US20020065567A1 - Game providing system in golf driving range - Google Patents

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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention[0001]
• 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.[0002]
• 2. Description of the Related Art[0003]
• 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.[0004]
• 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.[0005]
• 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.[0006]
• 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.[0007]
• 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.[0008]
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• 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.[0009]
• 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.[0010]
• 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.[0011]
• 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.[0012]
• 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.[0013]
• 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.[0014]
• 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.[0015]
• 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.[0016]
• 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.[0017]
• 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.[0018]
• 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.[0019]
• 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.[0020]
• 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.[0021]
• 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.[0022]
• 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.[0023]
• 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.[0024]
• 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.[0025]
• 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.[0026]
• 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.[0027]
• 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.[0028]
• 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.[0029]
• 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.[0030]
• 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.[0031]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is an explanatory drawing of a game system for realizing a game providing method according to one embodiment of the invention.[0032]
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram of functional means of the game system according to the first embodiment of the invention.[0033]
• FIG. 3 is another block diagram of functional means of the game system according to the first embodiment of the invention.[0034]
• FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an operation of the game system according to the first embodiment of the invention.[0035]
• FIG. 5 is another flowchart of an operation of the game system according to the first embodiment of the invention.[0036]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• According to one embodiment of the invention, a[0037]game system1 in a golf driving range and a game providing method using thegame system1 are described hereafter referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5. FIG. 1 shows an overall structure of thegame system1. FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show functional blocks of thegame system1, respectively. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show operational flows of thegame system1, respectively.
• Referring to FIG. 1, the[0038]game system1 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. Theball dispenser2 dispenses a golf ball G to each hitting area or bay D. Thedispenser controller3 manages theball dispenser2. Thedisplay4 shows an image. TheID reader5 reads an ID number of the ball G supplied to each bay D. Each means2,3,4 and5 is disposed on each of the bays D.
• A[0039]basket6a,6b,6c,a ball detector (ball detecting means)7a,7b,7cand a second ID reader (second ID reading means)8a,8b,8care disposed at a target position far from the bay D by a fixed distance. In the illustrated embodiment, each of thebasket6a,6b,6c,theball detector7a,7b,7cand thesecond ID reader8a,8b,8care located at three positions of 30 m, 50 m and 70 m from the bay D, for example. Thebasket6a,6b,6creceives the ball G. Theball detector7a,7b,7cdetects the ball G entering into thebasket6a,6b,6c.The second ID reader reads out an ID number of each of the balls G entering into thebasket6a,6b,6c.
• Each of the[0040]means2 to8 is described more in detail. Theball dispenser2 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. Theball dispenser2 is composed of an automatic teeing-updevice2aand afeeding path2b.The teeing-updevice2atees the ball G up. Thefeeding path2bsends the balls G carried by the conveyor to the teeing-updevice2a.Theball dispenser2 automatically tees the balls G up one by one, thereby saving a lot of time of a player M. The teeing-updevice2aand thefeeding path2bare conventional, so that their specific description is eliminated.
• The[0041]dispenser controller3 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-updevice2. Thedispenser controller3 has aninsertion opening10 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-updevice2. A counter (counting means)11 is disposed near the teeing-updevice2, as shown in FIG. 3. Thecounter11 detects an up-and-down movement of the teeing-updevice2 so as to count a number of hitting operations of the player M.
• The[0042]display4 has a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like and is controller by a display controller (display controlling means)9. Thedisplay4 shows the number of balls G counted by thecounter11 and a score table in each game.
• 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[0043]first ID reader5 or the second ID reader8. 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 thefirst ID reader5 or thesecond ID reader8a,8b,8cvia 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 thefirst ID reader5 or thesecond ID reader8a,8b,8cas response energy. Then, the IC chip sends back data relating to the ID number in reply to the response command.
• The[0044]first ID reader5 recognizes the ID number written in the memory unit of the ID chip. As shown in FIG. 2, thefirst ID reader5 is composed of a transmitter unit (transmitting means)12, a receiver unit (receiving means)13, a recognizer unit (recognizing means)14 and so on. Thetransmitter unit12 sends radio waves to the ball G when the same ball G is supplied to a fixed position by theball dispenser2. The transmitted radio waves are stored as the response energy in the IC chip. Thetransmitter unit12 commands the IC chip to send the ID number back after the response energy has been stored in the IC chip. Thereceiver unit13 receives data relating to the ID number that was sent from the transmitter unit of the IC chip, thereby to output the data to therecognizer unit14. Therecognizer unit14 recognizes the ID number on the basis of the received data.
• The output signal of the[0045]first ID reader5 is sent to an ID number storage device (ID number storing means)15. Thestorage device15 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.
• The three[0046]baskets6a,6b,6cshown 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. Theball detectors7a,7b,7care composed of proximity switches or the like and attached to peripheral surfaces of thebaskets6a,6b,6c,respectively. Specifically, theball detector7a,7b,7csenses change of an output of the proximity switch so as to recognize whether the ball G has entered into thebasket6a,6b,6c.The output of theball detector7a,7b,7cis sent to thesecond ID reader8a,8b,8cas shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 only depicts theball detector7aand thesecond ID reader8aarranged on thebasket6athat is located at the front line or nearest thebay5. Theball detectors7b,7cand thesecond ID readers8b,8care provided on thebaskets6b,6cin the same way.
• The[0047]second ID reader8a,8b,8cis provided on the outlet path and recognizes the ID number written in the IC chip of the ball G. As shown in FIG. 2, thesecond ID reader8a,8b,8chas 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 thesecond ID reader8a,8b,8care the same as those of thefirst ID reader5, so that their detailed description is omitted. Thesecond ID reader8a,8b,8cconstitutes an ID number recognizing device of the present invention.
• Referring to FIG. 2, the[0048]game system1 has a specifying device (specifying means)20 as a functional configuration using a computer. When it is detected that the ball G comes into thebasket6a,6b,6c,the specifyingdevice20 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 IDnumber storage device15 and the output from thesecond ID reader8a,8b,8c.Specifically, the specifyingdevice20 selects an ID number corresponding to the output of thesecond ID reader8a,8b,8cfrom the ID number stored in the IDnumber storage device15. Then, the specifyingdevice20 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 thebasket6a,6b,6cthereafter, the specifyingdevice20 deems that they are the same ball G. Then, the specifyingdevice20 specifies the bay D corresponding to the ball G as the bay D from which the ball G is shot. The specifyingdevice20 is independently provided corresponding to each of thebaskets6a,6band6c.Namely, as shown in FIG. 3, a first specifyingdevice20a,a second specifyingdevice20band a third specifyingdevice20care arranged so as to correspond to thebaskets6a,6band6c, respectively.
• The present embodiment of the[0049]game system1 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, theindividual processor devices22 and thesupervisor device23 make display a score table that shows a number of balls counted by thecounter11 in each of the bays D as well as counted values of all the players M. Theindividual processor device22 is provided on each of the bays D. Thesupervisor device23 is provided so as to communicate with all theindividual processor devices22.
• The[0050]individual processor device22 includes theball dispenser2, thecounter11, thedisplay4 and thedisplay controller9. Moreover, theindividual processor device22 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 specifyingdevice20 transmits a signal or has specified the bay D of the player M who could hit the ball G into thebasket6a,6b,6c,thehit recognizer unit24 sends out the signal to theoutput unit25. If the signal comes from thehit recognizer unit24, theoutput unit25 transmits information relating to a number of the balls counted by thecounter11 and the kind of thebasket6a,6b,6c.
• The[0051]supervisor device23 is made up of a general-purpose computer installed with a supervising program. As functional configurations, thesupervisor device23 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 theoutput device25, the countdata storage unit27 receives and stores the data as a table. The player data registerunit28 stores information relating to the player M such as a name and a number of the bay D. The scoretable maker unit29 makes up a list or table for a score of the player M on the basis of the information from the countdata storage unit27 and the player data registerunit28. The table data made by the scoretable maker unit29 are transmitted to thedisplay controller9 of the bay D at which the player M is registered. Thus, thedisplay4 disposed in each of the bays D shows scores of all the players M in the form of tables. The scoretable maker unit29 has a comparator unit (comparing means)30 that compares the counted values C of the players M so as to decide ranking. Thecomparator unit30 makes it possible to arrange the score table in an order of scores or determine the ranking of the players M.
• Next described is an operation of the present embodiment of the[0052]game system1, particularly procedures in theindividual processor device22 and procedures in thesupervisor unit23. As shown in FIG. 4, theindividual processor device22 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 registerunit28 of thesupervisor device23. 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 registerunit28.
• If the bay D is a registered one or it is YES in STEP S, “0” is input as a counted value C (STEP S[0053]2) and “1” is input into a variable n for setting an order of thebaskets6a,6b,6cas targets (STEP S3). Then, if the ball G is supplied to the player M by the teeing-updevice2aof theball dispenser2 or it is YES in STEP S4, “1” is added to the counted value C for increment of the counted value C (STEP5). 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 into20 the first basket (nearest basket6afor example) or the first specifyingdevice20aspecifies 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 thedisplay4.
• If it is determined by the first specifying[0054]device20athat the ball G enters into thenearest basket6aor it is YES in STEP S6, the counted value C is transmitted to thesupervisor device23 from the output device25 (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: thefront basket6a, themiddle basket6band therear basket6c.If therear basket6chas 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 thesecond target basket6b.Thus, each time the ball G enters into thebasket6a,6b,6c,thetarget basket6a,6b,6cis changed. The counted value C is added until the balls G enter into all thebaskets6a,6band6c.
• If the balls G are shot up to the[0055]last basket6cor it is YES in STEP S8, an end signal is sent to thesupervisor device23 and the execution is finished.
• On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, data relating to the player M is recorded in the player data register[0056]unit28 or it is YES in STEP T1, thesupervisor device23 decide whether or not the counted value C is transmitted from anyone of theindividual processor devices22 or the counted value C is received. If thesupervisor device23 receives the counted value C or it is YES in STEP T2, thesupervisor device23 makes the countdata storage unit27 store the counted value C corresponding to the bay D (STEP T3). Then, thesupervisor device23 prepares the score table by the scoretable maker unit29 and sends out data relating to the score table to all the individual processor devices22 (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 countdata storage unit27 and the player data registerunit28. Thereby, thedisplay4 of each of theindividual processor device22 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 thebaskets6a,6b,6cand the like.
• Procedures from STEP T[0057]2 to STEP T5 are repeated until thesupervisor device23 receives end signals from all theindividual processor devices22 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 theindividual processor devices22 or it is YES in STEP T6, thesupervisor device23 rearrange the score table by thecomparator unit30 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.
• 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[0058]game system1, 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.
• Moreover, since shots are repeated aiming at the[0059]plural targets6a,6band6cin order, the player M needs skill. Consequently, even a skilled person will amuse him or herself sufficiently.
• Furthermore, since there are[0060]baskets6a,6band6cat thetarget20 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 thebaskets6a,6band6c,so that the player M can control swing in hitting operation when the target position is changed.
• 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[0061]game system1 can surely specify the bay D of the player M who could enter the ball G into thebasket6a,6b,6camong the plural bays D. Consequently, thegame system1 can exactly recognize a number of balls when the ball G hits thebasket6a,6b,6cand correctly estimate skill of the player M or outcome of the game.
• In the above embodiment, the[0062]game system1 has threebaskets6a,6band6cdisposed 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, thegame system1 is able to amuse a wide range of people from a beginner to a skilled player.
• While, in the above embodiment, the[0063]basket6a,6b,6cis placed at the target position so that the ball G is shot into thebasket6a,6b,6c,another mark may be placed at the target position so that the ball G hits the mark. In place of thebasket6a,6b,6c,a hole may be bored on the ground so that the ball G enters into the target hole.
• While, in the above embodiment, the[0064]game system1 shows both the counted value C and the score result (rearranged one and ranking), thegame system1 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.
• 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.[0065]

Claims (9)

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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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.

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