U.S. patent application number 09/993093 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-30 for game providing system in golf driving range.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kodera Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Kodera, Hiroshi.
Application Number | 20020065567 09/993093 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18830645 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020065567 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kodera, Hiroshi |
May 30, 2002 |
Game providing system in golf driving range
Abstract
A game providing method dispenses a golf ball that has an ID
number recorded. A plurality of players hits the golf ball in turn
from respective bays toward a fixed target position. A number of
the golf balls hit from each of the bays is counted by counting
means until an ID number recognizing device disposed at the target
position recognizes a golf ball having an ID number corresponding
to each of the bays. The number of the golf balls counted in each
of the bays is displayed by display means.
Inventors: |
Kodera, Hiroshi; (Gifu-ken,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAELSON AND WALLACE
PARKWAY 109 OFFICE CENTER
328 NEWMAN SPRINGS RD
P O BOX 8489
RED BANK
NJ
07701
|
Assignee: |
Kodera Electronics Co.,
Ltd.
|
Family ID: |
18830645 |
Appl. No.: |
09/993093 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/92 ; 473/150;
473/151; 473/176; 473/190; 473/192 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/3694 20130101;
A63B 2225/15 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/92 ; 473/150;
473/151; 473/176; 473/190; 473/192 |
International
Class: |
G06F 155/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 27, 2000 |
JP |
2000-358805 |
Claims
1. A game providing method in a golf driving range comprising the
steps of: dispensing a golf ball that has an ID number recorded, a
plurality of players hitting the golf ball in turn from respective
bays toward a fixed target position; counting a number of the golf
balls hit from each of the bays by counting means until an ID
number recognizing device disposed at the target position
recognizes a golf ball having an ID number corresponding to each of
the bays; and displaying the number of the golf balls counted in
each of the bays by display means.
2. A game providing method in a golf driving range according to
claim 1, in which: the method provides plural target positions;
plural ID number recognizing devices are disposed respectively at
the plural target positions: and the counting means counts the
number of the golf balls hit from each of the bays until all the ID
number recognizing devices recognize the golf balls having the ID
numbers corresponding to the bays, respectively.
3. A game providing method in a golf driving range according to
claim 1, in which: an object is provided on the target position,
the object being composed of at least one of a basket, a mark and a
hole for receiving the golf ball; and the ID number recognizing
device recognizes the ID number of the golf ball received by the
object.
4. A game providing method in a golf driving range comprising the
steps of: dispensing a golf ball that has an ID number recorded, a
plurality of players hitting the golf ball in turn from respective
bays toward a fixed target position; counting a number of the golf
balls hit from each of the bays by counting means until an ID
number recognizing device disposed at the target position
recognizes a golf ball having an ID number corresponding to each of
the bays; comparing by a comparing means the numbers of the golf
balls counted respectively in the bays with each other so as to
decide a ranking of the plural players; and displaying information
relating to the ranking by display means.
5. A game providing method in a golf driving range according to
claim 4, in which: the method provides plural target positions;
plural ID number recognizing devices are disposed respectively at
the plural target positions: the counting means counts the number
of the golf balls hit from each of the bays until all the ID number
recognizing devices recognize the golf balls having the ID numbers
corresponding to the bays, respectively; and the comparing means
compares the numbers of the golf balls counted respectively in the
bays with each other so as to decide a ranking of the plural
players.
6. A game providing method in a golf driving range according to
claim 4, in which: an object is provided on the target position,
the object being composed of at least one of a basket, a mark and a
hole for receiving the golf ball; and the ID number recognizing
device recognizes the ID number of the golf ball received by the
object.
7. A game system in a golf driving range comprising: a ball
dispenser for dispensing a golf ball that has an ID number
recorded, a plurality of players hitting the golf ball in turn from
respective bays toward a fixed target position; a counter for
counting a number of the golf balls hit from each of the bays; an
ID number recognizing device disposed at the target position; the
counter counting the number of the golf balls hit from each of the
bays until the ID number recognizing device recognizes a golf ball
having an ID number corresponding to each of the bays; and a
display for displaying the number of the golf balls counted in each
of the bays.
8. A game system in a golf driving range according to claim 7, in
which: the game system provides plural target positions; plural ID
number recognizing devices are disposed respectively at the plural
target positions: and the counter counts the number of the golf
balls hit from each of the bays until all the ID number recognizing
devices recognize the golf balls having the ID numbers
corresponding to the bays, respectively.
9. A game system in a golf driving range according to claim 7, in
which: an object is provided on the target position, the object
being composed of at least one of a basket, a mark and a hole for
receiving the golf ball; and the ID number recognizing device
recognizes the ID number of the golf ball received by the object.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a game providing system in a golf
driving range, particularly to a game providing system that allow a
plurality of persons to play a game while practicing golf in an
indoor golf driving range or the like.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] For example, a plurality of bays or booths is provided in an
indoor golf driving range (may be referred to simply as "indoor
driving range" hereafter). A ball feeding means for feeding golf
balls (may be referred to simply as "ball" hereafter) is disposed
in each bay. Specifically, each of practicing persons or player
enters the bay and hits a dispensed ball by a golf club so as to
learn how to swing or strike.
[0005] There is something lacking in the conventional indoor
driving range in terms of funs or amusement. That is, even if a hit
ball travels or flies as aimed and falls or lands at a targeted
position, what is expected is only that the player is satisfied
with the result by him or herself. There is no reward for the
result.
[0006] Therefore, it is suggested to put a target at a fixed
position and give some awards to the player when the ball struck by
the player hits the target. With such system, the player is
encouraged to hit the ball to the target position. Thus, the player
can practice golf while having fun.
[0007] With the conventional system, one player can enjoy
practicing golf, however, a group of players will not be satisfied
in terms of fun. That is, the system is not suitable for providing
a game environment in which plural players compete with each other.
Therefore, even if a group of people comes to the indoor driving
range for play, each of them must practice golf for him or herself
in a separate way. They are never allowed to play a game for the
group as in an actual golf course.
[0008] In the actual golf course, the group can play golf or game.
Still, the player must repeat striking and walking until he or she
hits the ball in a hole on a green in the game, and it takes much
time to end the game. Thus, the game on the golf course lacks
easiness or convenience. Moreover, a fee in the golf course is
relatively expensive. Furthermore, the golf course is not located
at convenient places such as a town area. Therefore, the golf game
on the course is not expected as an easy leisure amusement for a
family or a group of friends.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is
to provide a game providing system that enable players to play a
game as a group by use of a golf driving range and to compete with
each other only by hitting operations. According to a first aspect
of the invention, there is provided a game providing method in a
golf driving range. The game providing method comprises the steps
of: dispensing a golf ball that has an ID number recorded, a
plurality of players hitting the golf ball in turn from respective
bays toward a fixed target position; counting a number of the golf
balls hit from each of the bays by counting means until an ID
number recognizer device disposed at the target position recognizes
a golf ball having an ID number corresponding to each of the bays;
and displaying the number of the golf balls counted in each of the
bays by display means.
[0010] The ID number is a number for specifying or identifying the
golf ball. The ID number is recorded in each golf ball so as to
correspond to the bay at which the player hits the same golf ball.
In order to make the ID number correspond to the bay, golf balls
having an ID number fixedly allocated to each of the bays may be
supplied and assigned to the same bay. Alternatively, it is
possible that golf balls having ID numbers are supplied at random
and each of the bays reads and records the ID numbers recorded in
the golf balls, respectively. Moreover, if a rewritable medium is
used as a recording means for recording the ID number, an ID number
may be written in each of the golf balls so as to correspond to
each of the bays.
[0011] In order to record the ID number in the golf ball, the ID
number may be shown directly on a surface of the golf ball in a
readable way by a code reader. Alternatively, an IC chip may be
embedded in the golf ball so that the ID number is electrically
written in the IC chip. Alternatively, a magnetic storage means may
be provided on the golf ball so that the ID number is magnetically
written in the magnetic storage means.
[0012] According to the first aspect of the game providing method,
each player strikes the golf ball so that the golf ball reaches and
hits the target position. The ID number is recorded in the golf
ball corresponding to the bay. Then, if the golf ball shot from the
bay reaches and hits the target position, the ID number of the
hitting golf ball is recognized by the ID number recognizing
device. That is, it is specified from which bay the golf ball is
shot.
[0013] On the other hand, the counting means counts the number of
the golf balls until the golf ball shot from the bay hits the
target position or is recognized by the ID number recognized
device. That is, it is recognized in each bay how may times the
striking operations are performed until the golf ball hits the
target position.
[0014] Then, the number of the golf balls counted by the counting
means is displayed on the display means. If the display means is
disposed in such a position as to be seen from each of the bays,
each player can know how the game is advancing in his or her
bay.
[0015] The first aspect of the game providing method may provide
plural target positions. Accordingly, plural ID number recognizing
devices are disposed respectively at the plural target positions.
The counting means counts the number of the golf balls hit from
each of the bays until all the ID number recognizing devices
recognize the golf balls having the ID numbers corresponding to the
bays, respectively.
[0016] In this case, the ID number recognizing devices are provided
on the plural target position, respectively. Each of the players
repeats striking operations so that the golf balls hit the plural
target positions. That is, if the player has succeeded in hitting
the target position by the golf ball, the player strikes the golf
ball toward a next target position. Thus, the player repeats his or
her striking operations until the golf balls hit all the target
positions.
[0017] On the other hand, the counting means counts the number of
the golf balls shot from each of the bays until the ID numbers of
the golf balls corresponding to the bays are recognized in all the
target positions. That is, it is recognized in each of the bays how
many times the striking operations are performed for hitting the
plural target positions by the golf balls in each of the bays.
Then, the display means shows the number of the golf balls Counted
by the counting means.
[0018] In the first aspect of the game providing method, an object
may be provided on the target position. The object is composed of
at least one of a basket, a mark and a hole for receiving the golf
ball. The ID number recognizing device recognizes the ID number of
the golf ball received by the object.
[0019] In this case, since the object such as the basket, the mark
or the hole is provided at the target position, an area of the
target position becomes clear.
[0020] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is
provided a game providing method in a golf driving range. The game
providing method comprises the steps of: dispensing a golf ball
that has an ID number recorded, a plurality of players hitting the
golf ball in turn from respective bays toward a fixed target
position; counting a number of the golf balls hit from each of the
bays by counting means until an ID number recognizing device
disposed at the target position recognizes a golf ball having an ID
number corresponding to each of the bays; comparing by a comparing
means the numbers of the golf balls counted respectively in the
bays with each other so as to decide a ranking of the plural
players; and displaying information relating to the ranking by
display means.
[0021] The information relating to the ranking includes names of
the players that are arranged in an order of better results or in
an order of less scores, a ranking of individual players, etc. That
is, the information is not limited to a specific one as long as the
ranking of the plural players can be recognized :when the
information is shown on the display means.
[0022] According to the second aspect of the game providing method,
similar effects to those of the first aspect are obtained. In
addition, when the golf balls of all the players hit the target
position, the comparing means compares the numbers of the golf
balls counted by the counting means. That is, the player of less
counted number of golf balls becomes superior. Then, the
information relating to such superiority and inferiority is
indicated on the display means.
[0023] The second aspect of the game providing method may provide
plural target positions. Accordingly, plural ID number recognizing
devices are disposed respectively at the plural target positions.
The counting means counts the number of the golf balls hit from
each of the bays until all the ID number recognizing devices
recognize the golf balls having the ID numbers corresponding to the
bays, respectively. The comparing means compares the numbers of the
golf balls counted respectively in the bays with each other so as
to decide a ranking of the plural players.
[0024] In this case, the ID number recognizing devices are provided
on the plural target position, respectively. Each of the players
repeats striking operations so that the golf balls hit the plural
target positions.
[0025] On the other hand, the counting means counts the number of
the golf balls shot from each of the bays until the ID numbers of
the golf balls corresponding to the bays are recognized in all the
target positions. That is, it is recognized in each of the bays how
many times the striking operations are performed for hitting the
plural target positions by the golf balls in each of the bays.
[0026] Then, when the golf balls of all the players hit all the
target positions, the comparing means compares the numbers of the
golf balls counted by the counting means. Thus, the ranking is
decided among the plural players.
[0027] In the second aspect of the game providing method, an object
may be provided on the target position. The object is composed of
at least one of a basket, a mark and a hole for receiving the golf
ball. The ID number recognizing device recognizes the ID number of
the golf ball received by the object.
[0028] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is
provided a game system in a golf driving range. The game system
comprises: a ball dispenser for dispensing a golf ball that has an
ID number recorded, a plurality of players hitting the golf ball in
turn from respective bays toward a fixed target position; a counter
for counting a number of the golf balls hit from each of the bays;
an ID number recognizing device disposed at the target position;
the counter counting the number of the golf balls hit from each of
the bays until the ID number recognizing device recognizes a golf
ball having an ID number corresponding to each of the bays; and a
display for displaying the number of the golf balls counted in each
of the bays.
[0029] The third aspect of the game system may provide plural
target positions. Accordingly, plural ID number recognizing devices
are disposed respectively at the plural target positions. The
counter counts the number of the golf balls hit from each of the
bays until all the ID number recognizing devices recognize the golf
balls having the ID numbers corresponding to the bays,
respectively.
[0030] In the third aspect of the game system, an object may be
provided on the target position. The object is composed of at least
one of a basket, a mark and a hole for receiving the golf ball. The
ID number recognizing device recognizes the ID number of the golf
ball received by the object.
[0031] Further objects and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following description, reference being had to the
accompanying drawings, wherein preferred embodiments of the
invention are clearly shown.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1 is an explanatory drawing of a game system for
realizing a game providing method according to one embodiment of
the invention.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of functional means of the game
system according to the first embodiment of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 3 is another block diagram of functional means of the
game system according to the first embodiment of the invention.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an operation of the game system
according to the first embodiment of the invention.
[0036] FIG. 5 is another flowchart of an operation of the game
system according to the first embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, a game system
1 in a golf driving range and a game providing method using the
game system 1 are described hereafter referring to FIG. 1 to FIG.
5. FIG. 1 shows an overall structure of the game system 1. FIG. 2
and FIG. 3 show functional blocks of the game system 1,
respectively. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show operational flows of the game
system 1, respectively.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, the game system 1 of the present
embodiment has a ball dispenser (ball dispensing means) 2, a
dispenser controller (dispenser control means) 3, a display
(display means) 4 and a first ID reader (first ID reading means) 5.
The ball dispenser 2 dispenses a golf ball G to each hitting area
or bay D. The dispenser controller 3 manages the ball dispenser 2.
The display 4 shows an image. The ID reader 5 reads an ID number of
the ball G supplied to each bay D. Each means 2, 3, 4 and 5 is
disposed on each of the bays D.
[0039] A basket 6a, 6b, 6c, a ball detector (ball detecting means)
7a, 7b, 7c and a second ID reader (second ID reading means) 8a, 8b,
8c are disposed at a target position far from the bay D by a fixed
distance. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the basket 6a, 6b,
6c, the ball detector 7a, 7b, 7c and the second ID reader 8a, 8b,
8c are located at three positions of 30 m, 50 m and 70 m from the
bay D, for example. The basket 6a, 6b, 6c receives the ball G. The
ball detector 7a, 7b, 7c detects the ball G entering into the
basket 6a, 6b, 6c. The second ID reader reads out an ID number of
each of the balls G entering into the basket 6a, 6b, 6c.
[0040] Each of the means 2 to 8 is described more in detail. The
ball dispenser 2 is connected to a not-shown conveyor (conveying
means) for carrying the balls G along a line of plurality of the
bays D. The conveyor is arranged under a floor of each of the bays
D. The ball dispenser 2 is composed of an automatic teeing-up
device 2a and a feeding path 2b. The teeing-up device 2a tees the
ball G up. The feeding path 2b sends the balls G carried by the
conveyor to the teeing-up device 2a. The ball dispenser 2
automatically tees the balls G up one by one, thereby saving a lot
of time of a player M. The teeing-up device 2a and the feeding path
2b are conventional, so that their specific description is
eliminated.
[0041] The dispenser controller 3 is placed at the back of each of
the bays D, for example, so as to manage a start and end of
operation of especially the teeing-up device 2. The dispenser
controller 3 has an insertion opening 10 for inserting and taking
out a storage medium not shown. The storage medium stores a number
of balls that the player M is allowed to hit in the bay, i.e. the
number of the balls G teed up by the teeing-up device 2. A counter
(counting means) 11 is disposed near the teeing-up device 2, as
shown in FIG. 3. The counter 11 detects an up-and-down movement of
the teeing-up device 2 so as to count a number of hitting
operations of the player M.
[0042] The display 4 has a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like
and is controller by a display controller (display controlling
means) 9. The display 4 shows the number of balls G counted by the
counter 11 and a score table in each game.
[0043] The ball G is described next. An IC chip not shown is
embedded in at a center of the ball G. The IC chip has an
integrated circuit in a housing that is made of a synthetic resin.
As functional elements, the IC chip has a receiver unit, a
charger-discharger unit, a memory unit, a response control unit.
The receiver unit receives radio waves transmitted from the first
ID reader 5 or the second ID reader 8. The charger-discharger unit
stores energy by the received radio waves and outputs the stored
energy as an electric power for operating the response control
unit. Each of the ID numbers is written in the memory unit
beforehand so that the ID numbers become different from each other.
The response control unit has an information transmitter and a
command receiver. When a response command is input in the command
receiver, the response control unit sends back the ID number
written in the memory unit to the first ID reader 5 or the second
ID reader 8a, 8b, 8c via the information transmitter. Specifically,
the IC chip has no power source like a conventional battery
charger. In contrast, the IC chip collects the radio waves from the
first ID reader 5 or the second ID reader 8a, 8b, 8c as response
energy. Then, the IC chip sends back data relating to the ID number
in reply to the response command.
[0044] The first ID reader 5 recognizes the ID number written in
the memory unit of the ID chip. As shown in FIG. 2, the first ID
reader 5 is composed of a transmitter unit (transmitting means) 12,
a receiver unit (receiving means) 13, a recognizer unit
(recognizing means) 14 and so on. The transmitter unit 12 sends
radio waves to the ball G when the same ball G is supplied to a
fixed position by the ball dispenser 2. The transmitted radio waves
are stored as the response energy in the IC chip. The transmitter
unit 12 commands the IC chip to send the ID number back after the
response energy has been stored in the IC chip. The receiver unit
13 receives data relating to the ID number that was sent from the
transmitter unit of the IC chip, thereby to output the data to the
recognizer unit 14. The recognizer unit 14 recognizes the ID number
on the basis of the received data.
[0045] The output signal of the first ID reader 5 is sent to an ID
number storage device (ID number storing means) 15. The storage
device 15 stores the ID number of the balls G supplied to each of
the players M so as to correspond to the each of the bays D.
[0046] The three baskets 6a, 6b, 6c shown in FIG. 1 are made of
containers each of which has an upper end opened. A bottom of the
container is connected with an outlet path not shown. The ball
detectors 7a, 7b, 7c are composed of proximity switches or the like
and attached to peripheral surfaces of the baskets 6a, 6b, 6c,
respectively. Specifically, the ball detector 7a, 7b, 7c senses
change of an output of the proximity switch so as to recognize
whether the ball G has entered into the basket 6a, 6b, 6c. The
output of the ball detector 7a, 7b, 7c is sent to the second ID
reader 8a, 8b, 8c as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 only depicts the ball
detector 7a and the second ID reader 8a arranged on the basket 6a
that is located at the front line or nearest the bay 5. The ball
detectors 7b, 7c and the second ID readers 8b, 8c are provided on
the baskets 6b, 6c in the same way.
[0047] The second ID reader 8a, 8b, 8c is provided on the outlet
path and recognizes the ID number written in the IC chip of the
ball G. As shown in FIG. 2, the second ID reader 8a, 8b, 8c has a
transmitter unit (transmitting means) 17, a receiver unit
(receiving means) 18, a recognizer unit (recognizing means) 19 and
so on. The configuration and operation of the second ID reader 8a,
8b, 8c are the same as those of the first ID reader 5, so that
their detailed description is omitted. The second ID reader 8a, 8b,
8c constitutes an ID number recognizing device of the present
invention.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 2, the game system 1 has a specifying
device (specifying means) 20 as a functional configuration using a
computer. When it is detected that the ball G comes into the basket
6a, 6b, 6c, the specifying device 20 specifies or identifies the
bay D of the player M who hit the same ball G among the plural bays
D on the basis of the ID number stored in the ID number storage
device 15 and the output from the second ID reader 8a, 8b, 8c.
Specifically, the specifying device 20 selects an ID number
corresponding to the output of the second ID reader 8a, 8b, 8c from
the ID number stored in the ID number storage device 15. Then, the
specifying device 20 identifies the bay D corresponding to the
selected ID number. That is, if the ID number of the ball G
dispensed to one of the bays D coincides with the ID number of the
ball G entering into the basket 6a, 6b, 6c thereafter, the
specifying device 20 deems that they are the same ball G. Then, the
specifying device 20 specifies the bay D corresponding to the ball
G as the bay D from which the ball G is shot. The specifying device
20 is independently provided corresponding to each of the baskets
6a, 6b and 6c. Namely, as shown in FIG. 3, a first specifying
device 20a, a second specifying device 20b and a third specifying
device 20c are arranged so as to correspond to the baskets 6a, 6b
and 6c, respectively.
[0049] The present embodiment of the game system 1 has a plurality
of individual processor device (individual processing means) 22 and
one supervisor device (supervising means) 23, as shown in FIG. 3.
In case plural players M enjoy the game, the individual processor
devices 22 and the supervisor device 23 make display a score table
that shows a number of balls counted by the counter 11 in each of
the bays D as well as counted values of all the players M. The
individual processor device 22 is provided on each of the bays D.
The supervisor device 23 is provided so as to communicate with all
the individual processor devices 22.
[0050] The individual processor device 22 includes the ball
dispenser 2, the counter 11, the display 4 and the display
controller 9. Moreover, the individual processor device 22 has a
hit recognizer unit (landing recognizing means) 24 and an output
unit (output means) 25 as functional configurations using a
computer. When one of the specifying device 20 transmits a signal
or has specified the bay D of the player M who could hit the ball G
into the basket 6a, 6b, 6c, the hit recognizer unit 24 sends out
the signal to the output unit 25. If the signal comes from the hit
recognizer unit 24, the output unit 25 transmits information
relating to a number of the balls counted by the counter 11 and the
kind of the basket 6a, 6b, 6c.
[0051] The supervisor device 23 is made up of a general-purpose
computer installed with a supervising program. As functional
configurations, the supervisor device 23 has a count data storage
unit (count date storage means) 27, a player data register unit
(player data registering means) 28 and a score table maker unit
(score table making means) 29. When data are sent from one of the
output device 25, the count data storage unit 27 receives and
stores the data as a table. The player data register unit 28 stores
information relating to the player M such as a name and a number of
the bay D. The score table maker unit 29 makes up a list or table
for a score of the player M on the basis of the information from
the count data storage unit 27 and the player data register unit
28. The table data made by the score table maker unit 29 are
transmitted to the display controller 9 of the bay D at which the
player M is registered. Thus, the display 4 disposed in each of the
bays D shows scores of all the players M in the form of tables. The
score table maker unit 29 has a comparator unit (comparing means)
30 that compares the counted values C of the players M so as to
decide ranking. The comparator unit 30 makes it possible to arrange
the score table in an order of scores or determine the ranking of
the players M.
[0052] Next described is an operation of the present embodiment of
the game system 1, particularly procedures in the individual
processor device 22 and procedures in the supervisor unit 23. As
shown in FIG. 4, the individual processor device 22 in each of the
bays D determines whether or not a bay D is registered as a bay D
of a specific player M (STEP S1). Procedures for such register are
carried out before the game starts. Registered data are written in
the player data register unit 28 of the supervisor device 23.
Accordingly, in STEP S1, the above determination is enabled by
comparing data relating to the bay D of the specific player M and
data stored in the player data register unit 28.
[0053] If the bay D is a registered one or it is YES in STEP S, "0"
is input as a counted value C (STEP S2) and "1" is input into a
variable n for setting an order of the baskets 6a, 6b, 6c as
targets (STEP S3). Then, if the ball G is supplied to the player M
by the teeing-up device 2a of the ball dispenser 2 or it is YES in
STEP S4, "1" is added to the counted value C for increment of the
counted value C (STEP 5). Procedures of STEP S3 to STEP S5 are
repeated while STEP S6 is NO, that is, until it is determined that
the ball G enters into 20 the first basket (nearest basket 6a for
example) or the first specifying device 20a specifies it. Thus, the
counted value C is increased one by one each time the ball G is
dispensed. At this time, the counted value C is shown on the
display 4.
[0054] If it is determined by the first specifying device 20a that
the ball G enters into the nearest basket 6a or it is YES in STEP
S6, the counted value C is transmitted to the supervisor device 23
from the output device 25 (STEP S7). Then, it is decided whether or
not the value of the variable n is "3" or the ball G enters into
all three baskets: the front basket 6a, the middle basket 6b and
the rear basket 6c. If the rear basket 6c has no ball G entered or
it is NO in STEP S8, "1" is added to the variable n and the
execution returns to STEP S4. That is, it is decided in STEP S6
thereafter whether or not the ball G enters into the second target
basket 6b. Thus, each time the ball G enters into the basket 6a,
6b, 6c, the target basket 6a, 6b, 6c is changed. The counted value
C is added until the balls G enter into all the baskets 6a, 6b and
6c.
[0055] If the balls G are shot up to the last basket 6c or it is
YES in STEP S8, an end signal is sent to the supervisor device 23
and the execution is finished.
[0056] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, data relating to the
player M is recorded in the player data register unit 28 or it is
YES in STEP T1, the supervisor device 23 decide whether or not the
counted value C is transmitted from anyone of the individual
processor devices 22 or the counted value C is received. If the
supervisor device 23 receives the counted value C or it is YES in
STEP T2, the supervisor device 23 makes the count data storage unit
27 store the counted value C corresponding to the bay D (STEP T3).
Then, the supervisor device 23 prepares the score table by the
score table maker unit 29 and sends out data relating to the score
table to all the individual processor devices 22 (STEP T4 and STEP
T5). Specifically, a table of a score of the player M is made up on
the basis of the information from the count data storage unit 27
and the player data register unit 28. Thereby, the display 4 of
each of the individual processor device 22 shows the score table.
The score table indicates a name of the player M, a number of balls
counted until the ball G enters into each of the baskets 6a, 6b, 6c
and the like.
[0057] Procedures from STEP T2 to STEP T5 are repeated until the
supervisor device 23 receives end signals from all the individual
processor devices 22 or it is NO in STEP T6. Then, the score table
is renewed each time the counted value C is received. On the other
hand, if the end signals are received from all the individual
processor devices 22 or it is YES in STEP T6, the supervisor device
23 rearrange the score table by the comparator unit 30 and outputs
the score table. That is, the data of the score table is rearranged
in an order of better scores or in an order of less total scores.
Moreover, a ranking is shown at the same time.
[0058] As described above, it is possible to provide a game for
plural players M if the game system I is installed in the golf
driving range. With the game system 1, each of the players M is
allowed to play a game or competition only by hitting the ball at
his or her bay D. Therefore, a group of people can readily enjoy
the game.
[0059] Moreover, since shots are repeated aiming at the plural
targets 6a, 6b and 6c in order, the player M needs skill.
Consequently, even a skilled person will amuse him or herself
sufficiently.
[0060] Furthermore, since there are baskets 6a, 6b and 6c at the
target 20 positions, the player M can strain every nerve to hit the
target. In addition, he or she can see easily if the ball G reaches
or hits the target position or not. The player M is given a sense
of distance by the baskets 6a, 6b and 6c, so that the player M can
control swing in hitting operation when the target position is
changed.
[0061] The bay D is specified by the ID number read out from the IC
chip embedded in the ball G. Therefore, even if plural players M
hit the balls G at the same timing, the game system 1 can surely
specify the bay D of the player M who could enter the ball G into
the basket 6a, 6b, 6c among the plural bays D. Consequently, the
game system 1 can exactly recognize a number of balls when the ball
G hits the basket 6a, 6b, 6c and correctly estimate skill of the
player M or outcome of the game.
[0062] In the above embodiment, the game system 1 has three baskets
6a, 6b and 6c disposed in a longitudinal direction of the driving
course. However, the number of the baskets is not limited thereto.
The number may be one, two or more than three. As the number of the
targets increases, the player M needs more skill. To the contrary,
as the number decreases, the game is simplified and will be played
more easily. Therefore, if the number is set while taking the
balance of such two conditions into account, the game system 1 is
able to amuse a wide range of people from a beginner to a skilled
player.
[0063] While, in the above embodiment, the basket 6a, 6b, 6c is
placed at the target position so that the ball G is shot into the
basket 6a, 6b, 6c, another mark may be placed at the target
position so that the ball G hits the mark. In place of the basket
6a, 6b, 6c, a hole may be bored on the ground so that the ball G
enters into the target hole.
[0064] While, in the above embodiment, the game system 1 shows both
the counted value C and the score result (rearranged one and
ranking), the game system 1 may show at least one of them. However,
if both of them are displayed, the player can easily recognize how
his or her game is running and how the final result is.
Consequently, the player is amused more and can play the game
smoothly.
[0065] The preferred embodiments described herein are illustrative
and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated in
the appended claims and all variations which come within the
meaning of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.
* * * * *