JPS61179180A - Automatic balling count method and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an automatic scoring device for bowling and a method of motivating bowlers to become more enthusiastic about the game of bowling in a more timely manner.

The bowler is encouraged by sound and animated optical methods. Bowlers do not need to pay much attention to these acoustic and optical techniques. The acoustics and optics are intended to enhance the atmosphere and motivate the bowler without forcing the bowler. The application forming the basis of the priority claim of this application is a continuation-in-part of US patent application Ser. No. 662,396, filed October 18, 1984.

Also, U.S. Patent Application Nos. 679.532 and 445.463, in which the applicant of this application is entitled to a U.S. patent,
662.397, 418.195 and 531.9
The technology disclosed in No. 49 is incorporated herein by reference.

The means of motivating a bowler through sweet talk vary depending on the bowler's position and background, but the methods and devices used to motivate the bowler are unique. Furthermore, changing the messages used to encourage the bowler requires only minor reprogramming of the device.

[Conventional technology and its problems]

Traditional scoring devices claim to be fully automated and to automate tasks other than throwing a bowling ball. A bowler's throwing of the ball is a participation in the game and an indication of the bowler's skill. Despite manufacturers' claims, these conventional devices regularly require manual labor. These manual operations are much more than would be required in the exceptional case of equipment failure. The present invention is based on the discovery of a novel method that was previously unknown, and the discovery of a novel method previously unknown, as well as U.S. Pat.
The devices shown in Nos. 140.404 and 4,302,010 eliminate these routine manual operations.

The bowling salt business has an interest in promoting the game, since the income from the bowling salt business is derived from the competitions that are held, regardless of the playing time. Several proposals have been tried for this purpose, but all have failed. Those suggestions include making the score O if the ball is not thrown within the allotted time. The present invention provides a novel game promotion method that is not dissatisfying to bowlers, is not unusually effective, and can be adjusted to suit the individual bowler's playing style.

Further, conventional bowling scoring devices are limited to promoting the game by displaying scores on a "score indicator" and encouraging the bowler.

Research conducted on bowling games has reported the need to provide bowling game participants and spectators with a brief commentary on each pitch and the results of an analysis of the pitches.

In addition to score information, conventional semi-automatic scoring devices also have means for displaying information such as television programs. By displaying information other than scores, those semi-automatic scoring devices have a negative effect on their main purpose, i.e. displaying scores automatically, which frustrates most bowlers, especially in league games. irritating bowlers during the main income earning period.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides commentary and analysis of each pitch of a bowling ball by an automatic device based on the novel pin/ball detector disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. patent application. The present invention also provides a novel method of displaying motivational materials suitable for bowling salts in a unique manner that is both highly engaging and non-interfering with the game. It is.

The present invention therefore introduces additional display fields for introspective display materials such as by integrating the automation of scoring, display and inspiration without affecting the main scoring information. .

The present invention enables bowlers to rank the bowlers belonging to each team.
By allowing the operator to decide according to the scores of the players and/or to decide the ranking of the dames in the league, the bowlers can be naturally absorbed during the game.

The device of the present invention detects late fallen pins and appropriately corrects the 1!7 points, detects a lack of pins in the pin deck at the beginning of the first bowler cycle, and requests a new pin deck; Automatically transitions from game to game during periods of multiple bowling games, predicts scores, and automatically performs the three stages of league play (i.e., reach, long-on/practice competition, and league competition) , which facilitates turning the bowler to the appropriate lane assigned to the bowler.

The present invention connects a pair of lanes (, (ane-pa-・1
rs) and voice communication.

Such time division multiplexing is known and has been used for a long time. However, conventional time division multiplexing techniques relied on dedicated masters to define channel time slots and to assign those time slots to the various circuits to be multiplexed.

The present invention utilizes a lane chassis (or a lane chassis assigned for this task) assigned by a main computer (i.e., a host computer) in a predetermined time slot (e.g., time slot number 0) to generate a synchronization signal. (A lane chassis), thereby eliminating the need to use centralized voice communication electronics.

[Embodiments of the invention]

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Reference is first made to FIG. 1, which shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of an automatic scoring system for a pair of lanes. A bowler console 1 is shown in this figure. This bowler console allows bowlers to interact with automatic scoring equipment. This bowler console is provided in front of the ball return device 2. Figure 1 shows a foul detector and ball trajectory determiner 3, which issues a signal when the bowler crosses the foul line before the ball reaches the pin-stick and determines the lateral position of the ball, and a ball trajectory determiner 3. a lane chassis 5 comprising a pin and ball detector 4 for determining at least three points on the trajectory and a pattern of standing pins, a lane chassis 5 containing calculation electronics of a scoring device, and a pin deck; and a pin recorder and associated controller 6 for placing the pin deck again after receiving the ball, displays 17a, 7b, and 7c on which the device displays messages related to the game and cut messages, and various devices dedicated to each lane bear. Communication cables 8 are shown interconnecting and connecting the bowling salt lane chassis to the main computer. Each lane is provided with a gutter 9 from the bowler approach area to the pin deck 10. Adjacent lane pairs share bowler consoles, lane chassis, displays and other equipment shown in FIG. Those adjacent lane pairs share a common automatic scoring device as well as a common ball return machine 2 and associated ball return path 11.

FIG. 2 shows the system house data bus 8, the house computer 8a, the lane chassis 5, the bowler console 1, the pinsen ball detector 4, the overhead display 7a, and the automatic scoring system of the present invention. A functional block diagram of 7b and 7c is shown.

The lane chassis 5 will be explained in detail later with reference to FIG. The bowler console will be explained in detail later with reference to FIG.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram of the lane chassis electronics is shown. The lane chassis electronics consist of a microcomputer 12. This microcomputer stores a large number of rough numbers 1 to 1 stored in the storage device.
a display processor that repeatedly scans the random access memory and sequentially converts the read data into signals suitable for driving one or more displays; . The microcomputer 12 is Motorola (HO
tOrOIa)'s MC68000 J:Una microcomputer can be used. Compatible chips such as Motorola's MC68486 and MC68487 graphics chips can be used as the display processor. The microcomputer is electrically connected to the graphics chip in a manner well known in the art and detailed in the manufacturer's application data booklet.

Microcomputer 12 can be connected to house computer 13 via a local area network (LAN) interface. In the embodiment described herein, the LAN interface chip may be a chip such as the Intel 82588. As the house computer 13, a DEC computer can be used.

The analog RGB video output port of the microcomputer 12 can be connected to the RGB video amplifier 15 so that direct connection between the computer and the display can be avoided. RG
The B video amplifier 15 drives the central display 7b to provide the highest level of graphic display performance. Center indicator 7
b is shown in FIG. Microcomputer 12
Another boat ACIA is provided in the microcomputer 12 in order for the other boat to send video information (in this case information in encoded format). ACIA
The boat is connected to a Videotex decoder, such as a Norpac Videotex decoder, which converts the binary encoded video information to an analog video signal suitable for driving a display. In the embodiment described here, two Videotex decoders are used, one for driving display 7a and one for driving display 7C. These two indicators primarily function as score indicators.

Port PIA of microcomputer 12 is connected to a pin/ball detector. The microcomputer 12 receives data from the pin/ball detector other than data about the pin and information about the speed and trajectory of the ball. pin/
A ball detector is described in US patent application Ser. No. 679.532.

The second double port PIA input terminal of microcomputer 12 is used. The two sets of port PIΔ input terminals are shown in FIG. 3 as PIA/A and PIA/B. The PIA/A boat uses a time slot allocation circuit (TS
AC) Receives time slotr 1~assignment from 16. The allocation to time slot 1 will be explained later with reference to the shared communication circuit.

The PIA/B port of microcomputer 12 is used as an output terminal for the voice stimulation device. The voice stimulation device includes a vocoder 17 and a public address/vocoder switch 18 to produce an analog audio output 19. The vocoder chip can be comprised of an artificial voice chip, such as the voice chip manufactured by AMI. Switch 18 may be a common two-pole switch. switch 18
is connected to the house public address system 22.

A second ACIA port of microcomputer 12 is connected to data set interface circuit 23.

That data sera! The interface circuit may be a chip MC145428 manufactured by Motorola. Data set interface circuit 23 is connected to the main digital loop transceiver (DLT). The main DLT24 is a Motorola chip MC1454.
19 can be used. The main DLT 24 will be explained in detail in the explanation of shared communication of the present invention.

As previously explained, a lane chassis such as that shown in FIG. 3 is dedicated to lane pairs. A lane chassis can be added to each lane pair and is connected to the house computer 13 via a LAN.

The lane chassis can also be connected to a private branch exchange (PBX) bus for the entire bowling alley facility.

The PBX bus and communication system will be explained in detail later in the explanation of shared communication.

Microcomputer 12 receives data from pin/ball detector 20 and bowler console ASCII keyboard. Data from the Bowler console ASCII keyboard is received via the main DLT. External data received by the microcomputer 12 is handled by executing a program stored in the ROM. R.O.
The complete list of programs stored in M is a
As stated in A-Z. A description of Appendices A-Z is provided here in sequence for reference. The listings presented here as Appendices A-Z are source code listings for programs written in the "C" language that send display information through three Videotex decoders and through three ACIAs.
It is particularly suitable for the Motorola MC6800 microcomputer chip which communicates with a single monitor (i.e. display graphics electronics are done via a combination of ACIA and Videotex decoders). The source code list is assembled by a Motorola assembler and then stored in the ROM. Assembler link instructions used to link the various modules are provided in Appendix A.

Below is an interim explanation of Appendices A-Z.

A. Summary and definition of routines and subroutines for the keyboard and keyboard display (LCD) stored in the central processing unit (cPU) of the lane chassis read-only memory (ROM).

B. Initialization and parameter setting function. lane chassis
- Set the operation mode of the bowler console device.

C0 j (tabulation of memory locations used) for memory shared by tasks such as initialized tasks, graphics tasks, communication tasks, interaction tasks/pin sensor tasks.

D. Graphics subroutine for central CRT graphics. The graphics subroutine provides animation support.

F. Utility for graphics subroutines for central CRTs. These utilities support animation subroutines.

F. Central CRT for graphics and animation
B■ oS0G for input/output (Ilo), BiO2 for left score indicator graphics and right score indicator graphics, Il for I point indicator graphics
give o.

Utility for H9 left CRT and right CRT. Supports left and right score display graphics overlay.

- A comprehensive subroutine that takes a bowler database that includes the bowler's name, pins fallen data, bowler's average score, bowler's handicap, and bowler's motivation.

Routines and subroutines for bowler console communications, including one port of messages sent from the J5 manager's console.

K. Definitions and data tables of data used for spare manufacturers and data structure mechanisms.

L. Self-test interrupt subroutine for device self-testing.

M. Dual ACIA port (DUART) initialization subroutine and input/output (Ilo) handler.

N, BIO3 human power/output (Ilo) instruction set.

O. Input/output (Ilo) handler routines and subroutines accessed by the operating system.

P. Utility routines to handle device operation and reinitialize the device when a device error occurs.

Q. Module link subroutine. Provides alenbrae directives for linking various modules written in the "C" language.

R1 Utility routine used to set the current date.

S. Definitions, routines and routines used to process interaction data in the bowler console.

T. Subroutine used to interface the lane chassis with the pin sensor device.

U, Routine used to save bowler database lii collection mode 1-iJ'. These routines are primarily used with bowler consoles.

■ Used to process input and output messages to and from tasks. These tasks include rescheduling tasks, execution tasks, inputs to BiO2, outputs to BiO2, to name a few.

W, AC [A, PIA, initialization parameters and stars for various devices such as asynchronous matrix timers]--parameters.

×, table of vector addresses.

Y3 acronym assignments, parameter definitions, various address assignment tables.

Z, index by task, shared router memory map, link editor list and source files.

In the embodiment described here, RGB video amplifier 15 drives central display 7b.

Display 7b is dedicated to displaying pitch analysis and video messages sent via LAN interface 14 by the bowling alley manager. Indicators 7a, 7
C is dedicated to displaying score indicator information for a pair of lanes and an animated optical stimulus. Score indicator information is generated by microcomputer 12 from information received from the bowler console ASCII keyboard and pin/ball detector 20. Information received from the ASCII keyboard and pin/ball detector is processed by instructions programmed in the software to determine the bowling score to be displayed.

The microcomputer 12 software also includes 19-point display graphics instructions that create the graphics for the appropriate one-point display. Graphics information and scoring information are generated in encoded digital form by a microcomputer 12 and sent to a Videotex decoder 2.
1. Videotex decoder 21 generates a pixel map. The pixel map is displayed on displays 7a, 7c for displaying appropriate information in a known manner.
used by

In the embodiment described herein, the bowler's name is entered via the ASCII keyboard of the bowler console or from the host 1-computer. ASC
The II keyboard is also used to enter other information such as team name, team identification information and team/bowler handicap. Using team identification information and bowler name (identification) and handicap,
The microcomputer 12 can retrieve the team's ranking in the league, the average score of the bowlers, and the score of the previous game from the house computer. The ranking of teams in the league is displayed on indicators 7a and 7 while the bowling game is in progress.
Displayed by c. Similarly, a bowler's score is compared frame by frame with the particular bowler's score in the previous game.

Another mode of comparing bowler scores from frame to frame is also available by entering a iter-ego immediately after the bowler's name is entered on the ASCII keyboard. In this way a bowler can play two or more games in a row. The result of the first game is displayed on the displays 7a, 7c, and the result of the second or other subsequent game is displayed directly below the display of the result of the first game. Thus, as the bowler continues in the second or subsequent game, the bowler can compare his performance frame by frame with his performance in the first game.

Pin/ball detector 20 is used to pass information to microcomputer 12 about the speed and trajectory of the ball. The data about fallen pins obtained from the pin/ball detector is used by Microcombi 1-12 to calculate the bowler's score display graphics and to determine which pins are up. be done.

The information retrieved by microcomputer 12 about the pins still standing is used by microcomputer 12 to suggest a "second ball" to be rolled by the bowler.

Through the video display, the player receives information suggesting and recommending the trajectory of the "second ball" that should be rolled in order to knock down the remaining pin and take a spare.

Pin/ball detectors are also used to measure the ball's trajectory and velocity. The microcomputer 12 receives the trajectory information and speed information of the ball and determines the trajectory path. Its trajectory path is superimposed on the full rack (10 pins). In this way, in a replay situation, the bowler can determine the trajectory of the ball just rolled, whether it is the first or second delivery in a particular frame, and the The player can see on the display the point where the ball hits on the full rack, and in the case of the second pitch, the point where the ball hits on the partial rack. From this replay information, the bowler determines the number of pins knocked down that is displayed on the display. The bowler gets the suggested ball trajectory for the "second ball" so that he can get a spare.

One of the confusions in league play is which bowlers play in which lanes. Typically, two leagues share a pair of lanes, with bowlers from each league alternating from pitching in the left lane to pitching in the right lane. Software in the microcomputer 12 is used to follow the progress of the bowler's game, and the video display 7b causes the vocoder 17 to encourage the bowler to the appropriate lane in the correct order. The optical stimulation by the display 7a or 7C is provided by an animated character generated by software stored in the ROM of the microcomputer 12. The software 1-5 is used to detect the bowler's name and create an animated message to the bowler who fails to roll the ball in a timely manner. The vocoder 17 is also used to vocalize the bowler with voice messages tailored to the bowler. The voice message is generated by an artificial voice chip (vocoder 17).

The optical stimulation and audio stimulation by the microcomputer 12 are intended to promote and manage the bowling game.

In addition to the animated messages displayed on the displays 7a and 7c, an animated video signal is also displayed on the central display 7.
b. The animated message on display 7b is accompanied by a voice message generated by artificial chip 17. Those video messages and audio are fJI
It is used to give motivational messages to players. The motivational messages are tailored to the game in progress. For example, when a strike ball is thrown and a pin/ball detector detects a strike. The vocoder 17 then sends a congratulatory message to the bowler.
and the display 7b can be used. Similarly, if a game is being played with more than the bowler's average score, the vocoder 17 and display 7b can be used again to celebrate a good performance in the game.

Vocoder 17 and video display 7b can also be used to give messages that annoy the bowler in a non-rude manner. For example, when a gutter ball is thrown, give a message that annoys and embarrasses the bowler in a non-rude way.

In the embodiment described herein, the automatic scoring system includes a device that detects the pattern of standing pins, a calculator that orders a large number of bowlers to play in the proper order, and a system that encourages and games the bowlers. and a manual operating terminal that allows the bowler to control the operation of the apparatus. A typical device is shown in FIG. The device is described in expanded form in the aforementioned US patent application. The device is controlled by 12 of the lane chassis. In this example,
The microcomputer is housed inside the lane chassis, but it can be housed anywhere else or combined into any other functional electronic module and has other functions, such as a bowler's console. It can be stored inside the device. An example of the circuit configuration of the electronic device of the lane chassis is shown in FIG.

Although the embodiments described herein describe the addition of a well-known display (eg, a cathode ray tube monitor), the novelty of the present invention lies in the following points. That is, to allow the bowler to view the primarily entertaining score display data in an uninterrupted continuous manner, and to display auxiliary information such as animations, information about re-pitches and suggested second pitches. The method consists in adding a separate display field with appropriate resolution to provide an extra display field.

The most relevant auxiliary information concerns the quality of each pitch as measured by the pin/ball detector.

Details of pin/ball detectors are disclosed in the aforementioned US patent applications. The goal of the bowling game is to roll the ball to the strike pocket (the area where the ball knocks down all the pins) within a certain speed range, so the quality of the pitch is expressed by the trajectory of the ball around the strike pocket. . The trajectory is one that bowlers learn through television broadcasts of tournaments using conventional video playback technology. It has been found that the trajectory should most effectively impact the ball and follow a pattern.

Accordingly, the preferred embodiment of the present invention displays a graphics video sequence characterizing the quality of each pitch as each ball is received. In this preferred embodiment, a pin/ball detector triggers a programmable indicator (such as an indicator-processor) with pin fall and ball velocity vectors. In response, the display generates a display signal representative of the programmed image assigned to the particular pin fall and velocity vector combination.

For example, the video may be a summary of the quality of the pitch in response to the pin tip caused by the pitch (e.g., a combination of a flash and a message such as "Congratulations on the strike"), and a graphical approximation of the trajectory (e.g. , the interpolated curve between the measured trajectory position near the bowler approach area and the trajectory vector at the pin-decker) and some other image data (if no other balls are rolled in between). For example, it could be an advertisement) or something that shows the quality of Haku's pitching.

Without departing significantly from the present invention, other displays can be generated for auxiliary displays that utilize automated pitch quality concepts triggered by WJ shots of the ball.

The bowler console shown in FIG. 1.2.4 is connected to the lane chassis shown in FIG. 1.2.3 at points 19 and 25 (FIG. 3). Point 19 (A1) is where the analog audio signal applied to the audio section of the bowler console shown in FIG. 4 is added. Point 25 (A
2) is provided with bidirectional digital data multiplexed with a separate 5 volt power supply. The digital data received by the bowler console includes a pulse code modulated audio signal. Digital data is displayed on an 8-line, 40-character (8X40) liquid crystal display (LCD) on the bowler console. The liquid crystal display is described in the aforementioned US patent application Ser. No. 662.397. The data output from the bowler console through baud 1 to A2 is multiplexed with 5pol 1 to voltage signals. The digital data is the output of the ASCII keyboard 30 shown in FIG. 4, as well as the pulse code modulated audio signal from the speakerphone 31 (FIG. 4).

Next, refer to FIG. Analog audio signals are received by two-person audio amplifier 32. The second to this audio amplifier
Input is provided by a tunable television receiver housed in the bottom of the bowler console. The television receiver is connected to the audio amplifier via the television earphone jack output terminal. audio amplifier 3
The second output terminal is connected to the speaker 34 of the bowler console. In this preferred embodiment, the audio amplifier is switched to receive a signal from a tunable television receiver 33 or a signal from a vocoder 17. An audio amplifier is connected to the earphone jack output terminal of a tunable television receiver [133] to enable console speakers 34 to allow the bowler to hear the output of the television. When vocoder 17 generates a message to be broadcast from console speaker 34, audio amplifier 32 is switched to broadcast the message to console speaker 34.
It is broadcast by the speaker 34.

As previously discussed with reference to FIG. 3, data set interface circuit 23 provides digital signals to main digital loop transceiver (DLT) 24. This master D
The LT multiplexes the digital signal onto the separate 5 volt voltage output of transformer 35 (FIG. 3). The isolated 5 volt voltage signal from transformer 35 is provided to transformer 36. The voltage signal from transformer 36 is separated by a secondary data loop transceiver (DLT) 37. Sub DLT37
The inputs to are pulse code modulated signals and digital data generated by microcomputer 12 and multiplexed by main DLT 24. The slave DLT 37 separates the pulse code modulated signal and the digital data signal. The pulse code modulated audio signal is given to the baud 1-37a of the slave DLT 37, and the digital data signal is sent to the slave DLT 37.
37 to boat 37b.

The digital data exchanged at port 37b of slave DLT 37 is exchanged bidirectionally. Digital data is input to microcomputer 12 and output by microprocessor 38.

The digital data given to the microprocessor j3B is generated from the microcomputer 12.

Data output from microprocessor 38 is received by microcomputer 12. Multiplexing of the digital data on a 5 volt voltage signal between transformers 35 and 36 is used to isolate the digital data from noise J'3 and electrical interference.

A microprocessor 38 is used to drive the LCD display. The LCD display 39 is an 8-line, 40-character (8 x 40>) LCD display 5 (
LCD). Microprocessor S38 is ASCI
It also receives data from the I keyboard 30. The digital data is provided from the ASCII keyboard 30 via a keyboard scanner 40 to a microphone (keyboard scanner 38).The keyboard scanner 40 scans the ASCII keyboard matrix so that when a key on the keyboard is pressed, the key detect that the

The ASCII guitar board 30 also has an LED mode indicator.
do. This LED mode indicator allows you to change some of the keys on your ASCII keyboard to special functions! Can be specified separately. LED mode indicator 41 is activated when that special function mode is selected. ASCII keyboard 30
, keyboard scanner 40, LCD display 39, and microprocessor 38 operate in a known manner.

The ASCII keyboard is used via microcomputer 12 to control the television housed in the bottom of the bowler console. Channel selection is ASCI
I keyboard and the selected channel is sent to the microprocessor 38. 38 outputs a digital signal and provides the digital signal to a parallel interface adapter (PIA). The digital signals correspond to the X and Y positions of the keyboard matrix. The digital signal is decoded by a keyboard simulator 71 through a keyboard simulator 43. The matrix keyboard simulator 43 is comprised of a comparator 43a for decoding the X position and a gate 43b for decoding the Y position.

Matrix keyboard simulator 43 generates digital signals. The digital signal is a matrix
Received by remote control 44 when the switch is closed. The remote control m+ device 44 transmits the output signal to the remote control LED 4.
Give to 5. The remote control ED/l 5 provides light pulses to the television receiver remote control receiver, j ED 45
The channel is selected according to the optical signal generated by the channel.

The manager's console placed on the bowling salt manager V-'s desk is an ASCII bowler console.
It can be used to cancel channel selections made by the bowler using the keyboard 30. In this case, the selection of the manager is made to the LAN interface depth 14 via the house LAN bus (FIG. 3).
. The channel selection of the manager .tau..- is transmitted to the data set interface circuit via software within the microcomputer 12. Furthermore, from there, the main D L T
This will be communicated to 24. The channel selection is multiplexed on the 5 volt voltage signal between transformers 35 and 36 and
37. The resolved channel selections are provided to microprocessor 38 and then via software to parallel interface chip 24. A signal is generated by the LED 45 depending on the channel selection of the manager 1/-. The signal causes the bowler's console television to be set to the channel selected by the manager at the manager's console. In this way the manager can select a channel for a selected lane or all lanes of the bowling salt, and for an inspirational message provided on the channel of the house television, or the manager can draw the attention of the bowler. Allows the bowler's attention to be drawn to other messages that he or she wishes to receive.

The PIA42 has a ringer circuit 46 and an optical ringing circuit.
Provides output to off-hook flasher 47. ringer
Circuit 46 and/or ringing off-hook flasher 47 provide optical and/or audio indication of incoming telephone messages. Incoming telephone messages are received via the time-shared PBX bus.

The time-shared PBX bus is shown in FIG. 3 as block 48, and the time-shared PBX is shown as block 49 in FIG. The lane chassis time-shared PBX bus has a recirculation counter of 50.
a, 50b. first callan 1 of those counters
- is preloaded by the microcomputer 12. The time division PBX bus includes a synchronous pulse bus 51. The synchronization pulse is detected by time slot allocation circuit 16.

The time slot allocation circuit allocates time slots to 1. j is assigned to a fixed lane. When the assigned time slot is detected by the microcomputer 12, the ring bus 50
a, 50b are used exclusively for a particular lane chassis and therefore for a particular bowler console. Communication can occur via speakerphone 31 on the bowler console during this assigned time slot.

The speakerphone 31 is composed of a speaker and a microphone for analog communication. The analog signal is provided to a pulse code modulator (PCM) 52. The pulse code modulator converts the analog audio signal into a pulse code modulated signal and converts the received pulse code modulated signal back into an analog signal. The analog signal is broadcast by the speakerphone speaker. The pulse code modulated signal received by PCM 52 is received via slave DLT 37. Similarly, the pulse code modulated signal is sent to the slave DLT 37 by the PCM 52. The pulse code modulated data is multiplexed via transformers 35 and 36 to the main DLT.
Given to 24. The data is decomposed in the main DLT 24. The main DLT 24 divides the digital data and then sends it to the microcomputer 12. For time division PBX communications, pulse code modulated signals are also decomposed and sent to ring buses 50a, 50b.

Traditional automatic scoring devices require manual operation and routine mechanical movements. It has been found that such intervention distracts and often confuses the bowler, thereby reducing the number of games played per unit time. Therefore, the present invention provides a method to solve this problem through complete automation. In this way it can be integrated with other functional modules or sub-assemblies and can be integrated with central electronics such as the main combicoater.

A fully automatic scoring system eliminates the need for bowlers to record scores after each game before the next game begins. In the embodiment described here, the order of the bowlers' pitches is determined in order to recognize the hypothetical 11th frame, which when selected becomes the first frame. is determined according to the bowling rules and the next ball placement is designated accordingly) is modified. In particular, the 10th frame disabling block of the sequencer of this automatic scoring device is the first
1 frame and a trap is inserted into it to recognize when that 11th frame is selected. The trap translates the incentive material into the first frame incentive material for the same bowler, causing the sequencer to recycle for that bowler. This action initializes the start of two games, the second of which is used to define the game that follows the one in progress.

In addition, the score removal operation (which removes pin tipped data from the score display where a team's scores are displayed together) has been fixed to now add to one bowler at a time. When a ball is received before it is stored for a bowler's first flake, help in scoring is required. In particular, the microcomputer program subroutine that allowed the scoring system's score removal work to advance from one row of bowlers to the next was removed and replaced with an entry call that allowed which row of bowlers to continue, and fell in accordance with the motivating material. A first ball first frame trap is inserted into the submechanism that stores pin data. The trap enlists the help of a point removal routine for a bowler before storing the bowler's first bowler first frame fallen pin data. Other embodiments may be developed that will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, but differ substantially from the novelty thereof.

During actual games, bowlers often put their names on consecutive lines to add up to 17 points. Conventional automatic scoring systems require the bowler's name to be entered after each game, which is extremely tedious.

However, the present invention allows the bowler to record "individuals" in various columns. +1! ! H's entry is sequenced to enter play after the previous "individual"bowler's game is over. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the scoring device sequence director is provided with means for identifying the "same as above" symbol in the name side of the 17 point display. The presence of that symbol causes the sequencer to ignore a particular row of bowlers during the first game by that particular bowler.

Electronic devices capable of detecting certain symbols or codes are well known, and so are circuits that can be used to prevent certain operations from being performed. Furthermore, a mechanism (used in conventional devices) for detecting the end of the tenth frame enables the next row of bowlers to be present on the next row of bowlers.
Trigger the erasure circuit to delete the ``ditto'' symbol. 1
Electronic devices that replace a code stored in one location with another are also known, the four most common of which are microbroselli. Novel mechanisms and equivalents for determining bowler order can be developed by those skilled in the art based on the present invention.

All conventional automatic scoring devices display the 1q points of the last game or the scores of several games until the bowler manually turns off the scoring display. The displayed 1'9 points are sometimes erased after the bowler calculates the score himself by 81 and records the score and the displayed line points. The present invention
Instead of placing such undue emphasis on the last game or series of games, the use of summaries to provide summaries of series of games and compare performance, which previously had to be done manually. This is what we propose. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a game counter is added. The game counter is constantly incremented until the count reaches the specified number of games per game period (ff,) at the end of the tenth frame. Karan J- is designated! A timer is activated when the number of games is reached. The timer causes a summary of the results of each game during the game period to be displayed, for example after about 30 seconds, in place of what is displayed on the score display. The summary can be called up by removing the displayed score. In another embodiment, a summary of the game period can be displayed instead of the score of the last game during the game period, which would be an advantage obtained by using the present invention.

It is customary for bowling to be evaluated by the total number of points scored per game. Therefore, bowlers always want to know the expected total number of points for the game in progress. Therefore, calculating the total score is a tedious task.The present invention seeks to automate the 17-point scoring process.In the preferred embodiment, the score calculator of the conventional automatic scoring system has a 10-frame score calculation. Repeatedly scan the frames containing data on fallen pins until you have collected 1q points, and once you have collected scores for 10 frames, the score calculator calculates the approximation of the game's (9th point rubel) Modify the score calculator to calculate the value.

An electronic device useful for identifying empty frames (i.e., no knocked down pin symbol) and for causing the scan control frame counter to always recycle back to frame number 1 when an empty frame is detected. is used. The approximation of the th rubel (multiplyed by the number of frames in which the pin fell) is
dividing the product by 10 and adding the weighted sum to the bowler's weighted balance beam 51, 7
1, that is, (average total) x (10 - number of frames with pins knocked down) ÷
By calculating 10, the case of the game: l i”,
A higher level approximation of a point is made 19. Electronic devices that can perform this function are also well known (eg, most commonly microbroselli). Other devices for calculating total scores inferentially can be developed by those skilled in the art in accordance with the present invention.

In order to equalize the skills of the bowlers in the league, scores will be adjusted by handicap 17. All conventional automatic scoring devices add a handicap to the 1'1 point of the first frame, but this is not desirable because it biases the scores of weak bowlers and makes it difficult to compare scores. do not have. The present invention modifies handicap calculations to facilitate that comparison.

In a preferred embodiment, a conventional scorer sigma is modified to add the integer part of (handicap) x (number of frames) ÷ 10 to the non-handicap subtotal. A suitable electronic device (well known, the most common one being the Micro 7OT!Tsa) is suitable for performing this AI calculation.

Other embodiments may also be used that use incremental handicaps in such a way that they are always consistent with the 111 points of the 10th frame of a conventional scoring system.

League-style bowling relies on the league secretary to determine the ranking of dames within the league and mail a letter stating this. Traditional scoring systems still rely on this method of manually determining rankings within a league.

The present invention automates this. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a host combination of conventional scoring devices 1-
In the evening, the rank of the Deme is determined from the scoring data it receives. And that Hoss! -The computer sends the ranking to the lane chassis for display.

The electronic equipment necessary for determining and displaying the rankings is well known, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Additionally, the electronics of each scoring device is modified to identify incoming team ranking messages and route the messages to the display processor. A display processor can convert the message into a display signal and superimpose the display signal on a display signal of the scoring device.

Since the electronic devices that perform these functions are also known, a description thereof will be omitted. However, the electronics of each scoring device can be further modified to include an intermediate display video buffer. The intermediate display video buffer stores score indicator data such that the bowler's juniors are ranked according to the current score subtotal before being stored therein. Other electronic devices capable of ranking bowlers according to their current point subtotals or labeling teams according to team standings within a league are within the scope of the present invention.

All conventional scoring systems require manual correction of the 19 points. As a result, valuable bowling game time is wasted. It has been discovered that many of these repair tasks can be automated.

Accordingly, the present invention describes a slowly collapsing pin and means for correcting a jammed pin.

In a preferred embodiment, the scoring device's pin detector triggers are dual-sided. The trigger mechanism is made operable by the bowler at the console and is connected to a switch that closes whenever the pinsetter's sweep guard returns to its rest position. Additionally, fallen pin data generated by the pin setter via the additional trigger mechanism described above is flagged appropriately. Therefore, a reliable method consists of setting a dedicated bit in the serial word by which the data of knocked down pins is sent to the scoring computer. Additionally, the scoring computer must identify the presence of this flag, and
The location of the first ball that precedes the location of the second ball is where the data for the next ball's knocked down pins is stored. It is necessary to store the data of the pins.

The data for pins knocked down by the first ball with the above flag set is ignored, unless the pin is caught when the siebgart returns to its resting position. When the flagged data fails to indicate pin 10, another full-dead V pin is lowered into place.

When holding a bowling tournament at night, where leagues from credit unions play games in adjacent lanes, it is necessary to carefully plan the four strokes to promote the game. Promote the game 1 to traditional 1
Z-point neck attachment is an extremely difficult problem, and 12 satisfactory solutions have been proposed.The present invention satisfactorily solves this problem.One embodiment of the present invention In the game, a cartoon is displayed on the score display to hurry the bowler to the lane where the ball is to be rolled. When the 'fJvJ' of the ball is recorded, the next ball is promoted from another bowler or the same bowler. To reinforce the sense of urgency, the voice message is played until the impact of the ball is detected. An artificial voice can be used to augment the optical acceleration by using a fake tone.The rate of increase in the level of haste can be adjusted by the manager to suit the pace of the group of bowlers of various ages and the skill level of the bowlers. can be adjusted.

These facilitation materials are conventional arbitrary scoring systems in which traps are provided that can identify by row number which bowlers are being chased and can send that information to a video processor that configures the optical effects. The device's improved bowler sequencer allows for 1-rigging. A graphics processor capable of creating animated cartoons with characteristics that depend on the specified command load and commands (graphic There are known circuits for translating (for processors). Also known are artificial voices (eg, vocoders) that are programmed to generate messages in response to coded commands. Other embodiments of the novel optical/audio enhancement method of the present invention are of course possible within the scope of the invention.

League play always involves three stages that modernize the tedious manual labor typically performed by desk workers, especially during the bowling alley's busiest times. In Stage ■, a distinct league-colored dirt dame name display helps indicate to the bowler the lane assigned to the team. In step 3, the device is activated to allow actual play when knocked down pins are ignored and to allow the 1 point indicator to perform roster entry/editing. Finally, the device is put into league play mode and the appropriate call signals are issued to begin the actual bowling match.

After the match, the bowlers want to know their results. This device, like Haku's device, prints out the results for each ball. The device also prints out ball-by-ball management of the game, ball speed, trajectory, position, angle, and, in some cases, individual advertising coupons issued by the bowling alley.

Gutter balls can be detected by following the path of the ball. Once it is detected, the fallen pin will be ignored,
When the pin is knocked down by itself, a new pin deck is set and the pin setter sets it on the second pole cycle.

By measuring the trajectory of the ball at 1+1 degrees between Pindeni I- and the ball, a quantitative evaluation of the quality of the pitch and an assignment of bonus points depending on the pitch quality index can be carried out. Its goodness index depends on the speed of the ball, the point of impact and the angle of impact.

Bowling has been said to be the most social sport. The present invention incorporates PBX functionality into the electronics of the automated scoring system, and uses time division multiplexing technology with a shared audio bus to reduce costs for communicating between lanes.
A time-sharing circuit for +y-voting scoring and functions is also incorporated.

The multiplexing technique is known. This multiplexing technique relies on enclosures communicating to connect to a shared bus periodically for specified times, allowing other enclosures to perform similar operations during separate, non-overlapping connection times. The separate time slot durations are defined for a synchronization signal by which all stations synchronize their bus accesses according to their assigned time slots.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3.4, the synchronization signal is used to synchronize the clocks driving the counters. The maximum count of that counter is equal to the number of time slot channels of the bus, and for each flc that reaches the count, the counter will be zero and 41, then []-
The local station remains on the bus for 121 consecutive days. By pre-hitting the counter with the N's complement, the Nth time slot is accessed when the symbol (indicating the beginning of the frame of this one word 51 old interval slot) is received. To time s[]tsu1;Q
The scoring is done via the data bus of the scoring device. Via its data bus, the lane chassis interfaces with a central host computer.

In this embodiment, the stations send their information during their assigned time slots by means of self-synchronization signals (eg, synchronization code 13 or pulse modulated signals). In order to prevent signals that do not contain information from arriving at Ojl from the time when the station predicts that they will arrive, consider the range of delay time difference between the synchronization signal and the information holding signal and adjust the timing of those signals. In addition, the duration of their (3 days is less than the duration of the time slot In another embodiment, amplitude modulated samples are sent. These samples are sampled at the center of the aforementioned allocated time slots to ensure that they receive the signal amplitude. is synchronized and delayed at the leading edge of the allocated time slot.

Conventional time division multiplexers use synchronization masks. The present invention provides a synchronization generator in each lane chassis. The synchronization generator is enabled when time thrower 1-1 is assigned to the lane chassis in which the synchronization generator is installed. This eliminates the need for a synchronization mask and provides 1q of desirable redundancy. In this embodiment, the synchronization generator is triggered when the time slot counter recycle and frame synchronization recycle match.

Other embodiments of activating the synchronization capabilities of lane chassis by assigning them to pre-designated communication time slots can be constructed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is a block diagram of the automatic scoring device installed for a pair of lanes, Figure 2 is a block diagram of the device installed for a pair of bowling lanes, and Figure 3 is a lane chassis for a pair of lanes. - Figure 4 is a block diagram of a bowler console for a pair of lanes;
Fig. 5 is an interconnection diagram of a microphone (computer depth) and an associated color graphic depth, and Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a video terminal. 1...Bowler console, 4...Pin sensor and ball detector, 5... lane chassis - 17a, 7b
, 7c... Display unit, 8a, 13... House computer, 12... Microphone [] Computer, 16...
Time slot ~ allocation circuit, 17... vocoder, 20...
...Pin 2/ball detector, 21...Video text decoder, 24...Digital loop transceiver, 3
0...Keyboard, 31...Speaker on, 34
... console/respi power, 38... microprocessor, 40... keyboard scanner.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. (a) automatically detecting a series of programmed instructions at the end of a bowling competition; and (b) after a specified length of time has elapsed since the detection. , or displaying, after a manual command is given, the currently displayed score of the game of the bowling competition along with a list of scores associated with the team stored in the electronic storage device. An automatic bowling scoring method featuring: 2. (a) After the first pitch of the first frame of a new game is detected, the process of motivating the bowler by a series of computer-generated optical means and audio, and (b) (c) automatically removing the previous game score from the video display when the bowler makes said first delivery; and the points to be removed are removed before recording the number of pins knocked down by the first pitch of the first frame of a new game. Scoring method. 3. An automatic bowling scoring device, characterized in that it comprises means for determining whether a bowler is the self that is ignored by the automatic encouraging device during the bowler's first game. 4. An automatic bowling scoring method that predicts the total score of a game based on the scores of pitched frames and the average bowling score of the bowler, which comprises: (a) pitching a varying number of frames (N frames); (b) By randomly repeating the pins that were knocked down in the N frames in which the ball was pitched, the number of pins that were knocked down in the number of frames that were not pitched (10-N) is obtained. (c) electronically calculating the total number of pins to be knocked down in the game from the sum of the predicted number of pins to be knocked down and the actual number of pins knocked down; (d) The above total score multiplied by N/10 and the bowler's average score multiplied by (10-N)/10
electronically calculating a predicted final score by multiplying by An automatic bowling scoring method characterized by electronically displaying a new predicted final score after each frame of the game until it is displayed. 5. (a) determining the ranking of bowlers based on the average score of each bowler on the scoreboard; (b) displaying the ranked bowlers on the scoreboard; and (c) An automatic bowling scoring method comprising the step of displaying the ranking of teams within a league on a score display board. 6. (a) The process of motivating the bowler with an animated image displayed on a video display, and (b) The process of creating a video that gradually becomes more motivating by increasing the movement of the animated image until the bowler pitches the ball. An automatic bowling scoring method characterized by: 7. An automatic bowling scoring device characterized by comprising means for encouraging a bowler using an animated image displayed on a video display whose movements gradually become more exciting until the ball is thrown. 8. (a) motivating the bowler with a synthesized voice message; and (b) varying the pitch, speech or volume of said message, or a combination thereof, until the ball is bowled; and repeating the message while emphasizing the message. 9. A synthesized speech method is provided for motivating the bowler by repeating the message, gradually emphasizing the motivating point by varying the pitch, speech or volume of the synthesized message, or a combination thereof, until the ball is bowled. An automatic bowling scoring device characterized by: 10. It is characterized by comprising (a) a process of motivating the bowler by a combination of an animated image and a synthesized voice, and (b) a process of repeating the motivating while gradually emphasizing the motivating points until the bowler pitches. Automatic bowling scoring method. 11. (a) A means for motivating a bowler by combining an animated image and a synthesized voice, and (b) an electronic means for gradually emphasizing the motivating points of the voice message synthesized with an animated image until the bowler pitches. An automatic bowling scoring device comprising: 12. Formula (a) (handicap subtotal for the Nth frame) = (subtotal for the Nth frame) + (N×
(b) displaying said subtotal on a video display; and (b) displaying said subtotal on a video display. An automatic bowling scoring method comprising: 13. (a) a pin detector activated at least once during the second ball-pin setter cycle state, i.e. after the pin has been set and before the predicted second pitch of the current frame; (b) automatic bowling scoring characterized by comprising: calculation means for correcting the score, which is the current pin-down data, based on the output of the pin detector, and replacing the previously stored score of the first pitch; Device. 14. The automatic bowling scoring apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising means for causing the scanning of the pin detector to occur automatically and electronically, the means starting when the pin deck is reset. , triggers a pin detector at least once during a period of time ending when the next ball is received on the pin deck, said pin detector being further triggered during the first ball cycle before receiving the first ball so that all The automatic bowling scoring device further comprises a means for detecting whether or not there is a pin deck in which pins are standing, and resetting a new deck when no pin deck in which all pins are standing is detected. 15. A display sequence triggered by the reception of a ball, whereby at least one image is displayed, the image summarizing the quality of the pitch and analyzing the pitch, after which a second image is displayed. When no other ball is received on the pin deck, the second image includes an encouraging message or display, and the encouraging message is an image of the quality of the subsequent pitch. The automatic bowling scoring device is characterized in that the score-quality/pitching/analysis image is pre-occupied by , and is moved for subsequent balls to be pitched before the encouraging message is displayed. 16. means for displaying a series of displays triggered by receiving a ball, wherein said series of displays comprises at least one initial image, the first image summarizing the quality of the pitch; and analyze the pitch, and then
A second video follows, the second video includes a motivational message, the second video is displayed when no other ball is received in the pin deck, and the second video includes a motivational message. An automatic bowling scoring device characterized in that the score-quality/pitching/analysis video for the subsequent balls is displayed before the subsequent balls are occupied first and the encouraging message is displayed. 17, comprising lane chassis for accessing a time division multiplexed audio bus, at least one chassis being assigned to a particular time slot, e.g.
An automatic bowling scoring device characterized in that a synchronized timing signal is generated on an audio bus, time slots are assigned through a data bus of the device, and the assignment is made via a computer connected to said data bus.