Bowling Lane Error Detection via Optical Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical systems in bowling lanes, such as pinsetters and ball returns, often malfunction, leading to delays and disruptions in gameplay, as existing technologies lack effective methods for early detection and prevention of errors.
Innovation Solution
An error detection system utilizing cameras and computers to analyze light levels and pixel changes, providing early warnings to maintenance crews and potentially shutting down malfunctioning components to prevent further issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical systems (pinsetter, ball return) operate automatically without monitoring, then operational simplicity is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to undetected malfunctions causing gameplay disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical monitoring systems with an optical detection system using cameras and image processing. Instead of using mechanical sensors or switches to detect malfunctions, the system captures images of the pinsetter and ball return areas, then uses computer vision algorithms to analyze pixel changes and identify error conditions such as jammed pins or balls. This substitution improves reliability while avoiding additional mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the physical pinsetter and ball return system. By capturing visual representations of the mechanical components and analyzing these copies through image processing, the system can detect malfunctions without physically interacting with or adding complex monitoring hardware to the original mechanical systems.
2Measurement precision
If error detection system continuously monitors all areas, then detection precision is improved, but energy consumption increases due to constant camera operation and image processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring by capturing images at specific intervals or triggered by events (such as when a ball is returned or pins are set). Instead of continuously streaming video, the system takes snapshots at relevant moments and processes only those images. This approach maintains high detection precision for critical events while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary image capture and analysis to detect potential errors before they become critical gameplay disruptions. By monitoring key areas and conditions in advance, the system can identify issues like jammed components early, allowing for timely intervention while minimizing the need for intensive continuous processing of all system areas.
3Reliability
If multiple cameras are positioned to monitor all critical areas, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple cameras and processing channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the camera system so that each camera serves multiple monitoring functions. A single camera positioned strategically can monitor both the pinsetter area and the ball return path, or detect multiple types of errors (jammed pins, jammed balls, misaligned components) simultaneously. This multi-functionality improves detection coverage while reducing the total number of cameras and associated processing complexity compared to dedicated single-purpose sensors for each monitoring task.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively detects and alerts maintenance of pinsetter and ball return malfunctions, minimizing gameplay interruptions by allowing for timely repairs before bowlers notice delays.
Implementation Method 1
a video camera positioned adjacent to the pinsetter to detect malfunctions of the pinsetter; a computer in data communication with the video camera to receive light levels of a field of view of the video camera
Data Source
AI summary
An error detection system for notifying maintenance personnel of errors in a bowling lane operation may include a camera, artificial light source (optional), a computer that sends an output signal. The output signal may be a signal to provide notification to maintenance personnel to fix the error or an electrical signal to the pinsetter or ball return unit to manipulate operation of the same to prevent further damage. In this manner, interruptions and delays to bowlers will be minimized because maintenance personnel is immediately notified of any errors and can resolve the errors before the bowler realizes the error.