Integrated Dart Scoring Platform for Real-Time Tournament Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dart scoring systems are complex, prone to math errors, and difficult for spectators to follow, with limited accessibility and varying game rule interpretations, which hinders the popularity of steel-tipped dart games.

Innovation Solution

An integrated dart scoring platform using an electronic bracket program, cloud server application, and mobile computing devices to facilitate real-time scoring, tournament management, and broadcasting, allowing for easy score entry, accurate calculations, and customizable game rules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional chalkboard or dry erase board scoring is used, then the system is simple and familiar to players, but it is prone to math errors and slows down game play

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescoring accuracyVSAvoidgame play speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual chalkboard scoring with an electronic scoring system that automatically calculates scores. The electronic system eliminates manual math operations while maintaining familiar interface elements, thus improving both accuracy and speed of scorekeeping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If electronic wall-mounted score machines are used, then scoring accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and learning curve increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescoring accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal scoring system that works across multiple platforms (mobile devices, tablets, computers) with consistent functionality. This multi-platform approach reduces complexity by using familiar consumer electronics rather than specialized equipment, while maintaining electronic scoring accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replicates the familiar chalkboard scoring interface on electronic devices, maintaining the same visual layout and interaction patterns. This copying of the familiar interface reduces the learning curve while preserving electronic scoring benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Extent of automation

If soft tip electronic vending games are used, then automated scoring is achieved, but special equipment and location restrictions are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated scoringVSAvoidlocation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses universal mobile computing devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) that players already possess, eliminating the need for specialized electronic vending machines. This approach maintains automated scoring capabilities while providing location flexibility, as players can use their own devices anywhere with or without internet connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If dart software programs are used, then scoring speed is improved, but the interface complexity and difficulty to learn increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescoring speedVSAvoidinterface ease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent copies the simple, familiar chalkboard scoring interface onto electronic devices, maintaining the same visual layout and interaction patterns. This preserves ease of use while enabling faster electronic scoring operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows different interface complexities for different user needs, with basic modes for casual players and advanced options for competitive play. This local quality approach ensures the interface remains simple for most users while providing enhanced functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

5Adaptability or versatility

If team/league and tournament play is accommodated, then the system versatility is improved, but the complexity of managing match formats and group play increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetournament supportVSAvoidmanagement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments tournament management into discrete, manageable components: player registration, bracket creation, match scheduling, and results tracking. This segmentation allows complex tournament play to be handled through simple, sequential operations rather than overwhelming complex systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10443988B2Dart scoring system

Publication Date: 2019.10.15 DARTCONNECT LLC

AI summary

A platform for facilitating a dart tournament allows gathering, at an electronic bracket program, a master tournament player list for the tournament, which includes the event or events in which each player is participating. The platform allows generating, at a cloud server application, a tournament record based on the master tournament player list. The platform allows sending of the master tournament player list and the tournament record to mobile computing devices executing an electronic dart scoring application. The platform allows scoring a plurality of matches of the tournament on the mobile computing devices executing the electronic dart scoring application. The platform allows automatically sending scores in substantially real-time from each of the plurality of matches upon their completion to the cloud server application and electronic bracket program via the one or more application program interfaces; and automatically advancing players at the electronic bracket program based on the sent scores.