Bowling Lane Sensor and Lighting System for Interactive Gameplay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bowling systems lack interactive and engaging features that can convert existing lanes into non-competitive or fun environments, limiting the appeal and enjoyment for bowlers seeking new experiences.
Innovation Solution
A bowling system incorporating non-contact sensors, a lighting system, and an electronic control system that tracks the bowling ball's position and provides dynamic lighting effects, along with intelligent bumpers and sensors to create interactive games, allowing for varied gameplay and enhanced entertainment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bowling systems are used, then the structure is simple and easy to operate, but the system lacks interactive and engaging features
Solution Approach 1:
The bowling system integrates multiple functions including sensor detection, lighting control, and game management into a single platform. The sensor system can detect various events (ball position, pin knockdowns, gutter balls), the lighting system can provide multiple effects (tracking, zone highlighting, celebrations), and the electronic control system can manage different game formats, all within one unified system that maintains compatibility with traditional bowling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system acts as an intermediary between the sensor system and lighting system. It receives signals from sensors detecting ball position and other events, processes this information, and triggers appropriate lighting effects. This mediator component enables interactive gameplay without requiring direct complex connections between all system elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors and lighting systems are added to create interactive features, then player engagement increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the bowling lane into multiple detectable zones using sensor arrays positioned along the lane. Contact sensors segment the bumpers into multiple contact detection zones. This segmentation allows the system to detect specific events (ball entering gutter, hitting specific bumper zones, knocking down pins) without requiring a single complex sensor system, thereby managing complexity through modular detection zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system automatically detects ball position and game events without requiring manual input or complex processing. The lighting system automatically responds to detected events with pre-programmed lighting effects. This self-service capability reduces the operational complexity and allows the system to manage multiple components through automated event-driven responses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-contact sensors and lighting systems are integrated, then entertainment value is enhanced, but the system requires more complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor ball position and game events, and the electronic control system adjusts lighting effects in real-time based on this feedback. The lighting system provides visual feedback to players about ball trajectory and game events, creating an interactive experience where the system responds dynamically to player actions without requiring complex manual control.
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
Enables the transformation of traditional bowling lanes into interactive and engaging environments, offering new game formats, increased player interaction, and enhanced entertainment value while maintaining the option to revert to standard gameplay.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more non-contact sensors comprises a camera, which may include infra-red capabilities. The one or more non-contact sensors can also be ultrasound sensors, microwave radar or optical sensors. The optical sensors detect the bowling ball breaking a light beam or an array of light beams
Implementation Method 2
a lighting system configured to light predetermined locations within a bowling centre in predetermined arrangements; and an electronic control system which receives signals from the one or more non-contact sensors, determines a position of the bowling ball on the bowling lane and provides signals to the lighting system to light the predetermined locations within the bowling centre in the predetermined arrangements
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to bowling center systems and, more particularly, to bowling games, bowling systems and equipment used in a bowling center, for example. The bowling system, includes: one or more non-contact sensors which are configured to detect a position of a bowling ball as it is rolling down a bowling lane; a lighting system configured to light predetermined locations within a bowling centre in predetermined arrangements; and an electronic control system which receives signals from the one or more non-contact sensors, determines a position of the bowling ball on the bowling lane and provides signals to the lighting system to light the predetermined locations within the bowling centre in the predetermined arrangements.