System for automatic collection and distribution of player statistics for electronic dart games

A method of conducting dart leagues or tournaments utilizing a plurality of electronic dart games, each dart game having means for receiving, storing and transmitting data, said method further utilizing a central control device (CCD) having means for processing, storing, inputting and outputting data, said method comprising the steps of:

• inputting player data into the central control device;
• providing each player with a player card that identifies a respective player and stores player data and game statistics;
• inputting player data and game statistics from the player card into the storing means of the electronic dart game via the receiving means of the electronic dart game;
• storing game statistics and player data within the storing means of the electronic dart game;
• transmitting game statistics and player data via the transmitting means to the player card;
• and
• communicating bidirectionally between the central control device and the plurality of electronic dart games via a communication medium, wherein the receiving and transmitting means of the dart games interface with the communication medium.

An apparatus for conducting dart leagues or tournaments wherein players can participate at a plurality of remote locations, comprising in combination:

• a central control device for computing league or tournament statistics from received player data and game statistics, wherein the central control device (CCD) includes means for processing, storing, inputting and outputting data;
• a plurality of remotely located electronic dart games, wherein each dart game includes means for receiving, storing and transmitting data into and out of the dart game;
• and
• a communication medium coupling the plurality of remotely located electronic dart games to the central control device and enabling bidirectional communication between the central control device and the plurality of remotely located electronic dart games, wherein the receiving and transmitting means of the dart games and the inputting and outputting means of the CCD interface with the communication medium.

In an electronic dart game apparatus especially for use in a dart league or tournament, the combination comprising:

• electronic input means for receiving player data and league or tournament player pairings information from at least one external source and game statistics;
• storage means within the dart game apparatus for storing the external data and game statistics generated within the dart game;
• and
• output means for transmitting the player data and game statistics to a location external to the dart game.

A system for conducting dart leagues or tournaments wherein players can participate at a plurality of remote locations, said system comprising:

• a central control device for computing league or tournament statistics from received player data and game statistics, the central control device including means for processing data, storing data, inputting data, and outputting data;
• a plurality of remotely located electronic dart games, wherein each electronic dart game includes means for receiving, storing and transmitting player data into and out of the dart game;
• a plurality of player cards for players participating in the league or tournament that are accepted by the receiving and transmitting means of the electronic dart games, wherein the player cards store player data and game statistics;
• and
• a communication medium interlinking the central control device with the plurality of remotely located electronic dart games, wherein the receiving and transmitting means of the dart games and the inputting and outputting means of the central control device interface with the communication medium.