What is Augmented Reality Darts?
Smarts Darts has been the hottest update to the bar and pub classic in years. Our Augmented Reality (AR) Darts system takes even Smarts Darts to the next level with a creative range of gameplay which will blow the minds of your clientele.
The Augmented Reality Darts system uses the same Unicorn Smartboard to detect where the dart landed, but is supplied in white so that we can use a projector to display all the gameplay graphics on top of it. This innovation opens up a huge realm of immersive gameplay no-one has ever seen before in the game of darts.
Watch the video and watch through the playlist below for a full walkthrough of the incredible Augmented Reality Darts system as well as complete playthroughs of each of the available games. This will show off the hardware, the software and learn about how the incredible control operators have at their fingertips.
It is worth noting that Augmented Reality Darts is currently only available for commercial premises.
This is due to its unique finance model which enables premises to license the system for a low upfront cost and pay per hour of system use, instead of employing a larger, more restrictive upfront cost. This license includes software license, game use and servicing.
How it works
The Augmented Reality Interactive Darts system consists of:
- A Smartboard dartboard surrounded by a white high density foam panel
- A projector to beam gaming graphics directly onto the board and surrounding foam panel
- A touchscreen user interface to control the gaming experience
- A set of speakers to include sound
Using the very latest dartboard technology the Smartboard senses where the darts have landed on the board. This registers the score and updates all the game graphics projected onto the board and surrounding area.
The projected graphics enable players to see how they did, how they compare to the other players and what they need to score next in a a whole new range of games - all in real time! The basic game rules are always displayed on the touchscreen, but the user is guided through the game process by the graphics on the projector screen. The graphics show who is throwing, who’s up next, what the current scores are and what players should aim for with each throw.
The whole system is controlled via a touchscreen user interface which can be located somewhere near the throw line. The augmented system also features sound for a truly immersive experience.
Is it the same system that Flight Club uses?
No. The Flight Club system uses cameras to track where the dart has landed.
Camera systems vs Smartboard
At present, a Smartboard which detects dart locations in a bristle dart board is the most accurate system in the world. They require no calibration (just hang it on the wall), no prohibitively expensive camera systems and less fickle lighting setups to work. Due to its extremely robust nature, the Smartboard system is much more suited to the hospitality industry - even a nudge to a camera system can result in an engineer callout to recalibrate.
More importantly, a Smartboard is the only detection method that enables Augmented Reality Darts.
What’s the difference between SMARTS interactive darts and Augmented Reality darts?
We offer two different interactive darts systems, here are the key differences to help you decide which is best for your venue:
The Smartboard dartboard
Unicorn are our joint venture partner for this enterprise, meaning we have exclusive commercial use for their Smart Dartboard. It has a range of amazing features:
- The system uses a real dartboard that uses real darts - so you can choose what darts to offer
- As it's manufactured by Unicorn directly, our board is made to the same exacting standards as the competition grade Unicorn HD Eclipse 2
- We have worked with Unicorn to produce a serial version of their Smartboard that is powered by and communicates via USB, so it is constantly in play - no downtime for recharging
Your Darts, Your Choice
You are able to use any steel tip darts to play on this system.
The board detects spikes in electromagnetism to determine where and when darts have landed in it. So in order to work in conjunction with the dartboard, the darts simply need to be magnetised. The Unicorn Smartboard has an inbuilt section and hole in which you can insert any steel dart tip into to magnetise it. Simply twist it in the hole for roughly 5-10 seconds and it will remain magnetised for 6+ months.
The Dartboard Frame Type
The basic package includes all hardware necessary to get up and going, including the dartboard and a black laminate MDF surround - which houses the speaker system for you:
If you'd like to upgrade your tech package, we are able to put you in touch with our specialist joiner who can provide a personalised quote for a finessed wooden surround including housing for the speaker system.
Turnkey Standard:
The Turnkey Standard package will include:
- Projector screen and speaking housing
- Lane divider
- Installation
- Site survey
Turkey Premium:
The Turnkey Premium package will include:
- Premium lane divider
- Installation
- Site survey
Mountable Protective Tablet Case
Easily mounted on any table or solid surface, place your touch screen interface in a spot that works for your venue with our mountable protective tablet case.
User Interface
The user interface has been designed to be slick, quick and easy to use.
Gaming sessions for players are for a set period of time, triggering at the point of entering their booking reference into the user interface. These codes reference booking numbers from whichever system they're linked to (more about this under session management), and enable sessions for a predetermined amount of time and players.
There's a built-in grace period which allows bookings to begin up to 15 minutes prior to the start time, for ease of use.
On logging into their game, this is a short preview of the player interface:
During the interactions:
- Teams can be selected randomly, manually by players via a drag-and-drop, or individuals can play against pairs.
- Players can choose a difficulty level before beginning.
- Once a game has started, the touchscreen UI presents a selection of controls.
- Guests can skip back and forth between players, delete erroneous scores, and tap the “miss” button for any darts that don’t hit the board.
- This in-game interface is reversible so the “miss” button is easily accessible relative to the position of the touchscreen.
- The menu button at the bottom enables guests to revisit the player entry screen at any time. From there they can add or edit players, set the difficulty settings, view the trophy table, view F&B menus and quit the current game.
Further customer controls
We have reduced the need for staffing for the Augmented Reality Darts system by providing customers an array of controls that they can access from the user interface.
The menus are intuitive and simple, making it easy for customers to navigate. They include the ability to:
- Add and remove players
- Browse and select games
- View leaderboards
- Call server
- View Menus
Games!
Our Augmented Reality Darts system has an amazing array of games - including Bullseye and Disco Wall which are exclusive to this system (Bullseye is counted amongst a 'premium' set of games which may incur additional fees per game).
As the system develops further, more and more games will be available which will keep your customers coming back for the next big thing.
Our current array of available games are:
The back-end system
To keep bookings and overviews of the games simple, our Augmented Reality Darts system provides a full back-end system enabling staff to have full control at any time.
The system includes:
- Customer Booking System (see below section on integrations and platforms)
- Online Booking and Payment System - we provide code for your website to enable you to manage your own bookings
- Online Session Management - see your bookings, lanes in use, start and end sessions
- Data and Analytics Platform
Session Management
There are two options for controlling session bookings:
- Using 501's session management system
- An online portal that allows users to create and edit sessions across all products, including Smarts Darts, Augmented Reality Darts, and Shuffle Pucks shuffleboard.
- If your venue already has an online booking and reservation platform in place, we recommend using our system in conjunction with your existing system. Depending on your requirements and size of the order we can look into integrating with your system.
- Using your venue's existing booking system
- Design My Night – to control our systems using DMN booking reference numbers you will need to provide your DMN API key. In some instances, DMN will charge for access to this key (typically £25/week).
- Briq – Now fully integrated. Briq charge 2% of online transactions plus a card processing fee (~1.5% + 20p).
Customisation options
All darts systems can be customised to make them an integral part of the venue’s brand. Providing the necessary graphics are available, we can fully customise the tablets and projected image on the surround
We will produce the necessary graphics provided customers provide us with the appropriate assets in EPS, AI or PDF format. Alternatively, we can issue templates and customers can use their own creative teams to customise the systems.
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SETTING UP
In this section, there is information on what is included when this product is licensed from us:
Complete Consultation
We will help you develop this concept for your location every step of the way. Working with you on the products, how they operate, and how to optimise performance. Our sales team are on hand on the phone, by email, live chat, or in person in our showrooms.
In terms of servicing most issues can be fixed by our service technicians over the internet. If parts are needed they are easy to fit or replace and can be shipped to you quickly and cost effectively.
Lead Times
Current lead times are between 1-4 weeks, depending on location.
Secure your inventory quick in order to beat long lead times. For the latest information on lead times and availability please call our sales team on 0800 622 6464.
Pricing - Please call for full pricing
Our pricing model is designed to give commercial venues the opportunity to provide the latest competitive socialising experiences without incurring huge setup costs.
All products follow the same model – an upfront fee (one-time investment) followed by a recurring license (software subscription). The upfront fee does not constitute a purchase of the hardware. We retain the title of the goods. The upfront fee covers onboarding, commissioning, training and, in the instance of Turnkey/Turnkey Premium, installation. We charge a fee based on the utilisation of the system.
Delivery is included for UK orders.
Hardware Supplied
We provide the following materials:
- Smart Console touchscreen user interface
- Unicorn Commercial Smartboard
- Laser projector
- Projector Mounting Arm
- High density foam dartboard surround / projector screen
- Amplifier & Box Speakers
- Unicorn Darts - 3 sets
- All cabling
- Instructions on how to install
You just need to provide:
- Two mains sockets
- One ethernet socket to connect to the internet
- At least 2.8m in ceiling height (2.9m optimum)
- At least 2m width in wall space
Complete Support
Not only do we provide you with the latest and greatest in interactive darts systems, but we also provide you with all the back-up and support you will need:
- Custom branding
- Staff Training
- Technical support
- Software and game updates
- Account management
Service Support
Our products are designed so that any issues that present themselves are quickly identifiable and easily remedied. We provide help desk support for venues which involves stepping through our troubleshooting guide. Depending on what the issue is, if it is not resolved over the phone, we will ship a replacement part. The process is as follows…
- Call from venue
- Help desk troubleshooting
- Need for replacement part identified
- Replacement part shipped (customer invoiced)
- Customer ships the faulty part back to us.
- Returned parts examined and a resultant credit note or invoice for wear and tear is produced
- Replacement boards - provide up to 2 replacement boards per year based on utilisation - so if not warranted won’t be replaced.
Data Platform
We capture data in granular detail so that you can make informed decisions on the way you run your businesses. You can track all aspects of usage to assess performance, profitability and opportunities to improve and amend the way you charge. This is provided free of charge as part of the system.
We also use the data platform as a basis for billing.
Contract Length
The current contractual period is 2 years.
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Visit Our Showrooms
If you fancy checking out one of our fantastic interactive darts systems in the flesh, then pop into our showroom in Bristol.
We have both the Smarts and Augmented Reality Interactive Darts systems installed for you to try out.
For more details see our Showroom page. For directions see our How to Find Us page. We have plenty of fantastic games room products on display, to whet your appetite for future purchases.
