RFID Pin Tracking for Automated Bowling Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of automated systems for scoring, tracking gameplay, pin position, and pin placement during FOWLING™ competitions, which hinders efficient monitoring and ranking of players or teams.
Innovation Solution
An automated system utilizing RFID tags on pins and a conductive or magnetic disk array to track pin positions and gameplay, with a processor to record and display real-time data, including a timing display and internet connectivity for player rankings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual scoring and pin tracking is used, then device complexity is low, but measurement precision and productivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking with an automated RFID-based detection system. RFID tags attached to pins and readers positioned along the lane automatically detect and track pin positions, replacing the need for manual observation and recording by scorers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the physical pin positions through RFID detection. The system generates electronic representations of pin locations and game state that can be processed, stored, and transmitted without physically moving or touching the actual pins.
2Productivity
If no automated timing system is used, then device complexity is low, but loss of time in scoring and tracking is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID readers continuously monitor pin positions throughout the game without interruption. The system maintains constant detection capability, ensuring that pin positions are tracked in real-time rather than being checked periodically or manually at discrete moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The pins themselves carry RFID tags that automatically provide identification and position information when detected by readers. The system serves itself by having the tracked objects (pins) contain the necessary identification data, eliminating the need for external tracking devices attached to the pins.
3Reliability
If pins are tracked manually, then reliability of pin position data is low, but device complexity is minimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates continuous feedback loops where RFID readers constantly detect pin positions and feed this information back to the scoring system. This real-time feedback ensures that the game state is accurately updated based on actual pin positions, allowing for immediate verification and correction of game state data.
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 accurate and efficient scoring, tracking, and real-time monitoring of gameplay, facilitating fair competition and player ranking, while also preventing pin theft through RFID-based security.
Implementation Method 1
Each individual pin that forms the two sets of pins is configured with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. An RFID reader is in electrical communication with the RFID tags.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated system is provided for scoring and tracking pin position and pin placement, gameplay, and playing time during games of FOWLING™. A modified pin with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag affixed to or implanted in the pin provides tracking of individual pins during gameplay. A RFID reader is used to poll the set of pins on the platform to determine when a pin has left a set position. A processor controls the RFID tag reader and a clock so as to track pin position versus time. A pin position array is used in conjunction with conductive or magnetic disks on the bottom portion or surface of the pin for tracking pin position, pin placement, and gameplay. The conductive or magnetic disks complete circuit junctions in the array that confirm the presence of a standing pin and when a pin has been dislodged and presumably toppled over.