METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING BOWLING BALL RETURN DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a bowling ball return device, and more particularly to a solution for controlling the bowling ball return device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The bowling ball return device is used for returning a bowling ball back to the player(s) after throwing. The bowling ball return device comprise a member like, for example, an accelerator belt to provide a force for returning the ball. The bowling ball return device is coupled with a bowling lane(s) and hence, a bowling pin may sometimes end up in the bowling ball return device. The pin usually causes an obstruction in the bowling ball return device and, if the obstruction is, for example, on the accelerator belt, the bowling ball may be damaged. Therefore, there is a need for more sophisticated bowling ball return device to avoid damages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is defined by the independent claims.

Embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following the invention will be described in greater detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, in which

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 3, 6A and 6B illustrate a bowling ball return device coupled with bowling lanes according to embodiments;

FIGS. 2 and 5 illustrate flow diagrams of a process for controlling of the bowling ball return device according to embodiments; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a system for controlling the bowling ball return device according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following embodiments are only examples. Although the specification may refer to “an” embodiment in several locations, this does not necessarily mean that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments.

Furthermore, words “comprising” and “including” should be understood as not limiting the described embodiments to consist of only those features that have been mentioned and such embodiments may contain also features/structures that have not been specifically mentioned.

As described in Background, the pin may cause the obstruction in the bowling ball return device. The obstruction may occur in various places of the bowling ball return device, and it may cause more problems in some places than in other places. The most problematic place for the obstruction is the accelerator belt that provides a force for returning the bowling ball. Friction caused by a rotating belt may damage the bowling ball, if the ball is stuck on the belt. It may even render the ball unusable. Also the pin or the bowling ball return device may be damaged.

The present invention provides a sophisticated solution for controlling the bowling ball return device and its accelerator belt in case, wherein the obstruction occurs in the bowling ball return device.

FIG. 1A illustrates a general simplified architecture of a bowling ball return device 100 coupled with bowling lanes, in which embodiments of the invention may be applied. The bowling ball return device may comprise an accelerator belt 102, a first ball door 104, a second ball door 106, a first bowling ball rail 108, a second bowling ball rail 110 and one or more sensors 112. The bowling ball return device may be coupled with one or more bowling lanes 114, 124 via one or more ball entrances 116, 118.

In an embodiment, a bowling ball 120a, 120b, when thrown, travels along a bowling lane and hits pins 122a, 122b that are in an array at the end of the bowling lane 114, 124. After hitting the pins 122a, 122b, the bowling ball 120a, 120b is guided toward a ball entrance 116, 118. Ball doors 104, 106 are positioned at the ball entrances 116, 118. The ball door 104, 106 opens when the bowling ball 120a, 120b reaches the ball entrance 116, 118 and let the bowling ball 120a, 120h in the bowling ball return device 100. The bowling ball 120a, 120h is guided, by a first bowling ball rail 108, toward the accelerator belt 102. The accelerator belt 102 provides the bowling ball 120a, 120b with a force for travelling back to the player via a second bowling ball rail 110. The bowling ball 120a, 120b may travel from the bowling lane 114, 124 towards the accelerator belt 102 by gravity, or there may be a mechanism that provides a moving force for the bowling ball 120a, 120b, In some case, both solutions may be applied, Arrows D1 present a direction of the movement of the bowling ball in the bowling ball return device.

Sometimes, the pin(s) 122a, 122h may also enter into the bowling ball return device 100 through the hall entrance(s) 118, 120 when the ball door 104, 106 is open. The pin 122a, 122b, inside the bowling ball return device, may cause the obstruction which prevents the movement of the bowling ball 120a, 120b and the bowling ball 120a, 120h cannot be returned back to the player due to the obstruction. As described earlier, the obstruction may occur in various places of the bowling ball return device such as, for example, in the bowling ball entrance 116, 118 area, in the ball rail(s) 108, 110 or in the vicinity of the accelerator belt 102.

Referring to FIG. 2, wherein the invention is illustrated in a flow chart according to an embodiment, A method for controlling a bowling ball return device, comprising: (block 200) detecting, by using one or more sensors, an obstruction inside the bowling ball return device in vicinity of an accelerator belt; (block 202) turning off, by using processing circuitry, a motor of the accelerator belt of the bowling ball return device; and (block 204) closing, by using the processing circuitry, bowling lanes coupled with the bowling ball return device.

In an embodiment, the one or more sensors are configured to detect obstruction in the vicinity of the accelerator belt. An operating grange of the one or more sensors may be used for adjusting the area in vicinity of the belt wherein the sensors are capable of detecting the obstruction. The vicinity of the accelerator belt may refer to an area near by the belt. The area may extend every direction from the acceleration belt. When the obstruction is in the vicinity of the belt, there may be a risk that the belt will be in contact with the ball or pin. In other words, the ball is not necessarily in contact with the belt but the ball is so close to the belt that the contact is possible or likely. The contact may cause damages to the ball, pin and/or ball return device and therefore, the motor of the accelerator belt should be turned off.

In an embodiment, the vicinity also comprises a situation wherein the ball/pin is in contact with the belt, in other words, the obstruction is on the acceleration belt.

Referring to FIG. 18, in an embodiment, the one or more sensors 112 are placed such that the operation range of the sensors are capable of detecting the obstruction in a front of the acceleration belt 102 when the ball 120 arrives from the direction D1. The front of the acceleration belt refers to a first detection area 126a, which is in vicinity of the acceleration belt 102 covering partly the first bowling ball rail 108. In addition, it may, at least partly, cover the acceleration belt 102. In an embodiment, the first detecting area 126a may be covered by using only one sensor. The sensor may be placed, for example, in vicinity of the acceleration belt 102 and at least partly towards the ball entrances 116, 118 such that an operation range of the sensor is capable of covering the first detecting area 126a.

In embodiment, the one or more sensors 112 are capable of detecting the obstructions anywhere in the area of the first bowling ball rail 108. Referring to FIG. 1C, the operation range of the one or more sensors 112 are configured to cover a second detection area 126h. The area may cover both ball entrances 116, 118 and the first bowling ball rail 108 inside the bowling ball return device 100. In addition, the operational range of the one or more sensors 112 may also cover, at least partly, the acceleration belt 102, In an embodiment, the obstruction is detected anywhere in the detection area 126b by using only one sensor.

Referring to FIG. 3, the pin 122a is entered inside the bowling ball return device 100 and blocks a route of the ball 120a to the acceleration belt 102, In other words, the pin 122a courses the obstruction inside the device 100. When the ball 120a enters inside the device, it may be get stuck with the pin 122. There is also a risk that the obstruction is so close to the belt 102 that the rotating belt may cause damages to the ball 120a and/or pin 122a. Therefore, the one or more sensor 112 are configured to detect the pin 122a inside the device 100 and the processing circuitry is configured to turn off the motor of the acceleration belt 102 to avoid the damages. At the same time, the processing circuitry is further configured to close the bowling lanes 114, 124 coupled with the bowling ball return device 100, Closing of the bowling lanes prevents entering of other balls and/or pin into the device and hence, the obstruction inside may not get worse.

In an embodiment the one or more sensors are configured to be assembled in vicinity of the acceleration belt such that the operating range of the sensors covers the bowling ball rail area of device before the acceleration belt from the direction wherefrom the balls enter to the belt. It may also party cover the acceleration belt. Hence, all obstructions which prevent the normal progress of the ball inside the device may be detected. In other words, all non-moving object in the bowling ball rail before the belt or on the belt.

The invention provides a smart and simple solution for controlling the bowling ball return device such that the damages of the bowling ball, pin and device itself may be avoided.

In an embodiment, the bowling lanes coupled with the bowling ball return device are closed by a boom. When the lanes are closed by the boom the players see that the lane is closed and it is not allowed to throw the bowling balls to the lane. Then the possible obstruction inside the bowling ball return device will not get worse. The boom(s) is (are) not illustrated in Figures.

In an embodiment, an alarm is generated when the obstruction is detected in the bowling ball return device. The alarm may be generated immediately when the obstruction is detected inside the bowling ball return device. The purpose of the alarm is to inform the operator of the bowling alley about the obstruction and possible stopping of the accelerator belt. The alarm may be, for example, an alarm sound and/or light. The alarm may be generated from the detection of the obstruction and/or from the turning off the acceleration belt. In an embodiment, a first alarm may be generated when the obstruction is detected and a second alarm when the belt is turned off.

In an embodiment, the alarm may be shown in a control unit of the bowling ball return device. The control unit of the bowling ball return device may be a part of the control unit of the whole bowling system which usually comprise a display. The control unit may be located, for example, near by the cash desk wherein the operator usually is when serving customers. Hence, when the alarm is shown in the control unit, the operator can easily notice the obstruction in the bowling ball return device and start the corrective actions as soon as possible.

In an embodiment, the alarm shown in the control unit of the bowling ball return device may comprise information about the obstruction. The information may comprise, for example, a location of the obstruction in the bowling alley and in the bowling ball return device, a notification if the motor of the accelerator belt is turned on/off, a notification if the obstruction leaves away before any corrective actions, and possible corrective actions for the operators what should be done when the obstruction is detected.

In an embodiment, the one or more sensors are positioned to detect a state of ball doors of the ball return device, in other words, whether the ball door open or closed. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors may be placed, for example above the door(s) such that the door in the open state is in the operation range of the sensor and when the door is in the range for predetermined time the sensor generates a detection signal. In another embodiment, one or more sensors may be placed in vicinity of the acceleration belt such that they are capable of detecting the state of the doors. For example, the ball door may be open and cannot be closed because of the obstruction in the ball door area. Then, the one or more sensors may detect that the door is in the open state and hence, detects the obstruction. The one or more sensors may detect that the door is in the open state for predetermined time and then generates the detection signal. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors may also detect if the door cannot be opened because of the obstruction and hence, generates the detection signal. The one or more sensors detecting the state of the door(s) may also be used to detect a malfunction of the doors.

In an embodiment, the one or more sensors are further configured to detect the obstruction in the first ball entrance and the second ball entrance of the bowling ball return device. Referring to FIG. 1C, the one or more sensors 112 may be positioned such that they are capable of detecting the obstruction in the first ball entrance 116 and in the second ball entrance 118, in addition to the vicinity of the the accelerator belt 102. In an embodiment, only one sensor may be placed inside the bowling ball return device such that the operation range of the sensor covers the first ball entrance, the second ball entrance, the first bowling ball rail and the vicinity of the accelerator belt. Hence, the one sensor may be used to detect the obstruction anywhere inside the bowling ball return device before the acceleration belt and at least partly on the belt.

In an embodiment, the one or more sensors comprises an ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic sensor may be placed, for example, in vicinity of the acceleration belt and pointed, at least partly, to the arrival direction of the ball (towards the ball entrances). In an embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor may be placed such that it is capable of detecting the obstruction in some part of the bowling ball return device like, for example, in vicinity of the acceleration belt. In another embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor may be placed such that it is capable of detecting the obstruction anywhere (the first and second ball entrances, the first bowling ball trail, vicinity of the belt and also on the belt) inside the bowling ball return device before the acceleration belt.

In an embodiment, the one or more sensors are capable of recognizing the pin in the bowling ball return device. The one or more sensors may recognize the pin when the obstruction occurs or even before the obstruction. For example, the one or more sensors may detect the pin immediately when entered into the bowling ball return device before the pin causes the obstruction. Then the alarm may be generated and/or acceleration belt may be closed, in addition the bowling lanes may be closed. The obstruction may then be avoided beforehand, if the pin is removed before the possible obstruction in the bowling ball return device. The one or more sensors may be carried out, for example, as a machine vision or photocell which is capable to recognize objects, in this case the pins, in the system. The machine vision or photocell may also be capable of detecting where the pin or obstruction is in the bowling ball return device.

In an embodiment, the detection of the obstruction inside the bowling ball return device is performed such that, if the detected obstruction is far from the belt, only an alarm (signal) is generated for the controlling unit of the device and the motor of the acceleration belt is maintained on. In addition, the bowling lanes may be closed, But if the obstruction is so near of the belt (not necessarily in contact with the belt) such that there is an immediate risk of the contact between the obstruction (ball/pin), and the rotating belt the motor of the acceleration belt is turned off. In addition the bowling lanes may be closed. Then the location of the obstruction affects the actions taken after the obstruction is detected. For example, when the obstruction is far from the belt there may not be needs to turn of the motor of the acceleration belt, but if the obstruction is in vicinity of the belt such that there is a risk of contact, the motor is turned off. In some case, the pin (obstruction) may first be far from the belt but it may move closer to the belt, for example, if the ball hits the pin. Then the motor of the belt is maintained on and only the alarm is generated when the pin is in the first location but when moved close enough to the belt (vicinity of the belt), the motor is turned off. Then unnecessary stops of the motor may be avoided.

Referring to an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1D, when the one or more sensors 112 detect the obstruction far from the belt 102 in a detection area 127a, the alarm signal is generated and the acceleration belt is maintained on. In addition, the bowling lanes coupled with the bowling ball return device may be closed. But if the obstruction is detected in vicinity of the acceleration belt 102 in a detection are 127b, the alarm signal is generated, the motor of the acceleration belt is turned off and the bowling lanes are closed.

FIG. 4 illustrates a system 400 for controlling a bowling ball return device according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, the system 400 comprises: one or more sensors 112 configured to detect the obstruction inside the bowling ball return device in vicinity of an accelerator belt; and a processing circuitry 402 configured to turn off the motor of the accelerator belt of the bowling ball return device, and to close the bowling lanes coupled with the bowling ball return device.

In an embodiment, the system 400 is configured to perform all the steps of anyone of claims 1-9.

In one example, the processing circuitry may be a part of the bowling ball return device or it may be a separate unit. The processing circuitry may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the system to carry out the procedures of claims 1-9. On the other hand, said specific circuitry may be an ASIC or FPGA as described later.

In another example, the one or more sensors, when detecting the obstruction, generate a signal to the motor of the accelerator belt to turn off the motor or maintain the motor on. Hence, the signal may be generated, by the one or more sensors, directly to the motor and the separate processing unit may not be used. In an embodiment, a counter is used with the sensors. When the bowling ball is stopped in the operating range of the one or more sensors, the counter is started and after predetermined time the counter generates the signal to the motor to turn it off or maintain it on.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a process for controlling of a bowling ball return device according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, the process comprises: (block 500) detecting, by using one or more sensors, an obstruction in the bowling ball return device; (block 502) in response to detecting the obstruction on an accelerator belt of the bowling ball return device, turning off a motor of the accelerator belt of the bowling ball return device; and (block 504) in response to detecting the obstruction elsewhere than on the accelerator belt of the bowling ball return device, maintaining the motor of the accelerator belt on.

Referring to block 500, the obstruction is detected by the one or more sensors placed in the bowling ball return device. The one or more sensors may be capable of detecting the obstruction in various places of the bowling ball return device. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors may also detect the obstruction outside of the bowling ball return device, for example, at the ball entrances and/or the ball doors on either or both sides of the ball doors. Sometimes, the obstruction may occur before the bowling ball travels through the ball entrance into the bowling ball return device and, hence, the obstruction may be on the bowling lane side of the ball entrance and prevent the movement of the bowling ball inside the bowling ball return device.

The sensors have an operation range in which the sensor is capable of detecting the obstruction. The one or more sensors may be located in the bowling ball return device such that the operation range covers all possible areas wherein the obstruction may occur. The one or more sensors may locate, for example, nearby the ball entrance(s) or accelerator belt and the one or more sensors may be directed such that the operation range of the one or more sensors covers these areas.

In an embodiment, the obstruction is detected, for example, such that the bowling ball stops, for example because of the pin, at an operation range of the sensor and the sensor detects that the bowling ball does not move. When the ball is detected as being stopped for a predetermined time, the sensor may generate a signal about the obstruction detection. A separate counter may also be used with the sensors for measuring the predetermined time. The one or more sensors may comprise any type of a component which is able to detect the obstruction, also different type of the sensors may be combined to achieve the desired solution. The one or more sensors may comprise proximity sensor, electrical sensor, magnetic sensor, pressure sensor, optical sensor, audio sensor, light sensor, infrared sensor, for example.

Referring to block 502, if the obstruction is detected on the accelerator belt of the bowling ball return device, a motor of the accelerator belt is turned off. In an embodiment, the accelerator belt is not necessarily a belt, it may be some other component and/or mechanism, e.g. a wheel capable of providing a force for the bowling ball to return back to the start of the bowling lane. In an embodiment, the accelerator belt is provided with a power source such as the motor which rotates the belt.

When the obstruction is detected on the belt, the bowling ball is in contact with the rotating belt but cannot move forward and hence, the contact with the rotating belt may cause damages to the bowling ball, A term “on the accelerator belt” means that the obstruction may be anywhere nearby the belt. It may refer that the obstruction may be in vicinity of the belt such that there is a risk that the belt will be in contact with the ball, in other words the ball is not necessarily in contact with the belt but the ball is close to the belt. In another embodiment. It may also refer the obstruction is close to the belt such that the belt is in contact with the bowling ball and/or pin and may cause damages to the ball and/or pin. Hence, the term “on the accelerator belt” may not mean that obstruction is necessarily exactly on the belt.

If the obstruction is detected on the accelerator belt, the motor of the belt may be turned off to stop the belt and avoid the damages to the bowling ball and/or structures of the bowling ball return device. In an embodiment, the sensor may detect that the bowling ball is stopped on the accelerator belt and when the ball has been in the stopped state for predetermined time, for example some seconds, the sensor generates a signal which turns off the motor of the accelerator belt and stops the belt, Hence, the damages in the bowling ball may be avoided. The operator of the bowling alley may turn on the motor again, when the obstruction is removed. In an embodiment, the motor may be turned on automatically after predetermined time, if the sensor detects that the obstruction does not occur anymore. There may be, for example, an alarm sound or light that indicates to the operator that the motor of the belt is going to be turned on again and the belt starts to rotate.

Referring to block 504, if the obstruction is detected elsewhere than on the accelerator belt of the bowling ball return device, a motor of the accelerator belt is maintained on. As described earlier, the obstruction may occur anywhere in the howling ball return device, not only on the accelerator belt. If the obstruction is detected elsewhere than on the accelerator belt, there is no reason to turn off the motor of the accelerator belt and stop the belt. Unnecessary stopping of the belt stresses the motor of the accelerator belt and may also disturb operations of the whole bowling alley. It may also cause unnecessary extra work for the operators of the bowling alley.

In an embodiment, the bowling ball return device may be coupled with two bowling lanes and when the accelerator belt of the bowling ball return device is unnecessarily stopped, the players on the both bowling lanes cannot get their bowling balls back. Still, the obstruction may locate on the place where it may not affect the other bowling lane at all and hence, the bowling on the other lane would continue normally if the accelerator belt is maintained on. Hence, it does not make sense to turn off the motor of the accelerator belt and stop the belt, if the obstruction is in the place of the ball return device in which the obstruction may not disturb bowling in the other bowling lane.

In an embodiment, said elsewhere (block 504) refers to the first ball entrance of the first bowling lane or the second ball entrance of the second bowling lane. As described, the bowling ball return device is coupled with the first bowling lane via the first ball entrance and with the second bowling lane via the second ball entrance. The hall entrances may comprise the ball doors. The bowling ball goes through the ball entrance when entering into the bowling ball return device. The ball entrance should be understood as an area around the ball entrance and hence, it is not only the point where from the bowling ball enters the bowling ball return device, in other words, the location of the ball door. The ball entrance area may start from the bowling lane side of the ball door, in other words, from outside of the ball entrance of the ball return device and may extend up to the point from which the accelerator belt starts. The accelerator belt may not be included in the bowling ball entrance area.

In an embodiment, the ball entrance may start, for example, from the outside of the first ball entrance of the bowling ball return device and extend inside the device such that it ends at a point of the first ball rail where a bowling ball from the second ball entrance may still move onto the accelerator belt although there is the obstruction in the first ball entrance area. Referring to FIG. 6A, the obstruction is caused by the pin 122a in the first ball entrance area 116 and the obstruction blocks the movement of the first bowling ball 120a, in other words, the ball cannot move to the accelerator belt 102. Still, there is space enough for the second bowling ball 120b, coming from the second ball entrance 118, to move onto the accelerator belt 102 despite the obstruction in the first ball entrance area 116. In this case, there is no sense to stop the accelerator belt because the bowling ball from the second bowling lane can still go to the belt and can be returned for the player. Hence, the first ball entrance may be understood as an area that ends in the point of the first ball rail in which the bowling ball from the second ball entrance can still move onto the accelerator belt despite the obstruction in the first ball entrance area.

In an embodiment, the one or more sensors are positioned to detect the obstruction in the first ball entrance, the second ball entrance and on the accelerator belt of the bowling ball return device. Referring to FIG. 6A, the one or more sensors 112 may be positioned such that they are capable of detecting the obstruction in the first ball entrance 116, in the second ball entrance 118 and on the accelerator belt 102. The one or more sensors 112 may also be able to detect the obstruction in the second ball rail 110, which may locate behind the accelerator belt 102 as well as in the front of the ball door outside of the bowling ball return device. In an embodiment, a plurality of sensor may be placed around the bowling ball return device to detect the obstruction. Some of the sensors or all sensors may be located outside the bowling ball return device, for example, in the bowling lanes coupled with the bowling ball return device. In another embodiment, only one sensor is used to detect the obstruction anywhere in the bowling ball return device. The sensor may be placed, for example, inside the bowling ball return device such that the operation range of the sensor covers the first ball entrance, the second ball entrance and the accelerator belt. Hence, the one sensor may be used to detect the obstruction inside the bowling ball return device. Also the second ball rail may be covered by the one sensor.

In an embodiment, a first sensor is positioned to detect the obstruction in the first ball entrance, a second sensor is positioned to detect the obstruction in the second ball entrance and a third sensor is positioned to detect the obstruction on the accelerator belt of the bowling ball return device. Referring to FIG. 6B, the first sensor 112a detects the obstruction in the first ball entrance 116, the second sensor 112b detects the obstruction in the second ball entrance 118 and the third sensor 112c detects the obstruction on the accelerator belt 102. The first and the second sensors 112a, 112b may also be able to detect the obstructions in the front of the ball door outside the bowling ball return device, in other words, on the bowling lane in the front of the ball door. The third sensor 112c may also be able to detect the obstruction in the second ball rail 110, behind the accelerator belt 102.

In an embodiment, the first and the second bowling lanes, coupled with the bowling ball return device, are closed when the one or more sensors detect the obstruction on the accelerator belt. The accelerator belt is stopped if the obstruction is on the accelerator belt and hence, the bowling balls may not be returned. The first and the second bowling lanes are closed in order to prevent moving of the bowling balls into the bowling ball return device when the accelerator belt is not running due to the obstruction. If more bowling balls are thrown to the bowling lane, the obstruction may get worse, because more bowling balls may gather to the obstruction. The first and the second bowling lanes may also be stopped if the obstruction is in the second ball rail.

In an embodiment, the first bowling lane is closed when the one or more sensors detect the obstruction in the first ball entrance. The first bowling lane is closed to prevent throwing of the bowling balls into the bowling ball return device which may get the obstruction worse. As described earlier, the obstruction in the first ball entrance may not affect the movement of the bowling ball from the second ball entrance to the accelerator belt and therefore, the second bowling lane may not be closed when the obstruction is in the first ball entrance.

In an embodiment, the second bowling lane is closed when the one or more sensors detect the obstruction in the second ball entrance. The second bowling lane is closed to prevent throwing of the bowling balls into the bowling ball return device which may get the obstruction worse. As described earlier, the obstruction in the second ball entrance may not affect the movement of the bowling ball from the first ball entrance to the accelerator belt and therefore, the first bowling lane may not be closed when the obstruction is in the second ball entrance.

In an embodiment, the accelerator belt starts to rotate when the bowling ball approaches the the accelerator belt, in other words, the belt may not necessarily rotate all the time if there is no bowling ball in the bowling ball return device. The motor of the accelerator belt may be turned on, for example, when the bowling ball enters the bowling ball return device. In case, when the obstruction occurs in the bowling ball return device, the motor of the accelerator belt may not be turned on. The one or more sensors may detect the obstruction and generate a signal to maintain the motor of the accelerator belt off. In another embodiment, the motor of the accelerator belt is turned on if the obstruction occurs, for example, at the first ball entrance and the bowling ball from the second ball entrance travels to the accelerator belt. The one or more sensors may detect the obstruction at the first ball entrance and also detect that the bowling ball from the second ball entrance come into the bowling ball return device. Then the motor of the accelerator belt may be turned on although there is the obstruction in the first ball entrance because there may be enough space for the bowling ball from the second ball entrance to travel to the accelerator belt.

Following examples describes how the method of controlling the bowling ball return device may be applied in the bowling alley. The player throws the bowling ball to the bowling lane and the ball, after hitting the pins, travels toward the ball entrance of the bowling ball return device. When the ball door is open for the bowling ball, the pin may also enter inside the bowling ball return device which may lead to the obstruction. The obstruction may be, for example, near by the ball entrance area or on the accelerator belt of the bowling ball return device. The one or more sensors may detect the obstruction in the bowling ball return device and the sensors may also be capable to detect the location of the obstruction inside the device. When the obstruction is detected, an alarm is generated to inform operators of the bowling alley about the issue, the motor of the acceleration belt is turned off and the bowling lanes coupled with the bowling ball return device are closed.

In another example, the actions taken after the detection of the obstruction may depend where the obstruction is in the bowling ball return device. For example, if the obstruction is far from the acceleration belt, the alarm may be generated but the motor of the acceleration belt may be maintained on and the bowling lanes may be closed. If the obstruction is in vicinity of the acceleration belt, the alarm may be generated, the motor of the acceleration belt may be turned off and the bowling lanes may be closed.

In a further example, the bowling ball return device may be coupled with two bowling lanes and when the accelerator belt is stopped, bowling on the both lanes stops because the bowling balls cannot be returned. In case, wherein the obstruction is, for example, in the ball entrance area of the first bowling lane, the obstruction may not affect the bowling on the second bowling lane at all. In other words, the balls from the second bowling lane can enter the accelerator belt nevertheless there is the obstruction in the ball entrance of the first bowling lane. Hence, it does not make sense to stop the accelerator belt and stop the bowling on the second bowling lane.

The method according to the invention provides a sophisticated solution for controlling the bowling ball return device such that the accelerator belt is stopped only when it really is necessary and hence, the unnecessary stops may be avoided.

As used in this application, the term ‘circuitry’ refers to all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry; (b) combinations of circuits and software and/or firmware, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of processor(s) or processor cores; or (ii) portions of processor(s)/software including digital signal processor(s), software, and at least one memory that work together to cause an apparatus to perform specific functions; and (c) circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present.

This definition of ‘circuitry’ applies to all uses of this term in this application. As a further example, as used in this application, the term “circuitry” would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor, e.g. one core of a multi-core processor, and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term “circuitry” would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular element, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and/or a field-programmable grid array (FPGA) circuit for the apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as the technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING BOWLING BALL RETURN DEVICE

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Priority Claims (1)