EP0527211B1 - System zum sammeln und verteilen von wurfpfeilstatistiken - Google Patents

System zum sammeln und verteilen von wurfpfeilstatistiken Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0527211B1
EP0527211B1 EP91915102A EP91915102A EP0527211B1 EP 0527211 B1 EP0527211 B1 EP 0527211B1 EP 91915102 A EP91915102 A EP 91915102A EP 91915102 A EP91915102 A EP 91915102A EP 0527211 B1 EP0527211 B1 EP 0527211B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
player
dart
game
control device
central control
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Revoked
Application number
EP91915102A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0527211A1 (de
EP0527211A4 (en
Inventor
Michael L. Tillery
Eugene G. Harlan
John R. Martin
Samuel N. Zammuto
Marcio Bonilla
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Arachnid Inc
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Arachnid Inc
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Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=24640343&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP0527211(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Priority claimed from US07/658,206 external-priority patent/US5114155A/en
Application filed by Arachnid Inc filed Critical Arachnid Inc
Publication of EP0527211A1 publication Critical patent/EP0527211A1/de
Publication of EP0527211A4 publication Critical patent/EP0527211A4/en
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Publication of EP0527211B1 publication Critical patent/EP0527211B1/de
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Revoked legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3225—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users
    • G07F17/3232—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users wherein the operator is informed
    • G07F17/3234—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users wherein the operator is informed about the performance of a gaming system, e.g. revenue, diagnosis of the gaming system
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41J—TARGETS; TARGET RANGES; BULLET CATCHERS
    • F41J3/00—Targets for arrows or darts, e.g. for sporting or amusement purposes
    • F41J3/02—Indicators or score boards for arrow or dart games
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/326—Game play aspects of gaming systems
    • G07F17/3272—Games involving multiple players
    • G07F17/3276—Games involving multiple players wherein the players compete, e.g. tournament
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
    • A63F3/08—Raffle games that can be played by a fairly large number of people
    • A63F3/081—Raffle games that can be played by a fairly large number of people electric
    • A63F2003/082—Raffle games that can be played by a fairly large number of people electric with remote participants
    • A63F2003/086—Raffle games that can be played by a fairly large number of people electric with remote participants played via telephone, e.g. using a modem

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to collection and distribution of data from remotely located electronic dart games, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for conducting either dart league or tournament play.
  • each player's score must be reported, assimilated with the scores of other players, and then computed to determine the present standing of each player in the league.
  • the collection, computation, and distribution of this statistical data typically requires a large amount of time and effort by many people. Routemen must travel to all the remote locations and collect the statistical data, then people located at a central office must calculate the current results of the league standings from the statistical data. After the current results of the league standings have been calculated, this information must be distributed to each remote location. This whole process requires a great deal of time and is very expensive.
  • Contemporary computerized dart games may help to reduce some of the problems associated with league or tournament play.
  • Computerized target games are well-known as exemplified by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,793,618 to Tillery et al. and 4,824,121 to Beall et al.
  • Such electronic games automatically compute and display players' scores.
  • Tillery et al. discloses a self-scoring electronic target game with a video display for providing instructions and various game conditions.
  • Beall et al. discloses a dart game with a video display that can be programmed to present a customized display according to the desires of the owner or lessee of the dart game.
  • Another object of the present invention is to eliminate human error which is a factor with manually collecting and calculating statistical data.
  • An additional object of the invention provides for varying the programming of each remotely located electronic dart game from a central location without the assistance of routemen.
  • a central control device can download new programming to each remotely located electronic dart game via a communication medium, such as a transmission link.
  • Another object of the present invention enables a player to obtain a hard copy printout of his statistics.
  • the present invention records all play-by-plays of each player, and a player may later retrieve statistics derived from this information if desired.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a dart league or tournament system which is more convenient for the players. More players are able to participate in a dart league or tournament implementing the present invention because players can play from whichever remote location is more accessible to each player.
  • the present invention is also more convenient for the players by eliminating the necessity for players to compute their current score; all the players have to do is throw their darts and enjoy the game.
  • 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. The master dart game interfaces with each of the non-master dart games at that remote location.
  • the master dart game stores statistical data received from the non-master dart games.
  • the central control device polls each master dart game at each remote location at a predetermined time so as to upload and assimilate current statistical data from each remote location.
  • the central control device then calculates the current standing of each player and downloads player standings to each remote location.
  • the standings of the players can be displayed at each remote location via a portable display.
  • FIGURE 1 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating two remote locations with a master dart game at each remote location.
  • the block diagram is intended to depict that a plurality of remote locations can be connected to a transmission link, each remote location having a master dart game and a plurality of non-master dart games.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the portable display which may be utilized in the present invention.
  • FIGS. 3a-3d are flow chart diagrams illustrating a process for controlling the master dart games.
  • FIGS. 3e and 3f are a summary of a program for controlling the master dart gales.
  • FIGS. 4a-4c are flow chart diagrams illustrating a process for controlling the non-master (slave or satellite) dart games.
  • FIG. 4d is a summary of a program for controlling the non-master dart games.
  • FIGS. 5a-5d are a possible data dictionary utilized in communicating data between the central control device (CCD) and the remotely located master and non-master dart games.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the present invention.
  • a central control device (CCD) 10 is a computer system located remotely from the plurality of locations where league or tournament players participate.
  • the CCD 10 includes typical features of a computer system, such as a display, a keyboard, a modem, a printer, and the like.
  • the CCD 10 serves to unite all of the remotely located electronic dart games and process all statistical data of a dart league or tournament. While in a preferred embodiment the invention enables players to participate in a dart league or tournament from various locations, it will be readily appreciated that a plurality of electronic dart games can be at one location in another embodiment.
  • the CCD 10 maintains two-way communication with each of the remotely located electronic dart games via a communication medium, such as a transmission link 20.
  • the CCD 10 includes a modem which enables the CCD 10 to communicate with each of the remote locations via the transmission link 20.
  • the transmission link 20 is a conveniently existing cable system such as the lines of a public or private telephone system or the like.
  • the transmission link can be simply wires that electronically interlink the CCD 10 to the electronic dart games.
  • each remote location will be provided with at least one master dart game 30 and a portable display 40.
  • the number of non-master dart games 50 at each remote location will vary. If a transmission link 20 is not used, then non-master dart games 50 may simply be used and data will be physically transferred using player cards 60 as the communication medium.
  • the master dart game 30 has all the features of a standard electronic dart game, but it also includes a more sophisticated controller program, a modem, a portable display interface, a player card reader, and multiple non-master dart game interfaces.
  • the master dart game 30 is the only dart game that communicates directly with the CCD 10 via the transmission link 20. All the non-master dart games 50 at each remote location communicate with the master dart game 30. This setup is more efficient because the CCD 10 only has to communicate with one dart game at each location in order to transmit data to and/or acquire statistical data from each remote location. This cuts down on the time required to transfer data via the phone lines.
  • players participate in a dart league or tournament from various remote locations and the transfer of game statistics and player data is automated.
  • each player is provided with a player card and the electronic dart games are capable of accepting the player cards 60.
  • the player cards 60 may be any portable, data storage device.
  • the player card 60 may be a noncontact integrated circuit (IC) card as disclosed in U.S patent No. 4,960,983 to Inoue.
  • IC integrated circuit
  • Both the master dart games 30 and the non-master dart games 50 include player card readers 45.
  • the player card readers 45 provide means for receiving player data and game statistics from the player cards 60, and also provide means for transmitting new player data and game statistics to the player cards 60. If IC cards are utilized as player cards 60, then the player card reader 45 would be an IC card reader/writer.
  • player cards 60 are not used, then a different type of player data input will be accommodated.
  • a keyboard may be provided whereby a player inputs an identification code so that the respective dart game can identify the player.
  • a player identification code is not simply a numerical code that could be guessed by a hoaxer, but a combination of letters and numerals.
  • Such an embodiment is not preferred, however, because it does not provide the convenience and advantages available with the player cards 60.
  • the player cards 60 are capable of storing player data, a feature that is not available wherein players simply key in their respective identification codes.
  • each player receives a player card 60 that identifies one respective player.
  • the player card 60 may contain additional information such as available game credits, gale restrictions or setup, and player standings. This information is transferred to the respective electronic dart game during play and is later uploaded to the CCD 10 for assimilation of data. Similarly, new player data and game statistics may be downloaded to a player card 60.
  • the player cards 60 enable dart league or tournament players to participate from various remote locations because the player card readers 45 identify each player by his or her player card 60. All game statistics and player data is later uploaded to the CCD 10. As a result, a player could have his or her player card 60 updated by an electronic dart game at another remote location, wherein that dart game has a player card reader 45 and is interlinked to the CCD 10 via the transmission link 20.
  • game statistics and player data may be collected by a routeman, or routemen, utilizing player cards 60 as operator cards.
  • the routemen have special player cards 60 that are identified by the electronic dart games 30 or 50 as operator cards, wherein cumulative game statistics and player data is downloaded to the operator cards which are physically transported to the location of the CCD 10 to be read.
  • the player's name may also be entered so that the CCD 10 can associate the identification code of the player card 60 with the person's name.
  • an input apparatus may be devised for inputting player information at the remote locations.
  • the electronic game may even utilize Arachnid, Inc. Spider Writer ® input technique as disclosed in U.S. patent no. 4,824,121 to Beall et al. in order to input personal information on the players.
  • the portable display 40 can be a type of video display.
  • a preferred embodiment of the portable display 40 is illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • the portable display 40 may consist of a single terminal or an array of terminals 42 housed vertically in a portable, rugged cabinet.
  • the display 40 stores and displays information without continuously updating, and provides a pleasing display accessible to a large number of players.
  • Multiple terminals 42 is a preferred embodiment of the portable display 40 because this embodiment allows simultaneous display of different images on each terminal, or one large image displayed on the plurality of closely located terminals.
  • the paired up teams play each other at any one of the electronic dart games that is interlinked to the CCD 10.
  • the master dart games 30 and non-master dart games 50 include visual displays for providing players with directions, game scores, and the like.
  • Non-master dart games 50 Electronic dart games similar to those disclosed in Tillery et al. (Patent No. 4,793,618) are utilized as non-master games 50, but the non-master dart games 50 include the player card readers 45 and also have means for interfacing with a master game 30.
  • each of the non-master games 50 and the master dart game 30 continuously display throughout a match players' names, players' current scores, and information instructing players. All the players have to do is keep their mind on the game and throw their darts.
  • the respective non-master dart game 50 feeds the results of the match to the master dart game 30.
  • the participating players also insert their player cards 60 into the respective player card reader 45 at the end of each game in order for their player cards 60 to be updated.
  • the master dart game 30 stores the results in memory and then displays the results of each match on the portable display 40.
  • the portable display 40 continuously displays the results of all matches, updating the display each time new data is received. This process is repeated for each match until the end of play for that specific period (for example, when a tavern hosting the match closes).
  • the CCD 10 polls the master dart game 30 at each location and uploads the statistical data from each master dart game 30 to the CCD 10. After the CCD 10 has assimilated all the statistical data from each master dart game 30, the CCD 10 calculates the current standings of all the players and then downloads this information to each of the master dart games 30.
  • the CCD 10 can be programmed to poll each of the master dart games 30 during off-hours. This period of time usually occurs when an establishment hosting the dart league or tournament is closed. The CCD 10 can poll the master dart games 30 during off-hours to insure that the transfer of statistical data does not interfere with the ability of an establishment hosting the dart league or tournament to utilize their own phone lines. Furthermore, since the present invention is designed to poll the master dart games 30 during off-hours, the present invention does not require the use of dedicated phone lines.
  • FIGS. 3a-3d are flow chart diagrams illustrating an example of one process for controlling the master dart games 30.
  • FIGS. 3e and 3g further illustrate a brief summary of an example of a program for controlling the master dart games 30.
  • FIGS. 4a-4c are flow chart diagrams of a process for controlling the non-master dart games 50.
  • FIG. 4d is a brief summary of a program routine for controlling the non-master dart games 50.
  • FIGS. 5a-5d illustrate a possible data dictionary that can be utilized to communicate data between the CCD 10 and the remotely located master games 30 and the non-master games 50. It should be made clear that the routines illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 are only examples and are not stated or implied to be the only possible control routines that can be utilized successfully in the present invention.
  • a player goes to the designated machine and enters his player card 60 into the respective player card reader 45, as does his opponent.
  • Each sanctioned league player carries a player card 60 that enables that person to enter information into the dart game.
  • the information may be: 1) Names of up to 4 team members, 2) Number of games being played, 3) Type of game to be played, and 4) Shooting order of players up to 30 matches. Other information necessary for league play may also be entered.
  • the match is played, after which, the results are transmitted to the master game 30 (if it was a non-master game 50) which transmits to the CCD 10 via the transmission link 20.
  • the CCD 10 receives the results, knowing which player is the winner and which is the loser, and places the winner in a new position on the charts and the loser in his new position unless he is now out of the tournament.
  • the charts on the portable displays 40 are then updated via the transmission link 20, to the master games 30, and to the portable displays 40 so that the players still in the tournament are able to quickly determine which game their next match is to be played on. This continues until there is only one player left who is the winner of the tournament.
  • each remotely located electronic dart game has a control system arranged to load new control programming received from the CCD 10.
  • This arrangement enables new game programming and control programming to be loaded into the remotely located dart games without the assistance of a routeman.
  • Downloading new programs into electronic games located at remote locations is well-known. Such downloading technology is exemplified by U.S. Patent No. 4,335,809 to Wain. Such a process allows programming of remote electronic dart games to be quickly, conveniently, and cost effectively altered should the need arise.
  • the player card 60 may be used to setup the electronic dart games. For instance, one dart game is setup manually and the setup instructions are downloaded to the operator card 60. Another dart game may be setup later by simply uploading the setup instructions from the operator card 60 to the dart game to be setup.
  • the CCD 10 stores all statistical data uploaded to the CCD 10 from each of the remote locations, including each player's play-by-play.
  • Each electronic dart game 30 and 50 may include a printer 65 that enables a player to receive a hard copy of his statistics after entering his personal player card 60 and requesting a printout.
  • the printer 65 may be internal or external to the dart game 30 or 50. If the player desires global information, or information not available on location, then that information can be downloaded to that specific location during the next polling period after the CCD 10 downloads the requested statistical data to the designated remote location. In this way, a player may obtain a hard copy printout of his statistics from any remote location having an electronic dart game 30 or 50 that is interlinked to the CCD 10.

Claims (29)

  1. Ein Verfahren zum Ausführen von Wurfpfeilligaspielen oder Turnieren, wobei eine Mehrzahl von elektronischen Wurfpfeilspielen verwendet wird, jedes Wurfpfeilspiel eine Einrichtung zum Empfangen, Speichern und Übertragen von Daten hat, das genannte Verfahren des weiteren eine zentrale Steuereinrichtung (CCD) verwendet, die Einrichtungen zum Verarbeiten, Eingeben, Speichern und Ausgeben von Daten hat, wobei das Verfahren die Schritte umfaßt:
    Verbinden der Vielzahl elektronischer Wurfpfeilspiele mit der zentralen steuereinrichtung über ein Kommunikationsmittel;
    Eingeben von Spielerdaten in die zentrale Steuereinrichtung über die Eingabeeinrichtung; und
    bidirektionales Kommunizieren zwischen der zentralen Steuereinrichtung und der Vielzahl von elektronischen Wurfpfeilspielen über das Kommunikationsmittel.
  2. Das Verfahren zum Ausführen von Wurfpfeilligaspielen oder Turnieren, wie in Anspruch 1 angegeben, worin sich die Vielzahl elektronischer Wurfpfeilspiele an einer oder mehreren von der zentralen Steuereinrichtung entfernliegenden Orten befinden.
  3. Das Verfahren zum Ausführen von Wurfpfeilligaspielen oder Turnieren, wie in Anspruch 2 angegeben, wobei jedes Wurfpfeilspiel des weiteren eine Einrichtung zur Datenanzeige umfaßt, das genannte Verfahren des weiteren die Schritte umfaßt:
    Spielweises, automatisches Aufzeichnen von jedem Spieler mittels der Spielspeichereinrichtung beim Aufschlag eines von einem Spieler geworfenen Wurfpfeils, der auf eine Wurfpfeilscheibe des Wurfpfeilspiels des genannten jeweiligen Spielers auftrifft;
    Berechnen eines Spielstandes für jeden Spieler, der sich aus einem Wurfpfeil ergibt, der von einem Spiegel geworfen worden ist und auf eine entsprechende Wurfpfeilscheibe des Spielers auftrifft;
    Anzeigen der gegenwärtigen Spielstände an jedem Ort von jedem Spieler, der an diesem Ort teilnimmt; und
    Abfragen jeden fernliegenden Ortes durch die zentrale Steuereinrichtung mittels des Kommunikationsmittels zu einer vorbestimmten Zeit, um Daten von jedem fernliegenden Ort aufzuladen und die Daten zu verarbeiten.
  4. Das Verfahren wie in Anspruch 1 angegeben, worin das genannte Verfahren des weiteren die Schritte umfaßt: jeden Spieler mit einer Spielerkarte zu versehen, die einen entsprechenden Spieler kennzeichnet und Spielerdaten und spielstatistiken speichert;
    Eingeben von Spielerdaten und Spielstatistiken von der Spielerkarte in die Speichereinrichtung des elektronischen Wurfpfeilspiels über die Empfangseinrichtung des elektronischen Wurfpfeilspiels;
    Speichern von Spielstatistiken und spielerdaten in der Speichereinrichtung des elektronischen Wurfpfeilspiels; und
    Übertagen von Spielstatistiken und Spielerdaten über die Übertragungseinrichtung zu der Spielerkarte.
  5. Das Verfahren wie in Anspruch 4 angegeben, worin ein Transport der Spielerkarten von Hand das Kommunikationsmittel für die biderektionale Kommunikation liefert.
  6. Das Verfahren wie in Anspruch 4 angegeben, worin das Kommunikationsmittel durch elektrische Drähte bereitgestellt wird, die eine bidirektionale Kommunikation zwischen der zentralen Steuereinrichtung und der Vielzahl von elektronischen Wurfpfeilspielen ermöglichen.
  7. Das Verfahren wie in Anspruch 4 angegeben, worin sich die Vielzahl elektronischer Wurfpfeilspiele an einem oder mehreren, von der zentralen Steuereinrichtung fernliegenden Orten befindet und das Kommunikationsmittel durch Telefonleitungen bereitgestellt wird.
  8. Das Verfahren wie in Anspruch 7 angegeben, worin jedes Wurfpfeilspiel des weiteren eine Einrichtung zur Datenanzeige umfaßt, wobei das genannte Verfahren des weiteren die Schritte umfaßt:
    Spielweises, automatisches Aufzeichnen von jedem Spieler mittels der Spielspeichereinrichtung beim Aufschlag eines von einem Spieler geworfenen Wurfpfeils, der auf eine Wurfpfeilscheibe des Wurfpfeilspiels des genannten jeweiligen Spielers auftrifft;
    Berechnen eines Spielstandes für jeden Spieler, der sich aus einem Wurfpfeil ergibt, der von einem Spiegel geworfen worden ist und auf eine entsprechende Wurfpfeilscheibe des Spielers auftrifft;
    Anzeigen der gegenwärtigen Spielstände an jedem Ort von jedem Spieler, der an diesem Ort teilnimmt; und
    Abfragen jeden fernliegenden Ortes durch die zentrale Steuereinrichtung mittels der Übertragungseinrichtung zu einer vorbestimmten Zeit, um Daten von jedem fernliegenden Ort aufzuladen und die Daten zu verarbeiten.
  9. Das Verfahren wie in Anspruch 1 angegeben, worin das genannte Verfahren des weiteren den Schritt umfaßt, jeden Spieler mit einer spielerkarte zu versehen, die den Spieler kennzeichnet und Spielerdaten und Spielstatistiken speichert, und worin das Kommunikationsmittel der Transport der Spielerkarten von Hand ist.
  10. Das Verfahren wie in Anspruch 1 angegeben, worin das Kommunikationsmittel durch elektrische Drähte bereitgestellt wird, die eine bidirektionale Kommunikation zwischen der zentralen Steuereinrichtung und der Vielzahl von elektronischen Wurfpfeilspielen ermöglichen.
  11. Das Verfahren wie in Anspruch 1 angegeben, worin sich die Vielzahl elektronischer Wurfpfeilspiele an einem oder mehreren, von der zentralen Steuereinrichtung fernliegenden Orten befindet und das Kommunikationsmittel durch Telefonleitungen bereitgestellt wird.
  12. Das Verfahren zum Ausführen von Wurfpfeilligaspielen oder Turnieren, wie in Anspruch 2 angegeben, wobei das genannte Verfahren des weiteren den Schritt umfaßt, laufende Daten in bezug auf den Stand des Spielers, Statistiken der Spieler und den Mannschaftsstand von der zentralen Steuereinrichtung zu jedem fernliegenden Ort über das Kommunikationsmittel auszugeben.
  13. Das Verfahren, wie in Anspruch 8 angegeben, wobei das genannte Verfahren des weiteren den Schritt umfaßt, laufende Daten in bezug auf den Stand des Spielers, Statistiken der Spieler und den Mannschaftsstand von der zentralen Steuereinrichtung zu jedem fernliegenden Ort über das Kommunikationsmittel zu übertragen.
  14. Ein System zum Ausführen von Wurfpfeilligaspielen und Turnieren, worin Spieler an einer Vielzahl von fernliegenden Orten teilnehmen können, das in Kombination umfaßt:
    eine zentrale steuereinrichtung zum Berechnen von Ligaspiel- oder Turnierstatistiken von empfangenen Spielerdaten und Spielstatistiken, worin die zentrale Steuereinrichtung (CCD) Einrichtungen zum Verarbeiten, Speichern, Eingeben und Ausgeben von Daten einschließt;
    eine Vielzahl von fernliegend angeordneter elektronischen Wurfpfeilspiele, worin jedes Wurfpfeilspiel Einrichtungen zum Empfangen, Speichern und Übertragen von Daten in das und aus dem Wurfpfeilspiel einschließt; und
    ein Kommunikationsmittel, das die Vielzahl fernliegend angeordneter, elektronischen Wurfpfeilspielen mit der zentralen Steuereinrichtung verbindet und eine bidirektionale Kommunikation zwischen der zentralen Steuereinrichtung und der Vielzahl fernliegend angeordneter, elektronischer Wurfpfeilspiele ermöglicht, worin die Empfangs- und Übertragungseinrichtung der Wurfpfeilspiele und die Eingabe- und Ausgabeeinrichtung der CCD schnittstellenmäßig mit dem Kommunikationsmittel verbunden sind.
  15. Das System, wie im Anspruch 14 angegeben, wobei das genannte System des weiteren umfaßt:
    eine Vielzahl von Spielerkarten für Spieler, die an dem Ligaspiel oder Turnier teilnehmen, die von der Empfangs- und Übertragungseinrichtung der elektronischen Wurfpfeilspiele angenommen werden, worin die Spielerkarten Spielerdaten und Spielstatistiken speichern.
  16. Das System, wie im Anspruch 15 angegeben, worin Spielerdaten und Spielstatistiken bidirektional zwischen der zentralen Steuereinrichtung und den elektronischen Spielen mitgeteilt werden, indem die Spielerkarten als das Kommunikationsmittel verwendet werden.
  17. Das System, wie im Anspruch 15 angegeben, worin das Kommunikationsmittel von Telefonleitungen bereitgestellt wird.
  18. Das System, wie im Anspruch 15 angegeben, worin die Spielerkarten kontaktfreie, integrierte Schaltungskarten (IC) sind.
  19. Das System, wie im Anspruch 15 angegeben, das des weiteren umfaßt:
    eine Einrichtung zum automatischen, spielweisen Aufzeichnen von jedem Spieler mittels der Spielspeichereinrichtung beim Aufschlag eines von einem Spieler geworfenen Wurfpfeils, der auf eine Wurfpfeilscheibe des Wurfpfeilspiels des genannten jeweiligen Spielers auftrifft;
    eine Einrichtung zum Berechnen eines Spielstandes für jeden Spieler, der sich aus einem Wurfpfeil ergibt, der von einem Spieler geworfen worden ist und auf eine entsprechende Wurfpfeilscheibe des Spielers auftrifft;
    eine Einrichtung zum Anzeigen der gegenwärtigen Spielstände an jedem Ort von allen Spielern und der laufenden Stände von jedem Spieler, der an diesem Ort teilnimmt; und
    eine Einrichtung zum Abfragen jedes fernliegenden Ortes durch die zentrale Steuereinrichtung zu einer vorbestimmten Zeit, um alle Ergebnisse des Spiels von jedem fernliegenden Ort aufzuladen und die Ergebnisse zu analysieren.
  20. Das System, wie in Anspruch 17 angegeben, worin die zentrale Steuereinrichtung jedes der fernliegenden, elektronischen Wurfpfeilspiele zu einer vorbestimmten Zeit abfragt, statistische Daten von jedem fernliegenden Ort, die das Spiel betreffen, zu der zentralen Steuereinrichtung aufgeladen und aufgenommen werden, die zentrale Steuereinrichtung den gegenwärtigen Stand von jedem Spieler berechnet und dann die zentrale Steuereinrichtung den gegenwärtigen Stand von jedem Spieler zu jedem fernliegenden Ort ablädt.
  21. Das System, wie in Anspruch 15 angegeben, worin ein Hauptwurfpfeilspiel an jedem fernliegenden Ort angeordnet ist, und die zentrale Steuereinheit mit jedem fernliegenden Ort nur schnittstellenmäßig mit dem Hauptwurfpfeilspiel kommuniziert, das an jedem fernliegenden Ort angeordnet ist, und alle Nichthauptwurfpfeilspiele an jedem fernliegenden Ort einzeln mit dem Hauptwurfpfeilspiel verbunden sind, wodurch das Hauptwurfpfeilspiel mit jedem Nichthauptwurfpfeilspiel schnittstellenmäßig verbunden ist und Daten zu dem Hauptwurfpfeilspiel aufgeladen werden, das wiederum die Daten zu der zentralen Steuereinrichtung auflädt, wenn das Hauptwurfpfeilspiel von der zentralen Steuereinrichtung abgefragt wird.
  22. Das System, wie im Anspruch 20 angegeben, worin die zentrale Steuereinrichtung jeden der fernliegenden Orte während der schließzeiten der Einrichtungen abfrägt, die ein Wurfpfeilligaspiel oder Turnier aufnehmen, wodurch eine Übertragung statistischer Daten über die Telefonleitungen die Verwendung ihrer Telefonleitungen durch die Einrichtung nicht stört.
  23. Das System, wie in Anspruch 15 angegeben, worin fernliegende Wurfpfeilspiele einer Einrichtung zum Laden und Ausführen neuer Spielprogramme einschließt, die von der zentralen Steuereinrichtung abgeladen worden sind.
  24. Das System, wie im Anspruch 15 angegeben, worin Informationen, die Spielstatistiken und Spielerdaten betreffen, in der zentralen Steuereinrichtung gespeichert sind, und die Informationen wiedergewonnen werden können, indem eine Anforderung an eines der fernliegenden, elektronischen Wurfpfeilspiele gegeben wird, gespeicherte Informationen von der zentralen Steuereinrichtung wiederzugewinnen.
  25. Das System, wie im Anspruch 15 angegeben, worin jedes elektrische Wurfpfeilspiel des weiteren umfaßt:
    eine Einrichtung zum Drucken eines Hardcopy-Ausdrucks von Spielerdaten und Spielstatistiken.
  26. Das System, wie im Anspruch 14 angegeben, worin das Kommunikationsmittel durch elektrische Drähte bereitgestellt wird, die eine bidirektionale Kommunikation zwischen der zentralen Steuereinrichtung und der Vielzahl von elektronischen Wurfpfeilspielen ermöglichen.
  27. Das System, wie in Anspruch 14 angegeben, worin sich die Vielzahl elektronischer Wurfpfeilspiele an einem oder mehreren, von der zentralen Steuereinrichtung fernliegenden Orten befindet und das Kommunikationsmittel durch Telefonleitungen bereitgestellt wird.
  28. In einem elektronischen Wurfpfeilspielgerät, insbesondere zur Verwendung bei Wurfpfeilligaspielen oder Turnier, wobei die Kombination umfaßt:
    eine elektronische Eingabeeinrichtung zum Empfangen von Spielerdaten und von Informationen über die Paarung von Liga- oder Turnierspielern von wenigstens einer äußeren Quelle und von Spielstatistiken;
    eine Speichereinrichtung in dem Wurfpfeilspielgerät zum Speichern der äußeren Daten und Spielstatistiken, die in dem Wurfpfeilspiel erzeugt werden; und
    eine Ausgabeeinrichtung zum Übertragen der Spielerdaten und Spielstatistiken zu einem Ort außerhalb des Wurfpfeilspiels.
  29. Das elektronische Wurfpfeilspielgerät, wie in Anspruch 28 angegeben, des weiteren umfassend:
    einen Drucker, der elektronisch mit dem Wurfpfeilspielgerät verbunden ist, um einen Hardcopy-Ausdruck der Spielstatistiken und Spielerdaten zu liefern.
EP91915102A 1991-02-20 1991-06-04 System zum sammeln und verteilen von wurfpfeilstatistiken Revoked EP0527211B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US658206 1991-02-20
US07/658,206 US5114155A (en) 1990-06-15 1991-02-20 System for automatic collection and distribution of player statistics for electronic dart games
PCT/US1991/003924 WO1992014983A1 (en) 1991-02-20 1991-06-04 Dart game statistics collection and distribution system

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0527211A1 EP0527211A1 (de) 1993-02-17
EP0527211A4 EP0527211A4 (en) 1993-07-28
EP0527211B1 true EP0527211B1 (de) 1997-08-13

Family

ID=24640343

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91915102A Revoked EP0527211B1 (de) 1991-02-20 1991-06-04 System zum sammeln und verteilen von wurfpfeilstatistiken

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EP (1) EP0527211B1 (de)
JP (1) JPH05505965A (de)
AT (1) ATE156906T1 (de)
AU (1) AU8429891A (de)
CA (1) CA2080360A1 (de)
DE (1) DE69127278T2 (de)
ES (1) ES2107469T3 (de)
WO (1) WO1992014983A1 (de)

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5755443A (en) * 1996-07-10 1998-05-26 Huang; Chun-Mu Dart game controller that adjusts one score to effect other scores
DE19801487A1 (de) * 1998-01-16 1999-07-22 Vlg Virtual Laser Systems Gmbh Wurfspielgerät
GB9923387D0 (en) * 1999-10-05 1999-12-08 Lake Michael J Shooting simulation apparatus
ES1068212U (es) * 2007-07-20 2008-09-16 Gaelco Darts, S.L. Maquina electronica de juego de dardos.
KR101353319B1 (ko) * 2012-08-27 2014-01-20 주식회사 홍인터내셔날 다트 게임 시스템
KR20140027714A (ko) * 2012-08-27 2014-03-07 주식회사 홍인터내셔날 외부 디바이스와 연동하는 다트 게임 장치
US9415301B2 (en) 2013-02-26 2016-08-16 Steelseries Aps Method and apparatus for processing control signals of an accessory

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4335809A (en) * 1979-02-13 1982-06-22 Barcrest Limited Entertainment machines
US4232295A (en) * 1979-04-13 1980-11-04 Data Information Systems Corporation Jukebox polling system
US4572509A (en) * 1982-09-30 1986-02-25 Sitrick David H Video game network
US4516781A (en) * 1982-11-17 1985-05-14 Industrial Design Electronic Associates, Inc. Dart game with two microcomputers
US4824121A (en) * 1986-11-03 1989-04-25 Arachnid, Inc. Dart game with programmable displays

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2080360A1 (en) 1992-08-21
ES2107469T3 (es) 1997-12-01
EP0527211A1 (de) 1993-02-17
DE69127278T2 (de) 1998-02-12
ATE156906T1 (de) 1997-08-15
JPH05505965A (ja) 1993-09-02
DE69127278D1 (de) 1997-09-18
WO1992014983A1 (en) 1992-09-03
AU8429891A (en) 1992-09-15
EP0527211A4 (en) 1993-07-28

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