KR20150045411A - Offline match making method, apparatus and computer-readable medium thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving subject, disclosed is an offline matchmaking method in an electronic dart game device including a function of communicating with external device. The method comprises the steps of: receiving matchmaking demand input by a player; receiving information relating to an opponent player selected by matchmaking algorithm, wherein the matchmaking algorithm selects the opponent player among players relating to at least one other electronic dart game device grouped based on the electronic dart game device and location information; and outputting information relating to electronic dart game device which the player and the opponent player will play with.

Description

METHOD, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM THEREOF FOR OFFLINE MATCH MAKING METHOD, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM THEREOF,

The present invention relates to a dart game apparatus and a dart game matchmaking apparatus, and more particularly, to an apparatus for providing offline matchmaking.

In general, a dart means "small arrow", and the score is given by throwing an arrow-shaped dart pin to the target of the centrifugal number written in numbers. Darts have the advantage of being able to enjoy darts in the form of arrowheads, and anyone, anywhere, anytime, with a dart target. In recent years, the development of a variety of game methods and scoring methodology has evolved into a world-class leisure, enjoying the game easily and without a man or woman.

In general, dart players must participate in the game at the same time and place to enjoy darts. However, according to the development of communication technology, participants participating in a dart game at a remote place so that participants of the dart game can participate in the game beyond time and space restrictions, and can transmit their play result or play process to the electronic Dart game devices have been developed. These electronic dart game devices electrically sense the point where the dart target is hit, and can automatically score and provide the score to the player.

However, in a case where a plurality of dart game devices are installed in a specific space, it is preferable to play a game directly with a player located in the same place offline, rather than playing a game with a player located remotely via online, can do. Therefore, there is a need for a method and an apparatus for matching a plurality of dart game devices in a specific space so that players in the same space can play the electronic dart game together offline without going through online Lt; / RTI >

The present invention is devised in correspondence with the background art described above and is intended to provide an offline matchmaking in an electronic dart game device including a communication function with an external device.

An offline match making method in an electronic dart game device including a communication function with an external device according to an embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above-mentioned problems is presented. The method comprises the steps of: receiving a matchmaking request input by a player; receiving information relating to a partner player selected by the matchmaking algorithm; and outputting information relating to the electronic dart game device to be played by the player and the opponent player Wherein the matchmaking algorithm selects the opponent player from among players associated with at least one other electronic dart game device grouped based on the electronic dart game device and the location information.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an offline match making method in an electronic dart game device including a communication function with an external device is presented. The method comprises the steps of: receiving a matchmaking request input by a player; playing a partner player to play among players associated with the electronic dart game device and at least one other electronic dart game device grouped on the basis of location information, And outputting information related to the electronic dart game device to be played by the player and the opponent player selected by the player.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an electronic dart game device including a communication function with an external device is presented. The electronic dart game device includes a player input unit for receiving a matchmaking request input by a player, a control unit for receiving and processing information related to a partner player selected by the matchmaking algorithm, and an electronic dart game Wherein the matchmaking algorithm selects an opponent player among the players associated with the electronic dart game device and at least one other electronic dart game device grouped on the basis of the location information .

In another embodiment of the present invention there is disclosed a computer-readable medium having stored thereon a program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform off-line matchmaking through communication with an external device, Code for causing the computer to receive the matchmaking request input by the player; code for causing the computer to receive information associated with the opponent player selected by the matchmaking algorithm; And a code for causing the player to output information related to the electronic dart game device to be played. Here, the matchmaking algorithm may select a partner player among the players associated with the electronic dart game device and at least one other electronic dart game device grouped on the basis of the positional information.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an offline matchmaking method performed by a matchmaking device is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: receiving a matchmaking request input by a player from an electronic dart game device; selecting, from among the players associated with the electronic dart game device and at least one other electronic dart game device grouped on the basis of the location information, Performing a matchmaking algorithm for selecting an electronic dart game device, and transmitting information related to the electronic dart game device to be played by the player and the opponent player to the electronic dart game device.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an offline match making apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus comprising: a receiving unit for receiving a matchmaking request input by a player from an electronic dart game apparatus; an electronic dart game apparatus; A control unit for performing a matchmaking algorithm for selecting a partner player among the players associated with at least one other electronic dart game apparatus, and a controller for transmitting information relating to the electronic dart game apparatus to be played by the player and the opponent player to the electronic dart game apparatus And a transmitting unit.

A method of offline matchmaking performed by a server in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: receiving a matchmaking request input by a player from an electronic dart game device; selecting, from among the players associated with the electronic dart game device and at least one other electronic dart game device grouped on the basis of the location information, Performing a matchmaking algorithm for selecting an electronic dart game device, and transmitting information related to the electronic dart game device to be played by the player and the opponent player to the electronic dart game device.

A computer-readable device in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. The computer-readable device includes an embedded program, which, when executed by a computer, enables the computer to perform off-line matchmaking. Wherein the program comprises code for causing the computer to receive a matchmaking request input by a player from an electronic dart game device, code for causing the computer to perform at least one of grouping based on the electronic dart game device and the location information A code for causing a computer to perform a matchmaking algorithm for selecting a partner player among the players associated with another electronic dart game device, and a controller for causing the computer to transmit information related to the electronic dart game device to be played by the player and the opponent player, And a code for causing the game apparatus to transmit to the dart game apparatus.

It is somewhat uncomfortable for the players to talk directly with each other and suggest a dart game together because of the refusal to reject the game, so the players are able to play games with other players . In addition, even if it is assumed that the players decided to play the game through offline conversation, it is necessary to wait until the game which has been played before the end of the game, and to discuss the dart game device to be played together There is an additional inconvenience. Furthermore, even if players play offline together because they do not know the difference between the players in advance, there is a limit to increase the fun of the game unless players with similar skills play the game together.

Accordingly, the server or the matchmaking device according to an embodiment of the present invention can more easily enjoy the dart game with the other player (s) in the vicinity. That is, in a case where a plurality of dart game devices are installed in a specific space, it is more advantageous to play a game directly with a player located in the same place offline rather than playing a game with a player located remotely via online, Can be further increased. Therefore, through the method and apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to induce the player to select whether to play on-line or off-line according to the preference of the player, In a case where a plurality of dart game devices exist in a specific space, the necessity for matchmaking the players in the same space so that they can play the electronic dart game together offline without going through online may be solved.

1 is a block diagram of a dart game apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a conceptual diagram of a game network including a plurality of electronic dart game devices, a dart game matchmaking device, and a server according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a perspective view of a dart game device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a block diagram of a matchmaking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a flowchart of a method for providing offline matchmaking in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Various embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to like elements. In this specification, various explanations are given in order to provide an understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that such embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are provided in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the embodiments.

The terms "component," "module," system, "and the like, as used herein, refer to a computer-related entity, hardware, firmware, software, combination of software and hardware, or execution of software. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to, a process executing on a processor, a processor, an object, an executing thread, a program, and / or a computer. For example, both an application running on a computing device and a computing device may be a component. One or more components may reside within a processor and / or thread of execution, one component may be localized within one computer, or it may be distributed between two or more computers. Further, such components may execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored therein. The components may be, for example, a signal (e.g., a local system, data from one component interacting with another component in a distributed system, and / or data over a network, such as the Internet, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > and / or < / RTI >

The description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features presented herein.

1 is a block diagram of a dart game apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The dart game apparatus 100 includes a dart target 110, a sensing unit 120, a player input unit 130, an output unit 140, a camera unit 150, a network connection unit 160, a player recognition unit 170, A memory 180, a controller 190, and the like. The components shown in Fig. 1 are not essential, so that a dart game device having more or fewer components may be implemented. Hereinafter, the components will be described in order.

The dart target 110 may include a score board in which bullseye is located at the center, concentric circles centering on bullseye, and scored boards divided into straight lines extending radially from the bullseye and having individual scores assigned thereto. A plurality of holes through which the tip of the dart can be inserted may be disposed on the score board.

The dart target 110 may include a display 142 as described below to variably change the score arrangement of the dart target 110 and the shape of the scored regions. In this case, the dart target 110 may include a light-transmitting touch pad stacked on the display 142, and may have a touch screen shape.

The sensing unit 120 can sense the play of the dart game player performed on the dart target 110. [ The sensing unit 120 may be able to evaluate the play of the actual game player. The sensing unit 120 may sense an area of the dart target 110 in which the darts are thrown by the game player. The sensing unit 120 may electrically convert the score corresponding to the area where the dart is plugged and transmit the score to the controller 190. [

The player input unit 130 receives a player's input for controlling the dart game apparatus 100. [ The player input unit 130 may include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (static / static), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like. The player input unit 130 may also include cameras 151, ..., 153, a microphone, and the like. Additionally, the player input 130 may also include a short range communication module (not shown) as described below. In an embodiment of the present invention, the player input unit 130 may include a local communication module (not shown) of the network connection unit 160. When the player input unit 130 includes a local communication module of the network connection unit 160, the player input unit 130 may be configured to receive the user input input by the external console device. Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and the like can be used as a short range communication technology. For example, when the player input unit 130 performs near field communication using infrared communication, the external console device may be an infrared remote controller. Alternatively, when the player input unit 130 performs short-range communication using the Bluetooth function, the external console device may be a mobile device including a Bluetooth module. The mobile device including the Bluetooth module may be, for example, a smart phone including a Bluetooth module.

The player can select a dart game method, a matchmaking request, a match approval, the number of dart game players, a dart game play method, and the like through the player input unit 130. For example, the player can input the number of dart game players, the dart game play method (zero-one game, cricket game, count-up game, etc.), the dart game method (one- Offline matchmaking requests and match approvals can be selected.

The player input unit 130 receives a voice or an action through the camera 151, ..., 153 or the microphone of the player, and converts it into an input signal . For this purpose, known Speech Recognition or Motion Recognition techniques may be used.

The output unit 140 is for generating an output related to a visual, auditory or tactile sense. The output unit 140 may include an audio output unit 141, a display 142, an illumination unit 143, and the like.

The sound output module 141 can output audio data received from the network connection unit 160 or stored in the memory 180 in a game sound effect, a game operation guide, a game method description, and the like. The sound output module 141 also outputs an acoustic signal related to a function (e.g., a game sound effect) performed in the dart game device 100. [ The sound output module 141 can also output a sound from a game player or a third party using another dart game device 200 (see FIG. 2) received via the network connection unit 160. [ The sound output module 141 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like. Additionally, as will be described below, the output of the matchmaking waiting player list when the dart game apparatus 100 receives an offline matchmaking request, the output of a query as to whether to directly select an offline match opponent player, And / or the output of the query and / or the output of the dart game device designated to play the current player's match approval input may be output as audio information by the sound output module 41.

The display 142 displays (outputs) information to be processed in the dart game device 100. For example, when the dart game device 100 is in the game play mode guidance mode, the display 142 may output a selectable game play mode. Additionally, when the dart game device 100 receives an offline matchmaking request, the display 142 may output a list of players waiting for matchmaking. Further, the display 142 may output a screen for inquiring whether or not to directly select an offline match opponent player, and may output a screen for inquiring whether the opponent player and / or the current player have input a match approval. In addition, the display 142 may output a dart game device designated to play based on a particular algorithm. In addition, when the dart game device 100 is playing a game, the display 142 may display a score sensed through the sensing unit 120, a game using another dart game device received through the network connection unit 160 It is possible to output a video image of a player or a third party.

The display 142 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display ), And a three-dimensional display (3D display). Some of these displays may be transparent or light transmissive so that they can be seen through. This can be referred to as a transparent display, and a typical example of the transparent display is TOLED (Transparent OLED) or the like.

In one embodiment of the invention, there may be more than one display 142, depending on the implementation of the dart game device 100. [ For example, in the dart game apparatus 100, a plurality of displays may be spaced apart or arranged integrally on one surface, and may be disposed on different surfaces, respectively. For example, the display 142 may include a display disposed at the top of the target 110, a display disposed at the bottom of the target 110, or one of the displays. However, the position in which the above-described display is disposed is only an example, and the display may be placed at various positions for design needs or visual effects.

The touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in capacitance, such as a pressure applied to a specific portion of the display 142 or a specific portion of the display 142, to an electrical input signal. The touch sensor can be configured to detect not only the position and area to be touched but also the pressure at the time of touch. If there is a touch input to the touch sensor, the corresponding signal (s) is sent to the touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal (s) and then transmits the corresponding data to the controller 190. Thus, the control unit 190 can recognize which area of the display 142 is touched or the like.

The lighting unit 143 outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event of the dart game apparatus 100. [ Examples of events that occur in the dart game device 100 include identification of the dart game player, hit of the dart, change of the dart game player, and end of the game. The illumination unit 143 may include an LED (Light Emission Diode) to inform the user of the occurrence of the event through the blinking of the LED. The LEDs may be disposed on the back surface of the dart target 110, and may be blinked according to a blinking pattern stored in advance according to the occurrence of an event. For example, one or more LEDs may be assigned to each portion of the dart target 110. The assigned LEDs are disposed on the back of the dart target 110 and can be disposed in a direction toward the outside of the dart game device 100. [ When the LEDs emit light, the light emitted by the LEDs may pass through the dart target 110 made of a transparent or semi-transparent material to transmit a visual output to a user. Alternatively, the light illuminated by the LED may transmit a visual output to a user through a gap present in the dart target 110.

The output unit 140 may output a signal for informing occurrence of an event in a form other than a video signal or an audio signal, for example, a vibration.

The camera unit 150 includes a plurality of cameras 151 to 153. Image frames processed by the cameras 151 to 153 are stored in the memory 180 or transmitted to the network connection unit 160. [ Lt; / RTI > At least two cameras 150 may be provided depending on the use environment. At least some of the cameras of the camera unit 150 are arranged to photograph image frames including the dart target 110 and some of the cameras are arranged to photograph image frames that are directly related to the game rules in the dart game play . For example, the camera may be arranged to photograph a throw-line that throws a dart to capture an image frame that is directly associated with a dart game rule. The plurality of cameras 151, ..., 153 included in the camera unit 150 may be arranged so that at least a part of the image frames are superposed and photographed. In one embodiment of the present invention, when the camera portion 150 includes a single camera, the camera may include at least a portion of the dart target 110 and an image frame (e.g., And a panorama camera arranged so as to shoot all of the throw-lines in the game.

The network connection unit 160 includes one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the dart game apparatus 100 and the wired / wireless communication system or between the dart game apparatus 100 and the network in which the dart game apparatus 100 is located . In an embodiment of the present invention, the network connection unit 160 may include a transmitter and a receiver. The network connection unit 160 may include a wired / wireless Internet module for network connection. WLAN (Wi-Fi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) and the like can be used as wireless Internet technologies. Wired Internet technologies include XDSL (Digital Subscriber Line), FTTH (Fiber to the home), and PLC (Power Line Communication).

The network connection unit 160 may transmit data to and receive data from an electronic device including a short distance communication module located in a relatively short distance from the dart game device 100, including a short distance communication module. Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and the like can be used as a short range communication technology. In an embodiment of the present invention, the network connection unit 160 can detect the connection state of the network and the transmission / reception speed of the network. Data received via the network connection 160 may be output via the output 140, stored via the memory 180, or transmitted to other electronic devices in the vicinity via the local communication module.

In addition, the output of the matchmaking waiting player list when the dart game apparatus 100 receives the offline matchmaking request, the output of the inquiry as to whether or not to directly select the offline match opponent player, the match of the opponent player and / The output of the query and / or the output of the dart game device designated to play the approval for input of approval may also be transmitted to the player's mobile or PC based on the identification information of the player by the network connection unit 160 or the like.

The player recognition unit 170 can recognize the unique information of the player at a distance using radio waves by using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, which is a kind of the short distance communication technology. For example, a user may have a card containing an RFID module, a mobile terminal, or a unique dart game equipment, e.g., a personal dart equipment that he owns. Information identifying the user (for example, a personal ID of a user registered in a database server (see FIG. 2), an identification code, etc.) may be recorded in the RFID module held by the player. The dart game device 100 identifies a dart game player playing with the dart game device 100 by identifying the RFID module possessed by the user, and stores the database for the identified dart game player Update, or accumulate new data. In an embodiment of the present invention, the player recognition section 170 may be incorporated in the player input section 130. [

In addition to the RFID technology, the player recognition unit 170 may include various technologies (e.g., a local communication technology such as Bluetooth, etc.) capable of transmitting and receiving user's unique information in a contact / non-contact manner. The player recognition unit 170 includes a biometric data identification module that identifies the biometric data (voice, fingerprint, and face) of the player in cooperation with a microphone, a touch pad, and the camera unit 150 of the user input unit 130 .

The memory 180 may store a program for the operation of the controller 190 and temporarily store input / output data (e.g., a phone book, a message, a still image, a moving picture, etc.). The memory 180 may store data on vibration and sound of various patterns outputted when a touch is input on the touch screen. The memory 180 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM A disk, and / or an optical disk. The dart game device 100 may operate in association with a web storage that performs the storage function of the memory 180 on the Internet.

The controller 190 typically controls the overall operation of the dart game device 100. For example, in the case of a dart game, the score sensed through the sensing unit 120 is aggregated for each game participant, and the aggregated score is transmitted / received to / from another dart game apparatus 200 connected via a network, Record game wins / losses, scores according to the result. The control unit 190 may perform a pattern recognition process for recognizing an operation input, a handwriting input, and the like, which are performed on the touch screen or the camera, as characters or images. In addition, the controller may perform speech recognition using a STT (Speech-to-Text) function that can recognize a voice input through the microphone as a character. As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 190 can communicate with all of the above-mentioned other components, and can organically control their operations.

The various embodiments described herein may be embodied in a recording medium readable by a computer or similar device using, for example, software, hardware, or a combination thereof. According to a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays May be implemented using at least one of a processor, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and other electronic units for performing other functions. In some cases, The described embodiments may be implemented by the controller 190 itself. According to a software implementation, embodiments such as the procedures and functions described herein may be implemented with separate software modules. Each of which may perform one or more of the functions and operations described herein. Written in a suitable programming language Software code may be implemented in a software application that is stored in memory 180 and may be executed by control 190.

2 is a conceptual diagram of a game network 200 including a plurality of electronic dart game devices, a dart game matchmaking device, and a server according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the dart game devices C1, C2 and C3 used by the first, second and third players P1, P2 and P3 in the specific space are grouped into the first group , And the dart game devices C4, C5, and C6 used by the fourth, fifth, and sixth players P4, P5, and P6 in another specific space may be grouped into the second group. That is, each of the dart game devices (C1 to C6) has unique identification information and location information, and can be managed by the server 209 for each identification number and / or location information. In an embodiment of the present invention, the server 209 groups the dart game devices (C1 to C6) based on the location information and / or the identification information of each of the dart game devices (C1 to C6) . Although not shown in FIG. 2, the server 209 may include a media server (MS), a relay server (RS), a dart game server (GS), and a database server (DB). In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the dart game devices referred to by reference numerals C1 to C6 may correspond to the dart game device 100 shown in Fig.

2, the matchmaking devices 206 and 207 can communicate with the first group 201 and the second group 202, respectively, via the network 200, and can also communicate with the server 209 can do. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the group of matchmaking devices 205 is optional, and the server 209 may replace that function. In another embodiment of the present invention, the group of matchmaking devices 205 may replace the functions of the server 209 described below.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of dart game players can enjoy a dart game in the same space at the same time using the same first dart game device C1. However, illustratively, when the first dart game player P1 and the fourth dart game player P4 located at a remote location want to participate in the dart game, the fourth dart game device C4 is used to play the game 200 and the first dart game device C1 to the first dart game device C1 via the at least one server 209 (the media server MS, the relay server RS, and the dart game server GS) . In an embodiment of the present invention, the different dart game devices send and receive information via one or more servers 209 (Media Server (MS), Relay Server (RS), Dot Game Server (GS) It is also possible to send and receive information directly between different dart game devices. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the dart game may be played at a different time at the same time as the two dart game players P1, P2 play, or the two dart game players P1, And the content of the play is stored in the server 209 (database server), and the game is played or ranked.

The media server MS may store the dart game play videos of the dart game players P1 to P6 stored using the cameras or microphones stored in the dart game devices C1 to C6. In addition, the media server (MS) may be included in the DB server (DB).

The relay server RS may connect the plurality of dart game devices C1 to C6 or the plurality of dart game devices C1 to C6 and the matchmaking devices 206 and 207 with each other. The relay server RS may form a communication network between a plurality of dart game devices located at a remote location to form a peer-to-peer (P2P) network.

The game server GS exchanges information between the dart game devices C1 to C6 (the score obtained by each game player, information for communicating with each game player) ), And transmits / receives an advantage or warning based on the game rule, or transmits / receives information necessary for proceeding to other dart games, and controls the dart game devices (C1 to C6). The dart game server GS can aggregate the winnings and losses of the darts game, the scores of the respective darts players P1 to P6, and transmit them to the DB server.

The DB server can store personal information of each of the dart game players P1 to P6, win / loss and ranking information of the game, score information of each game, or a replay movie by game. The DB server can store the information by each player. The DB server can assign a unique code to each player and manage player-specific information using the unique code. The unique code may be stored in an RFID module (an RFID module or an RFID module stored in a mobile terminal) owned by each player. Accordingly, the dart game devices C1 to C6 can identify each game player through the included player recognition unit 170 or the player input unit 130. [ As described above, the DB server also assigns unique codes for identification to each of the dart game devices (C1 to C6), and transmits the dart game data to the dart game devices (100, 200) Or by geographic area (location information).

Although not shown in FIG. 2, the game player may access the web server (WS) using a mobile terminal (including an electronic device including mobile communication functions such as a mobile terminal, a cellular phone, a PDA, and a PDP) or a PC. The web server WS may be connected to the mobile using the Internet or an intranet. In addition, the web server WS may be connected to the dart game devices C1 to C6. The web server WS is connected to a DB server (DB), and can provide the dart game data stored in the DB server to the dart game player.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the server 209 (e.g., game server GS), matchmaking devices 206 and 207, and dart game devices C1 to C6 performs a matchmaking algorithm And the matchmaking algorithm may select an opponent player among the players associated with at least one other electronic dart game device grouped based on the electronic dart game device and the location information. In an embodiment of the present invention, the matchmaking algorithm may include identification information, rating information, class information, PPD (Point Per Dart) information, and MPR (Mark Per Round) information of the current player and the opponent player, Information based on at least one piece of information. Furthermore, the matchmaking algorithm may not only select the opponent player for off-line matching but also specify a particular dart game device for playing offline with the selected opponent player. Wherein the matchmaking algorithm includes a dart game device associated with the player, a dart game device associated with the opponent player, and a third idle dart associated with the opponent player based partially on the identification information of the player and the opponent player and the positional information of the electronic dart game device One of game devices can be designated.

3 is a perspective view of a dart game device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

3, the dart game apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be formed by mounting the components shown in FIG. 1 in the housing H. A dart target 110, a display 142, an illumination unit 143, an acoustic output unit 141, a camera unit 150, and a user recognition unit 160 may be disposed on the front surface of the dart game apparatus 100 .

The dart target 110 may be positioned so that it is centered at a position that matches the rules of the dart game (e.g., 5 feet 8 inches from the ground). The lighting units 143-1 and 143-2 may be disposed in various portions of the dart game apparatus 100 to transmit various and varied visual effects to the players of the dart game apparatus 100. [ For example, the illumination unit 143-1 may be disposed on the side surface of the dart target 110 and may serve to illuminate the dart target 110 with illumination. The lighting unit 143-1 can also output a preset lighting effect according to the event of the dart game. In addition, the illumination unit 143-1 can output lighting effects of various colors.

The illumination portion 143-2 may extend in the vertical direction along the protrusion of the front surface of the housing H. Like the lighting unit 143-1 described above, the lighting unit 143-2 can output a preset lighting effect according to an event of a dart game, and can output lighting effects of various colors.

The illumination unit 143-3 may be disposed on a side portion of the user recognition unit 170. [ The lighting unit 143-3 can output a preset lighting effect according to an event of the dart game, and can output lighting effects of various colors. In particular, the illumination unit 143-3 may output a lighting effect for an event related to the user recognition unit 170. [

Alternatively, the dart game device 100 may be selectively connected to the dart game device 100 and may include a dart plate P extending in the horizontal direction. The dart plate P may further include an illumination unit 143-4. The dart plate P may be integrally coupled to the dart game apparatus 100 or may be detachably attached thereto.

When the dart plate P is integrally or selectively attached to the dart game device 100, the dart plate P can be electrically connected to the dart game device 100. [ The illumination section 143-4 of the dart game device 100 may be disposed along the outer periphery of the dart plate P as shown in Fig. The dart plate P may be extended at one end to the position where the throw line should be positioned according to the distance of the throw line from the dart target according to the rules of the game. The illumination unit 143-4 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the throw line.

Although not shown in FIG. 3, the illumination unit (not shown) may be disposed on the backside of the dart target 110 to illuminate the illumination effect in the user direction. The illumination unit (not shown) may include a combination of different illumination elements assigned according to each segment making up the dart target.

The housing H of the dart game device 100 may include a display 142 disposed in a user orientation. The display 142 displays information necessary for the user (for example, an aggregated score, information of the player in play, score required for clearing the game, information of the opponent player other than the player, etc.) according to the progress of the dart game can do. The display 142 can display a visual effect according to an event as the dart game progresses. For example, if the user consecutively matches the bullseye of the dart target 100 to the three dart draw opportunities, the display 142 may display a pre-stored video corresponding to the event. The moving picture may be stored in the memory 180 of the dart game apparatus 100 or received from the server through the network connection unit 160. [

The display 142 can operate in conjunction with the illumination units 143-1, 143-2, 143-3, and 143-4 and the sound output unit 140 to provide the user with visual and auditory effects have. In other words, when a predetermined event occurs, the display 142, the illumination units 143-1, 143-2, 143-3, and 143-4, and the sound output unit 140 can display a lighting effect, And a sound effect can be output together.

3, the display 142 is shown as being disposed at the lower end of the dart target 110, but the number and location of the display 142 can be variously changed.

The user input unit 130 may be configured in the form of a key pad button, as shown in FIG. However, as described above, the user input unit 130 can be configured in various ways including a touch screen. The user can operate a key button of the user input unit 130 to select a game mode, an offline matching request, and a match approval.

The sound output unit 141 may also be disposed on the front surface of the housing H of the dart game apparatus 100 to output sound. The number of the sound output unit 141 and the position in which it is disposed may also be variously changed.

The camera unit 150 may be mounted on the upper portion of the housing H of the dart game apparatus 100, as shown in FIG. The camera unit 150 may include a dart target 110 and one or more cameras 151, 152, ..., 153 capable of shooting a throw line. The image photographed through the camera unit 150 may be transmitted to the memory 180. [ According to an embodiment of the present invention, only a part of moving images captured by the camera unit 150 may be finally stored in the memory 180 or may be transmitted to the server through the network connection unit 160. [

As shown in FIG. 3, the user recognition unit 170 may be disposed on the front surface of the housing H of the dart game apparatus 100, and may include a local communication module. The user can complete the user authentication by bringing a card for recognizing the user near the user recognition unit 170. [

3 and the above description of the external appearance of the dart game device 100 are merely given as examples for explanation, the dart game device 100 according to the present invention is limited by the appearance shown in Fig. 3 It is not.

Hereinafter, the rules of a typical dart game and the stats of the players associated therewith will be described.

A dart game that can be performed by the dart game apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a 01 game (zero circle game), a cricket game, a count-up game, .

01 The game is played by alternating between two teams (or two players), drawing a dart on a dart target in a round. One round includes three dart draws. The objective of the game is to have the sum of the points of each round reach the target score (score of 100 or 1000 units, which generally ends at 01, such as 301, 501, 701, 901, 1101, 1501, etc.). The target score and play round may be arbitrarily adjustable depending on the number of participating players.

The cricket game, like the 01 game, will perform a round by throwing three darts in the first round. In the case of a STANDARD cricket game, it can be done using only the fire area in the center of the dart target and the 20, 19, 18, 17, 16 and 15 point areas. If you mark the cricket number 3, it will be marked with your position. If you hit more than 4 marks, the score corresponding to the number will be added to compete the score. Here, the double area and the triple area of the dart target can be calculated as 2 marks and 3 marks, respectively. If the opponent of the player also marks the cricket number 3 while the cricket number is marked with his or her position, the cricket number is considered to be closed, and the score may not be added any more. The object of the game may be to obtain a high score until the end of the stipulation round, or to close all of the cricket numbers and achieve a higher score than the opponent.

A count-up game is a game that will win if you earn high points within a given round.

In addition to the above-mentioned games, various types of games can be played by the dart game device 100, and the play mode of the dart game device 100 is not limited by the game method described above.

The player's stat can be defined according to the game rule independently of the count-up game, the cricket game, and the win or loss of the 01 game.

For example, Points Per Dart (PPD) can be calculated in a 01 game by dividing the total score the player scored by the number of dart draws. Alternatively, the Marks Per Round (MPR) may be calculated by calculating the number of marks marked by the player per round. For example, in a cricket game, MPR is (3 + 1 + 2) when a player makes three dart draws in one round and hits 15 triples, 19 singles, and 20 doubles respectively in three dart draws. / 1 = 6.00 (MPR). In the following round, if the player makes three dart draws and each misses a mark, 18 doubles, and 20 singles, MPR will be (3 + 1 + 2 + 0 + 2+ 1) / 2 = 4.5 (MPR) .

These PPDs and MPRs can be stored as personal data or identification data of a player as stats of a player or a player. Alternatively, the average score of the player per game in the count-up game, the record of the player's highest score per game, and the like can also be stored as the player's stat.

The dart game device 100 can play the dart game and transfer the game record per player to the game server GS or the DB server DB in accordance with the mode. The game server GS or the DB server DB may calculate the player-specific PPD and / or MPR according to the game record and store it as a cumulative PPD and / or MPR stat of the player. In addition, the game server GS or the DB server DB can individually store the game record of the player. For example, in a 01 game, a count-up game, or a cricket game in which the player has played before, the player can record information about the segment portion of the dart hit on each dart draw. The game server GS or the DB server DB may store such player's cumulative (average) PPD and / or MPR data, top PPD and / or MPR data.

The game server GS or the DB server DB may be two physically separated servers. Alternatively, the game server GS and the DB server DB are one physically integrated server, and may be classified according to roles performed in the server. Also, as described above, one server can perform both roles of a game server GS and a DB server DB.

The game server GS or the DB server DB can store the player's individual stats and can give the player a rating (or class (class)) according to the stats. The rating and / or class (class) that may be awarded to the player in accordance with the PPD and / or MPR may be stored as personal data or personally identifiable information.

4 is a block diagram of a matchmaking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4, the matchmaking apparatus 401 may include a receiving unit 403, a controlling unit 405, an output unit 407, a transmitting unit 409, and a memory 411. The matchmaking device 401 can manage at least one group of the dart game devices and can communicate with the dart game device and / or the server through the transmitting part 409 and the receiving part 403.

When the offline matching request from the player is directly input to the matchmaking device 401 or received from the player's dart game device, the control unit 405 of the matchmaking device 401 matches the identification information of the player who requested the matchmaking It can be added to the waiting waiting player list to generate an updated waiting matched player list. Also, the matchmaking device 401 can store the identification information of the players, the list of players waiting for matchmaking, and the like in the memory 411. The matchmaking apparatus 401 outputs a matchmaking waiting player list directly updated by the output unit 407 or a dart associated with the player who requested the matchmaking by the transmitting unit 409 to the updated matchmaking waiting player list Can be transmitted to the game device. If the player who requested the matchmaking does not directly select the opponent player from the waiting player list, the control unit 405 of the matchmaking apparatus 401 selects the opponent player from the waiting player list through the matchmaking algorithm, Related information can be output through the output unit 407. [ In a further embodiment of the present invention, the information related to the selected opponent player is transmitted to the dart game apparatus associated with the player who requested matchmaking by the sending unit 409 of the matchmaking apparatus 401 or to the dart game apparatus associated with the opponent player . In an embodiment of the present invention, the matchmaking algorithm may be performed by using an electronic dart game device of the player who requested the matchmaking, and a player of the at least one other electronic dart game device grouped on the basis of the positional information You can choose. In one embodiment of the present invention, the matchmaking algorithm is based on, at least in part, at least one of the identification information of the current player and the opponent player, rating information, class information, PPD information and MPR information . Furthermore, the matchmaking algorithm can not only select the opponent player for off-line matching but also designate a specific dart game device for playing offline with the selected opponent player. In a further embodiment of the present invention, if an acknowledgment input regarding the match from the players is received directly from the receiving unit 403 or from a dart game device associated with each of the players, the matchmaking algorithm will allow the authorized players to play together You can designate a dart game device. In an embodiment of the present invention, the matchmaking algorithm may be a combination of a dart game device associated with the player, a dart associated with the opponent player, and a dart game related to the opponent player based on the identification information of the player and the opponent player, A game device, and a third idle dart game device. For example, the matchmaking algorithm can perform matchmaking by selecting players having the best ability based on the information of the players included in the waiting list, You can specify that you want to play together on. In a further embodiment of the present invention, when an input to select the opponent player to play with is received by the receiver 403, the matchmaking algorithm may only perform the designation for the dart game device to play together. Further, it is also possible for the output unit 407 to direct the players to directly select the device to be played together. In this case, for example, the dart game apparatus related to the player first inputted to the receiving unit 403 is selected Or the dart game device selected by the player first inputted may be selected.

When a match from players and an approval input regarding a designated dart game device (if necessary) are directly received by the receiver 403 or received from a dart game device associated with each of the players, 409 may signal. If an acknowledgment input from the players is not received for a predetermined threshold time, the control unit 405 may reset or cancel the matchmaking and return to the idle state.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the operations of the matchmaking device may be performed by a server.

5 is a flowchart of a method for providing offline matchmaking in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may be performed by a dart game device.

The method starts at 501. As shown in step 503, when an input from a player is received by the player recognition unit or the player input unit, the dart game apparatus can recognize the identification information of the player. Then, when an offline matchmaking request is input from the player (505), a matchmaking request including the player's identification information and the like can be transmitted to the external device (507). Here, the external device may include a server, a dart game device, or a matchmaking device. The external device can generate an updated matchmaking waiting player list by adding the requested player to the matchmaking waiting player list. The dart game device receives the updated matchmaking waiting player list (509) from the external device, and may output the updated matchmaking waiting player list (511). Optionally, the dart game device may request the current player to directly select the opponent player from the matchmaking waiting player list (513). If the current player does not directly select the opponent player or does not require the player's direct selection, the dart game device transmits information related to the opponent player selected by the matchmaking algorithm and information related to the electronic dart game device to be played from the external device (515). Here, the external device may transmit to the dart game device associated with the opponent player information relating to the electronic dart game device to be played and information about the player to be played together. Then, if the match approval from the players is input for a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step 519, and in order to complete the matchmaking to the designated electronic dart game device, the player who finishes the current play or plays together And may output the time to wait to play together with the associated electronic dart game device (s). The match approval input may be an input to a dart game device associated with each player or may be an input to a dart game device designated to play together. However, if no match approval from the players is entered for a predetermined time, the matchmaking may be canceled (521). The cancellation of the matchmaking may be determined by the dart game device associated with each player or may be performed by receiving a cancel command from the matchmaking device or server.

Returning to step 513, if an input is received that the player directly selects the opponent player, at least one of the opponent players is mapped to at least one of the plurality of areas constituting the dart target, and the mapped information And the opponent player can be selected based on the hit information of the dart target (523). In other words, the dart game device can induce the current player to throw the dart target, and can select the opponent player mapped with the hit position based on the hit information of the dart target by the player. In this case, the current player's dart game device may send a play request message to the dart game device associated with the opponent player, and if the admission input from the opponent player (from the dart game device associated with the opponent player) , And the matchmaking can be completed (527) while outputting information on the dart game device specified by the matchmaking algorithm. If no acknowledge input from the opponent player is received (or rejection input is received), the current matchmaking may be automatically canceled and the process may proceed to step 515 to select the opponent player to automatically play . In this case, information related to the dart game device to be played together with the opponent player selected by the matchmaking algorithm may be received from the external device and output (515). The subsequent steps are as described above.

6 is a flowchart of a method for providing offline matchmaking in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the method may be performed by an external device such as a matchmaking device or a server. The matchmaking device may manage at least one group of the dart game devices, and may communicate with the dart game device and / or the server through the transmitting part and the receiving part.

Referring now to FIG. 6, if the off-line matching request from the player is entered directly into the matchmaking device or received from the player's dart game device (603), the control of the matchmaking device starts a match The identification information of the player requesting the making may be added to the matchmaking waiting player list to generate an updated matchmaking waiting player list (605). The matchmaking device may then output a list of the matchmaking waiting players list directly updated by the output or send the updated matchmaking waiting player list to the dart game device associated with the player requesting matchmaking (607). In an embodiment of the present invention, the updated matchmaking waiting player list may be output so that the matchmaking device may direct the player requesting matchmaking to select a partner player among the players in the matchmaking waiting player list ( 609).

If the player who requested the matchmaking does not select the opponent player from the waiting player list for a specific time (or if the input is not received by the matchmaking device), the control unit of the matchmaking apparatus issues a matchmaking algorithm A dart game device to be selected and / or played together with the opponent player may be selected from the player list, and this information may be output or transmitted to the dart game device (611). In this case, if the match approval is directly inputted from the players or received from the dart game device for a predetermined threshold time (613), the matchmaking device completes the matchmaking to the designated electronic dart game device, So as to signal to the designated electronic dart game device (615). Otherwise (613), the matchmaking device may cancel the matchmaking (617). In a further embodiment of the present invention, if matchmaking is canceled, the matchmaking device may select another player to play with through a matchmaking algorithm.

If the matchmaking device directly receives an input from the player who requested matchmaking and directly selected the opponent player from the waiting player list, the matchmaking device may transmit the play request to the dart game device associated with the opponent player (619). Then, when an approval input from the opponent player is received (621), a dart game device to be played together is designated and output through a matchmaking algorithm, or a dart game device associated with the opponent player and a dart game device (623). ≪ / RTI > If not (621), the matchmaking device cancels the matchmaking (625) and proceeds to step 611 to automatically perform the matchmaking algorithm to select the opponent player to play and the dart game device to play. The subsequent steps are the same as described above.

 In an embodiment of the present invention, the matchmaking algorithm may be performed by selecting an opponent player among the players associated with the electronic dart game apparatus of the player who requested matchmaking and at least one other electronic dart game apparatus grouped on the basis of the position information . In one embodiment of the present invention, the matchmaking algorithm is performed based at least in part on at least one of identification information, rating information, class information, PPD information, and MPR information of the current player and the opponent player requesting matchmaking . Furthermore, the matchmaking algorithm can not only select the opponent player for off-line matching but also designate a specific dart game device for playing offline with the selected opponent player. In an embodiment of the present invention, the matchmaking algorithm includes a matchmaking algorithm, a matchmaking algorithm, a matchmaking algorithm, and a matchmaking algorithm. The matchmaking algorithm is a match between the player who requested matchmaking, And a third idle dart game device associated with the second dart game device.

Meanwhile, the various embodiments presented herein may be implemented as a method, an apparatus, or an article of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques. The term "article of manufacture" includes a computer program, carrier, or media accessible from any computer-readable device. For example, the computer-readable medium can be a magnetic storage device (e.g., a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic strip, etc.), an optical disk (e.g., CD, DVD, etc.), a smart card, But are not limited to, devices (e. G., EEPROM, cards, sticks, key drives, etc.). The various storage media presented herein also include one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" includes, but is not limited to, a wireless channel and various other media capable of storing, holding, and / or transferring instruction (s) and / or data.

The description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features presented herein.

Claims (1)

1. An offline match-making method in an electronic dart game device including a communication function with an external device,
Receiving a matchmaking request input by the player;
The method comprising: receiving information associated with a selected opponent player by a matchmaking algorithm, the matchmaking algorithm comprising: a player associated with at least one other electronic dart game device grouped based on the electronic dart game device and the location information Selecting the opponent player among the opponent players; And
And outputting information related to the electronic dart game device to be played by the player and the opponent player.
Offline matchmaking method.

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