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Description  |
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an interactive bowling alley system and more
particularly to a system for performing a variety of functions in a
bowling alley environment including automatic bowling scoring and
projecting such scores onto a lighted screen or video monitor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The sport of bowling enjoys a large popularity in the United States and
many foreign countries. Although scoring for a game of bowling is
relatively simple, many people are unfamiliar with the rules and thus
cannot derive full enjoyment from the game because they are unable to
properly score the game. Thus, these people cannot compare their scores to
the scores of others because the scores have been kept on an inconsistent
basis. In addition, unfamiliarity with scoring delays the game, thus
reducing the profits of the bowling establishment operator.
Unfamiliarity with rules is a special problem in many bowling
establishments which cater to bowling "leagues" in which many teams bowl
competitively against each other. In a league bowling situation it is
especially important for the scoring of each team to be kept in a
consistent manner so that the scores can be readily compared to determine
which team has done the best.
Accordingly, a number of systems have been developed which can
automatically keep track of bowling scores on a real time basis during a
game These systems typically consist of a computer which accepts inputs
from conventional automatic pin scoring equipment to determine the number
of pins standing after a ball has been rolled. While these systems operate
in a satisfactory manner with automatic pin scoring equipment they are
difficult for the bowlers to use.
Typically, such systems force the user to communicate with the system by
means of a standard computer keyboard with either a printed set of
instructions or a video display which prompts the bowler to press the keys
in a correct sequence. Different sequences may be used to enter a bowler's
name or change a score which is displayed on the score monitor. This
method of interaction has been found to be time consuming and error prone
especially for unsophisticated or novice users. Quite often an incorrect
key is pressed during a particular sequence and then due to the
inflexibility of the system, it is difficult to change the sequence or to
enter correct information. The result is frustration of the users and
inconsistent scores. A more specific object of the present invention to
provide an automatic scoring system which minimizes the likelihood that
users will make incorrect or inappropriate choices.
In addition to performing automatic scoring, there are a number of
additional functions which need to be performed at a bowling alley which
are not performed in optimum fashion by existing systems. Such functions
include, but are in no way limited to, permitting patrons to order food
and beverages without leaving the bowling alley site and without requiring
the presence of a waiter or waitress to take orders. It would also be
desirable if such food or beverage orders, and/or other services performed
for the patron, including the payment for games bowled, could be
automatically charged to the patron's credit card, debit card, account at
the bowling alley, or the like so that a waiter or waitress would be
required to merely deliver orders and not to collect money or to make
extra trips between the alley and a central location to process credit
cards or the like.
The operation and use of the system could also be enhanced and simplified
by providing regular patrons with a machine readable membership card, by
providing the systems with the capability of recognizing such patrons from
a machine-read credit card, or by giving the patron a unique ID number
which could be entered into the system in response to a system prompt.
Once the machine recognizes the patron, it can automatically enter stored
set-up information for the patron, eliminating the need to manually enter
such information. The system could also store information on patron
scores, handicap, birthday, etc. and could automatically update scores and
handicaps as each game is played. The system could also keep track of
games played by a patron and use this information to compute membership
premiums, discounts or the like. The member ID card, either alone or in
conjunction with a patron entered personal identification code, could be
used to provide a security function for user charges or the release of
stored information on the user.
Further, there may frequently be dead times between bowling games, when a
lane is inoperative for some reason or at other times. It would be
desirable if entertainment functions such as word games, video games or
the like could be provided to the patrons during such lull times, either
at no charge, or at a charge which could be made against a credit card,
credit account or the like, to keep patrons amused during such intervals.
It would also be desirable if the same equipment which provided the various
capabilities indicated above could also be utilized to perform various
administrative and problem solving functions such as advising a front desk
or a repair person located behind the alley when a problem develops in an
alley requiring action, thus permitting the unproductive time in the use
of an alley to be minimized. Such a system might also be utilized for
performing other administrative functions.
Finally, it would be desirable if such a system could perform an
announcement function, providing a patron on request with information on
tournaments, league schedules, standings or the like, sales at the alley
shop and the like.
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved
interactive automatic system for use at bowling alleys which is adapted to
perform one or more of a variety of functions including, but not limited
to, automatic or semi-automatic scoring, automatic ordering of
refreshments (i.e., food and beverages), automatic charging for
refreshments or other service, automatic administrative functions such as
clearing problems on the alley, entertainment functions, announcement
functions, and the like.
A more specific object of the present invention is to provide an automatic
scoring system which minimizes the likelihood that users will make
incorrect or inappropriate choices.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatic
scoring system which is interactive and guides the user to make the
correct choices.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an automatic
scoring system which does not use a fixed keyboard or require the user to
manipulate a set of keys.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an automatic
scoring system in which the user can interact with the system by merely
touching an input device to cause an appropriate set of choices to appear
on the screen.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an automatic
scoring system which is easy to use even for unsophisticated or novice
bowlers.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an automatic
scoring system which can easily connect to conventional pin scoring
technology.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an automatic
scoring system which can easily be retrofitted into existing bowling
establishments.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an automatic
scoring system which can easily be used in foreign countries with simple
software changes in letters and symbols and without requiring changes in
hardware such as keyboards.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The foregoing objects are achieved and the foregoing problems are solved in
accordance with the teachings of this invention by providing an
interactive bowling alley system which has a computer adapted to store
information concerning selected bowling alley functions. A touch-screen
device is located at the patron area for at least selected ones of the
bowling alley lanes, the touch-screen device including a video monitor. A
menu of the selected bowling alley functions appears on the video monitor
under the control of the computer and a key area is provided on the
monitor for each menu item. In response to the user touching the key area
for a menu item, selected information is provided on the monitor to the
user concerning the performance of the selected bowling alley function.
Among the selected bowling alley functions are ordering refreshments,
entertainment, problem correction, announcement, payment/charge, and
scoring. The system would perform two or more of these function.
In response to the user touching a key area corresponding to one of the
menu items, the computer is caused to provide to the monitor and to
display thereon selected information concerning the function corresponding
to the touched key area. The selected information could include a menu of
available options for the selected function and/or instructions for
performing the selected function. There is a key area provided on the
monitor for each available option and there are key areas provided on the
monitor for operation by a user in performing a selected function. In
response to the user touching a key area for an available option,
additional available options on the function are displayed or, if
additional available options are not stored, the selected available option
is performed. In response to displayed instructions, information
corresponding to such key areas may be entered into the computer. As a
result, a user may easily perform selected bowling alley functions without
having prior computer knowledge or experience. In one illustrative
embodiment of the invention, an automatic scoring device is controlled by
a computer that interacts with users by means of a touch-screen device.
The touch-screen device consists of a video monitor and a mechanism which
allows the computer to sense the area of the screen which is touched by
the user.
In operation, the computer controls the video monitor to present various
operational choices to the user. The user then selects one of the choices
by means of touching the screen. The software program running in the
computer then interprets the selected area of the screen based on pin
sense inputs, previous user choices and the particular operational
sequence being executed at the time.
The computer may take further action which may include displaying
additional choices or performing a requested transaction. Further choices
which are presented to the user after each selection are those which are
appropriate in the particular situation. Since only appropriate
information and selection choices are provided, the probability of a user
making an inappropriate response is reduced. Error correcting routines
allow the user to easily modify an incorrect choice so that the user
cannot reach a point at which he cannot appropriately respond. User
frustration is reduced and user satisfaction with the sport of bowling is
thereby increased.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 of the drawing is a block diagram functional schematic showing the
connection of the main system components for one pair of lanes.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an initial touch-screen display for
selecting a lane to be activated.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a a display presented by the computer of
the main system monitor.
FIG. 4 is a secondary touch-screen display for selecting a bowler.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an editing touch-screen display including
an alphabetic key set for entering a bowler name.
FIG. 6 is a diagram of the main menu touch-screen display.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a secondary menu touch-screen display
which is displayed during actual bowling.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a secondary touch-screen display which
allows editing of scores.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a secondary editing touch-screen display.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an alternative master menu touch-screen
display.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram electrical schematic of the interactive
scoring system. The system is controlled and coordinated by means of a
computer 102. Computer 102 receives inputs from a touch-screen
input/output device 130, from pin sensing units 120 and 122 and from card
reader 123. Computer 102 also displays information to the bowlers on video
monitors 104 and 106 and may communicate with central locations such as
the main desk, the pin setter area behind the pins or the snack bar by
means of a master communication line 142.
In order to save cost, the automatic scoring unit is designed so that a
single control computer 102 can handle bowling scoring information on two
adjacent bowling lanes. Each lane has its own video monitor (such as
monitors 104 and 106) and pin sensing units (corresponding to units 120
and 122). The unit may also have two touch-screen input devices to allow
the bowlers to enter information. However, to reduce cost, the unit can
also be designed to operate with a single touch-screen input/output device
130 which is typically located between the two lanes on the conventional
console.
The control computer 102 displays the bowler's scores by means of video
monitors 104 and 106. Typically these video monitors will be mounted over
the bowlers consoles so that they can display the scores during play. The
video monitors receive signals from either of two sources. For example,
video monitor 104 can receive bowling score information, via cable 108,
from control computer 102. However, in addition, monitor 104 can receive
video signals from a master video audio channel 150. More particularly,
computer 102 can control a master switch 112 by means of signals
transferred bus 118 to connect monitor 104 to bus 150 by means of buses
152 and 116. This latter connection allows the monitor to receive video
and audio signals from a central source. Such video and audio signals may,
for example, advertise upcoming events or food or beverages available in
the bowling alley snack area.
Similarly, the right lane monitor 106 may receive signals from computer
102, via cable 110, or master video and audio signals over bus 150, via
buses 152 and 114 through video and audio channel select switch 112.
Computer 102 may also receive pin sense signals from the pin sense units
120 and 122. These units may be conventional pin sensing units which use
either mechanical sensors or ultrasonic or infrared beams to sense the
number of pins which remain standing after each ball is thrown.
Alternatively, a passive pin sensing unit may be used. A suitable passive
pin sensing arrangement is disclosed in copending U.S. patent application,
Ser. No. 823,591, entitled "Pinfall Detector Using Video Camera", filed on
Jan. 29, 1986, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,827,412 the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
Pin sensing units 120 and 122, in addition to sensing the number of pins
which remain standing after a ball is thrown, also sense whether a foul
has been committed and keep track of the number balls thrown in each lane.
Computer 102 receives the pinfall, foul and ball information via bus 124
from pin sense unit 120 and, via bus 126, from via sense unit 122.
The bowlers interact with computer 102 by means of touch-screen
input/output device 130. Device 130 may receive signals from computer 102,
via bus 134, and may provide signals to computer 102 via bus 132.
Touch-screen input/output device 130 is a conventional device which
typically consists of a video monitor screen on which is mounted a
touch-sensitive detection unit. The touch sensitive unit may be an
infrared detection unit or a transparent, contact-sensitive array.
A conventional infrared detection unit has a plurality of infrared sources
and infrared detectors arranged along the edges of the video screen. The
infrared sources generate a plurality of infrared beams which are received
by the detectors. The beams form an intersecting grid pattern over the
face of the video display. When the user places his finger on the screen
face one or more of the beams are interrupted and the device forwards
information to the controlling computer indicating which area of the
screen has been touched by the user. Alternatively, the plurality of
infrared beams may be generated by a single infrared source and a
combination of rotating and fixed mirrors. With the latter type of system
a single infrared sensor may be used to detect the beams. A dedicated
microprocessor is used to process the detected information to determine
where the user has touched the screen.
A conventional contact-sensitive detection unit consists of two sheets of
transparent plastic which have electrical conductors mounted on the sides
of the plastic sheets which face each other. The plastic sheet/ electrical
conductor array overlays the video screen. Pressing on the sheets in an
area of the screen electrically shorts the two layers sending signals to
the computer indicating the area of the screen which has been pressed.
Alternatively, a non-switched capacitive sensor array may be used which
uses the change in capacitance which results from touching of the screen
to detect the position of the user's finger.
In the case of any of the detection units, suitable software routines in
the control computer 102 convert the screen location into a selection by
the user.
The advantage of the touch-screen and video monitor combination is that the
controlling computer 102 can easily change the display of information on
the touch-screen video screen so that only information which is relevant
or appropriate at a particular time is displayed to the user, thus
simplifying the user's choice and minimizing the chance that the user will
make an error or enter inappropriate information. In particular, the
computer can define a plurality of "key areas" on the touch-screen device.
These areas act like physical keys in that they cause the computer to
perform a designated action when pressed. However, since the key areas are
merely defined areas on a video screen, they can be quickly and easily
changed in number, position and appearance to present appropriate
selections to the user. The key areas can contain standard logos or
"icons" representing common tasks or choices. Thus, the system can be
easily used in foreign contries without replacing a keyboard simply by
reprogramming the key areas with symbols or words appropriate to a
specific country.
For example, if a user wanted to enter his or her name and touched an
appropriate box displayed on the touch-screen video screen which
designated alphabetic entry, then the control computer would cause the
touch-screen device to display an alphabetic keyboard on its video screen.
The user would then be able to enter his name by touching the letters
corresponding to the proper spelling. Once the name is entered, the video
display associated with the touch-screen device would return to a standard
menu of operations and the alphabet key areas would be removed from the
touch-screen since they are no longer necessary and could confuse the
user.
The touch-screen hardware and software typically presents choices to the
user in areas of the screen defined by line boxes drawn by the computer.
The user chooses or activates the appropriate selections by touching the
area of the video screen within the appropriate box. Data sent by the
touch-screen input device is interpreted by software running in control
computer 102 to determine if the user has touched or selected one of the
currently available actions displayed on the screen. The computer then
executes the appropriate routine requested and may display another set of
selections which are appropriate at that point in the controlling
sequence.
In operation, the software routines which operate in control computer 102
are arranged into a set of interactive sequences. Such a sequence may, for
example, allow the bowler to enter his name, to change or to correct
scores or to change colors on the video display so that the display can be
used during league bowling. Each of the interactive sequences defined by
the software has its own unique set of video displays which may appear on
either or both of the main video monitor and the touch-screen video
screen.
An example of such an interactive sequence is depicted in FIGS. 2-9 which
schematically illustrate screen displays which are constructed by computer
102 on touch-screen device 130 and video monitors 104 or 106. The
illustrated sequence allows a user to enter his name and correct or enter
scores during the actual game. The actual software routines which cause
computer 102 to perform the disclosed sequences are conventional and are
not described in detail. The coding for such sequences would be familiar
to those skilled in the art.
The sequence begins with the screen display shown in FIG. 2 which would be
displayed by computer 102 when the pair of bowling lanes which are
controlled by the computer are initially activated. This screen display
would appear on the video screen associated with touch-screen device 130
and consists of two box areas, 202 and 204. These areas are used to select
the lane which is to be activated. Touching box 202 activates the left
lane causing computer 102 to display information on monitor 104 and to use
inputs from pin sense device 120. Alternatively, touching the box 204
causes computer 102 to accept inputs from right pin sense unit 122 and
display information on monitor 106.
After the bowler selects the lane which is to be activated, controlling
computer 102 displays a typical bowling score grid on the video monitor
(monitor 104 or 106) of the lane which has been selected. A typical
scoring grid is shown in FIG. 3.
In addition, the touch-screen video display is cleared by computer 102 and
the display is replaced by a bowler select screen as shown in FIG. 4. This
latter screen consists of a plurality of key areas (illustratively, six
areas) indicating bowlers who will be using the selected lane. In
addition, a "done" key area 406 is included so that the users can inform
computer 102 when information for all of the bowlers has been entered.
An information entry routine is begun when a user touches the video screen
in one of the bowler selection key areas. For example, a user may touch
key area 400 to enter the name of bowler 1. When this action is decoded by
computer 102, the touch-screen video screen is cleared and replaced with
the screen display shown in FIG. 5.
This latter screen display includes an alphabetic key array consisting of
twenty-six key areas (of which key areas 502-510 are shown), a backspace
key area 512, a space key area 514, a clear key area 516 and a done key
area 518. In addition, an area 500 is designated as a keypress buffer.
Touching any of the alphabetic key areas 502-510 causes the computer to
display the corresponding letter in the keypress buffer area 500 so that
the user may see what has been entered and correct errors using the
backspace key area 512 or the clear key area 516.
When the correct name has been entered, the user touches the done key area
518, which causes computer 102 to display the entered name on the correct
line number in the scoring grid display shown in FIG. 3. In addition, the
alphabetic display is removed from the touch-screen video screen and the
bowler entry screen shown in FIG. 4 is re-displayed so that the next
bowler may enter his name on the proper line. In his manner, all of the
bowlers who are using the selected lane enter their names which are then
displayed on the proper line of the scoring grid shown in FIG. 3. When the
last bowler has entered his name, the done area 406 is pressed which
causes computer 102 to clear the touch-screen display and display the
"main" menu screen shown in FIG. 6.
The "main" menu consists of seven key areas designated 600-612. A touch to
area 600 causes the bowling scoring grid on the video monitor to highlight
(or otherwise emphasize) the scoring line associated with first bowler so
that bowling may commence.
Conversely, a touch to the bowler entry area 602 allows bowler names to
added or deleted or names to be corrected on the scoring grid.
A touch to area 604 allows the colors used on the main video monitor 104 to
be changed so that various league colors can be displayed
Key areas 608 and 610 are used to select the lane on which scoring is to
take place so that two lanes can use the same computer equipment.
Two additional areas 606 and 612 are provided. Area 606 may be touched to
cause computer 102 to signal a central computer in the main desk or snack
area via master communication link 142 and bus 140. Touching key area 606
may also cause touch screen device 130 to display various food or drink
choices. These choices can be selected and forwarded directly to the
appropriate area via the master communication link 142 to insure fast
service and to eliminate the necessity of dispatching live personnel to
each lane to solicit orders.
Special features area 612 can be used to display additional selections.
These selections can be varied to suit the individual boiling
establishment and to increase operator revenue. The choices may range from
reporting equipment problems directly to the main desk area to making
non-bowling games or other additional services available to the patrons.
For example, non-bowling games, such as video games, may be provided to
allow the patrons to play while waiting for all members of the party to
arrive in the case of league play or while waiting for members of a single
party to change shoes, etc.
Assuming that a user touches the "start scoring" area 600, the active
user's line in the scoring grid is highlighted on the main monitor display
104 and the touch screen video display is cleared and replaced by new
display to indicate additional selection possibilities now available. This
new display is shown in FIG. 7.
In FIG. 7, the "start scoring" key area shown in FIG. 6 has been changed to
two areas, 700 and 702, which are indicated as "correct scores" and
"remove scores" areas because these latter selections are only appropriate
after bowling has begun. The "correct scores" area 700 is used to correct
or adjust scores as appropriate during the bowling sequence. Similarly,
the "remove scores" area 702 is used to remove scores of bowlers who have
finished bowling. The remaining areas, bowler entry 704, change colors
706, food or drink 708, special features 714 and the right and left lane
areas, 710 and 712, are the same as previously described.
Assume, for example, bowler number 2 wants to correct his score in the
second half of the second frame. In this case, the bowler touches the
"correct scores" key area 700. This action causes the touch-screen display
shown in FIG. 7 to be cleared and the bowler select screen shown in FIG. 4
to be re-displayed on the touch-screen video screen. Bowler 2 would then
touch key area 402 causing the bowler's scoring line of the scoring grid
displayed on video monitor 104 to be displayed on the touch-screen display
as shown in FIG. 8.
To correct a score, the bowler would then touch the second frame area 802
This latter action causes this area to be highlighted and also displayed
underneath the frame 802 shown as area 806. A touch to the second ball
frame half 808 causes that half to be highlighted and replaced with a
numeric key path layout which is shown in FIG. 9. The bowler would then
enter the appropriate score using the key pad. In addition to numeric
entries, the foul 902 and spare 904 keys may be selected, if appropriate,
to score these alternatives. A "strike" key area is missing from the
selections because the bowler has selected to correct the second ball
score and a strike is impossible. Alternatively, if a first ball
correction was selected, a strike key area would have been included.
After the appropriate selections have been made, the bowler presses the
"done" key area 910 and all corrections are recorded and the video display
is corrected and updated. Alternatively, if the "quit" key area 912 was
selected, the computer 102 clears the screen and re-displays the main menu
screen as shown in FIG. 6 with no changes made. Therefore, a complete and
accurate set of selections are presented to the bowler minimizing the
number of incorrect choices or entry of inappropriate information.
FIG. 10 illustrates a master display for an alternative mode of operation
wherein key areas 952-960 are provided for certain illustrative bowling
alley functions. A given system may utilize any one or more of these
functions and may contain additional menu items for bowling alley
functions not shown in FIG. 10.
As before, the bowler using the system touches the appropriate key area on
touch-screen 130 (FIG. 1) for the function which he desires to have
performed. This causes additional information which is either stored in
control computer 102 or which is obtained in the manner previously
discussed over master video channel 150 to be provided to the bowler on
the monitor of touch-screen display 130. For example, if the refreshments
key area 952 is touched, this may cause a display of all foods and
beverages available to be delivered to the bowling lane to appear on
screen 130. In the alternative, this may cause a secondary menu to appear
which may contain a menu of items such as "food", "non-alcoholic
beverages", or "alcoholic beverages". The ultimate menu containing
specific food and/or beverage items would list items and preferably also
list prices. The user could then make selections from this menu by
touching appropriate key areas, touching a "Done" key area such as key 910
when the order is completed. When this occurs, the monitor may indicate on
the screen the total cost of the order and request that the user either
enter a credit card number using number key areas appearing on the screen
or pass a credit card through a card reader 123 provided with the system.
If the system requests that the user enter a credit card number, this may
be followed by a request that the user enter the expiration date of the
credit card. Key pads may also be provided for | | |
