Reconfigurable Golf Green for Mixed Virtual-Real Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf simulation systems struggle to realistically emulate the chipping, putting, and sand play portions of the game, often providing limited reconfigurability and a poor natural feel, while lacking a seamless integration between virtual and real-world environments.
Innovation Solution
A system combining a screen zone for virtual tee off and pitching with a reconfigurable green zone for real-world chipping and putting, utilizing a turntable-supported golf green with actuation systems to dynamically change topography, allowing a one-to-one mapping between virtual and real-world environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional golf simulator is used, then virtual tee off and pitching can be simulated, but the chipping, putting, and sand play portions cannot be realistically emulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines virtual simulation elements (screen zone with projector and sensors) with physical real-world elements (green zone with actual golf green, bunkers, and grass) into a unified hybrid system. This merging allows the system to handle both virtual portions (tee off, pitching) and real-world portions (chipping, putting, sand play) within a single integrated platform, thereby improving game portion coverage while maintaining realism through physical interaction in the green zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a reconfigurable green zone with adjustable topography through mechanical actuators and movable components. The green zone can dynamically change its configuration to represent different golf course conditions, hole layouts, and terrain features. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the same physical space to realistically emulate various putting greens, fairways, and bunker configurations, improving both versatility and realism simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed golf green is used, then the structure is simple, but the reconfigurability for different holes and conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The green zone is divided into multiple independent segments or modules that can be individually adjusted and reconfigured. Each segment can be independently controlled by separate actuators, allowing granular modification of different areas of the green. This segmentation enables complex topography changes while keeping each individual mechanical component relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The green zone incorporates mechanical actuators, hydraulic systems, or motorized components that enable dynamic reconfiguration of the terrain. These dynamic elements allow the green zone to transform between different configurations representing various golf holes and conditions, achieving high adaptability despite the increased mechanical complexity through systematic design.
3Area of stationary object
If a large-scale system is built for arena or stadium use, then the playing area is sufficient, but the integration between virtual and real-world environments becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The large-scale system is divided into distinct functional zones: a screen zone for virtual projection and sensing, and a green zone for physical play. Each zone operates semi-independently with its own subsystems, simplifying the overall integration. The clear spatial and functional segmentation allows the large playing area to be managed through modular zones rather than as a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs light sources and sensors as intermediary elements that bridge the virtual screen zone and the physical green zone. These intermediaries facilitate seamless interaction between the two environments by detecting ball positions, tracking player movements, and providing feedback, thereby simplifying the integration complexity through the use of standardized intermediary components.
Data Source
AI summary
Mixed virtual and real-world golf systems are provided herein. In one example, a system for implementing a golf game in a mixed virtual and real-world environment is described. The system includes: a field of play upon which the golf game is played, the field of play being divided into: (i) a screen zone, and (ii) a green zone defining a portion of a hole of a golf course; a screen positioned in the screen zone; a projector configured to project a simulation of the hole of the golf course onto a projection surface of the screen; a turntable in the green zone; and a golf green on the turntable, the golf green including: an undulation layer on the turntable; a green surface on the undulation layer; a golf hole cup positioned in a putting region of the green surface; and one or more actuation systems embedded within the undulation layer.