JP7738342B2 - Golf support device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a golf support device that provides various information to golf players while playing on a golf course, etc.

For example, there is a golf support device that uses a GPS receiver to display the distance from the current position to the green, bunkers, etc., as well as the course layout at a golf course, and allows the user to accurately and easily record the position where the ball was hit during a game of golf (see Patent Document 1, etc.). The device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a location information acquisition means that communicates with GPS satellites to acquire current location information, a location information recording means that records the location information, a layout information recording means that records layout image information that allows the layout of the holes on the golf course to be visually recognized, along with its latitude and longitude information, and a hit trajectory display processing means that plots the location information on the layout image and displays the hit trajectory.

According to the invention of Patent Document 1, by checking the trajectory of the hit after a play, you can review and reflect on your play, check the course layout before or during play, and check the distance from your current position to the green, bunker, etc. during play, allowing you to develop a strategy for your play.

Patent Document 2 also includes a function that stores and retains layout information for each hole on a golf course, including the pin position (cup position) of each hole, and displays the distance from the position detected by the hitting position detection means to the pin position of the hole, as well as the hitting direction on a hole course screen.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-339929 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-346930

Conventional golf support devices of this type display the remaining distance from the current position to the green as the distance to the green edge or a fixed position such as the center of the green. This makes it impossible to accurately grasp the distance to the actual pin. In particular, on large greens such as a single green, the difference between the remaining distance to the actual pin (cup) on the course currently being played and the displayed remaining distance becomes large, which can make it difficult to select the club number or adjust the swing appropriately.

Furthermore, when playing golf, it is not enough to simply know the exact remaining distance to the pin; you need to look at the course layout, consider the location of hazards on the course, the presence and direction of slopes, and decide how to approach the course. At this time, you can ask your caddy to tell you the distance to each location on the course, but asking every time is cumbersome, and there may be times when there is no caddy nearby or when it is not practical to visit them if you are playing by yourself.

As such, current golf support devices still have the problem of not providing enough information when playing golf.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the golf support device of the present invention is configured to include: (1) an information presentation means for presenting the hole layout of a golf course on a display unit; a cup position registration means for registering the cup position on the green of the hole layout displayed by the information presentation means; a current position detection means for detecting the current position; a cup remaining distance calculation means for calculating the distance from the current position detected by the current position detection means to the cup position; and a distance display means for displaying the calculated distance.

Typically, the cup position changes every day. Therefore, for fixed distances, such as the distance to the center of the green, it is not possible to determine the exact remaining distance from the current position. In contrast, with this invention, the cup position for the day is registered, making it possible to display the exact distance to the cup. Therefore, checking the distance to the cup can be useful in selecting the type of club to use when approaching.

(2) The cup position registration means should preferably have a function for registering the cup position based on the current position detected by the current position detection means when the player moves to the cup position on the green. This allows the cup position to be determined easily and accurately. Furthermore, the player can know the exact distance without actually measuring the distance by walking.

(3) The cup position registration means may register the cup position based on a specified point on the green displayed on the display unit. In this way, registration can be easily performed without actually going to the green.

(4) The cup position registered by the cup position registration means may be erased when a hole is completed. When a hole is completed, it is possible to detect, for example, that the player has left the hole based on their current position, or that they have moved to the next hole. Because the cup position changes every day, the position information for that cup position becomes unnecessary when a hole is completed. Therefore, erasing the cup position reduces unnecessary memory usage. It also prevents the display from being mistakenly based on cup position information from a different day.

(5) It is preferable to provide a position designation means for designating any point on the course layout presented on the display unit by the information presentation means, a distance calculation means to a target point for calculating the distance between the current position detected by the current position detection means and the point designated by the position designation means, and a target point distance display means for displaying the distance calculated by the distance calculation means to the target point. Knowing the distance from the current position to any point allows the user to, for example, determine where they should hit the ball in relation to their own driving distance, or check the distance to hazards and other areas where they should not hit the ball, thereby obtaining useful information for conquering the course.

(6) It is preferable to provide a remaining distance calculation means for calculating the remaining distance from the point specified by the position specification means to the green, and a remaining distance display means for displaying the remaining distance calculated by the remaining distance calculation means. By setting the target point as the point where the ball will land (the location where the ball will be hit next), the distance from there to the green can be determined, and a more appropriate target point for the current shot can be identified taking into account the remaining distance from the location where the ball will be hit next.

(7) It is preferable to provide a two-point position designation means for designating two points on the course layout presented on the display unit by the information presentation means, a two-point distance calculation means for calculating the distance between the two points designated by the two-point position designation means, and a two-point distance display means for displaying the distance calculated by the two-point distance calculation means. This allows the distance of any section on the course to be confirmed, providing useful information for mastering the course.

(8) It is preferable to have a starting point position registration means for registering a starting point position, a travel distance calculation means for calculating the distance from the starting point position to the current position, and a travel distance display means for displaying the distance calculated by the travel distance calculation means. This is realized in the "practice mode" of the embodiment. During practice, the distance between the hitting point and the target can be accurately set, which is suitable for improving distance perception.

(9) When registering a starting point using the starting point registration means, it is advisable to draw a golf course layout on the display screen. This creates a golf course atmosphere even in an ordinary location such as a garden, which is tasteful and desirable.

(10) The program of the present invention may be a program for causing a computer to implement the functions of each means in the golf support device described in any one of (1) to (9).

This allows you to know the distance to the actual cup position, providing useful information when playing golf.

1 is an external view showing an embodiment of a golf support device according to the present invention; 1 is a diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen. 10 is a flowchart showing an algorithm for registration processing when not playing. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen. 10 is a flowchart showing another algorithm for the registration process when not playing. 10 is a flowchart showing an algorithm for registration processing during play.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The golf support device of this embodiment displays the course layout of an actual golf course, measures the current position, and notifies the player of the current position and the remaining distance to the green in real time as the player moves, and is also referred to as a golf navigation device.

Figures 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of a golf support device 1 according to the present invention. This golf support device 1 is equipped with a display unit 3 on the top surface of a flat, approximately rectangular case 2. This display unit 3 is a semi-transparent LCD touch panel. This allows for clear display even in bright daylight, improving visibility. A backlight is also built in, and the screen backlight is turned on when a button is operated or the screen is touched, further improving visibility. However, since leaving the display on all the time will quickly consume the remaining battery power, the display is turned on for a set period of time and then turned off. This period can be changed by the user (e.g., select from 5, 10, 20, 30, or 60 seconds). A completely off mode (OFF) is also available. Furthermore, a charging lamp 8 is located on the rear side of the top surface of the case 2.

A power button 4 and a location registration button 5 are located on each side of the case 2. The power button 4 is used not only to turn the power on and off, but also as a button to lock and unlock touch panel operation. Specifically, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the power button 4 has been pressed and held (for example, for two seconds or more) while the power is off, the power turns on and the control unit 11 displays a specified main menu screen on the display unit 3. Furthermore, 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 displays a specified shutdown screen on the display unit 3 and then turns off the power.

Furthermore, if the power button 4 is pressed briefly while the power is on, the control unit 11 detects this and alternately locks and unlocks the touch panel. In other words, if the current state is locked, it is unlocked, enabling operation via the touch panel, and if the current state is unlocked, it is locked, disabling operation via the touch panel. The current state is indicated by an icon drawn in a specified position on the display unit 3. The location registration button 5 is used to register locations, etc., and the specific processing functions associated with operating this button will be described later.

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 rear of the case 2; opening the terminal cover 7 as shown in Figure 1(b) exposes the mini USB terminal 9. Charging is possible 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 are a GPS receiver 6 that receives GPS signals and determines the current position (longitude and latitude), a golf course data storage unit 12 that pre-stores golf information such as the course layout of the golf course, a control unit 11 that accesses the golf course data storage unit 12 based on the current position information from the GPS receiver 6, acquires information about the golf course, and outputs it to an output device, a display unit 3 and speaker 15 that constitute the output device, a battery 17 that serves as a power source when carried, a storage device 18 that stores the execution results of the control unit 11, a geomagnetic sensor 19, etc.

The golf course data storage unit 12 is composed of recording media such as internal memory or a removable external recording medium (such as a microSD memory card). The golf information stored in this golf course data storage unit 12 includes data about actual golf courses (such as the course layout of each hole and the positions of objects on the course, such as golf course greens and bunkers). This information can be similar to that disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-57189 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-339929.

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 begins operation. The control unit 11 uses a boot loader stored in ROM to expand the OS and application programs stored in the flash memory onto the RAM, and by executing the OS and application programs on the RAM, the control unit 11 performs the various processes described below and realizes various functions.

The storage device 18 records the calculation results and may be a non-removable internal storage device, or a slot (including read/write functions) for inserting removable storage media such as an SD memory card. The recording media and devices that make up this storage device 18 may also be shared with the golf course data storage unit 12 in the actual device.

The battery 17 is a rechargeable secondary battery, like a rechargeable battery, and can be charged via 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 function of the control unit 11 will be described below based on specific display screens. The control unit 11 accesses the golf course data storage unit 12 based on the location information (longitude and latitude) from the GPS receiver unit 6 and retrieves information about the golf course currently being played. The control unit 11 then retrieves the corresponding course from the current location information and renders it on the display unit 3. An example of the display screen rendered on the display unit 3 is shown in FIG. 3. As shown, the layout of the hole currently being played is rendered across the entire display screen, with the green at the top. The control unit 11 then renders a player icon I superimposed on a position corresponding to the player's current location on the rendered hole (the player's current location obtained from the GPS receiver unit 6). This allows the user to know the direction toward the green and the location, size, and shape of ponds, bunkers, and other features around the green. The control unit 11 also renders concentric circular lines L superimposed on the hole layout, centered on the player icon I. This allows the user to understand the approximate distance to ponds and bunkers. By displaying the course layout in this way, the user can confirm how to tackle each hole, even if it is their first time playing the course.

Furthermore, a remaining distance display area R1 is set up in the bottom right of the screen. That is, the golf course data storage unit 12 stores information about the green, such as the positions of the green edge and the center of the green. The control unit 11 then calculates the distance between the current position and the center of the green, and displays the remaining distance to the center of the green ("366" in the figure). The control unit 11 also calculates the intersection of the line connecting the current position and the center of the green with the green edge, and calculates the distance between the position of this intersection and the current position, and displays the remaining distance to the green edge ("350" in the figure).

The control unit 11 also draws a flag icon I5 at a location on the green corresponding to the pin position (cup position). The initial drawing position of this flag icon I5 is the center of the green. As will be described later, the pin position can be changed by user registration, so if a change is made, the new position will be used. In addition, in accordance with the change, the remaining distance from the current position to the pin position in question should be calculated, and this calculated remaining distance should be displayed in the display area for the remaining distance to the center of the green.

The upper area of the display screen of the display unit 3 also displays an icon I1 indicating the remaining battery level, an icon I2 indicating the hole number currently being played, an icon I3 (L (left side) / R (right side)) specifying the green used on a hole with two greens, and an icon I4 (yd (yards) / m (meters)) indicating the unit of distance display. Furthermore, the right edge of the information area displays the time. The display of the icon I3 specifying the green can be switched by operating the location registration button 5. In other words, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the location registration button 5 has been pressed briefly while a hole with two greens is being displayed, it switches from the currently selected green to another green, and accordingly switches the drawing position of the flag icon I5 and the display of the icon I3.

Furthermore, any location can be registered based on switch operation, etc. Specifically, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the location registration button 5 has been pressed and held (for example, for two seconds or more), it obtains the current location at that time from the GPS receiver 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 such a registered arbitrary location exists within the hole layout displayed on the display screen, a location registration icon I0 is drawn at the corresponding position, as shown in FIG. 4, etc. In addition to drawing this location registration icon I0, the control unit 11 also draws a flight distance display area R2 in the lower left corner of the display screen. The initial value displayed in this flight distance display area R2 is "0", as shown in the figure.

Furthermore, the control unit 11 detects the direction the device is facing based on the output of the geomagnetic sensor 19, and draws that 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, and by aligning the direction indicator line S (dotted line) with the green or the location where the user wants to hit the ball, the user can confirm that the target point is where they are 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.

The control unit 11 also calculates the distance between the registered location and the current location of the user's icon I, and displays this in the distance display area R2 provided in the lower left of the display screen. For example, the user may register the shot location where they will hit the ball, and then actually hit the ball and move to the landing point. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the distance between the registered location (shot location) and the current location (drop point) is displayed in the distance display area R2 ("232" in the figure). This allows the user to know the actual distance traveled. As is clear from FIGS. 4 and 5, the control unit 11 positions the user's icon I, which indicates the current location, in the bottom center of the display screen in the default state.

Furthermore, multiple locations can be registered, and the location information for each registered location is recorded in the storage device 18 in the order of registration for each hole. This allows the trajectory of play on an actual golf course to be recorded by registering the location of each shot where the ball is hit, and by drawing each hole layout together with the location registration icon I0 on the display unit 3, the trajectory of actual play can be confirmed on the display screen.

<Distance display function to any point (target point)>
For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , while a golf course is displayed on the screen, a user touches any location on the course. As shown in FIG. 6 , the control unit 11 then draws the course so that the touched location is located at the center of the screen and also draws a mark M (a circle with a cross over it) indicating the target location at the touched location. The control unit 11 then calculates the distance from the current location to the touched location and displays the calculated distance in the distance-to-target-location display area R3 ("200" in the figure). At the same time, the control unit 11 also calculates the remaining distance from the touched location to the green (edge position, center pin position) and displays it in the remaining-distance display area R1. By comparing the distances displayed in both areas R1 and R3, the user can determine the appropriate club type to use at the current location to hit the ball to the touched location and the appropriate club type to use next to aim for the green from the touched location.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 11 draws a zoom out button B1, a zoom in button B2, and a back button B3 at the bottom of the display screen, and also draws a triangular cursor K at the center of each of the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the course layout display area. When the control unit 11 recognizes that the zoom out button B1 or zoom in button B2 has been pressed, it zooms in or out and draws the course layout. When the control unit 11 recognizes that the cursor K has been pressed, it moves and draws the course layout in that direction. At this time, since the position of mark M is at the center of the screen, the position on the course indicated by mark M changes as it moves, so the distance to the point indicated by mark M and the remaining distance from that point are recalculated and displayed in areas R3 and R1. This is preferable because it makes it easy to determine which position to aim for.

While this function is primarily used to display the distance to the target point, it can also be used to display the distance to places that you should not aim at (do not hit into). In other words, by touching a bunker or other hazard, the distance to that hazard will be displayed, which can be useful in selecting a club type that will stop just before the hazard or one that will reliably clear the hazard.

<Distance display function between two points>
The two-point distance display function calculates the distance between two points by touching them, and displays the calculated distance. This allows you to check the distance of any section on the course.

For example, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the menu button B4 shown in Figures 3 to 5 has been touched, it displays a menu 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 when it recognizes that the button specifying "distance between two points" has been selected. As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 11 first draws a triangular cursor K at the center of each of the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the display area of the course layout, overlaid on the course layout, and draws a mark M' at their intersection (the center of the screen). Furthermore, the control unit 11 draws a zoom out button B1, a zoom in button B2, and a back button B3 at the bottom of the display screen, and a point-to-point distance display area R4 at the bottom left. Here, since no two points are selected, the distance display is "0."

In this state, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the zoom out button B1/zoom in button B2 has been pressed, it zooms in/zooms in and draws the course layout. Furthermore, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the cursor K has been pressed, it moves and draws the course layout in that direction. In this state, when a point on the screen is touched, the control unit 11 recognizes the touched point and draws a start icon Is (e.g., a red circle) at that position (see FIG. 8). Thus, the user can register the first point they want to check by displaying it on the screen and touching it. Furthermore, when the control unit 11 touches the screen again after the first point has been registered (the start icon Is has been drawn), it registers the touched point as the second point and draws an end icon Ie at that position (see FIG. 9). This end icon Ie may be a red circle of the same shape and dimensions as the start icon Is, or it may be different in at least one of shape, size, and color so that it is clear which is the start icon Is.

Once the two locations are registered, the control unit 11 draws a straight line L1 connecting the two locations and calculates the distance between the two locations, and displays the calculated distance in the point-to-point distance display area R4 ("148" in the figure).

This allows you to know the distance between any two points on the course, providing useful information for deciding how to approach the course. Note that selecting the back button B3 will return you to the basic display shown in Figure 3, etc.

<Cup position registration function>
The cup position registration function allows the user to register the cup position on the day of play. As mentioned above, the remaining distance display area R1 displays a standard remaining distance, such as the green edge or the center of the green. On an actual golf course, the cup position changes daily. Therefore, if the cup position is near the edge of the green, the larger the green is, or the closer you are to the green, the greater the deviation from the cup position (pin position) set at the center of the green. The impact of this error is particularly pronounced the closer you are to the green, such as on an approach shot.

By registering the cup position on the day of play, the distance to the cup can be accurately calculated and displayed without having to pace, allowing users to check the exact remaining distance. As a result, accurate navigation is possible right up to the hole-out stage.

Specifically, the user carries the device and moves to the cup position on the green, where the cup position is registered. For example, the control unit 11 recognizes that the "Cup Position Registration" button on the menu screen has been touched, and activates cup position registration mode. If the position registration button 5 is pressed and held (for example, for two seconds or more) while in cup position registration mode, the current position (obtained from the GPS receiver 6) at that time is registered in buffer memory as the cup position. Therefore, the user can register the exact position by activating cup position registration mode while traveling to the cup position or upon reaching the cup position, and then holding down the position registration button 5 while the device is positioned close to or directly above the cup position.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, the drawing position of the flag icon I5 becomes the actual location registered as the cup position. If this location registration process is not performed, the flag icon I5 is drawn in the center of the green, as indicated by the two-dot chain line. The flag icon I5 drawn based on this location registration process and the flag icon I5 drawn in the center of the green, as originally registered at the time of factory shipment, have different drawing styles. Specifically, the control unit 11 draws the flag icon I5 in a different display color. Rather than changing the display color, various different styles can be used, such as changing the shape or size, or making the flag icon I5 based on location registration blink. By varying the drawing style in this way, the user can easily recognize which flag icon is currently being drawn. Of course, the drawing style can be the same without changing it in this way.

Note that Figure 10 shows the state after the cup position has been registered and the user has returned to the position where the ball will actually be hit. Furthermore, when the cup position has been registered in this way, the control unit 11 draws a distance display area R5 to the cup position on top of the normal remaining distance display area R1, and calculates the distance from the current position (self-icon I) to the cup position and displays this distance ("56" in the figure). Therefore, checking the distance to the cup helps the user select the type of club to use when approaching.

Once the control unit 11 registers the cup location in the buffer memory, it retains the cup position until the end of the hole. This means that even if the ball does not land on the green in one shot, when taking another approach shot, the player can know the exact remaining distance to the cup location based on the previously registered cup position. Furthermore, the remaining distance information can also be effectively used when putting on the green.

Note that if the control unit 11 determines that the player has moved to the next hole based on the location information obtained from the GPS receiving unit 6, it will erase the registered cup position. The registered cup position will also be erased if the power is turned off.

In the above example, the cup position was registered by going to the actual cup position and pressing and holding the position registration button 5, but this does not necessarily mean pressing and holding the position button. The current position at the time of instruction can be registered as the cup position in various ways, such as by clicking a button area provided on the screen.

While an accurate location can be registered by actually moving to the cup position in this way, it is also possible to register the cup position by, for example, drawing the target green on the screen and touching any point on that green. In this case, it is preferable to enlarge the green to fill the screen as much as possible, as this allows for more accurate location registration. While this method is less accurate than registering the actual cup position, as in this embodiment, it is more accurate than displaying the remaining distance uniformly set in the center of the green. Furthermore, since there is no need to actually go to the green, it is possible to register a relatively distant point, which is preferable in that it promotes speedy play. Furthermore, caddies carry documents listing the approximate pin position for the day, and some golf courses offer access to documents listing the pin position for the day for self-play. Registering the cup position based on this information allows for more accurate club selection, even when the remaining distance is 100 to 150 yards or more and it is difficult to actually go to the green.

In addition, in this embodiment, the cup position is erased when moving from one hole to another, but it can also be left as is. This is particularly convenient when playing the same hole twice in the same day, such as in one and a half rounds or two rounds, as the previously registered cup position information can be used as is. However, even in this case, it is best to erase it when play for the day is finished. By erasing it in this way, it is possible to prevent the remaining distance being displayed on a later play date based on an incorrect cup position registered during a previous play.

If erasure is not permitted, the advantage is that, for example, cup position information can also be imported and recorded on a computer, etc., allowing for more accurate and detailed reflection and consideration of play. In this case, to avoid the display of erroneous information such as that described above, the registered cup position can be registered in association with the date, and if the registration date is not the date of the current play, it can be not displayed (the cup position information cannot be used). It is also a good idea to provide the control unit 18 with a real-time clock and record date and time information in association with the position information.

In the above embodiment, the cup position is registered by moving to the actual cup position, but it can also be registered by manual operation without moving to the actual cup position. This manual cup position registration process can be performed while actually playing at the golf course, or when not playing. Registration when not playing can be performed on the golf course, or before arriving at the golf course. Examples of when not playing on the golf course include the time between arriving at the golf course on the morning of the day of play and going to the course to be played (first hole), or when you are in the clubhouse for lunch or other waiting time that occurs after playing the first nine holes and before the start of the second nine holes.

Figure 12 shows the algorithm for the registration process when not playing. First, when the power button 4 is operated to turn on the power, the control unit 11 displays a specified main menu screen on the display unit 3 (S1, S2). When the control unit 11 detects that "Cup Registration" has been selected (by pressing the touch panel, for example) from the processing items listed on the menu screen (not shown), it searches for golf courses registered in the golf course data storage unit 12 based on the current location information obtained from the GPS receiving unit 6 (S4).

If a golf course corresponding to the current location exists, the control unit 11 displays a golf course selection screen for that golf course on the display unit 3 (S5). That is, golf courses typically have multiple courses, each with nine holes. For example, an 18-hole golf course has an OUT course and an IN course, and the order in which the courses are played is determined by which course is played first. Furthermore, in golf courses with three or more courses (27 holes), each course is given a name and the order in which the courses are played (Course A → Course B → Course C) is determined. Therefore, especially in golf courses with three or more courses, a player playing one round will likely have courses that they will not play on that day. Since the user only needs to register the courses they will actually play, this device provides a function for selecting the course for which the cup position (pin position) is to be registered.

In other words, the control unit 11 displays a list of the name of the golf course in question and the names of the courses that exist on that golf course, and prompts the user to register the course from which to start. The control unit 11 determines the position touched on the touch panel and identifies the corresponding course name to select a course. The user may select multiple courses, or may select one course.

Furthermore, if the golf course data includes information on the order of play for each course, the next course to be played can be identified when the starting course is specified. Therefore, even when one course is selected as described above, the control unit 11 should have a function that, once all holes on that course have been registered, identifies the next course to be played based on the order of play information and prompts the user to register the first hole on that course.

On the other hand, if GPS location detection is not possible, the system switches to manual selection mode (S6), and the control unit 11 identifies a golf course according to the user's input and displays a golf course selection screen for the identified golf course on the display unit 3 (S7). Golf course selection can be performed by entering keywords such as "reading kana" (hiragana/alphabet) or "phone number" to search for matching golf courses, or by entering a region and displaying a list of matching golf courses to prompt selection, or by combining these methods. Region input can be performed by gradually narrowing the area (such as region → prefecture → ...), and selection can be made by text input or from a list display. Alternatively, a map can be drawn and the area can be gradually narrowed (by enlarging the drawn map) to specify the desired area. The golf course selection process in processing step S7 can be essentially the same as processing step S5. Furthermore, providing an input screen for specifying the hole to be input in one or both of processing steps S5 and S7 allows for more detailed settings. For example, if the pin position is known to a certain extent on a frequently visited course, or if it can be seen visually from the hole being played (fairway/rough) and the player can easily mentally correct any deviation from the center position, displaying the reference cup position and the remaining distance to that position is sufficient, the cup position registration process can be omitted. Of course, as explained below, it is possible to avoid actual input processing by skipping the input of the relevant hole in the cup position registration process, but by specifying the hole to input in advance, skipping processing is unnecessary, making the input process even easier.

Next, the control unit 11 executes the cup position input operation (S8). The control unit 11 reads data for the first hole of the course specified in the pre-processing (S5, S7) from the golf course data storage unit 12 and displays a cup position input screen on the display unit 3. In this embodiment, the following four methods are available for specifying the cup position input, and the user can select which method to use via a menu screen.

<Block input method>
As shown in Fig. 13, the control unit 11 draws a screen simulating the green G of the corresponding hole on the display unit 3, and overlays a lattice frame K that covers the entire green. The user visually checks a cup position map provided by the golf course and touches and selects a location that appears to be the closest within the area defined by the lattice frame K. The control unit 11 determines that the touched location is the cup position. Note that although the shape of the green G is shown as a circle in the drawing, in reality it should approximate the shape of the green of an actual hole.

To obtain information about the actual cup position, golf courses often have a paper (cup position map) on the cart or carried by the caddy that lists the cup position (pin position) for that day, so this is used. Of course, it is not limited to paper, and users can confirm and register the cup position based on information provided through various media provided by the golf course (such as the website or signs displaying green information).

Furthermore, the number of grids that make up this grid frame K can be changed arbitrarily (e.g., 10 vertical x 10 horizontal, 3 vertical x 10 horizontal), or it can be a fixed value (5 vertical x 5 horizontal). Furthermore, grid frame K is a collection of multiple grids divided into n x m, with one value being "1". In particular, since the shot is usually taken from just in front of the green, the remaining distance to the cup is more affected by the deviation in the depth direction in the front-to-back direction than by the deviation in the width direction from the center position on the green. For this reason, dividing only the front-to-back direction without dividing it in the width direction makes it easier to set. The pin based on this registered cup position is displayed at a representative point, such as the center of the grid.

<How to enter numbers>
As shown in FIG. 14 , the control unit 11 prepares a screen simulating a green G on the screen and inputs the distances X and Y from specific positions (P1, P2) as numerical values. The specific positions P1 and P2 can be, for example, the right end (P1) and front end (P2) of the green. The distances X and Y are input by touching numerical input boxes B1 and B2 provided on the display screen. That is, when the control unit 11 detects that either of the numerical input boxes B1 and B2 has been touched, the control unit 11 draws a numeric keypad input button area on the display unit 3, receives input from the user using the numeric keypad, and displays the corresponding number in the numerical input box B1/B2. Then, upon pressing the confirm button, the control unit 11 erases the numeric keypad input button area and draws a mark M at the point specified by X and Y. The user determines whether the position is correct based on the position of the mark M on the green G and the values displayed in the numerical input boxes. If correct, the user touches a registration button area (not shown) displayed in a predetermined position on the display unit 3.

<Guessing input method>
In the case of a device equipped with a touch panel, as shown in Fig. 15(a), the control unit 11 draws a screen simulating green G on the screen of the display unit 3. Then, the control unit 11 detects the touched position on the green G and determines that position as the cup position.

Furthermore, in the case of a device that does not have a touch panel, as shown in Figure 15(b), the control unit 11 draws a screen that resembles green G on the screen of the display unit 3, and draws an arrow pointer superimposed on a reference position (such as the center of the green). The control unit 11 then receives instructions from an input device such as a button switch or remote control, and moves the arrow pointer up, down, left, and right to determine the position.

The control unit 11 associates the cup position determined using one of the above input methods with the hole number and registers it in internal/external memory such as RAM/memory (such as the storage device 18) (S9).

After this registration, the control unit 11 determines whether a next hole exists (S10). If so, the process returns to processing step S8, switches to the next hole as the processing target, and executes the cup position input task. The determination of whether a next hole exists may be made by the control unit 11 automatically determining whether there is a next hole on the same course as the hole currently being processed, for example, from golf course data registered in the golf course data storage unit 12, or by the control unit 11 drawing a button area at a predetermined position on the display unit 3 for inputting whether there is a next hole, and detecting which button area is touched. Furthermore, when making an automatic determination, the process may be set to end once input has been completed up to the final hole on the same course, or the first hole on the next course to be played may be set to be processed.

Note that an abort (end) button area is displayed on each screen transitioned to during this cup position registration process, and the control unit 11 ends the process when it detects that the abort (end) button area has been touched. Also, if the process is temporarily terminated with registration partially completed, and then the above processing steps are executed again to select a golf course, the control unit 11 searches for whether a cup position has been registered for each hole on the course being processed, and processes any unregistered holes, executing processing step S8 and subsequent steps for those holes being processed.

If it is not possible to register cup positions for all holes before play begins due to factors such as starting time, you can register cup positions halfway through and then register cup positions during play as explained below, or you can register cup positions for the first half of the course before the start and register cup positions for the second half of the course during breaks such as lunch.

Figure 16 shows another algorithm for the registration process when not in play. In this example, when the power button 4 is pressed to turn on the power, the control unit 11 displays a predetermined main menu screen on the display unit 3 (S11, S12). When the control unit 11 detects that "Cup Registration (Data Use)" has been selected (e.g., by pressing the touch panel) from the processing options listed on the menu screen (not shown), it acquires and registers the GPS coordinates of the cup position for each hole registered in the storage device 18 (e.g., a media card) or an external storage device via a USB cable connected to the USB terminal 9 (S14). To utilize this function, the golf course (golf club) can publish the location information (longitude and latitude) of the cup position for the current day or the next day on its website or on a computer (server) installed at the golf course. This published data can be acquired in advance via the Internet or other means and stored on a recording medium such as a media card, or the data can be acquired by connecting to a computer installed at the golf course via a USB cable. This process allows for the accurate registration of cup positions all at once.

Figure 17 shows the algorithm for the registration process during play. While the golf navigation mode is running, the control unit 11 displays a menu screen (S21). When the control unit 11 detects that "Cup Registration" has been selected from the menu screen (S22), it proceeds to the task of inputting the cup position (S23).

This cup position input process begins with identifying the course to be processed. In other words, the control unit 11 determines which hole the player is currently on based on the current position information obtained from the GPS receiving unit 6 and the layout of each hole (with position information) on the golf course. The control unit 11 then selects the hole currently being played as the target of processing, reads the green information for that hole, and displays an input screen for the cup position on the display unit 3. After the target hole has been determined in this way, the cup position input process is carried out in the same way as the four input processes described above.

Note that some golf courses do not provide specific information about the cup location as described above, but instead indicate the cup location by changing the color of a flag attached to the top of the flagpole or by the position of a ball attached to the flagpole that can slide up and down. In such cases, the cup location will be reported as a rough indication, such as in front, in the center, or at the back of the green. Therefore, in the block input method using a grid frame, it is recommended to use one grid in the horizontal direction, divided into multiple grids in the front-to-back direction (three in the illustration, but four or more grids are acceptable), as shown in Figure 13(b).

The control unit 11 associates the cup position specified using various input methods with the hole information and registers it in a specified storage device (S24). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether there is a next hole (S25). If there is a next hole, the control unit 11 switches the hole to be processed to that next hole and returns to processing step S23. Then, once registration of all holes has been completed, the branch determination in processing step S25 becomes No, and processing returns to processing step S21. Processing steps S24 and S25 can be performed in the same way as processing steps S9 and S10.

Furthermore, in processing step S23, if the cup position has already been registered for the hole at the current position, the next hole will be processed. This allows cup position information to be registered sequentially while playing, for example, while traveling in a cart. Particularly in the case of golf courses where cup position information is provided on the cart, processing can be carried out smoothly by registering at a location where green information (cup position information) is available. Furthermore, the user can avoid delays in play by dividing the registration process into small increments, such as for one or more holes, while traveling in a cart. Furthermore, as mentioned above, in the case of golf information where cup position information is reported based on the state of the flagstick (pin), cup position can only be registered while actually playing, so being able to perform registration processing while playing in this way is convenient.

Furthermore, once the registration of the cup position for one hole is completed, the control unit 11 automatically displays the cup position selection screen for the next hole, making it easy to consecutively register multiple courses to be played while traveling in the cart.

The cup position information registered in the manner described above can be used to calculate the remaining distance from the current position to the cup, as mentioned above. In addition, by drawing a flag icon I5 at a position corresponding to the registered cup position along with a diagram of the green of the hole currently being played, it is preferable because it makes it easier to visualize the condition of the green when hitting from an elevated green or a location where the green cannot be seen directly due to a dogleg, etc.

Furthermore, when the control unit 11 detects that the current position is moving to the position of the next hole, it determines whether the cup position for the next hole has already been registered. If it has not been registered, it draws a registration screen and prompts the user to register the cup position. In other words, processing step S23 is executed. By automatically drawing the registration screen in this way, the user does not need to operate the screen to load the cup registration screen. Furthermore, even if the user has already registered cup position information for an intermediate hole and does not remember how far they have been, the registration screen can be automatically drawn when they reach an unregistered hole, making it easy to know. Furthermore, registering the cup position while moving to the next hole not only makes effective use of travel time and prevents delayed play, but also provides an opportunity to think about how to approach the next hole, and checking the cup position can help users come up with more effective strategies.

Furthermore, if the cup position for the next hole has already been registered, the control unit 11 will not prompt the player to register the cup positions for any subsequent holes that have not yet been registered, but will instead display a schematic diagram of the green that reflects the registered cup positions and a schematic diagram of the entire course alternately or simultaneously on one screen. This allows the player to consider strategies for their strategy while moving around by looking at the green and course that accurately reflect these cup positions.

Furthermore, by providing the above-described function of automatically drawing the cup position registration screen, the user can input the cup position for the appropriate hole at the appropriate location. Furthermore, since no specific processing is required to load the input screen, the user can concentrate on playing the game. Furthermore, in addition to detecting movement to the next hole as described above, the condition for automatically drawing the cup position registration screen at the appropriate location can also be detected when a cart is moving even during actual play of the hole. In such cases, the control unit 11 identifies the hole currently being played based on the current location information obtained from the GPS receiver 6, determines whether cup position information for that hole has been registered, and if not, draws the registration screen. Whether a cart is moving can be determined, for example, when the moving speed exceeds the normal walking speed (above a certain speed). Furthermore, some golf courses have designated areas where carts can be driven (cart paths). In such cases, it is preferable to determine that the user is moving by cart when the current location is detected to be within the designated cart-driveable area. Furthermore, for example, if a player carrying this device goes to the cart to retrieve clubs and selects and removes the necessary clubs from their golf bag, they will be in an area where the cart can be driven. Therefore, in addition to being in an area where the cart can be driven, the device can also add the condition of being moving (regardless of speed), and determine that the player is in motion with the cart if both conditions are met. In this way, even if the cart is moving slowly (similar to a person's walking or running speed), it can be detected as moving, and if the player is simply going to retrieve clubs, false detection can be prevented because there is almost no movement.

Furthermore, if the control unit 11 detects that the current position obtained from the GPS receiving unit 6 is within a golf course and detects a speed and trajectory corresponding to travel by cart to the first hole, it may display a screen asking, "Do you want to register today's cup position?"

It is also advisable to equip the device with the ability to communicate (exchange data) with other devices via wireless communication (including infrared communication) or wired communication. In this way, when multiple people with the same type of device play at the same golf course, one person can register the cup position and then use that communication function to transfer the registered data to the other devices, eliminating the need for everyone to register cup position information and making cup position registration easier. This function can also be used by someone (one device) to register cup positions for all holes and then transfer and distribute that information to other devices, or by having multiple devices each register cup position information for different holes and then exchanging information, allowing cup position registration to be completed in a short amount of time. In particular, when considering input during play on a self-play course, it is difficult for the person driving the cart to input cup positions, so it is advantageous to be able to use data registered by others.

The golf support device may also be equipped with an in-vehicle mode, such as a road map display function that displays the roads the vehicle is traveling on when installed in a vehicle. It may also be configured to be able to switch between this mode and the golf mode, which is a function of the golf support device described above. Mode switching may be accomplished, for example, by providing a switch button connected to the control unit 11, and the control unit 11 detecting operation of the switch button to switch modes.

The road map display function can be realized using a configuration used in known navigation devices, etc. For example, road map information including road location information can be stored in the storage device 18, the current location can be obtained from the GPS receiver 6, road map information for locations within a specified range from the current location can be read from the storage device 18, and the roads can be displayed at the corresponding positions on the display unit 3.

Furthermore, the location information obtained from the GPS receiver 6 may be stored as needed while the road map display function is being executed, and when the function is switched to the golf support function, the golf course currently being played and displayed by the golf support function may be identified based on the location information stored while the road map display function was being executed. For example, the golf course closest to the location information stored while the road map display function was being executed may be searched from the golf course data storage unit 12, and that golf course may be identified as the golf course currently being played.

In addition, the in-vehicle mode may be provided with a driving information provision function related to the current location, instead of or including a road map display function. Alternatively, instead of a switching button, the following configuration may be used. For example, a portable golf support device 1 equipped with a golf support function that provides golf information related to golf courses and a cradle (cradle body) for installing the golf support device 1 in a predetermined location in a vehicle may be included. The golf support device 1 is detachable from the cradle, and in portable mode, which operates when removed from the cradle, it activates golf mode, which operates using a built-in battery. On the other hand, when attached to the cradle, the golf support device 1 receives power from the vehicle via the cradle to charge the battery and activates in-vehicle mode, which operates using power supplied from the vehicle. In the in-vehicle mode, a driving information provision function is activated, which notifies the user of driving information that is useful while driving. The mode to operate in is determined by whether or not power is supplied from the cradle. The control unit 11 enters in-vehicle mode when power is supplied from the cradle, and if power is lost from the cradle in in-vehicle mode, it stores the current location information at that time and enters a suspended state. When started up without power from the cradle, it may start up in golf mode and identify the golf course currently being played to be displayed by the golf support function based on the stored current location information. This process of identifying the golf course to be displayed in golf mode based on the current location information stored in in-vehicle mode may be performed only when the GPS receiver unit 6 is in a non-positioning state in golf mode.

Furthermore, when starting the golf mode, the control unit 11 may display a message such as "Do you want to register the cup position?" on the display unit 3, and then perform processing to identify this golf course if the cup position is not to be registered, or after the cup position has been registered using the cup position registration function.

In this way, even if the current position cannot be determined by the GPS receiver 6 at the golf course, the golf course currently being played can be immediately displayed based on the position information determined in in-vehicle mode. In particular, at golf courses, stable positioning may be difficult due to tree shade, but the golf course can be immediately displayed using the positioning results from a wide area, such as a parking lot, where GPS positioning is easy. Furthermore, due to the characteristics of GPS, the GPS receiver 6 may not be able to determine position or the accuracy may be insufficient immediately after powering on or resuming from suspend mode. However, by using position information based on the results of continuous positioning in in-vehicle mode to identify the golf course currently being played, the golf course can be quickly and accurately identified and displayed.

<Practice mode>
This practice mode is suitable for checking distances when practicing approaches. In this practice mode, the distance traveled from a registered starting point is displayed in real time in the travel distance display area R6. This allows, for example, the user to check the distance to a net or other target when practicing approaches. Specifically, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the "Practice Mode" button has been touched on the menu screen, it activates the practice mode and displays a practice mode screen such as that shown in FIG. 11. The course displayed in this practice mode is a virtual one. By displaying a virtual golf course in this way, the user is given a more realistic feel, which increases the fun of the game. In particular, displaying the green creates the feeling of practicing approaches, which also encourages practice.

Next, the starting point is registered. That is, the user touches the registration button B7 provided on the display screen at the location where the ball will be hit. When the control unit 11 recognizes that the registration button B7 has been touched, it obtains the current location at that time from the GPS receiver unit 6 and registers it as the starting point location.

Next, the user moves to the target location or the location where a net or other object will be placed. The control unit 11 calculates the distance from the registered starting point to the current location and displays it in the travel distance display area R6 ("40" is displayed in the figure). The user can then determine the distance from the location where the ball will be hit from the number displayed in the travel distance display area R6, and when it reaches the desired distance for practice, place a target at that location. This allows the user to accurately set the location where the ball will be hit and the distance to the target.

The user then returns to the hitting position and hits the ball towards the target. This allows the user to hone their sense of distance and improve their practical skills, making it ideal for practicing approaches. This practice mode is ideal for practicing hitting a set distance, such as 20 or 40 yards, in a backyard or driving range.

1 Golf support device 2 Case 3 Display unit 5 Location registration button 11 Control unit 12 Golf course data storage unit 17 Battery

Claims (3)

1. A golf support device having a function of displaying an image showing a hole layout based on a storage means for storing an image showing a hole layout together with an initial cup position for each of a plurality of holes, the device comprising:
a function for identifying a golf hole that the user is playing;
a function of registering the cup position of the specified hole in response to a user operation;
a function of displaying an image showing the layout of the first hole together with the registered cup position when it is specified that a first hole will be played on a predetermined day , and when there is a cup position registered as the cup position for the predetermined day for the first hole, and when there is no registered cup position, displaying an image showing the layout of the first hole together with the default cup position;
A golf assist device having: 1. A golf support device having a function of displaying an image showing a hole layout based on a storage means for storing an image showing a hole layout together with an initial cup position for each of a plurality of holes, the device comprising:
a function for identifying a golf hole that the user is playing;
a function of registering the cup position of the specified hole in response to a user operation;
When a first hole is specified to be played, displaying an image showing the layout of the first hole along with a default cup position;
When it is determined that a second hole is to be played after the first hole, displaying an image showing the layout of the second hole together with an initial cup position;
a function of displaying an image showing the layout of the first hole together with a cup position registered for the first hole when it is determined that the first hole will be played on a predetermined date after the second hole, if the cup position for the first hole has been registered as the cup position for the predetermined date;
A golf assist device having: A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the golf support device described in claim 1 or 2.