Hybrid Golf Simulator with Virtual-Real Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf simulators do not optimize space for golf games and fail to replicate outdoor environments for putting and short wedge play, and traditional golf course design resources are scarce.
Innovation Solution
A golf simulating system and method that allows players to strike a golf ball in a virtual teeing area within a simulator and transition to a real putting area, using software to track the virtual ball's position and guide the player to the corresponding real ball placement on the course, reducing the need for extensive real estate and resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional golf simulator is used to simulate the entire golf course, then the game can be played indoors regardless of weather, but the space requirements and resource consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The golf course is divided into two distinct segments: a virtual portion (teeing area, fairway, approach) played in the simulator and a real portion (putting green) played outdoors. This segmentation allows the game to be played indoors while minimizing space requirements, as only the putting green needs to be physically present rather than the entire course.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges virtual reality technology with physical outdoor space by combining a golf simulator for the majority of the hole with a real putting green. This hybrid approach allows players to experience both indoor simulation and outdoor putting, reducing the need to simulate entire courses while maintaining game integrity.
2Loss of substance
If a full golf course is simulated virtually, then resource consumption is reduced, but the authenticity of outdoor putting and short wedge play is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different qualities to different parts of the golf course: virtual simulation is used for the teeing area, fairway, and approach where high-speed ball flight can be tracked accurately, while a real putting green is provided for the putting portion where tactile feedback and authentic grass interaction are most important for skill development.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional golf course design resources are used, then complete golf courses can be created, but the cost and land requirements become prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a purely physical two-dimensional space to a hybrid three-dimensional experience by incorporating virtual reality elements. Instead of requiring physical land for the entire course, the virtual dimension provides the teeing area, fairway, and approach, while only the putting green requires physical space, dramatically reducing land requirements while maintaining course completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
A golf simulating system and method for playing a golf game partially in a golf simulator and partially on a real golf course that allows a player to strike a virtual golf ball in a golf simulator from a virtual teeing area and a virtual fairway. Upon the ball reaching the virtual putting area, the player moves to putt a real golf ball in a real putting area. The player then moves to a real putting area to continue the golf game by putting the real golf ball. The starting position of the real golf ball is based on tracking the position of the virtual golf ball. Oral or visual instructions prompt the player where to place the golf ball on the real putting area. The score is automatically calculated based on the player's performance in the two areas combined within the proprietary software.