FR2762419A1 - DEVICE FOR ESTABLISHING THE RANKING OF PLAYERS OF A GAME, SUCH AS BABY-FOOT - Google Patents

Abstract

To establish the ranking of players playing a game according to their respective performances, the device according to the invention involves an individual identification medium carried by each player, in which the player's identification information is recorded, and comprises information. means for reading (3) individual identification media wishing to participate in a part of the game, means for storing (8) information relating to the performance of the players in association with the identification information, means (5, 6) to introduce the result of the game at the end of the latter in association with the identification information of the players who participated in the game, means (9) for determining the updates to be made on the relative information the performances of the players, stored by the storage means (8), depending on the result of the game, and display means (2, 15) for displaying the identification and the player performance.

Description

-1- The present invention relates to a method for the classification of

players in

  based on their performance in an activity such as a sport or a game.

  It applies in particular, but not exclusively, to games between several players, such as table football, or between a player and a machine, the performance of the players being then measured by the score obtained by the players

or the outcome of the game.

  It turns out that in many recreational or sports activities, the results established by the players practicing one of these activities are not recorded. It is therefore not possible to establish a classification of all the players practicing a certain activity in different places of a certain geographical region. In certain activities, a classification of players is established according to performances achieved during events, such as competitions or championships, specially organized for this purpose. In general, such events exclude players who have not reached a certain level. The resulting rankings therefore do not allow to classify all the players who wish, and require the organization of events allowing

  gather a large number of players of good level.

  -2- The present invention aims to eliminate these drawbacks. To this end, it offers a device for establishing the classification of players playing a game in

  based on their respective performance at this game.

  According to the invention, this device is characterized in that it involves an individual identification support carried by each player, in which player identification information is recorded, the device comprising means for reading the individual supports d identification of players who wish to participate in a part of the game, means of storing information relating to the performances of the players in association with the identification information, means for entering the result of the game at the end of it ci in association with the identification information of the players who participated in the game, means for determining the updates to be made on the information relating to the performance of the players, stored by the storage means, according to the result of the game , and display means for

  display player identification and performance.

  The device according to the invention thus makes it possible to account for each player the results of the games in which he participated, and therefore to establish a classification of all the players carrying an individual support having introduced their individual identification support into the device to save the result of a

game.

  Advantageously, each individual medium comprises storage means for memorizing the information relating to the performances of the player carrying the medium, the device according to the invention further comprising means for updating and reading the information relating to the performances stored on the

individual support.

  Thanks to this arrangement, players can play on different sites equipped with the device according to the invention, while recording their performances achieved on

these different places.

  According to a feature of the invention, the device comprises means for transmitting individual performance information stored by the storage means, to a central system comprising a central database, and means for updating the information stored in the base of

  data based on the information transmitted.

  3 - In this way, it is possible to establish a classification of all the players identified by the device according to the invention, regardless of the places where they play. It is therefore possible to provide, in each site equipped with the device according to the invention, display means where this classification established and transmitted by the central system would be displayed. An embodiment of the device according to the invention will be described below, by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 represents in the form of a block diagram, the device according to the 'invention; Figure 2 shows the central system with which the device shown in Figure 1 communicates; FIG. 3 represents a side view of a table football in which the device according to the invention is installed;

  Figure 4 shows the other side face in partial section of the baby-

  football shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a top view of the table football shown on the

figure 3.

  In FIG. 1, the device according to the invention comprises a control circuit 1, for example of the microcontroller type, display means 2, for example of the LCD type, at least one reader 3 of an identification medium such as a smart card with or without an inductive type contact, and at least three contacts 4, 5, 6 making it possible to signal the start and / or the end of a game, to introduce the parameters defining the game, and to during the game, introduce the score

as it evolves.

  This control circuit 1 makes it possible to control the display means, to ensure the transmission of information to and from the reader, and to detect the closings of the contacts 4, 5, 6. It is controlled by a microcomputer 9, by example of the PC type, with which it is connected by a serial link, the microcomputer being connected to non-volatile storage means 8, such as a non-volatile memory or a magnetic disk, and possibly a screen 15 and a keyboard for entering player identification information

  to load and customize identification media.

  The reader 3 makes it possible to identify the players who must for this purpose have a personal identification medium in which are stored identification information of the player, such as his name, his sex, his age, and his locality of residence , as well as a support number and a personal access code. This information can be coded and compressed. Identification supports are provided on each gaming site equipped with the device, and loaded with the identification information of new players, by means of a device

  designed for this purpose.

  Advantageously, in the case where the reading of the identification supports is carried out without contact, the reader comprises an imprint matching the particular shape of the identification supports, into which a support must be at least partially introduced in order to be read. Thus, only the supports having the

good form can be read.

  The microcomputer 9 can also be connected to an external video screen allowing the display of the ranking of the players, as well as to a keyboard to allow

  registering a new player.

  The start of a game part is determined by the microcontroller 1, by the detection of the closure of the contact 4, which triggers the command by the microcontroller 1 of the display 2 to display a message requesting the introduction of the parameters of game, if required. To this end, the microcontroller 1 controls the successive display on the display 2 of questions allowing the players to enter these parameters, for example using the

contacts 5, 6.

  When the parameters of the game have been introduced, it requests the introduction of the identification media of the players in a certain order in the reader 3. For example, if the game opposes two teams of two players, the microcontroller 1 will ask for all first the first player of the first team to introduce his identification support, then the second player of the first team, and so

  until all the players who are going to oppose have identified themselves.

  Each time a medium is inserted into the reader 3, the microcontroller 1 controls the display 2 to display the identification information read by the

reader 3.

  -5- Once this information is entered by the players, the microcontroller 1 transmits this information to the microcomputer 9, displays the initial score at the start of the game, and uses the contacts 5, 6 to allow the players to modify the

  score until the end of the game.

  During the game, the microcontroller 1 detects the closings of the contacts 5, 6 and updates the score on the display 2. Of course, it can also be provided that the

  score is entered automatically by the device implemented by the game.

  The microcontroller 1 also detects the end of the game, for example as a function of the score, or which can be triggered by the simultaneous closing of the two contacts, 6. The microcontroller 1 then transmits the result of the part to the microcomputer 9 which introduces this result into a local database memorized by the storage means 8, in association with the identification information of the

players.

  Provision may be made for the microcomputer 9 to control the display on the display 2 or on a larger external screen 15, the identification information and the

  performances of the best players, stored in the local database.

  According to a feature of the invention, each identification medium also stores the performances of the corresponding player. In this case, the reader 3 comprises writing means for storing information on the supports which are introduced into the reader. During the identification of each player, the microcontroller 1 also reads the performances of the player which it transmits to the microcomputer 9, and at the end of the game, it invites the winning players to introduce their identification media into the reader 3, so as to update the

  player performance based on the outcome of the game.

  Advantageously, the device according to the invention is connected to a modem 7 allowing the microcomputer 9 to communicate with a central computer, for example, via the telephone network. Thanks to this modem, the microcomputer 9 can transmit to the central computer at a predefined frequency, for example daily or weekly, all the information contained in the local database, or only the information which has

  have been entered into the local database since the last transmission.

  Thus, in FIG. 2, the central site includes a central computer 10 which manages a database 11 for ranking the players, this computer 10 being connected to a display screen 12 and to a modem 13 for communicating with different gaming sites spread across a geographic region, equipped with a

  device according to the invention connected to the modem 7.

  When a communication is established between the central computer 10 and the microcomputer 9 of a device on a game site to transmit all the data relating to the games which have occurred in the past period, the computer 10 can transmit the information back identification and performance of the first players in the ranking, that the microcomputer 9 can

  display on the screen 15 specially provided for this purpose mentioned above.

  Thanks to these provisions, the ranking of players is updated regularly, and

  displayed on the various gaming sites equipped with the device according to the invention.

  Figures 3 to 5 show the application of the device to table football. In these figures, the table football has substantially the shape of a table, comprising a plate 22 supported by feet 23. The plate has lateral faces 24, 37 from which the handles 21 for actuating the transverse rods are visible

  mobiles supporting miniature soccer players 39.

  The device shown in Figure 1 is installed inside the table football. It can also be provided that only the microcontroller 1 and its peripherals 2 to 6 are installed in the table football, the microcomputer 9 being installed outside and

  can be connected to other microcontrollers 1 installed in other baby-

  foots. In FIG. 3, the lateral face 24 comprises in a known manner, an opening through which the game balls are accessible, a slot 27 for inserting coins into a coin acceptor, to trigger the supply of the balls, and a handle 26 for bringing the balls down to the opening 25, which can be pulled when a part has been inserted into the slot 27. It also has an additional opening 28 allowing the reader 3 to read the supports player identification. The contact 4 at the start of the game can be placed, for example, on the passage of the coins towards the coin mechanism or on the axis of the handle 26, in such a way that it closes when the handle is pulled out.

get the balls.

  Figure 4 shows the other side face 37 of the table football in partial longitudinal section. This face has an opening 29 of large dimensions, closed -7- by a transparent plate resistant to shocks and revealing the display screen 15 allowing the display by the microcomputer 9 of the first players of the classification which it established locally at starting from the information contained in the local database, and from the ranking transmitted by the central computer 10. Alternatively, it is possible to provide that the larger display for displaying the ranking of the players is located outside the table football and shared through

several table footballs.

  As shown in the section, the display 2 is arranged at the bottom of a goal, so as to be visible from the outside through the opening of the goal. One can thus provide a display for each goal on which the microcontroller 1 displays the score and the various instructions to be given to the players at the start and at the end of the game. In this position, the display 2 is perfectly visible to the players, while being

  protected against acts of vandalism.

  It is also possible to provide means for protecting the display 2 against

possible shocks.

  Advantageously, the device according to the invention comprises a second identification support reader accessible by another opening 32 provided on the other side face of the table football, which makes it possible to simplify the step of identifying the players, the microcontroller 1 then being able to determine the team to which each player belongs according to the player used by the latter. It is also possible to provide two card readers on each side face of the table football so as to allow the simultaneous introduction of the identification cards of four players, these can then remain in their reader until the end of the game. The microcontroller 1 can then determine the front / rear position of

each player in each team.

  If only two identification media have been introduced, the microcontroller 1 controls the display of the message "game with two players?", Until another medium is introduced or one of the players already identified has responded. , for example by closing the two contacts 5, 6 simultaneously. If a third identification medium is introduced, the microcontroller 1 waits for a fourth identification medium. When four players have identified themselves,

  the microcontroller 1 controls the display of the message "game with four players".

  -8- In Figure 5, the contacts 5 and 6 are actuated by two buttons 33, 34

  arranged on the upper face of an edge of a transverse face of the table football.

  Two other buttons 35, 36 identical to the first are provided on the other transverse edge so that each team has two buttons to modify the score or to make choices proposed by the microcontroller 1 on the

displays 2.

  Of course, provision can be made for the score to be updated automatically, for example, by detecting the passage of the balls on their path downstream of the goals, the players possibly having the possibility of modifying this score using

contacts 5, 6.

  Such a device makes it possible for example to allocate a point to each player who wins a game, and thus to classify the players in several categories according to the number of points obtained, as well as their age and their sex. We can also predict that the number of points won in each game depends on the category of

losing team players.

  Other information on the game that has just ended can also be memorized by the device. This information indicates for example the number of players per team that faced each other, the score, the position of the players

  (front or back), date and place of the game, ...

  The device can also allow players to put into play a certain number of points, the players of the winning team will then get twice the number of points put into play, while the players of the losing team will lose the points that they put into play. Of course, this option which is chosen during the game setting stage is only possible if all the players present have already obtained points. In this case, the microcomputer 9 orders the withdrawal of the cards of each player of the number of points put into play, and at the end of the game, orders the allocation of three times this number of points to the players of

Winner team.

  In addition, each player can access the central database by means of a terminal equipped with a modem, this in order to be able to consult their ranking, update their address stored in the central database, or indicate to the system that it has lost its identification medium, so as to trigger an opposition on its medium. In the latter case, this information -9- is transmitted to all equipped sites which will invalidate the support as soon as it is inserted into a reader 3. To access the central site, the player must

  heard entering into the terminal its identification number and code.

  Identification media have a limited period of validity and must be renewed. Each identification medium therefore stores its start date of use. Each time a medium is introduced into a reader 3, the microcomputer 9 verifies that the period of validity of the medium has not expired, and if the period of validity has expired, it renders the medium invalid, for example by writing a code there of disability via microcontroller 1 and reader

  3 into which the support is inserted.

- 10-

Claims (15)

  1. Device for establishing the classification of players playing a game according to their respective performances in this game, characterized in that it involves an individual identification medium carried by each player, in which identification information is recorded of the player, the device comprising means for reading (3) individual media for identifying players who wish to participate in a part of the game, means for storing (8) information relating to the performances of the players in association with the information identification, means (5, 6) for entering the result of the game at the end of the game in association with the identification information of the players who participated in the game, means (9) for determining the updates to be made on the information relating to the performance of the players, stored by the storage means (8), according to the result of the game, and the means of display (2, 15) to display   player identification and performance.   2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises means for establishing a classification   of the players according to the information memorized by the storage means.   3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each individual medium comprises storage means for storing information relating to the performance of the player carrying the medium, the reading means (3) being designed to update and read performance information stored on each individual media.   4. Device according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that it comprises means for transmitting (7, 13) individual performance information stored by the storage means (8), to a central system comprising a central database (11), and means (10 ) to update the information stored in the database by   based on the information transmitted.   5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises display means (15) allowing   display the classification established and transmitted by the central system. - 11 -   6. Device according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the individual identification medium is of the smart card type with or without contact.   7. Device according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that it comprises means (4) for detecting the start of a game and at least two contacts (5, 6) which can be actuated by the players, their   allowing to introduce the score as the game progresses.   8. Device according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that, in order to be read by the reading means (3), each identification medium must be at least partially introduced into a cavity which follows the shape of the support.   9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6,   characterized in that it comprises means (1) for determining the score as   and as the game progresses.   10. Device according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that it comprises means (9) for counting a number of points as a function of the number of victories of each player, and means (1, 9) allowing each player to put into play part of the points which he acquired, before the start of a game, and award the winners of the game twice the   number of points normally awarded in case of victory.   11. Application of the device according to one of claims previous to the table football game.   characterized in that the device is installed at least partly in the body of the baby foot.   12. Application according to claim 11, characterized in that the display means (2) are arranged at the bottom of at least one goal, and the reading means (3) of the identification media, on one of the side faces (24, 37) of the table football, the contacts (5, 6, 35, 36) being actuated by means of buttons arranged on an upper edge of the table football 13. Application according to claim 11 or 12, - 12- characterized in that it comprises a display screen (15) of the classification of   players, visible from one of the side faces (24, 37) of the table football.   14. Application according to one of claims 11 to 13,   characterized in that the device comprises two readers (3) for identification support accessible respectively from the two lateral faces (24, 37) of the table football.   15. Application according to one of claims 11 to 14,   characterized in that the device comprises two support readers (3)   accessible on each side face (24, 37) of the table football.