JP3023958U - Bowling equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: A bowling device provided with a score display for easily recognizing a score. A score detected by an auto scorer system is displayed in a graph. A display means that can switch scores between a number table format and a graph format.

Description

[Detailed description of the device]

[0001]

[Technical field to which the device belongs]

 The present invention relates to a score display of a bowling device with an auto scorer.

[0002]

[Prior art]

 Conventionally, the following devices have been known as devices for automatically identifying pins in bowling games. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 49-96834 uses a device using a photodetector that responds to light reflected from an upright pin, and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 61-98272 uses an image signal at the neck of the pin. The device is described.

The above method requires a special illuminating device, and the pin identification may become unstable due to the small amount of information used to determine the presence or absence of the pin. In order to solve these problems, a bowling device with an automatic remaining pin detection function as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-122 has been proposed. A bowling device with an auto-score device that automatically displays the score was developed centering on the automatic detection function of the remaining pin.

[0004]

[Problems to be solved by the device]

 As mentioned above, until now, the emphasis has been placed on improving the playing environment of bowling amusement park facilities by introducing a computer for bowlers who enjoy bowling. Like the autoscorer, for example, the computer will now automatically perform the score that the bowler had previously described, allowing the bowler to focus on the game.

Each bowling alley promotes business differentiation in order to secure customers. One of them is bowling with added gameplay. For example, a bowling form where a prize is offered as a premier when a strike is made when the special pin comes to pin 1. In other words, until now, the equipment has been enriched so that bowling games can be enjoyed more smoothly and more comfortably, but the challenge from now on is the expansion of game features that add fun other than bowling games.

In the normal lane equipment, two lines of array beds are adjacent to each other, and the bowling result of the bowlers of the adjacent array beds can be seen on an overhead display or the like. However, in tournaments where multiple bowlers are playing simultaneously using multiple lanes, bowlers' performance in separate lanes cannot be seen unless they are there. Especially in big competitions, the performance of each other is anxious, and the strategy of the subsequent strategy also depends on the performance of the opponent. In such cases, it is hoped that mutual results can be seen at a glance.

In general, the bowling score display is represented by numbers, and the pitching result can be viewed only in the form of a score sheet in which the numbers are listed. This makes it difficult for them to compare each other's results. Furthermore, when there are opponents, calculations such as what kind of achievements to reach and how far they will reach in the future are calculated manually, which is a very troublesome task.

[0008] Furthermore, a disadvantage of the numbers is that they are hard to understand visually. Especially when a large number of numerical values are listed, it is difficult to visually compare them with others. Especially when there are multiple opponents, it is difficult to calculate who will be the target for future play. Then, this invention aims at obtaining the bowling apparatus provided with the score display which can recognize a score easily also in such a case.

[0009]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a game result in a graph so that it can be displayed on a score display device such as an OHD. In this case, instead of simply graphing the values on the score sheet, it is also possible to calculate the expected and highest attainable scores for future pitches from the past pitching results, and display them in a graph on the OHD. it can. It also has a mechanism for printing the displayed graph.

Further, in the present invention, it is possible to display the score of the opponent over the lane. At this time, it is possible to instruct from the console. Also, instead of unconditionally displaying the results of other lanes, it is possible to display only the scores between the lanes specified in advance at the front. In lane units, it is possible to unconditionally plot the results of pitching in that lane, regardless of how many bowlers there are (usually up to 6).

The OHD is usually displayed in the form of a number sheet of a score sheet, but when the user wants to see the graph, the bowler uses the “graph” on the lane terminal device (the lane processing computer terminal, usually a touch panel type input device). It is displayed as a graph by selecting the "Change" menu. The score sheet is finally sent from the lane processing computer to the front control computer and is stored in the front control computer. Therefore, the bowler makes an offer to the front desk after the game is finished (more precisely, after the lane is used). If so, you can pass the final result with the score sheet printed on the graph.

[0012]

[Embodiment of device]

 An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system in an example of an automatic scorer continuous bowling device of the present invention. The front control computer 1 is the central computer of the center that manages all lanes. Normally, I manage the lower level computers in the venue online, but in my spare time, I perform batch processing such as creating aggregate and statistical data that shows the operating status, and creating accounting data. The front control computer 1 is directly connected to the front terminal computer so that customer information input from the front can be directly received.

The game results in each lane are also transmitted to the front control computer 1 at appropriate times and recorded in the external storage device. The game result recorded in the front control computer 1 is drawn out at the workstation 2, and after the bowler finishes playing, the printer 3 outputs it as a score sheet and hands it to the bowler.

A lane control computer 4 is arranged below the front control computer 1. The lane control computer 4 manages and controls the lane processing computer 5. For example, the data input from the reception desk is transmitted to the lane control computer 4 as data from the front control computer 1, temporarily stored, and then transmitted to the lane processing computer 5 in consideration of the timing.

The lane processing computer 5 controls each lane based on the data. Further, the lane control computer 4 temporarily records the data rising from the lane processing computer 5, transmits the data to the front control computer 1 at a timed timing.

The lane processing computer 5 controls the lane management control device. For example, the video camera 6 that monitors the pins is also a type of lane management device, and the suspended sub-monitor 7 that makes it possible for the bowler to see the state of monitoring is also a type of lane management control device.

In the automatic scoring device, the number of collapsed pins is automatically detected, so that the lane processing computer 5 siphons the data, calculates the score, and displays the result. The lane processing computer 5 also manages how many frames are currently being played and how many games are being consumed.

In this example, one lane processing computer 5 manages two lanes. The monitor 8 displays the score and the like, which is also controlled by the lane processing computer 5. This monitor is a suspended type and is commonly called an OHD (Overhead Display). In addition to this, a multi-projection system 9 and an AV system are prepared as large displays.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the computer system configuration of this embodiment. The front control computer 1 serves as a host computer, and can be directly accessed by the front workstation 2 located at the reception desk. Various forms can be directly output to the printer 3 by operating the workstation 2 keyboard. When receiving, the customer (bowler) information is input from the keyboard of the workstation 2, and when the data is received by the front control computer 1, the content is registered in a file. At this time, the group number is also registered at the same time. This group number allows you to refer to the performance of opponents in different lanes at any time during play.

The lane control computer 4 is a computer dedicated to communication, and controls communication of the lane processing computer 5. Its main role is to receive score data in frame units from the lane processing computer 5 in game units, collect it in game units, and send it to the front control computer 1. The lane control computer 4 always displays the status of the lane processing computer 5, and issues a warning when a communication abnormality occurs in the lane processing computer 5.

The data from the front control computer 1 is also once received and stored by the lane control computer 4, and is transmitted to the lane processing computer 5 with a proper timing. In other words, the lane control computer 4 is the system that controls traffic for information. For this reason, since the lane control computer 4 is the key to information control, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is installed in case of an unexpected power failure such as lightning strike.

The information input at the workstation 2 is sent to the lane processing computer 5 via the front control computer 1 and the lane control computer 4. Each lane processing computer 5 performs lane control based on the information. The greatest role of the lane processing computer 5 is to automatically count the number of remaining pins, that is, auto scoring.

The automatically counted score data is transmitted to the lane control computer 4 in frame units. When the lane control computer 4 is busy (the line is busy), the transmission is in a wait state. In this case, the lane processing computer 5 can store data for about one game, and therefore the lane processing computer 5 retransmits the data when the lane control computer 4 becomes free. In addition, the lane processing computer 5 is also responsible for controlling various lane management devices and graphing the scores of the present invention.

The objects to be graphed are (1) current score (current score), (2) highest attainable score (possible score), and (3) prediction score. The prediction score of (3) is a prediction value calculated from the number of remaining frames and the average score so far based on the current score. The highest achievable score in (2) is the score when all the remaining frames are strikes. Usually, (1) and (2) are targets for display, and (3) is an option.

FIG. 3 is an example in which the current score is represented by a bar graph and the possible score is represented by a line. The horizontal axis of the graph is the name and the vertical axis is the score. In the example in the figure, the height of the bar graph is proportional to the height of the line graph, but it is not always proportional. This is because the possible score depends on whether the last frame of the current score is spare or strike, and also on the number of remaining frames.

In such a case, the predicted score of (3) calculated based on the current score is convenient for judging superiority or inferiority at the present time. However, the predicted score does not exceed the possible score, so future wins and losses can be judged to some extent by the possible score. Especially, as the pitching frame progresses, the tendency becomes stronger.

FIG. 4 is an example in which the current score and the possible score in the graph of FIG. 3 are both represented by a bar graph, and the score is further written. From the point that the bar graph is convenient for showing the total amount and the line graph is convenient for showing the change amount, it makes more sense in FIG. 4, which shows the score which is the amount as a bar graph. However, the display shown in Fig. 3 is superior in terms of readability and simultaneous display of many people.

FIG. 5 is an example of a graph with scores on the horizontal axis, and FIG. 6 is an example of a radar chart type graph. Figure 5 is useful for focusing on the overall score, and Figure 6 is useful for knowing the overall score tendency. In Fig. 6, it can be seen that the forces are balanced when the shape of the graph is close to a round shape, and that there is a variation in the force difference when the shape is highly uneven. In any case, you can select which graph to select from the menu. However, if the number of selection items increases, the operation becomes troublesome, so normally, when the "Create graph" menu is selected, the graph in Fig. 3 is displayed as the default interpretation.

The basis of the present invention is to graph the score for each lane, but the score of bowlers over lanes can also be graphed. However, since one lane processing computer 5 is arranged in two lanes, when the scores of other lanes are taken out, the scores of other lanes must be taken out via the lane control computer 4. This point will be described below. The data flow and timing will be described.

The input information is data such as a group number, a lane number used, and a bowler (customer) name. This information is input as input information from the keyboard of the workstation 2 at the time of reception, and is transmitted to the front control computer 1 for storage. When the bowling alley is crowded, it may not be immediately possible to determine which bowler should use which lane. In such a case, the lane number to be used may be additionally input as the follow-up information. However, in competitions and places where reservations are taken, such information is known in advance, so normally all information can be decided at the time of reception.

The input information stored in the front control computer 1 is sent to and stored in the lane control computer 4 when the lane is used. Further, it is similarly transmitted from the lane control computer 4 to the lane processing computer 5, and is also stored in the lane processing computer 5. The input information is used to display the name etc. when creating the graph.

A lane processing computer controls and manages the lane. Automatic scoring, which is the task of automatically scoring points based on the pitching result, is also the job of the lane processing computer. The lane processing computer can store the score for one game, but normally, the score is transferred to the lane control computer in frame units.

Normally, one lane control computer manages a plurality of lane processing computers. Therefore, when the lane control computer is busy, score transfer from the lane processing computer to the lane control computer may be delayed. Although the score calculated by the lane processing computer is also output information, it also includes information such as premieres that may occur from time to time. Furthermore, the information selected by the bowler such as a menu (input information from the bowler's perspective) is also expressed as output information here.

Since the lane control computer is in charge of collecting the scores sent from the lane processing computer in frame units into game-based scores, the score transferred from the lane control computer to the front control computer is the score. It is in the form of a sheet. The timing of sending data from the lane control computer to the front control computer is game unit.

The front control computer stores all the scores (score sheets) sent in game units from the lane control computer. When the lane is no longer in use, bowlers will be able to pick up their prizes, if there is a score sheet or premiere at the front. In that case, the receptionist at the front desk retrieves the information stored in the front control computer from the workstation, sees the score or premier information on the workstation terminal display, and outputs a score sheet to the printer.

Since the lane processing computer can store the score of each game, the score in each lane can be graphed by its own lane processing computer. However, if you want to see the scores of bowlers in other lanes, you cannot take them out directly because the lane processing computers are not directly connected. Instead, the lane control computer is connected to all lane processing computers and stores the score for each lane. Therefore, when plotting the scores of other lanes, the lane control computer transfers the necessary data to the requested lane processing computer.

In this case, the lane control computer does not unconditionally transfer the data, but checks the group number of the requested lane processing computer and the group number of the lane to be taken out, and when they match, Forward.

When the lane processing computer requests the scores of other lanes, the lane control computer reads the score stored in the hard disk and transfers only the data necessary for graphing to the lane processing computer that has made the request. To do. The lane processing computer that receives the data makes a graph and displays the graph on a large display.

The graphing does not necessarily have to be lane-based scores. For example, the menu is 1. Graph your own lane score 1. Graph the score of a specific lane in the same group loop. Graphing the score of the whole group :: In the case of ":", if you select 1, you are in your own lane when 2 is selected, or in all groups when 3 is selected. The score is displayed on the O HD23.

In a tournament in which a large number of people participate, it may not be possible to simultaneously display the scores of all bowlers on the OHD. In such a case, the current scores can be sorted in ascending or descending order and can be displayed as a graph in descending order of score. Of course, in individual game, which is not a multi-lane competition by group, the group number is not necessary and graphing can be handled in each lane processing computer.

[0041]

[Effect of device]

 Up to now, bowling scores have been called score sheets, which are numerical tables. The numbers are excellent in terms of rigor. However, the numbers are not suitable when comparing multiple scores. In that respect, the graphing of the score of the present invention has a visual property and compensates for the numerical defect. The graphing of the present invention is particularly effective at bowling competitions where many people gather, such as neighborhood associations, schools, companies, and circles. Because the graph makes it easy to compare the scores of opponents.

The present invention has a function of displaying not only the current score but also a predicted score in which the final score is predicted based on the current score, and the highest attainable score that can be scored by continuing strikes in the future. . It also has a function to refer not only to opponents in the same lane but also to scores of opponents playing in other lanes.

With these functions, it becomes possible to easily predict which position (number) the user is currently in, what number he or she will be in the future, and the like. Knowing this will also provide operational decisions that were previously unattainable, such as who should be targeted to play in the future. The device of the present invention has the effect of increasing the enjoyment of playing bowling.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an example of graphing in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an example of graphing in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an example of graphing in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an example of graphing in an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Front Control Computer 2 Workstation 3 Printer 4 Lane Control Computer 5 Lane Processing Computer 6 Video Camera 7 Suspended Sub Monitor 8 OHD 9 Multi-Projection System 10 AV System

Claims (5)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A bowling device with an automatic scorer, comprising means for displaying the scores detected by the automatic scorer system in a graph form. 2. A bowling device with an auto scorer, comprising a display means capable of switching the score detected by the auto scorer system between a number table format and a graph format. 3. A bowling device with an auto-scorer, comprising means for displaying the scores detected by the auto-scoreler system in a plurality of lanes in a single screen in a graph form. 4. A bowling device with an auto-scorer, comprising a means for displaying the score detected by the auto-scoreler system together with data as another index in a graph form. 5. A bowling device with an auto scorer, comprising: a unit for displaying the score detected by the auto scorer system in a graph form; and a unit for printing the display.