Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for playing and method of controlling a computerized dart game of simulated tug-of-war. The method generates on a display a goal graphic, at least one player graphic, and at least one challenger graphic. The goal graphic typically includes a first side on which the player graphic is initially displayed and a second side on which the challenger graphic is initially displayed. The method monitors the segments in at least one electronic dart board for hits by darts and determines at least one offset value associated with a segment hit by a dart. The offset value may represent the sum of one or more hits by a player, the sum of one or more hits by a challenger, of the difference between one or more by a player and hits by a challenger. In a single player game, the method itself may generate a random challenger value.

Abstract: An electronic devices executes from memory an advertising multimedia segment structure that includes a command segment storing multimedia commands that in turn invoke multimedia effects and that is supported by a definition segment that invokes the command segment. The definition segment also includes argument definitions for the tokenized arguments in the command segment. The command segments are protected against alteration by encryption, while the definition segments are alterable to provide locally customized advertisements in accordance with the tokenized arguments in the command segments. A library of downloadable command segments provides predefined advertisements, displays, and the like for the electronic device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus as shown for managing a plurality of computer jukeboxes at different locations from a central station. Each jukebox includes processor means for controlling the computer jukebox, storage and retrieval means for data, display means for selection menus, audio production means for playing musical records, and a user interface enabling patrons to communicate with the processor means. The central station can be used to download musical recording data to each computer jukebox, and each computer jukebox can upload usage data to the central station.

Abstract: A gaming device is shown having one printed circuit board that includes a game control processor; at least one memory storing game operation information; and a light transmitter for transmitting encoded information representing selected game operation information that is stored in the memory. The gaming device also includes a communication printed circuit board that has a light receiver for receiving light encoded information from the light transmitter; at least one memory for storing game operation information as represented by the light encoded information received by the light receiver; and a communication controller that allows communication between the gaming device and a remote station. Because the light transmitter can transmit information to the communication board but cannot receive information therefrom, communications between the gaming device and a remote station is allowed without compromising the integrity or security of the operations of the gaming device.

Abstract: A dart game apparatus adapted for play in combination with darts is provided for. The dart game apparatus comprises a backstop. The backstop includes a vertical surface adapted to intercept errant darts. The dart game also includes a rotatable target assembly. The target assembly has a hub rotatably mounted to the backstop forward of the vertical surface, one or more arms radiating outward from the hub, and a dart board mounted on each of the arms. The dart boards include a plurality of target segments adapted to capture darts striking the target segments.

Abstract: A gaming device is shown having a controller that controls the operation of the gaming device and a printer that records events on paper in response to the controller. A first magazine is provided for holding fan folded paper to be input to the feed mechanism of the printer and a second magazine is positioned relative to the paper output of the printer to receive a printed record on at least a portion of the paper output from the printer. A third magazine is provided for holding a third supply of fan folded paper wherein an end of the paper in the first magazine is attached to an end of the paper held in the second magazine so that when paper in one magazine is depleted, paper in the other magazine is automatically input to the printer's input feed mechanism.

Abstract: A dart game and a method of controlling a dart game wherein numbers corresponding to targets to be aimed at by a player are randomly generated throughout the play of the game until a predetermined number of target values have become fixed by being marked by a dart hit on the dart board. Prior to the start of a game, a predetermined number of target values are randomly generated and displayed. After each player's turn, the target values that have been marked by a dart hit on a corresponding section of the dart board are fixed for the remainder of the game. However, any unmarked target value is changed to a new, randomly generated value prior to the next player's turn. The random generation of target numbers continues until the predetermined number of target values have been marked.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is shown for managing a plurality of computer jukeboxes at different locations from a central station. Each jukebox includes processor means for controlling the computer jukebox, storage and retrieval means for data, display means for selection menus, audio production means for playing musical records, and a user interface enabling patrons to communicate with the processor means. The central station can be used to download musical recording data to each computer jukebox, and each computer jukebox can upload usage data to the central station.

Abstract: A battery powered electronic dart game that is capable of scoring the game of Cricket uses multicolored or flashing lamps to indicate a current mark score. In one embodiment, the multi-colored lamps may be bi-color LED's that indicate four states with regard to marks scored in a particular dart bed. In another embodiment, the flashing lamps may be LED's flashed at different rates to indicate the four states with regard to marks scored in a particular dart bed. In a third embodiment, the lamps may be both colored and flashed to indicate marks scored. A score panel may be connected to a dart board, together containing processing and display driver circuitry for indicating a current score on the lamps and on numerical displays. Alternatively, the display panel may be a separate unit and may completely house the processing and display driver circuitry, thereby providing portability.

Abstract: A high security counting system is shown for counting events represented by an event signal. The counting system includes a nonerasable programmable read only memory which is programmed by a programmer under the control of a controller. The controller is responsive to an event signal for controlling the programmer to program a bit from a first value to a second value wherein each bit programmed to a second value represents a unit of count and the number of bits programmed to the second value represents the count of said counter.

Abstract: A security system for a gaming device prevents a door on the gaming device from being opened during a power failure so as to prevent tampering with the controls of the gaming device when no power is supplied to the system. When power is supplied to the system, a processor logs the time of occurrence of detected door openings in a nonerasable programmable memory so as to provide a record thereof. The information is stored in a sequential manner in accordance with the time of occurrence of the door opening events so that the microprocessor can verify the information stored. If any anomalies are detected in the stored information, the microprocessor 10 can prevent operation of the gaming device or generate alarms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely crediting and billing usage of a plurality of electronic entertainment machines situated at different locations. Each electronic entertainment is connected via a transmission link to a billing computer situated at a central billing location. The establishment having an electronic entertainment machine may award credit to the electronic entertainment machine by remote control after a customer has paid for credit or the user can insert money in the machine. Each electronic entertainment machine records the number of credits that have been awarded to the machine. At a predetermined time, the billing computer polls each location via the transmission link, and the electronic entertainment machine at each location transmits credit data to the billing computer. Each location is then billed for the use of their respective electronic entertainment machines as determined by the number of awarded credits.

Abstract: A target for an electronic dart game including a plurality of slidably mounted scoring segments arranged edge-to-edge and in a circle so as to define different scoring areas. Following a conventional layout for a dart game target, the target has twenty (20) pie-shaped scoring partitions that are placed adjacent to each other so as to form a complete circle. Each partition has a designated score value ranging from one to twenty (1-20) points. Each partition is further divided into the standard three trapezoidal and one pie sub-partitions. In the preferred embodiment, the target further includes a double bull's-eye. A different electrical switch is provided for each scoring segment, and each electrical switch conveys a dart-hit signal in response to its corresponding segment being struck by a thrown dart. Separate and isolated signal lines electronically connected to each switch are provided for communicating the dart-hit signals to processing means of the target.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting dart leagues or tournaments wherein players participate at multiple remote locations. The present invention provides a plurality of remotely located electronic dart games connected via a communication medium to a central control device enabling bidirectional communication between the central control device and the plurality of remotely located electronic dart games. The invention in a preferred embodiment enables players to participate in a dart league or tournament from various locations, however, it is possible for the plurality of electronic dart games to be at one location. Each electronic dart game is capable of receiving data from and transmitting data to player cards. Each dart game player has a player card that identifies a player to a respective dart game, and the player card also stores player data and game statistics. A master dart game is located at each remote location.

Abstract: A multiple target electronic dart game having shared microprocessor that monitors and services operation of the electronic dart game. The multiple targets are mounted on opposite sides of a column which may be floor-standing or wall mountable. Affixed to the top of the column is visual display video monitor for providing players and observers with game scores and the like. The visual display video monitor is optionally capable of split-screen presentation. The novel design of the multiple target electronic dart game enables players to play dart games not previously available with single target dart games. Moreover, many components utilized by the controls are shared, thus enabling cost savings by eliminating substantial duplication of components.

Abstract: An electronic dart game capable of being played by sight-impaired persons. The game includes a dart face forming a target for darts thrown by the players, the dart face including a plurality of scoring segments. An electronic processor is associated with the dart face for detecting a hit segment and determining the value of the segment which has been hit. An audible announcing device is associated with the processor and is responsive to the processor for audibly announcing sufficient information to direct and score the game without the need for viewing of visible indicators. As a further feature of the invention, as rollout mat is provided having an integral throwing line and affixed to the cabinet. In one condition, the rollout mat is completely stored within the cabinet and in the other can be simply rolled out to automatically position the throwing line, the throwing line being physically perceptible by a sight-impaired person to locate him with respect to the target face.

Abstract: In an electronic dartboard game having a visual display for providing players with game scores and the like, an apparatus for providing a customized image on the visual display when the electronic dartboard game is not in use is provided having, a processor operable in first or second modes. The first mode is responsive to game conditions for providing scoring information and the like to the visual display. The second mode is responsive to a manual input device for providing a customized image on the visual display. Additionally, there is provided an apparatus for transferring the processor from the first mode to the second and returning the processor to the first mode after the customized image has been entered.

Abstract: An electronic target game adapted for use with a display device which is disposed within the viewing region of the game. The preferred embodiment is a dart game employing "safe" darts and a dart board which is divided into a plurality of target sections and an associated pressure sensitive switch matrix. A microprocessor executes instructions stored in an EPROM memory unit which is easily removed and interchanged from the game. The EPROM memory unit contains instructions for a variety of dart games with different rules and procedures of play. The invention provides one or more displays for selecting a game and displaying scores, instructions and various game conditions.

Abstract: A dart board in which the various target plates are conveniently assembled onto the dart board target area. The target plates of the board which have the same color are molded at the same time in the form of a grid in which each of the target plates is linked to one or more of the adjacent target plates in order to form an integral grid-like structure. The positions of the various target plates correspond to the positions of the respective scoring areas on the dart board. For a dart board in which the target plates are divided into separate scoring areas on the basis of just two distinct colors, two separate grids are provided, each constituting an integrally supported arrangement of target plates of one of the two distinct colors. The integral grids are designed in such a way that when positioned in an overlapping manner with respect to each other, they define the overall target plates of the dart board with immediately adjacent target plates being of different ones of the two distinct colors.