Fully Scoreable Golf Outfield Using Ball-Tracking Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Players in TOPGOLF games who cannot hit real-world or virtual targets fail to score points, leading to a negative experience and inability to compete with other players.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes golf ball tracking sensors and a server to generate a virtual outfield with tiles on a video display, awarding points based on the impact and roll of the golf ball, regardless of whether it hits a target, allowing for a fully scoreable outfield experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If players must hit real-world or virtual targets to score points, then the game maintains traditional golf challenge, but players who cannot hit targets fail to score and feel unable to compete
Solution Approach 1:
The outfield is segmented into multiple scoreable zones or tiles rather than requiring a single target. Players can score by hitting different sections of the outfield, providing multiple ways to achieve points and accommodating various skill levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual representation of the physical outfield that can be scored independently. The virtual game environment allows players to score based on their physical shot location without requiring precise target acquisition, thus making the system more inclusive.
2Reliability
If only target hits are rewarded, then the game maintains traditional golf focus, but players unable to hit targets receive no points and negative experience
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-divides the outfield into scoreable sections before play begins. This preliminary segmentation ensures that players can score points based on where their ball lands, rather than requiring precise target hits, thereby ensuring scoring consistency for all players regardless of skill level.
Solution Approach 2:
The scoring parameters are changed from binary (target hit or miss) to continuous (distance, direction, and specific zone landed on). This parameter change allows for reliable scoring across all skill levels by rewarding players based on the quality and location of their shots rather than just target acquisition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the outfield is made fully scoreable with multiple zones, then player inclusivity improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outfield segmentation system serves multiple functions: it provides scoring zones, tracks player performance, and creates virtual game representations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex systems, as the same segmentation infrastructure supports both physical and virtual scoring requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual game system as an intermediary between the physical outfield and the scoring mechanism. This virtual layer simplifies the overall system by providing a user-friendly interface that translates physical shot locations into scoreable virtual zones, reducing the complexity of direct physical measurement and scoring.
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
Enables all players to score points and feel competitive by awarding points for virtually hitting tiles, enhancing the gaming experience and inclusivity across various skill levels.
Implementation Method 1
golf ball tracking sensors positioned at a golf driving range
Implementation Method 2
generating a bounce and roll prediction for the tracked golf ball
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system playing a game with a fully scoreable outfield at a golf entertainment venue are disclosed herein. The system includes golf ball tracking sensors, hitting bays and a server. The golf ball tracking sensors are positioned at a golf driving range. The hitting bays are also at the golf driving range, and each hitting bay has a video display. The game includes tiles that cover an entire virtual outfield of the golf driving range.