WO2022049315A1

WO2022049315A1 - Electronic toy

Info

Publication number: WO2022049315A1
Application number: PCT/ES2021/070597
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sergio GROS ESPAÑA; Jesus Prio Batalla
Original assignee: Sports Exergames, S.L.
Priority date: 2020-09-03
Filing date: 2021-08-05
Publication date: 2022-03-10
Also published as: ES1257589U; ES1257589Y

Abstract

Disclosed is an electronic toy comprising: a flat surface, preferably flexible or rollable, that includes elements that emit luminous and/or acoustic signals and presence sensors to detect an object that hits the flat surface; an object, such as a ball, the object being that which hits the flat surface; a processor, controller or motherboard of the toy, suitable for controlling the signal-emitting elements and the presence sensors; and a computer program incorporated into a computer device connected to the processor, controller or motherboard. The ball for hitting the flat surface of the toy comprises data capture sensors and means for transmitting data to an external processor. The toy also includes attachment means to arrange the flat surface of the toy on a surface vertical with respect to the floor.

Description

ELECTRONIC GAME

The present invention provides an electronic game for use as a home game.

Training systems for professionals are known that comprise a screen on which different targets light up, to which the professional must hit the screen with a ball or projectile in order to improve their skills and precision. Training systems that include training data collection methods, such as the percentage of success, among others, are also known.

However, these training systems are specific to certain sports and are focused on the training of professionals, also having a high manufacturing cost, and not being suitable for home use. The inventors of the present invention are not aware of the existence on the market of any device or game with characteristics similar to these training methods for professionals, which have a low manufacturing cost, and therefore allow domestic use, especially as a game of entertainment.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a low-cost electronic game that allows its use as a game or as a means of entertainment and/or social interaction in the domestic sphere, and that this game is easily transportable and storable, so that the user can play both indoors and outdoors.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an electronic game managed by a processor, controller or motherboard. These devices can be linked to an application for mobile, tablet,

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) for computer or video console, which allows the user to interact with other players.

More specifically, the present invention discloses an electronic game comprising: a flat surface, said flat surface comprising elements that emit light and/or acoustic signals, presence sensors for detecting an object that hits the flat surface; an object, said object being the one that impacts the flat surface; a game processor, controller or motherboard suitable for controlling said signal emitting elements and said presence sensors; and

- a computer program embedded in a computing device connected to the processor, controller or motherboard.

Preferably, said flat surface is a surface made of a flexible and/or rollable or foldable material. Said flat surface must be made of a material that allows the object to bounce without loss of power, that allows the inclusion of detection sensors and elements that emit light and sound reproduction, and that is light, rollable and/or foldable, being said material a labelable or customizable material.

More preferably, said flat surface is made of a textile or polymeric material. Preferably, said flat surface is made of an elastic material. Alternatively, said flat surface is made of graphene or an LED panel, preferably an LED panel of known type.

Preferably, the game processor, controller, or motherboard is disposed external to the flat surface. More preferably, the flat surface is wirelessly connected to the game's processor, controller, or motherboard. Alternatively, the flatbed is connected to the game's processor, controller, or motherboard via a

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) cabling.

Preferably, the game processor, controller or motherboard comprises a graphical interface.

Preferably, the computing device connected to the game processor, controller or motherboard is a mobile phone application. Alternatively, the computing device connected to the game's processor, controller, or motherboard is a tablet, computer, or game console.

Preferably the mobile phone, tablet, computer or game console acts as the control panel for the electronic game.

Preferably, the computer program connected to the processor, controller or motherboard of the game consists of a mobile application that in turn connects online with a server, a central processor or a database, the application being programmed in such a way that it can sending and receiving data from said central processor or database.

Preferably, the mobile application also comprises means for data interconnection between various processors, controllers or motherboards of as many other electronic games. More preferably, said interconnection is a wireless connection.

More preferably, the processor, controller or motherboard of the game has means for measuring and/or calculating parameters from the data received by the sensors, including among said parameters the number of hits and misses, the places of impact, the accuracy, speed, trajectory and force of an impact. Even more preferably, the processor, controller or motherboard of the game is programmed in such a way that it can send statistical data to said central processor or database generating databases.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) data and/or reports. Even more preferably, the game controller or motherboard processor is programmed such that it can receive multi-player statistics data and display it on a graphical interface of said game processor, controller or motherboard.

Preferably, the game processor, controller or motherboard comprises means for data interconnection with social networks. More preferably, the game processor, controller or motherboard comprises means for downloading advertising. Even more preferably, the game processor, controller or motherboard comprises means for making electronic payments. Preferably, the mobile application comprises an IP address and a security system to protect said IP.

Preferably, said flat surface comprises fixing means suitable for fixing said flat surface to a surface vertical to the ground. More preferably, said flat surface comprises fixing means suitable for fixing said flat surface to a ceiling or to the ground.

Preferably, the fixing means are elastic pullers or tensioners. More preferably, the fixing means comprise more than one elastic handle.

Alternatively, the fixing means comprise a sailboat system. Alternatively, the fixing means comprise a system of rings and hooks. Alternatively, the fixing means comprise adhesives, pressure clips, screws, or any other fixing means that allow easy installation and removal of the kit. In case of using adhesives, said adhesives are preferably high resistance self-adhesive. Alternatively, the fixing means comprise a platform installed at the rear of the flat surface or between the flat surface and the surface to which it is fixed.

Alternatively, the flat surface may consist of an inflatable element

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) by any fluid or liquid (air, water or a combination of both). In such a case, said surface does not need to be fixed to another surface, but is supported by itself through a base whose weight is sufficient to support the surface without the need for support on another surface. This can be particularly useful in the case of using the electronic game in outdoor spaces such as gardens, public parks, etc.

Preferably, the flat surface is divisible into more than one module. More preferably, said modules are interconnected with each other by wireless connection. Even more preferably, said modules comprise a local processor, each of these module processors being connected to the same game processor, controller or motherboard. Alternatively, said modules are interconnected with each other by wiring.

Preferably, the game comprises more than one flat surface. More preferably, said more than one flat surfaces have connection means to the same game processor, controller or motherboard.

Preferably, the presence sensors are contact sensors. Alternatively, presence sensors are vibration or machine vision sensors.

Preferably, the light signal emitters are LEDs. Alternatively, the light signal emitters are fluorescent.

The present invention also discloses an object for the game disclosed above, with the particularity that it comprises capture sensors and data transmission means to an external processor. Preferably, the object is made of a flexible polymeric material.

The object that hits the flat surface is preferably a ball.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) The ball can be spherical and of any size, of those used for the practice of any type of sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, water polo, handball, tennis, golf, ping-pong, billiards, paddle tennis, petanque, etc. The ball can also have a shape other than spherical, such as those used for rugby. The object may consist of throwable objects such as darts, bullets, arrows, etc.

Additionally, the present invention also provides the use of the flat surface of the game disclosed above as a peripheral element of a mobile phone, a tablet, a console or a computer.

For better understanding, by way of explanatory but not limiting example, some drawings of an embodiment of the present invention are attached.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the game of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the game of the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the game of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of an electronic game 100 according to the present invention, comprising a flat surface 1. The flat surface 1 of the invention comprises light-emitting and/or acoustic reproduction elements 31, arranged on at least one face of said flat surface 1, as well as presence sensors 30 for detecting an object 2 that impacts the surface. 1 flat.

The object 2 that hits the flat surface 1 and that is detected by the presence sensors 30 used in this game 100 is a ball. In a preferred embodiment, the ball is made of a flexible polymeric material, in the shape

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) which is suitable even for young children, especially for children between 5 and 10 years old. Alternatively, the present invention also contemplates that the ball be made of leather or other non-polymeric materials.

Figure 1 shows a spherical ball. The invention also contemplates the use of other types of balls with shapes and sizes different from those shown. The ball may also comprise capture sensors 20 and data transmission means to an external processor.

The flat surface 1 of Figure 1 is a surface 1 made of a flexible, rollable and/or foldable material, such that said surface is easily transportable and can be repositioned on different surfaces. The surface material 1 is a material that allows the ball to bounce without loss of power or variation in its trajectory, said material being labelable or customizable, allowing the inclusion of ball detection sensors and light-emitting elements and sound reproduction, and that is light, rollable and/or foldable.

Specifically, in the embodiment of figure 1, the interactive surface is made of a textile, polymeric material or any type of elastic material that can be stressed. Alternatively, the flat surface 1 is a touch screen made of LEDs, graphene or any other type of material that allows high transportability and high folding capacity of the flat surface 1 and which, in turn, has a low manufacturing cost. This flat surface 1 can be divisible into more than one module.

The flat surface 1 shown comprises a plurality of signal-emitting elements 31 and sensors 30, said signals being emitted acoustic and/or optical signals, the use of only acoustic signals and only optical signals also being possible. In the example shown, the optical signal emitting elements are light emitting elements, more specifically LEDs. Other types of light-emitting elements, such as

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) fluorescent or any other type of lighting system are also possible.

In said example, the sensors 30 are impact sensors. Alternatively, other types of sensors, such as vibration or machine vision sensors, can be used.

The flat surface 1 shown in figure 1 is arranged vertically on a surface vertical to the ground, more specifically on a wall. The surface 1 comprises fixing means 6 suitable for fixing said flat surface on said surface vertical to the ground. Thanks to its vertical placement and the fixing means 6, the surface remains fixed to said vertical surface, preventing its detachment or shaking after the impact of a ball on it. The fixing means 6 also allow the placement of the flat surface 1 to a ceiling or to the ground. Placing the surface 1 on a ceiling or on the ground is especially useful for practicing or playing throws in directions and parabolas different from those that could be achieved playing on a single wall.

The fixing means shown in figure 1 are elastic handles 6 . These elastic handles 6 are elastic springs that are arranged between the surface 1 and the vertical surface. The example shown shows the handles 6 placed on the vertices or edges of the flat surface at one of its ends, while they are attached to the wall at another of its ends. The handles may comprise additional elastic springs, thus improving their elasticity.

Other fixing means can be used to fix the flat surface 1 to the wall, ceiling or floor. These other means of attachment include, but are not limited to: a cape or velcro system; a system of hooks and rings (the hooks being arranged on the flat surface 1 and the rings on the vertical surface or vice versa), adhesives, pressure clips, by means of a

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) screwed to the wall, or any other means of fixing that allows easy installation and removal of the flat surface 1 of the game 100. The present invention contemplates the use of any adhesive as a means of fixing, such as high-strength self-adhesives commonly used in sports camera mounts

Alternatively, the flat surface may be fixed to the vertical surface on the ground by means of a platform installed at the rear of the flat surface or on a wall.

The set in figure 1 comprises a processor, controller or motherboard, said processor, controller or motherboard being suitable for controlling the signal emitting elements 31 and the sensors 30. This processor, controller or motherboard can be a specific local processor of each flat surface 1, located internally (ie integrated in the flat surface 1), or a game processor 9 located externally to said flat surface 1. Figure 1 shows a cable 10 connecting the flat surface to power through a plug 11 and a processor, controller or motherboard 9 external to the flat surface 1, the flat surface 1 having means 4 for connection to it. processor. The processor connects to a mobile application of a mobile phone 5 via a wireless connection such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

In figure 1, the mobile application is embedded in a mobile phone (APP). Alternatively, the application can be embedded in a tablet, computer or game console.

In the example of figure 1 , the surface 1 is decorated showing a numerical pattern. This decoration consists of drawings previously stamped on the surface 1 . This number pattern is an example of surface decoration, and you can have any other type of pattern, drawing or decoration,

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) representations or numbers of players (with floral motifs, grass, soccer goal, among others). The signal-emitting elements 31, as well as the sensors 30, are distributed along the entire flat surface 1, so that they can be illuminated and turned off so as to show the user the direction in which the ball should be thrown. These signal emitting elements are controlled directly by the game processor 9. In the example shown in Figure 1, the light signal emitting elements 31 and the acoustic signal emitters located in one of the areas decorated with a specific drawing (for example numbers) are connected and disconnected by the game processor 9, showing the user the area to cast to. Subsequently, the local processor 9 determines if the user has been successful with his launch by means of the signal received by means of the presence sensors distributed on the flat surface 1, as well as the place of impact of each launch. The flat surface 1 may also comprise an integrated local processor, being controlled by the game processor 9, the elements 31 and sensors 30 being controlled by any of the processors.

Additionally, and as shown in Figure 1, the ball comprises additional presence sensors 20 to the sensors 30 arranged on the flat surface 1, the signal from said sensors 20 being managed by the processor 9 of the game, improving precision and the number of data obtained by using the application.

The emitting elements of acoustic signals or sound reproduction allow a sound to be generated according to the effectiveness and precision of the shot, showing the user its success or failure. Additionally or alternatively, the game may not show any type of image and generate a sound, from which the user must locate the area of the surface 1 that generates this sound and impact the ball on it. Then the same sound or a different sound can show the user its success or failure. This configuration is especially useful for users or children with poor eyesight.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Alternatively to the distribution shown in Figure 1, other connection configurations of the light emitting and sound reproduction elements other than numbers are also possible, and said elements can form graphic distributions in the form of goals, targets, landscapes or any other type. graphic element. This distribution can be fixed or regularly redistributed by the processor, controller, or motherboard.

The game processor 9 has means to control the emitting elements of light and/or acoustic signals, activating and deactivating them forming different graphic structures. These different graphics structures may be part of different models or levels of a game controlled by the processor and programmed through the game.

In another possible example of configuration, the flat surface 1 is not decorated, and a plurality of light-emitting elements are shown illuminated forming a drawing that are numbers distributed throughout the flat surface so that, at a specific moment controlled by a local processor or by a processor 9 of the game, some of the light-emitting elements 31 generate a signal other than the one already shown, such as lighting up a set of signals around a number. In this way, the user observes the signal and throws the ball towards that area, the impact (or absence of impact) being detected by the sensors 30. In another configuration, the emitters 31 that form the drawing of a number can flash to indicate the direction of the shot.

In another variant, the processor 9 can start light-emitting elements forming a design of a soccer goal to detect through the sensors if the ball hits the part of the surface that would represent the "inside" of the goal, for later change the light configuration to form a target with a central circle smaller than the previous goal in order to detect a possible impact of the ball in the center

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) of it, raising the difficulty of the game from the combination of said light-emitting elements.

The game processor 9 comprises means for its online connection to a mobile application installed on a mobile phone 5, said interconnection being carried out wirelessly and/or by cable so that data can be sent and received to a central processor or database. data. The game mobile application also includes means for data interconnection with other processors. In addition, the processor, controller or motherboard of the game comprises means for the measurement and/or calculation of parameters, the number of hits and misses, the places of impact, the speed, trajectory and force of an impact from the data received by the sensors, as well as determine the accuracy of the player.

It is an advantage of the game application that it allows online connectivity with a server and/or with other applications of other players.

Through a server or central processor, the game application allows the download of data, allowing the user to modify the characteristics of the game, the connection patterns of the acoustic and/or optical elements, consult data and records, view advertising, as well as other types of management and information processing. This user interaction with the game application is preferably performed through the graphical interface of said game application. The mobile phone APP in figure 1 favors the transport of the device that supports it (mobile phone) and the comfort of this interaction, as it is a type of comfortable, light, manageable device, and known by users, both children and adolescents. Adults. Additionally, one of the advantages of the mobile phone APP is that it allows the establishment of advertising in the application itself, as well as the establishment of payments or micro-payments for downloading updates or new game modes.

The present invention contemplates a list of application interactions

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) mobile versions of the game, including but not limited to:

Create user profiles

Download game application software updates.

Download game levels, allowing the application to configure different distributions of lights, increasing or decreasing the difficulty of the user to hit by adjusting the type of emitters that are activated at each moment, the speed of said activations, etc. to the skills of each user, in such a way that it allows the user to improve their technical speed of reaction, ball control and precision.

Send and receive user data and results, allowing a record of achievements and eventual game scores.

Connect the application to social networks.

Share results to a global registry, or to social networks connected to the application.

Create a database of players.

Geolocation of players.

Make payments online.

Download tutorials, manuals, and advertising, including messages or technical talks from professionals.

Carry out online competitions through a real-time connection of applications from different games or players to a server or central processor.

Study of personalized parameters for each user.

Dumping of data to the server or central processor of all downloaded applications, including other games, so that a record of joint parameters can be obtained.

The present invention also contemplates that the central processor or server is controlled by an organizing person or entity. This person or entity may control the download of user data to game applications, as well as organize competitions or events of various gaming applications.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) game interconnected through this central processor or server. In this way, it enables the organizer the possibility of assigning payment fees for said downloads or events.

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the game 100, in which the game 100 comprises a plurality of flat surfaces each connected to a different application or to the same application, specifically two flat surfaces 1, 1n. Like elements to those of the previous embodiments are shown with like numerals. These surfaces 1, 1 n are both connected to the same application of a mobile device 5 of the game by means of wireless connection. Alternatively, the means of connecting the surfaces 1 , 1 n to the application is a wiring connection.

These 1 , 1 n flat surfaces are connected to each other. Additionally, more than two flat surfaces are connected to each other. Due to the connection of several flat surfaces, the game allows more complex exercises, such as making the ball bounce on all interconnected surfaces.

In the example of figure 2, the means of fixing the flat surface 1 to the vertical surface is a sailboat system, layer or platform 60, while the means of fixing the flat surface 1 n to the vertical surface is a 61 system of a hook and loops.

Figure 3 shows a third example of an embodiment of the game 100, in which a flat surface 1b is divided into modules 10b or interconnected platforms. Like elements to those of the previous embodiments are shown with like numerals. In the example shown, each of the modules 10b comprises wireless connection means 4 to a mobile application of a mobile device 5. Said modules can remain separated from each other or can be regrouped as required by the level

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) or game mode desired by the user and controlled by the processor 5.

The modules 10b of the flat surface 1 are interconnected with each other by connection means. These means of connection can be a means of connection through a cable 7, through a wireless connection (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or others), or a combination of both, as shown in figure 3. In this case, at least one of the modules 10b comprises means for its connection to a mobile application, arranged on a mobile phone 5.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

Claims

1 . Electronic game comprising:

- a flat surface, said flat surface comprising elements that emit light and/or acoustic signals, presence sensors for detecting an object that hits the flat surface; an object, said object being the one that impacts the flat surface; a game processor, controller or motherboard suitable for controlling said signal emitting elements and said presence sensors; and

2. Game according to claim 1, characterized in that said flat surface is a surface of a flexible or rollable material.

3. Game, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the object that hits the flat surface is a ball.

4. Game, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flat surface is made of a textile or polymeric material.

5. Game, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flat surface consists of an inflatable element by means of a fluid, a liquid or a combination thereof, which is self-supporting and which includes a lower base with sufficient mass to hold it upright the flat surface.

6. Game, according to any of the preceding claims,

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) characterized in that the game processor, controller or motherboard is arranged external to the flat surface.

7. Game, according to claims 1 to 5 above, characterized in that the processor, controller or motherboard is integrated into the flat surface.

8. Game, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processor, controller or motherboard comprises a graphical interface.

9. Game, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computer game device is a mobile phone and the computer program is a mobile application.

10. Game, according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the computer device of the game is a tablet, a computer or a game console.

11. Game, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computer game device acts as a control panel for the electronic game.

12. Game, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computer device of the game comprises means for its online connection to a server, a central processor or a database, the computer device being programmed in such a way that it can send and receiving data from said central processor or database.

13. Game, according to claim 12, characterized in that the computer game device is wirelessly connected to the server, central processor or database.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 18

14. Game, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computer device of the game comprises means for data interconnection with other computer devices.

15. Game, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processor, controller or motherboard of the game comprises means for measuring and/or calculating parameters from the data received by the sensors, said parameters including the amount of hits and misses, impact locations, speed, trajectory and force of an impact.

16. Game, according to any of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 15, characterized in that the flat surface comprises fixing means suitable for fixing said flat surface on a surface vertical to the ground.

17. Game, according to claim 16, characterized in that the fixing means are elastic pullers or tensioners.

18. Game, according to claim 17, characterized in that said fixing means comprise more than one elastic handle or tensioner.

19. Game, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flat surface is divisible into more than one module.

20. Game, according to claim 19, characterized in that said modules each comprise a local processor, each of these module processors being connected to the same game computing device.

21. Game, according to any of claims 19 to 20, characterized in that said modules are interconnected with each other by wireless connection.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 19

22. Game, according to any of claims 19 to 20, characterized in that said modules are interconnected with each other by wiring.

23. Game, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the game comprises more than one flat surface.

24. Game, according to claim 23, characterized in that said more than one flat surfaces have connection means to the same game processor, controller or motherboard.

25. Game, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the presence sensors are contact sensors.

26. Game, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light signal emitters are LEDs.

27. Ball for its impact with the flat surface of the game of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that it comprises capture sensors and data transmission means to an external processor.

28. Ball, according to claim 27, characterized in that it is made of a flexible polymeric material.

29. Fixing means adapted for arranging the flat surface of the game of claims 1 to 26 on a surface vertical to the ground.

30. Fixing means, according to claim 29, characterized in that said fixing means comprise elastic pullers or tensioners.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)