A bowling enhancement system is for a bowling lane, and may include a mobile device, an image sensor arranged over the bowling lane and configured to generate image data of the bowling lane, projectors arranged over the bowling lane and configured to generate a set of projected images onto the bowling lane, and a server. The server may be configured to cause a given projector to project a pairing token onto the bowling lane, when receiving the pairing token from the mobile device, establish a communication link with the mobile device to receive a given game characteristic from the mobile wireless communications device, determine a tracking path of a bowling ball traveling on the bowling lane based upon the image data, and selectively change the set of projected images based upon the tracking path of the bowling ball and the given game characteristic.

A bowling enhancement system is for a bowling lane, and may include a mobile device, an image sensor arranged over the bowling lane and configured to generate image data of the bowling lane, projectors arranged over the bowling lane and configured to generate a set of projected images onto the bowling lane, and a server. The server may be configured to cause a given projector to project a pairing token onto the bowling lane, when receiving the pairing token from the mobile device, establish a communication link with the mobile device to receive a given game characteristic from the mobile wireless communications device, determine a tracking path of a bowling ball traveling on the bowling lane based upon the image data, and selectively change the set of projected images based upon the tracking path of the bowling ball and the given game characteristic.

Systems and methods for masking pinsetters of a bowling center. The systems comprise a modular masking unit that comprises a first array of displays structurally supported by a support frame. The support frame is mounted to the ground so that the array of displays extends over a pair of bowling lanes and masks the p insetters for the pair of bowling lanes. The displays are arranged such that they can be independently controlled to provide a plurality of small displays or collectively controlled to provide a single large multi-panel display. The support frame is height adjustable such that a distance between the array of displays and the ground is adjustable (e.g., so that the masking unit can fit in between or in conjunction with all types of pinsetters, bowling scoring systems, and/or other masking units).

Systems and methods for masking pinsetters of a bowling center. The systems comprise a modular masking unit that comprises a first array of displays structurally supported by a support frame. The support frame is mounted to the ground so that the array of displays extends over a pair of bowling lanes and masks the p insetters for the pair of bowling lanes. The displays are arranged such that they can be independently controlled to provide a plurality of small displays or collectively controlled to provide a single large multi-panel display. The support frame is height adjustable such that a distance between the array of displays and the ground is adjustable (e.g., so that the masking unit can fit in between or in conjunction with all types of pinsetters, bowling scoring systems, and/or other masking units).

A bowling centre includes at least one bowling lane along which the bowl is rolled and having a rolling surface at one end of which are positioned the pins to be knocked down and at the opposite, longitudinal end of which is located the bowler's bay from where the bowl is thrown, the at least one lane including a side bumper running along each side of the lane and movable between a lowered position which allows the bowl to roll freely off the lane into a gutter which channels the bowl out of the lane, and a raised position for keeping the bowl on the bowling lane; an electronic control system configured to manage the at least one lane to implement a scoring program which calculates the score of the game played on the at least one lane; a lighting system includes a plurality of lighting units mounted on each side bumper, the lighting system being connected to the electronic control system which is configured to individually control each lighting unit in such a way as to light respective zones of each bumper in a differentiated manner.

A bowling centre includes at least one bowling lane along which the bowl is rolled and having a rolling surface at one end of which are positioned the pins to be knocked down and at the opposite, longitudinal end of which is located the bowler's bay from where the bowl is thrown, the at least one lane including a side bumper running along each side of the lane and movable between a lowered position which allows the bowl to roll freely off the lane into a gutter which channels the bowl out of the lane, and a raised position for keeping the bowl on the bowling lane; an electronic control system configured to manage the at least one lane to implement a scoring program which calculates the score of the game played on the at least one lane; a lighting system includes a plurality of lighting units mounted on each side bumper, the lighting system being connected to the electronic control system which is configured to individually control each lighting unit in such a way as to light respective zones of each bumper in a differentiated manner.

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.

A bowling enhancement system is for a bowling lane, and may include a mobile device, an image sensor arranged over the bowling lane and configured to generate image data of the bowling lane, projectors arranged over the bowling lane and configured to generate a set of projected images onto the bowling lane, and a server. The server may be configured to cause a given projector to project a pairing token onto the bowling lane, when receiving the pairing token from the mobile device, establish a communication link with the mobile device to receive a given game characteristic from the mobile wireless communications device, determine a tracking path of a bowling ball traveling on the bowling lane based upon the image data, and selectively change the set of projected images based upon the tracking path of the bowling ball and the given game characteristic.

A bowling enhancement system is for a bowling lane, and may include a mobile device, an image sensor arranged over the bowling lane and configured to generate image data of the bowling lane, projectors arranged over the bowling lane and configured to generate a set of projected images onto the bowling lane, and a server. The server may be configured to cause a given projector to project a pairing token onto the bowling lane, when receiving the pairing token from the mobile device, establish a communication link with the mobile device to receive a given game characteristic from the mobile wireless communications device, determine a tracking path of a bowling ball traveling on the bowling lane based upon the image data, and selectively change the set of projected images based upon the tracking path of the bowling ball and the given game characteristic.