Abstract: Systems and methods for a gambling hybrid game that provides a fixed shooter game as an entertainment game are disclosed. In a fixed shooter game, a shooter controlled by a player is on a fixed plane and the player shoots at game targets by moving the shooter along at least one axis within the fixed plane. The entertainment system engine in a gambling hybrid game provides the fixed shooter game and determines interactions between the shooter and targets in the game. A game world engine of the gambling hybrid game determines when a gambling event in a gambling game is to be provided based upon the interactions in the fixed shooter game. The game world engine then requests that a real world engine of the game world engine resolve the gambling event in the gambling game. The real world engine then resolves the gambling event and associated wagers.

Abstract: A process and a system for managing a bowling centre, which includes one or more bowling lanes along which a bowl is rolled, one or more pin setting up machines at one end of the lane and one or more bowlers' bays at the opposite end of the lane, one or more overhead monitors or videos above the lane, one or more consoles or keyboards located at the one or more lanes, respectively, and allowing a user to enter data, an electronic control system set up to manage the bowling centre, and in particular, a score program which calculates the score of the games played at the bowling centre and displays the score, in particular at the respective overhead monitor. A visual signal is emitted at the respective lane to indicate that the lane is open and waiting for users.

Abstract: In one implementation, a mobile device is integrated with a bowling center automatic scoring system. For example, a server receives a lane control command originating with the mobile device and determines or identifies a bowling lane that is associated with the mobile device. A response message or signal, which includes data indicative of the bowling lane and the lane control command to, is sent to the automatic scoring system. The automatic scoring system executes the lane control command.

Abstract: An interactive bowling system using scoring systems and/or other computer infrastructures which interact with visual and/or audio effects within the bowling center. The system includes a management system having stored therein instructions to provide special effects associated with one or more events to one or more special effects components.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In one implementation, a mobile device is integrated with a bowling center automatic scoring system. For example, a server receives a lane control command originating with the mobile device and determines or identifies a bowling lane that is associated with the mobile device. A response message or signal, which includes data indicative of the bowling lane and the lane control command to, is sent to the automatic scoring system. The automatic scoring system executes the lane control command.

Abstract: A device for displaying information, in particular for bowling alleys, comprises first detector mechanism, to detect an arrangement pattern of one or more bowling pins and generate a corresponding main detection signal, incorporating an identification code, and a control unit, connected to the first detector mechanism, for receiving the main detection signal at input; the control unit is set up in such a way that at output it transmits at least one animation according to the identification code incorporated in the main detection signal. The device is also equipped with a display element, connected to the control unit, for receiving the animation at input and allowing it to be displayed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method of representation of the bowling game score. The system comprises means for detecting an external event associated to a game step and processing means suitable for receiving information relating to said external event and processing it to be represented on a monitor (14), said processing means being suitable for representing said information in three-dimensional format. The system further comprises means for generating auxiliary animated images in superimposition to the information regarding the generated event, for example interacting with the representation of the information relating to the generated event.

Abstract: A bowling system comprises bowling centers (C1-C3) where an information terminal IT is provided for each lane, a data management center (DMC), a financial institution (BK), and the Internet (INT). The data management center (DMC) collects frame data from each bowling center, stores it therein in a centralized way, and distributes game information at suitable timings. Also, the data management center (DMC) is provided with a multimedia bulletin board (MM) and a bowler in any bowling center can communicate with another bowler by using functions of the bulletin board of registering, posting, searching, selecting, and retrieving information (text, sound, and image).

Abstract: A bowling system and method for bowlers bowling at different locations in which scores are automatically generated for the bowlers bowling at each of the locations; the scores are communicated among the locations; and the scores are displayed at each location.

Abstract: A bowling scoring console is disclosed having a housing and a video display monitor mounted in the housing. The console may have one or more of a video game processor, an Internet access device, and a television receiver mounted in the housing and coupled to the display monitor. Methods are also disclosed for using a video game device and an Internet access device in a bowler staging area of a bowling center.

Abstract: A system adapted for use in permitting a bowling game between bowlers at remotely located bowling centers includes pin fall sensors at each bowling center for sensing pin falls caused by balls bowled to knock down pins. Communication circuitry at each bowling center is configured to send locally generated scoring data based on the pin falls to a remotely located bowling center and to receive remotely generated scoring data from the remotely located bowling center. Display devices at each bowling center display the locally generated scoring data and the remotely generated scoring data.

Abstract: The invention provides an automatic bowling scoring apparatus, as well as a bowling alley management system, which can make the bowling game itself more exciting besides the pleasure attributable to the competition in the score of the bowling game. The score of the bowling game is counted by detecting a pin state after a bowl of a ball in a lane. A service medium carrying information on service to be offered to customers in response to the score state or the pin-state or points which are increased or decreased depending on such a state is outputted from the console or other equipment.

Abstract: A scoring system for a bowling center having a plurality of lanes includes scoring consoles equal in number to the number of lanes in the bowling center. Each scoring console includes a housing and an input system in the housing for receiving user input data related to the associated lane. The console includes a display device having a surface for displaying video images and a housing for the display device. The housing supports the display device and includes a flange surrounding an open area defining a quadrilateral opening in the housing for viewing the display surface. The display device attaches to the mounting portion. In this manner, the mounting assembly draws the flange toward the display surface to conform the flange to the three-dimensional surface configuration of the display surface.

Abstract: A system adapted for use in permitting a bowling game between bowlers at remotely located bowling centers includes pin fall sensors at each bowling center for sensing pin falls caused by balls bowled to knock down pins. Communication circuitry at each bowling center is configured to send locally generated scoring data based on the pin falls to a remotely located bowling center and to receive remotely generated scoring data from the remotely located bowling center. Display devices at each bowling center display the locally generated scoring data and the remotely generated scoring data.

Abstract: Information-compressed image data is generated or inputted in an office unit 3. Control data and image data is transferred to specified consoles 1a-1m according to reproduction timing or reproduction procedure for the image data. Each console expands the information-compressed image data and displays an image of the data on overhead CRTs 4a, 5a, . . . 4m, 5m.

Abstract: A bowling game enhances the traditional scoring of a strike or a spare when the bowler is able to time the rolling of the ball by a preselected location on the lane with a preselected location of an image being scanned transversely across the lane. The game uses a laser beam for illuminating a series of images in the form of spots of light, and in a sequencing fashion, moves the spots of light across the lane for viewing by the bowler during the rolling of the bowling ball towards standing pins. A sensor is positioned at a preselected location along side the lane for determining when the ball reaches the predetermined location. A processor provides an enhanced scoring to the otherwise traditional scoring when the ball reaches the preselected location at the same time a particular preselected spot of light reaches a particular location on the lane.

Abstract: The invention provides an automatic bowling scoring apparatus, as well as a bowling alley management system, which can make the bowling game itself more exciting besides the pleasure attributable to the competition in the score of the bowling game. The score of the bowling game is counted by detecting a pin state after a bowl of a ball in a lane. A service medium carrying information on service to be offered to customers in response to the score state or the pin-state or points which are increased or decreased depending on such a state is outputted from the console or other equipment.

Abstract: In a screen where score display is presented, a numeric value or mark responsive to a state of pins after a bowl is preliminarily displayed, and then the preliminary display is transformed or moved so that the numeric value or mark is displayed in the square. This allows an easier understanding of the correspondence between changes in the contents of score display on the display screen and actual progress of a bowling game.

Abstract: A bowling game enhances the traditional scoring of a strike or a spare when the bowler is able to time the rolling of the ball by a preselected location on the lane with a preselected location of an image being scanned transversely across the lane. The game uses a laser beam for illuminating a series of images in the form of spots of light, and in a sequencing fashion, moves the spots of light across the lane for viewing by the bowler during the rolling of the bowling ball towards standing pins. A sensor is positioned at a preselected location along side the lane for determining when the ball reaches the predetermined location. A processor provides an enhanced scoring to the otherwise traditional scoring when the ball reaches the preselected location at the same time a particular preselected spot of light reaches a particular location on the lane.

Abstract: In an automatic bowling scoring apparatus provided with a score counter for determining a score of a bowling game by detecting a passage of a ball and a pin state in a lane, medals for amusement equipment which is other than bowling game equipment and which is played with the medals are discharged onto a medal tray provided on the console that is provided in the bowling game equipment when the counting value of the score counter has come to a predetermined value. This allows the automatic bowling scoring apparatus to be constituted more exciting in addition to the enjoyment derived from the competition for the score of bowling games. Also, exploiting bowlers' play in the game center for bowling games allows the automatic bowling scoring apparatus to be constituted to exhibit improved bowler-pulling power of the bowling alley.

Abstract: A new bowling game has as its objective, to knock down sets of predetermined pin fall objectives. Each pin fall objective may comprise first and second pin fall counts. Score grids may be used to keep track of game objectives and results. Computer control and coordination may be used to achieve higher efficiencies and degrees of automation. The family of bowling games provided by this invention are games of skill that are fun and exciting to play, provide frequent winners, allow less experienced bowlers to win even when they play against more experienced bowlers, and provide strategic decisions and interest. The games are compatible with bowling lane equipment operating based on standard bowling 2-ball frames.

Abstract: An instant replay system for a bowling scoring system is disclosed in which a video clip of a bowler's approach and deliver of a bowling ball and a video clip of the bowling ball subsequently entering a pin-fall area are filmed, compressed, and stored in a memory device, such as a hard drive. The instant replay system includes a controller for receiving user requests from a user input terminal of the bowling scoring system and for responding to such user requests by selecting a stored video clip and controlling playback of the selected video clip on a display monitor of the bowling scoring system. In this manner, a user may request that the replay video clip be played in at any selected rate, that the controller freeze the display on a specific video frame, and that the controller fast-forward or rewind the video clip. Further, the user may request the replay of any previously stored video clip by specifying the bowler, game, frame and ball of which the video clip is taken.

Abstract: A scoring system for a bowling center having a plurality of lanes includes scoring consoles equal in number to the number of lanes in the bowling center. Each scoring console includes a housing and an input system in the housing for receiving user input data related to the associated lane. The console includes a display device having a surface for displaying video images and a housing for the display device. The housing supports the display device and includes a flange surrounding an open area defining a quadrilateral opening in the housing for viewing the display surface. The display device attaches to the mounting portion. In this manner, the mounting assembly draws the flange toward the display surface to conform the flange to the three-dimensional surface configuration of the display surface.

Abstract: A bowling center system includes a plurality of lane pair control systems each including a pinsetting device for each lane, a pinsetter control unit, a game control unit, a bowler input station and a pair of overhead display monitors. The game control unit is operable under the control of a game control program stored in a memory for automatically operating the pinsetter control units during game play to selectively set a sequence of pin patterns on the lane, which patterns may comprise any array of pins. The game control unit responsive to pin fall data received from the gamesetter generates scoring information which is displayed using video graphic displays on the overhead monitors. The game control program can be any one of a plurality of different game programs which may be downloaded to the memory from a memory associated with the manager's control terminal.

Abstract: A miniature bowling alley game comprising a lane surface adjusted to such a height where at one end an individual could comfortably roll a miniature bowling ball towards the other end which contains a plurality of lamps backlighting a translucent panel which represents bowling pins. The game features a microcontroller and sensors which detect the speed and angle of the bowling ball as it enters the area of the pins; actual sound of the pins falling; an information panel; and more than 50 spares that can be set up for practice bowling.

Abstract: Bowling lanes are equipped typically with first monitoring devices serving to verify the position of the pins and second monitoring devices designed to detect the passage of the balls, also a first control station connected both to the first and second monitoring devices and to the actuator of a machine for recovering and setting up the pins, in such a way that the game can be run and supervised according to a selected program and on the basis of the information received in signals returned by the two sets of monitoring devices; in the equipment disclosed, the first and second monitoring devices are incorporated into a single assembly together with a second control station interfaced with the program and connected to a communications network of which the first control station forms a part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid state bowling pin counter which is designed to replace existing mechanical pin counters. The solid state pin counter uses infrared technology and electro-optics to reliably detect the presence of a bowling pin as the pin travels towards the bowling pin table via the distributor assembly. The solid state pin counter can detect all colors of bowling pins and it works reliably in all ambient light conditions including flashing lights. If power is turned off during the time bowling pins are being fed into the bowling pin table, the memory in the pin counter remembers the pin counter's condition no matter where the bowling pin is on the distributor belt. Thus, when power is turned back on, the bowling pin table is filled with bowling pins as if the power was never turned off.

Abstract: A bowling center system includes a plurality of lane pair control systems each including a pinsetting device for each lane, a pinsetter control unit, a game control unit, a bowler input station and a pair of overhead display monitors. The game control unit is operable under the control of a game control program stored in a memory for automatically operating the pinsetter control units during game play to selectively set a sequence of pin patterns on the lane, which patterns may comprise any array of pins. The game control unit responsive to pin fall data received from the gamesetter generates scoring information which is displayed using video graphic displays on the overhead monitors. The game control program can be any one of a plurality of different game programs which may be downloaded to the memory from a memory associated with the manager's control terminal.

Abstract: A bowling center system includes a plurality of lane pair control systems each including a pinsetting device for each lane, a pinsetter control unit, a game control unit, a bowler input station and a pair of overhead display monitors. The game control unit is operable under the control of a game control program stored in a memory for automatically operating the pinsetter control units during game play to selectively set a sequence of pin patterns on the lane, which patterns may comprise any array of pins. The game control unit responsive to pin fall data received from the gamesetter generates scoring information which is displayed using video graphic displays on the overhead monitors. The game control program can be any one of a plurality of different game programs which may be downloaded to the memory from a memory associated with the manager's control terminal.

Abstract: A bowling center system includes a plurality of lane pair control systems each including a pinsetting device for each lane, a pinsetter control unit, a game control unit, a bowler input station and a pair of overhead display monitors. The game control unit is operable under the control of a game control program stored in a memory for automatically operating the pinsetter control units during game play to selectively set a sequence of pin patterns on the lane, which patterns may comprise any array of pins. The game control unit responsive to pin fall data received from the gamesetter generates scoring information which is displayed using video graphic displays on the overhead monitors. The game control program can be any one of a plurality of different game programs which may be downloaded to the memory from a memory associated with the manager's control terminal.

Abstract: A bowling scoring system having a graphic user interface includes an input selection device for receiving user input selections. The bowling scoring system is responsive to a pin-fall sensor to compute bowlers' scores which are displayed to provide information to the bowler. The system includes a controller program having various program states for performing a particular one of a plurality of functions. A plurality of input selection keys juxtaposed with the display device to provide input to the controller. Softkey indicia areas on the display device are associated with one of its input selection keys. The controller is responsive to the state of the program for displaying a particular label in at least one of the indicia areas and for performing a function associated with the displayed label in response to actuation of the one of the input selection keys associated with the labeled indidia area.

Abstract: An automated character-based bowling scoring display system provides voltage level encoding of separate red, green, and blue digital signals into a single analog signal for transmission at a standard transmission frequency or a reduced transmission frequency over a single coaxial cable stretching approximately 200 feet to a remote monitor residing in an overhead console. The system provides monitor display of various sizes and fonts of alphanumeric and graphical characters stored in hardware. The reduced transmission frequency results in a wider character when displayed. The system can store up to four additional pages of character information which can be successively and rapidly displayed on a monitor thereby mimicking the animation capability inherent in a more expensive and sophisticated bit-mapped graphics system.

Abstract: A bowling center system includes a plurality of bowling lanes and a plurality of bowling scoring systems each connected to a manager's control system. A video distribution system includes a memory device for storing data representing a plurality of video segments and generating video signals. A plurality of video display terminals are remotely located from the manager's control system and are operable to display video information responsive to a received video signal. A video communication network connects to the memory device and the display terminals. The manager's control system responds to a selection for a particular video segment to transmit a video signal to convey video segment information responsive to data read from the memory device to a selected one of the video display terminals.