Shuffleboard Scoring Camera Angles and Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic shuffleboard scoring systems are vulnerable to interference and errors due to non-puck objects, manual placement of pucks, and obstruction of the camera's field of view, leading to inaccuracies in scoring and slowing down gameplay.
Innovation Solution
A shuffleboard scoring system featuring a camera that captures images of the sliding surface, with a processor to detect moving pucks with predetermined characteristics, verify valid throws by identifying a moving puck followed by a stationary arrangement, and calculate scores based on puck positions, while using color filters and angled camera views to filter irrelevant data and prevent cheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual scoring is used, then scoring accuracy is maintained through human judgement, but gameplay speed decreases due to manual logging time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical scoring process with an automated optical detection system. A camera captures images of the shuffleboard table, and image processing algorithms automatically detect puck positions and calculate scores, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection and logging while maintaining scoring accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service scoring where the shuffleboard table itself provides scoring information through its built-in sensors and camera. The table automatically detects puck positions and calculates scores without requiring external scorers or manual intervention, allowing players to focus on gameplay rather than scorekeeping.
2Productivity
If automatic scoring systems with cameras are used, then gameplay speed is improved by eliminating manual scoring, but scoring integrity deteriorates due to vulnerability to interference and cheating
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary validation by detecting whether objects on the table match expected puck characteristics (size, shape, color, position) before accepting them as valid scoring elements. This preliminary check prevents cheating by automatically rejecting non-puck objects or manually placed pucks that don't conform to game rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback by monitoring the table surface for objects that don't match puck characteristics. When anomalies are detected (such as non-puck objects or improperly placed pucks), the system can alert players or automatically disallow scores, creating a feedback loop that maintains scoring integrity throughout gameplay.
3Area of stationary object
If camera field of view is expanded to cover entire table, then all puck positions are detectable, but interference from stray objects and manual placements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different detection criteria to different regions of the table. High-confidence detection zones are established where puck positions can be reliably identified, while areas more susceptible to interference require additional validation. The system adjusts its sensitivity and validation requirements based on the local context of where objects are detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes detection parameters such as object size thresholds, shape tolerance, and position validity criteria based on the detected context. When potential cheating or interference is detected, the system adjusts its parameters to become more stringent, requiring higher confidence levels before accepting scores from certain regions or under certain conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A scoring system is disclosed for a shuffleboard table 2 having a sliding surface 4 on which a puck 6 can be thrown. A camera 26 is arranged to point in a direction 28 that is angled relative to the normal 30 of the sliding surface 4. A puck 6 can be thrown and a computer 32 can detect a moving object within a throwing zone 16. The computer 32 analyses whether the detected moving object corresponds to a valid puck. When all pucks are stationary on the sliding surface 4 the computer 32 can calculate a score.