Bowling Pin Deck LED Light Assembly with Infrared Scoring Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bowling establishments' lighting and sound systems often distract from the pin deck, failing to enhance the bowling experience and interfering with automatic scoring systems, as they are not specifically designed for the pin deck and often clash with standard fluorescent lighting.
Innovation Solution
A light and sound system for the bowling pin deck featuring a light assembly with an array of LEDs and a controller that coordinates light and sound effects, compatible with infrared lighting for automatic scoring and standard fluorescent lighting, allowing for customizable illumination and sound experiences without structural modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If overall environment lighting and sound systems are used in bowling establishments, then the entertainment atmosphere is enhanced, but the pin deck becomes distracted from and the bowling experience is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing lighting and sound effects specifically at the pin deck location rather than throughout the entire bowling establishment. The light assembly with LEDs and sound system are positioned to create localized entertainment effects directly where the pins are, allowing the pin deck to be the focus of attention while still providing enhanced entertainment atmosphere.
2Reliability
If fluorescent lighting is used for pin deck illumination, then standard bowling conditions are maintained, but light and sound entertainment effects cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the lighting system adjustable between different modes. The controller can switch between providing standard fluorescent-like illumination for serious bowling and colored LED lighting effects for entertainment purposes. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different bowling scenarios and player preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional light assembly that can serve both as a standard bowling illumination source and as an entertainment lighting system. The same hardware infrastructure supports both serious bowling conditions and recreational entertainment effects, making the system versatile for different uses.
3Measurement precision
If infrared lighting is used for automatic scoring systems, then scoring accuracy is improved, but compatibility with entertainment lighting systems is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the infrared lighting function from the visible entertainment lighting function. The light assembly includes both infrared LEDs for automatic scoring and visible colored LEDs for entertainment effects. The controller manages both functions independently, allowing the infrared scoring system to operate without interference from the entertainment lighting while still providing enhanced visual effects.
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 provides an immersive and enjoyable bowling experience by focusing lighting and sound on the pin deck, enhancing gameplay while maintaining compatibility with existing automatic scoring systems and standard lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
said light assembly having an array of light emitting diodes positioned to cast light therefrom upon the pin deck
Data Source
AI summary
A light and sound system for a bowling pin deck includes a controller interposed between a music system and a light assembly connected to a forward end of a pin setter assembly and positioned forwardly and above a bowling pin deck. The light assembly includes a rearwardly and downwardly projecting light arrangement of colored and infrared LEDs mounted upon a light plate. Positioned above the light plate is a standard fluorescent bulb for uniform traditional illumination of the pin deck. The LEDs are configured and positioned for full illumination of the pin deck in various colors including red, green and blue, which are illuminated by a controller either independently of or in conjunction with the music system. During all periods, the infrared LEDs are illuminated to operate in conjunction with the automatic scorer.