The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 14, 1997
Filed:
Sep. 09, 1994
Edward K Miguel, DeKalb, IL (US);
Martin G Bohn, Saginaw, MI (US);
Stephen R Zastera, Bloomington, MN (US);
Eugene B Lilly, Overland Park, KS (US);
Valley Recreation Products Inc., Bay City, MI (US);
Abstract
A league and tournament system is disclosed which includes a centralized league machine that transmits data to one or more of a plurality of electronic dart games via modem or using a wireless portable data storage device. Transmission of information from the electronic dart machines can be via modem, facsimile transmission, or using the portable data storage device. The electronic dart machines are configured to receive and utilize league and tournament database information from the league machine for a variety of purposes, including automatic implementation of player handicaps, automatic control of match play, and team and player registration using the dart machine. The dart machine has a monitor that displays context sensitive menus using information obtained from the league or tournament database. The dart machine includes a barked card reader that permits identification of league and tournament participants using barcode cards. The dart machine can also respond to other types of barked cards for such purposes as crediting games and providing access to machine performance data and certain machine servicing functions. Intergame communication within an establishment is provided either by a hardwiring the dart machines or using infrared communication.