CA3167360A1 - Mobile gaming bot and system associated with same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a gaming bot (1) for a gaming system (2) comprising a library (3) of gaming apps (3a), the bot (1) being mobile and comprising: - a memory (6) to which a gaming app (3a) in the library can be uploaded, - a module (7) for connecting to a mobile device (8) for installing and/or using the gaming app (3a), - a man/machine interface (1a) which comprises * means for interpreting user gaming actions, which means are configured to interpret gaming actions of a user or another bot which are specific to the current gaming app (3a), and * bot gaming action means configured to perform bot gaming actions which are specific to the current gaming app (3a). The invention further relates to a corresponding system associated with gaming elements (13, 13a).

Description

Description Title of the invention: Mobile game robot and associated system The present invention relates to the field of games such as board games or video games. The invention relates more specifically to a gaming robot and a game system associated.

[0002] In this field, game systems have been proposed video where the user can be in a virtual environment with a two-dimensional display or in a immersive three-dimensional environment, and control game elements by of the buttons. This type of game requires carrying a game console or providing a game video including complex system and delicate display, which involves costs high manufacturing.

[0003] In addition, video games involve the use of a fully environment virtual which is not always satisfactory from a sociability point of view uses readers.

[0004] Furthermore, board games have been proposed with a table and pawns to do move on the board according to the results of dice rolls, for example.

[0005] This type of solution is not entirely satisfactory because setting up the game and Game manipulations are tedious. In addition, handling the rules game is not easy and the rules of the game must be re-explained each time new player.

[0006] In addition, this solution makes it necessary to have a set of elements of game for a game. In case of weariness, you need another set of game element for each game extra, which can be cumbersome when transporting several games.

[0007] A first objective of the invention is to propose a device and a system born eliminating less virtual game environment for more sociability of users.

[0008] A second objective is to propose a device and a electronic game system board game that does not require multiple sets of game elements for different games.

[0009] To achieve these objectives, the invention proposes a robot game for a system of game comprising a library of game applications, the robot being mobile and including a memory into which a game application of said game can be loaded library, a mobile device connection module for installing and/or using the game application.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the robot comprises an interface man-machine who understand means for interpreting user game actions, configured to in-interpret in-game actions of a user or another robot, specific at the current game application, and robot game action means, configured to perform robot game actions robot game, specific to the current game application.

[0011] Advantageously, the robot makes it possible to perform games with one or more users readers, which limits the need for a virtual environment and improves the sociability of users.

[0012] In addition, the robot is configured to be played with different games in a bookstore of games, which makes it possible to change games without having a significant amount additional game elements that would be cumbersome.

[0013] According to other aspects taken in isolation, or combined according to all combinations technically feasible:
the robot includes sensors for user interactions associated with means for interpreting user game actions; and or of the sensors for interactions with the environment associated with the means robot game actions; and or said sensors include optical sensors and pulse sensors.
red; and or at least one sensor is configured to interpret the passage of the hand of the user, in particular above the robot, as a game action of user; and or the robot includes extension means for adding other means interpretation of user game actions and/or other means of shares robot game; and or the robot is characterized by an essentially prismatic general shape with polygonal base with at least five sides; and or the robot includes game controls that include buttons for robot control and/or mobile device control buttons; and/
Where the means for interpreting user game actions are associated with mechatronic means of the mobile device; and or the game robot comprises at least one holonomic wheel, in particular three holonomic wheels arranged 120 apart.

The invention further relates to a gaming system comprising a mobile robot according to the invention, and a library of at least one game application.

[0015] Preferably, the system further comprises at least one chosen game element among a pawn, a character, a card, and/or an obstacle such as a wall.

[0016] More generally, the invention further relates to a system video games including WO 2021/1655

17 3 preferably, a mobile interface application in a remote server;
a library of at least one game application, preferably in said application mobile interface application;
a mobile game robot comprising a memory in which can be loaded said game application, said robot comprising a module for connecting to a mobile device.
[0017] According to one aspect, the robot comprises a human interface machine that includes means for interpreting user game actions, configured to in-interpret a user's game actions, specific to the application of Game in progress, and robot game action means, configured to perform robot game actions robot game, specific to the current game application.

The invention further relates to a game method comprising implementation steps work of the system according to the invention. In particular, the actions of the elements or means of the system according to the invention are as many steps of the method according to the invention.

Another object of the invention relates to a program product computer comprising portions of program code recordable on a medium usable in a control unit, to implement a system according to the invention where the process according to the invention. Of course, the program itself is also object of the invention.

[0020] The invention further relates to a mobile application including a product computer program or a program according to the invention. Preferably, the mobile application is part of the system according to a variant of the invention.

The interface mobile application, the game library and the game application are, each, an object of the invention.

[0021] The invention further relates to a game method performed using a robot according to the invention. In particular, the robot's game actions and the recognitions of user actions are, each, as many steps of the game method according the invention.

The invention will be further detailed by the description of embodiments not limiting, and on the basis of the appended figures illustrating variants of invention, in which :

[0023] [fig.1] Figure 1 is an overall diagram of the environment of the invention in a preferred embodiment;

[0024] [fig.2] Figure 2 is a view in space of the robot in the embodiment prefer ;

[0025] [fig.3] Figure 3 is a diagram of the general block diagram of the invention in the preferred embodiment; and

[0026] [fig.4] Figure 4 is a diagram of the block diagram detail of the invention in the preferred embodiment.

[0027] The invention relates firstly to a game robot 1 for a game system 2.

[0028] The objective is to renew the player's experience thanks to to new technologies, by offering a hybridization of board games and video games to bring together around the table all generations and people with points of interest different.

[0029] The adapted game system 2 comprises a library of game applications 3, which can be played with robot 1.

[0030] The robot 1 is of reduced size, for example between approximately 5x5x5 cm and approx.
20x20x20cm. In the preferred variant, robot 1 measures approximately 13x13x5.5 cm.

According to a variant, the robot 1 has a general shape essentially prismatic based polygon of at least five sides. This makes it easy to store robots each above the others and on the sides by limiting the dead space between the robots. In by-particular, the base is essentially hexagonal to have an occupation spatial optimal.

[0031] The robot 1 can include power supply modules and battery B, and be associated with a C loading base.

The robot 1 preferably has bumpers 4 (bumpers) (for example at the front and at rear) to absorb shocks and/or detect contact with the user and/or an object. This contact can be used in game application 3a.

[0033] The robot 1 is mobile, in particular thanks to wheels 5.
More specifically, the robot 1 comprises holonomic wheels 5, for example three holonomic wheels 5, associated with a system controlling the movement independently and/or by piloting of the user in game or outside of any game as a robot remote. the robot 1 can use 3 holonomic wheels 5 arranged at 120 with 3 motors. Of preferably, a mechanism allows the wheels to enter the robot 1 when the user presses on it so as not to damage the shafts of the motors.
This movement can trigger a press on a push button, for example walking/
stop. Alternatively, there are three push buttons, one for each sub-system consisting of a wheel and a motor.

We can use displacements per whole unit of distances or fractions, by example of displacements in number of squares, or centimeters... We can consider to measure the distance traveled and use it in the game application 3a;
or of order a distance to be covered in the rules of the game. The wheels 5 are of preferably hidden by the hull of the robot 1 for more aesthetics. In addition this gives a feeling of levitation. 5 holonomic wheels allow movement at 360 .

[0035] A mobile robot 1 allows the implementation of certain of said games. Additionally, a robot 1 mobile allows to play in real, by limiting the need for environment virtual.

[0036] Furthermore, the robot 1 comprises a memory 6 in which can be loaded game application 3a of said library 3. In particular, the memory 6lets install several games and play them using the robot 1.

[0037] Advantageously, this makes it possible to have a wide choice of games and to be able to change when tired.

[0038] In addition, the robot 1 comprises a connection module 7 to a mobile device 8 for installing and/or using the game application 3a. It's about especially a smartphone or tablet that can be connected to the Internet, and to the robot preference wireless, such as in BluetoothTM technology, for example in BLE technology.

[0039] The mobile device 8 constitutes a simplified means of connection of robot 1 to the game library 3 to download said game application 3a. This involves a simplified constitution of the robot 1. Advantageously, the installation and the download can be done in robot 1.

[0040] According to a first aspect, the robot 1 comprises an interface man-machine the specific, making it possible to implement the game application 3a.

[0041] By man-machine interface is meant all of the material means and software making it possible to implement a personality of the robot as that player for example, and not only as a referee or a means of calculation points or game evaluation. The human-machine interface includes it various means and other elements configured to allow the user to play using the robot 1. These means are known in themselves and will not be presented in detail.
The invention relates to the implementation of these means in a specific context describe herein. For simplification, the man-machine interface is identified in the drawings by the board la of the microcontroller lb.

[0042] In particular, the robot 1 comprises an lc interface screen that can display information formations relating to the game, in particular posting the rules of the game, posting a menu. He it is for example a TFT or OLED screen. The screen allows it to have a interface smartphone-independent visual man-machine 8. This allows to play some games 100% without smartphone.

[0043] Alternatively, the screen can display expressions of face or emotions, in relation to the game in progress. Thus, robot 1 can have reactions "human" to events, for example it can express discontent, joy, bumping into each other versus an obstacle etc. For this, it uses, for example, sound and visual feedback.

[0044] The robot 1 can include at least one ld speaker for send one or more messages or audio signals, in particular in connection with the game application 3a in Classes.
The said ld speaker involves similar benefits to the le screen, but hearing aids place and place of the visual. In particular, the 1d loudspeaker can allow to state information relating to the game, in particular the rules of the game, stating a menu.

[0045] The man-machine interface may involve LEDs L
for example four leds L controlled by the card (la). The L leds are preferably placed in below the robot and their light reflects off the ground.

[0046] The man-machine interface allows it to have feedback from the robot and improve user experience.

[0047] The man-machine interface includes it on the one hand means interpretation user game actions, configured to interpret game actions of a user player or another robot, and specific to the game application 3a in Classes.

[0048] In particular, the man-machine interface recognizes it several different actions of user play, but is configured to take into account only those who correspond to current 3a game application and not others gaming apps.
The corresponding information is taken into account in order to have a reaction of robot 1, possibly by non-virtual movement of robot 1.

[0049] Thus, according to a preferred variant, the gaming robot 1 includes 9 sensors for interactions with the user associated with the interpretation means 10, 10a, 10c of user game actions. User actions captured by these sensors 9 allow the robot 1 to understand the play of the user or the other robot.

[0050] In particular, the robot 1 comprises sensors at infrared 9a and sensors optics 9b. The infrared sensors 9a are actuated by disturbance of a beam infrared, the optical sensors 9b are actuated by disturbance of a other otic bundle. These sensors make it possible to have precise detection and effective with simplified elements.

[0051] More particularly, the robot 1 comprises eleven sensors to infrared 9a and two optical sensors. One can for example provide one or two IR sensors of interaction above, for user interaction. We can talk about a sensor IR 9a medium distance. One or more sensors 9 can be used for the navigation in the menu. There are preferably 4 sensors on the sides.

[0052] More particularly, at least one sensor 9 (9a) is configure to interpret the passage of the user's hand, in particular above the robot 1, like a user game action. This is for example a distance and or a time to specific detection, for example at about 0 to 10 cm from the detector during about 500 ms to two seconds.

[0053] Advantageously, the detections of the infrared sensors 9a allow to implement specific game commands involving movements of the user.

[0054] Of course, presence sensors can be considered standard, and/or detection video/camera image without going outside the scope of the invention although this does not be not the preferred variant.

[0055] The robot 1 can include a light sensor.

[0056] Alternatively or in combination, the shares user can also do intervene a microphone and voice recognition modules and/or mods speech-to-text.

[0057] Robot 1 can also read the result of a dice roll physical or electronic or have an additional module for this purpose.

[0058] The actions of the user can be captured or detected directly or we can consider that this is done via a tool provided for this purpose such as a transmitter coupled to a robot receiver.

[0059] User actions can also be picked up/detected via mechatronic means of the mobile device 8 such as a compass, an access lerometer, ... Thus, in a variant, the means of interpreting actions game user are associated with mechatronic means of the mobile device 8.

In the preferred variant, the optical sensors 9b and the compasses are used only to accurately detect the position of the robot, the robot used for his enslavement.

[0061] In addition to these sensors/detectors, the robot 1 can comprise game controls that include robot control buttons 11. Advantageously, these 11 commands allow to interact with the robot without needing the smartphone X.
It is possible, for example, to provide four control pushbuttons.

[0062] Alternatively or in combination, the robot 1 can comprise orders of game which include mobile device control buttons 8.

[0063] The commands by buttons can be based on touch buttons. The buttons can be in the form of a joystick, directional cross.

[0064] Thus, depending on the game in progress, specific commands can be functional.
Depending on the case, the robot 1 can be controlled in different ways or can be move in an autonomous way.

[0065] In addition to the means of interpretation 10 of game actions user, man interface machine the further comprises means of robot game actions, configured to perform robot game actions, specific to the 3a application in course, with a possibility of movement of the robot 1.

[0066] In particular, the man-machine interface knows it many different ways of robot game actions, but is configured to perform only those who cor-Respond to current 3a game app and not other apps of game.

[0067] Advantageously, the robot 1 makes it possible to perform games with one or more users readers interacting with the man-machine interface the. This allows to limit the need for a virtual environment and improves the sociability of users.

[0068] Furthermore, the robot 1 is configured to be played with different 3a games from the one library of 3 games, loaded into its memory 6. This allows you to change games without have a significant amount of additional game elements that would be in-combants. A memory extension, for example a memory card, can allow to store thousands of games.

[0069] In addition, the robot 1 can therefore react, possibly by moving, to game actions of the user. The invention can be defined as a video game console laptop who moves and can interact with outside elements or people. She situates between the world of video games with library/platform, that of board games And the one of the robotics.

[0070] Furthermore, according to a variant, the gaming robot 1 includes 9 sensors for interactions with the environment associated with the means of play actions robot. He it may be one or more sensors 9a or detection means described below above. We can for example provide four IR sensors 9a of obstacles for the interaction with some any obstacles, e.g. detecting obstacles in front and behind the robot 1 as well as on the sides. We can talk about a long distance IR 9a sensor.

[0071] It is also possible to provide ground sensors 9 (for example two to six sensors, front and back and sides) detecting table edges so that the robot 1 falls not. We can talk about a short distance 9a IR sensor. We can predict the reaction that you want depending on that (half turn, 1/4 turn and keep rolling, robot stop,

[0072] The ground sensors 9 can allow the robot 1 to avoid obstacles, or fall hazards.

[0073]According to a variant, the robot 1 comprises means extension 12 to add other means of interpreting user game actions and/or other means of robot game actions 1. These 12 expansion means give modularity to robot 1 and allow technological adaptability. It could be of elements software and/or hardware such as additional sensors, preferably simply plugged into robot 1 or wirelessly. Means of extension aesthetic may be provided, such as decorative elements.

[0074] An extension can be provided which will be used to differentiate game cards via NFC, RIFD or color sensors.

[0075]According to a variant, the robot 1 comprises means for placing updated to adapt and/
or update the means of interpreting user game actions and/or the means of robot game actions.

The invention further relates to a system 2 comprising a robot 1 as described pre-recently associated with a library of game applications 3. More particularly, the robot 1 is associated with an interface application for the mobile device 8, herself including game application library 3.

[0077]According to a variant, the system 2 also comprises at least a game element 13 chosen from a pawn, a character, a card, a board and/or a obstacle 13a such as a wall, a tower. Thus, a user can obtain a robot 1 associated with a or more of these game elements 13 and have access to several games3a of the bookstore 3 using the robot 1 and possibly said game element(s) 13.
The user uses a mobile device 8 for this purpose, and loads the application interface.

[0078] For example, game 3a may relate to a course in which robot 1 must avoid obstacles 13a, recognize identify or read a card (card) or a smart card (smartcard) or a connected card, browse a board... The robot 1 meeting the obstacle 13a can stop and change direction, stop, modify slightly the trajectory or push the obstacle 13a. Robot 1 can detect a card specific, by example a black card, on the playing field.

[0079] Preferably, the obstacle 13a has a hexagonal base of 3 cm aside, and has a height between half the height of robot 1 and the height itself robot 1. Additional obstacles 13a of other shapes can be provided. The obstacles 13a are preferably nestable and can be assembled together for a gain of space.

One can consider using obstacles 13a connected.
In particular, robot 1 can know if the obstacles are placed on the ground and which ones are placed (there may be have different types).

[0081] NFC can be added so that the robot 1 and/or the smartphone 8 can recognize an obstacle by bringing it closer to it (or QR-code), and use this information in the game.

[0082] In a variant, the robot 1 will not be able to know where locate the obstacles 13a but he can know what obstacle he meets when he is close to him (RFID technology for example).

[0083] Advantageously, the game system 2 makes it possible to have a set of game elements 13 re-configurable to implement several different 3a sets.
Possible examples of games:
Example 1: the battle:

[0084] Robot 1 starts in the center, and the two players are on either side of a tray/table.

[0085] The first player passes his hand over robot 1 to start the game. 5 ago seconds per player, in turn the player can take or remove an obstacle 13a or not do nothing, then it's the other player's turn.

[0086] Only one action is possible per turn. Robot 1 reacts constantly at obstacles 13a and follows a movement logic that varies with each game.

To win, robot 1 must be brought to the opposing camp.

Example 2: running

[0088] The robot 1 is controlled from the mobile application at full speed.

[0089] You have to go as quickly as possible to the end of a route predetermined by the players. The fastest player wins. This game is played turn-based.
Example 3: Arrival at the right point

[0090] Robot 1 has this sequence of movements: (continuation to be defined for different parts) (example: when the robot crosses an obstacle 13a it goes the first three times to the left then the fourth time he crosses the obstacle in front of him once on the right and he re-begin. If an obstacle 13a is to its left, then it turns right.

[0091] A player bets that the robot can reach a point by asking a number obstacles 13a: (he is not allowed to set up obstacles 13a, he must imagine the course without making mistakes) either the other player accepts: if he succeeds with as many obstacles he wins 2 points, 3 points if he does it less and 1 point if he does it more;
either he refuses and he thinks that the first player is wrong or bluff: the first player must show that what he said is possible and if it is not he lose 2 points, otherwise he wins 2.
Example 4: Big game

[0092] The robot 1 moves in a board game and brings events, we add mountains, plains, or other game element 13 as you go to harvest points or reach a specific goal.

[0093] Certain game options can allow you to take the robot control 1 pendant some time.
Example 5: Tower defense

[0094] Robot 1 starts from one side of the field and approaches gently: the goal is, as a team or alone, to prevent robot 1 from reaching the end of the table/terrain by placing of the barriers 13a. Cards (cards) can be added to complicate and to diversify the game. They will make it possible to add rules.
Example 6: co-op play

[0095] Each player chooses X number of actions as the robot 1 will accomplish without know the actions that the other players have chosen, the goal being to bring the robot 1 to an objective by passing obstacles 13a as quickly as possible.

[0096] At each turn, all the players choose the actions in same time then robot 1 does all the actions, player by player, before starting a round again.

[0097] The game ends when robot 1 has reached its objective.

Claims

Claims [Claim 1] Game robot (1) for a game system (2) including a library (3) game applications (3a), the robot (1) being mobile and comprising:
- a memory (6) in which a game application can be loaded (3a) of said library, - a connection module (7) to a mobile device (8) for installing and/or using the game application (3a), - a man-machine interface (1a) which comprises * user game actions interpretation means, configured to interpret game actions of a user or another robot, specific to the current game application (3a), and * means of robot game actions, configured to perform robot game actions, specific to the current game application (3a).
[Claim 2] Game robot according to the preceding claim, including sensors (9) for user interactions associated with the means interpreting (10, 10a) user game actions; and/or sensors (9) for interactions with the environment associated with means of robot game actions.
[Claim 3] Game robot according to the preceding claim, in which said sensors (9) include optical sensors (9b) and sensors with infrared (9a).
[Claim 4] Gaming robot according to claim 2 or 3, in which at least one sensor (9a) is configured to interpret the passage of the hand from the user, in particular above the robot (1), as an action of user play.
[Claim 5] Game robot according to one of the claims previous ones, including extension means (12) for adding other means interpretation of user game actions and/or other means of robot game actions.
[Claim 6] Game robot according to one of the claims preceding, characterized by an essentially prismatic general shape with a polygonal base of at least minus five sides.
[Claim 7] Game robot according to one of the claims previous ones, including game controls that include game control buttons robot (11) and/or mobile device control buttons (8).
[Claim 8] Game robot according to one of the claims previous ones, in which the means for interpreting user game actions are associated with mechatronic means of the mobile device (8).
[Claim 9] Game robot according to one of the claims previous ones, including at least one holonomic wheel (5), in particular three holonomic wheels (5) arranged 1200 apart.
[Claim 10] Gaming system comprising:
- a mobile robot (1) according to one of the preceding claims, and - a library (3) of game applications (3a).
[Claim 11] Game system according to the preceding claim, further comprising at least one game element (13) chosen from among a pawn, a character, a card, and/or an obstacle (13a) such as a wall.