Abstract: A golf simulator includes a screen for displaying a simulated golf hole. Sensors measure one or more parameters of a hit golf ball hit with a golf club by a player. These parameters may include the velocity, trajectory, and spin of a golf ball. A computer determines the distance and location of the hit golf ball from the simulated hole as a function of the measured parameters. The computer enhances a player's shot by a predetermined enhancement factor. In a preferred embodiment the calculated forward velocity of a hit ball is increased with the enhancement factor to obtain an enhanced forward velocity. The enhancement factor can be a predetermined percentage ranging between 0 and 200 percent. The enhancement factor can be automatically phased out, attenuated, or cancelled as the player approaches the simulated hole. The display screen displays the enhancement factor of a player.

Abstract: An energy-efficient barrier uses thin slats, on one side of which are formed a number of reflective surfaces. The reflective surfaces are oriented at an angle, with respect to the face of the slat, to maximize reflection of the rays of the sun. The parallel reflective surfaces are formed as a series of ridges along the length of a slat and as the treads of a series of stairsteps formed along the length of a slat. The slats can be formed of extruded material with the reflective surfaces formed of reflective material which is polated on V-grooves formed in the slats. The slats are oriented in relation to the direct rays of the sun to pass the direct rays of the winter sun between the wider faces of the slats. The reflective surfaces on each slat are also aligned to reflect the direct rays of the summer sun.