ELECTRONIC GAME AND METHOD

Abstract

An electronic gaming system for playing a game by a player includes an electronic dart board, a playfield on the electronic dart board, a screen associated with the electronic dart board and a controller. The playfield includes a bonus target, a first target, a second target and a third target. The bonus target is smaller than the first target, the second target, and the third target and is positioned between the first target, the second target and the third target. The screen is configured to display a representation of the playfield to alert the player of the status of the game. The controller is in communication with the playfield to send a signal to the playfield regarding the size and location of the first target, the second target and the third target. The controller is also in communicating with the screen regarding the status of the game.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/789,047, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, entitled “Electronic Game and Method,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Beer Pong and related variations is a game utilizing a rectangular table with a series of cups aligned on each end with beer at least partially filling the cups and two teams that attempt to land ping pong balls in their opponents cups on the opposite side of the table. Beer pong is a social game that encourages drinking, is generally easy to learn and play and players of all skill levels can typically enjoy the game since it involves a fairy simple physical action that almost anyone can do, even while drinking

The game requires a relatively large space to play, is relatively messy if and when cups are toppled by ping pong balls, creates a mess when beer drips off of the ping pong balls, can be unsanitary when players drink from cups with a ping pong ball therein that was recently rolling on the floor and other related limitations and disadvantages.

Many locations offer “beer pong nights” as special events to lure patrons to their establishment, but these tournament events require a large amount space, setup, supervision and clean-up. Most locations do not have the space or personnel to offer beer pong games or tournaments and certain jurisdictions discourage or legislate against beer pong in public establishments.

It would be desirable to design, construct and implement a beer pong game that limits the amount of space required to play the game, reduces the mess created by traditional beer pong and is relatively simple for players to learn and play while retaining the fun and social aspects of a traditional beer pong game.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the preferred invention is directed to an electronic gaming system for playing a game by a player including an electronic game surface, preferably a dart board, a playfield on the electronic game surface, a screen associated with the electronic game surface and a controller. The playfield includes a bonus target, a first target, a second target and a third target. The bonus target is smaller than the first target, the second target, and the third target and is positioned between the first target, the second target and the third target. The screen is configured to display a representation of the playfield to alert the player of the status of the game. The controller is in communication with the playfield to send a signal to the playfield regarding the size and location of the first target, the second target and the third target. The controller is also in communicating with the screen regarding the status of the game.

In another aspect, the preferred invention is directed to an electronic gaming system for playing a game by a player. The electronic gaming system includes an electronic dartboard, a playfield on the electronic dartboard including a first target, a second target, a third target, a fourth target, a fifth target and a sixth target, a screen associated with the electronic gaming surface and a controller associated with the electronic dartboard and being in communication with the playfield and the screen. The first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth targets are each substantially circular and are arranged in a triangular-shape with the first target positioned in a first row, the second and third targets positioned in a second row and the fourth, fifth and sixth targets positioned in a third row. The screen is configured to display a representation of the playfield, including representations of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth targets, to alert the player of the status of the game. The controller is configured to send signals to the playfield regarding the size and location of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth targets. The controller also communicates with the screen regarding the status of the game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an electronic gaming system in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a playfield of the electronic gaming system of FIG. 1 and of an electronic gaming system in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of an electronic gaming system in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an alternative front elevational view of the electronic gaming system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the electronic gaming system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a gaming system in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the gaming system of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a preferred display area and control area for use with any of the gaming systems of FIGS. 1-7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”. The words “right,” “left,” “lower,” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” or “distally” and “outwardly” or “proximally” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center or orientation of the device and system and related parts thereof. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, first and second preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to an electronic gaming system, generally designated 10, for playing a game by a player. The electronic gaming system 10 of the first preferred embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2) has similar components and features to the electronic gaming system 10′ of the second preferred embodiment and like numerals will be utilized to identify like elements and features of the first and second preferred embodiments of the electronic gaming systems, generally designated 10, 10′, respectively, with a prime symbol (′) utilized to distinguish the elements and features of the second preferred embodiment from the first preferred embodiment.

The electronic gaming system 10, 10′ of the first and second preferred embodiments, which is an electronic dart board in the preferred embodiments, includes an electronic game surface 12, 12′ with a playfield 14, 14′ thereon. The playfield 14, 14′ includes a bonus target 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d (collectively identified as “16”), 16a′, 16b′, 16c′, 16d′ (collectively identified as “16′”), a first target 18, 18′, a second target 20, 20′ and a third target 22, 22′. The bonus target 16, 16′ is smaller than the first target 18, 18′, the second target 20, 20′ and the third target 22, 22′. The first, second and third targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′ are substantially circular and have substantially the same sizing. A first bonus target 16a, 16a′ is positioned between the first target 18, 18′, the second target 20, 20′ and the third target 22, 22′.

In the first and second preferred embodiments, the playfield 14, 14′ includes a fourth target 24, 24′, a fifth target 26, 26′, and a sixth target 28, 28′. The targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′ are preferably arranged in a generally triangular-shape with a first row including the first target 18, 18′, a second row including the second and third targets 20, 20′, 22, 22′ and a third row including the fourth, fifth and sixth targets 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′, respectively, but is not so limited and the targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′ may be arranged in nearly any configuration on the board that permits playing of the game by the player(s). The bonus targets 16, 16′ are preferably arranged between certain of the targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′ such that hitting one of the bonus targets 16, 16′ may result in the game system indicating that all adjacent targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′ were hit or cleared by the particular projectile or dart or an alternative bonus is attained by the player, as will be described in greater detail below. Each of the targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′ is preferably, substantially circular in the general shape of the open mouth of a cup, but is not so limited and may have nearly any size and/or shape that may be utilized as a target for projectiles or darts on the playfield 14, 14′.

Referring to FIG. 1, in the first preferred embodiment, the electronic gaming system 10 also includes a screen or touchscreen 30 associated with the electronic gaming system 10. The screen 30 is preferably configured to display a representation of the playfield 14 to alert the player of the status of the game. For example, the screen 30 may visually present two sets or visual representations of the playfield 14, one for a first team or player and one for a second team or player to visually show the players, users and/or spectators which targets 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 the player has cleared and which targets 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 are still in play during the game or nearly any other prompt or graphic that may assist the players, users and/or spectators during the game or while the game is idle. For example, the screen 30 may display attractive graphics and/or messages when the game is not being played to attract potential users to play the game, may include graphics or a sequence of graphics to set-up the game, may include instructions regarding game play or nearly any other graphics or display that may assist with the electronic gaming system 10. Alternatively, the electronic gaming system 10′ may be configured without the screen 30 of the first preferred embodiment, such as in the configuration of the electronic gaming system 10′ of the second preferred embodiment.

In the first preferred embodiment, the screen 30 is preferably comprised of a twenty-two inch (22″) touchscreen display 30 for software interaction, game status display and idle/attract mode. However, the screen 30 is not so limited and may be comprised of a non-interactive display having nearly any size and/or shape that is able to perform certain preferred functions of the screen 30. The screen 30 and/or the playfield 14, 14′ may also be adapted to include light rings around each target area, adapted to highlight or show targets the player should shoot for during game play and other related features. The screen 30 and playfield 14, 14′ are also preferably configured to include at least controllable, tri-color light emitting diodes (“LED”) to customize colors for each player, produce special effects and related features, but are not so limited.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the first and second preferred electronic gaming systems 10, 10′ also include a controller 32, 32′. The controller 32, 32′ is preferably in communication with the playfield 14, 14′ to send a signal to the playfield 14, 14′ regarding the size and location of the targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′, impacts on the playfield 14, 14′ by projectiles or darts 34, 34′ or other related communications with the playfield 14, 14′. In the first preferred embodiment, the controller 32 is also preferably in communication with the touchscreen 30 regarding the status of the game, selections by the user or player, graphics related to the game or attraction or other related matters. The projectiles or other objects 34, 34′ may be thrown at the playfield 14, 14′ and do not necessarily need to stick to or fix themselves into the playfield 14, 14′ to log a hit of the targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′. When using the projectiles or other objects 34, 34′ that do not stick into the playfield 14, 14′, a basket or net beneath the playfield 14, 14′ to container the projectiles or other objects 34, 34′ so that they are contained proximate the gaming systems 10, 10′ is preferred.

Electronic games, including darts and dart board games, are popular in numerous locations, but can be intimidating to new players as there are many different rules/games that can be played. The gaming surface 12, 12′ itself has many regions that require skill to hit, therefore, the barrier of entry is fairly high for relatively new players. In addition, there are numerous games and variations to darts and new players can be intimidated by not knowing the rules of the game or understanding the strategy of the game.

In the first and second preferred embodiments, the electronic gaming systems 10, 10′ are comprised of coin-op electronic dart machines that are adapted for the beer pong game and provide locations or venues and their patrons a simulation of one of the most popular party/drinking games, Beer Pong, generally without all the difficulties, overhead, space constraints, mess and related disadvantages of having an actual beer pong table setup and game. The typical electronic gaming surface 12, 12′ of the electronic gaming systems 10, 10′ is preferably replaced by the preferred playfield 14 or is adapted to include the preferred playfield 14′. In the preferred games, traditional beer pong is adapted by replacing the action of throwing a ball into a cup with throwing the dart or other projectile 34, 34′ at the targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′. The projectile 34, 34′ may be comprised of a ball, a ping pong ball or other related objects that may be thrown at the playfield 14, 14′. The preferred electronic gaming systems 10, 10′ generally appeal to a much larger audience and have a much lower barrier of entry when compared to traditional beer pong games and electronic darts. The preferred electronic gaming systems 10, 10′ may also be played by single players relatively easily, generally in contrast to traditional beer pong, wherein a single player generally will not go through the trouble of setting up an entire playing surface with the related equipment to play the game. The preferred electronic gaming systems 10, 10′ requires little to no set-up for the player and may encourage the single player to play for practice or enjoyment, while also retaining the social aspects of traditional beer pong when played by multiple players. The preferred electronic gaming systems 10, 10′ and related games are not limited to any specific number of players and may be played by single players, two players, three players, four players or nearly any number of players that can joint in a game, as would be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art based upon a review of the present disclosure.

The first and second preferred electronic gaming systems 10, 10′ may be handicapped to ensure beginner players or those who can barely hit or have difficulty impacting specific areas on the gaming surface 12, 12′, can have a fun experience even against a dart pro. For example, when the game is initially set-up, users having different abilities may request, preferably to the controller 32, 32′, to handicap the game. The game may be handicapped in numerous manners, such as by permitting a player with less skill additional throws of the projectiles 34, 34′ in each round, manipulating the sizes and/or locations of the targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′ or the bonus targets 16, 16′ or other strategies for handicapping the game.

The first and second preferred electronic gaming systems 10, 10′ are also preferably configured to use standard electronic dart conventions so the preferred machine and/or system can be a drop-in replacement or a companion piece to an existing electronic game, such as a dart board. For example, the preferred electronic gaming systems 10, 10′ utilize relatively conventional throwing distances, number of darts or projectiles per turn, machine sizes, darts or projectiles 34, 34′ and related features and elements to generally mimic conventional electronic dart games. The preferred electronic gaming systems 10, 10′ may be expanded and designed for advanced players to include individual player accounts, avatars, stat tacking, handicaps, alternative game rules, tournaments and related features.

The first and second preferred electronic gaming systems 10, 10′ preferably utilize electronic technology to enhance the playing experience. For example, the preferred electronic gaming systems 10, 10′ may include lights showing electronic indications regarding what and/or where to hit on the playfield 14, 14′ or the screen 30, the screen 30 reacting to events during the game, a speaker 36, 36′ to provide audible prompts to the players, visual or audible prompts encouraging players and/or music and light effect to enhance the experience. For example, the gaming systems 10, 10′ may utilized red flashing lights and music when in a redemption mode, as will be described in greater detail below, is employed or entered.

Players are also preferably charged a fee for playing the preferred electronic gaming systems 10, 10′. The controller 32, 32′ is preferably in communication with a currency receiving mechanism 38, 38′ to register payments to play the game. The currency receiving mechanism 38, 38′ may include coins or currency slots on the machines, credit mechanisms at or remote from the machines, wireless communications with the controller 32, 32′ to register payments or other related currency exchange methods or mechanisms.

In use, the preferred electronic gaming systems 10, 10′ may be played in numerous modes and variations, including single player, multi-player, such as two to four (2-4) player competitive, team games, such as two versus two (2 v 2) team play and many other game variants such as larger team games, multiples of players, tournaments, elimination style brackets and the like.

Referring to FIG. 2, in the first and second preferred embodiments, the playfield 14, 14′ includes the targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′ arranged in the generally preferred triangular-shape with the bonus targets 16, 16′ positioned within or between the generally triangular-shape of combinations of three of the targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′. Each of the targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′ preferably includes an outer zone 17a, 17a′, a middle zone 17b, 17b′ and a center zone 17c, 17c′. Specifically referring to FIG. 2, the outer zone 17a, 17a′ is comprised of the outer, relatively light ring, the middle zone 17b, 17b′ is comprised of the middle dark or black ring and the center zone 17c, 17c′ is comprised of the central area generally represented by the “m.” The targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′ are not limited to inclusion of the outer zone 17a, 17a′, the middle zone 17b, 17b′ and the center zone 17c, 17c′ and may be comprised of single circles or other shapes or may include additional zones, such and four (4), five (5) or more zones that provide different results for the player when hit by the projectile 34, 34′. In addition, the zones 17a, 17a′, 17b, 17b′ 17c, 17c′ are not limited to being comprised of rings and/or circles and may have uneven shapes, curved shapes, rectangular shapes or nearly any size and/or shape, such as shapes of U.S. states, that provide varying difficulty for a player to hit with the projectile 34, 34′. The zones 17a, 17a′, 17b, 17b′ 17c, 17c′ are preferably utilized to handicap the games by requiring a player with a different skill level to hit different zones to close a target 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′, by requiring sequential hits in specific zones 17a, 17a′, 17b, 17b′ 17c, 17c′ or the like. The targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′ are preferably generally circular to simulate the shape of a mouth of a cup, as is utilized in traditional beer pong, but are not so limited and may be sized, shaped and arranged in nearly any manner that functions in accordance with the normal operating conditions of the preferred electronic gaming systems 10, 10′. In addition, the bonus targets 16, 16′ are not limited to being positioned as shown in FIG. 2, within or between the generally triangular-shape of three of the targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′, respectively, or otherwise. For example, the bonus targets 16, 16′ may be spaced from the targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′ at the edges of the playfield 14, 14′ and have nearly any size and/or shape.

The bonus targets or star targets and bullseye 16, 16′ are defined in the shape of a star or relatively small circle in the preferred embodiments and may be utilized to clear or close-out multiple targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′ with a single dart or projectile, by hitting the bonus targets 16, 16′ multiple times, only once or to otherwise provide bonuses during game play.

The preferred game may be played in, for example, a two to four (2-4) player competitive mode, wherein each player has their own set of targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′ and their own playfield 14, 14′. Each player's goal is to be the first to clear or close out their all of their targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′. How a target 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′ is cleared depends on the difficulty of the game, the selected player expertise or other game factors. When one player clears all of their targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′, each remaining player preferably has a chance to force an overtime by shooting with redemption rules, which is described in greater detail below. This two to four player competitive mode is not meant to be limiting and provides only an example of a game playing mode that may be employed with the preferred electronic gaming systems 10, 10′. The two to four player competitive mode preferably has a gameplay target length of five to ten minutes (5-10 min.), which is not limiting and gameplay may take more or less time, depending on the progress of the individual game and the players.

The preferred game may also be played in, for example, a two v two (2 v 2) team play mode, wherein each team of two players has their own set of targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′ and their own playfield 14, 14′. Each team's goal is to be the first to clear or close out their all of their targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′. How the targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′ are cleared depends on the difficulty selected for each team or other game factors and the order and progression of projectiles or darts 34, 34′ thrown by each player may also vary. For example, each player on the team may throw one projectile or dart 34, 34′ in a round, then each player from the opposing team throws one projectile or dart 34, 34′ in the same round and the process continues until all of the targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′ for one of the teams are closed out. When a team clears all of their targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′ each player on the other team preferably has a chance to force an overtime by shooting with redemption rules, as will be described in greater detail below. The two v two (2 v 2) team play mode preferably has a gameplay target length of five to ten minutes (5-10 min.), which is not limiting and gameplay may take more or less time, depending on the progress of the individual game and the players.

The preferred game may further be played in, for example, a single player mode, wherein points, timing, accuracy or other goals are provided to the single player. The single player mode preferably provides a simple, fun game. The single player mode may provide rankings on leaderboards, wherein players can compare their scores to other players. In the preferred single player mode the player shoots or throws a predetermined number of projectiles or darts into the board to obtain the highest score possible. The preferred electronic gaming systems 10, 10′ preferably display top players, such as the top ten (10) players, on the screen 30. The single player mode may provide double points for hitting the same targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′ or bonus targets 16, 16′ consecutively. The preferred single player mode may also provide scoring bonuses for hitting all three (3) stars of the bonus targets 16, 16′ during a game and/or scoring bonuses for hitting a bulls-eye of the bonus targets 16, 16′ during the game. For example, scoring points for hitting the targets 18, 18′, 20, 20′, 22, 22′, 24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′ may include one hundred (100) points for hitting the outer zone 17a, 17a′, two hundred (200) points for hitting the middle zone 17b, 17b′, three hundred (300) points for hitting the center zone 17c, 17c′, five hundred (500) points for hitting the star target of the bonus targets 16, 16′ and one thousand (1000) points for hitting the bull's eye target 16d, 16d′ of the bonus targets 16, 16′. These points preferences are not meant to be limiting and the game may be configured and arranged to provide nearly any point total for hitting particular areas of the playfield 14, 14′ or for hitting the playfield 14, 14′ in specific sequences. The single player mode preferably has a gameplay target length of three minutes (3 min.), which is not limiting and gameplay may take more or less time, depending on the progress of the individual game and the players.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, in a third preferred embodiment the gaming system 10″ may be played on a manual or non-electronic playfield 14″ with representations of the targets 18″, 20″, 22″, 24″, 26″, 28″ and bonus targets 16″ and the players may keep score or track of the game manually. The gaming system 10″ of the third preferred embodiment is operated and the game is played generally the same as the preferred electronic gaming systems 10, 10′ of the first and second preferred embodiments and the components of the third preferred embodiment are identified with like reference numerals and a double prime symbol (″) to distinguish the components and features of the third preferred embodiment.

The gaming system 10″ of the third preferred embodiment may alternatively be associated with a projector 50 that projects the image of the playfield 14″ onto a surface. The projector 50 may project nearly any type and/or variety of playfield 14″ onto the surface such as the preferred beer pong playfield 14″ of the preferred embodiments, conventional dart board playfields, battleship playfields or nearly any variety of playfield or gaming surface that the user and/or designer may desire to display on the surface. The playfield 14″ in this alternative arrangement preferably includes sensors (not shown) that are able to detect where the projectiles or darts 34″ hit the playfield 14″ such that the controller 32″ is able to score and/or keep track of the game play. The sensors may be contact sensors, proximity sensors, pressure sensors or the like associated with the surface of the playfield 14″, may be optical sensors that visually or optically detect the position of the projectiles or darts 34″ on the playfield 14″ during game play or alternative sensors that are able to detect the positions of the projectiles or darts 34″ on the playfield 14″ during game play. This alternative third preferred embodiment of the gaming system 10″ allows a dynamic playfield 14″ that has the ability to change and present a variety of gaming concepts to players, including the preferred beer pong game and nearly any alternate dart-based or projectile-based game. The alternative third preferred embodiment of the gaming system 10″ may also be dynamic in that the position of the targets 18″, 20″, 22″, 24″, 26″, 28″ and bonus targets 16″ may be quickly changed by the controller 32″ to modify the number of targets 18″, 20″, 22″, 24″, 26″, 28″ and/or bonus targets 16″ in a particular game, to re-rack the positioning of the targets 18″, 20″, 22″, 24″, 26″, 28″ and/or bonus targets 16″ and to quickly change games or other dynamic changes during game play. The controller 32″ may also cause targets 18″, 20″, 22″, 24″, 26″, 28″ and/or bonus targets 16″ to disappear from the playfield 14″ when closed-out. When the game is not being played in this alternative third preferred embodiment, the controller 32″ may direct the projector 50 to project attraction images, gaming instructions, advertisements and the like onto the surface and/or playfield 14″. In addition, the projector 50 may alternatively be directed by the controller 32″ to display television images, sporting events, live video feeds or nearly any preferred images onto the surface.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, the preferred gaming systems 10, 10′, 10″ may be associated or connected to a central server 70 that preferably communicates with the controllers 32, 32′, 32″ of a plurality of gaming systems 10, 10′, 10″ to provide a network of gaming systems 10, 10′, 10″. The network of gaming systems 10, 10′, 10″ may be provided at a single gaming site or may be located at numerous gaming sites at various worldwide locations. The central server 70 is preferably able to remotely provide software, gaming and/or other like updates to the network of gaming systems 10, 10′, 10″, such as providing new games, sending updated software or fixes, sending pricing updates, sending software updates where displays for the screens 30 in attract mode are updated or other like information to the network of gaming systems 10, 10′, 10″. In addition, the central server 70 is preferably able to receive information from the network of gaming systems 10, 10′, 10″ to track player statistics, look up player accounts, verify login credentials of players, receive payment, sync with networked/global leader boards and other like communications.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, during typical multiplayer game play of the first and second preferred embodiments of the electronic gaming system 10, 10′ and the third preferred embodiment of the gaming system 10″ players throw three (3) projectiles or darts 34, 34′, 34″ per turn or during a single round. The following description of the game play will utilize reference numerals for the first preferred embodiment, it being understood by one having ordinary skill in the art, the described games and rules are applicable to the second and third preferred embodiments, as appropriate.

When a targets 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 is cleared, players on the other team must take a sip/gulp/shot of their drink. If one of the projectiles or darts 34 hits one of the star targets 16a, 16b, 16c, all the appropriate targets 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 surrounding the star target 16a, 16b, 16c that was hit are cleared or closed. If the projectile or dart 34 hits the bull's eye target 16d, all the targets 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 on the playfield 14 are cleared. Once a player clears all of their targets 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 every other player gets a chance to take the game into overtime by playing by Redemption Rules, as is described in greater detail below. Based on the difficulty selected at the beginning of the game during set-up or as is predetermined between the players, the rules for clearing a single target 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 may vary. The game play is not limited to this described set of rules and conventions and may be otherwise played, as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art.

During a relatively typical game, clearing one of the targets 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 may be accomplished by hitting one of the targets 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 with a single projectile or dart 34 in the center zone 17c or by hitting the same target 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 anywhere with two (2) of the three (3) projectiles or darts 34 thrown during the round. For example, hitting any of the targets 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 twice during the round will clear or close out the target 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28. This convention is for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to be limiting.

For a preferred, typical beginner difficulty game, a single target 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 may be cleared by hitting the target 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 in any of the outer zone 17a, the middle zone 17b and a center zone 17c, which will result in clearance or close out of the target 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28. This beginner difficulty convention is for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to be limiting, as the game may be otherwise configured for a beginner difficulty. Alternatively, for a preferred typical expert difficulty game, all three (3) projectiles or darts 34 thrown during a single round must hit the same target 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 and at least one (1) of the projectiles or darts 34 must land in the middle zone 17b or the center zone 17c for the target 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 to be considered clear. This is also only an illustrative preferred example and is not meant to be limiting. In a further alternative, for a preferred expert difficulty game option, all three (3) projectiles or darts 34 in a turn or round must hit the same target 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 and at least one (1) of the projectiles or darts 34 must land in the center zone 17c for the target 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 to be considered cleared or closed out.

In the preferred embodiments, when a player is playing by redemption or in a redemption mode, they must clear all their remaining targets 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 to force an overtime. The player preferably gets to shoot one (1) projectile or dart 34 to start and continue to shoot until they fail to clear or close out one of the targets 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 or have cleared all their remaining targets 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28. Players preferably can not clear targets 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 that they already have cleared or closed out to continue shooting and penalties, such a adding a closed out target 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 back onto the playfield 14 or requiring the player to take a drink, may be applied if the player hits a closed out target 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28. To clear one of the targets 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 in redemption, the player preferably must hit the appropriate area of the target 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 for the difficulty level selected or decided by the players. For example, the player may be required to only hit the target 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 in beginner mode, hit the middle zone 17b or the center zone 17c in the expert mode or hit the center zone 17c in the professional mode. This arrangement or convention is also only an illustrative preferred example and is not meant to be limiting.

In an overtime mode, for each player that is in Overtime, three (3) targets 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 are preferably activated or put back into play on the playfield 14. For example, in a first preferred overtime, the first, second and third targets 18, 20, 22 are activated, in a second preferred overtime, the fourth, fifth and sixth targets 24, 26, 28 are activated and in a third preferred overtime, the first, fourth and sixth targets 18, 24, 28 are activated. Once certain of the targets 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 are activated in overtime, play resumes as if a new game has just begun with each player using the same difficulty rules selected for the original game. Players are preferably still offered a Redemption chance or opportunity to advance to the next Overtime when their opponent clears all of the appropriate targets 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28. In the preferred embodiments, a maximum of three (3) Overtimes are played and the game is then declared a draw between all remaining players. This arrangement or convention is also meant as an illustrative preferred example and is not meant to be limiting.

In the preferred operation of the first and second preferred embodiments of the electronic gaming system 10, 10′, each game played by the players and/or each player game requires payment. Single player leaderboards may be employed and an auto timer may be utilized to time-out games that extend beyond a predetermined time frame or request additional payment to play beyond the predetermined time frame. The touchscreen, interactive screen or screen 30 may employ operator ad screens with custom images and videos to display in an attract mode to attract users to play the games. The touchscreen or screen 30 may also display drinking messages, which may be turned off at the discretion of the players or a controller. The touchscreen or screen 30 may also display drink specials, schedules, videos, sporting events or nearly any visual image that is desired by the players and/or controller.

Referring to FIGS. 1-8 and, specifically, FIG. 8, any of the gaming systems 10, 10′, 10″ of the first, second and third preferred embodiments may be adapted to utilize a display area 60 for displaying or presenting information about the game to the players and a control area 62 to facilitate set-up of the preferred game. The display area 60 and the control area 62 may replace the screen or touchscreen 30, 30′ of the first and second preferred embodiments and may be adapted for use with the generally manual gaming system 10″ of the third preferred embodiment. The display area 60 preferably displays information related to the game, such as the number of players playing the game, scores for the players, the areas of the playfield 14, 14′, 14″ that the players have hit or closed out, the player who currently has the board or is progressing through their round and other related information. The display area 60 may be comprised of light emitting diodes (“LED”) and printed labels that are associated with the LED's to visually provide game information to the players. The preferred control area 62 is preferably comprised of buttons or user actuable switches that are used by the players to set-up the games, select games, skip rounds and otherwise to assist players in providing information to the systems 10, 10′, 10″ and/or the display area 60 regarding game play. For example, the control area 62 may include buttons to select the number of players, switches to manually keep score of the game, a button to skip a player's turn when they miss the playfield 14, 14′, 14″ with their projectiles or darts 34, 34′, 34″ to skip to the next player, a button to reset the display area 62 or the game and other like controls that assist the player in communication and operation of the preferred systems 10, 10′, 10″.

The preferred gaming system 10, 10′, 10″ is generally employed in a bar and/ or tavern. The game may be targeted to areas where alcoholic beverages are served, but may also be employed for game play utilizing non-alcoholic beverages. The location of set-up of the preferred gaming system 10, 10′, 10″ is not limiting and the gaming systems 10, 10′, 10″ may be set-up in nearly any location that has sufficient room or space for the gaming systems 10, 10′, 10″ and accommodates normal operating conditions of the gaming systems 10, 10′, 10″.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An electronic gaming system for playing a game by a player, the electronic gaming system comprising:

an electronic gaming surface;

a playfield on the electronic gaming surface including a bonus target, a first target, a second target and a third target, the bonus target being smaller than the first target, the second target, and the third target and being positioned between the first target, the second target and the third target;

a screen associated with the electronic gaming surface, the screen configured to display a representation of the playfield to alert the player of the status of the game; and

a controller associated with the electronic gaming surface, the controller in communication with the playfield to send a signal to the playfield regarding the size and location of the first target, the second target and the third target, the controller also communicating with the screen regarding the status of the game.

2. The electronic gaming system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to modify a first size of the first target based upon signals received from the screen regarding a skill level of the player.

3. The electronic gaming system of claim 2, wherein the player includes a first player and a second player, the controller configured to receive signals from the screen regarding a first skill level of the first player and a second skill level of the second player, the first size of the first target being different than a second size of the first target based on the first skill level and the second skill level.

4. The electronic gaming system of claim 3, wherein the signals received from the screen at the controller indicate the first skill level is greater than the second skill level, the first size being smaller than the second size.

5. The electronic gaming system of claim 3, wherein the system is configured such that the player includes a plurality of additional players.

6. The electronic gaming system of claim 3, wherein the system is configured such that the player includes a third player and a fourth player.

7. The electronic gaming system of claim 3, wherein the system is configured such that the first player is comprised of a first team and the second player is comprised of a second team.

8. The electronic gaming system of claim 1, wherein the playfield further includes a fourth target, a fifth target and a sixth target, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth targets arranged in a generally triangular-shape, a first row including the first target, a second row including the second and third targets and a third row including the fourth, fifth and sixth targets.

9. The electronic gaming system of claim 8, wherein the playfield further includes a seventh target, an eighth target, a ninth target and a tenth target arranged with the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth targets in a generally triangular-shape, a fourth row including the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth targets.

10. The electronic gaming system of claim 1, wherein the screen is comprised of a touchscreen.

11. The electronic gaming system of claim 1, wherein the electronic gaming surface is comprised of an electronic dartboard.

12. An electronic gaming system for playing a game by a player, the electronic gaming system comprising:

an electronic dartboard;

a playfield on the electronic dartboard including a first target, a second target, a third target, a fourth target, a fifth target and a sixth target, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth targets each being substantially circular and arranged in a triangular-shape with the first target positioned in a first row, the second and third targets positioned in a second row and the fourth, fifth and sixth targets positioned in a third row;

a screen associated with the electronic gaming surface, the screen configured to display a representation of the playfield, including representations of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth targets to alert the player of the status of the game; and

a controller associated with the electronic dartboard and being in communication with the playfield and the screen, the controller configured to send signals to the playfield regarding the size and location of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth targets, the controller also communicating with the screen regarding the status of the game.

13. The electronic gaming system of claim 12, further comprising:

a first bonus target positioned between the first, second and third targets;

a second bonus target positioned between the second, fourth and fifth targets; and

a third bonus target positioned between the third, fifth and sixth targets.

14. The electronic gaming system of claim 13, wherein the first, second and third bonus targets are smaller than the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth targets.

15. The electronic gaming system of claim 12, further comprising:

a bullseye target positioned between the second, third and fifth targets.

16. The electronic gaming system of claim 12, wherein the first target is substantially circular.

17. The electronic gaming system of claim 16, wherein the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth targets are substantially circular.

18. The electronic gaming system of claim 12, further comprising:

a projectile for throwing at the playfield.

19. The electronic gaming system of claim 18, wherein the projectile is comprised of a plurality darts.

20. The electronic gaming system of claim 12, wherein the first target includes an outer zone, a middle zone and a center zone, the center zone being smaller than the middle zone and the middle zone being smaller than the outer zone.