4,872,541 10/1989 Hayashi .
4,910,677 3/1990 Remedio et al. .
5,083,271 1/1992 Thacher et al 364/411
5,101,354 3/1992 Mowers et al. .
5,114,155 5/1992 Tillery et al. .
5,127,044 6/1992 Bonito et al. .
5,198,976 3/1993 Form et al. .
5,340,119 8/1994 Goldfarb 273/439
5,359,510 10/1994 Sabaliauskas .
5,370,306 12/1994 Schulze et al 273/138 A
5,384,561 1/1995 Smith 364/411
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
9409337 4/1994 WIPO 273/85 G
Primary Examiner—Benjamin H. Layno
Assistant Examiner—Michael O'Neill
Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Learman & McCulloch
[57] 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.
17 Claims, 33 Drawing Sheets
