Distributed Scoring System for Bowling Centers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lengthy communication lines in bowling center scoring systems introduce electrical and mechanical noise, incompatibility with high-definition video, and disrupt timing critical for pinsetter operations, while requiring expensive video cables.
Innovation Solution
A distributed scoring system with multiple computing devices physically closer to their respective peripherals, using a network for communication and a process map to define communication protocols, allowing for shorter, less expensive connections and real-time configuration and failure recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a monolithic scoring system with a central lane computer is used to connect all peripherals, then system integration is simplified, but communication lines become lengthy introducing electrical noise and mechanical noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monolithic scoring system into multiple distributed computing devices, each responsible for specific peripherals or functions. This segmentation reduces communication line lengths between components and isolates noise sources, thereby reducing electrical and mechanical noise while maintaining system integration through standardized communication protocols.
2Area of stationary object
If lengthy communication lines are used to connect peripherals to the central lane computer, then system coverage is extended, but video quality degrades and high-definition video becomes incompatible
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments video processing and display functions into separate computing devices located closer to display peripherals. This reduces the length of video communication lines, preserving signal quality and enabling high-definition video output while maintaining broad system coverage through the distributed network architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are connected to the central scoring system, then system functionality is enhanced, but timing critical for pinsetter operation is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns specific timing-critical functions to dedicated computing devices that are physically closer to the pinsetter and other time-sensitive peripherals. This segmentation isolates timing-critical communication paths from other system traffic, ensuring precise timing for pinsetter operation while allowing the rest of the system to expand functionality through additional connected devices.
4Manufacturing precision
If expensive video cables are used to connect the central lane computer to displays, then video quality is maintained, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments video processing and transmission into multiple shorter connections between distributed computing devices and display peripherals. This eliminates the need for single lengthy expensive video cables, maintaining video quality through shorter transmission paths while reducing overall system cost through the use of standard, shorter cabling throughout the distributed network.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a distributed bowling center system includes two or more computing devices associated with respective bowling center peripherals. The bowling center peripherals are any electronic or mechanical device in a bowling center capable of detecting a bowling event or receiving input. Example bowling center peripherals include a pinsetter, a monitor, a bumper, a keypad, or a touchscreen. The bowling center peripherals are configured to perform at least one bowler center function. The computing devices are configured to execute at least one process related to a bowler center function of the associated peripheral. Each computing device is located physically closer to the peripheral than the other computer device. The computing devices are in communication via a network. The computing devices are configured to access a process map defining the communication, which is responsive to the at least one bowler center function.