on specific sorting conditions. For example, skill ranks may be granted to golfers and the golf records may be sorted and stored on a per skill rank basis.
The landform information storage unit 540 stores information on a landform of a golf course which is simulated, for example information on the height of the landform or information on a lie of a green.
The weather information storage unit 550 stores weather of a golf course, for example information on direction and velocity of wind in the golf course.
The caddie information storage unit 560 stores information on voices and/or images of caddies and various information on characters of the caddies, which is necessary for a virtual caddie to guide to a virtual golf game during virtual golf simulation.
The caddie information storage unit 560 may store information on a single virtual caddie or information of a plurality of different virtual caddies. The respective virtual carries may be set to have different skill values.
That is, in a case in which golf is guided by a virtual caddie having a high skill value, it is possible for the virtual caddie to provide a more accurate high-level course management method to a user. On the other hand, in a case in which golf is guided by a virtual caddie having a low skill value, it is possible for the virtual caddie to provide a low-level course management method to a user.
Selection of the virtual caddies having different skill values may be limited on a per user rank basis.
That is, users using the virtual golf simulation apparatus are sorted based on skill ranks, and a system may be set so that users having high skill ranks may have an authority to select virtual caddies having high skill values.
Also, different charges may be set for the respective virtual caddies, and virtual caddies having high skill values may be used by paying higher charges.
The control unit M controls the database 500, the image processing device 600 and the voice processing device 700. Preferably, the control unit M includes a simulation means M1, a recommended region display means M2 and a distance information processing means M3.
The simulation means M1 simulates a golf ball hit in a virtual golf course. When a user directly hits a golf ball, the moving golf ball and/or a golf club used to hit the golf ball is sensed by the sensing means 200, and the simulation means M1 calculate the trajectory of the moving golf ball based on the sensed result so that the golf ball is simulated in a virtual golf course.
At this time, the club recognition means 300 may obtain information on the golf club of the user or reflect information on the golf club input by the user through the manipulation means 100 in calculating the trajectory of the golf ball so that the golf ball is simulated.
In a case in which a golf game is played using a game machine or a mobile communication terminal, the simulation means M1 may calculate the trajectory of the golf ball based on conditions (for example, head speed, kind and impact point of the golf club) when the user hits the golf ball in the golf game so that the golf ball is simulated.
When a golf ball hit by a user is located in a region recommended to the user through analysis of various information for golf simulation in a virtual golf course, the recommended region display means M2 calculates and displays a region of a predetermined size including a point at which golf simulation is advantageously performed, i.e. a recommended region.
That is, before the user hits the golf ball, the recommended region display means M2 extracts and analyzes information on a distance from the golf ball to a target point in the simulation image, information on the landform of the virtual golf course, information on the golf club used by the user, golf record information of the user and weather information of the virtual golf course from the database 500 to calculate and display a recommended region in which the hit golf ball is dropped to an advantageous point.
Meanwhile, the distance information processing means M3 calculates and displays a distance from the golf ball to a target point or a specific point in the recommended region in the simulation image.
At this time, the distance from the golf ball to the target point or the specific point in the recommended region is divided into predetermined units so that the user can more easily manage the course.
In a hardware aspect, the simulation means M1, the recommended region display means M2 and the distance information processing means M3 may be realized as a single controller configured to perform the functions of the above means or separate controllers configured to respectively perform the functions of the above means. In a software aspect, the simulation means M1, the recommended region display means M2 and the distance information processing means M3 may be realized as a single program configured to perform the functions of the above means or separate programs configured to respectively perform the functions of the above means.
Hereinafter, a golf simulation image realized by the virtual golf simulation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 together with the block diagram of FIG. 1.
FIG. 2 is a view showing a whole golf simulation image realized by the virtual golf simulation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention and FIGS. 3 and 4 are views showing examples of a recommended region displayed in a mini map image shown in FIG. 2 in detail.
As shown in FIG. 2, an image realized by the virtual golf simulation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention preferably includes a main image 10 in which an image of a virtual golf course and an image of golf simulation performed in the virtual golf course and a mini map 20 provided at one side of the main image to display a scaled-down image of the golf course.
That is, the control unit M extracts data related to realization of the main image 10 and data related to realization of the image of the mini map 20 from the simulation information storage unit 510 of the database 500 and transmits the extracted data to the image processing device 600. The image processing device 600 processes the image information and outputs the processed image information through the image output device 400.
At this time, the recommended region display means M2 calculates a specific region including a point advantageous as a point to which the golf ball is dropped when the golf ball is hit to the next point, i.e. a recommended region, based on landform information of the golf course extracted from the landform information storage unit 540 of the database 500, information on a golf record of the user extracted from the golf record storage unit 530 of the database 500, weather information on direction and velocity of wind in the golf course extracted from the weather information storage unit 550 of the database 500, and golf club recognition information acquired from the club recognition means 300 or information on the golf club selected by the manipulation means 100 and displays the calculated region in the main image 10 or in the mini map 20 to guide a preferably hitting position to the user.
That is, the recommended region display means M2 synthetically analyzes one or more of the extracted information items to visually guide a position at which the golf ball is advantageously dropped when the user hits the golf ball.
At this time, the recommended region display means M2 may extract information on a specific virtual caddie from the caddie information storage unit 560 of the database 500 so that the recommended region can be guided through an image and/or voice of the extracted virtual caddie.
If the virtual caddie extracted from the caddie information storage unit 560 has a high skill value, the recommended region may be calculated and displayed according to a very accurate high-level course management method. On the other hand, if the virtual caddie extracted from the caddie information storage unit 560 has a low skill value, the recommended region may be calculated and displayed according to a low-level course management method.
For example, if a first virtual caddie selected by a first user has a skill value of 50 and the first virtual caddie guides a recommended region to the first user, the control unit may be set so that the first virtual caddie guides a recommended region analyzed using only landform information extracted from the landform information storage unit. On the other hand, if a second virtual caddie selected by a second user has a skill value of 100 and the second virtual caddie guides a recommended region to the second user, the control unit may be set so that the second virtual caddie guides a recommended region having high accuracy analyzed and calculated using various information, such as weather information and golf record information, in addition to the landform information.
FIGS. 3 and 4 show cases in which a recommended region is displayed on a green in the mini map when a user hits an approach shot (hitting a golf ball toward a green and a pitch iron club or a sand iron club is used so that the golf ball can be placed on the green at once).
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an image of a golf ball 1 and an image of a green G may be displayed in the mini map 20 when an approach shot is hit.
Also, a guide line L from the golf ball 1 to a target point may be displayed. The guide line L may be changed by user manipulation of the manipulation means.
Preferably, a distance D from the golf ball 1 to the target point is displayed together with the guide line L.
In the mini map 20 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the target point is a hole cup 2. This is because golf is a sport to put a golf ball into the hole cup.
However, it is very difficult to directly put the golf ball 1 into the hole cup 2 through the approach shot. That is, it is very unusual to achieve hole in (putting a golf ball into a hole cup) without putting (hitting the golf ball placed in the green using a putter to put the golf ball into the hole cup).
For this reason, most golfers hit an approach shot so that the golf ball is moved to a point at which the golf ball can be more advantageously put into the hole cup rather than hit an approach shot toward the hole cup. In this case, golf skills may be improved.
This means that the golf ball must be hit to a position at which the golf ball can be easily put into the hole cup, i.e. a position suitable for putting, and therefore, the landform of the green G must be observed and the goal ball must be hit to a position having a landform suitable for putting.
The virtual golf simulation device according to the present invention analyzes various information, such as landform information, stored in the database and displays the recommended region A as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to guide that, when the golf ball is dropped inside the recommended region A, the user can more advantageously putt the golf ball at the next step, thereby improving user convenience.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a region near the hole cup 2 at which the change of a lie is not excessive at a side of the green G having a relatively high altitude (an altitude is high at the right side of the green G in FIG. 3 and an altitude is high at the front side of the green G in FIG. 4) may be displayed as the recommended region A.
At this time, the recommended region A may be displayed as including a stepwise recommended regions A1 and A2 or A1, A2 and A3 so that the user can hit the approach shot while concentrating on the target point, and therefore, it is possible for the user to selectively aim at one of the stepwise recommended regions.
Meanwhile, the recommended region A as shown in FIG. 3 and 4 is based on the landform information of the green G. In addition, the recommended region A may be corrected based on information on a golf club which the user will be use to hit the approach shot.
Generally, when a golf ball is hit using a sand iron having a large loft angle of a golf club head (angle formed by the front of the golf club head), the golf ball is flown high with the result that rolling does not occur on the green G (the golf ball is dropped to the green and rolls on the green). On the other hand, when the golf ball is hit using a golf club having a small loft angle, such as a pitch iron, a number 9 iron or a number 8 iron, the golf ball is flown low with the result that the golf ball rolls on the green when the golf ball is dropped to the green.
When information on the golf club used by the user is obtained, it is possible to estimate a rolling degree of the golf ball when the golf ball is dropped to the green to some extent in consideration of the loft angle of the golf club and to correct the position of the recommended region A based on the estimated rolling degree of the golf ball.
Meanwhile, the recommended region A as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 may be corrected by reflecting an analysis result based on the golf record of the user. For example, it is possible to derive a spin property of the golf ball when synthetically analyzing approach shot records of the user and to correct the position of the recommended region A to a side at which the trajectory of the golf ball is sharply curved based on the derived spin property of the golf ball.
Also, when the velocity of wind is equal to or higher than a predetermined value in consideration of intensity and direction of the wind, it is possible to correct the position of the recommended region A to the side opposite to the direction in which wind blows.
Hereinafter, a virtual golf simulation method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.
As shown in FIG. 5, a main image and a mini map of a golf course are displayed (S10 and S20) and a golf simulation image is displayed through the main image and the mini map as a virtual golf game is performed (S30).
Before a user hits a shot, the recommended region display means extracts and analyzes necessary information, such as landform information of the golf course, from the database and displays a recommended region related to a dropping point of the golf ball in the main image or in the mini map (S50).
At this time, the recommended region display means may extract caddie information from the database so that a guide image and/or voice can be output by a virtual caddie, thereby guiding the recommended region (S60).
Steps S30 to S60 are shown in more detail in FIG. 6.
That is, a virtual golf game is played (S300) and it is determined whether a golfer has a turn to hit a shot (S51). Here, the shot includes a tee shot, a wood shot, an iron shot and an approach shot.
When the golfer is ready to hit a shot, a recommended region may be displayed in the main image or the mini map of the simulation image.
At this time, the golfer may manipulate the manipulation means to display the recommended region. Alternatively, the recommended region may be automatically displayed according to predetermined conditions. Preferably, the recommended region display means determines whether the recommended region is requested to be displayed manually or automatically (S52).
If the recommended region is requested to be displayed according to request of a user or according to the predetermined conditions, the recommended region display means extracts and analyzes at least one selected from among landform information, club recognition information, golfer record information and weather information (S53).
Subsequently, the recommended region is displayed in the main image or in the mini map based on the information analyzed at Step S53 (S54).
Preferably, when the recommended region is displayed, aiming (i.e. the direction of a guide line) is manually or automatically changed to a specific point of the recommended region by user selection and a distance from the golf ball to the specific point of the recommended region is displayed (S55).
Subsequently, a guide image and/or voice provided by a virtual caddie is output (S60), and it is determined whether the golfer has hit the golf ball (S70). That is, when the golfer hits the golf ball, the sensing means senses the hit golf ball, and therefore, the control unit senses the shot of the golf ball.
When the golf ball is hit, the sensing means senses the hit golf ball with the result that the trajectory of the golf ball is calculated and virtual golf simulation is performed based on the calculated trajectory of the golf ball (S80).
Hereinafter, a virtual golf simulation method performed by a virtual golf simulation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 together with the block diagram of FIG. 1.
FIGS. 7 and 8 are views showing examples in which a distance from the golf ball 1 to a target point (here, the hole cup 2) in the mini map 20 is displayed through several stages when a user hits an approach shot.
It is necessary to hit an approach shot in consideration of a remaining distance from a golf ball to a hole cup unlike a driver shot or a general iron shot. Therefore, it is very important to adjust the distance.
As shown in FIG. 7, the distance from the golf ball 1 to the hole cup 2 is displayed in stages so that a user can more preferably hit an approach shot.
That is, as shown in FIG. 7, a guide line L from the golf ball 1 to the hole cup 2 is displayed, and a first distance D1 and a second distance D2 are displayed on the guide line L so that a user can more strategically hit an approach shot.
The first distance D1 is a distance from the golf ball 1 to the contour B of the green and the second distance D2 is a distance from the contour B of the green to the hole cup 2.
The first distance D1 and the second distance D2 may be automatically displayed when the user hits the approach shot. Alternatively, the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 may be manually displayed through user manipulation.
FIG. 8 shows a case in which a third distance D3 is displayed in addition the distances shown in FIG. 7.
On the guide line L, the first distance D1 is a distance from the golf ball 1 to a contour B1 of the green G at one side thereof, the second distance D2 is a distance from the contour B1 of the green G to the hole cup 2, and the third distance D3 is a distance from the hole cup 2 to a contour B2 of the green G at the other side thereof.
When a user hits an approach shot, therefore, the user determines whether the user forward the golf ball to the front part of the green or to the rear part of the green, i.e. the part of the green behind the hole cup in consideration of a lie on the green. If the user forwards the golf ball to the front part of the green, it is determined how the user swings based on the first distance D1. On the other hand, if the user forwards the golf ball to the rear part of the green, it is determined how the user swings based on the first distance D1, the second distance D2 and the third distance D3. In this way, the user can strategically hit the approach shot.
A virtual golf simulation method based on the display of distance in the mini map upon hitting the approach shot as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.
When a golf game using virtual golf simulation is played, as shown in FIG. 9, a main image and a mini map image of a virtual golf course are output and displayed (S100 and S110).
As the virtual golf game is played (S120), a user may hit an approach shot (S130). For example, if a golf ball comes into a predetermined distance based on the hole cup in a state in which the golf ball is not placed in the green during the virtual golf game, the control unit may determine that the user should hit an approach shot.
Before the user hits the approach shot, the user may confirm whether a distance for the approach shot will be displayed in the mini map (S140). At this time, the user may manipulate the manipulation means so that the distance is displayed in the mini map in stages. Alternatively, the distance may be automatically displayed in the mini map in stages according to predetermined setting.
The display of the distance for the approach shot in the mini map is achieved by simultaneously or sequentially performing a step (S150) of calculating a distance (first distance) between the golf ball and a contour of the green at one side thereof and displaying the calculated distance (first distance) in the mini map and a step (S160) of calculating a distance (second distance) between the contour of the green at one side thereof and the hole cup and displaying the calculated distance (second distance) in the mini map.
Also, the display of the distance for the approach shot in the mini map may be achieved by further performing a step (S170) of calculating a distance (third distance) between the hole cup and a contour of the green at the other side thereof and displaying the calculated distance (third distance) in the mini map.
When the distance is displayed in stages as described above, information on a specific virtual caddie is extracted from the caddie information storage unit of the database and voice and/or image information of the specific virtual caddie is output so that the specific virtual caddie can guide the display of the distances (S180).
The user may hit an approach shot in a state in which the distances are displayed and the caddie guides the display of the distances, and the approach shot is simulated (S190).
On the other hand, in a virtual golf simulation method according to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 10, steps (S200 and S210) of outputting a main image and a mini map image of a virtual golf course, a step (S220) of playing a virtual golf game, and a step of determining whether a user has a turn to hit a shot (S230) are carried out. If the user hits the shot (in this case, the user may hit either an approach shot or an iron shot), the control unit calculates and displays a distance from a golf ball to a target point, i.e. a target distance, in the mini map based on landform information of the golf course (S240).
At this time, the user may manipulate the manipulation means to request divided distances of the target distance to be displayed in the mini map (S250).
When the user requests the divided distances to be displayed in the mini map, the control unit divides the calculated target distance into at least two distances and displays the divided distances in the mini map (S260).
For example, if the user hits an approach shot at Step S230, the distance from the golf ball to the hole cup may be calculated as the target distance at Step S240. At step S260, the target distance may be divided into a first distance from the golf ball to the contour of the green and a second distance from the contour of the green to the hole cup, and the first distance and the second distance may be displayed.
When the divided distances are displayed in the mini map as described above, a guide image and/or voice of a virtual caddie is output (S270) so that the display of the divided distances can be guided by the virtual caddie.
Hereinafter, a virtual golf simulation method according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.
FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of a case in which a guide line is changed and therefore distance display in the mini map shown in FIG. 8 is changed depending upon the change of user aiming, and FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a process of displaying the distance shown in FIG. 11.
That is, if aiming is changed from a guide line L1 to a guide line L2 (the user may manipulate the manipulation means so that the guide line can be rotated at a predetermined angle about the golf ball 1 from the guide line L1 to the guide line L2 to change aiming) as shown in FIG. 11, a first distance D1, a second distance D2 and a third distance D3 on the guide line L1 may be changed into a first changed distance D1’, a second changed distance D2’ and a third changed distance D3’ on the guide line L2.
The guide line L2 based on the changed aiming passes through a contour B1’ of the green at one side thereof, a position 2’ corresponding to the hole cup 2 and a contour B2’ of the green at the other side thereof.
At this time, the first changed distance D1’ is a distance between the golf ball 1 and the contour B1’ of the green, the second changed distance D2’ is a distance between the contour B1’ of the green at one side thereof and the position 2’ corresponding to the hole cup, and the third changed distance D3’ is a distance between the position 2’ corresponding to the hole cup and the contour B2’ of the green at the other side thereof.
Here, the position 2’ corresponding to the hole cup may be defined as a point at which an imaginary line passing through the hole cup 2 intersects the guide line L2. The imaginary line passing through the hole cup 2 may be a horizontal line or a line designated by the user. Alternatively, the imaginary line passing through the hole cup 2 may be a line perpendicular to the guide line L2.
In FIG. 11, the point at which the imaginary line passing through the hole cup in a state in which the imaginary line is perpendicular to the guide line L2 intersects the guide line L2 is shown as the position 2’ corresponding to the hole cup.
A process of displaying the changed distances based on the change of aiming as described above will be described with reference to FIG. 12.
In a state in which several distances are displayed in the mini map (S140 to S170), the control unit determines whether aiming has been changed by user manipulation (S400).
If the aiming has been changed, a distance between the golf ball and the contour of the green at one side thereof in the changed aiming direction is calculated and displayed (S410), a distance between the contour of the green at one side thereof and the position corresponding to the hole cup in the changed aiming direction is calculated and displayed (S420), and a distance between the position corresponding to the hole cup and the contour of the green at the other side thereof in the changed aiming direction is calculated and displayed (S430).
Steps S410 to S430 may be simultaneously or sequentially carried out. Alternatively, Steps S410 to S430 may be carried out only based on a request through user manipulation.
Also, the perpendicular distance between the hole cup and the guide line in the changed aiming direction may be displayed so that the user can confirm how far a route in which the user will hit a shot from the hole cup (S440).
When the distances in the changed aiming direction are displayed, voice and/or image information of a specific virtual caddie is output so that the specific virtual caddie can guide the display of the distances (S450).
The user may hit an approach shot in a state in which the distances are displayed and the caddie guides the display of the distances as described above, and the approach shot is simulated (S460).
Hereinafter, a virtual golf simulation method according to a further embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 13.
Before playing a virtual golf game, a user may select a virtual caddie who guide a golf game of the user (S500). At this time, the user may directly select a specific virtual caddie by manipulating the manipulation means or randomly select one from a plurality of virtual caddies. Alternatively, the system may analyze the skill rank of the user and select a virtual caddie suitable for the user.
Here, the virtual caddie is selected from a plurality of virtual caddies stored in the caddie information storage unit 560 (see FIG. 1) of the database. The virtual caddies are set to have different skill values.
After the selection of the virtual caddie is completed, steps (S510 and S520) of outputting a main image and a mini map of a virtual golf course, a step (S530) of playing a virtual golf game, and a step of determining whether the user has a turn to hit a shot (S540) are carried out. If the user hits the shot (in this case, the user may hit an approach shot, an iron shot or a driver shot), the control unit calculates and displays a distance from a golf ball to a target point, i.e. a target distance, in the mini map based on landform information of the golf course (S550).
A weighted value based on the skill value of the selected virtual caddie is applied to the distance calculated at Step S550 to calculate a distance with accuracy corresponding to the skill value of the selected virtual caddie (S560).
The distance obtained through application of the weight value as described above is displayed in the mini map (S570) and a voice and/or image is output so that the caddie can guide the distance displayed in the mini map (S580).
For example, in a case in which a first user and a second user plays a virtual golf game, it is assumed that the first user has selected a first caddie and the second user has selected a second caddie. Also, it is assumed that the first caddie has a skill value of 80 and a second caddie has a skill value of 100. In this case, the weighted value to the first caddie is 0.8 and the weighted value to the second caddie is 1.
If the control unit calculates 83.75 m as the distance from a golf ball of the first user to the hole cup when the first user has a turn to hit an approach shot, the first caddie announces a message “The remaining distance to the hole cup is 67.00 m” to the first user.
If the control unit calculates 76.15 m as the distance from a golf ball of the second user to the hole cup when the second user has a turn to hit an approach shot, the second caddie announces a message “The remaining distance to the hole cup is 76.15 m” to the second user.
That is, virtual caddies may be set to have different skill values, and users select virtual caddies based on their skill ranks and play virtual golf games according to the guidance of the selected virtual caddies.
The distance guided by a caddie in a real golf course is not always correct. That is, a skilled caddie guides a correct distance whereas an unskilled caddie guides a relatively incorrect distance. Consequently, the above conditions are reflected in the virtual golf simulation apparatus so that the user has the same sense of reality that the user would feel playing a round of golf in a real golf course when playing the virtual golf game.
Various embodiments of a virtual golf simulation apparatus and method have been described in the best mode for carrying out the invention.
In the virtual golf simulation apparatus and method according to the present invention as described above, it is possible to enable a user to easily manage a golf course and thus easily playing a virtual golf game, when the user plays the virtual golf game through virtual golf simulation based on a golf game machine or a screen golf system, thereby improving user convenience.
Also, it is possible to apply conditions in that, when users play a round of golf in a real golf course, the guidance of a distance in the golf course varies depending upon skill of caddies, by which a golf record is affected to virtual golf simulation so as to vary the guidance of the distance in the golf course performed by virtual caddies varies depending upon skill values of the respective virtual caddies so that the user can suffer from various actual conditions caused in the real golf course even when the user plays a round of virtual golf through the virtual golf simulation, thereby providing the same sense of reality that the user would feel playing a round of golf in the real golf course.
Consequently, the present invention can be widely used in industries related to the virtual golf simulation apparatus and method.

Claims (19)

  1. A virtual golf simulation apparatus comprising:
    an image processing means to process and display an image of a virtual golf course;
    a simulation means to perform golf simulation with respect to a golf ball hit by a user in the virtual golf course; and
    a recommended region display means to analyze golf simulation information on the virtual golf course to calculate and display a recommended region including a point at which golf simulation is advantageously carried out when the golf ball hit by the user is to be placed.
  2. The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a database to store information on a landform of the virtual golf course, wherein
    the recommended region display means is configured to extract and analyze landform information of a virtual golf course in which a round of golf is currently being played from the database to calculate and display the recommended region.
  3. The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a club recognition means to recognize information on a golf club which the user uses to hit a golf ball, wherein
    the recommended region display means is configured to analyze information on the golf club recognized by the club recognition means to calculate and display the recommended region.
  4. The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recommended region display means is configured to analyze information on a golf club selected and input as one which the user will use to calculate and display the recommended region.
  5. The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a database to store information on a golf record of the user, wherein
    the recommended region display means is configured to extract and analyze information on a golf record of the user who is currently playing a round of golf from the database to calculate and display the recommended region.
  6. The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a database to store information on weather in the virtual golf course, wherein
    the recommended region display means is configured to extract and analyze weather information of a virtual golf course in which a round of golf is currently being played from the database to calculate and display the recommended region.
  7. The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a database to store information on at least one virtual caddie, wherein
    the recommended region display means is configured to provide an image and/or voice of a virtual caddie selected by the user to guide the calculated recommended region.
  8. The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a database to store information on a plurality of virtual caddies having different skill values, wherein
    the recommended region display means is configured to guide the recommended region through a virtual caddie selected by the user among the plurality of virtual caddies or a predetermined virtual caddie, the recommended region being guided with different accuracies depending upon the skill values of the respective virtual caddies.
  9. The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a distance information processing means to calculate and display a distance from the golf ball to a target point or a specific point in the recommended region in the simulation image.
  10. The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
    a database to store information on at least one virtual caddie; and
    a distance information processing means to calculate a distance from the golf ball to a target point or a specific point in the recommended region in the simulation image and provide the calculated distance information through at least one of an image and voice of the virtual caddie stored in the database.
  11. The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a distance information processing means to calculate a distance from the golf ball to a target point or a specific point in the recommended region in the simulation image and to divide the calculated distance into predetermined unit distances and display the divided distances.
  12. A virtual golf simulation method comprising:
    processing and displaying a simulation image of a virtual golf course;
    analyzing golf simulation information on the virtual golf course; and
    calculating and displaying a recommended region including a point at which golf simulation is advantageously carried out when a golf ball hit by a user is to be placed.
  13. The virtual golf simulation method according to claim 12, wherein
    the step of processing and displaying the image comprises displaying a main image to display the image of the virtual golf course and a mini map image provided at one side of the main image to display a scaled-down image of the virtual golf course, and
    the step of calculating and displaying the recommended region comprises displaying the recommended region in at least one of the main image and the mini map image.
  14. The virtual golf simulation method according to claim 12, wherein the step of analyzing the golf simulation information comprises analyzing at least one selected from among information on a distance from the golf ball to a target point in the simulation image, landform information of the virtual golf course, information on a golf club used by the user, information on a golf record of the user and weather information in virtual golf course.
  15. The virtual golf simulation method according to claim 12, further comprising:
    calculating a distance from the golf ball to a target point or a specific point in the recommended region in the simulation image;
    dividing the calculated distance into predetermined unit distances to obtain the divided distances; and
    displaying the divided distances.
  16. The virtual golf simulation method according to claim 12, wherein
    the step of processing and displaying the image comprises displaying a main image to display images of a green and peripheral regions in the virtual golf course and a mini map image provided at one side of the main image to display scaled-down images of the green and peripheral regions, and
    the virtual golf simulation method further comprises:
    calculating a first distance from the golf ball to a contour of the green at one side thereof and displaying the first distance in the mini map; and
    calculating a second distance from the contour of the green at one side thereof to a hole cup in the green and displaying the second distance in the mini map.
  17. The virtual golf simulation method according to claim 16, further comprising calculating a third distance from the hole cup to a contour of the green at the other side thereof to in addition to the first distance and the second distance and displaying the third distance in the mini map.
  18. The virtual golf simulation method according to claim 16, further comprising:
    determining whether aiming of the golf ball has been changed;
    calculating and displaying a first changed distance from the golf ball to a contour of the green in a changed aiming direction upon determining that the aiming has been changed; and
    calculating and displaying a second changed distance from the contour of the green to a position corresponding to the hole cup.
  19. The virtual golf simulation method according to claim 12, further comprising determining whether aiming of the golf ball has been changed, wherein
    the step of calculating and displaying the recommended region comprises calculating and displaying the recommended region in a changed aiming direction upon determining that the aiming has been changed.
PCT/KR2011/004806 2010-06-30 2011-06-30 Virtual golf simulation apparatus and method WO2012002751A2 (en)

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CN103079653A (en) 2013-05-01

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