EP3621706A1

EP3621706A1 - Darts game machine

Info

Publication number: EP3621706A1
Application number: EP18719096.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Maik Hering
Original assignee: Loewen Entertainment GmbH
Current assignee: Loewen Entertainment GmbH
Priority date: 2017-05-08
Filing date: 2018-04-12
Publication date: 2020-03-18
Anticipated expiration: 2038-04-12
Also published as: WO2018206223A1; DE102017109859B4; DE102017109859A1; EP3621706B1; ES2880013T3

Abstract

A darts game machine comprises a target (15), which is assigned to a housing (4), wherein the housing (4) contains a computer (8) with an associated memory (24). The computer (8) is coupled to an adjustment device (17) for adjusting the height of the target (15), wherein a minimum extent for the height of the target (15) is stored in read-out form in the memory (24) and it is possible to shift the distance of the target (15) in relation to a lower edge of the housing (4).

Description

Dart game device

description

The invention relates to a dart game device with a disc, which is associated with a housing, wherein in the housing a computer device is arranged with an associated memory device.

According to official tournament rules, the dartboard is at a height of 1.72 m or according to the rules of the German Sports Betting Association e. V. (DSAB) 1, 73 m to be measured from the center of the dart board to the ground. The horizontal distance of a throw line to the dart board is 2.37 m, the American Dart League specifies a distance range between 7 feet (2.37 m) and 8 feet (2.44 m). The throw line is usually glued or drawn on the floor.

Furthermore, there is the need, for example, when playing with children, handicapped people or for practice purposes to attach the dartboards in a different height of the tournament measures or the throw line in a deviating from the tournament rules distance.

In addition, electronic darts game equipment are known which comprise segmented discs in which the perforated segments switch groups or electronic documents are assigned, the switch groups or electronic documents are coupled to a computer device that registers the points associated with the segments when a dart hits the segment, processed and displayed on a display device. In such darts game devices switching elements for selecting the number of players and for selecting different offered games are provided which can be configured as sensor fields of a touch screen, wherein the touch screen also includes areas for displaying points and is in communication with the computer device.

Of course, it is possible to couple a previously described dart game device with a device for a payment function, so that a whatsoever payment of a value for starting a game is required. The device can be a money processing device, a reading device for bank cards, prepaid cards, value checks or the like, which can also be available cross-linked for a plurality of darts game devices or the like.

The invention has for its object to provide a dart game device of the type mentioned that allows individual settings for training the dart game or adaptation to tournament regulations.

The problem underlying the invention is achieved in a darts game device of the type mentioned above in that the computer device is coupled with an adjusting device for height adjustment of the disc, wherein at least a measure of the height of the disc in the storage device stored readable and the distance of the disc is displaceable relative to a lower edge of the housing.

Individual settings for training the dart game or an adaptation to tournament regulations are also due to the height adjustment of the throwing Disc, so the adjustment of the center of the disc allows relative to the bottom or the lower edge of the housing or housing-side feet. For example, for a player who is relatively small or whose shoulder is at a relatively low altitude, such as sitting in a wheelchair, the flying disc may be set lower than for a relatively large player. With the appropriate adjustment of the height of the disc is an adaptation of the flight curve of the darts, ie the darts, which is possibly to combine with a faster or short-term success experience, since with an adjustment of the height of the disc at a shoulder height simplifies matches achieve. Accordingly, an adjustment of the altitude of the disc to the height of a child is adaptable to achieve training success. Of course, due to the design, a maximum and a minimum altitude of the disc are specified, the altitude is arranged in accordance tournament provisions in between so that adjustments of the disc from the tournament altitude both upward and downward are possible.

In an embodiment, the adjusting device between the disc and the housing is effectively arranged and the disc between the lower edge and an upper edge slidably mounted in the housing, that the height of the disc is changeable relative to a lower edge of a housing base. The spreading disc may for example be mounted displaceably in a front-side housing plate, or a front-side housing arrangement, in particular a housing plate, is rigidly connected to the spreading disc and mounted vertically adjustable.

In an alternative or additional embodiment, the adjusting device displaces a housing upper part holding the disc to a lower housing part or a telescopic housing upper part or a telescopic housing lower part for changing the distance between the disc and the lower edge of the housing. According to a development, the adjusting device comprises an electric motor with an associated gear, a pneumatic or a hydraulic drive, each with a piston-cylinder arrangement. The control of these drives is preferably via the computer device, which communicates with corresponding control modules, switches or the like. Conveniently, the transmission is designed as a spindle drive with an associated adjusting nut or as a linear drive. For example, an upper housing part may be mounted on at least one guide column and be adjustable by means of an electric motor-driven spindle drive or a linear drive, for example by means of a rack and pinion or the same relative to the lower housing part. Of course, it is also possible to change the spreading disc by means of corresponding guide means and drive means relative to the housing in their position. Similarly, a housing-side front panel that holds the disc, preferably move between housing side walls with associated guide means to change the altitude of the disc.

In a dart game device of the type mentioned in the introduction, the computer device is coupled to an adjustment device which communicates with a line laser, the line laser projecting a line marker at a given horizontal distance, with at least one measure of the distance of the line marker to the leading edge of the line marker Housing is stored in the storage device readable.

Therefore, it is not necessary to fix one or more distance lines on the ground, which proves to be cumbersome in some floor coverings, in order to give the player the opportunity to train the dart game at different distances of the throwing position to the disc or with players different physical characteristics, for example, relative Give small players or disabled, especially in a wheelchair-sitting players, adapted and reproducible conditions for the dart game. For example, distances can be retrievably stored in the memory device in accordance with the official tournament rules and both individually, for example, on the player's side or on the side of the player, as well as on the manufacturer's storable distance between the front of the disc and the ejection line. For example, different distances depending on the height or the shoulder position or shoulder height of the player suggest. Of course, the laser can be designed such that its light color is switchable. It is therefore also possible to project different distances in different light colors, so that the distances are to be assigned to the ejection lines on the basis of their colors.

Preferably, the adjustment device for the line laser comprises at least one Einsteilmotor and the line laser is height-adjustable and / or pivotally mounted on or in the housing, wherein the single-part motor with the computer device for positional change of the line laser can be controlled. The linearly displaceable or about a pivot axis adjustable line laser is arranged on or in the housing, for example below or above the disc. A certain distance, for example, a certain distance in tournament rules between the disc and the throwing line is set when setting up the dart game device and is an output for further settings dar. For example, the ejection line are projected at a closer distance to the disc than in the Tournament rules is determined, this distance is selected or set as described below and the Einsteilmotor pivots the line laser at a certain angle about a pivot axis or at a certain angle in the housing arranged line laser is linear by means of the electric motor by a level in its altitude adjusted to indicate the distance line at the desired distance on the ground in front of the darts game device. In order to experience a relatively small disturbance by players or other persons located in front of the dart game device, the line laser is expediently mounted in or on the housing above the spreading disc. For example, above the spreading disc of a known darts game device there is a roof-like projection with indications for Scores or scores. In a front panel of this projection, a line laser can be arranged relatively easily.

In a further refinement, the computer device is coupled to a camera with an associated image processing device, and / or to at least one distance sensor and / or a laser scanner in order to detect whether a minimum distance of a player to the spreading disc has been maintained during the ejection.

Even with the features proposed here are individual settings for training the dart game or adaptation to tournament provisions allows. The camera with the associated image processing device can detect the space in front of the darts game device and recognize persons or objects or parts thereof in the monitoring space. In the interstitial space, a discharge distance can be determined or, for example, also determined by means of a discharge line provided by the line laser or applied to the floor. If a player crosses the ejection line or reduces the ejection distance, this is detected by the image capture device of the computer device and an alarm can be triggered which is either optically and / or acoustically detectable and / or invalidates a throw, so that points not scored be detected or counted by the computer device. Of course, a predetermined space or a minimum distance to the disc can also be monitored by means of a line scanner, which is in communication with the computer device for detecting or evaluating corresponding signals. The laser scanner can, for example, example, be designed as a 2D laser scanner, with a rectangular area in front of the darts game device between the throw-off line and the housing is monitored. If, for example, a foot of a player is within the defined area whose size is freely determinable, this situation is detected and corresponding signals are present at the computer device which invalidate the litter or trigger the alarm. Supporting or alternative to the image processing device with camera or the laser scanner, the arrangement of at least one distance sensor on the housing of the dart game device is possible, wherein the decency sensor is of course to connect to the computer device. Such a distance sensor, for example, cyclically emits light beams which, in the case of a reflection based on a transit time calculation, enable a distance measurement and provide the computer device with corresponding information. To achieve a relatively high accuracy and to provide a relatively large surveillance area, for example, three spaced-apart distance sensors can be arranged in a horizontal plane.

Conveniently, by means of the image processing device and the camera, the number of throws cast on the disc can be detected. Thus, for example, after a certain number of throws, which is usually three, the point detection can be switched to a subsequent player, wherein for advancing in the prior art, either a detectable touch the disc or an operation of a corresponding switch by one of the players is required ,

In a further embodiment, a gesture control of the computer device can be implemented by means of the image processing device and the camera. For example, by means of recorded or detectable gestures, it is possible to select games, insert pauses, activate the game for a specific player or the like. Advantageously, computer means is associated with a disc arrangement associated with the disc for detecting movements of individual segments of the disc and the corresponding processing of matches, a display device for displaying players and / or points and / or information, and at least one switching device for determining a number of players and / or a selection of available games coupled. The computer device, which includes corresponding computer components, memory modules and the like, also serves to control game sequences, thus also the hit detection and the associated game-specific counting and display of points, the detection of players, the detection of switching operations, the control of displays and the like more. Of course, also voltage supply devices, network components, interface modules for data input and data output; Evaluation devices and the like provided and optionally connected to the computer device.

Preferably, the display device is designed as a touch screen and comprises the switching device formed within the touch screen sensor fields. By touching the sensor fields shown on the touch screen, the computerization can be controlled in the usual manner of signaling, for example to select a specific game with an assigned game sequence, a number of players participating in the game or the like. It is of course conceivable that sensor fields are programmed with preferred settings, for example specific tournament settings, on the touch screen, wherein the settings are made by touching the corresponding sensor field.

Advantageously, by means of the switching device, the distance of the line marking generated by means of the line laser to the housing and / or the height the disc is adjustable or a corresponding predetermined amount can be selected. For example, switches of the switching device designed as corresponding sensor fields can be provided with specific dimensions or for selecting the dimensions or for inputting dimensions or as an up / down switch or closer / close switch. It can also be provided to equip the switching device with switches or sensor fields, which are pre-assigned with certain settings, for example with dimensions for children or adults or the like. Of course, measurements for children or adults in wheelchairs or dimensions may be provided according to tournament regulations.

Conveniently, the distance of the line marking to the housing and / or the height of the disc is assigned to a player. For example, for player number one, other measures may be selected and saved and stored than for player number two. The settings are stored in each case in the memory device associated with the computer device. If the corresponding player with his game's turn, the stored measures are set., The players can be recognized in an existing camera with associated image recognition device, for example by means of a face recognition and assigned to the stored settings.

The computer device is preferably connected to a payment system. The payment system may comprise, for example, a money processing device or a token or coupon or prepaid card processing device. In this case, reading devices and / or writing devices can also be provided. The payment system and the computer device may be present directly on the dart game device or components of a network, in particular the Internet or gaming network or a tournament game network, be. It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations. The scope of the invention is defined only by the claims.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to several embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It shows:

1 is a first perspective view of a darts game device according to the invention,

2 is a second view of the darts game device according to the detail II of FIG. 1,

Fig. 3 is a first illustration of the darts game device in alternative

Embodiment according to the detail III of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 shows a second illustration of the dart game device according to FIG. III; FIG.

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of components of the dart game device according to Fig. 3 and

Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of the darts game device with a discharge line shown.

A dart game device 1 comprises a housing 4 essentially comprising a housing upper part 2 and a housing lower part 3, the housing upper part 2 having a roof-like projection 5. In a front panel 6 of the projection 5 display devices 7 for the number of players and display devices 7 are arranged for game points, wherein the display devices 7 are connected to a computer device 8. Furthermore, a line laser 9 and a camera 10 are arranged in the housing 4 in the region of the front plate 6, wherein the placement selected in this exemplary embodiment is to be understood merely as an example and a different arrangement is by no means excluded. The line laser 9 and the camera 10 are likewise coupled to the computer device 8, the computer device 8 comprising an image processing device 11 associated with the camera 10, which evaluates the images acquired by the camera 10 with regard to predetermined features. The line laser 9 is associated with an adjusting device 12 which moves the line laser 9 or its optical device, in particular by means of an electric motor such that the removal of a projected from the line laser 9 on a floor 13 line marker 33, which represents a discharge line 14, relative to a the housing 4 associated with the disc 15 changes.

The upper housing part 2 is equipped with the spreading disc 15, which is arranged in its height position to the bottom 13 and a lower edge of the housing 4 adjustable. The disc 15 is divided into segments 27, which are assigned to different game points, which are counted in a valid hit and displayed on the corresponding display device 7 in the front panel 6. To detect hits, the movable segments 16 are assigned a switching arrangement 28, which is connected to the computer device 8.

According to FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower housing part 3 can be telescoped to adjust the height of the spreading disc 15. Within the housing 4, guide means may be arranged, which may also be formed between the two-part housing lower part 3. For moving apart or moving together of the housing lower part 3 for changing the height of the center 16 of the throwing Disc 15 opposite the bottom 13 is connected to the computer device 8 connected electric motor drive an adjusting device, which further example, a driven threaded spindle with adjusting nut or a rack and pinion drive and in particular in any position or position can be locked. 1 shows the dart game device 1 with the disc 15 in its lower end position and FIG. 2, the darts game device 1 with the disc 15 in its upper end position to remove. In an intermediate position, the disc 15 can take a position in which their center is, for example, at a height of 1730 mm above the ground 13, this measure, for example, the rules of the German Sports Association Federal e. V. (DSAB) and is to be adjusted accordingly at a tournament.

An alternative adjustment of the altitude of the disc is shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, according to which the adjusting device 17 between the disc 15 and the housing 4 is effectively arranged. In detail, the spreading disc 15 according to the present embodiment in the upper housing part 2 is arranged adjustable in height, for which purpose it is fixed in a first front cover 18 which is displaceable relative to a second front cover 19. The spreading disc 15 is connected to an adjusting nut 20 of a spindle drive, the threaded spindle 21 is rotatably driven by an electric motor 22 for displacement of the adjusting nut 20 and the thus coupled disc 15. The electric motor 22 is connected to its control with the computer device 8 in connection. FIG. 3 shows the spreading disc 15 in the upper end position and FIG. 4 shows the lower end position. Between the upper end position and the lower end position is the height adjustment of the disc 15 according to the appropriate tournament rule and the disc 15 can be set in your position to any height.

Of course, the computer device 8 comprises a processor 23 for data processing and a memory device 24 in which settings of the Throwing disk 15, in particular height dimensions, and the line laser 9 and different player-relevant data and the like can be stored. In addition, different interfaces 25 are provided, for example, a payment system 26 for the purchase of games, the line laser 9 with the associated adjusting device 12, the camera 10, the disc 15 associated switching arrangement 28, the electric motor 22 of the adjusting device 17 and switching devices 29 with the Pair computer device 8. In the present case, a part of the switching devices 29 are designed as electromechanical switches 30 and another part as sensor fields 31 of a touch screen 32 connected to the computer device 8, which also serves as a display device 7.

On the touch screen 32 is a sensor array 31 for height adjustment of the spreading disc 15 above the ground. When touching this marked with a vertical double arrow sensor field 31, the disc 15 can be moved either steplessly up or down or there is the display certain stored in the memory device 24 to measure a desired height adjustment of the disc. With a further sensor array 32, which is exemplarily characterized by a horizontal double arrow, the distance of the discharge line 14 to the disc 15 can be changed by a corresponding adjustment of the line laser 9 by means of the adjusting device 12 with a corresponding touch, again given dimensions for selection Distances in the memory device 24 may be stored. By touching a presently marked with the letter T sensor array 31, the disc 15 and the line laser 9 are set such that the height of the center 16 of the disc 15 and the distance of the discharge line 14 to the disc 15 tournament rules corresponds, with corresponding dimensions by way of example Fig. 6 are indicated. By touching more sensor fields 31, the number of players participating in a game can be set, start a game and by means of the with the double files or the letter T. designated sensor fields 31 assigned settings with respect to the height of the disc 15 and the removal of the throw line 14 a player, so that the settings are made automatically as soon as the corresponding player is entitled to throw or play. Of course, height settings of the disc 15 may be coupled with distance settings of the discharge line 14, for example as preferred settings for children up to a certain height or for persons with a certain shoulder height, for example for wheelchair users. Of course, the height settings of the spreader 15 and / or the distance settings of the dispensing line 14 may be provided as components of programmed games selectable by the user / player of the darts game machine 1 by selection in menus 33 displayed on the touch screen. For example, the settings may change after a certain number of throws on the disc 15. The switching or switching from one player to the next player can take place, for example, by means of one of the switching devices 29.

The number of throws can be detected by means of the camera 10 and the image processing device 1 1, which also monitors, for example, a violation of the delivery line 14 and switches after a certain number of throws of a player points scoring on the next registered player. With this switching, the previously described adjustment of the disc 15 and the line laser 9 can go hand in hand, and due to the camera 10 and the image processing device 1 1 invalid litters and / or throws, which reached the disc 15 not or not detectable, can be considered. Furthermore, by means of the optical system, a control of the computer device 8 can take place, so that the corresponding switching devices 29 are not necessarily to be actuated for inputs. reference numeral

1 . Darts Game Device 27. Segment of 15

2nd housing top 28. Switching arrangement

3. housing lower part 29. Switching device

4. Housing 30. Switch

5th projection 31. sensor field

6. Front panel 32. Touchscreen

7. Display device 33. Line marking

8. Computer device

9th line laser

10. Camera

1 1. Image processing means

12. Adjustment device

13. floor

14. Disposal line

15. Flying disc

16th center

17th adjusting device

18. first front cover

19. second front cover

20th adjusting nut

21. screw

22nd electric motor

23rd processor

24. Storage device

25th interface

26. Payment system

Claims

claims

Dart game machine with a spreader (15) associated with a housing (4), wherein in the housing (4) a computer device (8) with an associated memory device (24) is arranged, characterized in that the computer device (8) with an adjusting device (17) for height adjustment of the spreading disc (15) is coupled, wherein an at least measure for the height of the disc (15) in the memory device (24) stored in readable and the distance of the disc (15) relative to a lower edge of the housing ( 4) is displaceable.

Dart game device according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjusting device (17) between the disc (15) and the housing (4) arranged effectively and the disc (15) between the lower edge and an upper edge slidably mounted in the housing (4) is.

Darts game device according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjusting device (17) a the disc (15) holding the upper housing part (2) relative to a lower housing part (3) or a telescoping upper housing part

(2) or a telescopic housing base

(3) for changing the distance of the spreading disc (15) from the lower edge of the housing

(4) relocated.

Dart game device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the adjusting device (17) comprises an electric motor (22) with an associated gear, a pneumatic or a hydraulic drive, each with a piston-cylinder arrangement.

5. darts game device according to claim 4, characterized in that the transmission is designed as a spindle drive with an associated adjusting nut (20) or as a linear drive.

6. darts game device according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the computer device (8) with an adjusting device (12) is coupled, which is in communication with a line laser (9), wherein the line laser (9) a line marking ( 33) projected at a certain horizontal distance, wherein at least one measure of the distance of the line marking (33) to the front edge of the housing (4) in the memory device (24) is stored readable.

7. dart game device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the computer device (8) with a disc (15) associated switching arrangement (28) for detecting movements of individual segments (27) of the disc (15) and the corresponding processing of hits, a display device (7) for displaying players and / or points and / or information, and at least one switching device (29) for determining a number of players and / or a selection of available games is coupled.

8. darts game device according to claim 7, characterized in that the display device (7) as a touch screen (32) is formed and the switching device (29) within the touch screen (32) formed sensor fields (31).

9. darts game device according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that the readable in the memory means (24) stored measure of the height of the disc (15) a tournament height and the measure of the distance of the line marking (33) corresponds to a tournament distance measure and by means of the switching device (29) is retrievable.

10. darts game device according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that the readable in the memory device (24) stored amount of height the spreading disc (15) and / or the measure of the distance of the Linienmarkie- tion (33) predetermined by a user, an operator or a manufacturer height, ie a distance measure of the disc (15) to the lower edge, or distance measure, so one horizontal distance of the front of the disc (15) to the line marking, corresponds, which is retrievable by means of the switching device (29) or random or player-dependent.

1 1. Dart game device according to claim 6, characterized in that the adjusting device (12) for the line laser (9) comprises at least one setting motor and the line laser (9) is arranged vertically adjustable and / or pivotable in or on the housing (4), wherein the setting motor with the computer device (8) for the change in position of the line laser (9) is controllable.

12. dart game device according to one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that the line laser (9) above the disc (15) is associated with the housing (4).

13. Darts game device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that by means of the switching device (29), the distance of the line marker (33) generated by the line marker (33) to the housing (4) and / or the height of the disc (15) is adjustable to the lower edge of the housing (4) or a corresponding predetermined amount can be selected.

14 darts game device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the distance of the line marking (33) to the housing (4) and / or the height of the disc (15) to the lower edge of the housing (4) a player is to be assigned.

15. Darts game device according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that the computer device (8) with a camera (10) with associated image processing device (1 1), and / or with at least one distance sensor and / or a laser scanner is coupled to detect whether a minimum distance of a player to the disc (15) is adhered to the dropping.

16 darts game device according to claim 15, characterized in that by means of the image processing device (1 1) and the camera (10), the number of the disc (15) made throws can be detected.

17 darts game device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that by means of the image processing device (1 1) and the camera (10) a gesture control of the computer device (8) can be implemented.

18. Darts game device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the computer device (8) with a payment system (26) is in communication.