Bingo method of scoring bowling

Abstract

A bowling game variation of the game of bingo bowling is provided which allows for a bowling game wherein the bowlers can eliminate the “race” element of the game, and instead, play a bingo bowling game with scoring points being awarded. According to the invention, the bowler is given a set of shot or frame outcomes to achieve, and is awarded points based on the completion of the shot or frame outcomes within a pre-set time period or within a pre-set number of frames. Scoring for the card can be accomplished using a computer based system. This system allows for a wider variety of games to be played by a bowler.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:  
     
         1 . A method for playing a bingo bowling game wherein a bowler plays a shot or a frame by rolling one or a set number of bowling balls down a bowling lane with the aim of achieving one of a number of pre-set shot or frame outcomes, characterized in that the length of the bingo bowling game is controlled by either establishing a pre-set time period for achieving the shot or frame outcomes, or is controlled by establishing a pre-set number of frames for achieving the shot or frame outcomes.  
     
     
         2 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said bowling lane is automated and computerized so that each lane will have a pin-setting mechanism, and a computerized scoring system.  
     
     
         3 . A method as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said pin-setting mechanism automatically set the pins in place, provides mechanisms for clearing balls and fallen pins from the lane during the frame, and mechanisms for resetting the pins in place after the completion of a frame.  
     
     
         4 . A method as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said computerized scoring system is able to determine when a ball has been thrown, and is able to determine which pins have been knocked down on each ball thrown in a frame.  
     
     
         5 . A method as claimed in  claim 4  wherein said computerized scoring system is able to determine which, of any, pre-set frame or shot outcomes have been achieved.  
     
     
         6 . A method as claimed in  claim 5  wherein said computerized scoring displays to the bowler different strategy choices, and allows the bowler to select these strategy choices through a bowler input panel.  
     
     
         7 . A method for playing a bingo bowling game as claimed in  claim 1  wherein a bowler plays a shot or a frame by rolling one or a set number of bowling balls down a bowling lane with the aim of achieving one of a number of pre-set shot or frame outcomes, characterized in that each shot or frame outcome possible is rated so as to have a point reward associated with said outcome, and the bowler attempts to maximize their point total by achieving any or all of the pre-set shot or frame outcomes within the bingo bowling game.  
     
     
         8 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the bowler is awarded with time extensions or additional games for achieving one or more predefined shot outcomes in a bowling game, or in a previous bowling game.  
     
     
         9 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the number of balls, pins and their arrangement, is compatible with standard bowling protocols so that the number of balls allowed per frame, and the number of pins used, are fully compatible with conventional pin-setting equipment.  
     
     
         10 . A bingo bowling game wherein a bowler, either as an individual or as part of a team, plays a frame with the aim to achieve one of a number of pre-set shot or frame outcomes, characterized in that each shot or frame outcome possible or desired, is rated so as to have a point reward associated with said outcome, and the bowler attempts to maximize their point total by achieving any or all of the pre-set shot or frame outcomes within the bingo bowling game.  
     
     
         11 . A bingo bowling game as claimed in  claim 10  wherein said bingo bowling game is limited to a pre-set time period or a pre-set number of frames.  
     
     
         12 . A bingo bowling game as claimed in  claim 10  wherein said bowling lane is automated and computerized so that each lane will have a pin-setting mechanism, and a computerized scoring system.  
     
     
         13 . A game as claimed in  claim 12  wherein said pin-setting mechanism automatically set the pins in place, provides mechanisms for clearing balls and fallen pins from the lane during the frame, and mechanisms for resetting the pins in place after the completion of a frame.  
     
     
         14 . A game as claimed in  claim 12  wherein said computerized scoring system is able to determine when a ball has been thrown, and is able to determine which pins have been knocked down on each ball thrown in a frame.  
     
     
         15 . A game as claimed in  claim 14  wherein said computerized scoring system is able to determine which, of any, pre-set frame or shot outcomes have been achieved.  
     
     
         16 . A game as claimed in  claim 15  wherein said computerized scoring system displays to the bowler different strategy choices, and allows the bowler to select these strategy choices through a bowler input panel.  
     
     
         17 . A game for playing a bingo bowling game as claimed in  claim 10  wherein a bowler plays a shot or a frame by rolling one or a set number of bowling balls down a bowling lane with the aim of achieving one of a number of pre-set shot or frame outcomes, characterized in that each shot or frame outcome possible is rated so as to have a point reward associated with said outcome, and the bowler attempts to maximize their point total by achieving any or all of the pre-set shot or frame outcomes within the bingo bowling game.  
     
     
         18 . A game as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the number of balls, pins and their arrangement, is compatible with standard bowling protocols so that the number of balls allowed per frame, and the number of pins used, are fully compatible with conventional pin-setting equipment.  
     
     
         19 . A game as claimed in  claim 18  wherein the number of pins standing at the beginning of each frame is either 5 or 10 pins.  
     
     
         20 . A game as claimed in  claim 19  wherein 2 or 3 balls are thrown per frame.  
     
     
         21 . A bingo bowling game system for use with a bowling lane having a plurality of bowling pins, wherein a bowler rolls one or more balls down the lane to knock the pins down, the system comprising: 
 pin-setting equipment for automatically setting the pins at the beginning of a frame, clearing balls and pins from the lane during the course of play of a frame, and re-setting the pins to their initial position at the end of the frame; and    a bingo bowling computerized scoring system comprising: 
 a game initiating means for selecting one or more bingo bowling games;  
 a display system for displaying a set of shot or frame outcomes to be achieved during said bingo bowling game;  
 sensors for detecting when a ball is thrown and the number and location of the pins knocked over by said ball;  
 a comparison means for determining whether the pins knocked over by each ball of the frame meet any of the pre-set shot or frame outcome objectives in the set;  
 a display system for displaying when the bowler has successfully achieved a shot or frame outcome objective in the set;  
 a score calculation means for awarding a point score for each shot or frame outcome objective achieved in the set, in accordance with a pre-set table of point awards; and,  
 game termination means for terminating said bingo bowling game after a pre-set time period, a pre-set number of frames, or after achievement, by one or more teams or players, of all pre-set outcomes of said set.