Interactive terminal for electronic darts game

Abstract

The invention relates to an interactive terminal (10) for electronic darts, comprising at least one structure (12), an electronic dartboard (14) mounted on the structure (12), an electronic central processing unit (16) running a software application for controlling the electronic dartboard (14) via a graphical user interface, and a display screen (18) associated with the central processing unit (16) and forming an output device for displaying the graphical interface. The terminal (10) is characterized in that it is equipped with an infrared touch frame (42) superimposed on the display screen (18) and associated with the central processing unit (16). The infrared touch frame (42) forms an input device for allowing a user to navigate the software application via the graphical interface. (Fig. 3)

Description

Title of the invention: Interactive terminal for electronic darts game. Field of the invention

[0001] This patent application relates to the field of dart games and more particularly to an interactive terminal which integrates an electronic dart game associated with a display screen, for home use. State of the art

[0002] Dart games are known which generally include a target mounted on a support, the target being a traditional target of the sisal type or an electronic target with automatic point counting features and an offering of several types of games, such as "cricket" or "501".

[0003] Furthermore, high-end dartboards exist, including: • a structure, • an electronic dartboard that is mounted on the structure, • an electronic central unit that runs a planned software application for controlling the electronic target via a graphical user interface displaying, among other things, player scores and a menu, • a display screen that is associated with the central processing unit and that forms an output device intended to display the graphical interface of said application, and • an input device that is associated with the central processing unit and is intended to allow a user to navigate the software application via the graphical interface.

[0004] Among these terminals, a first type of terminal is known comprising a touch screen tablet which is arranged on the front face of the structure and which fulfills the functions of central unit, output device and input device.

[0005] Indeed, the tablet runs the darts game software application, displays the application's graphical interface, and the tablet's touchscreen allows a user to navigate within the software application.

[0006] This type of tablet terminal has several disadvantages, including the fragility of the tablet which is exposed and subject to the impacts of the darts.

[0007] In addition, the official throwing distance for darts is 2.44 meters, a distance at which the small size of the tablet screen does not allow the graphical interface, and in particular the players' scores, to be read comfortably.

[0008] A second type of terminal is also known which includes an electronic central unit associated with a computer monitor-type display screen which is integrated into the structure of the terminal and which fulfills the function of an output device.

[0009] This type of screen offers comfortable reading at shooting distance.

[0010] However, navigation in the application with this second type of terminal is carried out using a gyroscopic remote control, a trackball or a mouse.

[0011] Navigation with this type of input device can be tedious.

[0012] Finally, a third type of terminal is known which is equipped with a touch screen mounted on the structure and which is associated with a central unit.

[0013] Although this type of screen offers comfortable reading at shooting distance, it has a touch panel that is not sufficiently resistant to the impacts of darts.

[0014] Moreover, in case of damage, replacing such a touch panel is expensive and not always possible. Description of the invention

[0015] The object of the present invention is to solve the problems mentioned above, by eliminating the disadvantages of the prior art cited, by proposing an interactive terminal for electronic darts game which is resistant over time, which represents a low manufacturing cost and which is repairable at low cost.

[0016] This objective, as well as others that will become apparent upon reading the following description, is achieved with an interactive terminal for electronic darts, which includes at least: • a structure, • an electronic dartboard that is mounted on the structure, • an electronic central processing unit that runs a software application designed for controlling the electronic target via a graphical user interface, and

[0017] a display screen which is associated with the central unit and which forms an output device intended to broadcast the graphical interface, the terminal being characterized in that it is equipped with an infrared touch frame which is superimposed on the display screen and which is associated with the central unit, the infrared touch frame forming an input device intended to allow a user to navigate in the software application via the graphical interface.

[0018] The terminal according to the invention implements an infrared touch frame which makes it possible to transform a large screen into a touch screen.

[0019] Moreover, such an infrared touch frame has a low cost compared to a tablet-type touch screen and the touch frame is easily replaceable if needed.

[0020] According to other optional features of the invention, taken alone or in combination: - The infrared touch frame includes a first protective screen that is removable and replaceable. This feature protects the display screen located behind the infrared frame. Furthermore, this first protective screen can be replaced inexpensively if damaged;

[0021] - the terminal includes a second protective screen which is interposed between the frame Infrared touchscreen and display screen protection. This second protective screen offers additional protection for the display screen, increasing the robustness of the terminal;

[0022] - the first screen and the second protective screen are each formed by a glass tempered glass;

[0023] - the display screen is a computer screen, a computer screen presents a advantageous price / size ratio;

[0024] - the structure comprises a plurality of storage spaces. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] Other features, purposes and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, for the understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0026] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of the interactive terminal according to the invention;

[0027] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the interactive terminal of [Fig.1], with a door which opens onto a storage space;

[0028] [Fig.3] is a sectional view of the terminal of [Fig.1] which illustrates in particular the arrangement of the infrared touchscreen with the display screen.

[0029] Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0030] Figures 1 to 3 show an interactive terminal 10 for electronic darts which includes a support structure 12, an electronic target 14 which is mounted on the structure 12, an electronic central unit 16 which runs a software application intended for controlling the electronic target 14 via a graphical user interface and a display screen 18 which is associated with the central unit 16 and which forms an output device intended for broadcasting the graphical user interface of the software application.

[0031] Structure 12 forms a piece of furniture which is made of wood particle panels.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the display screen 18 is a twenty-four-inch computer monitor that offers comfortable reading at shooting distance, i.e., 2.44 meters.

[0033] Also, the central electronic unit 16 is preferably a multi-service electronic box of the "TV box" type.

[0034] By way of non-limitation, the central electronic unit 16 may be a nano-computer of the Raspberry Pi type.

[0035] As can be seen in [Fig.3], the terminal 10 is equipped with a power supply 19 which powers the electrical devices of the terminal 10, in particular the target 14, the central unit 16 and the display screen 18.

[0036] The structure 12 is a piece of furniture which extends vertically from a base 20 resting on the ground, to a canopy 22 which is equipped with two luminaires 23 intended to illuminate the target 14.

[0037] Moreover, as can be seen in [Fig.3], the structure 12 has a front face 24 which delimits a circular housing 26 in which the target 14 is arranged.

[0038] The front face 24 of the structure also delimits a light 28 which is arranged under the target 14 and which is open onto the display screen 18.

[0039] With reference to [Fig.2], below the display screen 18, the structure 12 successively comprises a shelf 30 intended for placing objects such as darts, an inclined wall 32 equipped with two speakers 34 and a door 36 which opens onto a storage space 38 comprising a drawer and shelves.

[0040] Also, the base 20 is equipped with a movable cover 40 which opens onto another storage space (not visible) intended for the storage of a dart mat which can be unrolled in order to obtain the exact playing distance in relation to the target 14 which is 2.44 meters.

[0041] The two speakers 34 are connected to an amplifier (not shown) to broadcast the sound of the darts game software application.

[0042] In accordance with the invention, with reference to [Fig.3], the terminal 10 is equipped with an infrared touch frame 42 which is superimposed on the display screen 18.

[0043] In other words, the infrared touch frame 42 is interposed between the display screen 18 and the outside of the terminal 10.

[0044] The term "infrared touch frame", also called infrared touch screen, refers to an input device that uses a technology where infrared beams form a grid of light and detect any interruption of the beams, caused by a finger or a stylus for example.

[0045] Thus, we distinguish "infrared touch frames" from screens that use technologies such as resistive or capacitive touch, as can be found on touch tablets.

[0046] The infrared touch frame 42 includes a peripheral chassis 44 which integrates an electronic circuit containing a row of infrared light-emitting diodes.

[0047] Each infrared light-emitting diode has a corresponding phototransistor located at the opposite end of the peripheral chassis 44, thus creating a grid of invisible infrared light beams.

[0048] Obstructing one or more of these beams with a finger, for example, allows the coordinates of the point of contact to be identified, these coordinates allowing interaction with the darts game application via the central unit 16.

[0049] For this purpose, the infrared touch frame 42 is connected to the central unit 16, so that the touch frame 42 forms an input device which allows a user to navigate the software application via the graphical interface broadcast in the background of the infrared touch frame 42 by the display screen 18.

[0050] Thus, the infrared touch frame 42 makes it possible to convert the display screen 18 into a touch screen, which makes it possible to separate the function of input device offering a navigation interface and the function of output device offering a visual interface.

[0051] Moreover, in case of damage, the touch frame can be easily replaced, which has a lower cost than that of a touch screen of the electronic tablet type.

[0052] In addition, the infrared touch frame 42 is equipped with a first protective screen 46 which is removable and replaceable.

[0053] Finally, to improve the protection of the display screen 18, the terminal 10 includes a second protective screen 48 which is interposed between the infrared touch frame 42 and the display screen 18.

[0054] In this embodiment of the invention, the first protective screen 46 and the second protective screen 48 are each made of tempered glass and have a thickness of three millimeters and five millimeters respectively.

[0055] The use of such an infrared touch frame 42 has many advantages, such as high clarity, no touch pressure required, as well as high reliability and durability over time.

[0056] Naturally, the invention is described above by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Interactive terminal (10) for electronic darts game, comprising at least: • a structure (12), • an electronic dartboard (14) mounted on the structure (12), • an electronic central unit (16) running a software application intended for controlling the electronic dartboard (14) via a graphical user interface, • a display screen (18) associated with the central unit (16) and forming an output device intended for broadcasting the graphical interface, the terminal (10) being characterized in that it is equipped with an infrared touch frame (42) superimposed on the display screen (18) and associated with the central unit (16), the infrared touch frame (42) forming an input device intended to allow a user to navigate the software application via the graphical interface.

2. Interactive terminal (10) for electronic dart game according to claim 1, characterized in that the infrared touch frame (42) includes a first protective screen (46) which is removable and replaceable.

3. Interactive terminal (10) for electronic dart game according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second protective screen (48) which is interposed between the infrared touch frame (42) and the display screen (18) to protect the display screen.

4. Interactive terminal (10) for electronic dart game according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the first protective screen (46) and the second protective screen (48) are each formed by a tempered glass pane.

5. Interactive terminal (10) for electronic dart game according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display screen (18) is a computer screen.

6. Interactive terminal (10) for electronic dart game according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structure (12) comprises a plurality of storage compartments (38).

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