JP2007014511A - Score calculation apparatus for bowling game - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide freedom in selection about a throwing order and a throwing lane to a player while realizing automatic calculation of scores in a bowling game. <P>SOLUTION: An identification number stored by an RFID tag which is fitted to his body is coordinated with the player and stored in a first storage area. By establishing communication with the RFID tag on an approach 115 of the lane 116 for bowling, the lane 116 where the player specified by the identification number stored by the RFID tag throwing is judged. By utilizing the recognition result of an overturning/not-overturning state of each pin 121 at the lane 116 where the player throws, the score of each throwing of the player is calculated. Based on the score of each throwing, the score of each player is calculated by each frame to realize automatic calculation of the scores. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a bowling game score calculation device that automatically realizes calculation of a score in a bowling game.

  For example, Patent Literatures 1 to 3 describe automatic score calculation techniques in a bowling game. The automatic calculation of the score is executed by a calculation process based on the information on the pin that has fallen after associating the pitched player with the information on the pin that has fallen.

  A problem in such automatic score calculation is the association between the pitched player and the information of the pin that has fallen. As a method of association, generally, a method is adopted in which the pitching order is determined in advance, and the player pitches one frame at a time in a predetermined order. At this time, a display is prepared at a position where the player can visually check, for example, on a table for scoring or above the approach lane, and who should be throwing is displayed. The player pitches according to the display.

  On the other hand, there are cases where it is desired to change the pitching order depending on the circumstances of the player. Patent Documents 1 to 3 each describe a technique that makes it possible to cope with such a change in the pitching order.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, firstly, it is described that a bowler number input means for changing a pitching order for inputting a bowler number for changing a player (bowler) to be pitched next is provided. If there is an undigested bowler that has the smallest number of final throwing frames and the number of final throwing frames does not become the same as the number of final throwing frames of other bowlers, Is configured to determine the bowler to be thrown next. Patent Document 2 describes the first point of Patent Document 1 in more detail, and Patent Document 3 describes the second point of Patent Document 1 in more detail.

JP 61-11076 A JP 61-56777 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-56678

  As described above, according to the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, when the score is automatically calculated in the bowling game, the player can change the pitching order. However, in order to change the pitching order, a special manual input operation is required (Patent Documents 1 and 2), and automatic change is allowed only under certain limited circumstances and only according to a limited procedure. No (Patent Documents 1 and 3). That is, according to the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the player's pitching order cannot be changed freely.

  In addition, in the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the change in the pitching order of the players is limited to the same lane, and each player is allowed to pitch in a free pitching order across a plurality of lanes. is not.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a player with freedom of selection regarding a pitching order and a pitching lane while realizing automatic calculation of a score in a bowling game.

  The present invention recognizes the non-falling state of each pin based on the output of a pin sensor that detects the presence or absence of a pin on a pin spot marked on a boring lane, and stores an RFID tag worn by the player The player is identified by the identification number stored in the RFID tag by associating the identification number with the player and storing it in the first storage area and establishing communication with the RFID tag on the approach. Is used to calculate the score for each throw of the player using the recognition result of the non-falling state of each pin in the lane determined to have been thrown by the player. The score of each player is calculated for each frame based on the score for each throw.

  According to the present invention, even if a player freely selects a pitching order and a pitching lane, a score in a bowling game can be automatically calculated.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a layout configuration of a bowling alley. The bowling alley 101 has a counter area 102, a customer area 103, and a game area 104. The counter area 102 is an area that is released only to the staff on the bowling alley 101 side, and is responsible for accepting games, renting shoes, troubleshooting, accounting processing, and the like. The customer area 103 is an area that is released to the customer, and access to the counter area 102 and the game area 104 is possible. The game area 104 is an area released to the player, and provides the player with a bowling game.

  The counter area 102 has a customer counter 105, and a part other than the customer counter 105 is divided by a customer area 103 and a wall 106 to form a backyard 107. Passage between the counter area 102 and the customer area 103 separated by the wall 106 is made possible by a door 108 that can be freely opened and closed. The customer counter 105 is provided with a counter terminal 201, an accounting terminal 221, and a printer 241. A counter antenna CA is embedded in a partial area of the upper surface of the customer counter 105. The counter antenna CA is connected to the counter terminal 201 and is used to establish communication with an RFID tag 501 (see FIGS. 9 to 11) described later.

  The backyard 107 is provided with a backyard counter 109 that is continuous with the customer counter 105 and provides a working space for the staff. A server 261 is installed in such a backyard counter 109. A shoe shelf 110 is installed behind the customer counter 105 in the backyard 107. The shoe rack 110 stores various sizes of bowling shoes 111 that are lent to customers. Each part is laid out so that the rental and return of the shoes 111 between the staff and the customer are executed at the embedded position of the counter antenna CA in the customer counter 105.

  The customer area 103 accepts the customers who have visited, and provides a space for application for games at the customer counter 105, receipt of shoes, contact with staff, accounting, and the like. Prior to the play in the game area 104, the visiting customer needs to prepare the ball 112. The bowling alley 101 lends the ball 112 to customers who have not prepared the ball 112 themselves. Such lending balls 112 are stored in a variety of weights in a ball shelf 113 installed in the customer area 103.

  The game area 104 has a waiting area 114 adjacent to the customer area 103, an approach 115 following the waiting area 114, and a lane 116 following the approach 115. The lane 116 is a set of two lanes 116. Also in the standby area 114 and the approach 115, a layout structure corresponding to the set of lanes 116 is employed.

  In other words, the operation display console 117, the player terminal 301, and the chair 118 are arranged in the standby area 114, and the operation display console 117, the player terminal 301, and the chair 118 are provided with one unit of a set of lanes 116. Is laid out as More specifically, one operation display console 117 is arranged corresponding to the set of lanes 116. In the player terminal 301, one display 302 with a touch panel is assigned to each lane 116. However, the player terminal 301 is configured as a single unit with respect to the set of lanes 116 in terms of appearance and hardware configuration. Yes. The chairs 118 are arranged so as to surround the operation display console 117 and the player terminal 301.

  In addition, a ball return unit 119 is arranged across the standby area 114 and the approach 115, and this ball return unit 119 is also arranged one by one for the set of lanes 116.

  Further, a player display 401 is disposed above the approach 115, for example, in a hanging structure from the ceiling. The player display 401 is provided for each lane 116, but is configured as a single unit with respect to the set of lanes 116 in terms of appearance.

  As described above, in the game area 104, the two lanes 116 are configured as one set in the standby area 114, the approach 115, and the lane 116.

  Here, the pin spot 120 is marked at the end of the lane 116. Pins 121 are arranged on the pin spot 120. In addition to the pin spot 120, the lane 116 is provided with markings such as spats (not shown). Since this is a well-known structure, the description and illustration thereof are omitted. The lane 116 is provided with hollow garter lanes 122 on both sides thereof. When the ball 112 drops from the lane 116, the garter lane 122 plays a role of guiding the ball 112 to the end of the lane 116 while maintaining the drop state. The end of the lane 116 is a collection position for the pins 121 and the balls 112.

  Further, a display board 402 is arranged for each lane 116 above the end of the lane 116. The display board 402 includes, for example, an electric display that simulates the arrangement of the pins 121 (not shown), and distinguishes the pin 121 that has fallen from the pin 121 that has not fallen and displays it to the player.

  Various antennas used for establishing communication with an RFID tag 501 (see FIGS. 9 to 11) described later are installed in the game area 104. As the various antennas, the player antenna 403 is disposed at the operation display console 117 in the standby area 114, the start antenna 404 is disposed at the start position of the approach 115, and is positioned at the end position of the approach 115. An end antenna 405 is disposed. As will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, the RFID tag 501 is worn by the player. The position is at the player's foot. Therefore, the player antenna 403 contributes to establishment of communication with the RFID tag 501 worn by the player sitting on the chair 118 arranged at the position of the operation display console 117 and facing the operation display console 117. The start antenna 404 contributes to establishment of communication with the RFID tag 501 worn by the player standing at the start position of the approach 115. The end antenna 405 contributes to establishment of communication with the RFID tag 501 worn by the player who has started approaching from the start of the approach 115 and has reached the end position. These player antenna 403, start antenna 404 and end antenna 405 are provided for each lane 116.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the hardware configuration shown along the layout configuration of the bowling alley 101. The hardware configuration shown in FIG. 2 constitutes a bowling game score calculation device that performs automatic score calculation for a game. Hereinafter, a hardware configuration including the bowling game score calculation device will be described.

  In FIG. 2, two lanes 116 constituting one set are shown, and a hardware configuration is shown corresponding to these two lanes 116. As shown in FIG. 2, the counter terminal 201, the accounting terminal 221, the printer 241, the server 261, and the player terminal 301 are connected via a communication network 601 so that data communication is possible. A system controller 406 is also provided as a device that is connected to these devices through a communication network 601 so as to be able to perform data communication. The system controller 406 controls driving of various devices located in the game area 104.

  Various devices located in the game area 104 that are driven and controlled by the system controller 406 will be described in accordance with a bowling game procedure. First, the player runs approach 115, throws the ball 112 into the lane 116, and rolls the ball 112. The ball 112 rolling on the lane 116 rolls out from the end of the lane 116 and reaches the collection position. In this process, if the ball 112 hits the pin 121, the pin 121 falls. On the other hand, when the ball 112 falls on the garter lane 122, the ball 112 reaches the collection position without hitting the pin 121. In any case, the pin 121 is set on the pin spot 120 again. When the pin 121 is set, if the fallen pin 121 remains on the lane 116, the remaining pin 121 is recovered at the recovery position.

  In view of such bowling game content, a device for setting the pins 121 is required. A device for this purpose is a pin handler 407. A pin handler 407 is provided for each lane 116. The pin handler 407 is driven and controlled by the system controller 406. As the first operation, ten pins 121 are set on the pin spot 120, and as the second operation, the pin handler 407 stands on the pin spot 120. In addition, the ten pins 121 are grasped and lifted, the fallen pins 121 remaining on the lane 116 are swept out to the collection position, and the lifted pins 121 are set on the pin spot 120 again. In order to realize such first and second operations, the pin handler 407 includes a robot arm that freely grips the pin 121 and a supply mechanism that supplies the pin 121 collected at the collection position to the robot arm. And a sweep bar that sweeps the fallen pin 121 remaining on the lane 116 to the collection position, and an actuator that applies driving force to the robot arm, the supply mechanism, and the sweep bar (all not shown).

  In addition, based on the content of the bowling game, a device for returning the ball 112 that has reached the collection position to the ball return unit 119 is required. A device for this is a ball handler 408. One ball handler 408 is provided for each of the two lanes 116 constituting one set. Such a ball handler 408 is driven and controlled by the system controller 406 and transports the ball 112 that has reached the collection position to the ball return unit 119 through the lower side of the lane 116. The conveyance of the ball 112 is realized by a principle such as the application of a forcible conveyance force by the weight of the ball 112 or a rubber roller or a rubber belt (not shown). The ball 112 returned to the ball return unit 119 can be delivered to a player located in the standby area 114.

  The pin handler 407 and the ball handler 408 start operation when the ball 112 reaches the collection position. Therefore, it is necessary to detect that the ball 112 has reached the collection position. As a configuration for that purpose, a ball sensor 409 for detecting that the ball 112 has reached the collection position is provided for each lane 116 and is connected to the system controller 406. A cushion (not shown) for receiving the ball 112 is provided at the collection position following the end of the lane 116. For example, the ball sensor 409 indicates that the ball 112 has reached the collection position with pressure fluctuation applied to the cushion. Is detected.

  In the bowling game, a total of 10 frames are thrown, and the score is calculated based on the number of pins 121 that have been defeated for each frame. From the first frame to the ninth frame, the player is given an opportunity to throw twice in one frame. However, if the first pitch is a strike, that is, if all of the ten pins 121 fall down, the number of pitches allowed in one frame is only one. In the tenth frame which is the final frame, the player is given an opportunity to throw three times. However, the opportunity to throw three times is given only when the first pitch is a strike or the second pitch is a spare.

  From the content of such a bowling game, it is necessary to detect the number and position of pins that have fallen for each player's pitch. As a configuration for that purpose, a pin sensor 410 for detecting the presence or absence of the pin 121 on the pin spot 120 marked on the lane 116 is provided for each lane 116 and connected to the system controller 406. As an example, the pin sensor 410 detects the presence or absence of the pin 121 based on the movement of the robot arm included in the ball handler 408. That is, in the robot arm, the movement of the arm when holding the pin 121 is different from the movement of the arm when not holding the pin 121. Therefore, the pin sensor 410 detects the presence or absence of the pin 121 on the pin spot 120 by detecting such a difference in movement of the robot arm. As another example of the pin sensor 410, a reflective optical sensor that optically and directly detects the presence or absence of the pin 121 on the pin spot 120 may be used. Based on the detection signal from the pin sensor 410, the system controller 406 detects the pin 121 that has fallen and the pin 121 that remains without falling.

  In the present embodiment, the garter lane 122 can be selectively used as a bumper lane. The bumper lane is a lane having a mechanism that prevents the ball 112 rolling on the lane 116 from falling on the garter lane 122. In this embodiment, a bumper device 411 (see FIG. 3 to FIG. 6) described later is provided for each lane 116 in order to selectively make the garter lane 122 a bumper lane. The bumper device 411 has a pair of left and right motors 412 as its drive source. 2 and 12, the right motor 412 is denoted by RM, and the left motor 412 is denoted by LM.

  FIG. 3 is a front view of the lane 116 showing a state in which the bumper bar included in the bumper device 411 is positioned in an open position where the bumper bar 411 does not prevent the ball 112 from dropping into the garter lane 122. FIG. 4 is a front view of the lane 116 showing a state in which the bumper bar included in the bumper device 411 is positioned at a blocking position that prevents the ball 112 from dropping into the garter lane 122. The bumper device 411 has a pair of left and right bumper bars 124 disposed along a separate cover 123 disposed between the lanes 116. The bumper bar 124 is selectively positioned at an open position (see FIG. 3) for opening the garter lane 122 and a blocking position (see FIG. 4) for preventing the ball 112 from dropping into the garter lane 122. As shown in FIG. 3, the bumper bar 124 located in the open position is in a state of being flipped up above the separate cover 123. As shown in FIG. 4, the bumper bar 124 positioned at the open position is rotated 90 degrees in the direction of the garter lane 122, so that the bumper bar 124 is positioned at the blocking position.

  FIG. 5 is a longitudinal front view showing the internal structure of the bumper device 411 in a state where the bumper bar 124 is positioned at the open position. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal front view showing the internal structure of the bumper device 411 in a state where the bumper bar 124 is positioned at the closed position. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the bumper bar 124 has a structure in which a plurality of support pipes 126 are erected from a flat portion of a flat bar 125. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the bumper bar 124 is held on both sides of the lane 116 by the support pipe 126 being rotatably supported around the fulcrum 127 inside the separate cover 123. Yes. The above-described motor 412 is disposed inside the separate cover 123, and these motor 412 and the support pipe 126 of the bumper bar 124 are coupled via a gear train 128 so that power can be transmitted. The gear train 128 includes a drive gear 129 fixed to the rotation shaft 412 a of the motor 412, a driven gear 130 fixed to the support pipe 126, and an idler gear 131 that connects the drive gear 129 and the driven gear 130. Yes. In FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, only one idler gear 131 is shown, but an idler gear train may be configured as necessary. Further, it is not necessary to provide the motor 412 and the gear train 128 in correspondence with all the support pipes 126 included in one bumper bar 124, and at least the number necessary for driving the bumper bar 124 may be provided. That's fine.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the operation display console 117 having the player terminal 301. The operation display console 117 is configured by supporting a top plate 133 with leg portions 132. The leg 132 has a horizontally long shape corresponding to each of the two lanes 116 forming a set, and the two player antennas 403 corresponding to the two lanes 116 are embedded side by side. . The player terminal 301 is placed on the top board 133 of the operation display console 117. As described above, the player terminal 301 is configured as a single object with respect to the two lanes 116 forming a set in terms of appearance. That is, the player terminal 301 includes a horizontally long housing 134 corresponding to a pair of two lanes 116, and the above-described two touch panel displays 302 corresponding to the two lanes 116 forming a set are arranged side by side. Are arranged in

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing names of the respective pins 121 arranged on the pin spot 120. In bowling, the first head pin is pin 1, the second row is the second pin and the right is the third pin, and the third row is the fourth pin, the fifth pin, the sixth pin, and the fourth in the third row from the left. In the row, the 7th pin, the 8th pin, the 9th pin, the 10th pin and the respective pins 121 are called from the left side.

  FIGS. 9A and 9B are side views of the bowling shoe 111 showing a state in which the RFID tag 501 is loaded on the heel portion, FIG. 9B on the side surface portion, and FIG. 9C on the fastening belt portion. . In this embodiment, the shoes 111 are used in order for the player to wear the RFID tag 501. The RFID tag 501 is embedded as an example in a portion of the heel 135 of the shoe 111, as another example, embedded in a side surface 136 of the shoe 111, and as another example, embedded in a tightening belt 137 of the shoe 111.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the ankle belt in which the RFID tag 501 is loaded. FIG. 11 is a side view of the leg portion showing a state where the ankle belt shown in FIG. 10 is attached. As another device for causing the player to wear the RFID tag 501, not only the shoe 111 has the RFID tag 501 but also the ankle belt 138 may have the RDID tag 501. The ankle belt 138 includes, for example, a magic tape 140 (magic tape is a registered trademark) on one end side surface and the other side rear surface of a long belt 139 having a size that can be wound around an ankle of a player. Has been. The pair of velcro tapes 140 can be fixed to each other and can be separated by applying a force greater than the fixing force. Therefore, the ankle belt 138 can be attached to the ankle by fixing the pair of magic tapes 140 while the belt 139 is wound around the ankle (see FIG. 11).

  The RFID tag 501 is embedded in, for example, one end side of the ankle belt 138. As an example, an end portion in which the RFID tag 501 is embedded is an upper side when a pair of magic tapes 140 is fixed, and is overlapped with the other end portion. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 11, the RFID tag 501 is positioned relatively outside.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the system controller 406 and its connected devices. The system controller 406 is configured with the control unit 413 as a main body. As an example, the control unit 413 is a sequencer including a processor configured by an integrated circuit that executes sequential data processing. As another example, the control unit 413 may be configured by a microcomputer. A player display 401, a display board 402, a pin handler 407, and a ball handler 408 are connected to such a control unit 413. These player display 401, display board 402, pin handler 407, and ball handler 408 each incorporate a display control circuit and a drive control circuit. Therefore, the control unit 413 can perform predetermined display on the player display 401, control the lighting of the display board 402, and drive control of the pin handler 407 and the ball handler 408.

  A ball sensor 409 and a pin sensor 410 are also connected to the control unit 413 via a sensor input circuit 414. Therefore, the control unit 413 can determine that the ball 112 has reached the collection position based on the signal from the ball sensor 409, and the pin 121 that has fallen and the pin 121 that has not fallen based on the signal from the pin sensor 410. Can be determined.

  A motor 412 of a bumper device 411 is also connected to the control unit 413 via a motor controller 415. Therefore, the control unit 413 can selectively make the garter lane 122 a bumper lane by driving and controlling the motor 412. In this case, the control unit 413 selectively drives and controls the right motor 412 and the left motor 412 so that the right garter lane 122 and the left garter lane 122 of the lane 116 are separately and independently selected. It can be used as a bumper lane.

  As described above, the player wears the RFID tag 501 through the shoes 111 or the ankle belt 138. In the present embodiment, in the game area 104, the RFID tag 501 is worn by a player sitting on the chair 118 placed at the position of the operation display console 117 and facing the operation display console 117 via the player antenna 403. Communication between them can be established. Further, the communication with the RFID tag 501 worn by the player standing at the start position of the approach 115 can be established via the start antenna 404. Then, via the end antenna 405, it is possible to establish communication with the RFID tag 501 worn by the player who has started approaching from the start of the approach 115 and has reached the end position. Therefore, in order to establish communication with the RFID tag 501, RFID receivers 416 are installed at the leg 132 of the operation display console 117 and the start position and end position of the approach 115, respectively. . The RFID receiver 416 installed on the leg 132 of the operation display console 117 is connected to the player antenna 403, the RFID receiver 416 installed at the start position of the approach 115 is connected to the start antenna 404, and the end position of the approach 115 is The installed RFID receiver 416 is connected to the end antenna 405. Each RFID receiver 416 is connected to the control unit 413. As a result, the control unit 413 establishes communication with the RFID tag 501 worn by the player at the three positions of the operation display console 117 and the start position and the end position of the approach 115, and the RFID tag 501 is illustrated. It is possible to read information stored in the storage unit that does not, or write information to the storage unit of the RFID tag 501.

  The control unit 413 also includes a communication interface 417 for connecting to the communication network 601.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the counter terminal 201. The counter terminal 201 includes a ROM 203 that stores fixed data in a fixed manner and a RAM 204 that is used as a work area by storing variable data in a rewritable manner with respect to a CPU 202 that performs various processes by centrally controlling each unit. The computer is configured to be connected via a system bus 205. The CPU 202 is also connected to the HDD 206, the RFID receiver 207 connected to the counter antenna CA described above, the keyboard 208, the pointing device 209, and the display 210. Further, a communication interface 211 for connecting to the communication network 601 is also connected to the CPU 202 via the system bus 205.

  As an example, the counter terminal 201 having such an architecture can download various computer programs from the server 261 and install them in the HDD 206. In the present embodiment, the counter terminal 201 is caused to execute part of the bowling game score calculation process. Therefore, the counter terminal 201 has installed a computer program for executing such processing in the HDD 206. The computer program installed in the HDD 206 can be accessed at high speed by moving all or part of the computer program to the RAM 204 in accordance with the startup command.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the server 261. The server 261 is a system in which a ROM 263 that stores fixed data in a fixed manner and a RAM 264 that is used as a work area by storing variable data in a rewritable manner with respect to a CPU 262 that performs various processes by centrally controlling each unit. The computer is configured to be connected via a bus 265. Connected to the CPU 262 are an HDD 266, a media drive 267, a keyboard 268, a pointing device 269, and a display 270. In addition, a communication interface 271 for connecting to the communication network 601 is also connected to the CPU 262 via the system bus 265.

  As an example, the server 261 having such an architecture can read various computer programs recorded on a CD-ROM or the like from the media drive 267 and install them in the HDD 266. In the present embodiment, the server 261 is caused to execute part of the bowling game score calculation process. Therefore, the server 261 installs a computer program for executing such processing in the HDD 266. The computer program installed in the HDD 266 can be accessed at high speed by moving all or part of the computer program to the RAM 264 in accordance with the startup command.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the player terminal 301. The player terminal 301 has a ROM 304 that stores fixed data in a fixed manner and a RAM 305 that is used as a work area by storing variable data in a rewritable manner with respect to a CPU 303 that performs various processes by centrally controlling each unit. This is a computer configuration connected via a system bus 306. The above-described display 302 with a touch panel is connected to the CPU 303. The display 302 with a touch panel is structurally configured by a display 307 and a touch panel 308 disposed on the display surface of the display 307. As described above, in one player terminal 301, the touch panel-equipped display 302 is provided in a pair on the left and right, so the display 307 and the touch panel 308 are also provided in a pair on the left and right. Further, a communication interface 309 for connecting to the communication network 601 is also connected to the CPU 303 via the system bus 306.

  In the player terminal 301 having such an architecture, for example, a computer program for executing a part of the bowling game score calculation process is recorded in the ROM 304 as firmware.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a player table accessible by the server 261. For example, the player table 281 is stored and saved in the HDD 266 of the server 261 as part of a computer program for bowling game score calculation processing. As an example, when the computer program is transferred to the RAM 264, the player table 281 is also transferred to the RAM 264, enabling high-speed access.

  The player table 281 is used for the purpose of managing information on players who play bowling in the game area 104. That is, in the present embodiment, the player wears the RFID tag 501 by wearing the shoes 111 or wearing the ankle belt 138. All RFID tags 501 used in the bowling alley 101 of the present embodiment store an ID number as an identification number in the storage unit. This ID number constitutes unique information unique to the bowling alley 101. Therefore, by associating an ID number unique to each RFID tag 501 with a player wearing the RFID tag 501, it becomes possible to manage information on this player. In order to embody such an idea, in the player table 281, an “ID number” area is provided as an item capable of storing the same ID number as the ID number of the RFID tag 501. The player table 281 can store items such as “name”, “lane”, “player type”, and “number of games” in a rewritable manner corresponding to the “ID number”, and manages these items. It is configured to be able to.

  Among these memorable items, “ID number”, “name” and “lane” are registered by the staff of the bowling alley 101 when the customer visits the bowling alley 101 and is given the right to use the game area 104. The In other words, the staff asks the customer for his name and assigns the lane 116 when providing the customer with the use of the game area 104. At this time, a plurality of lanes 116 can be assigned to one customer. The customer name information and the lane information to be provided and used are input to the counter terminal 201 by using the keyboard 208 and the pointing device 209 of the counter terminal 201. The staff lends the shoes 111 through the customer counter 105 before and after such an input operation. Alternatively, if the customer prepares my shoes, the staff lends the ankle belt 138. These shoes 111 or ankle belts 138 are rented out from the portion where the counter antenna CA on the upper surface of the customer counter 105 is embedded. For this reason, the RFID tag 501 embedded in the lent shoes 111 or the ankle belt 138 is always placed on the counter antenna CA or passes above the counter antenna CA. On the other hand, since the counter terminal 201 includes the RFID receiver 207 connected to the counter antenna CA, the counter terminal 201 establishes communication with the RFID tag 501 that is placed or passes and receives the ID number from the RFID tag 501. can do. Therefore, when receiving the ID number from the RFID tag 501, the counter terminal 201 transmits the received ID number to the server 261 through the communication network 601 together with the input customer name information and the lane information to be used and provided.

  When the server 261 receives the customer name information, the lane information to be used and the ID number, the server 261 registers the received ID number in the empty area of the “ID number” of the player table 281 and associates it with the “ID number”. The customer's name information and lane information received are registered in “name” and “lane”. Here, the function of means for storing the ID number, which is the identification number stored in the RFID tag 501 worn by the player, in association with the player in the “ID number” and “name” as the first storage area. Executed.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a score table for each player accessible by the server 261. As an example, the score table 282 is stored and saved in the HDD 266 of the server 261 as part of a computer program for bowling game score calculation processing. As an example, when the computer program is transferred to the RAM 264, the score table 282 is also transferred to the RAM 264, enabling high-speed access.

  The score table 282 is used for score calculation processing. That is, the score table 282 has an “ID number” as an item that can be registered, and “frame”, “first and second score” and “score” corresponding to the “ID number”. A rewritable item is provided. Therefore, in the score table 282, for each player specified by the “ID number”, the digest frame is indicated by the item “frame”, and one throw in each frame is indicated by the item “first and second score”. It is possible to record the score of the eye and the second throw, and the score of the frame by the item “score”.

  That is, when a new “ID number” is registered in the player table 281, the server 261 registers the same ID number in the “ID number” of the score table 282 and completes preparation for recording in the score table 282. Thereafter, the server 261 records the first and second pitch scores in the “first and second pitch scores” according to the player's pitch specified by the “ID number” in the score table 282. Then, the “end flag” set corresponding to each pitch is checked. When the score of the first throw is a strike, two “end flags” corresponding to the first and second throws are checked without waiting for the second throw. Therefore, the server 261 determines whether or not the corresponding frame has ended by referring to the status of the “end flag” set in the item “score for the first and second pitches”, and has ended. If it is determined, “End flag” set in the item “Frame” is checked. Thereby, the digest frame and the first and second scores in each frame are recorded. The server 261 calculates the score of each frame based on the recorded information, that is, the digest frame and the first and second scores in each frame, and the calculated score is “score”. To record.

  FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a pin table for each player accessible by the server 261. As an example, the pin table 283 is stored and saved in the HDD 266 of the server 261 as part of a computer program for bowling game score calculation processing. As an example, when the computer program is transferred to the RAM 264, the score table 282 is also transferred to the RAM 264, enabling high-speed access.

  The pin table 283 is used for grasping the first pitching result of each player. That is, the pin table 283 has “ID number” as an item that can be registered, and the “falling flag” indicates the state of no-falling from pin 1 to pin 10 corresponding to the “ID number”. It is manageable. As an example, when a certain player throws the first pitch and only the 6th pin and the 10th pin remain and all other pins fall down, the pin table 283 has an “ID number” identifying that player. In the “fall flag”, only the “fall flag” of the 1st to 5th pins and the 7th to 9th pins are checked. Therefore, in this case, by referring to the pin table 283, it is possible to grasp that the 1st to 5th pins and the 7th to 9th pins have fallen and the 6th and 10th pins remain.

  FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a bumper table accessible by the server 261. As an example, the bumper table 284 is stored and saved in the HDD 266 of the server 261 as part of a computer program for bowling game score calculation processing. As an example, when the computer program is moved to the RAM 264, the bumper table 284 is also moved to the RAM 264, and high-speed access is possible.

The bumper table 284 defines a player type. The defined player types are
A: Type without bumper B: Type with bumper lane only in certain situations C: Three types with always bumper lane These three types of players are determined from a combination of three factors: age, bowling ability, and desired game method. More specifically, the age is divided into three levels: “children (under 8 years old)”, “children (8-12 years old)”, and “adults”. The ability of bowling is divided into three stages: “Beginner”, “Average”, and “Advanced”. The desired game method is divided into “fan” and “serious”. “Fan” means a game method when the user wants to enjoy a game while proceeding with a handicap. “Serious” means a game method when a user wants to proceed with a game without a handicap. Such a game method is defined for each attribute of bowling ability. In other words, “fan” and “serious” are defined for “beginner”, “fan” and “serious” are defined for “average”, and “fan” and “serious” are defined for “advance” Yes. Therefore, in the bumper table 284, “fan” of “beginner” and “serious” for “dwarf (under 8 years old)”, “fan” of “average” for “dwarf (8-12 years old)” and “ “Serious” and “adult” are categorized as “advance” “fan” and “serious”. As a result, there are 18 player categories. The bumper table 284 is defined by assigning the above-described three types of players to the 18 types of player categories.

  The player type defined by the bumper table 284 is registered in the “player type” of the player table 281 shown in FIG. This registration is performed based on the player's own operation using the player terminal 301 installed in the game area 104. Therefore, information registration processing regarding such a player will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart schematically showing a flow of information registration processing related to a player executed by the player terminal 301. The processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 20 is executed by the processing of the CPU 303 according to the computer program for executing a part of the bowling game score calculation processing recorded in the ROM 304 at the player terminal 301. First, a player who wants to register his / her information sits in front of the player terminal 301. This position is a registered position. This is because when sitting in front of the player terminal 301, the RFID tag 501 worn by the player, that is, the RFID tag 501 embedded in the shoe 111 worn by the player or the ankle belt 138 worn by the player, This is because it is positioned within the communicable range of the player antenna 403 installed on the operation display console 117 on which the player terminal 301 is placed. In other words, in the present embodiment, the information of the player who plays bowling in the game area 104 is managed by the “ID number” of the player table 281, so the player wears it at the registration position. This is because it is necessary to obtain the ID number from the RFID tag 501 that is present.

  Thus, when the player is located at the registration position, the RFID receiver 416 of the system controller 406 acquires the ID number from the RFID tag 501 worn by the player located at the registration position via the player antenna 403. The system controller 406 transmits the acquired ID number to the player terminal 301 directly or via the server 261 via the communication network 601. Accordingly, the player terminal 301 determines that the ID number has been recognized at the registered position (Y in step S101). With this determination as a trigger, the player terminal 301 starts registration processing (step S102). When the player terminal 301 determines the end of the registration process (Y in step S103), the player terminal 301 transmits registration information to the server 261 via the communication network 601 (step S104).

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating an information registration start screen provided to the player by the player terminal 301 during the registration process in the flowchart of FIG. This information registration start screen is an initial screen provided to the player when registration is started, and is displayed on the display 307 included in the display 302 with a touch panel. On the information registration start screen, the message "Register information like XXX. Information to be registered is as follows. Please press the start button if you like."
1. Age 2. 3. dominant arm 3. Ability of bowling Four game methods are shown. Then, an object “start” associated with the command to start registration start is displayed. In the above message, the name of the player who is performing the registration operation is displayed as “Mr. XXX”. This is quoted from the name information registered in “name” of the player table 281 shown in FIG. That is, since the server 261 receives the ID number of the RFID tag 501 worn by the player located at the registered position, the server 261 searches the player table 281 for the information of “name” using the received ID number as a key. This is transmitted to the player terminal 301. As a result, the player terminal 301 can display the name of the player who is performing the registration operation on the information registration start screen as “XXXXXX”.

  The player who has read the message on the information registration start screen touches and inputs a “start” button on the touch panel 308. Thus, the registration information input screens 1 to 4 appear in order on the display 307 included in the display 302 with the touch panel.

  FIG. 22 is a schematic view illustrating an age input screen provided to the player by the player terminal 301 following the information registration start screen. On the age input screen, a message “Please enter your age” is displayed along with the numeric keypad screen, age display field, and explanatory text. The numeric keypad screen is an object associated with a numeric input value and an execution command constituting the numeric keypad. Accordingly, when a desired number on the numeric keypad is touched, the number is input to the player terminal 301 by the touch panel 308 as a value number input value. If there is a touch input of a numerical value input value, the CPU 303 of the player terminal 301 displays the input value in the age display field on the age input screen. In this state, when “execution” in the numeric keypad is touch-inputted, the age input is completed. The method for determining the age input by operating the touch panel 308 will be described in detail in the explanatory text on the age input screen.

  FIG. 23 is a schematic view illustrating a dominant arm input screen provided to the player by the player terminal 301 following the age input screen. On the dominant arm input screen, a message “Please input the dominant arm” is displayed together with buttons and explanations labeled “Right” and “Left”. The buttons labeled “Right” and “Left” are objects associated with the right input value and the left input value. Accordingly, when the “right” or “left” button is touched, “right” or “left” is input by the touch panel 308. Such a dominant arm input method by operating the touch panel 308 will be described in detail in the explanatory text on the dominant arm input screen.

  FIG. 24 is a schematic view illustrating an ability input screen provided to the player by the player terminal 301 following the dominant arm input screen. On the ability input screen, a message “Please input the ability of bowling.” Is displayed together with buttons and explanations that are marked “beginner”, “average”, and “advance”. Buttons labeled “beginner”, “average”, and “advance” are objects associated with respective input values. Accordingly, when the “beginner”, “average” or “advance” button is touched, “beginner”, “average” or “advance” is input via the touch panel 308.

  As an example, “beginner” means a player whose score does not reach about 100, “average” means a player whose score is about 100 to 180, and “advance” means a player whose score exceeds about 180 Means. The meaning of “beginner”, “average”, and “advance”, and the method of inputting the ability of bowling by operating the touch panel 308 will be described in detail in the explanatory text on the ability input screen.

  FIG. 25 is a schematic view illustrating a game method input screen provided to the player by the player terminal 301 following the ability input screen. On the game method input screen, a message “Please enter a game method.” Is displayed together with buttons and explanations marked “Fan” and “Serious”. Buttons labeled “fan” and “serious” are objects linked to the fan input value and the serious input value. Accordingly, when the “fan” or “serious” button is touched, “fan” or “serious” is input by the touch panel 308.

  As mentioned above, “fan” means a game method when you want to enjoy a game while getting a handicap, and “serious” means a game method when you want to advance a game without a handicap. Means. The handicap in this case means that the garter lane 122 is changed to a bumper lane. The meaning of “fan” and “serious”, the events that occur when each is selected, and the method of inputting the game method by operating the touch panel 308 will be described in detail in the explanatory text on the game method input screen. .

  When the age, dominant arm, bowling ability, and game method described above are all input, the player terminal 301 determines the end of the registration process (Y in step S103). As a result, as described above, the player terminal 301 transmits registration information to the server 261 via the communication network 601 (step S104). The server 261 that has received the registration information refers to the bumper table 284 illustrated in FIG. 18, and based on the age, the ability of bowling, and the game method in the received registration information, that is, the player sitting in front of the player terminal 301, The player type of the player located at the registration position is derived. For example, when the age, bowling ability, and game method in the registration information are “6 years old”, “beginner”, and “fan”, the player type is C type. When the age, the bowling ability, and the game method in the registration information are “10 years old”, “Average”, and “Serious”, respectively, the player type is A type. If the age, the bowling ability, and the game method in the registration information are “55 years old”, “Average”, and “Fan”, the player type is the B type. When the age, bowling ability, and game method in the registration information are “35 years old”, “advance”, and “serious”, respectively, the player type is A type.

  Furthermore, the server 261 also obtains dominant arm information as registration information. The dominant arm information is relevant only when the player type is the B type. That is, as described above, the B type is a type that uses a bumper lane only in a certain situation. In the present embodiment, the “certain situation” is recognized as a situation where the ball 112 is likely to fall on the garter lane 122, and in such a case, the garter lane 122 played by the B-type player is set as a bumper lane. As a situation where the ball 112 is likely to fall on the garter lane 122, in this embodiment, as a result of throwing the first throw, the right-handed pin 121 must be aimed at the second throw in the case of a right-handed player. In this case, it is assumed that the left-handed pin 121 must be aimed at the second throw in the case of a left-handed player. Therefore, when the garter lane 122 is changed to the bumper lane, in the case of a right-handed player who must aim at the second throw at the right end pin 121, only the right lane 116 is used as the bumper lane, and the left end pin 121 is set. In the case of a left-handed player who must aim at the second throw, only the left lane 116 is set as a bumper lane.

  More specifically, in the case of a right-handed player, a situation where there is no pin 1, 2, 3, 5, 9 and pin 10 is referred to as a “certain situation”. In this case, if none of the 4th, 7th, and 8th pins remain, only the 10th pin or only the 8th and 10th pins remain, and the player must aim at the rightmost pin. Because there is no. Of course, if any one of the fourth, seventh, and eighth pins remains, the split occurs, and there is a possibility that the player may aim for the leftmost pin. However, in this embodiment, this situation is discarded. Yes. In the case of a left-handed player, the situation where there are no pins 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and 7 and there is a 7th pin is defined as “a situation”. In this case, if none of the 6th, 9th, and 10th pins remain, only the 7th pin or only the 4th and 7th pins remain, and the player must aim at the leftmost pin. Because there is no. Of course, if any one of the 6th, 9th, and 10th pins remains, the split will occur, and there is a possibility that the player may aim for the rightmost pin. Yes.

  Therefore, the server 261 classifies the player types into four types: A type, BR type (right-handed B type), BL type (left-handed B type), and C type. The server 261 registers the player type, which is the classification result, in the “player type” of the player table 281 shown in FIG.

  Here, among these player types, the BR type (right-handed B type), BL type (left-handed B type) and C type are the types (BR type) that are used as bumper lanes only under certain circumstances, as described above. And BL type), or a type that always uses bumper lanes (C type). Therefore, it can be said that these BR type (right-handed B type), BL type (left-handed B type) or C type players are players with benefits. Therefore, in the second storage area, the player specified by the identification number stored in the RFID tag 501 by the process of registering the player type in the “player type” of the player table 281 shown in FIG. The function of means for selectively storing in a certain “player type” is executed.

  Through the above processing, the registration of the player in the player table 281 is completed, and the game can be played in the game area 104. Therefore, hereinafter, a score calculation process and the like when actually playing a game will be described.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the flow of the pitching player determination process executed by the system controller 406. The processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 26 is executed by sequential processing of the control unit 413 of the system controller 406. The bowling game begins when the player stands at the start position of approach 115, runs to the end position of approach 115, and throws ball 112 into lane 116. When the player stands at the start position of the approach 115, the RFID receiver 416 of the system controller 406 communicates with the RFID tag 501 worn by the player by the shoe 111 or the ankle belt 138 via the start antenna 404. Establish and acquire an ID number from the RFID tag 501. As a result, the system controller 406 determines that the ID number has been recognized at the start position (Y in step S201). Using this as a trigger, the system controller 406 transmits pitching start information including the recognized ID number and lane number to the server 261 via the communication network 601 (step S202).

  When the player starts running from the start position, the RFID receiver 416 of the system controller 406 cannot communicate with the RFID tag 501 via the start antenna 404. Accordingly, the control unit 413 of the system controller 406 determines that the RFID communication is disconnected (Y in step S203).

  A player who starts running from the start position always reaches the end position. When the player reaches the end position, the RFID receiver 416 of the system controller 406 establishes communication with the RFID tag 501 worn by the player via the end antenna 405, and the ID number from the RFID tag 501 is established. To get. Therefore, after detection of the RFID communication disconnection (Y in step S201), even after a predetermined time (Y in step S204), communication is performed with the RFID tag 501 having the same ID number as the start position via the end antenna 405. Is not established (N in step S205), it is estimated that the player who has left the starting position has not thrown. Therefore, in this case (Y in step S204), the control unit 413 of the system controller 406 transmits error information to the server 261 via the communication network 601 (step S205).

  On the other hand, after the detection of the RFID communication disconnection (Y in Step S201), within a predetermined time (N in Step S204), between the RFID tag 501 having the same ID number as the start position via the end antenna 405 If the communication can be established with (Yes in step S206), it can be estimated that the player who has left the starting position has pitched. Therefore, in this case (Y in step S206), the control unit 413 of the system controller 406 transmits the pitching completion information to the server 261 via the communication network 601 (step S207).

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the flow of the score calculation process for each pitching player executed by the server 261. The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 27 is executed by the CPU 262 in the server 261 according to the computer program for bowling game score calculation transferred from the HDD 266 to the RAM 264. When the server 261 receives the pitch start information transmitted by the system controller 406 in step S202 of FIG. 25 (Y in step S301), the server 261 designates the player specified by the ID number included in the received pitch start information as the pitch player. And the lane 116 specified by the lane number included in the pitching start information received by the pitching player is determined. Here, by establishing communication with the RFID tag 501 on the approach 115, the function of means for determining the lane 116 that the player specified by the ID number that is the identification number stored in the RFID tag 501 has thrown. Is executed. Further, by establishing communication with the RFID tag 501 at the start position of the approach 115, the function of means for determining the player specified by the identification number stored in the RFID tag 501 as the pitching player is executed.

  When the server 261 determines the pitching player and the lane 116, the server 261 executes the processes in and after step S302 for the pitching player. That is, referring to the score table 282 shown in FIG. 17, the pitch player, that is, the “frame” and “first and second pitch scores of the same“ ID number ”as the ID number included in the pitch start information are referred to. "Is recorded. Based on the acquired information, the next frame number and pitch number are recognized (step S302). For example, when the “end flag” of the third frame is checked in the frame of the score table 282, the fourth frame is the next frame number. The number of pitches is whether it is the first or second pitch. The number of pitches can be recognized by referring to the “end flag” in the “first and second scores” in the score table 282.

  In subsequent step S303, a bumper lane process based on the player type is executed for the pitching player. The bumper lane process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In a succeeding step S304, it is determined whether or not the pitching player is about to throw the first or third pitch. The third throw occurs only in 10 frames. This determination is performed based on information on the number of next frames and the number of pitches recognized in step S302.

  As a result of the determination, if the pitching player is to throw the first or third pitch from now on (Y in step S304), all the pins 121 must be set in the lane 116. The lane 116 here is the lane 116 that the target pitching player is about to pitch, and this lane 116 is specified by the lane number included in the pitching start information determined to be received in step S301. The Therefore, if it is the first or third pitch that the pitching player will pitch (Y in step S304), it is determined whether all the pins 121 are set in the lane 116 (step S305). ).

  This determination is based on the premise that the current state in the lane 116 is known. Therefore, when making the determination in step S 305, the server 261 makes an inquiry to the system controller 406 via the communication network 601. When receiving this inquiry, the system controller 406 transmits the current state information of the pin 121 recognized based on the output of the pin sensor 410 to the server 261. The server 261 executes the determination process in step S306 by referring to the current state information of the pin 121 transmitted from the system controller 406. As a result of the determination, if it is determined that it is not set (N in step S305), the server 261 outputs an all tweezers command to the system controller 406 via the communication network 601. When the system controller 406 receives all the pin set commands, the system controller 406 drives and controls the pin handler 407 and sets all the pins 121 in the corresponding lane 116.

  On the other hand, if the pitching player is not throwing the first or third pitch, that is, if it is the second pitch (N in step S304), the current lane 116 that the pitching player is about to pitch is The state and the state of the first throw of the pitching player must be consistent. For example, when all the pins 121 other than the 10th pin fall due to the first throw of a pitching player, only the 10th pin must be standing in the lane 116 that the pitching player is going to pitch from now on. . Therefore, when it is the second pitch that the pitching player will pitch (N in Step S304), the current state of the lane 116 that the pitching player is about to pitch and the state of the first pitching of the pitching player Consistency is determined (step S306).

  This determination also assumes that the current state in the lane 116 is known. Therefore, when making the determination in step S 305, the server 261 makes an inquiry to the system controller 406 via the communication network 601. When receiving this inquiry, the system controller 406 transmits the current state information of the pin 121 recognized based on the output of the pin sensor 410 to the server 261. Further, the determination in step S306 is also based on the assumption that the state of the first throw of the pitching player is known. The state of the first throw of the pitching player can be obtained by referring to the pin table 283 shown in FIG. Therefore, the server 261 refers to the status information of the current pin 121 transmitted from the system controller 406, and the status (current status) of the remaining pin 121 specified by this status information and the pins shown in FIG. The state of the first pitch of the pitching player obtained by referring to the table 283 is compared, and thereby the consistency determination process in step S306 is executed. As a result of the determination, if it is determined that they are not consistent (N in step S306), the server 261 outputs a reproduction command to the system controller 406 via the communication network 601. This reproduction command is a command to reproduce the current state of the lane 116 to the state of the first pitch of the pitching player obtained by referring to the pin table 283 shown in FIG. Upon receiving the reproduction command, the system controller 406 drives and controls the pin handler 407 to reproduce the corresponding lane 116 in the state included in the reproduction command.

  Based on the processing in steps S304 to S308 described above, the player determined to be a pitching player is provided to the player based on the number of progressive frames and the number of pitches in the frame and the recognition result of the previous non-falling state of each pin 121. The function of the means for determining the set state of the power pin 121 is executed. In addition, the match between the falling and non-falling state of each pin 121 currently recognized on the lane 116 where the player determined to be the pitching player starts pitching and the set state of the pin 121 determined to be provided to the player The function of the means for determining the sex is executed. As a result of the consistency determination, if it is determined that there is inconsistency, the pin handler 407 for setting the pin 121 on the pin spot 120 is driven and controlled, and the set state of the pin 121 should be provided to the player. The function of means for restoring the determined pin 121 to the set state is also executed.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the player stands at the start position of the approach 115, the state of the pin 121 on the lane 116 is always adapted to the player's next pitch. That is, when the pitching number of a certain pitching player is the first pitch or the third pitching, the number of pins 121 on the lane 116 is always 10, and in the case of the second pitching, the pitching player Becomes the state of the pin 121 remaining after throwing the first throw. What is important here is that, in the case of the present embodiment, regardless of which lane 116 the player intends to pitch, whether the pitch is the first pitch or the second pitch, the lane 116 This means that the state of the upper pin 121 is always suitable for the player's next pitch. For example, a pitching player can throw a first pitch in the leftmost lane 116 in FIG. 1 and then rest for about 10 minutes to throw a second pitch in another lane 116. In this case, in the lane 116 where the second throw is thrown, the state after the first throw is reproduced. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the player with freedom of selection regarding the pitching order and the pitching lane 116.

  Returning to the description of the flowchart shown in FIG. After making the state of the pin 121 on the lane 116 suitable for the next pitching of the pitching player standing at the start position of the approach 115 (steps S305 to 308), the pitching completion information is received from the system controller 406 in step S309. Determine if you did. The pitching completion information is information transmitted from the system controller 406 to the server 261 by the process of step S207 in the flowchart of FIG. This information is information that causes the system controller 406 to estimate that the player who has stood at the start position of the approach 115 would have thrown. Therefore, when the server 261 receives the pitching completion information, it is expected that the pitching player will pitch the ball 112.

  When the pitching player throws the ball 112, as described above, the system controller 406, based on the output of the pin sensor 410, the non-falling state of the pin 121, that is, the pin 121 that has fallen and the pin 121 that remains without falling. Is detected. The system controller 406 transmits to the server 261 the overturning / non-falling information that is information related to the overturning / no-falling state of the detected pin 121 via the communication network 601. If the server 261 determines that the pitching completion information has been received in the determination process of step S309, the server 261 receives the tip 121 non-falling information of the pin 121 from the system controller 406 and recognizes the tip 121 tip-over non-falling state. Here, the function of means for recognizing the overturning / non-falling state of each pin 121 based on the output of the pin sensor 410 that detects the presence or absence of the pin 121 on the pin spot 120 marked on the lane 116 is executed.

  When the server 261 receives the falling non-falling information from the system controller 406 (Y in step S310), the server 261 scores the number of pins 121 that the pitching player has dropped based on the falling information (step S311). That is, the calculated number of pins 121 that have been defeated is stored in the first or second throw of the corresponding “first and second scores” in the score table 282 of FIG. At this time, the “end flag” in the “frame” of the score table 282 and the scores of the first and second pitches are recorded as to which number of pins 121 to be recorded in which pitch number area of which frame. It is possible to search by referring to “end flag” in “”. That is, by referring to these pieces of information, it is possible to know the frames that have already ended and the number of pitches, so the number of pins 121 that have been knocked down may be recorded in the unfinished pitch area of the next frame. For example, when the “end flag” of the second frame is checked and the “end flag” of the first throw of the third frame is checked, the calculation calculated in the area of the second throw of the third frame The number of pins 121 that have been recorded is recorded. Here, the function of means for calculating the score for each throw of the player is executed using the recognition result of the falling and non-falling state of each pin 121 in the lane 116 determined that the player has pitched.

  As a scoring process of the number of pins 121 that have been knocked down in step S311, the server 261 further includes “end flag” in “frame” and “first and second score” in the score table 282 in FIG. Check processing for “end flag” is executed. For example, when the “end flag” of the second frame is checked, and the “end flag” of the first throw of the third frame is checked, if the fall / non-fall information is received from the system controller 406 (step S310 Y), not only stores the calculated number of the defeated pins 121 in the second throw area of the third frame, but also stores the “end flag” in the third frame and the second throw of the third frame. Check the “end flag” and record the completion of those frames and pitches.

  Thereafter, the server 261 refers to the non-falling information from the system controller 406 only when the pitching pitched by the pitching player is the first pitch, and sets the pin 121 in the pin table 283 shown in FIG. Check the corresponding “fall flag”. As a result, it is possible to manage which pin 121 the player has defeated in the first throw.

  On the other hand, as described above, after the pitching player stands at the start position of the approach 115, the system controller 406 is disconnected from the RFID tag 501 worn by the pitching player ( In step S203 in FIG. 26, if the same ID number is not recognized at the end position within a predetermined time (steps S204 and S206 in FIG. 26), error information is transmitted to the server 261 (step S205). Therefore, if the server 261 does not determine that the pitching completion information has been received from the system controller 406 (N in step S309), the server 261 executes error processing when receiving error information from the system controller 406 (N in step S313) (step S313). S314).

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing details of the bumper lane processing in the flowchart of FIG. The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 28 is executed by the CPU 262 in the server 261 according to the bowling game score calculation processing computer program transferred from the HDD 266 to the RAM 264. First, the server 261 recognizes the ID number of the pitching player based on the pitching start information for which reception is determined in step S301 in FIG. Therefore, in the bumper process, the “player type” of the player having the corresponding ID number is recognized with reference to the player table 281 shown in FIG. That is, it is determined whether the player type is A type (step S351), BR type (step S352), BL type (step S353), or C type (step S354). Here, a function of means for determining whether or not the player determined to be a pitching player is a player with a privilege with reference to the “player type” that is the second storage area is executed.

As described above, the bumper table 284 is a player type.
A: Type without bumper B: Type with bumper lane only under certain circumstances C: It is defined as a type with bumper lane at all times. Therefore, when the player type of the pitching player is A type (Y in step S351), since there is no bumper, the bumper lane process ends without changing the garter lane 122 to the bumper lane.

  In contrast, when the player type of the pitching player is the C type (Y in step S354), since the bumper lane is always set, the server 261 instructs the system controller to set the left and right bumper lanes via the communication network 601. It outputs to 406 (step S361). When the system controller 406 receives this command, it outputs a drive control command for the left and right motors 412 to the motor controller 415, and rotates the left and right bumper bars 124 to make the garter lane 122 both the left and right bumper lanes.

  On the other hand, when the player type of the pitching player is the BR type (Y in Step S352) or in the case of the RL type (Y in Step S353), the bumper lane is set only in a certain situation. That is, as described above, in the present embodiment, the “certain situation” is a situation where the ball 112 is likely to fall on the garter lane 122, that is, the rightmost player in the case of a right-handed player as a result of throwing the first throw. The situation where the pin 121 must be aimed at the second throw, and in the case of a left-handed player, the left end pin 121 is grasped as the situation where it must be aimed at the second throw. The garter lane 122 where the player plays is a bumper lane.

  Therefore, when the player type of the pitching player is a BR type that is a right-handed B type (Y in step S352), it is determined whether or not the second pitch is to be thrown (step S355). Only when it is the second throw (Y in step S355), it is determined whether there is no pin 1, 2, 3, 5, 9 and pin 10 (step S356). That is, it is determined whether or not the ball 112 is likely to fall into the garter lane 122. As a result, only when the determination is affirmative (Y in step S356), the server 261 outputs a command to the system controller 406 to set the bumper lane only on the right side via the communication network 601 (step S357). Upon receiving this command, the system controller 406 outputs a drive control command for the right motor 412 to the motor controller 415, and rotates the right bumper bar 124 so that the garter lane 122 becomes the bumper lane only on the right side.

  On the other hand, when the player type of the pitching player is the BL type which is the left-handed B type (Y in step S353), it is determined whether or not the second pitch is to be thrown (step S358). Only when it is the second throw (Y of step S358), it is determined whether there is no pin 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and pin 7 (step S359). That is, it is determined whether or not the ball 112 is likely to fall into the garter lane 122. As a result, only when the determination is affirmative (Y in step S359), the server 261 outputs a command to the left side bumper lane to the system controller 406 via the communication network 601 (step S360). Upon receiving this command, the system controller 406 outputs a drive control command for the left motor 412 to the motor controller 415 and rotates the left bumper bar 124 so that the garter lane 122 becomes the bumper lane only on the left side.

  As a result of the determination as to whether or not the player is a privileged player by the above processing, when it is determined that the player is a privileged player (steps S352 to 354), the blocking position for preventing the ball 112 from dropping out to the garter lane 122 is obtained. A function of means for positioning the bumper bar 124 at the blocking position is executed by controlling the driving of the bumper device 411 that selectively positions the bumper bar 124 at the open position where it is not blocked. In this means, as shown in steps S355 to S357 or steps S358 to S360, even if it is determined that the player is a player with a privilege as a result of the determination as to whether the player is a player with a privilege. The bumper device 411 is not driven and controlled so that the bumper bar 124 is positioned at the blocking position depending on the overturning / non-falling state of each pin currently recognized on the lane 116 where the player determined to be the pitching player starts pitching.

  As described above, by executing the bumper lane processing, the player can quickly create a bumper lane according to the player type just by standing at the start position of the approach 115, and accelerate the enjoyment of the bowling game. Can do.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a flow of score calculation processing for each frame of each player based on the score for each throw executed by the server 261. The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 29 is executed by the CPU 262 in the server 261 according to the computer program for bowling game score calculation transferred from the HDD 266 to the RAM 264. In the pitch calculation process for each pitching player shown in FIG. 27, in step S310, the first and second pitches of the “first and second pitch scores” in the score table 282 shown in FIG. The number of pins 121 that have been selected is stored. Therefore, in the score calculation process of FIG. 29, the “score” of each frame is automatically calculated with reference to the number of records of the first and second throws of the “first and second throw scores” in the score table 282. . Hereinafter, the flow of processing will be described.

  First, it is determined whether or not the unrecorded frame is the 10th frame with reference to the score table 282 (step S401). If it is not the 10th frame (N in step S401), it is determined whether or not the first throw of the unrecorded frame is a strike (step S402). In the case of a strike (Y in step S402), it is determined whether the next pitch is also a strike (step S403). If the next pitch is a strike (Y in step S403), it is determined whether the next pitch is also a strike (step S404). If the pitches are also strikes one after another (Y in step S404), the frame score of the unrecorded frame is calculated to be 30 points of 10 + 10 + 10 (step S405).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S404 that the next pitch is not a strike (N in step S404), the frame score of the unrecorded frame is calculated to be 10 + 10 + the score of the first pitch of the next frame (step S406). . For example, when the score of the first throw in the frames is 8 points, the frame score is 10 + 10 + 8, which is 28 points.

  If it is determined in step S403 that the next pitch is not a strike (N in step S403), the frame score of the unrecorded frame is calculated to be 10 + the first pitch of the next frame + the score of the second pitch (step S407). . For example, if the score of the first throw of the next frame is 8 points and the score of the second throw is 1, the frame score is 10 + 8 + 1, which is 19 points.

  If it is determined in step S402 that the first throw is not a strike (N in step S402), it is determined whether it is a spare (step S408). In the case of a spare (Y in step S408), it is determined whether or not the next pitch is a strike (step S409). In the case of a strike (Y in step S409), the frame score of an unrecorded frame is calculated as 10 + 10. (Step S410).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S409 that the next pitch is not a strike (N in step S409), the frame score of the unrecorded frame is calculated as 10 + the score of the first pitch of the next frame (step S411). ). For example, if the score of the first throw of the next frame is 8, the frame score is 10 + 8, which is 18 points.

  If it is determined in step S408 that the first throw is not a spare (N in step S408), the frame score of the unrecorded frame is calculated as the score of the first throw + second throw of the frame (step S407). For example, if the first throw score of the frame is 8 and the second throw score is 1, the frame score is 8 + 1 and 9 points.

  If it is determined in step S401 that the unrecorded frame is the tenth frame (Y in step S401), the frame score is calculated to be the score of the first throw + second throw + third throw of the frame (step S413). ). For example, if the first throw score of the frame is 10 (strike), the second throw score is 10 (strike) and the third throw score is 8, the frame score is 10 + 10 + 8, which is 28 points. . Also, if the first throw score of the frame is 8, the second throw score is 2, and the third throw score is 9, the frame score is 8 + 2 + 9, which is 19 points. The 10th frame can only be thrown in the 3rd pitch if the first pitch is a strike or the second pitch is a spare. For example, the score of the first pitch of the frame is 8 and the score of the second pitch is In the case of 1 point, the frame score is 8 + 1 and 9 points.

  As described above, the frame score of the unrecorded frame is calculated in steps S405 to S413. Therefore, when the frame score is calculated, the current frame score is added to the total score up to the previous frame to calculate the total score (step S414), and is recorded in the corresponding “score” in the score table 282 (step S415). ). Here, the function of means for calculating the score of each player for each frame based on the calculated score for each throw is executed.

  Although not shown in the flowchart, when a certain player scores a certain game up to 10 frames, the server 261 increments the number of games in the player table 281 shown in FIG. 16 by one. Thereby, the number of end games of the player can be managed. Therefore, when the player visits the customer counter 105 to finish the game and settle it, as an example, the accounting terminal 221 can access the number of games in the player table 281 and automatically calculate the payment amount. . In the accounting process, as an example, the accounting terminal 221 transmits a score sheet creation request to the server 261 via the communication network 601. In response to this, the server 261 can create a score card for the player with reference to the score table 282 shown in FIG. 17 and cause the printer 241 to print it out.

  The bowling game score calculation apparatus according to the present embodiment described above is constructed with a counter terminal 201, an accounting terminal 221, a server 261, a player terminal 301, a system controller 406, and a distributed network configuration in which hardware resources are distributed. ing. As another embodiment, devices for constructing a distributed network configuration are not necessarily limited to the above devices, or as yet another embodiment, a score calculation device for a bowling game with a smaller number of devices or a single device. May be configured.

It is a top view which shows roughly the layout structure of a bowling alley as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of a hardware configuration shown along a layout configuration of a bowling alley. It is a front view of a lane which shows the state where the bumper bar which a bumper device has is located in the open position which does not prevent omission of a ball to a garter lane. It is a front view of a lane which shows the state where the bumper bar which a bumper device has is located in the blocking position which prevents drop of the ball to a garter lane. It is a vertical front view which shows the internal structure of a bumper apparatus in the state in which a bumper bar is located in the open position. It is a vertical front view which shows the internal structure of a bumper apparatus in the state in which a bumper bar is located in the closed position. It is a perspective view of the operation display console which has a player terminal. It is a schematic diagram which shows the name of each pin arrange | positioned on a pin spot. (A) is a side view of a shoe for bowling, (b) is a side view, (c) is a side view of the tightening belt, RFID tag is loaded respectively. It is a perspective view of the ankle belt with which the RFID tag was prepared. It is a side view of the leg part which shows the state which mounted | worn the ankle belt shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows a system controller and its connection apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a counter terminal. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a server. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a player terminal. It is a schematic diagram which shows the player table which a server can access. It is a schematic diagram which shows the score table for every player which a server can access. It is a schematic diagram which shows the pin table for every player which a server can access. It is a schematic diagram which shows the bumper table which a server can access. It is a flowchart which shows schematically the flow of the registration process of the information regarding the player which a player terminal performs. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating an information registration start screen provided to the player by the player terminal during registration processing in the flowchart of FIG. 20. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the age input screen which a player terminal provides to a player following an information registration start screen. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the dominant arm input screen which a player terminal provides to a player following an age input screen. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the ability input screen which a player terminal provides to a player following a dominant arm input screen. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the game method input screen which a player terminal provides to a player following an ability input screen. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the discrimination | determination process of the pitching player which a system controller performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the score calculation process for every pitching player which the server performs. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the bumper lane process in the flowchart of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the score calculation process for every frame of each player based on the score for every throw which a server performs.

Explanation of symbols

115 ... Approach 116 ... Lane 120 ... Pin spot 121 ... Pin 124 ... Bumper bar 264 ... First storage area, second storage area (RAM) 407 ... Pin handler 410 ... Pin sensor 411 ... Bumper device 501 RFID tag

Claims (4)

Means for recognizing the non-falling state of each pin based on the output of a pin sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a pin on a pin spot marked on a lane for boring;
Means for associating the identification number stored in the RFID tag worn by the player with the player in the first storage area;
Means for establishing the communication with the RFID tag on an approach, and determining the lane thrown by the player specified by the identification number stored in the RFID tag;
Means for calculating a score for each throw of the player using a recognition result of the falling and non-falling state of each pin in the lane determined to have been thrown by the player;
Means for calculating the score of each player for each frame based on the calculated score for each pitch;
A score calculation device for a bowling game comprising: Means for establishing a communication with the RFID tag at a start position of the approach to determine a player specified by an identification number stored in the RFID tag as a pitching player;
Means for determining the set state of the pins to be provided to the player based on the number of progressing frames and the number of in-frame pitches of the player determined to be a pitching player and the previous recognition result of the non-falling state of each pin ,
The consistency between the non-falling state of each pin currently recognized on the lane where the player determined to be a pitching player starts pitching and the set state of the pin determined to be provided to the player is determined. Means for determining;
As a result of the consistency determination, when it is determined that there is a mismatch, it is determined that the pin handler that sets the pin on the pin spot is driven and controlled, and the pin setting state should be provided to the player. Means for restoring the pin to the set state;
The score calculation apparatus for bowling games of Claim 1 provided with. Means for selectively storing in the second storage area that the player specified by the identification number stored in the RFID tag is a player with a privilege;
Means for establishing a communication with the RFID tag at a start position of the approach to determine a player specified by an identification number stored in the RFID tag as a pitching player;
Means for determining with reference to the second storage area whether the player determined to be a pitching player is a player with a privilege;
If it is determined that the player is a player with a privilege as a result of the determination as to whether or not the player is a player with a privilege, the bumper bar is selectively set to a blocking position that prevents the ball from dropping into the garter lane and an open position that does not block the ball. Means for driving and controlling a bumper device for positioning, and positioning the bumper bar at the blocking position;
The score calculation apparatus for bowling games of Claim 1 provided with. As a result of the determination as to whether or not the player is a player with a privilege, each of the players currently recognized on the lane where the player determined to be a pitching player starts pitching even if it is determined that the player is a player with a privilege. Depending on the non-falling state of the pin, the bumper device is not driven and controlled to position the bumper bar at the blocking position.
The bowling game score calculation device according to claim 3.

Images