Amusement devices: games – Including means for processing electronic data – With communication link
Patent
1996-11-05
1999-01-12
Harrison, Jessica J.
Amusement devices: games
Including means for processing electronic data
With communication link
273371, G06F 1544
Patent
active
058579125
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The invention relates to a system for playing on several, particularly coin-operated dart game apparatuses set up remotely from one another.
It is the object of dart games to hit preferably specific segments of a target disk, i. e., of a target for receiving the darts. Conventionally, hits are determined simply by looking at this target.
With the increasing possibilities of data communication, physical distances are less and less important. This means that the communication participants can exchange data etc. with one another regardless of the respective location, provided that the corresponding equipment and connecting lines are in place. Thus, it has also become possible to play on several entertainment apparatuses which are set up apart from one another. According to a proposal of the earlier patent application P 43 14 145, games can be played by way of a bidirectional connecting line between two entertainment apparatuses set up at different locations as if the game were played in only one location. The dialog between the apparatuses or players takes place via the bidirectional connecting line. Here, the entertainment apparatuses are advisably provided with a display which directly displays the game-relevant data, also those of the other apparatuses. In this manner, the score can be followed directly on the other apparatus. In particular, the result of the opposing player is displayed on the respective other entertainment apparatus. Games can also be played on a common field and the result of the respectively other player can be displayed by blinking or in another manner. Thus, the physical distance is hardly noticeable.
In the proposed system, dart game apparatuses can also be used as entertainment apparatuses.
In order to be able to play against one another on two or more dart game apparatuses which are set up so as to be physically apart from one another, at least the segments of the target (target disk) that were hit must be communicated to the other apparatus by way of remote data transmission. For technical reasons, the detection and transmission of hit data with respect to subdivisions of the segments on the hit field is very complex so that such a system concept with simple point scoring cannot differentiate between the inner and the outer ring. This is not satisfactory for players because they cannot get a feel for the respective playing strength of the opponent and they cannot adapt their tactics accordingly. But this is specifically one of the essential features of the game action which also accounts for its appeal.
A solution approach might now be to take a picture of the target field, i. e., the target, by means of a camera and Iraq to transmit it practically as a freeze frame to the respectively other dart game apparatus via the connecting line. But this again implies a very high degree of technical complexity because at least two cameras, data compressors, a high-capacity data link such as, for example, an ISDN line, data preparation, etc are required. The end result would be a rather small effect.
DE-A-42 07 497 describes an arrangement for determining the point where darts land on a target. The arrangement includes one or two supports having parallel holding bars disposed respectively opposite of one another whose edge ribs project above the plane of the target disk and respectively support a transmitter on one side and a receiver diametrically opposite of the transmitter. For detecting the position of a dart engaging the target, the transmitter/receiver pairs are moved along the target disk with the support ribs, with an engaging dart causing an interruption of the beam between transmitter and receiver, thus triggering a processing signal. When the yoke-like support with the transmitter/receiver pair is moved, occasional jamming may occur and, furthermore, an on-line detection of the dart position is not possible, rather this detection is a function of the drive processes in terms of time.
It is the object of the invention to create a system for playing on several, particularly coin-op
REFERENCES:
patent: 4789932 (1988-12-01), Cutter
patent: 5114155 (1992-05-01), Tillery et al.
Buchholz Andreas
Freitag Bernd
Harrison Jessica J.
NSM Aktiengesellschaft
Sager Mark A.
Spencer George H.
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