Digital Miniature Golf Structure with Dynamic Target Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniature golf courses require significant space and maintenance due to fixed obstacles, leading to repetitive experiences for players and high operational costs for operators who struggle to change configurations without incurring substantial downtime and expenses.
Innovation Solution
A standalone miniature golf structure with sensors, a digital display screen, and processors that allow for dynamic game configurations, enabling real-time changes in targets and obstacles, reducing the need for physical reconfiguration and minimizing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed obstacles and hole configurations are used in miniature golf courses, then the course structure is simple and stable, but player experience becomes repetitive and operators cannot change configurations without significant downtime and expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming fixed obstacles into dynamically changeable configurations. The system uses sensors to detect ball positions and processors to control digital displays that show different target configurations, allowing the course layout to change dynamically without physical reconfiguration. This enables operators to update hole configurations, obstacle positions, and target locations in real-time during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the copying principle by using digital representations of obstacles and targets instead of physical structures. The digital display screen creates virtual copies of course features that can be modified through software, eliminating the need for physical construction or demolition when changing configurations. This allows instant replication of different course layouts without actual material manipulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of holes are spread out across a large footprint, then players have diverse obstacles and configurations, but the course requires considerable space and high maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by creating a single putting surface that can serve multiple functions through dynamic configuration changes. Instead of requiring separate physical holes for different obstacles, the system uses one universal putting surface where digital displays and sensors can be reconfigured to create various hole positions, target locations, and obstacle simulations. This multi-functional approach provides diverse gaming experiences within a compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by transitioning from physical spatial arrangement to digital spatial representation. Rather than spreading holes across a large physical area, the system uses a compact physical footprint and creates diversity through digital dimensions - different target positions, obstacle configurations, and game modes are represented virtually on the display screen, allowing multiple hole configurations within a small physical space.
3Ease of operation
If physical obstacles are used to create entertaining hole configurations, then the course is initially engaging for players, but repeat players tire of the same obstacles over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the obstacle configurations dynamically changeable through software control. The system can transform static physical obstacles into dynamically reconfigurable digital representations, allowing target positions, obstacle locations, and hole configurations to change based on game progress, player performance, or operator decisions. This maintains player engagement by continuously presenting new challenges without requiring physical changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by modifying the parameters of the course configuration through digital means. Instead of changing physical obstacles, the system changes parameters such as target positions, hole locations, obstacle heights, and configuration types through software control. This allows infinite variation in course parameters while using the same physical infrastructure, maintaining player interest through mathematical and digital creativity rather than physical construction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides an unlimited variety of playing experiences, reduces operational costs by eliminating the need for frequent physical changes, and allows for easy installation in smaller spaces such as arcades or bars, enhancing player engagement without the burden of extensive maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors configured to detect lateral positions at which balls cross the rear end
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for a standalone and multi-game miniature golf structure. A structure includes a digital display screen positioned to align vertically with a rear end of a putting surface and sensor(s) positioned below the digital display screen. The sensor(s) are configured to detect lateral positions at which balls cross the rear end. The structure includes processor(s), that for each shot of a plurality of miniature golf games, are configured to send command signals to the digital display screen to display putting target(s); identify, via the sensor(s), a lateral position at which a golf ball crosses the rear end of the putting surface; determine whether the lateral position of the golf ball aligns vertically with any of the putting target(s); and generate a score for the shot based on the lateral position of the golf ball relative to the putting target(s).