Games using tangible projectile – Bowling
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-28
2001-11-20
Pierce, William M. (Department: 3711)
Games using tangible projectile
Bowling
C473S058000, C473S070000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06319142
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to the sport of bowling and, in particular, to scoring in a game based on the position of a bowling ball prior to striking the standing pins.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional bowling games, ten pin bowling by way of example, includes the player throwing a first ball in an attempt to knock down ten standing pins. If successful, a strike is declared and appropriately scored. If after throwing the first ball, pins remain standing, a second attempt is made and if the remaining pins standing are knocked down, a spare is declared and appropriately scored. Although the trajectory of a ball typically determines the success in knocking down pins, different players will have different trajectories of preference. With the ever increasing exposure to interactive computer games and competitive sporting activities, it is well known in the bowling industry that there is a need for enhanced enjoyment from the traditional game of bowing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the present invention to enhancing the scoring in the game of bowling. It is further an object to enhance the scoring during strikes and spares based on the timing with which the ball is rolled along the lane where it ultimately knocks down standing pins.
These and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention are provided by an apparatus illuminating means for illuminating a series of images in a sequencing fashion for viewing by a player during the rolling of the bowling ball towards standing pins, sensing means for sensing the bowling ball at a predetermined location, and a processor operable with the illuminating means and the sensing means for enhancing a bowling score responsive to pins felled by the bowling ball, the processor responsive to the bowling ball being at the predetermined location in combination with an image of the series of images being illuminated for enhancing the scoring of the game based on a preselected combination of values for each image of the series of images. In a preferred embodiment, the illuminating means comprise a light source projecting the series of images as a plurality of spots of light on a surface of the lane, and switching means operable with the light source for illuminating the surface with the spots of light in the sequencing fashion.
A method aspect of the invention includes illuminating a series of images in a sequencing fashion for viewing by a player during the rolling of the bowling ball towards standing pins, sensing the bowling ball at a predetermined location, and enhancing a bowling score responsive to the bowling ball being at the predetermined location when one of the series of images is illuminated, the enhancing based on a preselected combination of values for each position of the series of images on the lane. In one embodiment, a player attempts to have the bowling ball pass the predetermined location on the lane when a preselected spot of light is illuminated. By way of example, if the player is successful, the traditional scoring of a strike or a spare will be enhanced as a result of the timing of the ball with the moving spots of light and an illumination of a particular spot.
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Allen Dyer Doppelt Milbrath & Gilchrist, P.A.
Pierce William M.
Qubica U.S.A.
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