Abstract: The present inventive concept contemplates a method of linking remote players in competitive play by retrieving skill metrics of a player and determining whether the skill metrics of the player rises above a minimum skill threshold for a competitive event. Responsive to determining that the skill metrics of potential player rises above the minimum skill threshold for the competitive event, the method contemplates sending the potential player a communication, such as an invitation to the competitive event and/or a promotional communication.

Abstract: A multiple target electronic dart gaming machine includes multiple targets mounted on opposite sides of a game board of a target assembly that is housed in a cabinet of the gaming machine. A visual display video monitor provides players and observers with game scores and the like. The game board may be axially rotated between at least first and second positions so as to allow game play on the different targets which can be moved into and out of position to aid in gameplay such as deciding which player goes first. Additionally, the position of the game board may be detected through the use of a detector on or in the board.

Abstract: A multiple target electronic dart gaming machine includes multiple targets mounted on opposite sides of a game board of a target assembly that is housed in a cabinet of the gaming machine. A visual display video monitor provides players and observers with game scores and the like. The game board may be axially rotated between at least first and second positions so as to allow game play on the different targets which can be moved into and out of position to aid in gameplay such as deciding which player goes first. Additionally, the position of the game board may be detected through the use of a detector on or in the board.

Abstract: A multiple target electronic dart gaming machine having shared electronic components. According to certain embodiments, the multiple targets are mounted on opposite sides of a game board of a target assembly that is housed in a cabinet of the gaming machine. The gaming machine may be floor-standing or wall mountable. Either affixed above the top of the target assembly, below the bottom of the target assembly, or both, is a visual display video monitor for providing players and observers with game scores and the like. The game board may be axially rotated between at least first and second positions so as to allow game play on the different targets. Additionally, the position of the game board may be detected through the use of a detector on or in the board.

Abstract: A virtual shuffleboard table gaming apparatus including a housing having a playing field, a game acquisition circuit, and a display. As a puck is propelled towards a puck return at the distal end of the playing field, the puck temporarily obstructs at least two beams from transmitters. Sensors that receive the transmitted beams provide information to the game acquisition circuit indicative of the time when the beams were blocked and unblocked. The duration of time the beams are block are used by a game controller to calculate the angle of travel, location, and velocity of the puck. This information is then used by the game controller to determine the travel path and resting place of a virtual puck on a virtual playing field, as well as determine whether the virtual puck rests in a scoring zone and maintain a game score.

Abstract: A multiple target electronic dart gaming machine having shared electronic components. According to certain embodiments, the multiple targets are mounted on opposite sides of a game board of a target assembly that is housed in a cabinet of the gaming machine. The gaming machine may be floor-standing or wall mountable. Either affixed above the top of the target assembly, below the bottom of the target assembly, or both, is a visual display video monitor for providing players and observers with game scores and the like. The game board may be axially rotated between at least first and second positions so as to allow game play on the different targets. Additionally, the position of the game board may be detected through the use of a detector on or in the board.

Abstract: A virtual shuffleboard table gaming apparatus including a housing having a playing field, a game acquisition circuit, and a display. As a puck is propelled towards a puck return at the distal end of the playing field, the puck temporarily obstructs at least two beams from transmitters. Sensors that receive the transmitted beams provide information to the game acquisition circuit indicative of the time when the beams were blocked and unblocked. The duration of time the beams are block are used by a game controller to calculate the angle of travel, location, and velocity of the puck. This information is then used by the game controller to determine the travel path and resting place of a virtual puck on a virtual playing field, as well as determine whether the virtual puck rests in a scoring zone and maintain a game score.

Abstract: A method for play of a parlor entertainment unit including a remote activation assembly and an activation-sensing unit. The activation-sensing unit, which may be battery operated and housed in the entertainment unit, may be in an energy-conserving sleep mode until the activation-sensing unit receives a wake-up signal. In one embodiment, the wake-up signal may be generated by the engagement of an activation mechanism, such as a coin slide. After being awoken, the activation-sensing unit may transmit an inquiry to the remote activation assembly as to whether the associated entertainment unit has been selected for play and/or whether there is a sufficient number of credits available for play. If that entertainment unit has not been selected for play, the activation-sensing unit may return to a sleep mode. However, if sufficient play credits are available for the entertainment unit, play may commence.

Abstract: A virtual shuffleboard table gaming apparatus including a housing having a playing field, a game acquisition circuit, and a display. As a puck is propelled towards a puck return at the distal end of the playing field, the puck temporarily obstructs at least two beams from transmitters. Sensors that receive the transmitted beams provide information to the game acquisition circuit indicative of the time when the beams were blocked and unblocked. The duration of time the beams are block are used by a game controller to calculate the angle of travel, location, and velocity of the puck. This information is then used by the game controller to determine the travel path and resting place of a virtual puck on a virtual playing field, as well as determine whether the virtual puck rests in a scoring zone and maintain a game score.

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 system and method for controlling game play at a pay-for-play entertainment system. The entertainment system may include an entertainment unit, a remote activation unit, and at least one game play light source. The remote activation unit may be configured to have the game play light source be in an on condition during purchased game play and in an off condition when purchased game play time or credits have expired. The present invention may also include a game play detection apparatus that may detect game play activity. The detection of game play may be communicated to the remote activation unit to determine if the detected game play activity is associated with purchased game play. If the detected game play activity is unauthorized, i.e. the game play has not been purchased, the remote activation unit may communicate an “on” signal to an auxiliary light and/or speaker.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to entertainment systems, and more particularly to a system and method for, inputting and compiling information relating to game play at one or more game units. Game play information may be inputted into a communicator through the use of a user interface. According to some embodiments, a game play template may be used to input the game play information in the communicator. A variety of different methodologies, depending on the type of communicator utilized, may be used to communicate the inputted game play information to a host game server, including, but not limited to, MMS, SMS texting, WAP, or any other such portable text messaging or worldwide web accessible functionality. Opponents may have an opportunity to edit and validate the inputted game play information. Recorded game play information or league reports may be communicated to the communicator.

Abstract: A method for play of a parlor entertainment unit including a remote activation assembly and an activation-sensing unit. The activation-sensing unit, which may be battery operated and housed in the entertainment unit, may be in an energy-conserving sleep mode until the activation-sensing unit receives a wake-up signal. In one embodiment, the wake-up signal may be generated by the engagement of an activation mechanism, such as a coin slide. After being awoken, the activation-sensing unit may transmit an inquiry to the remote activation assembly as to whether the associated entertainment unit has been selected for play and/or whether there is a sufficient number of credits available for play. If that entertainment unit has not been selected for play, the activation-sensing unit may return to a sleep mode. However, if sufficient play credits are available for the entertainment unit, play may commence.

Abstract: A system for transferring power between components includes a first object having a light emitter operatively connected to a power source, and a second object having a light receiver operatively connected to a power storage unit. The light receiver receives light emitted from the light emitter and converts the received light into electricity that is stored in the power storage unit.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for initiating game play on a pay-for-play parlor game, such as a pool table having a playing surface, rails, pockets, a ball holding rack that retains pool balls, and an internal activation-sensing unit. The method includes depositing a game play fee into a remote activation assembly, remotely transmitting an activation signal once the game play fee is deposited, receiving the activation signal at the internal activation-sensing unit, and providing access to the pool balls upon said receiving step. A method is also disclosed for automatically scoring a pool-based game including detecting detectable devices embedded within the pool balls.

Abstract: A system for a dart-based golf game on an electronic dart game machine has been developed that includes at least one electronic dart board having distinct scoring segments, a CPU electrically connected to the electronic dart board, and a video display electrically connected to the CPU. The CPU displays game mode graphics on the video display, including a golf course hole graphic having a virtual ball and a hole, and a power meter having a moving element. The CPU correlates an instantaneous movement of said moving element at an instant of the dart contact with a movement of the virtual ball on the golf course hole graphic.

Abstract: A system for a dart-based golf game on an electronic dart game machine has been developed that includes at least one electronic dart board having distinct scoring segments, a CPU electrically connected to the electronic dart board, and a video display electrically connected to the CPU. The CPU displays game mode graphics on the video display, including a golf course hole graphic having a virtual ball and a hole, and a power meter having a moving element. The CPU correlates an instantaneous movement of said moving element at an instant of the dart contact with a movement of the virtual ball on the golf course hole graphic.

Abstract: A system for a dart-based golf game on an electronic dart game machine has been developed that includes at least one electronic dart board having distinct scoring segments, a CPU electrically connected to the electronic dart board, and a video display electrically connected to the CPU. The CPU displays game mode graphics on the video display, including a golf course hole graphic having a virtual ball and a hole, and a power meter having a moving element. The CPU correlates an instantaneous movement of said moving element at an instant of the dart contact with a movement of the virtual ball on the golf course hole graphic.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for initiating game play on a pay-for-play parlor game, such as a pool table having a playing surface, rails, pockets, a ball holding rack that retains pool balls, and an internal activation-sensing unit. The method includes depositing a game play fee into a remote activation assembly, remotely transmitting an activation signal once the game play fee is deposited, receiving the activation signal at the internal activation-sensing unit, and providing access to the pool balls upon said receiving step. A method is also disclosed for automatically scoring a pool-based game including detecting detectable devices embedded within the pool balls.