An error detection system for notifying maintenance personnel of errors in a bowling lane operation may include a camera, artificial light source (optional), a computer that sends an output signal. The output signal may be a signal to provide notification to maintenance personnel to fix the error or an electrical signal to the pinsetter or ball return unit to manipulate operation of the same to prevent further damage. In this manner, interruptions and delays to bowlers will be minimized because maintenance personnel is immediately notified of any errors and can resolve the errors before the bowler realizes the error.

An error detection system for notifying maintenance personnel of errors in a bowling lane operation may include a camera, artificial light source (optional), a computer that sends an output signal. The output signal may be a signal to provide notification to maintenance personnel to fix the error or an electrical signal to the pinsetter or ball return unit to manipulate operation of the same to prevent further damage. In this manner, interruptions and delays to bowlers will be minimized because maintenance personnel is immediately notified of any errors and can resolve the errors before the bowler realizes the error.

An automated system is provided for scoring and tracking pin position and pin placement, gameplay, and playing time during games of FOWLING™. A modified pin with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag affixed to or implanted in the pin provides tracking of individual pins during gameplay. A RFID reader is used to poll the set of pins on the platform to determine when a pin has left a set position. A processor controls the RFID tag reader and a clock so as to track pin position versus time. A pin position array is used in conjunction with conductive or magnetic disks on the bottom portion or surface of the pin for tracking pin position, pin placement, and gameplay. The conductive or magnetic disks complete circuit junctions in the array that confirm the presence of a standing pin and when a pin has been dislodged and presumably toppled over.

An automated system is provided for scoring and tracking pin position and pin placement, gameplay, and playing time during games of FOWLING™. A modified pin with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag affixed to or implanted in the pin provides tracking of individual pins during gameplay. A RFID reader is used to poll the set of pins on the platform to determine when a pin has left a set position. A processor controls the RFID tag reader and a clock so as to track pin position versus time. A pin position array is used in conjunction with conductive or magnetic disks on the bottom portion or surface of the pin for tracking pin position, pin placement, and gameplay. The conductive or magnetic disks complete circuit junctions in the array that confirm the presence of a standing pin and when a pin has been dislodged and presumably toppled over.

A method of betting on a pin based game includes the making of a first bet by placement of money or a substitute for money on a first position of a betting mat or by a digital mat on a graphical user interface, the first bet corresponding to a first player performance metric of a player in the pin based game. The player then throws at least one throw of a ball at a pin arrangement having at least one standing pin in attempt to knock down the at least one pin. The first bet plus a premium are returned based upon the first player performance metric being achieved. The premium is defined by premium odds that is based in part on the probability. A system for betting on a pin based game includes a pin associated with a sensor, a computer, a graphical user interface, and a betting mat.

A method of betting on a pin based game includes the making of a first bet by placement of money or a substitute for money on a first position of a betting mat or by a digital mat on a graphical user interface, the first bet corresponding to a first player performance metric of a player in the pin based game. The player then throws at least one throw of a ball at a pin arrangement having at least one standing pin in attempt to knock down the at least one pin. The first bet plus a premium are returned based upon the first player performance metric being achieved. The premium is defined by premium odds that is based in part on the probability. A system for betting on a pin based game includes a pin associated with a sensor, a computer, a graphical user interface, and a betting mat.

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. Upon an occurrence of an event, the management system: determines that the occurrence of the event is associated with one or more special effects; and provides the instructions to the one or more special effects components to effectuate the special effects associated with the one or more events.

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. Upon an occurrence of an event, the management system: determines that the occurrence of the event is associated with one or more special effects; and provides the instructions to the one or more special effects components to effectuate the special effects associated with the one or more events.

The present inventive concept relates to a system, and related methods, for facilitating practice of bowling, wherein the system comprises: a data storing device configured to store oil pattern data corresponding to a set of oil patterns for bowling lanes; a projecting arrangement configured to project graphics onto a bowling lane; and a processing unit configured to send, from the data storing device to the projecting arrangement, oil pattern data corresponding to one oil pattern of said set of oil patterns, whereby graphics representing the one oil pattern of said set of oil patterns is projected onto the bowling lane.

The present inventive concept relates to a system, and related methods, for facilitating practice of bowling, wherein the system comprises: a data storing device configured to store oil pattern data corresponding to a set of oil patterns for bowling lanes; a projecting arrangement configured to project graphics onto a bowling lane; and a processing unit configured to send, from the data storing device to the projecting arrangement, oil pattern data corresponding to one oil pattern of said set of oil patterns, whereby graphics representing the one oil pattern of said set of oil patterns is projected onto the bowling lane.