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 
       [0001]    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 
       [0002]    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. 
         [0003]    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. 
         [0004]      FIG. 1   a  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. 
         [0005]    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. 1   b.  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. 
         [0006]    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. 
         [0007]    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 
       [0008]    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. 
         [0009]    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. 
         [0010]    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. 
         [0011]    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. 
         [0012]    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. 
         [0013]    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. 
         [0014]    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 
       [0015]    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. 
         [0016]    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. 
         [0017]    Multiple dart game formats and/or league formats may be stored. League formats may be normalized thereby allowing competition between players from different leagues. 
         [0018]    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. 
         [0019]    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. 
         [0020]    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. 
         [0021]    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. 
         [0022]    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. 
         [0023]    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. 
         [0024]    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 
         [0025]    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: 
           [0026]      FIG. 1   a  is a front elevational view of a standard dartboard of the prior art; 
           [0027]      FIG. 1   b  is a front, elevational, schematic view of a self contained electronic dartboard of the prior art; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  is a simplified functional block diagram of an electronic dart station in accordance with the invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  is a simplified block diagram of an overall network topology of the dart system in accordance with the invention; and 
           [0030]      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 
       [0031]    The present invention provides a system and method for playing a dart game with at least two players located remotely from one another. 
         [0032]    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 . 
         [0033]    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. 
         [0034]    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. 
         [0035]    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 . 
         [0036]    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 . 
         [0037]    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. 
         [0038]    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 . 
         [0039]    At least two video cameras  138   a,    138   b  are connected to a video processor  140  that is, in turn, operatively connected to controller  122 . Additional video cameras  138   c  . . .  138   n  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 . 
         [0040]    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. 
         [0041]    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. 
         [0042]    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. 
         [0043]    A plurality of electronic dart stations  120   a  . . .  120   n  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. 
         [0044]    Also connected to Internet  144  are several servers  162  . . .  174 , each described in more detail hereinbelow. 
         [0045]    Each electronic dart station  120   a  . . .  120   n  is adapted for independent connection to the Internet  144 . 
         [0046]    A Primary Authentication Server  162  and a Web Server  174  are independently connected to Internet  144  via an Internet connection  176 . 
         [0047]    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 . 
         [0048]    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. 
         [0049]    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 . 
         [0050]    Secondary Authentication Server  164 , synced with Primary Authentication Server  162 , provides backup thereto. 
         [0051]    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. 
         [0052]    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 . 
         [0053]    In a typical operation, a first player at an electronic dart station  120   a  . . .  120   n  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 . 
         [0054]    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. 
         [0055]    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  120   a  . . .  120   n.  Alternately, Player A may choose to shoot against another player&#39;s statistics. Such selections are typically made at control console  136 . 
         [0056]    If Player A chooses to shoot against another player&#39;s statistics, a virtual game against the selected statistics is started at the selected one of electronic dart stations  120   a  . . .  120   n  where Player A is logged in. 
         [0057]    If however, Player A chooses to play against another player, a location application, not shown, is used to locate and select a desired opponent. 
         [0058]    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  120   a  . . .  120   n  for each of Player A and Player B. The live video feed utilizes one or more of video cameras  138   a  . . .  138   n  at respective ones of electronic dart stations  120   a  . . .  120   n  and respective video monitors  134 . 
         [0059]    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. 
         [0060]    If Player A shoots first, Player B may watch Player A&#39;s throw on his or her associated video monitor  134 . 
         [0061]    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. 
         [0062]    Now, Player A watches Player B throw on Player A&#39;s video monitor  134 . 
         [0063]    Players continue to alternate turns. As each dart is thrown, the respective player&#39;s score is updated in real time and displayed on scoreboard  130  at each interconnected electronic dart station  120   a  . . .  120   n.    
         [0064]    A foul detection system using data from foul sensor  132  monitors each of Player A and Player B&#39;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. 
         [0065]    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. 
         [0066]    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. 
         [0067]    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. 
         [0068]    The application is started, block  402 . 
         [0069]    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. 
         [0070]    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 . 
         [0071]    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 . 
         [0072]    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  120   a  . . .  120   n,  block  422 . 
         [0073]    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. 
         [0074]    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 . 
         [0075]    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  120   a  . . .  120   n.    
         [0076]    If the game is not over, block  436 , control is transferred to block  432  and the game continues. 
         [0077]    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. 
         [0078]    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 . 
         [0079]    Player A and a selected virtual opponent alternate shooting, block  450  and the application keeps and displays the score, block  452 . 
         [0080]    When the virtual game is over, block  454 , control is again transferred to block  438 . 
         [0081]    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. 
         [0082]    Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.