FR2679676A1 - Electronic panel displaying multimode scores - Google Patents

Abstract

Electronic panel displaying multimode scores especially for playing snooker. Electronic score display panel characterised in that it handles several modes of play, especially for snooker, and that it includes means for entering, displaying, communicating and saving data, which means are controlled by a programmable processing unit.

Description

ELECTRONIC PANEL MULTIMODE SCORE DISPLAY
ESPECIALLY FOR A BILLIARD GAME
The present invention relates to an electronic table, managed by a programmable processing unit, for displaying the scores in several game modes, in particular for the game of billiards.

In the prior art, similar electronic boards acting as a point marker, in particular for the game of billiards; have the following drawbacks: - they only manage one game mode, except in billiards there are several rules and several game modes.

- the scoreboards are installed near billiards and during official competitions an arbitrator scores the points. This sport of skill requires considerable concentration, it is always unpleasant for competitors to have a third person near the billiards table.

- at the end of the match; during the competitions, the match results are manually re-entered on appropriate sheets, sometimes generating typing or calculation errors. On the other hand, in the same room in the event of a competition tournament, several tables are in service; it is then necessary to move to each table to follow or record the results.

- the display of scores is not intended for a
distant audience and number
- if the energy source disappears,
results during the game disappear and are
reset on power up.

- in commercial rooms; if the last
user did not bother to put the table
off it stays on and consumes
energy unnecessarily when the table is not
busy.
r
This problem can be solved in that the
present invention is characterized by - a means (A) por control the operation provided by the software which controls the programmable processing unit - a means (B) to consult Game or system parameters.

- a means (C) for selecting a point counting mode, from among several preselected modes.

- a means (D) for deporting the commands from the device to the interior.

- a means (E) for connecting and establishing communication on a two-wire computer bus; common to several tables.

- a means (F) for deporting outside the information relating to the display of scores.

- a means (G) for switching the device on or off from an external system.

- a means (H) for saving parameters in the event of the energy source disappearing.

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, this table is composed of
- a mechanical box (.4) which groups and secures
the following elements
- a base card (27) grouping the unit of
treatment. programmable AI) and the different
interfaces inherent in the technical means used.

- a card (26) grouping the internal keyboard (24) at the
device for entering mode data
and the game mode selection indicators (25),
- 5 display cards (28 to 32) of related parameters
Game modes; grouping the displays (St) and the
associated decoders (20) as well as the indicators (22)
player identification.

This device is managed by a programmable processing unit whose means (A) for controlling the operation of the software consists of a microcontroller (i) clocked by a quartz (7); an address decoder (2) linking the microcontroller to the memories (3,4), software installed in the EFRnM read-only memory f.3) which manages the application including a background task (program area executed systematically whatever the treatment in progress) consists in resetting to zero a resettable monostable / astable (6) which without this reset resets the microcontroller, thus reducing the application to the sequencing provided by the software
This device includes a keyboard (24) for entering data relating to the choice of game mode, registration, modification and consultation of the scores. It is also used to modify technical parameters; in the backup memory (4), this operating mode being reserved only for an informed technician.

According to the invention; this keyboard consists of ten push buttons for decimal digits and 4 push buttons for various commands; connected in a matrix mode on 2 input / output ports of the microcontroller (1). The interpretation of the data entered is performed by the programmable processing unit; according to the selected Game mode or according to the order of the technical intervention.

The selection of the game mode, therefore of the counting of points is characterized in that this selection from among several preselected modes, in particular .3 for the present invention (free game modes, sets; and international case); is achieved by a push button (35) belonging to the keyboard (24), the actuation of which is interpreted by the programmable processing unit which on the one hand activates successively and eclusively one bit among w. an output port of the microcontroller (i) respectively connected to light-emitting diodes (25); thus viewing the selected game mode; and on the other hand selects the rule of the chosen game mode.

It is sometimes necessary to deport these commands outside and at a certain distance from the device.

A technical means consists of 2. using an external keyboard (.33) connected to the microcontroller (i) by a transmission medium (X) by means of an interface (Y) adapted to the mode of transmission of electrical information, said external keyboard being Even equipped with a transmission interface of the same mode. The external keyboard, through the interface (Y) replaces (PL1) the device keyboard by inhibiting (PL2) the latter by a polarity according to the synoptic combination of the AND and OR logic gates (PL1, PL2).

An embodiment; according to the invention consists in using a wired transmission medium (X); the transmission interface (Y) being composed of bias resistors (1 per wire) recalled to the electrical ground of the device. The external keyboard is then a matrix of contacts actuated by push buttons; and connects directly to the device through a wired ribbon cable and a base (23).

Variants of the transmission medium (X) and of the adapted interface (Y) consist in using other modes of radiation and propagation of electrical, infrared information; wireless; magnetic; optical; capacitive.

The processing of information by a central computer system is all the more efficient and reliable when the entry of information is automated.

In the context of the invention; the scores recorded on each device fitted to the me site; including a competition hall, must be centralized and processed 2. from a computer.

The means (E) for connecting and establishing a communication on a common computer bus 2. several panels consists, according to the invention, of a component specific to the bidirectional serial transmission mode (14) connected on the one hand to a base (2) for the external connection on a two-wire differential link common to several devices, on the other hand connected to the integrated communication port of the microcontroller (1) s the data passing there being processed by the programmable processing unit of the device.

The display of scores on panels sized for a large and distant audience is necessarily external to the device of the present invention. However, it is possible to recover the information inherent to the current competition.

The means (F) for transferring the information relating to the display of the scores to the outside consists of a signal bus originating from the microcontroller (the data write control signal and the bits of the data bus) and the address decoder (2); said signals being amplified and accessible externally on the base (15). The rising edge of the write command validates the data present on the bus during address decoding.

In commercial gaming rooms it is useful to be able to remotely control from a single station the activation or deactivation of a remote device.

According to the invention; the means (H) for switching the device on or off from an external system consists of a relay (q) whose coil must be controlled by an electric voltage so that the relay contacts, wired in parallel on the general switch (11), replace it s said coil being accessible externally 2. from the base (3).

The loss of score information during the game is a case that does not exist with the manual score markers with knobs. For traditional electronic markers, the loss of energy causes the Ferte and the resetting of the scores.

According to the invention; the means (H) for saving parameters in the event of loss of energy consists of a critical voltage threshold detector (5) connected to a hardware interrupt port of the microcontroller (i) which causes a software interrupt, the processing routine consists in writing the data to be saved in the electrically writable and erasable memory (4) addressed and controlled by the programmable processing unit; while, the capacitor (Ci) takes over from the missing energy source.

The device is supplied from the mains connected to the connector (12). The power is turned on by switching the main switch (11) or 2. from the external control (H).

The mains wave is rectified, filtered and stabilized by the stabilized power supply (8).

OPERATING MODES OF THE CAPTURE AND DISPLAY MEANS
SCORES, ESPECIALLY FOR A BILLIARD GAME:
These operating modes define the functional analysis of the software integrated in the read-only memory (3) and emulated by the programmable processing unit.

According to the invention; 3 game modes are managed by this device the free part; the game in sets; the international case.

The keyboard (24) consists of
8 t game mode selection key (35).

* 10 numeric keys (36) from 0 to 9.
g 1 validation key (37) for the current entry.

* 1 correction key (38) from the last entry
carried out.

8 1. parameters consultation key (3.9);
variable depending on the game mode.

The score display is spread over 3 main areas
* 1 area for displaying the scores of player N 1
composed of an indicator (22-1) to display the
point marking tower; an area (Z1) for
view the current score or enter the
points, and an area (Z2) to view the
game and game mode settings.

The zones (Zi) and (Z2) are displayed on
electroluminescent segment displays (21-
1, 21-2, 21-3, 21-7, 21-8, 21-9) which equip
respectively the cards (28.30).

8 t zone for the display of Player 2 scores
composed of an indicator (22 2) to display the
point marking tower; an area (Z3) for
view the current score or enter the
points 5 and an area (Z4) to view the
parameters relating to the game and the game mode.

The zones (Z7.) And (Z4) are displayed on
electroluminescent segment displays (21-
4, 21-5, 21-6, 21-10, 21-11, 21-12) which equip
respectively the cards (29,31).

8 1 Zone (Z5) for displaying lap resumptions
of play.

The display of the zone (Z5) is carried out on
electroluminescent segment displays (21-13,
21-14), which equip the card (32).

The selected game mode is displayed by 3. light-emitting diodes (25). Each of the 3. modes is assigned a diode,
Principle of entering scores and consulting parameters relating to the game
Game in sets 1) Press the selection key (35) of the game mode with pulses until the corresponding light-emitting diode lights up.

2) Enter the distance of player N 1 (number of points to reach to win a set) using the number keys (3.6) then press the validation key (3.7) on the keyboard. The display takes place in the zone (Z1) and the indicator (22-1) is lit.

After validation the indicator (22-1) goes out and the indicator (22-2) lights up indicating that the player N 2's distance must be entered, and the zones (Zi and
Z3) initialize to zero.

3) Enter the distance of player N 2 (same procedure).

After validation, the indicator (22-2) goes out and the indicator (22-1) lights up to indicate that the points made by Player N 1 must be entered.

4) Alternately enter the points made by players N 1 and N 2 using the numeric keys (36) then press the validation key (37) on the keyboard. The display is performed respectively for players N 1 and 2 in the zones (Zi) and (Z3).

The validation gives the min to the other player to play his turn.

The indicators (22-1, 22-2) light up and go out alternately according to the player to be treated.

5) At each validation of the points5 an update of the zones (Z1) to Z5) is carried out - the zones (Z1, Z3) total the points recorded at
each recovery.

- the zones (Z2, Z4) display the sets won.

- the zone (Z5) increments the number of times (turns
as soon as the player who started the set has
saved his points, 6) When a player reaches the distance recorded at the start of the game, he wins the set. The number of the set won is displayed in the zone (Z2) or (Z4) depending on the
Player. The game continues with the zones (Zi;
Z2, Z3, Z5) X zero; for the next set.

The choice of the first player to start a set depends on the set number: player N 1 always starts odd sets and player N 2, even sets. This management is automated by the device.

The game is played in 3 winning sets. The zones (Z2; Z4) include; digits. Each digit is reserved for a set.

7) At any time it is possible to "- correct the last validated result; by pressing
the correction key (38). In this case all
display areas display the previous context
this validation.

- consult the average of the Players by pressing the
button (3.9). This average is calculated for each
player, dividing the number of points in the current set
by the number of times then displayed for
a few seconds, temporarily replacing
the display of the sets won on the zones (Z2; Z4), The
result of averaging being a number
decimal; the display area with only 3
digits; this is displayed in 2 steps: 3 digits before
the decimal point and 3. digits after the decimal point.

- to interrupt or restart a game by pressing
simultaneously on the keys (3.7 and 3.8). Areas
display resets to start a game.

Free part 1) Same.

2) Same except that the notion of sets does not exist. The game ends when the distance is reached.

3) Same.

4) Same.

5) Same except - the zones (Z2, Z4) display the best series (the
greater number of points in a recovery).

6) When a Player reaches the distance recorded at the start of the game, he wins the game 7) Same.

International case part 1) Same.

2) and 3.) The concept of distance exists but is constant and equal to 7. It is therefore useless to grasp it.

4) Each player alternately marks his points in the following way - the mark is carried out point by point because it corresponds to a precise figure to be achieved.

 The only authorized brand digital key is therefore the number "i", validated by the key (37). Any other key is inactive.

- it is planned to use "jokers" during the game (maximum 3 per Player) but which have no effect on the totalizer of points. However, it is necessary to count the number of Jokers used by each Player over an entire game.

To use a joker, enter the number "0", then validate with the key (37).

The display is made respectively for Players N0 1 and 2 in the zones (Zi) and (Z3.).

Only a validation without entering the numbers "1" or "0" gives the other player a hand to play in turn.

The indicators (22-1, 22-2) light up and go out alternately according to the player to be treated.

5) Same.

 6) Same.

 77 Same as for the consultation key (39). There is no averaging in this game mode.

By pressing this key the zones (Z2 and Z4) display the number of wild cards used by each player.

A variant of this device consists in using it in a game mode linked to the American pool billiard or in a "snocker" mode. Changes in software and hardware are defined as follows.

- the device is used exclusively in a single game mode, The notion of game mode selection disappears. The diodes (25) are unnecessary.

- the zone (Z5), on 3. digits, is assigned to the display of all data entered on the numeric keypad.

- the zones (Z1) and (Z3) display the current scores.

The value of the score depends on the number of points and the penalties - the zones (and (Z4) total the penalties acquired by players N 1 and N 2 respectively.

- to enter the points5 enter the number from the numeric keys then validate for the player N 1 i by the key (38) and for the player NO by the key (37).

- to enter penalties; first press the penalty key (35), enter the number using the numeric keys then confirm for player N 1 with the key (38), and for player N 2 with the key (37).

- the correction; with the same concept of restoring the context preceding this command; is ensured by the key (39).

Claims (7)

CLAIMS 1) Electronic scoreboard, especially for billiards, with a display; a keyboard managed Far a programmable processing unit characterized in that it comprises "- a means (R) por controlling the operation provided by the software which controls the programmable processing unit, - a means (B) for consulting parameters game or system - means (C) for selecting a game and point counting mode; from among several preset modes - means (D) for deporting the commands from the device to the outside - means (E) to connect and establish a communication on a two-wire computer bus; common to several tables. - a means (F) for moving the display of scores outside the device. - a means (G) for putting in QU device out of service from a foreign system - means (H) for saving parameters in the event of loss of the energy source t Device according to claim t characterized in that the means (A) for controlling the operation of the software is con consisting of a microcontroller (1) clocked by a quartz (7), an address decoder (2) linking the microcontroller to the memories (3,4) of the software implanted in the memory (3) which has a spot of background (zone of the program executed systematically whatever the treatment in progress) consisting in resetting to zero a resettable monostable / astable (6) which without this resetting to zero resets the microcontroller, thus reducing the application to the sequencing provided for by the software . 3) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the means (B) for consulting game parameters QU of the system consists of a display interface (17) composed of 2 Johnson counters cascaded by addressing the decoder (2) and activated by the presence of a rising edge generated by the microcontroller on the counting input. The outputs of the Johnson meters are thus shifted successively and select the BCD / 7-segment decoders (20) of the display cards (28 to 3.2) to validate on a rising edge the 4-bit data from an output port of the microcontroller and permanently present on the inputs of the decoders (20). 4) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the means (C) for selecting a game mode and counting points; among several preset modes; in particular 3. for French billiards (free game modes, sets; and international casino) is achieved by a push button belonging to the keyboard (24) whose actuation is interpreted by the programmable processing unit which on the one hand is active successively and exclusively one bit from an output port of the microcontroller (1) connected respectively to light-emitting diodes (25); thus viewing the selected game mode; and on the other hand selects the rule of the chosen game mode.  5) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the means (D) to deport the commands to the outside consists of an external keyboard (24)  connected to the microcontroller (1) by a transmission medium (X) by means of an interface (Y) adapted to the mode of transmission of electrical information @ said external keyboard being itself equipped with a transmission interface of the same mode. The external keyboard, through the interface (Y) replaces (PL1) the device keyboard by inhibiting (PL2) the latter by a polarity according to the synoptic combination of the logic gates (PL1, PL2). 6) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that  that the means (E) for connecting and establishing a communication on a computer bus common to several panels consists, according to the invention, of a component specific to the serial bidirectional transmission mode (14) connected on the one hand to a base (21) for external connection on a two-wire differential link common to several  devices, on the other hand connected to the integrated communication port of the microcontroller (1), the transmitting data there being processed by the programmable processing unit. 7) Device according to claim 1 is characterized in that the means (F) for offsetting the  score display information. , consists of a signal bus from the microcontroller (the data write control signal and data bus bits) and the address decoder (2), said signals being amplified and accessible externally on the base (15). The rising edge of the write command validates the data present on the bus during address decoding. 8) Device according to claim i characterized in that the means (8) for commissioning the device from an external system consists of a relay (9) whose coil must be controlled by an electrical voltage so that the relay contacts wired in parallel to the main switch (11) replace each other, said coil being accessible externally from the base (13). 9) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the means (H) for saving parameters in the event of loss of energy consists of a critical voltage threshold detector (5) connected to a hardware interrupt port microcontroller (1) which causes a software interruption, the processing routine of which consists in writing the data to be saved in the electrically writable and erasable memory (4) addressed and controlled by the programmable processing unit, while the capacity (Ci) takes over from the missing energy source.