EP0511997B1 - Darts game - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a darts game with a target board (22) comprising sectors movably mounted between radial (24), concentric (26) ribs and designated to receive the darts. Each sector has a switch which is actuated when a dart hits the sector and which is connected to a hit-display circuit. The darts game disclosed is characterized by the fact that it has at least two target areas each of which is made up of sectors located between adjacent radial (24), concentric (26) ribs. A display light (60, 66) is associated with each target-area sector (50, 56) and all the lights (60, 62, 64, 66) of each target area are only switched on by hits on this target area by the first player to hit it, the display lights of the target area concerned not being switched on by or after a subsequent hit by another player. The display lights (60, 62, 64, 66) may be disposed in one or more arrays (42, 44, 46, 48), making the progress of the game particularly easy to follow.

Description

The invention relates to a dart game device for several players, with a dart disk made of segments arranged movably between radial and concentric ribs for receiving the dart, each of which is assigned a switch which can be actuated by the impact of a dart and via a switching device is connected to a hit display.

Dart game devices are known in various embodiments. Dart darts are always thrown onto a dart target disc, which is divided into a number of segments. Each segment is provided with a switch that is operated when an arrow hits. Each time a segment is hit, a certain number of points is scored. The game and evaluation rules are different and often relatively complicated.

DE-OS 33 41 303 describes a dart game device of the type mentioned, in which the registration, enumeration and display of the number of points achieved by the players is carried out automatically. For this purpose, the dart target is assigned a switch matrix to which a microcomputer is connected, and a display is also provided. The display includes display fields that show the score of the various players and the current score.

In a dart game device described in WO-OS 88/03638, a display is provided for the course and game status of a game. The display provides information on the number of coins entered and the games available and guides the player through the selection of a game and the number of players.

From CH-PS-282 422 a room shooting system is known which comprises a target with parts or fields arranged in groups of circular ring segments and displaceable in the shooting direction. An indicator disc with indicator lamps is arranged next to the target, each of which is assigned to the fields of the target and is arranged in a similar geometric manner. The indicator lamps are illuminated by hitting the assigned fields.

The invention has for its object to make the course of the game in a dart game device of the type mentioned interesting, attractive and exciting and thus to offer the players further entertainment and thus a greater incentive to play. This object is achieved by the invention in a dart game device with the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the dart game device according to the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

A dart game device according to the invention thus comprises at least two target fields, each of which is formed from segments arranged between adjacent radial and concentric ribs, an indicator lamp being assigned to the segments of the target fields and all indicator lamps of each target field only being hit by the player hitting this target field first can be switched on and the indicator lamps of the relevant Target field at and after a hit by an opponent can no longer be switched on.

In the dart game device according to the invention, a target field thus comprises segments which are delimited by ribs and which can operate a switch when a dart hits. The segments of a target field are to be hit by a player, the respective switch being actuated and the hit indicator lighting up accordingly. If, on the other hand, it is another player's turn and hits a segment of a target field, the segments of which have already been partially hit by the one player, then one player loses the possibility of hitting all segments of the target field alone and thereby loses this target field and the corresponding profit points.

According to the goal of the game, it is not just a matter of hitting segments, but of throwing skill and tactics when choosing the targeted segments. On the one hand, it is necessary to fill up this segment by hitting segments of a target field, on the other hand, the opponent is to be prevented from filling up this target field by hitting a segment of a target field targeted by it. A successful meeting of appropriate segment combinations leads to a high score or a reduction in the opponent's score. The sporting incentive in this game is high due to the varied gameplay, and there is a fast gameplay.

The observation of the game happening is made possible by the indicator lamps, which light up each time a segment of a target field played by a player lights up. In this way, segment combinations that are under construction are manageable.

In an advantageous embodiment of the dart game device according to the invention, a game run is ended with a win when all the indicator lamps of a target field light up. One or more target fields are preferably provided between adjacent radial and / or concentric ribs.

An indicator lamp is usually assigned to each segment, which lights up when a dart hits the relevant segment. However, an indicator lamp can also be assigned to two or three segments in such a way that it lights up when one of these segments hits. In addition, an acoustic signal can of course also be provided as a hit display.

Certain hits / segment combinations corresponding to preferred figures (column, row, etc.) can be provided as preferred combinations, with one player in each case trying to prevent the opponent from building up a hit / segment combination, as is the case with the effortless game. Using the arrangement of the indicator lamps in one or more matrix fields, it is easy to read segments that are still hit-free and accordingly target the segments that are most favorable for the game. If a targeted segment is hit, the corresponding indicator lamp comes on. Otherwise the throw will be judged as a miss and no indicator light will come on.

In an advantageous embodiment of the dart game device according to the invention, which has a counter device that responds to switch operations, a multiplier is connected to the counter device, which multiplier can be triggered in the case of predetermined combinations of switch operations. If a certain combination of segments is hit on the dart target, the multiplier is triggered and switched on so that the combination points are included in the point count with weighting.

A separate matrix field representation is preferably provided for each player. In the dart game device according to the invention, this is implemented by a switching device and a memory device connected to it for the switching state of the indicator lamps arranged in the matrix fields, the indicator lamps being switched according to the stored switching state by actuating the switching device and, at the same time, the previously displayed switching state being stored. By automatic or manual actuation of the switching device, the matrix field with indicator lamps can be displayed in accordance with the current status of the currently active player. It can be provided that segments already hit by other players are additionally shown as occupied by a special display, e.g. by the corresponding indicator lamps lighting up, the indicator lamps of the segments just hit by the player flashing.

In the case of several players, the switching device is expediently assigned a plurality of sets of matrix field storage data, and the switching device comprises a selector switch by which the display of one of the switching status sets stored in the matrix field storage data is selected. It is the current matrix field, i.e. the matrix field of the player currently playing is displayed, while the remaining matrix fields are stored and are therefore virtual matrix fields.

It can also be provided that a plurality of matrix fields corresponding to the intended number of players are present and a selector switch is provided, by means of which the switching state of the switches corresponds to one of the in the switching states displayed in the matrix fields is selected and the lamps are switched accordingly. In this case, all of the matrix fields assigned to the players are displayed, and only the matrix field of the currently active player is activated by actuating the switch. A hit on the dart target then causes a change in the display of the respectively active matrix field by flashing the corresponding indicator lamp, while in the other matrix fields the segments already hit are indicated by the associated indicator lamps lighting up. Three or four matrix fields are preferably provided. This number corresponds to the optimal number of players.

In a further preferred embodiment of the dart game device according to the invention, the switches associated with the switches are arranged distributed around the dart target. This arrangement brings the matrix fields or their subareas directly related to the segments of the dartboard. The players can easily see at a glance which of the segments has already been hit or not. With this arrangement, the subareas of the matrix fields are distributed according to the segment arrangements. If, for example, the dartboard is divided into concentric rings with radial division, the partial areas of the matrix fields can be arranged, for example, in the form of a row radially to the center of the dartboard and outside the associated sector, with an indicator lamp in such a row, for example one LED, each corresponds to a concentric section.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines ersten Ausführungsbeispieles des erfindungsgemäßen Wurfpfeil-Spielgerätes und

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Wurfpfeil-Spielgerätes.

The invention is described below with reference to preferred embodiments and the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a first embodiment of the dart game device according to the invention and

Fig. 2

a perspective view of a second embodiment of the dart game device according to the invention.

Insofar as the same parts are shown in both of the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, they are identified by the same reference numerals. However, the representations are not to be regarded as restrictive.

A first exemplary embodiment of the invention will first be described with reference to FIG. 1. The dart game device comprises a housing 2 with a base section 4 and side walls 6. The housing 2 has a projecting section 8 somewhat above the base section 4. A recessed section 10 is arranged above it. Above the recessed section 10 there is again a projecting section 12 as the top housing section.

On a front plate 14, the projecting section 8 carries a slot 16 for inserting the coin. Keys 20 are arranged as operating elements on a cover plate 18 of the projecting section 8. Using these buttons, a desired game mode, the number of players, a player change, etc. can be selected. The keys 20 are expediently designed at the same time as display elements, so that the input selection states are displayed.

The recessed section 10 carries a dart disk 22. The dart disk 22 is divided by radial ribs 24 and concentric ribs 26 into a number of segments which are movably supported in the direction perpendicular to the segment surface. The ribs 24, 26 are arrow-shaped at their outer end in order to deflect impinging darts onto each adjacent segment 28. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the segments 28 each have a number of openings, not shown, into which the tip of impacting arrows can penetrate. Switches are arranged behind the segments, which are each actuated by a sliding movement of the segments upon the impact of a dart. The arrow disc 22 is divided into ten sectors, which are numbered from 1 to 10 in the exemplary embodiment shown. The numbering is placed radially outside the sectors.

The upper projecting section 12 has four numerical displays 32 to 38 in an upper display area 30, which can be LED displays, for example. Four display fields 42 to 48 are provided on a lower display area 40. The display fields 42 to 48 each have five columns, which are labeled with the numbers 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 in an upper line of the display fields. The columns each comprise four illuminated displays using indicator lamps, for example light-emitting diodes. The numbers 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 each designate the sectors of the dart target assigned to the column on which valid hits can be landed. The sectors labeled 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 are therefore not selection fields. Throws in these fields result in missed throws.

In the illustrated embodiment, an indicator lamp is assigned to a segment 28 in each sector. In the case of sector 1, this means, for example, that the innermost segment 50 of sector 1 is coupled to the lowermost indicator lamp 60 in the left column of the display field 42. The two middle indicator lamps 62, 64 are assigned to the two middle segments 52, 54. The uppermost indicator lamp 66 indicates the hit state of the uppermost or outermost segment 56.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, display fields 42 to 48 provide four display fields for four players.

By pressing the corresponding key 20, the corresponding display field 42, 44, 46 or 48 is activated, which shows the hit level of the currently active player, while the remaining display fields each show the hit status of the waiting players.

The arrangement of the indicator lamps in matrix fields enables a very clear representation of the personal score or overall hit status. It can be determined at a glance which of the segments of the dart target has already been hit or which of these segments has been hit by which player. The points resulting from the hits or the total number of points is shown in the numerical displays 32 to 38. For example, the player to whom the left digit display 32 and the left display panel 42 are assigned has achieved a total score of 340.

The formation of the illuminated display as a matrix field also enables a game variant in which certain segment combinations achieve an increased number of points. E.g. As preferred hit combinations, sequences from adjacent indicator lamps, for example three adjacent indicator lamps in a row or three adjacent indicator lamps in a column, can lead to a higher-value weighting, and a multiplier can be switched on when such a sequence is reached by an internally provided evaluation device, thereby reducing the sequence -Points e.g. be multiplied by the number 3. Other formations can also be selected.

The end of the game can be determined at the point in time when all segments have been hit, ie when all the indicator lamps of a matrix field are illuminated. The corresponding player is then the winner. Another Variant of the dart game can be designed so that the winner is the one who first achieved a certain number of points. The game thus represents a sporting incentive for the players. The winner of the dart game is always the one who is a skillful thrower and also a tactician, because on the one hand it is important to score as many points as possible and on the other hand by choosing the ones to be hit Segments to block the opponent's points.

2 shows a variant of the dart game device according to the invention. The housing 2 has a narrower upper projecting section 58 which only has a single display area 30 with numerical displays 32 to 38. Instead of the display fields 42 to 48 according to the first exemplary embodiment, the dart game device shown in FIG. 2 has radial display columns 70 to 78, each of which comprises four display lamps or light-emitting diodes. The indicator lamps of each radial display column 70 to 78 are each assigned to the segments of one of the sectors 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9, specifically the radially inner sector. For example, the inner indicator lamp 80 of the radial display column 70 indicates that the inner segment 50 of sector 1 has been hit. Correspondingly, the middle indicator lamps 82, 84 are assigned to the middle segments 52, 54 and the outer indicator lamp 86 to the outer segment 56 of the sector 1. In this embodiment of the dart game device, only the total segments hit and the scores achieved by the respective players are displayed. It is thus possible to emulate a game variant very similar to the mill game, which likewise has only one game field, while the dart game device according to FIG. 1 comprises one active and several virtual game fields in each case due to the virtual matrix fields.

Of course, various variants and changes are possible. The features of the dart game device according to the invention disclosed in the claims, the description and the drawing can in particular be used individually or in any combination.

Claims (6)

1. Machine for a game of darts for a plurality of players, having

   - a target comprising segments, which are disposed between radial and concentric ribs for receiving the darts, which are displaceable perpendicular to the segment area and with each of which a switch is associated, which is actuatable as a result of encountering a dart and is connected to a score display via a switching means,

   - at least two target areas (50 to 56) being provided, which are each formed from a plurality of segments disposed between adjacent radial and concentric ribs (24, 26),
   characterised in that

   - a display light (60 to 66; 70 to 76) is associated with each of the segments of the target areas (50 to 56), and the display lights are disposed in one or a plurality of matrix arrays (42 to 48),

   - the second and additional display lights (60 to 66; 70 to 76) of each target area (50 to 56) can only be switched-on by hits made by the player first hitting a segment of this target area, the second and additional display lights of the target area concerned not being able to be switched-on by hits made by additional players,

   - a memory means, connected to the switching means, is provided for storing the switching state of the display lights disposed in the matrix arrays (42 to 48), the display lights being switched according to the stored switching state by actuation of the switching means, and the hitherto displayed switching state being simultaneously stored.
2. Machine for a game of darts according to claim 1, characterised in that one or a plurality of target areas are provided between adjacent radial ribs (24), the segments (50 to 56) of which belong to the same sector.
3. Machine for a game of darts according to one of claim 1 or 2, characterised in that one or a plurality of target areas are provided between adjacent concentric ribs (26), the segments of which belong to the same circular ring.
4. Machine for a game of darts according to one of claims 1 to 3, having a counting means, which responds to switch actuations, characterised by a multiplier, which is connected to the counting means and is triggerable at prescribed combinations of switch actuations.
5. Machine for a game of darts according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the switching means has a plurality of sets of matrix array memory data associated therewith, and the switching means includes a selector switch, by means of which the display of one of the sets of switching states stored in the matrix array memory data is selected.
6. Machine for a game of darts according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that lights (80 to 86), associated with the switches, are distributed around the dartboard (22).

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