Electronic Dart Machine Sensor Scoring Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dart games face challenges in accurately identifying the location of a dart hit, leading to disputes and making the game difficult for beginners, which hinders its popularity as a sport.

Innovation Solution

An electronic dart machine with a sensor-equipped dartboard and LED display system that automatically recognizes the hit location, using a controller to variably display points and generate events based on preset logic, ensuring accurate scoring and varying difficulty levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional dartboard without automatic recognition is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of hit location deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehit location identification accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual identification of hit locations with an electronic sensor-based detection system. The sensor means automatically detects which target area is hit by the dart, eliminating the need for human judgment and providing precise, objective measurement of hit locations without requiring complex manual recording systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The dartboard system performs self-detection and self-scoring through integrated sensor means and control logic. The system automatically identifies hit locations and calculates scores without requiring external observers or manual intervention, making the scoring process autonomous and eliminating disputes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed point system is used, then manufacturing precision is simplified, but adaptability to different skill levels deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskill level accommodationVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic scoring system where the point values displayed on LED modules can change during gameplay. The control logic enables variable point assignments based on game progress, player performance, and preset events, allowing the system to adapt to different skill levels and game situations rather than using fixed static scores.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of point values dynamically during game operation. The controller can modify the numerical values displayed on LED modules based on game state, enabling different difficulty levels and accommodating players of varying skill levels by adjusting scoring parameters in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If automatic recognition system is implemented, then productivity of scoring is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescoring speedVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual scoring processes with an electronic control system that automatically calculates and displays scores. The controller rapidly processes sensor data and updates LED displays, achieving high-speed scoring that is impossible with manual methods while managing complexity through integrated circuitry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements immediate visual feedback through LED modules that display scores and hit location information in real-time. This rapid feedback loop enhances scoring productivity by providing instant results to players, eliminating delays associated with manual scorekeeping and verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If LED display with variable points is used, then adaptability to game conditions is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegame condition flexibilityVSAvoidLED module positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The LED modules serve multiple functions: displaying target area identification, showing variable point values, and indicating hit confirmation. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different game conditions and scoring scenarios without requiring separate display elements for each function, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the display function and scoring indication into integrated LED modules positioned at target area peripheries. By merging multiple information display capabilities into single modular units, the system achieves game condition flexibility while managing manufacturing precision requirements through standardized module designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The system provides fast and accurate scoring, reduces skill-level disparities, and enhances game accessibility, allowing for various event expressions and increased player engagement by dynamically changing display locations and conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor means detecting a location of a target area hit by a dart

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 2

an LED display part including a plurality of LED modules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from LED: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3339797B1Electronic dart machine
Publication Date: 2021.05.19 MOTEGA INNOVATIVE INC
  • EP3339797B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3339797B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3339797B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electronic dart for displaying a point of a corresponding part in an area hit by a dart, using an LED, such that the point is variably displayed by an electronic control scheme. An aspect of the present invention provides an electronic dart including: a dart target part, which has the shape of a board having multiple divided target areas and includes a sensor means for detecting the location of a target area having been hit by a dart; an LED display part including an LED module disposed at a location corresponding to each target area along the periphery of the dart target part; and a control unit for controlling an output display of the LED module by preset control logic, recognizing the location of the target area, which has been hit by the dart, through the sensor means, and producing a dart hitting result by linking a content of the output display of the LED module with the location of the target area which has been hit by the dart.