U.S. patent application number 13/520043 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-22 for apparatus and method for virtual golf simulation.
This patent application is currently assigned to GOLFZON CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Jae Yoon Ok.
Application Number | 20120295677 13/520043 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44213323 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120295677 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ok; Jae Yoon |
November 22, 2012 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR VIRTUAL GOLF SIMULATION
Abstract
Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for virtual golf
simulation that is capable of providing various contents based on
user history information of a user who has previously played golf
through the virtual golf simulation apparatus during a virtual golf
procedure through virtual golf simulation and enabling a user to
play golf with the user, another user, or a virtual user acquired
based on play information of a celebrity, thereby improving user
convenience and inducing interest in virtual golf. The virtual golf
simulation apparatus includes an image output unit for displaying a
golf simulation image of a virtual golf course, a storage unit for
storing user history information of a user who has played golf
through the virtual golf simulation apparatus, and a controller for
controlling at least one selected from a group consisting of a
trajectory of a golf ball, a falling point of a golf ball, and a
flight distance of a golf ball based on specific play information
of the user history information to be displayed through the image
output unit.
Inventors: |
Ok; Jae Yoon; (Goyang-Si,
KR) |
Assignee: |
GOLFZON CO., LTD.
Daejeon
KR
|
Family ID: |
44213323 |
Appl. No.: |
13/520043 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
December 30, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2010/009554 |
371 Date: |
June 29, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2024/0043 20130101;
A63B 2102/32 20151001; A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 71/04 20130101;
A63B 24/0021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/2 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/36 20060101
A63B069/36 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 31, 2009 |
KR |
10-2009-0136261 |
Dec 31, 2009 |
KR |
10-2009-0136262 |
Claims
1. A virtual golf simulation apparatus using user history
information, comprising: an image output unit for displaying a golf
simulation image of a virtual golf course; a storage unit for
storing user history information of a user who has played golf
through the virtual golf simulation apparatus; and a controller for
controlling at least one selected from a group consisting of a
trajectory of a golf ball, a falling point of a golf ball, and a
flight distance of a golf ball based on specific play information
of the user history information to be displayed through the image
output unit.
2. The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the trajectory of the golf ball is based on shot
information of shots which the user had hit in a previous specific
golf course.
3. The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the trajectory of the golf ball is based on shot
information of shots which another user had hit in a golf course in
which the user is to play golf.
4. The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the image output unit is configured to display a mini map
having a downscaled image of the virtual golf course displayed in a
predetermined region of the golf simulation image, and the
controller is configured to control the trajectory of the golf ball
to be displayed in at least one of the golf simulation image and
the mini map image.
5. The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the image output unit is configured to display a mini map
having a downscaled image of the virtual golf course displayed in a
predetermined region of the golf simulation image, and the
controller is configured to control the trajectory of the golf ball
to be displayed as the golf simulation image and to control the
falling point of the golf ball to be displayed on the mini map.
6. The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the trajectory of the golf ball is cumulatively displayed
based on the number of shots which the user had hit in a specific
golf course.
7. The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 1,
further comprising: a manipulation unit for allowing the user to
manipulate specific information, wherein the controller is
configured to receive the user history information from an external
system and to control the received user history information to be
stored in the storage unit when the user logs into the virtual golf
simulation apparatus or when the user manipulate the information
through the manipulation unit.
8. The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the storage unit is configured to store user play
information and virtual user play information, and the controller
is configured to control playing golf between a user and the
virtual user performed through the virtual golf simulation
apparatus based on the user play information and the virtual user
play information.
9. The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 8,
wherein the virtual user is created based on golf play information
which the user had played through the virtual golf simulation
apparatus.
10. The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 8,
wherein the virtual user is created based on golf play information
which another user had played through the virtual golf simulation.
apparatus.
11. The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 10,
wherein the virtual user information is created by adding at least
one of image information and voice information of the another user
to the golf play information.
12. The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to claim 8,
wherein the controller controls real play image and voice
information of the user through the virtual golf simulation
apparatus and play image and voice information based on the stored
virtual user play information to be output.
13. A virtual golf simulation method using user history
information, comprising: displaying a virtual golf play image and
related information; extracting specific play information of a user
from a storage unit which stores the user history information of
the user who had played golf through the virtual golf simulation
apparatus; and displaying at least one selected from a group
consisting of a trajectory of a golf ball, a falling point of a
golf ball, and a flight distance of a golf ball based on the
extracted specific play information.
14. The virtual golf simulation method according to claim 13,
further comprising: allowing the user to access an external system
through user login; receiving user history information from the
external system; and storing the received user history
information.
15. The virtual golf simulation method according to claim 13,
wherein the displaying step comprises displaying the trajectory of
the golf ball based on shot information in a sequence of shots of a
golf course among the user history information in correspondence to
the sequence of the corresponding shots in the corresponding golf
course in which the user is to play golf.
16. A virtual golf simulation method for providing a game with a
virtual user through a virtual golf simulation apparatus using user
play information, comprising: loading play information of the
virtual user according to selection of a user; displaying a virtual
golf play image and related information; and controlling the
virtual golf simulation apparatus to perform playing of golf
between the user and the virtual user based on the loaded play
information.
17. The virtual golf simulation method according to claim 16,
further comprising: allowing the user to access an external system
through user login; receiving play information of the virtual user
from the external system; and storing the received history
information of the virtual user.
18. The virtual golf simulation method according to claim 17,
wherein the external system creates a virtual user based on the
play information when the play information of the user who had
played golf through the virtual golf simulation apparatus satisfies
a predetermined condition.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a virtual golf simulation
apparatus, and, more particularly, to a virtual golf simulation
apparatus wherein a virtual golf course is imaged and simulated,
and the trajectory of a golf ball hit by a user, i.e. a golfer, is
simulated in the virtual golf course.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] With the recent upsurge of the golfing population, a
so-called screen golf system has gained popularity, which allows a
golfer to practice golf and to enjoy a virtual golf game using a
virtual golf simulation apparatus.
[0003] The screen golf system senses the velocity and direction of
a golf ball that a golfer hits onto a screen installed indoors for
displaying a virtual golf range, and displays the trajectory of the
golf ball on the screen.
[0004] The screen golf system implemented using the virtual golf
simulation apparatus characteristically offers the same sense of
reality that a golfer would feel in a real golf course, when the
golfer hits a golf ball in the same manner as in a golf practice
range.
[0005] It is necessary for the virtual golf simulation apparatus to
provide various contents based on various kinds of advanced
apparatuses and systems, which cannot be provided by a real golf
course or a golf practice range, thereby inducing interest of
golfers in addition to provision of the same sense of reality that
a golfer would feel playing a round of golf in a real golf
course.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0006] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and method for virtual golf simulation that is
capable of providing various contents based on user history
information of a user who has previously played golf through the
virtual golf simulation apparatus during a virtual golf procedure
through virtual golf simulation and enabling a user to play golf
with the user, another user, or a virtual user acquired based on
play information of a celebrity, thereby improving user convenience
and inducing interest in virtual golf.
Solution to Problem
[0007] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the
above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a
virtual golf simulation apparatus using user history information,
including an image output unit for displaying a golf simulation
image of a virtual golf course, a storage unit for storing user
history information of a user who has played golf through the
virtual golf simulation apparatus, and a controller for controlling
at least one selected from a group consisting of a trajectory of a
golf ball, a falling point of a golf ball, and a flight distance of
a golf ball based on specific play information of the user history
information to be displayed through the image output unit.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a virtual golf simulation apparatus for providing
playing golf with a virtual user using user play information,
including an image output unit for displaying a golf simulation
image of a virtual golf course, a storage unit for storing user
play information of the virtual user, and a controller for
controlling playing golf between a user and the virtual user
performed through the virtual golf simulation apparatus based on
the user play information of the virtual user.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a virtual golf simulation method using user
history information, including displaying a virtual golf play image
and related information, extracting specific play information of a
user from a storage unit which stores the user history information
of the user who has played golf through the virtual golf simulation
apparatus, and displaying at least one selected from a group
consisting of a trajectory of a golf ball, a falling point of a
golf ball, and a flight distance of a golf ball based on the
extracted specific play information.
[0010] In accordance with a further aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a virtual golf simulation method for
providing a game with a virtual user through a virtual golf
simulation apparatus using user play information, including loading
play information of the virtual user according to selection of a
user, displaying a virtual golf play image and related information,
and controlling the virtual golf simulation apparatus to perform
playing of golf between the user and the virtual user based on the
loaded play information.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0011] In the virtual golf simulation apparatus and method
according to the present invention as described above, it is
possible to provide various contents based on user history
information of a user who has previously played golf through the
virtual golf simulation apparatus during a virtual golf procedure
through virtual golf simulation and to enable a user to play golf
with the user, another user, or a virtual user acquired based on
play information of a celebrity. Consequently, the present
invention has the effect of improving user convenience and inducing
interest in virtual golf.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] The above and other objects, features and other advantages
of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a screen golf system to which
a virtual golf simulation apparatus according to an embodiment of
the present invention is applied;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a virtual
golf simulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a screen golf system to which
the virtual golf simulation apparatus shown in FIG. 1, having
another example of a manipulation unit, is applied;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an external system connected
to a virtual golf simulation apparatus according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a screen displaying shot
information of all shots at a specific hole according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a screen displaying shot
information of a specific shot according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an external system connected
to a virtual golf simulation apparatus according to another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a process of creating a
virtual user in a virtual golf simulation apparatus according to
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a virtual golf
simulation method according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a screen displaying playing
of golf between a user and a virtual user in a virtual golf
simulation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0023] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a screen displaying playing
of golf between a user and a virtual user in a virtual golf
simulation apparatus according to a further embodiment of the
present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0024] Now, exemplary embodiments of a virtual golf simulation
apparatus and method according to the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0025] First, a virtual golf simulation apparatus according to an
embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0026] The virtual golf simulation apparatus according to the
present invention may be embodied in various forms. Typically, the
virtual golf simulation apparatus according to the present
invention may be applied to a so-called screen golf system.
[0027] FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate an example in which a virtual golf
simulation apparatus according to the present invention is applied
to a screen golf system, to which, however, the present invention
is not limited. For example, the present invention may be applied
to all kinds of systems and/or apparatuses that are capable of
simulating and imaging a virtual golf course and simulating a
virtual golf ball image.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a virtual golf simulation
apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention
includes a swing plate 20, a sensing device S, an image output unit
P for outputting a predetermined image to a screen C disposed in
front of the image output unit P, and a simulator for storing and
processing all data necessary for virtual golf simulation. In this
embodiment, the simulator is mounted in a protection box 10 as
shown in FIG. 1.
[0029] The simulator may include an image processing unit D, a
storage unit T and a controller M.
[0030] The storage unit T stores all data necessary for virtual
golf simulation including data on a virtual golf course. The image
processing unit D is provided to process all images related to
virtual golf simulation, such as images related to a virtual golf
course, images related to movement of a golf ball, and images for
menu selection, as data stored in the storage unit T. In this
embodiment of the present invention, the storage unit T stores user
history information of a user who has played a round of golf
through the virtual golf simulation apparatus. Here, the user
history information includes shot information of a user who has
played a round of golf in a specific golf course. The shot
information includes shot directions, shot distances, and shot
results. For example, the shot information may indicate that, at a
first hole of a specific golf course, a golf ball has flown 210 m
in the left direction of a fairway as the result of a first tee
shot, the golf ball has reached a bunker at the right side of a
green as the result of a second shot, the golf ball has reached a
point of the green which is 15 m distance from a hole cup (i.e. on
green), and the golf ball has reached a point of the green which is
0.85 m distance from the hole cup at the right side of the hole
cup, which has been conceded, with the result that a user has
completed playing golf at a par 4 hole as a bogie. The user history
information, including shot information from a first hole to an
eighteenth hole, is stored. Also, the user history information
cumulatively stores all kinds of information on a procedure which
has been performed in a specific hole.
[0031] The controller M is provided to perform various calculations
for virtual golf simulation and to control components of the
virtual golf simulation apparatus. If a user selects the user
history information while an image is displayed on the screen C by
the virtual golf simulation apparatus, the controller M controls
the user history information stored in the storage unit T to be
displayed. Here, the user history information may be selectively or
simultaneously displayed on the screen C and a monitor 40, which is
an auxiliary screen. That is, if a user wishes to know shot
information of shots which the user had previously hit before the
user hits each shot, the user may display the user history
information on the image in which golf is being currently played
through the manipulation unit O so as to confirm his/her course
management.
[0032] When a golfer hits a golf ball on the swing plate 20 to the
screen C, the sensing device S senses the shot of the golf ball,
and transmits the sensing result to the controller M. The
controller M transmits the sensing result to the image processing
unit D. The image processing unit D extracts golf simulation image
information, such as a movement image of the golf ball, from the
storage unit T in consideration of movement properties of the golf
ball. The golf simulation image information is projected on the
screen C through the image output unit P so that a golf game
through virtual simulation is performed.
[0033] Although not clearly shown in FIG. 1, the sensing device S
(see FIG. 2) may be embodied by an infrared light transmitting and
receiving sensor mounted at the swing plate 20 or a camera sensor
mounted at the ceiling or the wall. In addition, the sensing device
S may be embodied by other different sensors.
[0034] Meanwhile, the virtual golf simulation apparatus according
to this embodiment of the present invention further includes a
manipulation unit O for allowing a golfer to manipulate a system
setting or various kinds of settings necessary to perform a virtual
golf game.
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a keyboard 11 provided in the protection
box 10, in which the simulator is mounted, as an example of the
manipulation unit O. A touch screen 30 mounted at a side wall W of
a booth may be provided as an example of the manipulation unit.
Also, although not shown, a mouse is preferably provided together
with the keyboard 11. In this embodiment of the present invention,
a user may access an external system through the manipulation unit
O or display the user history information.
[0036] Meanwhile, although not shown, a remote control (not shown)
may be provided as the manipulation unit so that the remote control
can directly communicate with the simulator or the touch screen to
manipulate virtual golf simulation.
[0037] Meanwhile, FIG. 3 illustrates a key manipulation unit 22
provided at the swing plate 20 as another example of the
manipulation unit.
[0038] That is, it may be inconvenient for a golfer standing on the
swing plate 20 to manipulate the keyboard 11 or the touch screen 30
shown in FIG. 1. For this reason, the key manipulation unit 22 is
preferably provided at the swing plate 20 for allowing a golfer who
is ready to swing on the swing plate 20 to conveniently manipulate
settings for virtual golf simulation.
[0039] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an external system connected
to a virtual golf simulation apparatus according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 4, the external system 200 is connected to
the virtual golf simulation apparatus 100 via a communication
network, i.e. the Internet. The external system 200 may be
connected to an information terminal 110. Upon completion of a
round of golf played by a specific user, the virtual golf
simulation apparatus 100 transmits shot information of shots which
the user had hit at every hole of the previously specific course to
the external system 200. The external system 200 stores user
history information per user and per specific course in a user
database 230. The user history information is accumulated based on
the number of rounds of golf which the user has played and is
stored in a database. A user connection unit 220 is connected to
the virtual golf simulation apparatus 100 and the information
terminal 110. The user connection unit 220 transmits the user
history information to the virtual golf simulation apparatus 100
under control of a central processing unit 210.
[0041] Upon receipt of login information of a specific user from
the virtual golf simulation apparatus 100, the external system 200
extracts user history information of the specific user from the
user database 230 and transmits the extracted user history
information to the virtual golf simulation apparatus 100. Also,
when a specific golf course is selected by the virtual golf
simulation apparatus 100, the external system 200 may extract user
history information at the specific golf course from the user
database 230 and transmit the extracted user history information to
the virtual golf simulation apparatus 100.
[0042] The virtual golf simulation apparatus 100 stores the user
history information received from the external system 200 in the
storage unit T. Before golf is played at a corresponding hole
requested or selected by a user, shot information of shots which
have been hit at all holes is displayed, or the user history
information in the sequence of specific shots at a specific hole is
displayed together with a play image which is currently being
displayed. The user history information may be displayed on the
main screen or on the auxiliary monitor.
[0043] Also, the user history information may be displayed in the
play image on the main screen. Alternatively, the user history
information may be displayed through a mini map. The mini map has a
downscaled image of a virtual golf course displayed in a
predetermined region of the main screen.
[0044] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a screen displaying shot
information of all shots at a specific hole according to an
embodiment of the present invention
[0045] Referring to FIG. 5, when a user wishes to know how the user
had played golf at a specific hole, for example at a third hole of
par 4, in a specific golf course before the user plays golf at the
corresponding hole, the user may push a specific key button to
display shot information of shots which the user had hit on the
screen. Through this course management, it is possible for the user
to know that a second shot hit by the user had fallen into a bunker
around a green with the result that the user had completed playing
golf as a bogie. Consequently, the user may play golf at this hole
while being careful with the bunker around the green.
[0046] Shot information of all the shots based on the previous user
play information may be displayed in the golf simulation image or
in the mini map image displayed at a predetermined region of the
golf simulation image.
[0047] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a screen displaying shot
information of a specific shot according to an embodiment of the
present invention
[0048] Referring to FIG. 6, before a user hits a specific shot,
i.e. a first tee shot, at a specific hole, the user may know a
direction in which the user's previous tee shot flew at this hole.
As shown in the drawing, it can be seen that the user's tee shots
were hooked, i.e., the shots were curved much in the left
direction, the previous three times. Therefore, the user may
recognize that it is necessary to hit a tee shot while aiming at
the right side of a fairway so as to reduce the occurrence of
incorrect shots based on such information. Such user history
information may be displayed on the main screen, on the mini map or
on the auxiliary monitor by the user pushing a specific key or
manipulation button before hitting a shot. Therefore, the user may
know that hitting a tee shot at a current hole in a general manner,
for example, hitting a tee shot toward the middle of the fairway,
is not suitable for the user but it is suitable the user to hit a
tee t shot while aiming to the right side of the fairway in
consideration of the user's previous shot directions, thereby
reducing the occurrence of incorrect shots.
[0049] Also, the user history information shown in FIG. 6 includes
the direction. However, the flight distance or the result of the
tee shot, for example, whether the hit golf ball has entered an out
of bound (OB) area, a rough or a fairway, may also be displayed.
These kinds of information may serve as important reference
materials in history information of a user who is currently playing
golf.
[0050] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an external system connected
to a virtual golf simulation apparatus according to another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0051] Referring to FIG. 7, the external system 200 is connected to
the virtual golf simulation apparatus 100 via a communication
network, i.e. the Internet. The external system 200 may be
connected to an information terminal 110.
[0052] The external system 200 includes a central processing unit
210, a user connection unit 220, a first virtual user creation part
240, a second virtual user creation part 250, and a virtual user
storage part 260. If play information of a user playing golf
through the virtual golf simulation apparatus 100 satisfies a
predetermined condition, the external system 200 creates a virtual
user based on the play information.
[0053] Also, the external system 200 creates a virtual user based
on play information of another user. Here, the virtual user created
on the previous play information of the user is defined as first
virtual user information, and the virtual user created on the play
information of another user is defined as second virtual user
information.
[0054] Upon completion of golf played by a user through the virtual
golf simulation apparatus 100, the first virtual user information
is transmitted to the central processing unit 210 via the user
connection unit 220. The central processing unit 210 determines
whether the play information of the user satisfies predetermined
conditions. Specifically, the central processing unit 210
determines whether the user has logged into the virtual golf
simulation apparatus 100, in which playing mode the user has played
golf, i.e. whether the playing mode has been a stroke mode, and
whether a hole(s) has been skipped during playing a round of golf,
i.e., the user has normally completed playing golf at eighteen
holes. If such conditions are satisfied, the first virtual user
creation part 240 creates first virtual user information based on
the play information of the user and stores the created first
virtual user information in the virtual user storage part 260.
[0055] The second virtual user information is created based on play
information of another user, for example, an existing specific
professional golfer, who has really played golf in a corresponding
golf course. Alternatively, play information of a celebrity, such
as a well-known entertainer or a politician, who has played golf
through the virtual golf simulation apparatus 100 is determined in
the same manner as in the first virtual user creation conditions as
previously described. If the conditions are satisfied, the second
virtual user creation part 250 creates the second virtual user
information. Here, image information and voice information of the
celebrity may be added to the play information of the celebrity and
then included in the second virtual user information. The created
second virtual user information is stored in the virtual user
storage part 260.
[0056] When a user accessed the external system 200 through the
virtual golf simulation apparatus 100 requests playing golf with a
virtual user, i.e. a virtual user mode, the external system 200
extracts the first virtual user information or the second virtual
user information of the corresponding user from the virtual user
storage 260 and transmits the extracted first virtual user
information or the extracted second virtual user information to the
virtual golf simulation apparatus 100 via the user connection unit
220. The virtual golf simulation apparatus 100 stores the received
first virtual user information or the received second virtual user
information in the storage unit T and controls playing of golf
between the user and the virtual user.
[0057] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a process of creating a
virtual user in a virtual golf simulation apparatus according to
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 8, when playing of golf using the virtual
golf simulation apparatus is completed at Step 500, the replay
result is displayed at Step 502. Here, a menu for asking a user if
a virtual user is to be created may be provided. At Step 504 to
508, conditions indicating whether the virtual user can be created
are determined. That is, it is determined how many times holes have
been skipped, whether the user has played golf after login, and
whether the user has played golf in a stroke play mode. This is
because it is not possible to create play of the corresponding user
or a celebrity for every shot if the user does not play golf in the
stroke play mode. If the conditions of Step 504 to 508 are
satisfied, storage of a virtual user is activated at Step 510, and
the virtual user is stored at Step 512.
[0059] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a virtual golf
simulation method according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 9, playing of golf using the virtual golf
simulation apparatus is started at Step 600. At Step 602, a user
selects a virtual user mode. At Step 604, a virtual user of the
corresponding user is extracted from the virtual golf simulation
apparatus. At Step 606, playing of golf between the user and the
virtual user is performed.
[0061] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a screen displaying playing
of golf between a user and a virtual user in a virtual golf
simulation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 10, after a user hits a shot at a specific
hole, the figure of a virtual user 700 who hits a tee shot is
output to a screen. Here, the virtual user 700 may be an image of
the user who has really played golf or an image of a celebrity.
Also, flight directions of a golf ball are displayed after the
virtual user impacts the golf ball. That is, in a case in which the
virtual user is created based on play information of the user who
has previously played golf, the direction, the distance, and the
falling point of the tee shot are decided in advance, and the
figure of the virtual user performing a golf swing may be displayed
on the screen as shown in FIG. 10. The figure of the user who has
previously performed a golf swing may be captured and displayed.
Alternatively, the figure of the user may be imaged and displayed
as a specific character.
[0063] If the virtual user is a celebrity, the figure or voice of
the celebrity may be displayed on the way of playing golf. Also,
flight lines of golf balls hit by the virtual user and the real
user may be displayed using different colors or shapes so as to
distinguish between the advancing direction of the golf ball hit by
the virtual user and the advancing direction of the golf ball by
the real user.
[0064] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a screen displaying playing
of golf between a user and a virtual user in a virtual golf
simulation apparatus according to a further embodiment of the
present invention.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 11, a dotted line indicates a flight line
of a golf ball hit by a real user, and a solid line indicates a
flight line of a golf ball hit by a virtual user, i.e. another user
(celebrity).
[0066] Expressions of playing golf of the virtual user described
with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 are not limited to the
above-described fashions but may be embodied in various
fashions.
Mode for the Invention
[0067] Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for the
virtual golf simulation have been described in the best mode for
carrying out the invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0068] In the apparatus and method for the virtual golf simulation
according to the present invention as described above, it is
possible to provide various contents based on user history
information of a user who has previously played golf through the
virtual golf simulation apparatus during a virtual golf procedure
through virtual golf simulation and to enable a user to play golf
with the user, another user, or a virtual user acquired based on
play information of a celebrity, thereby improving user convenience
and inducing interest in virtual golf. Consequently, the present
invention can be widely used in industries related to the apparatus
and method for the virtual golf simulation.
* * * * *