Dart system and method for enabling play between remotely located competitors

Abstract

A system and method for allowing competitive dart matches between competitors remotely located from one another. Electronic or computerized dart stations at multiple locations are electronically coupled across a communications network such as the Internet. Visual communication from at least one camera at each location allows detailed monitoring of play at each coupled location. Statistics for all players are stored in a central database. Players may play against stored statistics of players, or may locate a player at a remote location and shoot against him. Multiple dart game formats and/or league formats may be stored and used for play. Because at least two cameras are provided at each dart station, captured video images therefrom may be analyzed using optional software features to help dart players improve their throwing skills. Video transcripts of complete dart games may be captured and reviewed for post mortem analysis by players at the conclusion of the game.

1 . A system for enabling playing a darts match between two remotely located opponents, comprising:
 a) a first dart station disposed at a first location, said first dart station comprising a first dart board comprising a first electrical interface and operatively connected thereby to a first controller, a first camera operatively connected to said first controller, a first video monitor operatively connected to said first controller, and a first network interface operatively connected to said first controller;   b) a second dart station disposed at a second location, said second dart station comprising a second dart board comprising a second electrical interface and operatively connected thereby to a second controller, a second camera operatively connected to said second controller, a second video monitor operatively connected to said second controller, and a second network interface operatively connected to said second controller;   c) a central facility comprising at least one server, at least one data base, and a third network interface operatively connected to each thereof; and   d) a common communications network interconnecting said first darts station through said first network interface, said second dart station through said second network interface, and said central facility through said third communications interface.   
     
     
         2 . The system for enabling playing a darts match between two remotely located opponents as recited in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first dart station and said second dart station further comprises at least one selected from the group: a foul sensor, a currency acceptor, and a control console, each operatively connected to a respective one of said first controller and said second controller. 
     
     
         3 . The system for enabling playing a darts match between two remotely located opponents as recited in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first camera and said second camera comprises at least two cameras. 
     
     
         4 . The system for enabling playing a darts match between two remotely located opponents as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said communications network comprises at least one selected from the group: the Internet, a public communications network, and a private communications network. 
     
     
         5 . The system for enabling playing a darts match between two remotely located opponents as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said second location is remote from said first location. 
     
     
         6 . The system for enabling playing a darts match between two remotely located opponents as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one server comprises at least one server selected from the group: a primary authentication server, a secondary authentication server, a web server, a primary application server, a secondary application server, a primary database server, and a secondary database server. 
     
     
         7 . A method for enabling playing a darts match between two remotely located opponents, the steps comprising:
 a) providing at least two dart stations, each comprising dart board comprising an electrical interface operatively connected thereby to a controller, a camera operatively connected to said controller, a video monitor operatively connected to said controller, and a network interface operatively connected to said controller, and a central facility comprising at least one server, at least one data base, and a third network interface operatively connected to each thereof;   b) placing a first one of said at least two dart stations at a first location and placing a second one of said at least two dart stations at a second location and, using a communications network;   c) using a communications network, interconnecting each of said at least two dart stations, and said central facility through respective ones of associated communications interfaces;   d) facilitating a darts match played by a first person disposed at said first one of said at least two dart stations and a second person disposed at a second one of said at least two dart stations by establishing electronic communication comprising a two-way video interconnection therebetween.   
     
     
         8 . The method for enabling playing a dart match between two remotely located opponents as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said providing step (a) comprises providing at least one of said at least two dart stations further comprising at least one selected from the group: a scoreboard, a foul sensor, a video monitor, a currency acceptor, a video processor, and a control console, each operatively connected to a respective controller. 
     
     
         9 . The method for enabling playing a darts match between two remotely located opponents as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said providing step (a) comprises providing a central facility comprising at least one server selected from the group: a primary authentication server, a secondary authentication server, a web server, a primary application server, a secondary application server, a primary database server, and a secondary database server. 
     
     
         10 . The method for enabling playing a darts match between two remotely located opponents as recited in  claim 7 , the steps further comprising:
 e) providing means for a first person at a first of said at least two dart stations to locate a person at a second one of said at least two dart stations and for negotiating a darts match between said first person disposed at a first one of said at least two dart stations and said located person at a second one of said at least two dart stations; and   f) locating a person and negotiating a darts match therewith.