Patent Description:
As is generally known, electronic entertainment games using programs have been widely used by children and teenagers for a long time. In recent years, online games have been rapidly popularized by virtue of advanced PCs and expanded availability of ultrahigh-speed Internet, whereby online games have been positioned as a culture that everyone can conveniently enjoy regardless of age and sex.

The game industry has made rapid strides based thereon, and kinds of games have been increased from simple brain games to various battle games, sports games, and motorcycle or car racing games, whereby users may select and enjoy appropriate games according to their tastes.

An apparatus developed to simulate such a game in a more realistic situation such that a real situation can be experienced through a simulation apparatus. The simulation apparatus virtually simulates a situation that may actually occur using a computer program to provide a user with indirect experience. A virtual three-dimensional situation is programmed, and three-dimensional operation is performed by the simulation apparatus, whereby the user feels motion like a real situation, and this is applied to various situations such that a virtual situation is experienced as a real situation.

The simulation apparatus may be applied to various fields, such as various kinds of games, various experiences through simulation, and three-dimensional movie watching.

Furthermore, the simulation apparatus is connected to a virtual reality apparatus due to the characteristics of the simulation apparatus, which enables three-dimensional sensation to be felt, in order to obtain a greater synergistic effect.

In general, the virtual reality apparatus generates video and audio through a head mounted display (HMD) having a monitor and a speaker mounted thereto in order to provide virtual reality to a user.

That is, dynamic change based on a virtual environment is reproduced through the HMD and peripheral devices controlled by a computer such that a user can feel virtual reality as real reality, and the virtual reality apparatus has been popularized in many fields.

In recent years, such virtual reality has been applied to fishing, and a system capable of enabling fishing to be experienced indoors has been introduced.

However, a fishing simulation apparatus is an apparatus that simulates change of fish, which is an opponent, unlike a general simulation apparatus that simulates motion of a user, wherein there are many variables, and therefore it is difficult to properly simulate the same.

<CIT> discloses a fishing line driving apparatus for screen fishing included in a screen fishing system that provides a fishing simulation image through a screen, the fishing line driving apparatus for screen fishing including a main motor configured to provide driving force, a towing unit connected to a fishing line of a fishing rod so as to be operated by the driving force of the main motor, the towing unit being configured to pull the fishing line in a direction toward the screen or to unwind the fishing line in a direction toward the fishing rod, and a clutch unit installed between the towing unit and the main motor, the clutch unit being configured to transmit the driving force of the main motor to the towing unit or to interrupt transmission of the driving force of the main motor to the towing unit, wherein motion of a fish and the thrill at hand are provided by winding or unwinding of the fishing line by the main motor.

However, the above patent application publication has the following problems.

In <CIT>, one end of the fishing line is fixed to the fishing rod, and the other end of the fishing line is fixed to the motor, whereby the length of the fishing line is limited. In this case, it is difficult to feel sufficient realism during casting and reeling, and the fishing line may be easily entangled during winding and unwinding of the fishing line having the limited length.

In addition, after fishing is successful, i.e. a fish is caught, the fishing line must be wound by the main motor for original setting, whereby waiting time is necessary. Furthermore, a bobbin necessary to wind the fishing line must be provided at the motor and a reel, and therefore the volume of the apparatus is increased.

These problems may act as obstacles in simulating a situation similar to reality when virtual fishing is performed. <CIT> discloses a fishing simulation method comprising the features wherein: a fishing image is output on a monitor according to a fishing simulation program, a fishing line winding means is configured to control forward or reverse rotation of a fishing line winding drum for winding and inputting a fishing line, and fishing starts with the fishing line being loosened; the fishing line winding means comprises an encoder for supplying an electrical signal corresponding to the rotation amount of the winding drum to a control means, the fishing line is baited and loosened in the fishing, a fishing image is output on the monitor according to the fishing simulation program, and in synchronization therewith, movements of fishing arc experienced through a load caused by a rotation control of the winding drum; biting of a fish is simulated by controlling forward or reverse rotation of the winding drum; a vibration motion is expressed by forward or reverse rotation according to the type of the fish through a rotation control of the winding drum, and a situation in which the fish is hooked by a hooking manipulation is experienced by the winding drum rotated in the forward or reverse direction for a hooking time; a player pulls up a fishing rod and simultaneously rotates a handle of a reel to perform a fishing line winding manipulation, and a motion of pulling the fish is simulated. <CIT> discloses a screen fishing apparatus comprising: the screen; an image output unit outputting an image to the screen; a fishing rod installed in a support positioned on a front side of the screen to be spaced and connected to one end of the fishing gut; the fishing gut control unit installed in one side of the screen and connected to the other end of the fishing gut which is opposite to the one end of the fishing gut, to control winding or unwinding of the fishing gut; and a main control unit outputting fishing image data of fishes randomly moving to the image output unit, moving the fishing gut in accordance with the movement of the fishes, controlling the winding or the unwinding of the fishing gut in accordance with the type of fishes to get one among the fishes to be caught on the fishing gut, and determining that the fish is finally caught if a speed value of the fishing rod is the same as a reference speed value in a case that the fish is determined to be caught and the fishing rod is lifted. <CIT> discloses a fishing simulator for realizing an environment similar to a real fishing environment by visually displaying a predetermined simulation image on a display panel, the fishing simulator comprising: a main body provided with a seat providing a seating space for a user and a joystick type fishing rod for a user; a ship unit wirelessly connected to the main body to receive a use start signal and a remote operation signal from the main body and to remotely fish in response to the use start signal and the remote operation signal while floating on the water surface; and a controller installed in the main body and the ship unit and controlling the result of the fishing performed by the ship unit to be reflected in the simulation image, wherein the user in the main body experiencing virtual fishing via the simulation image and the remote fishing rod located in the ship unit. <CIT> discloses a device for simulation of fishing for a large fish, by means of a fishing rod, fitted with a reel. Said device comprises a seat and a winding drum, driven by a motor, provided with a speed variator. The free end of the fishing line of said fishing rod is fixed to the axle of the winding drum, comprising at least one horizontal arm, mounted such as to freely rotate about a vertical axle which may be driven in rotation by driving means and comprising, at the distal free end thereof in the upper half thereof, the winding drum and, in the lower part thereof, a castor wheel for said winding drum and means for driving the horizontal arm, controlled by a control unit which comprises at least one lever, connected to the control unit and controlling the drive motor for the horizontal arm and/or the motor for the drum. <CIT> discloses a fishing game device comprising a fishing rod having one end of a fishing line secured to the distal end thereof and a securing end for securing the end of the fishing line to the fishing game device, there being provided on the path of the fishing line between the fishing rod and the securing end a first slide table driven in the transverse direction such that pulling force is exerted on the fishing line in the transverse direction, a sensing unit provided to the first slide table for sensing the vertical and sideways orientation of the fishing rod, a vibrating unit for imparting finely graduated movements to the fishing line, a fishing line slack take-up unit supporting in spring fashion a fishing line guide so as the keep the fishing line constantly taut, and a second slide table driven in the longitudinal direction such that pulling force is exerted on the fishing line in the longitudinal direction.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fishing simulation apparatus capable of simulating a more realistic fishing situation.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a fishing simulation apparatus capable of using a fishing line having an infinite length, whereby it is possible to perform realistic casting and reeling.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fishing simulation apparatus capable of preventing tangling of a fishing line and resuming fishing without separate setting after fishing is successful, whereby it is possible to more conveniently and realistically enjoy fishing.

In order to accomplish the above objects, a fishing simulation apparatus according to the present invention includes a fishing reel mounted to a fishing rod, the fishing reel being provided with a manual driving pulley configured to allow a fishing line to be wound therearound such that the fishing line is movable in both directions and a main motor configured to tow the fishing line connected to the fishing rod and the fishing reel, wherein the fishing line is connected in an infinite circulation manner while sequentially passing through the fishing rod, the fishing reel, and the main motor.

Consequently, a user who performs fishing may use the fishing rod as in reality, may enjoy fishing experiences under various situations depending on various states of the fishing line manipulated by driving of the main motor according to a sensor and a program. In addition, the fishing line may be infinitely rotated, whereby the length of the fishing line is not limited when the fishing line is pulled and tangling of the fishing line may be prevented.

As another characteristic of the present invention, the driving pulley may be engaged with an idler pulley, the idler pulley may include an input pulley and an output pulley, i.e. two pulleys, and the input pulley and the output pulley may be installed at an outer circumferential surface of the driving pulley so as to be adjacent to each other, whereby the fishing line may contact the outer circumferential surface of the driving pulley as much as possible such that frictional force is increased, and at the same time separation of the fishing line may be prevented.

As another characteristic of the present invention, the output pulley may be installed at a free end of a tensioner configured to be turned about a hinge, and a spring may be installed at the tensioner such that the output pulley elastically contacts the driving pulley.

As another characteristic of the present invention, a guide tube configured to allow the fishing line to pass therethrough may be further installed at a position adjacent to the driving pulley or the idler pulley engaged with the driving pulley, whereby separation of the fishing line may be prevented and the fishing line may be protected from contact or friction with surrounding objects.

As another characteristic of the present invention, a bail configured to be turned about a hinge and a limit switch configured to allow a free end of the bail to selectively come into contact therewith may be installed at the fishing reel, and a signal for unwinding the fishing line or maintaining tension of the fishing line may be applied to the main motor as the result of contact between the bail and the limit switch.

That is, a user's manipulation intention for winding or unwinding the line may be transmitted to the program, whereby a sensor function for the main motor to wind or unwind the fishing line may be performed.

As another characteristic of the present invention, the main motor may include a belt driving pulley configured to allow the fishing line to be wound therearound and a plurality of auxiliary pulleys, and the fishing line wound around an outer circumferential surface of the belt driving pulley may be wrapped by a belt outside the fishing line, whereby the fishing line is driven without slip.

As another characteristic of the present invention, a leftward-rightward moving plate configured to be moved leftwards and rightwards by a leftward-rightward moving motor may be installed in front of the fishing rod, a forward-rearward moving plate configured to be moved forwards and rearwards by a forward-rearward moving motor may be installed at a lower side of the leftward-rightward moving plate, the main motor may be installed at the forward-rearward moving plate so as to be moved together therewith, and a guide slot may be formed in the leftward-rightward moving plate so as to extend in a forward-rearward direction such that the fishing line is connected to the main motor.

Consequently, a situation in which a fish caught by the fishing line moves forwards, rearwards, leftwards, and rightwards may be simulated, whereby greater realism may be achieved.

Preferably, a bush configured to allow the fishing line to pass therethrough is installed at an upper end of the main motor so as to extend through the guide slot such that the fishing line is stably connected to the main motor even though the main motor is moved.

As another characteristic of the present invention, a display unit configured to audiovisually display a virtual space according to a program input to drive the main motor may be provided.

The display unit may be constituted by any one of an HMD, a screen, and a display panel.

As another characteristic of the present invention, the fishing simulation apparatus may further include a tracking sensor configured to sense motion of the fishing rod and to output a signal corresponding thereto, and therefore the program may simulate an appropriate response situation depending on the manipulated state of the fishing line.

Another object which does not form part of the current claims provides a fishing simulation method including a first step in which, when a user wears an HMD and holds a fishing rod, tracking sensing is recognized by a processor, and a fishing line is unwound by a main motor such that the fishing line is in a loosened state, a second step in which, when bait is cast using the fishing rod, the bait is sent far away in a virtual space based on a value calculated by the processor recognizing the speed at which the bait is cast by the arm, when the loosened fishing line is wound, torque of the main motor by the tension of the fishing line is maintained, the position of the cast bait and the distance from the cast bait are calculated by an encoder of the main motor, and the calculated position and distance are transmitted to the processor as a signal to maintain tension of the fishing line, a third step in which the main motor is rotated in alternating directions at short intervals in order to simulate fish biting at bait during waiting for fish, a fourth step in which, when a fish is caught, change data in length of the fishing line due to fluctuation and movement of the fish are synchronized with the rotation number of the motor, and the main motor is rotated in alternating directions through proportional control, whereby thrashing of the fish is simulated, a fifth step in which, when a handle of a fishing reel is rotated, the main motor is rotated according to winding force of the reel, and rotation data acquired by the encoder are transmitted, whereby the distance from the fish is decreased in the virtual space, and a sixth step in which, when fishing is successful, the fish is stored in a water tank, and the game is restarted, wherein, when the fishing reel is wound at higher than allowable torque proportional to the size of the fish or when the fishing rod is excessively pulled in the fifth step, the main motor is rapidly rotated in an unwinding direction to loosen the fishing line, whereby a situation in which the line is cut is simulated in the virtual space, and the game is restarted such that the above routine is repeated.

A fishing simulation apparatus according to the present invention as described above has an effect that a fishing line configured to be continuously circulated infinitely is used, whereby the length of the fishing line is not limited, and therefore it is possible to enjoy sufficient casting and reeling.

The present invention has an effect in that tangling of the fishing line is prevented, and when fishing is finished or the game is to be restarted during the game, rewinding of the fishing line is unnecessary, which overcomes inconvenience in resetting, such as rewinding, of the fishing line, whereby it is possible to more conveniently and realistically enjoy virtual fishing.

The present invention has an effect in that the fishing line is rotated infinitely, whereby it is possible to feel tensile force directly applied to a reel in real time.

The present invention has an effect in that the fishing line is wound around a pulley of a motor or a pulley of a fishing reel without slip, whereby it is possible to perform stable fishing.

Terms used in the following description, which are defined taking into consideration functions in the present invention, may vary depending upon the intention of users or operators or upon usual practices. Therefore, the definition of such terms must be made based on the disclosure of this specification.

Elements having the same names in this embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and an output direction and an input direction of a fishing line are set based on a user's operation of winding a reel, whereby winding of the fishing line from a front end to a rear of a fishing rod is set as the input direction.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing an example of a fishing simulation apparatus according to the present invention, <FIG> is a side view of <FIG> is a cutaway perspective view showing a half of the apparatus of <FIG>, and <FIG> is a bottom perspective view of <FIG>. Referring to these figures, the fishing simulation apparatus <NUM> according to the present invention includes a fishing rod <NUM>, a fishing reel <NUM> mounted to the fishing rod <NUM>, a main motor <NUM>, and a fishing line <NUM>.

The simulation apparatus <NUM> is provided with a chair <NUM>, on which a user U sits, and an HMD <NUM>, which the user U wears. The fishing rod <NUM> is located adjacent to the chair <NUM>, a driving table <NUM>, in which the main motor <NUM> is mounted, is installed in front of the fishing rod, and the fishing line <NUM> is introduced from a front end of the fishing rod <NUM> into the driving table <NUM> so as to be connected to the main motor <NUM>.

The fishing line <NUM> according to the present invention is connected in a form in which the fishing line endlessly passes through the fishing rod <NUM>, the fishing reel <NUM>, and the main motor <NUM> in a circulation manner.

Consequently, the fishing line <NUM> that passes through the main motor <NUM> is withdrawn to a position adjacent to the user U through the interior of the simulation apparatus <NUM> and is connected to the fishing reel <NUM> of the fishing rod <NUM> again. In this way, the fishing line continuously circulates.

<FIG> show an example of the fishing rod according to the present invention, and <FIG> show an example of the fishing reel according to the present invention. As shown in these figures, the fishing reel <NUM> is mounted to a rear end part of the fishing rod <NUM>, and the fishing line <NUM> is manually wound and manipulated by the fishing reel <NUM>.

Any kind of fishing rod, including a real fishing rod that is generally used, may be used as the fishing rod <NUM>, and a tracking sensor <NUM> is mounted to an arbitrary position of one end of an upper side of the fishing rod.

The fishing reel <NUM> is provided with a driving pulley <NUM> configured to be manually driven by a reel handle <NUM>, one or more idler pulleys are installed at the driving pulley <NUM> so as to be engaged therewith, and the fishing line <NUM> is wound around the driving pulley <NUM> such that one side of the fishing line is withdrawn in a direction toward the front end of the fishing rod <NUM> and the other side of the fishing line is withdrawn in a direction toward a rear end of the fishing rod <NUM>.

Preferably, the idler pulleys engaged with the driving pulley <NUM> include an input pulley <NUM> and an output pulley <NUM>, which are installed at an outer circumferential surface of the driving pulley <NUM> so as to be adjacent to each other.

That is, the input pulley <NUM> and the output pulley <NUM> are installed at the outer circumferential surface of the driving pulley <NUM> in a state of being biased to the rear end part of the fishing rod <NUM>. The fishing line <NUM> introduced from the front end of the fishing rod <NUM> is wound around the input pulley <NUM>, is wound one turn around the driving pulley <NUM>, and is withdrawn to a rear side of the fishing rod <NUM> form a contact point with the output pulley <NUM>.

Consequently, primary frictional force is applied to the fishing line <NUM> while being wound around the input pulley <NUM>, and the fishing line is maximally wound around an outer circumference of the driving pulley <NUM> again, whereby frictional force is maximized.

A guide tube <NUM> is installed on a movement path of the fishing line <NUM> adjacent to the input pulley <NUM> and the output pulley <NUM> such that the fishing line <NUM> passes through the guide tube <NUM>, the fishing line <NUM> is prevented from being separated from the pulley and the movement path is accurately maintained, whereby the fishing line is stably wound.

As shown in <FIG>, a circumferential reel groove <NUM> is formed in the outer circumferential surface of the driving pulley <NUM> in a rotational direction such that the fishing line <NUM> can be stably wound in a state of being seated in the circumferential reel groove <NUM>. The depth of the circumferential reel groove <NUM> is set such that the fishing line <NUM> slightly protrudes outwards from the driving pulley <NUM>, whereby sufficient contact pressure with the idler pulleys may be maintained.

The output pulley <NUM> may be installed at a free end of a tensioner <NUM> configured to be turned about a hinge. In this case, the free end of the tensioner <NUM> is elastically pushed toward the driving pulley <NUM> by a spring <NUM> such that the output pulley <NUM> is elastically brought into tight contact with the driving pulley <NUM>.

A bail <NUM> configured to be turned about a hinge is installed at a lower end of the front of the fishing reel <NUM>, and a limit switch <NUM>, with which a free end of the bail <NUM> selectively comes into contact, is installed at the front of the fishing reel. A user's intention to cast or lock the fishing line <NUM> is transmitted to the main motor <NUM> as a signal as the result of contact between the bail <NUM> and the limit switch <NUM>.

In addition, the tracking sensor <NUM>, which is installed at one end of the fishing rod <NUM>, three-dimensionally senses the trajectory of the fishing rod <NUM> manipulated by the user U, such as casting of bait, such that driving of the main motor <NUM> is controlled in response thereto.

<FIG> are a perspective view and a bottom perspective view of the driving table <NUM> according to the present invention, respectively. Referring to these figures, a central portion of the driving table <NUM>, which is located in front of the fishing rod <NUM>, is open as a moving space of the fishing line <NUM>, a leftward-rightward moving plate <NUM> configured to be moved leftwards and rightwards by a leftward-rightward moving motor <NUM> is installed at a lower side of the driving table, and a forward-rearward moving plate <NUM> configured to be moved forwards and rearwards by a forward-rearward moving motor <NUM> is installed at a lower side of the leftward-rightward moving plate <NUM>. The main motor <NUM> is installed at the forward-rearward moving plate <NUM> so as to be moved together therewith, and a guide slot <NUM> is formed through the leftward-rightward moving plate <NUM> so as to extend in a forward-rearward direction such that the fishing line is connected to the main motor.

In order to move the leftward-rightward moving plate <NUM> leftwards and rightwards, a leftward-rightward actuator <NUM>, which serves as a screw shaft configured to be rotated by the leftward-rightward moving motor <NUM>, is installed at the driving table <NUM>, and the leftward-rightward moving plate is screw-coupled to the leftward-rightward actuator. Leftward-rightward guide rails <NUM> are installed at the lower side of the driving table <NUM> such that the leftward-rightward moving plate <NUM> is movably coupled to the leftward-rightward guide rails.

In addition, a forward-rearward actuator <NUM>, which serves as a screw shaft configured to be rotated by the forward-rearward moving motor <NUM>, is installed at the leftward-rightward moving plate <NUM>, and the forward-rearward moving plate <NUM> is screw-coupled to the forward-rearward actuator. Forward-rearward guide rails <NUM> are installed at a lower side of the leftward-rightward moving plate <NUM> such that the forward-rearward moving plate <NUM> is movably coupled to the forward-rearward guide rails.

The main motor <NUM> is installed at the forward-rearward moving plate <NUM> so as to be moved in conjunction with movement of the leftward-rightward moving plate <NUM> and the forward-rearward moving plate <NUM>, and the fishing line <NUM> is connected to the main motor <NUM>.

The fishing line <NUM> is connected to the main motor <NUM> through the open central portion of the driving table <NUM>. Since the main motor <NUM> fixed to the forward-rearward moving plate <NUM> is moved to the front and the rear of the leftward-rightward moving plate <NUM>, the guide slot <NUM>, which serves as a space in which the fishing line <NUM> is movable forwards and rearwards, is formed in the leftward-rightward moving plate <NUM> so as to extend forwards and rearwards, and the fishing line <NUM> is connected to the main motor <NUM> through the guide slot <NUM>.

In order for the fishing line <NUM> to be smoothly connected to the main motor <NUM> without direct contact with the guide slot <NUM>, a bush <NUM> is installed at an upper end of the main motor <NUM> so as to extend through the guide slot <NUM> such that the fishing line <NUM> passes through the bush.

In the driving table <NUM>, the leftward-rightward moving plate <NUM> and the forward-rearward moving plate <NUM> are moved forwards, rearwards, leftwards, and rightwards according to a sensor and an input program, whereby the main motor <NUM> simulates motion of a fish while being moved.

The leftward-rightward moving plate <NUM> and the forward-rearward moving plate <NUM> are moved by actuators <NUM> and <NUM> driven by the leftward-rightward moving motor <NUM> and the forward-rearward moving motor <NUM>, respectively, and are guided along the leftward-rightward guide rails <NUM> and the forward-rearward guide rails <NUM>, whereby accurate and rapid motion may be three-dimensionally performed.

A pneumatic cylinder, not the screw shaft, may be used as each actuator.

<FIG> show the construction of the main body <NUM> as an embodiment. Referring to these figures, the main body <NUM> includes a belt driving pulley <NUM>, around which the fishing line <NUM> is wound, and a plurality of auxiliary pulleys <NUM>, wherein the fishing line <NUM> wound around an outer circumferential surface of the belt driving pulley <NUM> is wrapped by a belt <NUM> outside the fishing line.

Consequently, the fishing line <NUM> is not simply wound around an outer surface of the belt driving pulley <NUM> but the belt <NUM> is rotated together therewith while securely pushing the fishing line outside the fishing line, and therefore rotational force may be stably transmitted to the fishing line <NUM> without slip on the outer surface of the pulley.

In particular, among the auxiliary pulleys <NUM> configured to support the belt, two pulleys adjacent to the belt driving pulley <NUM> are disposed at adjacent positions after the belt is maximally wound around the belt driving pulley <NUM>, whereby the fishing line <NUM> and the belt <NUM> are brought into maximum contact with the belt driving pulley <NUM>. It is preferable for a timing belt to be used as the belt <NUM> in order to prevent slip thereof.

A circumferential groove <NUM>, in which the fishing line <NUM> can be seated, may be formed in the outer circumferential surface of the belt driving pulley <NUM>, in the same manner as the circumferential reel groove <NUM> is formed in the driving pulley <NUM> of the fishing reel <NUM>, and the fishing line <NUM> is seated in the circumferential groove <NUM> such that the fishing line slightly protrudes outside the belt driving pulley <NUM>.

A servomotor is used as the main motor <NUM>, tension of the fishing line may be adjusted by a torque control function of the motor, and an encoder is provided as a sensor configured to sense rotation of the motor.

The fishing line <NUM> wound around the outer circumferential surface of the belt driving pulley <NUM> is introduced and withdrawn between two adjacent auxiliary pulleys <NUM>. For smooth introduction and withdrawal, the guide tube <NUM> is installed so as to be supported by a tube holder <NUM> such that the fishing line <NUM> is guided through the guide tube <NUM>, in the same manner as the fishing reel <NUM>.

One side of the fishing line <NUM> wound around the belt driving pulley <NUM> of the main motor <NUM> is connected to the fishing rod <NUM>, and the other side of the fishing line is connected to the fishing reel mounted to the rear end part of the fishing rod <NUM> via the interior of the simulation apparatus <NUM> such that the fishing line is circulated infinitely.

In the present invention, a fishing environment may be accurately set according to the input program, and fish species or circumstances may be selectively input so as to be used.

Signals, such as forces that rotate the bail of the fishing reel and the driving pulley of the fishing reel, are comprehensively sensed based on the input program and the tracking sensor of the fishing rod in order to drive the main motor <NUM>, the leftward-rightward moving motor <NUM>, and the forward-rearward moving motor <NUM>.

In addition, the simulation apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a display unit configured to audiovisually display a virtual space, wherein it is preferable for the display unit to be constituted by an HMD for virtual reality experience on a helmet that a user wears. In addition, the display unit may be implemented by a screen or a display panel, and content may be changed depending on the input program.

<FIG> is a flowchart showing an example of a fishing simulation method according to the present invention, wherein the fishing simulation method may be performed by the simulation apparatus described above.

Referring to <FIG>, in a first step (a), when the user U sits on the chair, wears the HMD <NUM>, and holds the fishing rod <NUM>, tracking sensing is recognized by a processor, whereby a game starts. At this time, the fishing line <NUM> is unwound by the main motor <NUM>, and therefore the fishing line is in a loosened state.

In a second step (b), when bait is cast using the fishing rod <NUM>, the bait is sent far away in a virtual space based on a value calculated by the processor recognizing the speed at which the bait is cast by the arm, and the handle <NUM> of the fishing reel <NUM> is rotated to maintain tension of the fishing line. Torque of the main motor by the tension of the fishing line is maintained, and the position of the cast bait and the distance from the cast bait are calculated by an encoder of the main motor. The calculated position and distance are transmitted to the processor as a signal.

In a third step (c), the main motor <NUM> is rotated in alternating directions at short intervals in order to simulate fish biting at bait during waiting for fish. In a fourth step (d), when a fish is caught, the main motor <NUM> is rotated in alternating directions to simulate thrashing of a fish. That is, change data in length of the fishing line due to fluctuation and movement of the fish are synchronized with the rotation number of the motor, and the main motor <NUM>, the leftward-rightward moving motor <NUM>, and the forward-rearward moving motor <NUM> are driven through proportional control, whereby motion of the fish is three-dimensionally simulated.

In a fifth step (e), when the handle <NUM> of the fishing reel <NUM> is rotated, the main motor <NUM> is rotated according to winding force of the reel, and rotation data acquired by the encoder are transmitted, whereby the distance from the fish is decreased in the virtual space. Even in this step, the situation of the fourth step is maintained.

At this time, when the fishing reel is wound at higher than allowable torque proportional to the size of the fish or when the fishing rod is excessively pulled, the main motor <NUM> is rapidly rotated in an unwinding direction to loosen the fishing line <NUM>, whereby a situation in which the line is cut is simulated in a virtual space. The game is restarted and the above routine is repeated.

In a sixth step (f), when fishing is successful, the fish may be stored in a water tank, and the game may be restarted.

In the present invention, content of simulation is virtually displayed such that visual phenomena shown in a virtual space are linked to operation of the apparatus according to the present invention, whereby the user may experience a realistic simulation. Such display may be implemented by an HMD for virtual reality experience.

Consequently, the motor is driven depending on circumstances based on content of the input program and manipulation of the fishing rod and the fishing reel, whereby the user may enjoy virtual fishing having the same realism as the real situation.

The present invention described and shown above is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be implemented in various forms without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

In addition, a detailed description of mechanical elements that can be basically and arbitrarily used, i.e. universal components, such as a reducer used in the motor, a hinge, a bearing, and electrically connected components, was omitted from the above description.

Claim 1:
A fishing simulation apparatus comprising:
a fishing reel (<NUM>) mounted to a fishing rod (<NUM>), the fishing reel (<NUM>) being provided with a manual driving pulley configured to allow a fishing line (<NUM>) to be wound therearound such that the fishing line (<NUM>) is movable in both directions; and
a main motor (<NUM>) configured to tow the fishing line (<NUM>) connected to the fishing rod (<NUM>) and the fishing reel (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the fishing line (<NUM>) is connected in an infinite circulation manner while sequentially passing through the fishing rod (<NUM>), the fishing reel (<NUM>), and the main motor (<NUM>).