Electronic Dart Game Board Rotation and First Player Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic dart games lack an automated method to determine which player goes first, especially in remote or multi-machine setups, relying on manual visual inspection which is inefficient and lacks the necessary resolution to accurately select the starting player.
Innovation Solution
A system that temporarily switches to a finer resolution target for a 'diddle' round, allowing the machine controller to determine the order of play by having players throw darts to a more sensitive target, with the winner of this round being assigned as the first shooter, and then switching back to a standard board for actual gameplay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual visual inspection is used to determine who goes first, then players can determine the starting player, but the process is inefficient and lacks the resolution to accurately select the starting player
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated electronic detection system. The detector automatically identifies which player's dart is closest to the center, eliminating the need for players to manually inspect positions visually. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with electronic automation resolves the contradiction by providing both high precision measurement and rapid determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service determination of the first player through automated detection and evaluation. The game controller automatically processes detector signals, compares dart positions, and determines which player goes first without requiring player intervention or manual inspection. This self-automated process simultaneously achieves high precision and efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If a standard target is used for all gameplay, then the game board remains simple, but the machine cannot accurately determine first player in remote or multi-machine setups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the target into multiple distinct regions: a central region with higher resolution detection capability and outer regions for standard gameplay. This segmentation allows the system to use enhanced detection precision only where needed (for determining first player) while maintaining standard gameplay characteristics elsewhere, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector is configured with local quality enhancement at the center region of the target, providing higher measurement precision specifically for determining which dart is closest to the center. The rest of the target maintains standard detection capabilities appropriate for normal gameplay. This localized enhancement resolves the contradiction by applying complex precision measurement only where necessary.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Automates the determination of the first shooter, enabling efficient and accurate selection of the starting player even across different machines and locations, enhancing gameplay efficiency and reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the detector is configured for the detection of a position of the game board relative to the cabinet
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple target electronic dart gaming machine includes multiple targets mounted on opposite sides of a game board of a target assembly that is housed in a cabinet of the gaming machine. A visual display video monitor provides players and observers with game scores and the like. The game board may be axially rotated between at least first and second positions so as to allow game play on the different targets which can be moved into and out of position to aid in gameplay such as deciding which player goes first. Additionally, the position of the game board may be detected through the use of a detector on or in the board.