Dartboard Camera Unit With Dual Lenses For Unobstructed Remote Play

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for technologies that enable remote play of darts games, allowing players to compete using separate dartboards located at different physical locations, while ensuring accurate capture and transmission of gameplay data without obstructing the dartboard or throw line.

Innovation Solution

A camera unit comprising a primary camera and a secondary camera, supported by a frame that mounts adjacent to the dartboard, wirelessly transmits image data, ensuring the primary camera captures the player and the secondary camera captures the dartboard without obstructing the throw line, using a wireless interface module and adjustable positioning to maintain an unobstructed view.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a camera unit is mounted adjacent to the dartboard to capture gameplay data, then accurate capture of player and dartboard images is improved, but obstruction of the throw line and play surface occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capture accuracyVSAvoidobstruction of throw line

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The camera unit is mounted on the side wall adjacent to the dartboard rather than directly above or in front of it, utilizing the lateral dimension to capture both the player and dartboard without obstructing the throw line. The primary camera captures the player from a side angle while the secondary camera captures the dartboard from above, achieving comprehensive coverage without interference with gameplay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera unit is divided into separate primary and secondary cameras with distinct functions. The primary camera is positioned to capture the player and throw line region, while the secondary camera is positioned to capture the dartboard play surface. This segmentation allows each camera to be optimally positioned for its specific capture target without causing obstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If the secondary camera is positioned to capture the dartboard play surface, then accurate capture of dartboard images is improved, but obstruction of the primary camera's view of the throw line occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedartboard image capture accuracyVSAvoidobstruction of throw line view

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Each camera is positioned and angled to optimize its specific capture function. The secondary camera is angled at greater than 30 degrees relative to the dartboard plane to capture the play surface, while the primary camera is positioned to capture the throw line region from a different spatial location. This localized optimization of camera positions ensures that each camera's field of view is maximized for its specific target without causing obstruction to the other camera.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20240107146A1Dartboard camera unit

Publication Date: 2024.03.28 GRAVITY BRANDS LTD

AI summary

A camera unit is configured to be mounted adjacent a dartboard. The camera unit comprises a primary camera and a secondary camera supported by a support frame. The primary camera captures a darts player using the dartboard and the secondary camera captures a play surface of the dartboard. The camera unit further comprises a wireless interface module arranged to wirelessly transmit image data captured by the cameras, and/or derived data, such as a determination that a dart has been thrown, a determination that a foul throw has occurred, or a score associated with a dart that has struck the dartboard.