阅读说明：本技术 视频回放 (Video playback ) 是由 杰森·戴尔 于 2020-05-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供了一种在计算机系统上执行的用于在飞镖游戏期间显示视频回放的方法,包括在整个游戏过程中持续获取玩家从投掷线向飞镖靶投掷飞镖的投掷线的视频图像；检测飞镖已被玩家从投掷线投掷出并固定在飞镖靶上；根据飞镖的投掷确定触发事件；根据触发事件,自动确定是否显示在检测之前的第一预定时间和检测之后的第二预定时间之间捕获到的获取的视频图像的部分视频图像,以使得获取的视频图像的部分视频图像与检测到的投掷相对应,并在显示器上显示获取的视频图像的部分视频图像。(The invention provides a method, executed on a computer system, for displaying video playback during a game of darts, comprising continuously acquiring video images of a throwing line of a player throwing darts from a throwing line towards a dartboard throughout the game; detecting that the dart has been thrown out of the throwing line by the player and is fixed on the dart target; determining a triggering event from the throw of the dart; in accordance with a trigger event, it is automatically determined whether to display a partial video image of the acquired video image captured between a first predetermined time before the detection and a second predetermined time after the detection so that the partial video image of the acquired video image corresponds to the detected throw, and the partial video image of the acquired video image is displayed on the display.)

1. A method executed on a computer system for displaying video playback during a dart game, comprising:

continuously acquiring a video image of a throwing line of a player throwing the dart from the throwing line to the dart target in the whole game process;

detecting that a dart has been thrown by a player from the throwing line and secured on the dart target;

determining a triggering event from the throw of the dart;

automatically determining, in accordance with the triggering event, whether to display a partial video image of the captured video image captured between a first predetermined time before the detecting and a second predetermined time after the detecting such that the partial video image of the captured video image corresponds to the detected throw;

displaying the portion of the video image of the captured video image on a display.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the triggering event is any of a score above a predetermined threshold, a score below a predetermined threshold, a score having a particular value, an end of a game, or an end of a round for one player.

3. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising:

storing the portion of the captured video image corresponding to the detected throw for later use.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: sending the stored portion of the video image of the acquired video image corresponding to the detected throw to an email address or uploading to a website.

5. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising: switching the display from displaying a game score to displaying the portion of the video image of the captured video image.

6. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising:

continuously acquiring video images of the dartboard during the whole game;

displaying on the display a partial video image of a video image of the dart target captured between a third predetermined time before the detection and a fourth predetermined time after the detection, such that the partial video image of the acquired video image of the dart target corresponds to the detected throw.

7. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising:

displaying a visual cue to indicate the display of the portion of the acquired video image.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the visual cue comprises a flashing light, and/or a plurality of different colored lights.

9. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising:

linking the display to one or more additional displays, each additional display being associated with one other dart target, such that the displaying comprises displaying the obtained video image on each linked display.

10. A dart video playback device comprising:

a dart target;

at least one camera configured to continuously acquire video images of a throwing line at which a player throws darts from the throwing line throughout the game;

a processor configured to detect that a dart has been thrown by a player from the throw line and is affixed to the dart target, determine a trigger event from the throw of the dart, and automatically determine whether to display a partial video image of a captured video image captured between a first predetermined time prior to the detection and a second predetermined time after the detection based on the trigger event such that the partial video image of the captured video image corresponds to the detected throw;

a display configured to display the portion of the acquired video image.

11. The dart video playback device of claim 10, further comprising: a memory for storing the portion of the captured video image corresponding to the detected throw.

12. The dart video playback device of any one of claims 10 to 11, comprising: another camera configured to continuously acquire video images of the dart target throughout the game so that a partial video image of the dart target captured between a third predetermined time before the detection and a fourth predetermined time after the detection can be displayed on the display.

13. A system of dart video playback devices, comprising a plurality of dart video playback devices according to any of claims 10 to 12.

14. The system for dart video playback devices of claim 13, wherein the plurality of dart video playback devices are linked such that a display of each dart video playback device controllably displays the same video images.

15. A method executed on a computer system for displaying video playback during a shuffle game played on a shuffle table, comprising:

continuously acquiring a video image of a pitching end of the shuffle table, which is used for a player to pitch ice hockey from the pitching end of the shuffle table to the scoring end of the shuffle table in the whole game process;

detecting that the puck has been thrown by a player from a throwing end and is secured to the shuffle table;

determining a triggering event according to the throwing of the ice hockey;

automatically determining, in accordance with the triggering event, whether to display a partial video image of the captured video image captured between a first predetermined time before the detecting and a second predetermined time after the detecting such that the partial video image of the captured video image corresponds to the detected throw;

displaying the portion of the video image of the captured video image on a display.

16. The method of claim 15, the triggering event being any of a score above a predetermined threshold, a score below a predetermined threshold, a score having a particular value, an end of a game, or an end of a round for a player.

17. The method according to any one of claims 15 or 16, further comprising:

storing the portion of the captured video image corresponding to the detected throw for later use.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15-17, further comprising: switching the display from displaying a game score to displaying the portion of the video image of the captured video image.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15-18, further comprising:

continuously acquiring a video image of the scoring end of the shuffle board table in the whole game process;

displaying on the display a partial video image of the captured video image of the shuffle table score captured between a third predetermined time before the detecting and a fourth predetermined time after the detecting such that the partial video image of the captured video image of the shuffle table score corresponds to the detected throw.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15-19, further comprising: displaying a visual cue to indicate the display of the portion of the acquired video image.

21. A shuffle video playback device comprising:

a shuffle board;

at least one camera configured to continuously capture video images of a pitcher table throwing end from which a player throws a hockey puck toward a pitcher table scoring end;

a processor configured to detect that a hockey puck has been thrown by a player from the throwing end and is secured to the shuffle board table, determine a triggering event based on the throwing of the hockey puck, and automatically determine whether to display a partial video image of a captured video image captured between a first predetermined time prior to the detecting and a second predetermined time after the detecting based on the triggering event such that the partial video image of the captured video image corresponds to the detected throwing;

a display configured to display the portion of the acquired video image.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method of displaying a visual replay of a throw during a dart game, and a dart video replay apparatus performing such a method. The invention also relates to a method of displaying visual playback of a pitch during a shuffle game, and a shuffle video playback device for performing the method.

Background

Dart games are typically played in a bar environment using bristle darts. Each player throws three metal-tipped darts in turn and checks the dartboard according to the rules of the game to determine his score. Scoring is typically performed manually using a blackboard or an electronic device, such as a smartphone or tablet.

The shuffle is also typically conducted in a bar or pub environment where two players take turns throwing a disc puck off the table from opposite ends of the table. The final resting position of the puck determines each player's score in each particular turn, again typically manually using a blackboard or an electronic device, such as a smartphone or tablet.

GB2542108A discloses an automatic dart scoring system for scoring a game of darts. The system includes a plurality of cameras for detecting images of the dart target where some visual interference of the images is detected, to thereby recognize whether the dart has been thrown validly, and if the dart is determined to be thrown validly, a score is calculated from the location of the dart on the dart target. A similar automatic scoring system for a shuffle is disclosed in GB 2558571.

Systems such as those disclosed in GB2542108A and GB2558571 are gradually increasing the interest of people in both games. Especially in bars dedicated to darts and salocks, because these systems have the ability to track points in multiplayer games and multiple games with different rules. However, due to the multiplayer nature of these gaming environments, players do not always have to be concerned with the progress of the game when communicating with other players between rounds, which can result in players not being concerned with significant bowling by teammates or opponents, thereby causing them to lose track of the game.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method, executed on a computer system, for displaying video playback in a dart game, comprising: continuously acquiring a video image of a throwing line of a player throwing the dart from the throwing line to the dart target in the whole game process; detecting that the dart has been thrown out of the throwing line by the player and is fixed on the dart target; determining a triggering event from the throw of the dart; based on a trigger event, automatically determining whether to display a partial video image of the captured video image captured between a first predetermined time before the detection and a second predetermined time after the detection such that the partial video image of the captured video image corresponds to the detected throw; and displaying a portion of the captured video image on a display.

The game tempo of the dart game may vary throughout the game. While each player rolls the darts in turn, it may not be easy to predict when the player will step on the throwing line, and it is more difficult to predict when the player will throw the darts at the throwing line.

The continuous acquisition of video images throughout the game means that important events in the game are not missed. The triggering event determines that an important event worth presenting to the player has occurred, which results in a portion of the video image being displayed to play the cast line, i.e., the cast period, before and after the triggering event.

In this way, important events of the game can be played back and forth by display on the visual display. By displaying video images before and after the throw for a predetermined time, the reactions of players before and after the dart throw can be displayed, which enables players who throw and other players who participate in the game to view events that trigger the display of the video images.

Preferably, displaying the video image is performed immediately after determining the triggering event. In this way, the display of the video image is performed immediately after the player throws their dart or darts. In some other arrangements, the display may be made at a later point in time, for example, at the end of a game.

The first predetermined time before the detection may be the same as the second predetermined time after the detection. In some other embodiments, the first predetermined time prior to the detection may be different from the second predetermined time after the detection. For example, the celebratory time after the dart is thrown may be longer than the time to be thrown, such that the first predetermined period of time is shorter than the second predetermined period of time. Alternatively, the second predetermined period of time may be shorter than the first predetermined period of time.

The triggering event can be a significant moment in the game, which means that the player can rewet the significant moment through video playback. The triggering event may be any of a score above a predetermined threshold, a score below a predetermined threshold, a score having a particular value, the end of a game, or the end of a round for a player.

The predetermined score may be a significant score determined by game play, for example, the highest score thrown, the exact score the user hit the target, or the exact score the dart hit the target. Alternatively, if the score is below a predetermined threshold, this means that the throw is a bad or recreational throw.

Alternatively, or in addition, an event may also be triggered when it is determined that one player exceeds another player. In some embodiments, the triggering event of one player over another may be limited to the last round of the game. In this way, a player can realize that he has passed another player at a critical moment in the game. Other trigger events may be specific to the game being played, for example, the trigger event may be a throw to eliminate a player in a killer game. Alternatively, the triggering event may be one player in a killer game being eliminated when a third dart of another player is thrown.

In some other arrangements, the triggering event may be the end of a player round. The video playback can be played each time each player finishes the roll, so that each player can watch the performance of each roll.

The method also includes storing a portion of the captured video image corresponding to the detected throw for later use.

Portions of the video image that do not correspond to the detected trigger event may be discarded.

This results in a large amount of video data being collected as the video images are continuously detected throughout the game. By storing only a portion of the captured video image corresponding to the detected throw for later use, the amount of data that needs to be stored is reduced. This also means that it is easier to find the thrown video image at a later point in time than to store the entire video image of the game. In some embodiments, determining whether to store a portion of the captured video image may be based on a triggering event.

In some other arrangements, the continuously captured video image of the entire game may be stored, rather than just the portion of the captured video image that corresponds to the detected throw.

The method also includes sending a portion of the stored captured video images corresponding to the detected throw to an email address or uploading to a website.

Players may want to rewet the experience of the game they have ever participated in. They may wish to view at some point after the game is over, for example, when they leave the field, within the next few days, weeks or months. This enables players to remotely view video images at their later idle time points.

Players may wish to share their gaming experience in social media, and they may download video images via email so that they may post videos on their social media accounts. Or, uploaded to a website of the social media platform such that the player can interact with the uploaded content. For example, a player may like, share, download, or forward video images uploaded to a website. The social media platform may be any well-known social platform, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or other social media platform.

Preferably, the position of the display is at least the same as the height of the dartboard. This means that the display is raised to a height such that all players on the field of the dartboard can easily view it. At this height, the display is in the same horizontal line of sight as the player throwing the dart and the players standing around the dart target, which means that the display can be easily brought to the attention of the players.

Preferably, the method further comprises switching the display from displaying the game score to displaying a portion of the captured video image.

In this way, the display is configured to display the game score. The score may be the total score of the game or the score of the player's current round. The amount of hardware required is reduced since a single display can display both the video playback and the scoreboard. In some other arrangements, the display may be provided separately from the scoreboard, for example, the scoreboard may be provided above, below or to the side of the display. In some other arrangements, the display may display a portion of the captured video image while still displaying the score, e.g., the display may be a score display, with a portion of the display displaying the video image and another portion of the display displaying the score.

In some other embodiments, the detection of the throw may be the detection of a moving phase of the dart, rather than detecting that the dart is affixed to a dart target. In this way, the dart is detected in the air when it is thrown. This means that even if the dart does not hit the dart target due to misjudgment or bad throw, it can be detected that the dart is thrown out. Such detection may require detection of stationary and moving phases of the dart, which may be performed by a camera or motion sensor.

In some other embodiments, the detection may be detection of the impact of a dart on a dart target.

The method also includes continuously acquiring video images of the dartboard during the entire game; displaying on the display a partial video image of the acquired video image of the dart target captured between a third predetermined time before the detection and a fourth predetermined time after the detection, so that the partial video image of the acquired video image of the dart target corresponds to the detected throw.

This allows a video image of the player at the throwing line and a video image of the dart target to be displayed simultaneously, thereby simultaneously providing the player with a preparation and reaction to the throw, as well as a view of the dart striking the dart target.

The video image of the dart target can be displayed in the split screen display simultaneously with the video image of the throwing line. The third predetermined time before the detection may be the same as the first predetermined time, and the fourth predetermined time may be the same as the second predetermined time. In some other arrangements, the first, second, third and fourth predetermined times may be the same as one another.

Alternatively, the third predetermined time when the video image of the dart target is displayed may be shorter than the first predetermined time because no new activity can be exhibited on the dart target before it is thrown. However, a video of the line thrown before the dart was thrown may be displayed to show the player's readiness to throw the line before the throw.

In addition to this, the fourth predetermined time when the video image of the dart target is displayed may be shorter than the second predetermined time because no further new activity can be exhibited on the dart target after it is thrown out and secured on the dart target. However, a video of the throwing line may be displayed to show the player's celebratory event for a longer period of time.

In some other arrangements, a partial video image of a video image of the dart target may be displayed first, followed by a partial video image of a video image of the throwing line, and vice versa.

The method also includes displaying a visual cue to indicate display of a portion of the video image of the captured video image.

The visual cue helps provide an indication to the player and spectator that the triggering event has occurred and that a portion of the captured video image will be displayed. This helps to draw the player and spectator attention to the event so that they do not miss the thrown video playback process. The visual cue may involve a flashing light, and/or a plurality of different colored lights.

The method also includes linking the display to one or more additional displays, each associated with one of the other dartboards, such that said displaying includes displaying the acquired video images on each linked display.

Game play may involve playing a game between players on multiple throw lines, on multiple dartboards, and by linking the displays together, the trigger event for one dartboard can be displayed on each linked display. This can further add a competitive element between players of linked dartboards as players of adjacent linked dartboards are always aware that play is taking place on linked displays that they may not normally be aware of.

In another aspect, the present invention also provides a dart video playback apparatus, including: a dart target; at least one camera configured to continuously acquire video images of a throwing line at which a player throws darts from the throwing line throughout the game; a processor configured to detect that a dart has been thrown by a player from a throwing line and is fixed on a dart target, determine a trigger event according to the throw of the dart, and automatically determine whether to display a partial video image of a captured video image captured between a first predetermined time before the detection and a second predetermined time after the detection according to the trigger event, so that the partial video image of the captured video image corresponds to the detected throw; a display configured to display a portion of the acquired video image.

Preferably, the dart video playback apparatus further includes a memory for storing a partial video image of the acquired video image corresponding to the detected throw.

The dart video playback device may include another camera configured to continuously acquire a video image of the dart target throughout the game, so that a partial video image of the acquired video image of the dart target captured between a third predetermined time before detection and a fourth predetermined time after detection is displayed on the display.

In another aspect, the present invention also provides a system of dart video playback devices, comprising: a plurality of the above dart video playback devices.

The system of dart video playback devices can be linked such that the display of each dart video playback device is controllable to display the same video image.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of displaying video playback during play of a shuffle game on a shuffle table, comprising: in the whole game process, continuously acquiring a video image of a pitching end of the shuffle table for a player to pitch ice hockey from the pitching end of the shuffle table to the scoring end of the shuffle table; detecting that the puck has been thrown out of the throwing end by the player and is fixed on a shuffle table; determining a triggering event according to the throwing of the ice hockey; automatically determining, based on a triggering event, whether to display a partial video image of the captured video image captured between a first predetermined time before the detection and a second predetermined time after the detection, such that the partial video image of the captured video image corresponds to the detected throw; and displaying a portion of the captured video image on a display.

The game tempo of the shuffle game may vary throughout the game. Although each player rolls the hockey ball in turn, it may not be easy to predict the moment the player steps on the throwing end, and it is more difficult to predict when the player will throw the hockey ball at the throwing end.

The continuous acquisition of video images throughout the game means that important events in the game are not missed. The triggering event determines that an important event worth presenting to the player has occurred, which results in a portion of the video image being displayed to present the throwing tip, i.e., the throwing session, before and after the triggering event.

In this way, important events of the game can be played back and forth by display on the visual display. By displaying video images before and within a predetermined time after the pitch, the reactions of the players before and after the pitch of the hockey puck can be displayed, which enables the player who is playing the pitch and other players participating in the game to view the events that trigger the display of the video images.

Preferably, displaying the video image is performed immediately after determining the triggering event. In this manner, displaying the video image is performed immediately after the player throws their puck or pucks. In some other arrangements, the display may be made at a later point in time, for example, at the end of a game.

The first predetermined time before the detection may be the same as the second predetermined time after the detection. In some other embodiments, the first predetermined time before detection may be different from the second predetermined time after detection, e.g., the celebratory time after the hockey puck is thrown may be longer than the time to be thrown, and thus the first predetermined time period may be shorter than the second predetermined time period. Alternatively, the second predetermined period of time may be shorter than the first predetermined period of time.

The triggering event can be a significant moment in the game, which means that the player can rewet the significant moment through video playback. The triggering event may be any of a score above a predetermined threshold, a score below a predetermined threshold, a score having a particular value, the end of a game, or the end of a round for a player.

The predetermined score may be a significant score determined by game play, for example, the highest score that may be thrown, the exact score that the user wants to score, or the exact score of the puck at a particular point on the shuffle table. Alternatively, if the score is below a predetermined threshold, this means that the throw is a bad or recreational throw.

Alternatively, or in addition, an event may also be triggered when it is determined that the score of one player exceeds the score of another player. In some embodiments, the triggering event of one player over another may be limited to when the game is in the last round. In this way, a player can realize that he has passed another player at a critical moment in the game. Other trigger events may be specific to the game being played.

In some other arrangements, the triggering event may be the end of a player round. The video playback can be played each time each player finishes the roll, so that each player can watch the performance of each roll.

The method also includes storing a portion of the captured video image corresponding to the detected throw for later use.

Portions of the video image that do not correspond to the detected trigger event may be discarded.

This results in a large amount of video data being collected as the video images are continuously detected throughout the game. By storing only a portion of the captured video image corresponding to the detected throw for later use, the amount of data that needs to be stored is reduced. This also means that it is easier to find the thrown video image at a later point in time than to store the entire video image of the game. In some embodiments, determining whether to store a portion of the captured video image may be based on a triggering event.

In some other arrangements, successive captured video images of the entire game may be stored, not just the portion of the captured video images that corresponds to the detected throw.

The method also includes sending a portion of the stored captured video images corresponding to the detected throw to an email address or uploading to a website.

Players may want to rewet the experience of the game they have ever participated in. They may wish to view at some point after the game is over, for example, when they leave the field, within the next few days, weeks or months. This enables players to remotely view video images at their later idle time points.

Players may wish to share their gaming experience in social media and they may download video images via email so that they may post the video images on their social media accounts. Or, uploaded to a website of the social media platform such that the player can interact with the uploaded content. For example, a player may like, share, download, or forward video images uploaded to a website. The social media platform may be any well-known social platform, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or other social media platform.

Preferably, the display is arranged above the shuffle table or at a scoring end of the shuffle table. This means that the display is raised to a height such that all players in the field of the shuffle can easily view it. At this height, the display is in the same horizontal line of sight with the player throwing the puck and the players standing around the shuffle table, which means that the display can easily catch the attention of the players.

Preferably, the method further comprises switching the display from displaying the game score to displaying a portion of the captured video image.

In this way, the display is configured to display the game score. This may be the total score of the game or the score of the player's current round. The amount of hardware required is reduced since a single display can display both the video playback and the scoreboard. In some other arrangements, the display may be provided separately from the scoreboard, for example, the scoreboard may be provided above, below or to the side of the display. In some other arrangements, the display may display a portion of the video image captured while still displaying the score, e.g., the display may be a score display, with one portion of the display showing the video image and another portion of the display displaying the score.

In some other embodiments, the detection of the throw may be a detection of a moving phase of the puck rather than detecting that the puck is fixed on the shuffle table. In this way, as the puck is thrown, there is detection of the puck moving along the throwing surface of the shuffle table. This means that the puck is detected as being thrown even if the puck does not fall on the shuffle table after being thrown. The pitch of the puck can still be detected despite misjudgments or bad pitches. Such detection may require detection of stationary and moving phases of the puck, the detection of the moving phase and/or stationary phase may be by a camera or motion sensor.

The method also comprises the steps of continuously acquiring the video images of the scoring end of the shuffle board in the whole game process; displaying on the display a partial video image of the captured video image of the goal table score captured between a third predetermined time before the detection and a fourth predetermined time after the detection, such that the partial video image of the captured video image of the goal table score corresponds to the detected throw.

This allows the video image of the player at the throwing end and the video image of the scoring end to be played simultaneously, thereby simultaneously providing the player with a preparation and reaction to the throw and a view of the ice hockey puck at the scoring end.

The video image of the scoring end of the shuffle table may be played in the score screen display simultaneously with the video image of the throwing end of the shuffle table. The third predetermined time before the detection may be the same as the first predetermined time, and the fourth predetermined time may be the same as the second predetermined time. In some other arrangements, the first, second, third and fourth predetermined times may be the same as one another.

Alternatively, the third predetermined time to display the score point may be shorter than the first predetermined time because no new activity is shown by the score point before the puck is thrown. However, the puck can display a video of the throwing end before it is thrown to show the player's readiness to throw before it is thrown.

In addition, the fourth predetermined time for displaying the scoring end video image may be shorter than the second predetermined time because no further new activity may be exhibited by the scoring end after the hockey puck is thrown and secured on the hockey table. However, a video of the throwing tip may be displayed to show a continuous celebratory event for the player after the ice hockey puck has settled a score.

In some other arrangements, a partial video image of the scored video image may be displayed first, followed by a partial video image of the thrown end video image, and vice versa.

The method also includes displaying a visual cue to indicate that a portion of the captured video image is displayed.

The visual cue helps provide an indication to the player and spectator that the triggering event has occurred and that a portion of the captured video image will be displayed for play, thereby helping to draw the player and spectator's attention to the event so that they do not miss the thrown video playback. The visual cue may involve a flashing light, and/or a plurality of different colored lights.

The method further includes linking the display to one or more additional displays, each additional display being associated with one other of the shuffle tables such that displaying includes displaying the video image captured by each of the linked displays.

Gameplay may involve playing a game between players at a plurality of shuffle tables, with the displays linked together so that a trigger event for one shuffle table can be displayed on each of the linked displays. This can further add a competitive element between players of linked shuffle tables as players of adjacent linked shuffle tables have been concerned about the ongoing game on the linked display, but may not be usually noticed.

In another aspect, the present invention further provides a shuffle video playback device, comprising: a shuffle board; at least one camera configured to continuously capture video images of a pitcher table throwing end from which a player throws a hockey puck toward a scoring end during the entire game; a processor configured to detect that a hockey puck has been thrown by a player from a throwing tip and is secured to a shuffle board table, determine a trigger event based on the throwing of the hockey puck, and automatically determine whether to display a portion of a captured video image captured between a first predetermined time prior to the detecting and a second predetermined time after the detecting based on the trigger event such that the portion of the captured video image corresponds to the detected throwing; a display configured to display a portion of the acquired video image.

Preferably, the shuffle video playback device further comprises a memory for storing a portion of the captured video image corresponding to the detected throw.

The shuffle board video playback means may comprise a further camera configured to continuously acquire video images of the shuffle board scoreboard throughout the game such that a partial video image of the acquired video image of the scoreboard captured between a third predetermined time before detection and a fourth predetermined time after detection is displayed on the display.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a system of a shuffle disk video playback device, comprising: a plurality of the above-described shuffle disk video playback devices.

The system of shuffle video replay devices may be linked so that the display of each shuffle video replay device is controllable to display the same video image.

Drawings

Figure 1 shows a front view of a dartboard system in one embodiment of the invention;

figure 2 shows a top view of the dartboard system shown in figure 1;

FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of steps of a method of displaying video playback during a dart game in one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a shuffle board system in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the shuffle system shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of a method of displaying video playback during a shuffle game in one embodiment of the invention;

fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a computer system configured to perform the methods shown in fig. 3 and 6.

Detailed Description

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the dartboard 2 is mounted on a wall 4, and the GUI display 6 is mounted on the wall above the dartboard 2. As can be seen, the GUI display 6 is arranged parallel to the wall 4. However, in some embodiments, the GUI display 6 may be disposed at an angle to the wall 4, rather than parallel thereto, for example obliquely facing one of the viewing areas 15 at which the viewer is standing.

The metal support 8 is arranged above the dartboard 2 and is used for supporting three spotlights 10 and three cameras 12, and the spotlights 10 and the cameras 12 are all directed to the dartboard 2. Two cameras 14 are mounted on the wall 4, each pointing towards a throwing line 16 where the player throws darts.

The throwing line 16 is located on the ground and the spotlight 10 and camera 12 on the metal support are located between the throwing line 16 and the dartboard 2.

LED strips 18 are provided in a ring around the periphery of the dartboard 2, some of which are raised above the dartboard 2 to effectively illuminate the surface of the dartboard 2 during play. The LED strips include LED strips of various colors, and in traditional games only white LED strips are lit. However, the present invention may illuminate one or more of the LED strips of multiple colors depending on the content displayed on the display for the purpose of attracting players and viewers to view the display.

A protective screen 20 is provided on the wall 4 to cushion darts that miss the dartboard 2. The LED strip 18 is shielded by a lip of the protective screen 20 to prevent the LED strip 18 from being damaged by darts. Furthermore, this also causes the LED strip 18 to be obscured to avoid any interference with the player at the cast line 16. The dartboard 2 and LED strip 18 are recessed from the protective screen 20.

The wall mounted camera 14 is at a distance from the dart target 2 that is sufficiently great that the camera 14 is less likely to be struck by a thrown dart. In addition to this, the camera 14 is arranged behind a transparent, ruggedized screen to be protected thereby.

Although not shown in fig. 1 and 2, a computer containing one or more processors is connected to camera 12 and camera 14 to process the video images. In addition, a GUI display 6 is connected to the computer for displaying the results of the play and the video image captured by the camera to the player.

A spotlight 10 is provided for illuminating darts flying between the throwing line 16 and the dart target 2. The camera 12 on the metal stand 8 is able to take an image of the dart in flight for a short period of time before it strikes the dart target 2 and settles down in its final position on the dart target 2. Successful detection of a dart being stuck on the dart target can determine that the dart has been thrown and that the score can be detected as a triggering event causing the GUI display 6 to display a video playback image of the throw.

The spotlight 10 can also improve the illumination of the dartboard 2, particularly the center area, so that the camera 12 can capture images of the darts on the surface of the dartboard 2, aid the computer in accurately positioning the darts, and provide sufficient illumination for the video images used for video playback of the dartboard. Furthermore, the combined illumination of the LED strip 18 and the spotlight 10 minimizes shadows that introduce errors when determining the dart position.

FIG. 3 shows a series of operational steps taken in a method 100 of displaying video playback during a dart game.

Step 101: video images of the cast line are continuously captured throughout the game.

The video image is acquired by using the camera 14 facing the cast line 16. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, there are two cameras 14, which enable two different perspective views of the cast line 16 to be acquired. These video images can be combined into a single video image having a wide range. Or the video images from each camera 14 may be acquired and processed separately.

Step 103: darts thrown by the player from the throwing line 16 are detected and fixed to the dartboard 2. This detection process is accomplished by a camera 12 facing the dart target 2, the camera 12 being capable of detecting the presence of darts affixed to the dart target 2.

Step 105: a triggering event is determined from the throw of the dart. A trigger event refers to a particular event that occurs during the course of a game, for example, a particular score achieved may be considered a trigger event.

The score of the dart game may be determined by a camera system similar to that described in GB2542108A, however, alternative scoring systems may be implemented.

Step 107: whether to display a partial video image of a video image acquired between a first predetermined time before detection and a second predetermined time after detection is automatically determined according to a trigger event so that the partial video image of the acquired video image corresponds to the detected throw.

Step 109: a part of the video image playing the acquired video image is displayed on the display 6.

The first predetermined time prior to detection is selected to enable the video image to show the player on the throw line 16 prior to the throw of the dart. A second predetermined time after detection is selected to enable the video image to show a celebratory event by the player after the dart is thrown.

The displaying step enables video playback showing the player's preparation for the process of throwing darts, the process of the player throwing darts, the process of the darts hitting the dartboard, and any celebratory event by the player or the player's reaction after the darts hit the dartboard. These videos may each be captured by a camera 14 facing the cast line.

The display 6 can also show a video playback of the playing dartboard 2, and video images of the dartboard 2 can be acquired by the camera 12 facing the dartboard 2. It is possible to have a split screen format so that one part of the display shows the dartboard 2 and another part of the display shows the player on the throwing line 16. During video playback, a video image showing the dart target 2 and a video image of the throwing line 16 can be played simultaneously. Alternatively, the video playback shows only the moment at which the dart hits the dart target 2, and the video playback of the player throwing the line 16 before and after this moment.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the shuffle board 200 includes a shuffle table 202. The shuffle table 202 has a running surface 204 for the pitch of a hockey puck 206. Sliding surface 204 has a single throwing end 208 and a single scoring end 210. a box 212 is disposed around sliding surface 204. box 212 extends around the edge of sliding surface 204 to form a well 214. well 214 is located between sliding surface 204 and box 212. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view with the sides of the box 212 removed to reveal the well 214.

The shuffle device is supported by two supports 216 on the ground 218. Although this structure is not shown, the support 216 extends across the width of the sliding surface 204. However, it is understood that any arrangement of the supports 216 may be used.

The shuffle table extends from a wall 291 which in this embodiment is the wall of the building in which the shuffle table is located. Fig. 4 and 5 show only a portion of a wall for illustrative purposes. The scoring end 210 of the shuffle table is positioned proximate to the wall such that the exterior of the box 212 is in direct contact with the wall 291. The box 212 at the throwing end 208 of the shuffle table 202 does not contact the wall.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 4 and 5, the scoring end 210 of the shuffle table 200 is not attached to the wall, but merely rests against the wall. In some other embodiments, the scoring end 208 of the shuffle table 202 may be attached to the wall 291, which may be removable or permanent. For example, the shuffle board may be removably mounted to a corresponding attachment to the wall, or attached to the wall by any one of screws, nails, or adhesive.

The play area 201 is located at the throwing end 208 of the sliding surface 204. Viewing area 293 is disposed on one side of sliding surface 204 between throwing end 208 and scoring end 210.

The GUI display 294 is disposed at the wall 291 above the scoring end 210 for showing the scoring of the shuffle table 200. As can be seen, the GUI display 294 is disposed parallel to the wall. However, in some other embodiments, the GUI display 294 may be disposed at an angle to the wall 291 other than parallel thereto, such as obliquely facing the viewing region 293.

Two cameras 220 are mounted on the wall 291 and directed toward the throwing end 208 of the shuffle table, the cameras 220 being used to capture moving video images of the throwing end 208 of the shuffle table in a manner similar to that described for the camera 14 used when the dart system described above captures video images of a throwing line.

Two additional cameras 222 are also mounted to the wall 291 and directed toward the sliding surface 204, and these cameras 222 are used to capture the movement of the puck 206 as it is thrown off the sliding surface 204. The camera 222 may also be used for scoring as described in patent application GB 2558571.

The camera 220 and the camera 222 may alternatively be mounted on a metal stand as shown in the dart system in fig. 1, or on the ceiling.

Two lights 224 are provided above and to the side of the display 294 on the wall 291, the lights 224 being configured to flash when the display 294 plays back video.

FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of a series of steps taken by a method 300 for displaying video playback during a shuffle game. Step 301: video images of the teeing end 208 of the teeing table at which a player rolls ice hockey from the teeing end 208 toward the teeing end 210 are continuously captured throughout the game.

The video image is captured by a camera 220 facing the throwing end 208 of the shuffle board. As shown in fig. 4 and 5, two cameras 220 are directed toward the throwing end 208, the two cameras 220 being spaced on either side of the underside of the display 294 so as to capture two different perspective views of the throwing end 208. These video images may be combined into a single video image having a wide range, or the video images from each camera 220 may be acquired and processed separately.

Step 303: detecting that a hockey puck has been thrown by a player from the throwing tip 208 and secured to the hockey table is accomplished by a camera 222 facing the playing surface, the camera 222 detecting the presence of a puck secured to the hockey table.

Step 305: a triggering event is determined based on the throw of the puck. A trigger event refers to a particular event that occurs during the course of a game, for example, obtaining a particular score may be considered a trigger event.

Step 307: whether to display a partial video image of the captured video image captured between a first predetermined time before the detection and a second predetermined time after the detection is automatically determined in accordance with the trigger event such that the partial video image of the captured video image corresponds to the detected throw.

Step 309: a portion of the video image playing the captured video image is displayed on the display 294.

The first predetermined time prior to detection is selected to enable the video image to show the player at the throwing end 208 prior to the pitch of the hockey puck. A second predetermined time after detection is selected to enable the video images to show the celebratory event of the player after the hockey puck is thrown.

The displaying step enables video playback showing the player preparing to throw an ice hockey ball, the player throwing an ice hockey ball, the ice hockey ball being secured to a sliding surface, and the player after the ice hockey ball has been thrown, to show any celebratory event or the player's reaction. These videos may each be captured by a camera 220 facing the throwing end 208.

The display 294 may present playback video of the sliding surface 204, and video images of the sliding surface 204 may be captured by the camera 222 facing the sliding surface 204. The split screen may be such that one portion of the display 294 shows the sliding surface 204 and another portion of the display 294 shows the player on the throwing end 208. During video playback, the show gliding surface 204 and the throwing end 208 may be played simultaneously. Alternatively, the video playback shows only the sliding surface 204 at the moment the puck stopped moving, and the video playback of the player of the throwing tip 208 before and after this moment.

Fig. 7 shows a computer system 400 that controls the video playback device of the dart and satchel system described above. The computer system 400 has a processor 402 for controlling the playback system and a memory 404 for storing generated video images, the computer system 400 is in communication with a GUI display 406 for playing the playback video and game scores, the computer system 400 is also in communication with a camera 408 for capturing video images and game scores for video playback.

The connections between the computer system 400, the display 406, and the camera 408 may be wired connections. Alternatively, a wireless connection is also possible. Such as Wi-Fi, bluetooth, or other wireless connection.

As with the dart system and the shuffle system described above, video images can be continuously recorded by the camera facing the throw line 16 and the throwing end 208 of the shuffle table throughout the dart game and shuffle game. These video images are then stored for later use. The stored video image may be a video image of the entire game play. However, this may result in the storage of large amounts of unwanted data. Alternatively, only a portion of the video image may be stored for video playback, the portion of the video image being associated with the trigger event upon detection. The remaining portion of the video image data that is not played back as video may be discarded. Alternatively, the video image data that caused the throwing event triggering event may be discarded after display on the display.

However, the video images of the video playback displayed on the display may be stored for later use. For example, the video images may be sent to the player in the form of electronic messages (e.g., emails or text messages). Alternatively, the video images may be uploaded on social media for players to be able to resume the game at a later time and/or to share the video images with their friends or family.

The dart device shown in figures 1 and 2 and the polo device shown in figures 4 and 5 may be provided in a theme bar having a plurality of dartboards and polo tables. The display of each adjacent game table and dart target may be linked together, either wirelessly or by wire, as authorized above. The computer system 400 shown in fig. 7 may control each display so that each display of the linked dart/satchel apparatus displays the same video playback. When a multiplayer game is started, linkage game needs to be carried out on adjacent dart targets or the adjacent shuffle boards, one player can select the dart target or the shuffle board needing the linkage game on a computer terminal positioned on the dart target or the shuffle board, and therefore a computer system can establish links among a plurality of dart target devices or shuffle boards.

The present invention also includes various modifications and variations of the above-described methods and apparatus.

In some other arrangements, one or more lights are provided to light up or flash to indicate that playback is being displayed, which lights may be mounted on the wall to which the dartboard and the polo table are attached. In some other arrangements, the dartboard or the goal itself is visually illuminated, for example, the dartboard may be backlit, as may the sliding surface of the goal table.

A light 222 on the back of the shuffle board and a LED light strip 18 around the dartboard indicate to the player that the video playback device is displaying video playback. In some other arrangements, various different lighting configurations may be used for the arrangement of darts and a shuffle. For example, the lights 222 may be LED light strips and the lights of the shuffle system may be disposed about the display. Alternatively, the shuffle table may be illuminated. Whereas for a dart arrangement the light may be embedded in the wall as provided by a shuffle.

Alternatively, or in addition, sound effects may be played when video playback is displayed. Alternatively, the visual indication (light or sound) is played immediately before the video playback is displayed.

In some other arrangements, the wall-mounted camera 14 that captures images of the throw line may instead be disposed on the same metal mount 8 as the camera 12 directed at the dartboard 2. Alternatively, the shuffle board may mount the camera 220 and the camera 222 on a metal bracket.

In some other arrangements, the GUI display may not be mounted on a wall. The GUI display may be mounted on a support. Alternatively, the GUI display may be attached to the ceiling and/or the metal support.

For dart placement, a GUI display may instead be provided on either side of the dart target.

Although a video camera has been described, a camera for taking still pictures may be provided. These may capture a photograph and upon a triggering event, the display presents the photograph.

The above system implements the scoring system described in GB2542108A and GB2558571, however, any type of scoring system may be implemented such that a triggering event is automatically determined to trigger playback of a video to be displayed.

In addition to the video playback displayed on the display, animations or video clips specific to the particular event may also be displayed. For example, in a dart game, when the score is 180, an animation specific to the event may be displayed.