US20070184908A1 - Virtual bowling with a bowling ball having an RFID tag - Google Patents
Virtual bowling with a bowling ball having an RFID tag Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070184908A1 US20070184908A1 US11/636,410 US63641006A US2007184908A1 US 20070184908 A1 US20070184908 A1 US 20070184908A1 US 63641006 A US63641006 A US 63641006A US 2007184908 A1 US2007184908 A1 US 2007184908A1
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- Prior art keywords
- bowling
- lane
- ball
- virtual
- bowling ball
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63D—BOWLING GAMES, e.g. SKITTLES, BOCCE OR BOWLS; INSTALLATIONS THEREFOR; BAGATELLE OR SIMILAR GAMES; BILLIARDS
- A63D5/00—Accessories for bowling-alleys or table alleys
- A63D5/04—Indicating devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63D—BOWLING GAMES, e.g. SKITTLES, BOCCE OR BOWLS; INSTALLATIONS THEREFOR; BAGATELLE OR SIMILAR GAMES; BILLIARDS
- A63D1/00—Installations for bowling games, e.g. bowling-alleys or bocce courts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63D—BOWLING GAMES, e.g. SKITTLES, BOCCE OR BOWLS; INSTALLATIONS THEREFOR; BAGATELLE OR SIMILAR GAMES; BILLIARDS
- A63D5/00—Accessories for bowling-alleys or table alleys
- A63D5/04—Indicating devices
- A63D2005/042—Indicating devices for indicating the ball path
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an arrangement for a bowling simulator comprising a bowling lane, a lane approach, a ball stop system, a pin pit, a lateral gutter and a ball return system.
- Bowling lanes in accordance with the regulations require a lot of space because the length dimension for a lane is ca. 5 metres for a lane approach, ca. 20 metres for the bowling lane itself with the pin table, plus a couple of metres for the pin pit at the far end of the lane.
- the width of the lane including gutters is ca 1.5 metres.
- TV and computer games are available for various sports such as golf, tennis, football, ice hockey, etc., in which it is possible to play the game in front of a computer screen or with other apparatuses which have buttons or levers.
- console games do not give a realistic sensation of and for the branch of sport in question. It is more like sitting and typing, except in the case of motor sport where a steering wheel and pedals can be used to control the car.
- JP 11114221A (Abstract and Figures) shows a bowling facility which shares certain common features with the invention in accordance with the present application, although the differences are still considerable. The largest and most significant difference is the actual lane approach.
- the illustrated previously disclosed bowling facility is of the kind that is suitable for use at Tivoli and similar amusement parks. There is, in fact, no lane approach in this previously disclosed bowling facility, and the player is expected to stand still and make sure that the ball ( 1 ) is deposited on the bowling lane ( 2 ) that is raised to the height of to the bowler's knees, which lane is inclined upwards at its far end. After impact, the ball ( 1 ) is returned in a channel that is situated under the actual bowling lane ( 2 ).
- the previously disclosed lane thus precludes the possibility of missing, as the lateral edges of the surrounding lane box keep the ball on the lane at all times, provided that the ball does not find its way into the pit ( 8 ) that is present in front of the bowling lane ( 2 ).
- FIG. 1 illustrates schematically an arrangement for a bowling game viewed from the side
- FIG. 2 shows a view of the arrangement from above
- FIG. 3 shows a view from above in the area of a pin table and a pin pit viewed from above;
- FIG. 4 shows a profile of the so-called oil graph for a bowling lane
- FIG. 5 is an illustration of a bowling ball of an embodiment with a radio-frequency identification (“RFID”) tag
- FIG. 6 is an illustration of a bowling ball mold of an embodiment for inserting an RFID tag during the bowling ball molding process
- FIG. 7 is an illustration block diagram of a system of an embodiment that uses an RFID tag in a bowling ball
- FIG. 8 is an illustration of an embodiment showing grooving for an embedded RFID antenna under a top surface of a lane panel of a bowling lane.
- FIG. 9 is an illustration of an embodiment showing the lane panel of FIG. 8 with a top lane surface installed over the embedded RFID antenna.
- Those embodiments thus are not intended to be a toy bowling lane, as is the case with the previously disclosed lane referred to here, and the principal object of those embodiments is that a player must be able to play his/her customary game with a lane approach of three to four steps and executing a full swing with the bowling arm, that a physical effort must be exerted in playing the game, and that it must also be possible to bowl and stand as usual. There must accordingly be a realistic transition from this to the realistic impact of the ball and the result of the onward travel of the ball along the lane, for example a displayed strike, spare or even a total miss after the ball ends up in the gutter. An entire library of conceivable bowling events is thus contained in the computer program, for example in the same way as in TV and computer games.
- the embodiments thus, enable the sensation of the game of bowling to be replicated, although with a lane that does not require to be constructed in accordance with the regulations. It is also necessary to be able to play as in conventional lane bowling with real balls, shoes and lane approach, and even with a ball return channel.
- the effective length of the bowling lane constitutes only a proportion of the length of a bowling lane of normal length, in that the lane approach and the ball are the same as in conventional lane bowling, in that the bowling lane constitutes an extension of the lane approach and in that they are situated at a common level, in that a projection screen is arranged in the area in front of the pin pit, in that a projector or some other similar image display apparatus is so arranged as to display intended images on the aforementioned projection screen, in that the projector is in the form of a film projector that is so arranged as to display moving images of pins and balls on the projection screen, in that sensors are provided along the bowling lane and are so arranged as to sense the direction of impact, speed and force of the bowling ball, and in that a computer unit is connected to the aforementioned projector and sensors for the purpose of calculating the onward travel of the ball towards the pins and of projecting onto the projection screen
- an arrangement 1 for a bowling simulator 2 comprising a bowling lane 3 , a lane approach 4 , a pin pit 9 , a ball stop system 5 , a lane gutter 6 and a ball return system 7 has a projection screen 8 erected in the area 10 in front of the pin pit 9 .
- a projector 11 or some other similar image display apparatus is so arranged as to display intended images 12 on the aforementioned projection screen 8 .
- sensors 13 , 14 , 15 are so arranged as to sense the direction of impact of a bowling ball 16 in question, the speed of the ball and the force of the ball.
- a computer unit 17 is connected to the aforementioned projector 11 and sensors 13 - 15 for the purpose of calculating the onward travel of the ball towards the pins 18 and of projecting onto the screen 8 a realistic image 12 of the pins as they are knocked over, etc., by the ball 16 .
- the effective length L of the bowling lane in this case is only a proportion of the length of a bowling lane of normal length.
- a stop cushion 19 for the ball 16 is arranged beyond the projection screen 8 to stop the ball from continuing to roll behind the projection screen 8 and to reduce the force of impact of the ball against the cushion 19 .
- sensors 13 are situated in the longitudinal extent of the aforementioned bowling lane and in front of the projection screen 8 .
- the aforementioned sensors 13 are so arranged as to determine the direction of the ball and its speed.
- the aforementioned sensors 13 - 15 can be in the form of either mechanical sensors, laser sensors, ultrasound sensors or ultralight sensors.
- the actual bowling lane 3 on which the bowl 16 is intended to roll, is situated at the same level as the lane approach 4 , i.e. as in a normal bowling lane, although the length B of the lane 3 is significantly shorter than in a normal bowling lane.
- the aforementioned projector 11 is in the form of a film projector that is so arranged as to display moving images 12 of pins 18 and balls, so that a realistic film clip, which has been calculated in the computer 17 after gathering and processing all the information from the sensors 13 - 15 relating to the impact of the ball so that, when the ball 16 disappears under the screen 8 , images are displayed of what happens to the pins 18 , which, until that point, had been displayed on the screen 8 , when the ball 16 hits or misses the pins 18 , which are displayed on the screen set up ready to be hit.
- the aforementioned projection screen 8 is situated at a height above the lane 3 , such that the distance H between the lane 3 and the bottom edge 21 of the screen permits the ball 16 to pass the screen 8 on its underside 31 rolling on the bowling lane 3 .
- the readings from the position sensors 13 and the speed indicators 15 are thus so arranged, together with the force sensor 14 , as to provide the input to the computer 17 , which is so arranged as to calculate the onward travel of the ball 16 along the lane 3 and to calculate the impact force of the ball 16 against the pins 18 .
- Loudspeakers 20 can also be provided on the aforementioned bowling simulator 2 , which are so arranged inter alia as to be capable of broadcasting realistic sound effects deriving from a bowling environment and which thus harmonize with the images that are displayed at the same time, for instance a beloved clatter of the pins when the ball 16 is estimated to have struck the pins 18 .
- the aforementioned computer unit 17 is appropriately so arranged as to be capable of being reset in accordance with special circumstances, for instance for adaptation to the premises and/or to the size of the ball. It is possible in this way to select a shorter and/or narrower lane approach 4 and/or bowling lane 3 and also to use different sizes of balls 16 , etc., i.e. the concept is miniaturized.
- Automatic counting of points can be so arranged as to take place via previously disclosed result indication systems, either integrated in the projected image 12 on the screen 8 or displayed on a separate monitor in the premises 23 where the lane is situated.
- the aforementioned pin pit 9 can comprise an inclined bottom part 9 A, with the help of which the ball 16 is caused to roll out to the correct side of the lane 3 to arrive in the ball return channel 24 after the ball 16 has first hit the stop cushion 19 , which completely arrests the ball from rolling onwards in the direction of bowling 28 , and where the force sensor 14 senses the force with which the ball 16 hits the stop cushion 19 .
- the invention thus permits “real” bowling to be played in a realistic fashion on a small lane, so that there is space for the lane in question in small premises and so that there is accordingly space for several small lanes in the space previously occupied by an actual lane. It is also possible to simulate the type of lanes, impacts and other parameters that it is wished to be able to vary in order to be able to train real bowling on a mini-format lane.
- the intention is for the active player to be able to indicate and determine for himself/herself the type of surface on which he/she wishes to play, the type of ball that it is proposed to use, and the hook that it is proposed to impart to the ball on the actual lane.
- the nature of the ball is critical for the extent to which the ball will hook, i.e. the number of boards, the hook and its characteristics are determined by a number of parameters, such as friction, top weight, side weight, finger/thumb weight, size and total weight.
- the nature of the surface i.e. the lane, is directly dependent on how much oil is applied to the lane and where the oil is applied to the lane. This can be established from graphs of the kind illustrated in FIG. 4 , where the oil is shown to have been applied in a larger quantity in the central area of the lane than at the lateral edges of the lane. It is possible to see the true nature of the lane from graphs of this kind, or it is possible to select the type of lane on which it is wished to play and train with reference to a number of graphs with varying oil profiles.
- Competition organizers measure the quantity of oil (units/sq inch) with a so-called spectrometer, with which readings are taken on a strip of tape that is attached across the entire width of the lane.
- the advanced version of the present invention is intended to offer players the opportunity to select between a number of pre-programmed oil profiles, for example 6-10 different profiles, as well as the opportunity to design their own oil profile.
- the player must accordingly be able to utilize the arrangement as a training tool by simulating different lane surfaces (oil profiles) and simulating the behaviour of different balls on the surface.
- the aforementioned values can be real or imaginary.
- a bowling ball can be tagged with a radio-frequency identification (“RFID”) tag that provides information about the bowling ball to the computer 17 .
- RFID tag contained in the bowling ball has a unique identifier within it, and the computer 17 receives the unique identifier as the bowling ball is rolled down the bowling lane 3 .
- the unique identifier identifies the bowling ball's color and weight. It should be noted that instead of identifying both color and weight, ball color but not weight can be identified, and vice versa. Further, the unique identifier can identify other information about the ball.
- a bowling ball can be tagged with an RFID tag in any suitable way.
- an opening can be created in an off-the-shelf bowling ball by plunging the tip of a chainsaw (or other tool) into the ball, thereby creating a grove to the center.
- an RFID tag 100 e.g., a nominal 3′′ ⁇ 4′′ tag
- Filler material 110 can then be placed in the opening, followed by resin 115 , which is allowed to cure so that is conforms to the surface of the ball 105 .
- resin 115 which is allowed to cure so that is conforms to the surface of the ball 105 .
- an RFID tag can be inserted during the ball molding process.
- an RFID tag 125 can be placed inside a ball mold 130 so that it is encased with resin 135 as the bowling ball is being manufactured.
- Other ways of tagging a bowling ball with an RFID tag can be used.
- FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a system of this embodiment.
- This system comprises an antenna 200 embedded in the bowling lane 3 , an antenna tuning module 210 coupled with the antenna 200 , and an RFID reader 220 coupled with the antenna tuning module 210 and the computer 17 .
- an antenna 200 embedded in the bowling lane 3
- an antenna tuning module 210 coupled with the antenna 200
- an RFID reader 220 coupled with the antenna tuning module 210 and the computer 17 .
- the additional components used for this RFID embodiment can be used separately from the components shown in FIG. 2 .
- the antenna tuning module and the RFID reader can be part of the same component.
- the antenna 200 can be embedded in the bowling lane 3 in any suitable way.
- FIG. 8 shows grooving 300 for the embedded RFID antenna 200 under a top surface of a lane panel 310 of the bowling lane 3 (a top surface 315 of another lane panel 320 is shown installed), and
- FIG. 9 shows the lane panel 310 of FIG. 8 with a top lane surface 330 installed over the embedded RFID antenna 200 .
- the antenna tuning module 210 powers the antenna 200 embedded in the bowling lane 3 to generate a field at a preset frequency.
- the RFID tag in the bowling ball responds to the field generated by the energized antenna coil 200 by producing a coded signal representing its unique identifier. That coded signal is sent to the RFID reader 220 which decodes the signal, and it, in turn, sends that unique identifier to the computer 17 .
- the computer 17 uses the unique identifier to look-up characteristics about the ball (in this example, ball weight and color) that are stored in a database in the computer 17 . (It should be noted that the RFID information can be sent to a separate computer that communicates with computer 17 ).
- the computer 17 uses the unique identifier along with the information about the ball speed, direction of travel, and location (from sensors 13 - 15 ) to simulate the ball going down the lane 3 .
- the ball weight that was looked-up in the database can be used to generate the proper ball path and speed.
- the weight can also be used to very accurately determine the bowling pin action resulting from the impact of the ball with the pins.
- the weight of the ball is desired in the simulation since the ball energy and momentum directly affect the amount of energy imparted into the pins and their resultant actions.
- the more energy that a ball carries into the pins the less its velocity and path will be affected by its contact with each of the pins.
- the display is preferably presented in 1280 ⁇ 1024 resolution to accurately show the ball and pin action.
- That display includes the accurate presentation of the ball rolling down the lane 3 , in the proper color as determined from looking-up its unique identifier in the database. It then proceeds to accurately display the reaction of each individual pin resulting from the ball impact.
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Abstract
A bowling ball tagged with a radio-frequency identification (“RFID”) tag is used to provide information about the bowling ball to a computer. The computer can use this information to generate a more accurate calculation of the onward travel of the ball toward the pins and to present a more accurate image of the bowling ball on the screen in a virtual bowling game.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/748,976, filed Dec. 9, 2005, and is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/487,056, filed Jun. 18, 2002, which is a U.S. national phase application based on International Application No. PCT/SE02/01171, filed Jun. 18, 2002. Each of those documents is hereby incorporated by reference.
- The present invention relates to an arrangement for a bowling simulator comprising a bowling lane, a lane approach, a ball stop system, a pin pit, a lateral gutter and a ball return system.
- Bowling lanes in accordance with the regulations require a lot of space because the length dimension for a lane is ca. 5 metres for a lane approach, ca. 20 metres for the bowling lane itself with the pin table, plus a couple of metres for the pin pit at the far end of the lane. The width of the lane including gutters is ca 1.5 metres. Thus, if it is wished to arrange several lanes next to one another, a large hall will be required for this. Premises in densely built-up areas and in commercial and office areas command a high property value with resulting high rents. It is not possible for this reason to establish bowling lanes in all areas, and it is necessary to consider remote areas if it is not possible to expect to achieve a very good turnover in order to meet the rental costs and, of course, other costs incurred in conjunction with bowling, so that the bowling alley at least breaks even financially and preferably makes a profit.
- TV and computer games are available for various sports such as golf, tennis, football, ice hockey, etc., in which it is possible to play the game in front of a computer screen or with other apparatuses which have buttons or levers. However, such console games do not give a realistic sensation of and for the branch of sport in question. It is more like sitting and typing, except in the case of motor sport where a steering wheel and pedals can be used to control the car.
- There are also other larger arrangements, in which it is possible to simulate the sensation of engaging in the sport, such as skiing booths, punch-balls and a football that is attached to a cord to allow the ball to be kicked towards a goal. This “involvement in the sport” does not provide a realistic sensation, either, although it resembles reality more closely.
- Although a miniature form of bowling exists, this does not give a realistic sensation of the sport and attracts no more than a few new participants to the established bowling alleys.
- JP 11114221A (Abstract and Figures) shows a bowling facility which shares certain common features with the invention in accordance with the present application, although the differences are still considerable. The largest and most significant difference is the actual lane approach.
- The illustrated previously disclosed bowling facility is of the kind that is suitable for use at Tivoli and similar amusement parks. There is, in fact, no lane approach in this previously disclosed bowling facility, and the player is expected to stand still and make sure that the ball (1) is deposited on the bowling lane (2) that is raised to the height of to the bowler's knees, which lane is inclined upwards at its far end. After impact, the ball (1) is returned in a channel that is situated under the actual bowling lane (2). The previously disclosed lane thus precludes the possibility of missing, as the lateral edges of the surrounding lane box keep the ball on the lane at all times, provided that the ball does not find its way into the pit (8) that is present in front of the bowling lane (2).
- The present bowling simulator is described below as a preferred illustrative embodiment, in conjunction with which reference is made to the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates schematically an arrangement for a bowling game viewed from the side; -
FIG. 2 shows a view of the arrangement from above; -
FIG. 3 shows a view from above in the area of a pin table and a pin pit viewed from above; -
FIG. 4 shows a profile of the so-called oil graph for a bowling lane; -
FIG. 5 is an illustration of a bowling ball of an embodiment with a radio-frequency identification (“RFID”) tag; -
FIG. 6 is an illustration of a bowling ball mold of an embodiment for inserting an RFID tag during the bowling ball molding process; -
FIG. 7 is an illustration block diagram of a system of an embodiment that uses an RFID tag in a bowling ball; -
FIG. 8 is an illustration of an embodiment showing grooving for an embedded RFID antenna under a top surface of a lane panel of a bowling lane; and -
FIG. 9 is an illustration of an embodiment showing the lane panel ofFIG. 8 with a top lane surface installed over the embedded RFID antenna. - The underlying idea of the embodiments in parent U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/487,056 is to be able to engage in real bowling including in premises with limited dimensions, i.e. real bowling balls and real lane approaches of ca. 5 metres in length are used, although the actual bowling lanes are of restricted length and no difference must be perceived from the familiar “long bowling” game. It is, in fact, important to be able to visit a bowling alley in accordance with those embodiments and for the player to use the right lane approach with the right number of steps and the right bowling balls in accordance with the regulations.
- Those embodiments thus are not intended to be a toy bowling lane, as is the case with the previously disclosed lane referred to here, and the principal object of those embodiments is that a player must be able to play his/her customary game with a lane approach of three to four steps and executing a full swing with the bowling arm, that a physical effort must be exerted in playing the game, and that it must also be possible to bowl and stand as usual. There must accordingly be a realistic transition from this to the realistic impact of the ball and the result of the onward travel of the ball along the lane, for example a displayed strike, spare or even a total miss after the ball ends up in the gutter. An entire library of conceivable bowling events is thus contained in the computer program, for example in the same way as in TV and computer games.
- The embodiments, thus, enable the sensation of the game of bowling to be replicated, although with a lane that does not require to be constructed in accordance with the regulations. It is also necessary to be able to play as in conventional lane bowling with real balls, shoes and lane approach, and even with a ball return channel.
- This is achieved by means of an arrangement, which is characterized essentially in that the effective length of the bowling lane constitutes only a proportion of the length of a bowling lane of normal length, in that the lane approach and the ball are the same as in conventional lane bowling, in that the bowling lane constitutes an extension of the lane approach and in that they are situated at a common level, in that a projection screen is arranged in the area in front of the pin pit, in that a projector or some other similar image display apparatus is so arranged as to display intended images on the aforementioned projection screen, in that the projector is in the form of a film projector that is so arranged as to display moving images of pins and balls on the projection screen, in that sensors are provided along the bowling lane and are so arranged as to sense the direction of impact, speed and force of the bowling ball, and in that a computer unit is connected to the aforementioned projector and sensors for the purpose of calculating the onward travel of the ball towards the pins and of projecting onto the projection screen a realistic image of the pins as they are knocked over by the ball.
- Turning now to
FIG. 1 , anarrangement 1 for abowling simulator 2 comprising abowling lane 3, alane approach 4, apin pit 9, aball stop system 5, alane gutter 6 and aball return system 7 has aprojection screen 8 erected in thearea 10 in front of thepin pit 9. Aprojector 11 or some other similar image display apparatus is so arranged as to display intendedimages 12 on theaforementioned projection screen 8. - Also arranged along the
bowling lane 3 aresensors bowling ball 16 in question, the speed of the ball and the force of the ball. Acomputer unit 17 is connected to theaforementioned projector 11 and sensors 13-15 for the purpose of calculating the onward travel of the ball towards thepins 18 and of projecting onto the screen 8 arealistic image 12 of the pins as they are knocked over, etc., by theball 16. - The effective length L of the bowling lane in this case is only a proportion of the length of a bowling lane of normal length. A
stop cushion 19 for theball 16 is arranged beyond theprojection screen 8 to stop the ball from continuing to roll behind theprojection screen 8 and to reduce the force of impact of the ball against thecushion 19. -
Several sensors 13 are situated in the longitudinal extent of the aforementioned bowling lane and in front of theprojection screen 8. Theaforementioned sensors 13 are so arranged as to determine the direction of the ball and its speed. - The aforementioned sensors 13-15 can be in the form of either mechanical sensors, laser sensors, ultrasound sensors or ultralight sensors.
- The
actual bowling lane 3, on which thebowl 16 is intended to roll, is situated at the same level as thelane approach 4, i.e. as in a normal bowling lane, although the length B of thelane 3 is significantly shorter than in a normal bowling lane. - The
aforementioned projector 11 is in the form of a film projector that is so arranged as to display movingimages 12 ofpins 18 and balls, so that a realistic film clip, which has been calculated in thecomputer 17 after gathering and processing all the information from the sensors 13-15 relating to the impact of the ball so that, when theball 16 disappears under thescreen 8, images are displayed of what happens to thepins 18, which, until that point, had been displayed on thescreen 8, when theball 16 hits or misses thepins 18, which are displayed on the screen set up ready to be hit. - It is thus necessary to provide a realistic transition from this point until the realistic impact and the result of the onward travel of the ball on the
lane 3, for example a displayed strike, spare or even a total miss after the ball ends up in thegutter 6. An entire library of conceivable bowling events is thus contained in the computer program, for example in the same way as in TV and computer games. - The
aforementioned projection screen 8 is situated at a height above thelane 3, such that the distance H between thelane 3 and thebottom edge 21 of the screen permits theball 16 to pass thescreen 8 on its underside 31 rolling on thebowling lane 3. - The readings from the
position sensors 13 and thespeed indicators 15 are thus so arranged, together with theforce sensor 14, as to provide the input to thecomputer 17, which is so arranged as to calculate the onward travel of theball 16 along thelane 3 and to calculate the impact force of theball 16 against thepins 18. - Loudspeakers 20 can also be provided on the
aforementioned bowling simulator 2, which are so arranged inter alia as to be capable of broadcasting realistic sound effects deriving from a bowling environment and which thus harmonize with the images that are displayed at the same time, for instance a delightful clatter of the pins when theball 16 is estimated to have struck thepins 18. - The
aforementioned computer unit 17 is appropriately so arranged as to be capable of being reset in accordance with special circumstances, for instance for adaptation to the premises and/or to the size of the ball. It is possible in this way to select a shorter and/ornarrower lane approach 4 and/orbowling lane 3 and also to use different sizes ofballs 16, etc., i.e. the concept is miniaturized. - Automatic counting of points can be so arranged as to take place via previously disclosed result indication systems, either integrated in the projected
image 12 on thescreen 8 or displayed on a separate monitor in thepremises 23 where the lane is situated. - The
aforementioned pin pit 9 can comprise aninclined bottom part 9A, with the help of which theball 16 is caused to roll out to the correct side of thelane 3 to arrive in theball return channel 24 after theball 16 has first hit thestop cushion 19, which completely arrests the ball from rolling onwards in the direction of bowling 28, and where theforce sensor 14 senses the force with which theball 16 hits thestop cushion 19. - The invention thus permits “real” bowling to be played in a realistic fashion on a small lane, so that there is space for the lane in question in small premises and so that there is accordingly space for several small lanes in the space previously occupied by an actual lane. It is also possible to simulate the type of lanes, impacts and other parameters that it is wished to be able to vary in order to be able to train real bowling on a mini-format lane.
- With the help of advanced software, the intention is for the active player to be able to indicate and determine for himself/herself the type of surface on which he/she wishes to play, the type of ball that it is proposed to use, and the hook that it is proposed to impart to the ball on the actual lane.
- The nature of the ball is critical for the extent to which the ball will hook, i.e. the number of boards, the hook and its characteristics are determined by a number of parameters, such as friction, top weight, side weight, finger/thumb weight, size and total weight.
- The nature of the surface, i.e. the lane, is directly dependent on how much oil is applied to the lane and where the oil is applied to the lane. This can be established from graphs of the kind illustrated in
FIG. 4 , where the oil is shown to have been applied in a larger quantity in the central area of the lane than at the lateral edges of the lane. It is possible to see the true nature of the lane from graphs of this kind, or it is possible to select the type of lane on which it is wished to play and train with reference to a number of graphs with varying oil profiles. - The variations in the nature of an oil profile are countless, although they are always constructed according to the same principle, i.e. the Y-axis denotes the quantity of oil applied to the lane, and the X-axis denotes the board on which the oil is present.
- Competition organizers measure the quantity of oil (units/sq inch) with a so-called spectrometer, with which readings are taken on a strip of tape that is attached across the entire width of the lane.
- The advanced version of the present invention is intended to offer players the opportunity to select between a number of pre-programmed oil profiles, for example 6-10 different profiles, as well as the opportunity to design their own oil profile.
- The majority of active players have access to two or more different balls depending on the surface, whereas elite players are able to choose between up to ten different balls ahead of tournaments, etc.
- The player must accordingly be able to utilize the arrangement as a training tool by simulating different lane surfaces (oil profiles) and simulating the behaviour of different balls on the surface. The aforementioned values can be real or imaginary.
- The equivalent is also true of where on the lane the ball must be played in order to obtain the desired direction of impact, including any hook, i.e. a number of markings and boards on the lane from the right or from the left viewed from the point of deflection and where the lane approach begins, as well as markings on the lane itself after the foul line.
- With the data entered correctly in the computer, it is thus possible to simulate the game on the displayed lane.
- To generate a more accurate calculation of the onward travel of the ball toward the pins and to present a more accurate image of the bowling ball on the
screen 8, a bowling ball can be tagged with a radio-frequency identification (“RFID”) tag that provides information about the bowling ball to thecomputer 17. In one embodiment, the RFID tag contained in the bowling ball has a unique identifier within it, and thecomputer 17 receives the unique identifier as the bowling ball is rolled down thebowling lane 3. For purposes of illustration, the following discussion assumes that the unique identifier identifies the bowling ball's color and weight. It should be noted that instead of identifying both color and weight, ball color but not weight can be identified, and vice versa. Further, the unique identifier can identify other information about the ball. - A bowling ball can be tagged with an RFID tag in any suitable way. For example, an opening can be created in an off-the-shelf bowling ball by plunging the tip of a chainsaw (or other tool) into the ball, thereby creating a grove to the center. With reference to
FIG. 5 , an RFID tag 100 (e.g., a nominal 3″×4″ tag) can be placed and glued in the opening in thebowling ball 105.Filler material 110 can then be placed in the opening, followed byresin 115, which is allowed to cure so that is conforms to the surface of theball 105. (Section 120 of theball 105 is the ball core.) Alternatively, an RFID tag can be inserted during the ball molding process. For example, as shown inFIG. 6 , anRFID tag 125 can be placed inside aball mold 130 so that it is encased withresin 135 as the bowling ball is being manufactured. Other ways of tagging a bowling ball with an RFID tag can be used. - Turning again to the drawings,
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a system of this embodiment. This system comprises anantenna 200 embedded in thebowling lane 3, anantenna tuning module 210 coupled with theantenna 200, and anRFID reader 220 coupled with theantenna tuning module 210 and thecomputer 17. (Like components fromFIG. 2 are not described. It should be noted that the additional components used for this RFID embodiment can be used separately from the components shown inFIG. 2 .) It should be noted that, instead of being two separate components, the antenna tuning module and the RFID reader can be part of the same component. - The
antenna 200 can be embedded in thebowling lane 3 in any suitable way. For example,FIG. 8 shows grooving 300 for the embeddedRFID antenna 200 under a top surface of alane panel 310 of the bowling lane 3 (atop surface 315 of anotherlane panel 320 is shown installed), andFIG. 9 shows thelane panel 310 ofFIG. 8 with atop lane surface 330 installed over the embeddedRFID antenna 200. - During operation, the
antenna tuning module 210 powers theantenna 200 embedded in thebowling lane 3 to generate a field at a preset frequency. As the bowling ball is rolled down thelane 3, the RFID tag in the bowling ball responds to the field generated by the energizedantenna coil 200 by producing a coded signal representing its unique identifier. That coded signal is sent to theRFID reader 220 which decodes the signal, and it, in turn, sends that unique identifier to thecomputer 17. Thecomputer 17 uses the unique identifier to look-up characteristics about the ball (in this example, ball weight and color) that are stored in a database in thecomputer 17. (It should be noted that the RFID information can be sent to a separate computer that communicates with computer 17). - The
computer 17 uses the unique identifier along with the information about the ball speed, direction of travel, and location (from sensors 13-15) to simulate the ball going down thelane 3. The ball weight that was looked-up in the database can be used to generate the proper ball path and speed. The weight can also be used to very accurately determine the bowling pin action resulting from the impact of the ball with the pins. The weight of the ball is desired in the simulation since the ball energy and momentum directly affect the amount of energy imparted into the pins and their resultant actions. In addition, the more energy that a ball carries into the pins, the less its velocity and path will be affected by its contact with each of the pins. As the ball weight can vary from six pounds up to 16 pounds and each of the ten pins weighs up to three pounds ten ounces, accurate determination of ball weight is a desired element of accurately simulating the resultant pin action. The display is preferably presented in 1280×1024 resolution to accurately show the ball and pin action. - Once pin action has been accurately determined, the system can project the results of that simulation on the
projection screen 8. That display includes the accurate presentation of the ball rolling down thelane 3, in the proper color as determined from looking-up its unique identifier in the database. It then proceeds to accurately display the reaction of each individual pin resulting from the ball impact. - The invention is naturally not restricted to the embodiment described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Modifications are possible, especially with regard to the nature of the different component parts, or by the use of equivalent technology, without departing from the area of protection afforded to the invention as defined in the Patent Claims.
Claims (27)
1. A virtual bowling system comprising:
a bowling lane;
a display device;
at least one sensor operative to sense movement of a bowling ball on the bowling lane;
a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader operative to read an identifier transmitted by an RFID device in the bowling ball, the identifier identifying information about the bowling ball; and
at least one computer operative to generate a display, on the display device, of a virtual bowling ball traveling down a virtual portion of the bowling lane and interacting with virtual bowling pins based on data from the at least one sensor and based on the information about the bowling ball identified by the identifier transmitted by the RFID device.
2. The virtual bowling system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one computer is operative to query a database with the identifier to determine the information about the bowling ball.
3. The virtual bowling system of claim 1 , wherein the information about the bowling ball comprises one or both of bowling ball weight and bowling ball color.
4. The virtual bowling system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor is operative to sense one or more of the following: direction of the bowling ball, speed of the bowling ball, and force of the bowling ball.
5. The virtual bowling system of claim 1 further comprising:
an antenna; and
an antenna tuning module operative to power the antenna to generate a field at a frequency operative to cause the RFID device in the bowling ball to transmit the identifier.
6. The virtual bowling system of claim 5 , wherein the antenna is embedded in the bowling lane.
7. The virtual bowling system of claim 1 further comprising a lane approach, wherein the lane approach comprises an extension of the bowling lane such that the lane approach and the bowling lane are on a common level.
8. The virtual bowling system of claim 1 , wherein the bowling lane is less than 20 metres in length.
9. The virtual bowling system of claim 1 further comprising a lane gutter on either side of the bowling lane.
10. A virtual bowling system comprising:
a bowling lane;
a display device;
at least one sensor operative to sense movement of a bowling ball on the bowling lane;
a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader operative to read an identifier transmitted by an RFID device in the bowling ball, the identifier identifying information about the bowling ball; and
circuitry operative to generate a display, on the display device, of a virtual bowling ball traveling down a virtual portion of the bowling lane and interacting with virtual bowling pins based on data from the at least one sensor and based on the information about the bowling ball identified by the identifier transmitted by the RFID device.
11. The virtual bowling system of claim 10 , wherein the circuitry is operative to query a database with the identifier to determine the information about the bowling ball.
12. The virtual bowling system of claim 10 , wherein the information about the bowling ball comprises one or both of bowling ball weight and bowling ball color.
13. The virtual bowling system of claim 10 , wherein the at least one sensor is operative to sense one or more of the following: direction of the bowling ball, speed of the bowling ball, and force of the bowling ball.
14. The virtual bowling system of claim 10 further comprising:
an antenna; and
an antenna tuning module operative to power the antenna to generate a field at a frequency operative to cause the RFID device in the bowling ball to transmit the identifier.
15. The virtual bowling system of claim 14 , wherein the antenna is embedded in the bowling lane.
16. The virtual bowling system of claim 10 further comprising a lane approach, wherein the lane approach comprises an extension of the bowling lane such that the lane approach and the bowling lane are on a common level.
17. The virtual bowling system of claim 10 , wherein the bowling lane is less than 20 metres in length.
18. The virtual bowling system of claim 10 further comprising a lane gutter on either side of the bowling lane.
19. The virtual bowling system of claim 10 , wherein the circuitry comprises at least one computer.
20. A method for virtual bowling, the method comprising:
receiving movement information of a bowling ball on a bowling lane;
receiving an identifier transmitted by a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device in the bowling ball, the identifier identifying information about the bowling ball; and
displaying a virtual bowling ball traveling down a virtual portion of the bowling lane and interacting with virtual bowling pins based on the movement information of the bowling ball on the bowling lane and based on the information about the bowling ball identified by the identifier transmitted by the RFID device.
21. The method of claim 20 further comprising querying a database with the identifier to determine the information about the bowling ball.
22. The method of claim 20 , wherein the information about the bowling ball comprises one or both of bowling ball weight and bowling ball color.
23. The method of claim 20 , wherein the movement information of the bowling ball comprises one or more of the following: direction of the bowling ball, speed of the bowling ball, and force of the bowling ball.
24. The method of claim 20 further comprising generating a field at a frequency operative to cause the RFID device in the bowling ball to transmit the identifier.
25. The method of claim 20 , wherein the bowling lane extends onto a lane approach such that the lane approach and the bowling lane are on a common level.
26. The method of claim 20 , wherein the bowling lane is less than 20 metres in length.
27. The method of claim 20 , wherein there is a lane gutter on either side of the bowling lane.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/636,410 US20070184908A1 (en) | 2002-06-18 | 2006-12-08 | Virtual bowling with a bowling ball having an RFID tag |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/487,056 US20040242292A1 (en) | 2000-12-21 | 2002-06-18 | Virtual bowling |
PCT/SE2002/001171 WO2003105976A1 (en) | 2000-12-21 | 2002-06-18 | Virtual bowling |
US74897605P | 2005-12-09 | 2005-12-09 | |
US11/636,410 US20070184908A1 (en) | 2002-06-18 | 2006-12-08 | Virtual bowling with a bowling ball having an RFID tag |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/487,056 Continuation-In-Part US20040242292A1 (en) | 2000-12-21 | 2002-06-18 | Virtual bowling |
PCT/SE2002/001171 Continuation-In-Part WO2003105976A1 (en) | 2000-12-21 | 2002-06-18 | Virtual bowling |
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US20070184908A1 true US20070184908A1 (en) | 2007-08-09 |
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US11/636,410 Abandoned US20070184908A1 (en) | 2002-06-18 | 2006-12-08 | Virtual bowling with a bowling ball having an RFID tag |
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US (1) | US20070184908A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007066217A2 (en) |
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US20060009271A1 (en) * | 2004-07-12 | 2006-01-12 | Fujitsu Limited | Virtual target getting game system |
US20080287204A1 (en) * | 2007-05-15 | 2008-11-20 | United States Bowling Congress, Inc. | System and method for analyzing bowling ball motion |
US20100144414A1 (en) * | 2008-12-04 | 2010-06-10 | Home Box Office, Inc. | System and method for gathering and analyzing objective motion data |
US20110053688A1 (en) * | 2009-08-31 | 2011-03-03 | Disney Enterprises,Inc. | Entertainment system providing dynamically augmented game surfaces for interactive fun and learning |
CN103263768A (en) * | 2013-05-12 | 2013-08-28 | 安徽工程大学 | Intelligent gutterball control system |
US10143888B2 (en) | 2017-01-29 | 2018-12-04 | Craig Andrews | Wireless communications device, system, and method for improved accuracy in sports game play |
US20200139222A1 (en) * | 2017-07-12 | 2020-05-07 | Qubicaamf Europe S.P.A. | Bowling centre |
US11660524B2 (en) * | 2019-06-25 | 2023-05-30 | Crunchy Logistics Llc | Bowling enhancement system with mobile device pairing and related methods |
US11925853B1 (en) | 2014-12-16 | 2024-03-12 | Qubicaamf Europe S.P.A. | Bowling game, related systems and methods of playing |
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KR101061508B1 (en) | 2009-04-23 | 2011-09-02 | 이계필 | Bowling Game Simulation System |
KR101630672B1 (en) * | 2015-08-31 | 2016-06-16 | 서창환 | Screen simulation system of bowling game |
WO2017043973A1 (en) * | 2015-09-11 | 2017-03-16 | Bowltech International Holding B.V. | Ballgame system to be played by at least one player, an accompanying control unit, a related work method and a computer program product |
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US20060009271A1 (en) * | 2004-07-12 | 2006-01-12 | Fujitsu Limited | Virtual target getting game system |
US20080287204A1 (en) * | 2007-05-15 | 2008-11-20 | United States Bowling Congress, Inc. | System and method for analyzing bowling ball motion |
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US20110053688A1 (en) * | 2009-08-31 | 2011-03-03 | Disney Enterprises,Inc. | Entertainment system providing dynamically augmented game surfaces for interactive fun and learning |
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CN103263768A (en) * | 2013-05-12 | 2013-08-28 | 安徽工程大学 | Intelligent gutterball control system |
US11925853B1 (en) | 2014-12-16 | 2024-03-12 | Qubicaamf Europe S.P.A. | Bowling game, related systems and methods of playing |
US10143888B2 (en) | 2017-01-29 | 2018-12-04 | Craig Andrews | Wireless communications device, system, and method for improved accuracy in sports game play |
US20200139222A1 (en) * | 2017-07-12 | 2020-05-07 | Qubicaamf Europe S.P.A. | Bowling centre |
US11607603B2 (en) * | 2017-07-12 | 2023-03-21 | Qubicaamf Europe S.P.A. | Bowling center bumper lighting units and optical sensors |
US11660524B2 (en) * | 2019-06-25 | 2023-05-30 | Crunchy Logistics Llc | Bowling enhancement system with mobile device pairing and related methods |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2007066217A3 (en) | 2007-09-20 |
WO2007066217A2 (en) | 2007-06-14 |
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