JP7659914B2 - Golf support device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a golf support device and program.

For example, there are golf support devices that use a GPS receiver to visually display the distance from the current position to the green, bunkers, etc., and the course layout at a golf course, and allow the position where the ball is hit during a golf game to be accurately and easily recorded (Patent Document 1, etc.).

JP 2013-39423 A

The function of displaying the course layout on the display screen of this type of golf support device is, for example, to draw the course layout of the entire hole being played, or to draw an enlarged version of a specified area. The position information identifying each point on the course to identify the course layout uses longitude and latitude information. Therefore, for example, the remaining distance from the current position where the ball is about to be hit to the green, bunker, etc. is the horizontal distance on a two-dimensional plane.

However, there is an issue with actual golf courses, where there are elevation differences, and the horizontal distance on a flat surface does not accurately indicate the distance you should hit the ball. For example, as shown in Figure 1, if there is no elevation difference between the point where the ball is hit and the target landing point, such as the green, and there is a remaining distance of X yards, if the green is located at a higher position, then hitting the ball with the intention of hitting the ball a horizontal distance of X yards will not be enough, and it is necessary to hit the ball assuming a distance of X yards + α. On the other hand, if the green is located at a lower position, hitting the ball with the intention of hitting the ball a horizontal distance of X yards will result in an overdistance, and it is necessary to hit the ball assuming a distance of X yards - α'.

As such, conventional golf support devices calculated and output remaining distance and other information without taking into account the elevation difference of the actual golf course, and the information provided was therefore inaccurate and insufficient.

In order to solve the above problems, the golf support device according to the present invention has a function of (1) storing position information for calculating the horizontal distance between two points on a golf course, acquiring information on the difference in elevation between the point where the ball is hit and a set position, and outputting advice information based on the difference in elevation when hitting the ball to a display unit from the acquired information on the difference in elevation and the stored position information. The set position may be, for example, a target location where the ball is to be hit, such as a green or an arbitrary point on the course, or a target location where the ball should not be hit, such as a hazard or an OB line. The advice information may be, for example, information that is useful when hitting the ball. For example, the useful information may be information necessary to hit the ball so that it will be carried to a target location where the ball is to be hit, such as a green or a predetermined position on the course. For example, the remaining distance has conventionally only been displayed as the horizontal distance between two points without considering the difference in elevation, but it is preferable to display information that takes the difference in elevation into consideration, which allows, for example, the user to appropriately select the club number and adjust the strength and width of the swing.

(2) The device is provided with a camera and a sensor for detecting the inclination of the case to which the camera is attached, and the function for acquiring information on the elevation difference may be such that the elevation difference information is obtained by using the inclination obtained from the output of the sensor when the camera is directed to the set position on the golf course and the horizontal distance between the two points. The determination of when the camera is directed may be based on, for example, an instruction from a user, or may be determined automatically on the device side. For example, the determination may be based on an instruction from a user, for example, touching the display screen or pressing a specified operation button. For example, an image captured by the camera may be displayed on the display unit, and the user may confirm the displayed content and give an instruction, so that it is easy to recognize when the camera is directed. For example, the device may perform image recognition processing or make a determination based on the state of the device. For example, the image recognition processing may be performed by extracting characteristic elements of set positions such as pins and bunkers present in an image captured by the camera through image recognition, and automatically recognizing the characteristic elements based on their positions. In particular, pins installed at pinpoints, such as pins on greens, are easy to pinpoint and are more distinctive than landscapes and greens, so they are easy to extract by image recognition. For example, if the device/camera faces the same direction for a certain period of time, it may be determined that the camera is facing the set position. The determination based on the time may be determined by a simple device/process, such as a timer or other timing means. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to obtaining information on the difference in elevation when a certain condition is satisfied, and may obtain information on the difference in elevation at appropriate time intervals, as described in the embodiment. In this case, the information on the difference in elevation is obtained even when the camera is not facing the set position. In this way, the present invention does not exclude obtaining information on the difference in elevation when the camera is not facing the set position. Then, for example, by outputting the obtained result to a display unit or the like together with the captured image, the user can recognize that the camera is facing the set position, and the information on the difference in elevation output when the user recognizes it is the information he/she is looking for.

If the height difference is calculated based on the inclination and horizontal distance, for example, there is no need to have altitude information for each point, so there is no need to prepare and register the altitude information in advance, and conventional position information for measuring horizontal distance such as longitude and latitude is sufficient. In addition, since altitude information is not required, memory capacity can be reduced. The camera may be specialized for measuring the inclination, but it may also be used for other functions such as a shooting function, and in particular it may be configured to be used for a function of shooting the user's swing and checking the swing. The camera may be, for example, an imaging means, and the sensor may be, for example, an acquisition means. The camera may be, for example, something like a three-dimensional millimeter wave radar, and the sensor may be something that takes an image of the case from the outside, detects the inclination, and acquires the inclination from the outside through communication. However, it is preferable to use a camera and a sensor, since it is easy to unify and miniaturize the device. Although it is said that the "inclination of the case with the camera attached" is "inclination of the case with the camera attached," it may also be, for example, the inclination of the imaging means or the inclination of the camera. The reference direction of the inclination may be, for example, the horizontal direction or the vertical direction. The vertical direction may be, for example, the direction of gravitational acceleration. "When the camera is pointed" may be, for example, when a signal indicating that the camera is pointed is input from an input means. For example, an input means for inputting that the user has pointed may be provided. "When the camera is pointed" may be, for example, recognized and determined by image recognition or the like that a reference target is captured at a predetermined reference position. For example, the reference position may be a predetermined position on a screen displaying an image captured by the camera, and in particular, a marker or the like indicating the reference position may be displayed on the captured image. The reference target may be an object located at a position on the golf course that the player aims at or in the vicinity of the target position and that is easily identifiable. For example, the reference target may be a position at the boundary between the target position and a position that is not the target position. For example, when aiming at the green, the edge of the green may be used. For example, when aiming at the cup, the flag may be located at the cup position or in the vicinity of the cup position and that is easily identifiable. In particular, the target may be a target position for which position information of the target is stored in advance. For example, the target position may be a target position for displaying a golf course layout. For example, the target position may be a pond or bunker position. In this case, the position is stored as information on a line or surface, so a means for inputting which part of the line or surface corresponds to the target position may be provided. For example, the target position may be a target position for displaying the shape of the hole by storing the shape information in association with the shape information, and a specified position (e.g., a touched position) in the shape of the hole may be set as the target position. Alternatively, a representative position of a line or surface may be stored or calculated for use. More preferably, the target position may be a position stored or calculated as information on a point that uniquely identifies the position. For example, the target position may be a position that can be stored or calculated in order to obtain a distance from the current position and display it as a numerical value, such as the edge position or center position at the back or front of a green or hazard, or the cup position.

(3) The set position is the pin position on the green, and the tilt is preferably calculated when the camera is pointed at the pin on the green. Since the pin position is a pinpoint, it is easy to point the camera at the appropriate position without any spread, and the information that takes into account the difference in elevation is also appropriate, which is preferable.

(4) It is preferable to display an alignment guide on the display unit, capture an image with the camera, and obtain information on the elevation difference from the inclination when the apex of the pin displayed on the display unit coincides with the alignment guide. The apex of the pin can be easily aligned with the alignment guide, making operation easy. Also, for example, the length of a normal pin is about 7 feet, and the user holds the golf support device in his or her hand and operates it while looking at the display unit, so the camera is positioned higher than the ground on which the ball is hit. If the user's height is, for example, about 160 to 180 cm, the camera is positioned close to that height. Then, the height position of the apex of the pin relative to the green surface and the height position from the ground on which the ball is hit to the camera become close, which is preferable because the inclination and therefore the elevation difference can be obtained appropriately without correction.

(5) It is preferable to obtain the information on the inclination and the elevation difference based on the output of the sensor when a touch is detected on an instruction area set on the display unit. For example, in a golf support device, even if it is difficult to fix the camera orientation, it is possible to properly obtain the inclination and therefore the elevation difference by touching when the camera is properly pointed at a target location, etc. The instruction area may be within a specific area displayed on the display unit, such as a button on a camera shutter button, but it is preferable to use the entire display unit as the instruction area. For example, it is preferable to display an alignment guide, and align an image of a reference target with the position of the alignment guide and touch it.

In addition, in configurations where a guide is not displayed, or even in configurations where a guide is displayed, it is advisable to configure the touched position to be the position of a target and calculate the tilt.

(6) It is preferable that the display unit has a function of displaying the image captured by the camera in real time, a function of obtaining information on the elevation difference at regular intervals, and a function of outputting the obtained information on the elevation difference to the display unit. In this way, for example, when the golf support device changes the direction of the camera and gradually operates the camera so that it faces a set position on the golf course, the displayed information on the elevation difference is also updated successively. Then, the advice information based on the elevation difference displayed when the camera is correctly facing the set position on the golf course becomes the correct one. Therefore, when the user changes the direction of the camera while looking at the display unit, the user can know the necessary information by checking the advice information displayed when the camera is correctly facing, without giving any special instruction such as touching the display unit. For example, delays and dropped frames may be allowed for real time, but it is particularly preferable to display the information with a delay time and time interval that can be recognized as having no delay or dropped frames.

(7) It is preferable to have a function for calculating the distance from the current position to the pin based on the length of the pin captured by the camera and displayed on the display. Since the length of the pin is known, the farther the distance from the current position, the smaller the pin is displayed on the display. Therefore, it is preferable to be able to know the remaining distance to the pin based on the length of the pin displayed on the display. In this way, since the pin position on an actual golf course changes daily, the pin position on the green is usually set to a specific position such as the center of the green. Then, the inclination obtained by capturing an image of the pin with the camera is relative to the actual pin position, while the horizontal distance is a specific position such as the center of the green, so they do not match. Due to the difference in distance caused by such a mismatch, the calculated elevation difference includes an error. Therefore, it is preferable to calculate the remaining distance based on the length of the pin, since the accurate distance to the pin can be known.

When the remaining distance (horizontal distance) is long, the error is absorbed, but the influence of the error becomes apparent especially as you get closer to the green. Therefore, it is best to calculate the remaining distance based on the pin length displayed on the display in a range close to the green. It is best to set the range in which the influence of such error becomes apparent and cannot be ignored. On the other hand, if it is too close, the user can check the pin position visually, etc., and the advantage of using this function decreases. In particular, if the scale is arranged as in (8) below, the display area of the scale will also become wider if the measurable area is widened, so it is best to set it within a certain range with upper and lower limits.

(8) It is preferable to display a distance measurement scale on the display unit having a pair of marks spaced apart according to the remaining distance to the pin, and to have both ends of the pin displayed on the display unit match up with the pair of marks, so that the user can recognize the remaining distance to the pin that corresponds to the distance between the marks. This is good because the user can easily know the remaining distance to the pin.

(9) It is preferable to display the layout of the course being played on the display unit, set the touched point on the displayed layout of the course as the set position, and obtain the elevation difference information. This is preferable because it allows the user to easily specify any point that they wish to know about.

(10) After the touch, if a flick in the set direction is detected, a function for acquiring information on the elevation difference and a function for outputting advice information based on the elevation difference when hitting the ball should be activated. This is preferable because it allows the position to be specified and the activation command to be issued in a single sequence of actions. The set direction should be a direction that is not being used for other instructions.

(11) The advice information may be at least one of the elevation difference information, the target horizontal distance when hitting the ball, the adjustment distance for the horizontal distance to the set position, and the number of the club to be used. This information is useful for selecting the club to be used and adjusting the strength and width of the swing.

(12) It is preferable to have a function for outputting the advice information on the same display screen as the horizontal distance to the set position. In this way, the relationship with the horizontal distance can be understood, and the club selection can be easily and appropriately performed, for example, by selecting a club one club larger/smaller than the one for the horizontal distance.

(13) It is preferable to have a function that stores the flight distance for each club number and notifies the user of the club number to be used based on the stored flight distance. This is advantageous because the user can know the recommended club number and can easily select a club. In particular, beginners and novice players may not be able to easily guess how many clubs they should change to based on the horizontal distance even if they are notified of the elevation difference, so it is easier to understand if the recommended club number is specifically notified.

(14) The flying distance for each club number is a relationship between the measured flying distance of the user and the number of the club used, and the number of the club used can be registered by reading it using short-range wireless communication from a tag attached to the club that registers the number information compatible with short-range wireless communication. In this way, the number of the club used can be registered with a simple task and does not interfere with playing golf, etc. The number information can be the number itself. It can also be identification information that can identify the number.

(15) If the golf number is registered by a means other than short-range wireless communication, it is preferable to have a function for notifying the presence of the tag. The notification of the presence of the tag may be, for example, a notification that the number can be easily registered using the tag.

(16) It is preferable to have a function for storing the flight distance for each club number, displaying the course layout during play on the display unit, and displaying information based on the estimated flight distance for each club number based on the current position superimposed on the course layout. In this way, the user can know which club to use when considering how to conquer the course and deciding the landing point. In addition, if the user has a favorite club number, it is preferable to know in which direction to hit the ball with that favorite club. In addition, it is possible to predict in advance where the ball will land if it flies in a direction different from the intended direction. Therefore, it is possible to select a club that will not cause any problems even if the ball flies in such a different direction, and it is possible to appropriately plan the course strategy.

(17) The information based on the estimated flight distance should indicate the predicted destination of the ball, determined by taking into account the elevation difference from the current position. This will provide useful information for deciding the club selection and the direction of the shot, as it will show the flight distance more accurately based on the actual course layout.

(18) The flight distance for each club number may have at least an upper limit and a lower limit, and the information based on the estimated flight distance may indicate a predicted area where the ball will reach when the selected club number is used, which is set based on the upper limit and the lower limit. The flight distance of each club varies. Therefore, even if the ball flies too far or not far enough, for example, a club that does not enter a hazard can be selected, which allows for an appropriate course strategy.
(19) A program of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the golf support device according to any one of (1) to (18).

According to the present invention, information based on the elevation difference is provided, allowing the user to learn useful information that is relevant to the actual course. This allows for more appropriate club selection, swing strength and swing width adjustments, and course strategy.

1 is a diagram for explaining the difference in flight distance based on the difference in elevation between the point where the ball is hit and the point where it will land. 1A is a front view showing the appearance of a preferred embodiment of a golf assist device according to the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view seen from the rear side. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. These drawings are used to explain technical features that the present invention can employ. The configurations of the devices described are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to be limiting.
"Basic configuration of golf support device"

Figure 2 shows the external configuration of the golf support device 1, and Figure 3 is a block diagram showing its internal configuration. The golf support device 1 is equipped with a display unit 3 on the front of a flat, approximately rectangular case 2. This display unit 3 constitutes a semi-transmissive liquid crystal touch panel 22. A power button 4 and a location registration button 5 are arranged on both sides of the case 2. The power button 4 is used as a switch button for turning the power on and off and locking and unlocking touch panel operation. Specifically, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the power button 4 has been pressed and held (e.g., for 3 seconds or more) while the power is off, the power is turned on and the control unit 11 displays a predetermined main menu screen on the display unit 3. Also, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the power button 4 has been pressed and held while the power is on, the control unit 11 draws a predetermined end screen on the display unit 3 and then turns off the power.

In addition, when the power button 4 is pressed briefly while the power is ON, the control unit 11 detects this and alternates between locking and unlocking the touch panel 22. If it is currently in a locked state, it is unlocked and operation via the touch panel 22 is enabled, and if it is currently in an unlocked state, it is switched to a locked state and operation via the touch panel 22 is disabled. The current state is indicated by an icon drawn at a specified position on the display unit 3. The location registration button 5 is a button used for registering locations, etc.

The GPS receiver 6, which receives radio waves from GPS satellites, is mounted inside the front of the case 2. An openable terminal cover 7 is attached to the side of the case 2. When the terminal cover 7 is opened, a card insertion slot 8 for inserting a microSD card and a mini USB terminal 9 are exposed. The device can be charged by connecting an AC adapter to this mini USB terminal 9, and data can be sent and received by connecting a USB cable to a computer.

Inside the case 2, there are a GPS receiver 6 that receives GPS signals and determines the current position (longitude and latitude), a golf course data storage 12 that pre-stores golf information such as the layout of the golf course, a control unit 11 that accesses the golf course data storage 12 based on the current position information from the GPS receiver 6, acquires information about the golf course, and controls output to an output device, a display unit 3 and a speaker 15 that constitute the output device, a battery 17 that serves as a power source when carried, a memory unit 18 that stores the execution results of the control unit 11, a geomagnetic sensor 19, an acceleration sensor 20, etc. A camera 21 is provided on the rear side of the case 2.

The control unit 11 is equipped with a microcomputer that includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, flash memory, various peripheral circuits, interfaces, etc. When the power is turned on, the control unit 11 receives power from the battery 17 and starts operating. The control unit 11 uses a boot loader recorded in the ROM to expand the OS and application programs recorded in the flash memory onto the RAM, and executes the OS and application programs on the RAM, thereby performing the various processes described below and realizing various functions.

The golf course data storage unit 12 is composed of a recording medium such as a removable external recording medium (such as a microSD memory card). The golf information stored in the golf course data storage unit 12 includes data on actual golf courses. The data on golf courses includes, for example, the course layout of each hole, objects on the course such as golf course greens, bunkers, ponds, streams, and other hazards, and position information of any point on the course. The position information is information that specifies a horizontal position, such as longitude and latitude information.
The storage unit 18 records the calculation results and uses an internal memory.

The battery 17 is a secondary battery that can be charged like a rechargeable battery, and can be charged from the mini USB terminal 9. The control unit 11 determines the direction and angle in which the device is facing based on the output of the geomagnetic sensor 19. The angle is, for example, an angle in a horizontal plane from a reference direction (e.g., "north") that is set to 0°.

The acceleration sensor 20 is, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor. The control unit 11 obtains information about the inclination of the device from the output of the acceleration sensor 20. The inclination is based on standing in a vertical plane, and is the angle of inclination from that.

The direction of the field of view of the camera 21 is set to face the horizontal direction when the golf support device 1 is raised up in a vertical plane. If the front and back of the case 2 are parallel, the field of view of the camera 21 faces a direction perpendicular to the back of the case 2. In addition, since the display unit 3 is usually arranged parallel to the front of the case 2, the direction of the field of view of the camera 21 and the plane of the display unit 3 are perpendicular to each other. Images and videos captured by the camera 21 are output to the display unit 3. The control unit 11 displays a record start button and a record end button on the display unit 3, superimposed on the video captured by the camera 21. When the control unit 11 detects that the record start button has been touched, it records the video captured by the camera 21 in the memory unit 18. The control unit 11 automatically ends the recording after a set time has elapsed since the start of video recording. In addition, when the control unit 11 detects that the record end button has been touched before the set time has elapsed, it ends the recording. This recording function is used, for example, to store video data of the swing when hitting a ball, captured by camera 21, in storage unit 18. The user can then read out the recorded video data from storage unit 18 during or after play, and play and output it on display unit 3, allowing the user to check their form.

[Basic display functions]
The control unit 11 accesses the golf course data storage unit 12 based on the position information (longitude and latitude) from the GPS receiving unit 6, and reads out information on the golf course currently being played. Then, the control unit 11 reads out the corresponding hole from the current position information and draws it on the display unit 3. An example of the display screen drawn on the display unit 3 is as shown in FIG. 4 and the like. As shown in the figure, the layout of the hole currently being played is drawn on the entire display screen with the green at the top. Then, the control unit 11 draws the user's icon I superimposed on a position corresponding to the user's location (the current position acquired from the GPS receiving unit 6) in the drawn hole. This allows the user to know the direction toward the green as well as the position, size, and shape of ponds, bunkers, etc. that exist around the green. In addition, the control unit 11 draws a concentric line L superimposed on the layout of the hole with the user's icon I at the center. This allows the user to understand the approximate distance to the pond or bunker. By displaying the course layout in this way, the user can consider how to attack each hole even if it is his/her first course.

A remaining distance display area R1 is set in the bottom right of the screen. The golf course data storage unit 12 stores information about the green, such as the positions of the green edges and the center of the green. The control unit 11 then calculates the distance between the current position and each position on the green, and displays the remaining distance to the green in the remaining distance display area R1. In the example shown, the remaining distance display area R1 is set to simultaneously display four pieces of information. From the top, the remaining distance display area R1 has a green position display and distance unit display area, a green back edge distance display area, a green center (pin position) distance display area, and a green front distance display area.

The green position display and distance unit display section displays information such as the green being used. When there are two greens on a hole, the currently selected green is displayed as L (left side) or R (right side), and the units of the displayed numerical values are displayed as yd (yards) or m (meters). When the control section 11 detects that the remaining distance display area R1 has been touched, it alternates between displaying the used green R/L and displays the remaining distance to the switched green.

The control unit 11 calculates the distance from the current position to the center of the green (pin position) and displays the calculated distance at the center of the green (pin position) (in the figure, "422"). The position of the center of the green (pin position) is either the center position of the green stored in the golf course data storage unit 12 or the actual cup position registered by the user. Which is used is determined by the user's settings.

The control unit 11 also determines the distance from the current position to the back edge of the green, and displays the determined distance on the back edge of the green distance display unit ("433" in the figure). For example, if position information for the entire circumference of the green is registered in the golf course data storage unit 12 as position information for the green edge, the control unit 11 determines the intersection point between the extension of a line connecting the current position to the center of the green (or the pin position position) and the green edge, and determines the distance between the position of the determined intersection point and the current position. Also, if the position of the back edge of the green is registered in the golf course data storage unit 12, the control unit 11 determines the distance between the current position and the registered position of the back edge of the green.

The control unit 11 also finds the intersection point between the line connecting the current position and the center of the green (or the pin position) and the green edge, and calculates the distance between the intersection point and the current position, displaying this on the green front edge distance display unit (in the figure, "410").

The control unit 11 draws a flag icon I1 at a location corresponding to the currently set pin position. The pin position is initially set to the center of the green. In this embodiment, the device is also equipped with a cup position registration function. For example, a user activates the cup position registration mode and touches a specific position on the green that is displayed based on information obtained from the golf course. The control unit 11 detects the touched position on the green and registers the position as the cup position. When the cup position is registered by user registration, the pin position becomes the set position between the center of the green and the cup position. It is preferable that the display mode of the flag icon I1 be different when it is displayed at the center of the green and when it is displayed at the cup position.

When a hazard such as a bunker, pond, or stream exists within the displayed course, the control unit 11 draws a hazard icon I2 at the location of the hazard. The control unit 11 also obtains the location information of the hazard, calculates the distance from the current location to the hazard, and displays the remaining distance D. The remaining distance D is displayed only as a number. The unit is the same as that displayed in the remaining distance display area R1. In the illustrated example, one bunker is installed around each of the left and right greens, so the hazard icon I2 and the remaining distance D (in the figure, "389" and "421") are displayed at the location of each bunker. Also, when there are multiple hazards on the course, and especially when the hazards are close to each other, it may be difficult to tell which hazard the remaining distance D refers to. In this embodiment, the hazard icon I2 and the remaining distance D are linked by a line S1.

Furthermore, among the hazards for which the hazard icon I2 is displayed, information on the selected hazard is displayed in a hazard information display area R2 provided at the bottom left of the display screen. The hazard information display area R displays an icon that identifies the type of hazard at the top and the remaining distance at the bottom. The hazards displayed in this hazard information display area R2 are selected by touching the hazard icon I2 displayed on the course layout. When the control unit 11 detects that the hazard icon I2 has been touched, it identifies the touched hazard, displays an icon that indicates the type of hazard and the remaining distance, and also displays the selected hazard icon I2 in a display mode different from the other hazard icons I2. In the illustrated example, the hazard icon I2 is in the form of an inverted triangle, and the selected hazard icon is made larger and displayed in a different color. By changing the display mode in this way, it is possible to see at a glance which hazard on the course is the hazard displayed in the hazard information display area R2 at the bottom left of the display screen of the display unit 3.

The control unit 11 displays an icon indicating the remaining battery level and the current time in the upper right corner of the display screen of the display unit 3. The control unit 11 also displays the hole number and PAR number of the displayed course in the upper left corner of the display screen of the display unit 3.

The control unit 11 detects the direction in which the device is facing based on the output of the geomagnetic sensor 19, and draws this direction as a direction indicator line S consisting of an arrow and a dotted line, superimposed on the hole layout. The origin of this direction indicator line S is the current position (user icon I). As a result, when the user changes the orientation of the device while holding it, the direction indicator line S on the display screen rotates accordingly, so that by aligning the direction indicator line S (dotted line) with the green or the place where the user wants to hit the ball, the user can confirm that the target point is where he or she is currently facing. Therefore, even if visibility is poor due to fog, the target is far away, or there are trees or obstacles, the user can accurately know the direction.

<Location registration function>
Furthermore, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the location registration button 5 has been pressed for a long time (e.g., for 3 seconds or more), it obtains the current location at that time from the GPS receiving unit 6 and registers the location. This arbitrary location can be used, for example, to register the location where the ball was actually hit. If the arbitrary location registered in this way exists within the hole layout displayed on the display screen, the control unit 11 draws a location registration icon I3 at the corresponding position (see FIG. 5).

In addition, multiple location registrations can be made, and the control unit 11 records the location information for each registered location in the memory unit 18 in the order in which they were registered for each hole. This makes it possible to record the trajectory of play on an actual golf course by registering the shot position where the ball was hit as a location each time, and also makes it possible to check the trajectory of actual play on the display screen by drawing each hole layout together with the location registration icon I3 on the display unit 3.

<Distance measurement function>
The distance measurement function has a function of calculating the distance traveled when the ball is actually hit. The control unit 11 obtains the distance between the position registered when the ball was hit last time and the current position of the user's icon I. The obtained distance is the flight distance. The control unit 11 displays the obtained distance in a flight distance display area prepared at an appropriate position on the display screen (not shown). This flight distance measurement function is activated, for example, based on a touch operation on the display unit 3. For example, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the submenu button B1 set in Figures 4 and 5 has been touched, it displays a submenu screen (not shown) superimposed on the course layout. Since the menu screen has a button area for selecting each function, the control unit 11 activates the function by recognizing that the button specifying "flight distance measurement" has been selected. After activation, the flight distance is calculated based on the position where the ball was hit last time and the current position.

<Point-to-point distance display function>
The two-point distance display function is a function that calculates the distance between two specified points by touching two points that the user wants to check, and displays the calculated distance. This allows the user to check the distance of any section on the course.

For example, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the submenu button B1 set in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, etc. has been touched, it displays a submenu screen (not shown) overlaid on the course layout. The menu screen has a button area for selecting each function, and the control unit 11 activates the function by recognizing that the button for specifying the "distance between two points" has been selected. First, as shown in FIG. 6(a), when the user touches an arbitrary point on the screen displaying the course layout, the control unit 11 recognizes the touched point and draws a start icon Is (for example, a blue circle) at that position. In addition, when the screen is touched next after the first point has been registered (the start icon Is has been drawn), the control unit 11 registers the touched point as the second point and draws an end icon Ie at that position (see FIG. 6(b)). This end icon Ie may be a blue circle of the same shape and size as the start icon Is, or it is preferable to make at least one of the shape, size, and color different so that it is clear which is the start icon Is.

Once the two points are registered, the control unit 11 draws a straight line L1 connecting the two points and calculates the distance between the two points, and displays the calculated distance in the point-to-point distance display area R4 ("188" in the figure).

This allows the user to know the distance between any two points on the course, providing useful information for deciding how to approach the course. When the back button B3 is selected, the display returns to the basic display shown in FIG. 4, etc.

When the point-to-point distance display function is activated and the first place to be touched is the user's icon I, the distance from the current position to any point on the course is found. Therefore, for example, if the user first touches the user's icon I and then touches the back side of a hazard such as a bunker, pond, or stream, the distance between two points display area R4 will display the distance required to carry over the hazard. Therefore, the user selects the club number required to exceed that distance. Also, for example, if the user first touches the user's icon I and then touches the front side of a hazard such as a bunker, pond, or stream, the longest distance that does not reach the hazard will be displayed in the distance between two points display area R4. The user can select a club that will not enter the hazard, taking into account the run.

[Alerts taking into account elevation differences]
The above-mentioned various distances are calculated by the control unit 11 based on the position information (longitude and latitude) stored in the golf course data storage unit 12. Therefore, each calculated distance is a horizontal distance. In contrast, the notification function taking into account the elevation difference is a function that obtains information on the elevation difference between the point where the ball is hit and the set position, and notifies information based on the elevation difference when the ball is hit from the obtained elevation difference information and the stored position information.

In this embodiment, the control unit 11 determines the inclination of the device relative to the horizontal based on the output of the acceleration sensor 20, determines the elevation difference from the determined inclination and horizontal distance, and outputs information on the determined elevation difference. When a mode that provides notifications taking elevation difference into account is selected, the control unit 11 displays an image captured by the camera 21 on the display unit 3. While watching the image displayed on the display unit 3, the user points the golf support device 1 and camera 21 so that they face the target location when determining the remaining distance to the green, etc. For example, if the target location is the pin position on the green, the user 31 points the golf support device 1 and camera 21 held in their hands toward the pin 30 on the green, as shown in FIG. 7.

The control unit 11 determines the inclination of the golf support device 1 and camera 21 at this time, and the inclination angle α from the horizontal plane, from the output of the acceleration sensor 20. The control unit 11 also determines the horizontal distance between two points from the current position acquired based on the output of the GPS receiving unit 6 and the position information of the pin position of the green, which is the target location, stored in the golf course data storage unit 12. The control unit 11 then determines the elevation difference between the current position and the target position based on the inclination/inclination angle α and the horizontal distance. The control unit 11 outputs the determined elevation difference.

In this embodiment, when obtaining information on the elevation difference, the golf support device 1 and the camera 21 are aligned with the apex of the pin 30. For example, in the case of an uphill shot where the surface of the green is higher than the position where the ball is hit, the surface of the green cannot be seen from the position of the user 31, and the golf support device 1 may not be properly aimed at the base of the pin 30. In contrast, if the golf support device 1 and the camera 21 are aligned with the apex of the pin 30 as in this embodiment, the golf support device 1 and the camera 21 can be properly aimed at the target point regardless of whether the ball is hit up or down. Furthermore, the user 31 holds the golf support device 1 in his/her hand and aims the camera 21 at the target point while looking at the display screen of the display unit 3. Then, the golf support device 1 in this state is located a predetermined distance above the ground on which the ball is placed. Therefore, if the golf support device 1 positioned above is aimed at the ground at the target point (for example, the green, the base of the pin 30), the elevation difference between the ground on which the ball is placed and the green at the target point cannot be measured correctly. For example, in the case of a downhill shot where the green is low as shown in FIG. 7, the inclination angle α' from the horizontal plane when aligned with the base of the pin 30 will be larger than the inclination angle α when aligned with the apex of the pin 30, resulting in a larger difference in elevation. On the other hand, if the length of the pin 30 is 7 feet (2.13 meters) and the height of the user 31 is, for example, about 160 to 180 cm, it is better to aim at the apex of the pin 30, as this will reduce error and allow for a more accurate determination of the inclination and therefore the difference in elevation. It is also a good idea for the user to register their own height and make a correction based on that, taking into account the difference from the apex of the pin.

A specific example of how to realize the notification function that takes the above-mentioned elevation difference into account is as follows. First, the golf support device 1 is assumed to be used in a portrait state. Therefore, the display unit 3 is basically in a portrait state, with the longer side of the display unit 3 being the up-down direction and the shorter side of the display unit 3 being the left-right and horizontal directions.

For example, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the submenu button B1 set in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, etc. has been touched, it displays a submenu screen (not shown) superimposed on the course layout. Since the menu screen has a button area for selecting each function, the control unit 11 activates the function by recognizing that the button for specifying "altitude difference information notification" has been selected. Then, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the control unit 11 first displays an alignment guide in the vertical center of the display screen of the display unit 3. The alignment guide includes a guide line 33 extending horizontally. The control unit 11 also displays a scale 35 extending vertically on the right side of the display screen, and displays a corresponding numerical value 36 outside the scale 35. The scale 35 is configured with a layout in which short horizontally extending line segments 35a are arranged vertically at regular intervals (for example, a length equivalent to 0.5 yards). These scales 35 and numerical values 36 are intended to notify information regarding elevation differences. The control unit 11 also activates the camera 21 and displays the image captured by the camera 21 on the display unit 3. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the control unit 11 displays the guide line 33, scale 35, numerical values 36, etc. superimposed on the image captured by the camera 21.

The user adjusts the orientation and posture of the golf support device 1 to point the camera 21 at the pin, and aligns the top of the pin displayed on the display unit 3 so that it coincides with the guideline 33. The control unit 11 determines the elevation difference between the current position and the green based on the horizontal distance from the current position to the pin position and the inclination determined from the acceleration sensor 20. The control unit 11 then scrolls the scale 35 so that the line segment 35a corresponding to the determined elevation difference overlaps the guideline 33. Additionally, the control unit 11 displays the determined elevation difference as a numerical value in the elevation difference display unit 37 at the bottom left of the display screen. In the example shown in FIG. 7(b), the -20 yard position of the scale 35 coincides with the guideline 33, and the numerical value displayed in the elevation difference display unit 37 at the bottom left of the display screen is "-20 yds." In addition, in FIG. 7(a), the golf support device 1 is held upright and the camera 21 is pointed horizontally, so the 0 yard position on the scale 35 coincides with the guideline 33, and the value displayed on the elevation difference display section 37 in the lower left corner of the display screen is "±0 yards."

In this way, the elevation difference of the green relative to the current position is reported as numerical information. Therefore, the user can go one step further than rough information such as uphill/downhill and get specific information about the elevation difference, which is useful when deciding which club to use.

For example, when the remaining distance (horizontal distance) to the green, which is one of the basic functions of this device, is used as a reference to determine the club number to be used based on the elevation difference, and an appropriate club number can be determined. Also, as described below, when the information on the elevation difference is reported as a guide distance (horizontal distance) to be aimed for when actually hitting from the calculated elevation difference, or a guide distance such as an adjustment distance of "xx yards longer/shorter", the actual horizontal distance to be adjusted varies depending on the individual ball trajectory, etc., so it is better to report the elevation difference as in this embodiment and leave the sense of distance to be adjusted to the user.

In addition, in this embodiment, the orientation can be determined by a simple process such as aligning the apex of the pin with the guide line 33, and the position of the pin position can be pinpointed, so that the elevation difference can be determined from the accurate inclination, which is preferable. The position of the pin position registered as the initial value is the center of the green. Therefore, if the initial value is used as is, a discrepancy will occur between the distance (horizontal distance) to the actual pin position and the remaining distance to the center of the green. However, since this discrepancy is within half the width or front-to-back length of the green, it can be absorbed as an error, or even if it cannot be absorbed, information regarding the elevation difference can be reported as a guide to a certain extent. Furthermore, if the actual pin position is registered using the cup position registration function, a more accurate elevation difference can be determined and appropriate information based on that can be reported.

The calculation and notification of the elevation difference may be performed constantly in real time, or when a set condition is met. When the calculation and notification is performed constantly in real time, for example, when the elevation difference information notification function is activated, the control unit 11 calculates the remaining distance (horizontal distance) from the current position to the green and stores the horizontal distance. The control unit 11 then obtains the output of the acceleration sensor 20 at regular intervals to determine the inclination, calculates the elevation difference based on the determined inclination and horizontal distance, and notifies the user using the scale 35 and numerical values based on the determined elevation difference. In this way, when the direction and inclination of the camera 21 are changed, the scale 35 scrolls in accordance with the change in the inclination, and the numbers displayed on the elevation difference display unit 37 change, which is interesting. Also, for example, as the guide line 33 approaches the apex of the pin, the reported elevation difference also approaches the correct one, so that even if the apex of the pin and the guide line 33 do not coincide, the user can know the elevation difference to a certain extent.

In addition, when reporting when the set conditions are satisfied, for example, it is preferable to determine whether the apex of the pin and the guideline 33 match by image recognition processing, obtain the inclination when they match, calculate the height difference based on that, and output the calculated height difference information. In addition, for example, it may be triggered by touching the display screen. For example, the control unit 11 may obtain the inclination when it detects that the display screen has been touched, calculate the height difference based on that, and output the calculated height difference information. The detection of the touch on the display screen may be, for example, by displaying a shutter button on the display screen and detecting that the display area of the shutter button has been touched. In this way, for example, it is like pressing the shutter of a camera or a smartphone camera function, and the user can operate it without feeling uncomfortable. In particular, when the image being captured is blurred due to camera shake, etc., and the camera direction cannot be fixed with the apex of the pin and the guideline matched, it is preferable to use a method using image recognition processing because the inclination can be calculated accurately and easily. Also, when touching the shutter button, if you touch it when the apex of the pin and the guideline are in place and the tilt is calculated based on the information captured at that time, an appropriate elevation difference can be calculated. It is also a good idea to continue displaying the image at the time of touch as a still image. This allows the user to look at the display unit 3 and confirm the image used when calculating the elevation difference, and if the apex of the pin and the guideline are in agreement, the user can understand that the information based on the reported elevation difference is correct, and if they are not in agreement and there is a large deviation, the measurement can be repeated.

In addition, by using image recognition processing, for example, in the function of constantly obtaining and notifying the above-mentioned elevation difference information, it is preferable to automatically detect that the apex of the pin and the guideline 33 coincide, and change the manner in which the elevation difference information is notified when they coincide. One example of changing the manner of notification is to change the display color or blink at least one of the guideline 33, the scale 35, the numerical value 36, and the elevation difference display unit 37. In addition, for example, when it is detected that the apex of the pin and the guideline 33 coincide, the elevation difference information to be notified may be locked, and the elevation difference information when they coincide may be continuously notified. The elevation difference information to be locked may be all or part of the scale 35, the numerical value 36, and the elevation difference display unit 37. In the case of a part, for example, the numerical value of the elevation difference display unit 37 may be locked and fixed, and scrolling of the scale 35, etc. may be performed in conjunction with the inclination.

In this embodiment, the camera 21 that photographs the target location, the green and the pin, is used for the function of taking videos and checking the swing form. In this way, the camera 21 implemented in this device is used for both a function of obtaining information related to golf navigation (for example, a notification function that takes into account elevation differences) and a different function (for example, a swing check function). By using the camera for multiple purposes, the camera can be used effectively and the equipment and parts required to realize each function can be implemented compactly and efficiently.

[Modification 1] (Changes in notification mode)
In the above-described embodiment, the elevation difference information is displayed superimposed on the image captured by the camera 21, but for example, it is preferable to notify this elevation difference information and other information at the same time. The other information may be, for example, information on the horizontal distance to the target location. For example, the elevation difference may be displayed next to the remaining distance to the pin position on the green displayed in the remaining distance display area R1 shown in Fig. 4. When three distances are displayed, such as the front of the green, the pin position, and the back edge of the green, as shown in Fig. 4, the elevation difference is displayed next to the remaining distance indicating the pin position, which is preferable because it makes it easy to understand the relationship with the horizontal distance to the pin position.

After displaying the screen for acquiring and reporting information related to elevation difference shown in FIG. 7(b), when transitioning to the hole display screen shown in FIG. 4 etc., it is advisable to report the remaining distance to the green in horizontal distance using the remaining distance display area R1 and information related to elevation difference on the same screen. Also, it is possible to display the remaining distance to the pin position and information related to elevation difference on the same screen without displaying the distance to the front of the green or the back edge of the green.

[Modification 2] (Changes in the content of notifications)
*Adjusted flight distance notification In the above embodiment, the elevation difference calculated as the information on the elevation difference is reported as it is, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various related information may be reported. For example, the control unit 11 may calculate the adjusted flight distance based on the elevation difference and report it. The adjusted flight distance is information/numerical guideline of how many yards or meters longer or shorter the ball should be hit with respect to the horizontal distance to the target. As shown in FIG. 1, the horizontal distance between the intersection point of the ball's trajectory/ball path shown by the solid line and the horizontal line at the same height as the point where the ball is hit shown by the dotted line and the current position is a guideline of the horizontal distance to actually hit the ball to the target. Therefore, in the case of a downhill hit, a message such as "Hit α' yards shorter" is output, and in the case of an uphill hit, a message such as "Hit α yards longer" is output. The message is displayed on a display screen or output by voice.

Specific values for α and α' are stored, for example, in a table that associates the difference in elevation with the adjusted flight distance. The control unit 11 accesses the table based on the calculated difference in elevation, obtains the corresponding adjusted flight distance, and notifies the user. It is also advisable to provide a table that associates the difference in elevation with the adjusted flight distance for each horizontal distance. For example, a table is prepared for each horizontal distance, such as a table for X1 to X2, a table for X2 to X3, and so on. Even with the same difference in elevation, if the horizontal distance differs greatly, this will affect the adjusted flight distance. Therefore, by providing multiple tables for different horizontal distances, more appropriate advice on the adjusted flight distance can be provided.

As explained in the above embodiment, the adjusted flight distance also changes depending on the ball trajectory. Therefore, it is recommended that multiple types of tables that associate elevation difference with adjusted flight distance be prepared according to the ball trajectory (e.g., normal/high trajectory/low trajectory, etc.), and that the user set their own ball trajectory and be notified of the adjusted flight distance using the corresponding table.

For an advanced player who can change the ball's trajectory depending on the situation, it would be cumbersome to switch tables according to the ball's trajectory each time he hits the ball. Therefore, for such advanced players, it is preferable to notify the elevation difference as in the above-mentioned embodiment and leave the adjustment of the actual flight distance to the user. On the other hand, for example, beginners and novices often do not know how much to adjust the flight distance even if they are notified of the elevation difference. Therefore, it is easy for such beginners to understand if the adjusted flight distance is notified as in this modified example.

*Target horizontal distance notification The information on the elevation difference may be, for example, the horizontal distance to be targeted or guidelined when hitting the ball. The horizontal distance between the current position and the intersection point between the trajectory/ball path of the ball shown by the solid line in Fig. 1 and the horizontal line at the same height as the point where the ball is hit shown by the dotted line is calculated, and the calculated horizontal distance is notified. For example, the control unit 11 calculates this horizontal distance by calculating the above-mentioned adjusted distance and adding or subtracting it from the horizontal distance to the green, which is the actual target location.

*Notification of club number used Club-distance information that associates the club (number) with the flight distance is stored. Then, the control unit 11 calculates the target horizontal distance, accesses the stored club-distance information, and obtains and notifies the information of the club number appropriate for the calculated target horizontal distance. The club-distance information storage unit that stores the club-distance information stores, for example, average information of golfers as an initial value. This average information may be prepared in multiple types of data according to gender, age, golf history, etc., and may be selected by the user. It may also be preferable to have the user register the average flight distance of each club. In this way, it is possible to notify the user of the club (number) that is more appropriate for the user.

Furthermore, once the distance measured when the ball is actually hit is calculated using the distance measurement function, it is advisable to register the club number used in association with the distance. This allows the user to register a more accurate distance for the club number, which is advantageous as it increases the reliability of the club number notification. In particular, when the distance is registered by self-reporting, the user may remember the distance traveled when they made a nice shot, and may register a distance that is longer than the actual distance. In contrast, it is preferable to register the distance (for example, the average value) for each club number based on distance data accumulated during actual play in the club-distance information storage unit, as this provides accurate distance information.

The distance measured by the distance measurement function is the horizontal distance. In reality, adjustments based on the difference in elevation are necessary, but since the ball is hit in various situations, such as uphill and downhill, using the same club number, the effect of the difference in elevation can be offset by, for example, calculating the average value. Therefore, the horizontal distance may be recorded in association with the club number used without any particular adjustment for the difference in elevation. In addition, for more accurate measurement, for example, a function may be provided that allows the user to select whether or not to use the distance measured by the distance measurement function for the club-distance information. In this way, for example, the distance when the ball is hit in a place with little elevation difference can be selected and registered. The function that allows the user to select, for example, after the distance is measured by the distance measurement function, displays a confirmation message for whether or not to register, or a "YES"/"NO" instruction input button on the display unit, and the user follows the instruction of the touched instruction input button. In addition, since it is troublesome to input each time a game is played, for example, if there is no instruction for a certain period of time after the distance measurement, a predetermined process (for example, "register" or "unregistered") may be executed. Furthermore, if the club number used is entered, it may be registered.

The number of the club used can be input by displaying a number input screen on the display unit 3 and having the user touch the display unit 3. Also, touching the display unit 3 to input the number can be an obstacle to smooth golf play. Therefore, for example, it is recommended to use NFC (Near Field Communication) to register the number. For example, an NFC-compatible tag with the number registered is attached to the grip end of the club. When the NFC-equipped golf support device 1 and the grip end of the club used are brought close to each other, the golf support device 1/control unit 11 acquires the data of the number information registered on the tag. The control unit 11 then associates the acquired number information with the flight distance and registers it as club-flight distance information.

It is also preferable to register the club number before hitting the ball or immediately after hitting the ball. In particular, when the club number is registered using the above-mentioned NFC, the grip end of the club to which the tag is attached can be brought close to or into contact with the golf support device 1 while holding the club to be used in the hand, and the number can be registered smoothly and without transmitting the tag attached to another club. Furthermore, considering the user's actions, the user operates the golf support device 1 at the point where the ball is to be hit, checks the distance to the target location such as the green, and obtains information on the difference in elevation to the target location using a notification function that takes into account the difference in elevation, and determines the club number to be used. Then, the user actually hits the ball with the determined club number. At this time, the user takes the club out of a golf bag, for example, and brings the grip end of the club held in the hand close to the golf support device 1, and then faces the ball and hits it. The process of bringing the grip end close to the golf support device 1 blends seamlessly into the actions from deciding the club number to actually hitting the ball, and does not interfere with the play, which is preferable.

In addition, in the case of a device that has the function of registering the club number using NFC in this way, when the control unit 11 detects that the number has been manually entered, it is advisable to display a message such as "There is a tag to attach to the grip," an image of the actual tag, the URL of the purchasing site, or other promotional information.

In addition, when the club number is not registered, the control unit 11 may notify the user of information indicating that the club number is not registered. This notification may be in an unobtrusive manner that is not too noticeable and does not get in the way of the user's next shot. Such notification may be, for example, a flashing message, a message (audio/visual display), an icon display, etc.

The registration of the distance for each club number of the user is not limited to the above, and for example, a device for calculating distance other than this device is used to measure the distance of each club number multiple times. The average value of the measured data may then be registered. The device for calculating the distance is not limited to a device that measures the actual distance like this device, and various devices can be used, such as a device that estimates the estimated distance based on the swing speed of the club when the ball is hit, or a device that estimates the estimated distance using the initial speed of the ball that is hit and the swing speed of the club. It is preferable that the device for calculating the distance has a function for transferring the data of the distance calculated by the device for calculating the distance to the golf support device 1 of the present invention. The function for transferring the data may be, for example, a physical connection with a communication cable, or various wireless communication, or the data may be copied via a recording medium such as a micro SD card. By transferring the data in this manner, the user does not need to manually input the distance, which is preferable because it reduces the labor and prevents input errors.

[Variation 3] (Distance to another destination)
In the above-described embodiment and modified example, the target location is clean, the camera 21 is pointed toward the pin to obtain the inclination, and information regarding the elevation difference relative to the pin position is notified. The present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to obtain the elevation difference between the current location and any point on the course, and to notify information regarding the obtained elevation difference.

The arbitrary point is a point whose position information is registered, and examples of such points include hazards such as bunkers, ponds, and streams, the boundary between the fairway and the rough, the boundary between OB, landmarks such as large trees in the fairway, and obstacles in the hole. These points have geographical features and are easy to distinguish from other places, so even if they are photographed by the camera 21, they are easy to understand on the display unit 3 in relation to the surroundings and are easy to align with the guidelines. Even if there are no geographical features, they can be arbitrary points as long as their position information is registered. Furthermore, for greens, arbitrary points are not limited to pin positions, but also include arbitrary positions on the green and green edges. These arbitrary points can be, for example, target points for hitting the ball in course strategy, or, conversely, avoidance target points such as hazards and rough where the ball should not be hit.

The arbitrary point may be specified by touching a point on the screen displaying a hole as shown in FIG. 4. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, if a number D is displayed in association with a bunker, the associated bunker may be specified by touching the number D. In this way, a point can be easily specified by touching an arbitrary point on the hole. Also, the notification function considering the difference in elevation may be activated by flicking the display unit 3 in an up-down direction, for example. In this way, for example, if an arbitrary point is touched and then flicked downward, the point can be specified and the notification function considering the difference in elevation can be activated in a series of operations, which is preferable. Also, the use of up-down flicks in this way is to distinguish the switching of holes from the operation of flicking horizontally. Also, input using such flicks may be performed instead of the touch operation on the menu screen described in the above embodiment.

In addition, when there is a spread, such as a hazard, it is difficult to pinpoint the direction of the camera. In this case, the user must adjust the camera direction and guide line to a rough position. In this case, for example, when determining the elevation difference to this arbitrary point, the distance to be hit tends to be relatively long. If the distance is long, the degree of the spread of the hazard can be absorbed as an error, which is preferable. Also, as described above, when the pin position is used as the initial value, if the inclination is determined according to the pin, an error will occur in the final elevation. Considering this error, the spread of the hazard is not a problem. Furthermore, a zoom function is provided to the camera 21 of the golf support device 1, and a more appropriate position can be specified by enlarging and displaying the surrounding area including the target location where the location is to be registered.

In addition, image data for enlarged display is prepared separately and registered in the golf course data storage unit 12. When the control unit 11 receives the instruction to enlarge the display, it can access the golf course data storage unit 12 and perform drawing based on the separately prepared image data. Conventionally, one image for displaying the entire course is prepared, and when an instruction to enlarge is received, the image is simply zoomed in and drawn, but by drawing a separately prepared image suitable for enlarged display as in this modified example, more useful information can be provided to the user. The image data for enlarged display can be, for example, a real-life image of a hazard such as a bunker or a landmark area. Using a real-life image makes it possible to understand the situation, for example, in the case of a bunker, the surrounding situation can be understood, making it easier to align the camera 21 to the correct target position.

In addition, for example, if hazards such as bunkers, ponds, and streams are captured as real-life images and displayed on the display unit 3, the status of the bunkers can be seen at a glance. For example, in the case of a bunker, it is possible to determine whether it is a deep bunker with a high chin that should be avoided at all costs, or a shallow bunker with a low chin on the green side that is easy to hit, which helps to determine the point of attack. In addition, the situation around the bunker and the pond or stream can tell whether it is easy for the ball to roll in from the front, and it is easy to determine whether the target location for the ball to land needs to be closer when cutting in front of the hazard. In this way, by registering real-life images, it is possible to provide useful information to the user in addition to determining the target location for determining the elevation difference. In addition, the image data for providing such useful information is not limited to real-life images, but can be illustrations or the content drawn can be changed depending on the scale (for example, the more detailed information is displayed for the enlarged display).

Of course, it is best not to hit into a bunker, but depending on the bunker's depth, size and shape, relative position to the green, sand quality, etc., there are bunkers that you should never hit into, and bunkers where even if you hit into them, recovery is easy, so there is no big problem even if you hit into them. In this way, it is a good idea to notify bunkers that should be avoided at all costs and those that should not in different ways. For example, normal bunkers are drawn in a brown color to resemble sand, but bunkers that should be avoided at all costs are displayed in a different color, such as red, or an icon, sign, mark, etc. can be added to distinguish the bunker.

[Modification 4] (Elevation Difference Calculation)
Altitude information is also stored as the position information of each position on the course. In this way, when determining the remaining distance to the green or the distance to a target location such as an arbitrary point on the course, the elevation difference is determined from the elevation information of the current position and the elevation information of the target location. It is preferable to implement the functions of the above-mentioned embodiment and modified example based on the determined elevation difference. In this way, there is no need to tilt the camera 21 toward the target location, and information based on the elevation difference with high accuracy can be reported easily and quickly. On the other hand, when the tilt is determined as in the above-mentioned embodiment, etc., latitude and longitude information is sufficient for the position information, which is advantageous because it reduces memory capacity.

[Modification 5] (Club-specific estimated distance notification function)
As a basic function, for example, as shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 11 has a function of drawing concentric lines L overlaid on the layout of the hole, with the user's icon I at the center. This allows the user to understand the approximate distance to a pond or a bunker.

In this modified example, the control unit 11 displays the flight distance for each club in concentric circles centered on the current position. In this way, the user obtains the club number associated with the concentric circle closest to the desired target location and displays it. This is advantageous because the user can know the club number to use, making club selection easy. In addition, the flight distance for this club number can be calculated by using, for example, the flight distance and average flight distance for each club number stored in the club-flight distance information storage unit.

In addition, even when the same club number is used, there is variation in the flight distance. Therefore, for example, data on the maximum and minimum flight distances when hitting normally can be stored and held for each club number, and the area where the ball is expected to land when using a club number selected by the user can be drawn over the course layout. By drawing the area where the ball is expected to land, for example, when using a club with a large difference between the maximum and minimum flight distances, it is possible to plan course strategies such as club selection and determining the target location for hitting the ball, taking into account cases where the ball flies too far or not far enough.

Also, by storing altitude information for each position as in Variation 4 described above, it is possible to draw the predicted flight distance position for each club number not as concentric circles, but as a line that takes into account the elevation difference from the current position.

[Modification 6] Correction of flight distance using elevation difference The function of calculating the flight distance considering the elevation difference when the ball is actually hit is provided. The control unit 11 obtains the distance between the position registered when the ball was hit last time and the current position of the user's icon I. The obtained distance is the horizontal flight distance between the two points. In addition, the elevation difference from the registered position to the current position is stored and held, for example, the elevation difference used when the ball was hit last time. The control unit 11 obtains the flight distance considering the elevation difference based on the horizontal flight distance and the elevation difference. In addition, when the position where the ball was hit last time is known, the elevation difference may be obtained by pointing the camera at the position where the ball was hit to obtain the inclination, obtaining the elevation difference from the obtained inclination, and obtaining the flight distance considering the elevation difference from the obtained horizontal flight distance and elevation difference.

The control unit 11 outputs the flight distance calculated in this way, taking into account the difference in elevation, to the display unit 3. At this time, it is advisable to also output information such as the number of the club used and the estimated target distance calculated the previous time of hitting. By checking the estimated distance, the actual flight distance, and the number used at the landing point, it is possible to reflect and confirm whether the number of the club used was correct or not, and this can be used in future plays. In particular, by checking during play, it is possible to check the influence of one's physical condition and flight distance on that day, and the weather such as wind and rain, and to make the correct club number selection in the future.

[Modification 7]
FIG. 9 shows a display example of yet another modified example. In this example, a scope 40 extending in a cross shape in the up-down and left-right directions is used as a presence guide/indicator for aligning the apex of the pin, instead of the linear guide line 33 extending in the left-right direction. The scope 40 is composed of a central cross-shaped element 41, scale elements 42 arranged at equal intervals outside the cross-shaped element 41, and straight line elements 43 arranged further outside the scale elements 42 so as to extend in the up-down and left-right directions. The apex of the pin is aligned with the intersection of the central cross-shaped element 41. By arranging the lines serving as guides in the up-down direction in this way, it becomes easier to align the position of the pin. In particular, by providing the scale elements 42 arranged at equal intervals, it becomes easier to check the amount of deviation of the apex position of the pin on the display unit 3 when the attitude of the golf support device 1 is changed, for example. This is advantageous because it becomes easier to appropriately adjust the amount of change in the attitude of the golf support device 1 by referring to the amount of deviation.

In the modified example shown in FIG. 9, the scope 40, which is aligned with the apex of the pin, is displaced to the upper side of the display screen of the display unit 3. For example, the central cross-shaped element 41 is positioned in the upper 1/3 of the screen. In this way, the amount of sky reflected in the upper area of the display unit 3 can be reduced, and the area for capturing an image of the course can be increased.

In addition, in this modified example, an elevation difference information display area 45 that shows elevation differences in a schematic manner is provided in the lower 1/3 of the display screen of the display unit 3. Accordingly, the upper 2/3 of the display screen of the display unit 3 becomes the main display area 46. When focusing on the main display area 46, it can be said that it is positioned in the center of the screen, similar to the guide line 33 in the above-mentioned embodiment.

The elevation difference information display area 45 draws a triangular figure that shows the elevation difference. In the figure, the left end of the triangle is the point where the ball is hit, and the right end shows the pin position, such as the center of the green. When the green is low, the triangle has a right-angled side that slopes downward to the right, as shown in the figure, and when the green is high, the triangle has a right-angled side that slopes upward to the right. The length of each side that makes up the triangle varies depending on the elevation difference and horizontal distance. The sides that extend up and down the triangle show the elevation difference, and the calculated numerical value (in the figure, "30") is also written. The sides that extend to the left and right of the triangle show the horizontal distance, and the calculated numerical value (in the figure, "100") is also written. Furthermore, the hypotenuse part shows the target flight distance (in the figure, "70") as well. By showing the shape of the triangle and the numerical value, it is possible to more intuitively understand the elevation difference and the distance that should be targeted when actually hitting the ball.

In addition, in this modified example, a distance measurement scale 50 is drawn on the lower left side of the main display area 46. The distance measurement scale 50 in this modified example is used when the height of the point where the ball is hit and the pin position on the green are the same horizontally. The distance measurement scale 50 has a pair of marks drawn at a specified distance. The pair of marks is composed of two line segments. The distance between the two line segments is set to match the length of the pin displayed on the display unit 3 when the pin is horizontal at each distance. For example, if the scale mark added to the upper line segment when both the top and bottom ends of the pin are in contact with the two line segments is "40", it can be seen that the remaining distance to the pin is 40 yards/40 meters. Whether it is in yards or meters is determined, for example, by the unit setting used.

For example, if the actual cup position is not registered, the remaining distance to the green is the distance to the center of the green. For example, if the remaining distance to the green is sufficiently long compared to the size of the green, the deviation between the center of the green, which is the reference for calculating the horizontal distance, and the actual position of the pin is absorbed as an error, so there is no problem in deciding the club number to be used based on the remaining distance to the center of the green. On the other hand, when the distance is less than 100 yards and approaches 60 yards or 60 meters, the influence of the deviation between the center of the green and the actual position of the pin cannot be ignored. This is particularly noticeable when the green is large, such as in a single green, or when the pin position is near the green edge and away from the center position. In such a case, if the distance to the pin is calculated based on the length of the pin displayed on the display unit 3 using the distance measurement scale 50, as in this modified example, the pin position and the exact remaining distance to the cup position can be known even if the cup position has not been registered in advance, so that the club to be used can be selected and the swing can be adjusted appropriately.

On the other hand, when the distance is closer than, say, 20 yards or meters, the distance to the cup position can be understood by eye. Therefore, it is better to set the range to 20 to 60 as shown in the figure.

The distance measurement scale 50 is made up of two lines with gradually differing intervals, so the remaining distance can be recognized as a continuous analog value. For example, in the illustrated example, in addition to the specific numerical values of 20, 60 at both ends and 40 in the middle, there is a scale without a numerical value in between, so that the positions of 30 and 50 can be known. Furthermore, the approximate remaining distance can be estimated by eyeballing between these scales. Therefore, in this example, the remaining distance can be known relatively accurately in increments of 10 (yards/meters), and the approximate remaining distance can be known in increments of 5 (yards/meters). For an average golf player, information on the remaining distance in increments of 10 (yards/meters) is sufficient, and even for advanced players, it is preferable to know the distance in increments of 5 (yards/meters), as this information is useful.

In the illustrated example, one of the two lines that make up the distance measurement scale 50 is a straight line extending in the left-right direction, but it may be a straight line extending diagonally, or it may be a curved line. The upper side may be a straight line extending in the left-right direction and the lower side a curved line. Furthermore, instead of a continuous line segment, it may be composed of multiple sets of line segments to measure multiple remaining distances discretely. For example, the distance measurement scale may be composed of multiple sets of line segments spaced at intervals according to each distance, such as in 10-yard increments.

The layout of the distance measurement scale 50 is not limited to that shown in the figure, and may be placed close to the scope 40, for example. This distance measurement scale 50 is used when horizontal, so if, for example, the apex of the pin is aligned with the cross-shaped element 41 of the scope 40 to determine the tilt and elevation difference, and the elevation difference is zero or small, the golf support device 1 can be moved slightly to align the pin with the distance measurement scale 50 to determine the distance. In this way, the remaining distance can be measured appropriately even if there is only a small change in the attitude of the golf support device 1.

The straight lines constituting the distance measurement scale 50 may also serve as the straight line elements 43 of the scope 40. In such a case, it is preferable to make the upper side straight rather than the lower side straight as shown in the figure. If the upper side is straight, it is not necessary to change the apex position of the pin, and the inclination of the golf support device 1 does not need to be changed, which is advantageous because it is possible to minimize changes in posture.

For example, the spacing of the scale elements 42 above or below the cross-shaped element 41 of the scope 40 is set appropriately. When the remaining distance to the pin is specified (for example, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 yards), the line segments that make up the scale elements 42 are positioned at the position of the bottom or top of the pin when the top or bottom of the pin is aligned with the cross-shaped element 41. In this way, the scope 40 forms a distance measurement scale when horizontal.

The distance measurement scale 50 is used when the vehicle is horizontal. Therefore, for example, it is a good idea to draw the distance measurement scale 50 when the elevation difference is 0 or within a certain margin. This is good because it allows you to see at a glance whether the vehicle is currently in a horizontal state and whether the remaining distance can be measured using the distance measurement scale 50. Also, rather than controlling the distance measurement scale 50 to be on/off like this, it is a good idea to change the display color (for example, blue when the vehicle is horizontal and red when there is an elevation difference).

The distance measuring scale 50 is only used when the ground is level. This is because if there is a difference in elevation, the length of the pin will change, for example becoming shorter than when it is level. Therefore, even if there is a difference in elevation, the distance cannot be measured correctly using the distance measuring scale 50 shown in the figure. To solve this problem, it is advisable to correct the distance between the two lines that make up the distance measuring scale 50 according to the calculated elevation difference.

Furthermore, in addition to the above examples, it is also possible to find the distance to the pin based on the length of the pin displayed on the display unit 3. For example, the pin part is identified by image recognition processing, and the length between the apex and the bottom end is found. Then, the distance to the pin position can be calculated from the found length.

In the embodiment, the golf course data storage unit 12 is a removable external recording medium, but an internal memory may be used. Also, in the embodiment, the memory unit 18 is configured with an internal memory, but a removable external recording medium such as a microSD card may be used. Also, the recording medium and internal memory that configure the memory unit 18 may be shared with the golf course data storage unit 12 in the actual device.
The present invention may be practiced by appropriately combining the above-described embodiments and modifications, or by incorporating them into other modifications.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Golf support device 2 Case 3 Display unit 4 Power button 5 Location registration button 6 GPS receiver 11 Control unit 12 Golf course data storage unit 15 Speaker 17 Battery 18 Memory unit 19 Geomagnetic sensor 20 Acceleration sensor 21 Camera 22 Touch panel 30 Pin 31 User 33 Guide line 35 Scale 35a Line segment 37 Elevation difference display unit 40 Scope 41 Cross-shaped element 42 Scale element 43 Straight line element 45 Elevation difference information display area 46 Main display area 50 Distance measurement scale

Claims (4)

A golf support device characterized by having a function of performing image recognition of a pin on the green present in an image captured by a camera, and changing the manner in which information is presented when the image recognition automatically detects that the top of the pin coincides with a guide. The golf support device as described in claim 1, characterized in that when the image recognition automatically detects that the top of the pin coincides with the guide, the device is provided with a function to change the manner in which information is presented, such as changing the display color of at least one of the guide, scale, and numerical value, or flashing it. The golf support device of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the image recognition automatically detects that the top of the pin coincides with the guide, the information is obtained by acquiring the inclination at the time of the coincidence, and the information is the horizontal distance from the current position to the pin position and the elevation difference from the current position based on the inclination, and the function of changing the notification mode is a function of changing the notification mode of the elevation difference information. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the golf support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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