(19)

(11)

EP 1 040 427 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 04.10.2000 Bulletin 2000/40 (21) Application number: 98956202.0 (22) Date of filing: 30.10.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G06F 17/00, G06G 7/48 (86) International application number: PCT/US9822/641 (87) International publication number: WO 9923/574 (14.05.1999 Gazette 1999/19)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 31.10.1997 US 63795 P (71) Applicant: AMF Bowling Worldwide Inc. Richmond, VA 23111 (US)	(72) Inventors: CURTIS, Stanley, B. Williamsburg, VA 23188 (US) THORNE, Sherri, L. Mechanicsville, VA 23111 (US) HENRY, Scottlan, R. Richmond, VA 23233 (US) (74) Representative: Warren, Francis Charles et al Baron & Warren18 South EndKensington London W8 5BU London W8 5BU (GB)