Dart system and method for enabling play between remotely located competitors

Abstract

A system and method for allowing competitive dart matches between competitors remotely located from one another. Electronic or computerized dart stations at multiple locations are electronically coupled across a communications network such as the Internet. Visual communication from at least one camera at each location allows detailed monitoring of play at each coupled location. Statistics for all players are stored in a central database. Players may play against stored statistics of players, or may locate a player at a remote location and shoot against him. Multiple dart game formats and/or league formats may be stored and used for play. Because at least two cameras are provided at each dart station, captured video images therefrom may be analyzed using optional software features to help dart players improve their throwing skills. Video transcripts of complete dart games may be captured and reviewed for post mortem analysis by players at the conclusion of the game.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to electronic dartboards and, more particularly, to a system of electronic dart stations, each having an electronic dartboard capable of receiving steel tip or soft tip darts, the electronic dart stations being connected one to another via a communication network that allows remotely located dart players to interact with (i.e., “play”) one another.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Darts is a throwing game wherein darts are thrown at a typically circular target (i.e., a dartboard) mounted on a vertical surface. A player stands a predetermined distance from the dartboard and throws pointed darts at the dartboard. Thrown darts lodge in the forward facing surface of the dartboard and generate a particular score based upon the exact position on the dartboard struck by each dart. The term “darts” generally refers to a standardized game involving a specific dartboard configuration and set of rules and typically is played by two opponents.

In what is generally considered to be a standard game, the dartboard is hung so that the bullseye is 5 ft 8 in from the floor (i.e., eye-level for a six-foot person. The “oche” (i.e., the line behind which the throwing player must stand) is generally 7 feet 9¼ inches from the face of the dartboard. This is the recognized world standard as set by the World Darts Federation and generally adhered to throughout the world.

FIG. 1a shows a front plan schematic view of a dartboard of the prior art, generally at reference number 100. A regulation board is approximately 17¾ inches (451 mm) in diameter and is divided into 20 radial sections. Each section is separated with metal wire or a thin band of sheet metal. The best dartboards have the thinnest wire, so that the darts have less chance of hitting a wire and bouncing out. The numbers indicating the various scoring sections of the board are also normally made of wire, especially on tournament-quality boards, but may be printed directly on the board instead. Such dartboards 100 are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art and warrant no further description herein.

Over the years dartboards have been developed with sensing mechanisms inherent therein to allow automatic electrical/electronic scoring. Such a dartboard 102 having electronic scoring is shown schematically in FIG. 1b. Such dartboards 102 may be adapted to receive either traditional steel tip darts or soft tip darts, neither shown. Both steel tip and soft tip darts are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art and are not further described herein. The darts form no part of the present invention. A typical dartboard adapted to receive steel tip darts is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,447 for ELECTRONIC DARTBOARD ADAPTED TO METAL DART, issued Aug. 2, 2005 to Shu-Mu Lai.

The LAI and other similar dartboard generate a unique electrical signal representative of a position on dartboard 102 where the dart, not shown, hits and is retained thereby. These electrical signals may be monitored and, combined with other information from controls 106 by an internal processor, shown schematically at reference number 108 and used to display results on displays such as displays 104 and/or indicators or controls 106. Typically, simple match scoring may be accomplished by internal processor 108 using predetermined scoring rules.

Dart matches between two or more player have typically been played at a single location where player alternately toss darts at a single dartboard 100, 102. However, it would be desirable to have a system and method that would allow interactive dart matches between two or more players located remotely from one another.

DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART

Electronic dartboards as well as systems utilizing same are known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,114,155 for SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF PLAYER STATISTICS FOR ELECTRONIC DART GAMES, issued May 19, 1992 to Michael L. Tillery et al. discloses a method and apparatus for conducting dart leagues or tournaments wherein player participate at multiple remote locations.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,349 for AUTOMATED LEAGUE AND TOURNAMENT SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONIC GAMES, issued Jan. 14, 1997 to Edward K. Miguel et al. teaches a system having a central league machine that transmits data to one or more of a plurality of electronic dart games.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,271 for AUTOMATED LEAGUE AND TOURNAMENT DEVICE, issued Apr. 11, 2000 to David M. Barcelou discloses a sport or skill game having apparatus for accepting and dispensing currency of multiple types located in close proximity to a plurality of sport or skill games.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,447 for ELECTRONIC DARTBOARD ADAPTED TO METAL DART, issued Aug. 2, 2005 to Shu-Mu Lai provides an electronic dartboard adapted to receive traditional steel tip darts and to generate electrical signals representative of a positions upon the dartboard struck by darts.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,361,083 for MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTE MONITORING OR REFEREEING IN DART MACHINES, issued Apr. 22, 2008 to Javier Valero Moreno teaches a system and method wherein multimedia information is selectively transmitted from a plurality of amusement machines to a central facility for analysis and storage.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,731,589 for GAME, APPARATUS, SERVER APPARATUS, PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM, issued Jun. 8, 2010 to Hiroshi Kataoka et al. discloses a game that simulates competition against an existing specific person. Several selectable options are available.

None of the patents and published patent applications, taken singly, or in any combination are seen to teach or suggest the novel dart system and method for enabling play between remotely located competitors of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a system and method for allowing dart matches between competitors remotely located from one another. Electronic dart stations at multiple locations are electronically coupled across a communications network such as the Internet. Visual communications from at least one camera at each location allows detailed monitoring of play at each coupled location.

Statistics for both amateur and professional players are stored in a central database. Individual players may then play virtual games or matches against stored statistics of specific players. Players may also shoot against live players at a particular location (i.e., electronic dart station, or may use communications capability provided by the novel system to locate specific players at a remote location against whom they may play.

Multiple dart game formats and/or league formats may be stored. League formats may be normalized thereby allowing competition between players from different leagues.

Because at least two cameras are provided at each installation, the novel system may be used to capture video images from at least two angles of a player as he or she throws. This captured video may be analyzed using optional software features to help dart players improve their throwing. Because significant storage is available, video of complete dart games may be also captured and rerun for post mortem analysis by players at the conclusion of the game.

It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide an electronic dart game system and method allowing dart games to be played by competitors located remotely from one another.

It is another object of the invention to provide an electronic dart game system and method wherein electronic dart stations at two or more locations are connected one to another by a public or private communications network.

It is an additional object of the invention to provide an electronic dart game system and method wherein electronic dart stations at two or more locations are connected one to another by the Internet.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an electronic dart game system and method wherein communication between at least two remotely disposed electronic dart stations includes at least visual imagery.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide an electronic dart game system and method wherein visual imagery from at least two cameras is captured and stored for later playback and/or analysis.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide an electronic dart game system and method wherein “social networking” functionality inherent in the novel electronic dart game system and method may be used to locate opponents or to readily communicate with other dart players.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1a is a front elevational view of a standard dartboard of the prior art;

FIG. 1b is a front, elevational, schematic view of a self contained electronic dartboard of the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a simplified functional block diagram of an electronic dart station in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of an overall network topology of the dart system in accordance with the invention; and

FIGS. 4-1 and 4-2 are a flow chart of one aspect of the process of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides a system and method for playing a dart game with at least two players located remotely from one another.

Referring now also to FIG. 2, there is shown a simplified functional block diagram of an electronic dart station for practicing the method of the invention, generally at reference number 120.

A controller 122 forms the heart of electronic dart station 120. Controller 122 may be a dedicated electronic appliance, a general purpose digital computer executing instructions of one or more software applications, or any other suitable apparatus capable of receiving data, processing the data, and generating suitable outputs. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to specific controller implementation. Rather, the invention includes any and all suitable controllers in addition to the generic controller 122 chosen for purposes of disclosure.

It will be recognized that controller 122 will have many internal components that, for purposes of clarity are not specifically identified. For example, components such as, but not limited to, a CPU, memory, buses and controllers, I/O capability (PCI slots, USB, IEEE 1394 (“Firewire”), serial and/or parallel ports, video cards, CD/DVD ROM drives/burners, fixed disk drives, etc. Computer architectures and components are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art and, consequently, are not further discussed herein.

A dartboard 102 having an electronic interface 124 connected thereto by a cable 126 is connected to controller 122 by a cable 128. It will be recognized that cable 126 may include suitable connectors, not shown, to facilitate interconnection of dartboard 102 to interface 124. Likewise, cable 128 may also include suitable connectors, not shown, for facilitating interconnection of interface 124 and controller 122.

A local score board 130 is also operatively connected to controller 122. Local score board 130 may utilize any known display technology and may display local results as well as results/conditions from one or more electronic dart stations 120 disposed at remote locations as discussed in detail hereinbelow. In an alternate embodiment, the function(s) of scoreboard 130 may be incorporated into video monitor 134.

A foul sensor 132 is also operatively connected to controller 122. Foul sensor 132 may include floor pressure sensors, optical image processing subsystems, light beam sub-systems, laser beam sub-systems, or any other foul sensing sub-systems based on any other technology(s), none of which are shown. Foul sensing systems are believed to be known to those of skill in the art and are not further described herein.

One or more video monitors 134 and a control console 136 are, likewise operatively connected to controller 122. It will be recognized that the functions of video monitor 134 and control console 136 may, in alternate embodiments, be combined into one physical structure, not shown. In still other embodiments, multiple video monitors may be connected to controller 122.

At least two video cameras 138a, 138b are connected to a video processor 140 that is, in turn, operatively connected to controller 122. Additional video cameras 138c . . . 138n may also be connected to video processor 140. It will be recognized that in alternate embodiments, video processor 140 may be functionally contained within controller 122.

A currency acceptor 146 is connected to processor 122 to accept payment from non-registered users as is described in more detail hereinbelow. Currency acceptor 146 typically accepts coins, tokens, bills, and debit/credit cards, none shown. Currency acceptors are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art and are not further discussed herein.

A network interface 142 couples controller 122 to the World Wide Web (WWW)/Internet 144. WWW/Internet 144 forms no part of the present invention. It will be recognized that any communications network, public or private may be substituted for WWW/Internet 144. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to any particular communications network. Rather, the invention includes any suitable public or private communications network.

Referring now also to FIG. 3, there is shown a simplified block diagram of the overall network topology 160 of the novel dart system and method in accordance with the present invention.

A plurality of electronic dart stations 120a . . . 120n is individually connected to a common communications network, for example, the Internet 144. As stated hereinabove, any suitable public or private communications network, not shown, may be used to practice the invention. As used herein, the term Internet is intended to include any such communications networks.

Also connected to Internet 144 are several servers 162 . . . 174, each described in more detail hereinbelow.

Each electronic dart station 120a . . . 120n is adapted for independent connection to the Internet 144.

A Primary Authentication Server 162 and a Web Server 174 are independently connected to Internet 144 via an Internet connection 176.

A Secondary Authentication Server 164, a Master Application Server 166, a Slave Application Server 168, a Master Database (DB) server 170, and a Slave DB Server 172 are each also connected to Internet 144 via an Internet connection 178.

Primary Authentication server 162 provides primary user authentication and stores customer account and/or demographic information. Information stored on Primary Authentication Server 162 is synchronized with Secondary Authentication Server 164, periodically or in real time as required.

Web Server 174 hosts the website for the operator of the novel dart system and method. All web based services provided to members/users of the novel dart system are provided by Web Server 174.

Secondary Authentication Server 164, synced with Primary Authentication Server 162, provides backup thereto.

Master Application Server 166 provides a front end to the Master Database Server 170 and to one or more Slave Database Servers 172 (only one shown for simplicity). Slave Application Server 168 is synchronized with Master Application Server 166 and provides backup thereto.

Master Database (DB) Server 170 hosts all databases used by the novel dart system and method. Specifically, all player information and statistics are stored on Master Database Server 170. As more data capacity is required, one or more Slave Database Servers 172 (only one shown for simplicity) may be added to augment Master Database Server 170.

In a typical operation, a first player at an electronic dart station 120a . . . 120n logs in, typically at control console 136 using a pre-assigned user ID and password, neither shown. The user ID and password may be assigned using a registration or authentication process that gathers necessary data regarding a potential player using authentication (e.g., LDAP, RSA, certificate, login/password, etc.) techniques all believed to be well known to those of skill in the art and not further described herein. Registration may be accomplished via a website, not specifically identified, hosted on Web Server 174.

Non registered players may use the novel system by paying a predetermined fee using the currency acceptor 146. Registered players will have purchased a prepaid membership or will have a debit/credit card number, not shown, on file that may be charged the required amount on a pay as you go basis. It will be recognized that currency acceptor 146 may be used for additional purposes, for example for renewing a membership.

Once a player, hereinafter Player A has either logged in or entered payment into currency acceptor 146, he or she is provided the option of locating a live opponent logged into another of electronic dart stations 120a . . . 120n. Alternately, Player A may choose to shoot against another player's statistics. Such selections are typically made at control console 136.

If Player A chooses to shoot against another player's statistics, a virtual game against the selected statistics is started at the selected one of electronic dart stations 120a . . . 120n where Player A is logged in.

If however, Player A chooses to play against another player, a location application, not shown, is used to locate and select a desired opponent.

Once located and requested to play, a second player, hereinafter Player B accepts the match and a live, two-way video feed is established between the respective electronic dart stations 120a . . . 120n for each of Player A and Player B. The live video feed utilizes one or more of video cameras 138a . . . 138n at respective ones of electronic dart stations 120a . . . 120n and respective video monitors 134.

Once a two-way video feed is established, Player A and Player B may diddle or “diddle for the middle” or utilize another mutually agreeable strategy to determine which player will shoot first.

If Player A shoots first, Player B may watch Player A's throw on his or her associated video monitor 134.

Once Player A has thrown all three darts, Player B is signaled by application software, not shown, that it is now his or her turn to throw.

Now, Player A watches Player B throw on Player A's video monitor 134.

Players continue to alternate turns. As each dart is thrown, the respective player's score is updated in real time and displayed on scoreboard 130 at each interconnected electronic dart station 120a . . . 120n.

A foul detection system using data from foul sensor 132 monitors each of Player A and Player B's throws to ensure neither player crosses the oche (i.e., the line behind which the throwing player must stand). A signal notifies both Player A and Player B that the shooting player needs to adjust his or her foot position. Typically, if a player fouls three times in a row he or she must forfeit throwing darts that round.

At the completion of the game, Player A and Player B each have the,option to play another game with one another, locate a different opponent on the Internet 144, or to play a virtual game against the statistics of a player to be selected.

Upon completion of games, all statistics (including averages) are updated and the updates data stored in one of Master Database Server 170 or one of Slave Database Servers 172 as appropriate.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-1 and 4-2, collectively forming FIG. 4, there is shown a simplified flow chart of the method of the present invention, generally at reference number 400. FIG. 4 illustrates several of the above-described steps.

The application is started, block 402.

For illustrative purposes, it is assumed that a player (Player B) is already logged into the application, block 404. For purposes of illustration, Player B represents a plurality of logged in players who may be available to play.

A new player, Player A, desires to play, block 406. If the new player is registered, block 408, Player A logs in, block 412. If, however, Player A is not a registered player, block 408, he or she is required to make a required payment, block 410. Player A then logs in, block 412.

Player A next selects between live play and playing against the stored statistics of another player. If live play is not selected, block 414, control is transferred to block 446 where play against statistics is initiated. If, however, live play is selected, block 414, Player A searches for a player with whom to play, block 416.

Player A locates a player and requests play with this player, designated Player B, block 418. If player B does not accept an invitation to play, block 420, control is returned to block 416. If, however, Player B accepts the invitation to play, block 420, a real time video link is established between respective electronic dart stations 120a . . . 120n, block 422.

A determination is made by agreement between Player A and Player B as to which player throws first, block 424. As previously discussed, this determination may be made my diddling or some other method or arrangement.

If it is decided that Player A shoots first, block 426, Player A then shoots first, block 430. Otherwise, Player B shoots first, block 428.

Play alternates between Player A and Player B, block 432. The application scores each dart shot in real time and posts an updated score at respective scoreboards 134 in respective ones of interconnected electronic dart stations 120a . . . 120n.

If the game is not over, block 436, control is transferred to block 432 and the game continues.

If, however, the game is over, block 436, Player A must determine if he or she wishes to play live again, block 438. If Player A wishes to play live again, block 438, he or she must decide whether to play the same opponent, block 440. If Player wishes to play the same opponent, block 440, control is transferred to block 424 and play continues as previously described. Otherwise, control is transferred to block 416 and Player A searches for a different opponent.

If Player A no longer wishes to play live, block 438, Player A is asked whether he or she would like to play against statistics, block 442. If Player A does not wish to play against statistics, block 442, play is terminated, block 444. If Player A wishes to play against statistics, block 442, Player A must select the desired statistics, block 446. Once statistics have been selected, block 446, a virtual game is started, block 448.

Player A and a selected virtual opponent alternate shooting, block 450 and the application keeps and displays the score, block 452.

When the virtual game is over, block 454, control is again transferred to block 438.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for enabling playing a darts match between two remotely located opponents, comprising:

a) a first dart station disposed at a first location, said first dart station comprising a first dart board comprising a first electrical interface and operatively connected thereby to a first controller, a first camera operatively connected to said first controller, a first video monitor operatively connected to said first controller, and a first network interface operatively connected to said first controller;

b) a second dart station disposed at a second location, said second dart station comprising a second dart board comprising a second electrical interface and operatively connected thereby to a second controller, a second camera operatively connected to said second controller, a second video monitor operatively connected to said second controller, and a second network interface operatively connected to said second controller;

c) a central facility comprising at least one server, at least one data base, and a third network interface operatively connected to each thereof; and

d) a common communications network interconnecting said first darts station through said first network interface, said second dart station through said second network interface, and said central facility through said third communications interface.

2. The system for enabling playing a darts match between two remotely located opponents as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said first dart station and said second dart station further comprises at least one selected from the group: a foul sensor, a currency acceptor, and a control console, each operatively connected to a respective one of said first controller and said second controller.

3. The system for enabling playing a darts match between two remotely located opponents as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said first camera and said second camera comprises at least two cameras.

4. The system for enabling playing a darts match between two remotely located opponents as recited in claim 1, wherein said communications network comprises at least one selected from the group: the Internet, a public communications network, and a private communications network.

5. The system for enabling playing a darts match between two remotely located opponents as recited in claim 1, wherein said second location is remote from said first location.

6. The system for enabling playing a darts match between two remotely located opponents as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one server comprises at least one server selected from the group: a primary authentication server, a secondary authentication server, a web server, a primary application server, a secondary application server, a primary database server, and a secondary database server.

7. A method for enabling playing a darts match between two remotely located opponents, the steps comprising:

a) providing at least two dart stations, each comprising dart board comprising an electrical interface operatively connected thereby to a controller, a camera operatively connected to said controller, a video monitor operatively connected to said controller, and a network interface operatively connected to said controller, and a central facility comprising at least one server, at least one data base, and a third network interface operatively connected to each thereof;

b) placing a first one of said at least two dart stations at a first location and placing a second one of said at least two dart stations at a second location and, using a communications network;

c) using a communications network, interconnecting each of said at least two dart stations, and said central facility through respective ones of associated communications interfaces;

d) facilitating a darts match played by a first person disposed at said first one of said at least two dart stations and a second person disposed at a second one of said at least two dart stations by establishing electronic communication comprising a two-way video interconnection therebetween.

8. The method for enabling playing a dart match between two remotely located opponents as recited in claim 7, wherein said providing step (a) comprises providing at least one of said at least two dart stations further comprising at least one selected from the group: a scoreboard, a foul sensor, a video monitor, a currency acceptor, a video processor, and a control console, each operatively connected to a respective controller.

9. The method for enabling playing a darts match between two remotely located opponents as recited in claim 7, wherein said providing step (a) comprises providing a central facility comprising at least one server selected from the group: a primary authentication server, a secondary authentication server, a web server, a primary application server, a secondary application server, a primary database server, and a secondary database server.

10. The method for enabling playing a darts match between two remotely located opponents as recited in claim 7, the steps further comprising:

e) providing means for a first person at a first of said at least two dart stations to locate a person at a second one of said at least two dart stations and for negotiating a darts match between said first person disposed at a first one of said at least two dart stations and said located person at a second one of said at least two dart stations; and

f) locating a person and negotiating a darts match therewith.