Abstract: A method of tracking parlor game statistics and results includes filling in a scorecard at a location of a parlor game, feeding the scorecard into a bill acceptor assembly, scanning the filled-in scorecard with a scanner housed within the bill acceptor assembly, analyzing scanned information within the scorecard through the use of a processing unit, and transmitting analyzed information provided from the scorecard to a results and statistics compiling facility that is remotely located from the parlor game.

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.