DE102013216784A1 - Electronic cube, game system and method for displaying a movement of an electronic cube - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides an electronic cube, a game system, and a method for indicating movement of an electronic cube. The electronic cube includes: a housing (10) having a plurality of side surfaces (11-i); a sensor device (12; 12 '), by means of which information about a movement of the cube (1) can be determined in real time, wherein the sensor device (12) has a three-axis rotation rate sensor (14) which is formed in the housing (10) and a three-axis acceleration sensor (16) formed in the housing (10); and a communication device (20) by means of which electronic data signals based on the determined information can be transmitted wirelessly.

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic cube and a game system with an electronic cube. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for indicating a movement of an electronic cube.

State of the art

Dice are needed to generate random numbers for a variety of board and board games. If social games are software-based, ie played on a computer, for example a tablet PC or a smartphone, random numbers can be generated automatically by the computer. However, this can be perceived by the game participants as unattractive.

In the US 2012/0302320 A1 is an electronic cube described. The electronic cube has an acceleration sensor and a cable-based or wireless transmission and reception unit. The electronic cube can be thrown by a user analogous to a conventional game cube. A diced number is determined and transmitted to an external device. Thus, the physical act of rolling the dice may be associated with determining a random number for a software-based parlor game.

Disclosure of the invention

The present invention discloses an electronic cube having the features of claim 1, a game system having the features of claim 9, and a method having the features of claim 9.

Accordingly, there is provided an electronic cube having a housing with a plurality of side surfaces. The cube further comprises a sensor device, by means of which information about a movement of the cube can be determined in real time, wherein the sensor means a, in particular three-axis, rotation rate sensor, which is formed in the housing and a, in particular three-axis, acceleration sensor, which is formed in the housing. The electronic cube also has a communication device, by means of which electronic data signals based on the determined information can be transmitted wirelessly. The communication device may be a radio interface, for example a Bluetooth or Ethernet interface.

The game system according to the invention has, in addition to the electronic cube, a receiving device by means of which the electronic data signals which can be transmitted by means of the communication device of the electronic cube can be received. The gaming system also has a computing device by means of which the data signals receivable by the receiving device can be evaluated in real time in order to generate in real time an animated virtual representation of the eletronic cube. The game system also has a display device by means of which an animated virtual representation of the electronic cube generated by the computing device can be displayed in real time.

The method according to the invention for indicating a movement of an electronic cube comprises the following method steps: determining information about a movement of the electronic cube by means of a sensor device; wirelessly transmitting data signals based on the information about the movement of the electronic cube to a receiving device; Calculating a trajectory of the cube comprising a trajectory of the cube and an orientation of the cube at each point of the trajectory; Generating an animated virtual representation of the electronic cube in accordance with the calculated trajectory; and displaying the animated virtual representation in real time by means of a display device.

Advantages of the invention

The idea underlying the invention is that the gaming fun of players of a software-based parlor game can be further improved if the full movement of the dice can be tracked in real time on a screen. This is particularly the case when some or all of the players are in different locations and participate in the software-based parlor game via remote connections, such as the Internet. This can build a more intense sense of simultaneity and community. All players can "live" participate in the dice event.

Thus, not only the end position of the cube is determined, that is, which number (or object) was rolled, but the dynamic movement of the cube is transmitted. An animated virtual cube can mimic the movement of the real cube 1: 1. With the help of the three-axis rotation rate sensor, the rotational movements of the cube can be detected. The accelerometer can detect which side of the cube is pointing down or up, whether the cube comes up on a tabletop (or other surface) during dicing, and whether it moves up or down in space.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the dependent claims and from the description with reference to the figures.

According to a preferred development of the electronic cube, the sensor device of the electronic cube further comprises a three-axis magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor may be wholly or partly formed within the housing of the electronic cube. By means of the magnetic sensor, the absolute position of the electronic cube can be determined, for example by comparison with a known reference magnetic field such as the earth's magnetic field.

According to a further preferred development, the cube has an energy source, by means of which the sensor device and the communication device can be supplied with electrical energy. The energy source may be formed as a battery, as an accumulator, as a solar cell, and / or as a means for obtaining kinetic energy electrical energy. A charging of the power source can be wireless, such as by induction, or wired. Corresponding receiver coils or cable sockets can be formed in or on the housing of the electronic cube.

According to a further preferred development, the cube furthermore has a microcontroller, which is arranged in the housing. The microcontroller is designed to evaluate the information obtained about the movement of the cube to calculate in real time a trajectory of the cube. The trajectory may include a trajectory of the cube and an orientation of the side surfaces of the cube at each point of the trajectory. The broadcastable data signals may include the calculated trajectory of the cube. Thus, requirements for a device to which the determined information is transmitted can be reduced since a large part or all of the necessary calculations are already carried out in the cube itself. A memory device, for example a disk memory, may also be formed in the cube. Thus, relevant software for evaluating measurement results of the sensor device can be stored in the cube. Information about a large number of dice rolls can also be stored in the memory device, for example in order to make counterfeiting more difficult or to replay already occurring dice events.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the side surfaces of the electronic cube are each the same size. In particular, the plurality of side surfaces may be four, six, eight, ten, twelve, twenty, thirty or one hundred. Thus, the electronic cube for all common board and role games can be used.

According to a further preferred development, an individual identification code of the cube can be emitted by means of the communication device, by means of which the electronic cube can be unambiguously identified. For example, a parlor game can be realized in which several players have to throw dice simultaneously, each player being assigned a specific dice. In games over a remote connection, such as the Internet, can also be easily seen for all game participants, which player has just thrown a particular die. A virtual animated representation of each electronic cube may be formed differently based on the individual identification code. For example, a player can identify a cube associated with him via the identification code and enter or select a representation of this cube, for example in the form of a "skin". If the electronic cube is thrown with the corresponding identification code, the animated virtual representation of the cube is automatically generated and displayed with the presentation form desired by the player.

According to a further preferred development, special commands can be transmitted to the game system by means of the cube. An example command might be that the player does not want to roll the die this turn, but to suspend it. To pass this on to the game system, he knocks on the dormant cube twice in quick succession. The rest position and the knocking are measured by the three-axis acceleration sensor and either already detected in the cube as a command or only by the device to which the sensor signal is transmitted. Special movement patterns can also represent commands. Examples are passing the cube in a circle on the table top (right or left, for example, the screen display goes back or forth), just moving in the air, etc.

Brief description of the drawings

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the schematic figures of the drawings. It shows:

1 a schematic view of an electronic cube according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

2 a schematic block diagram of an electronic cube according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

3 a schematic block diagram of the sensor device 12 ' according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

4 a schematic view of a game system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

5 a flowchart for explaining a method for displaying a movement of an electronic cube according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In all figures, the same or functionally identical elements and devices - unless otherwise stated - provided with the same reference numerals. The numbering of process steps should not imply a specific order; In particular, several method steps can advantageously be carried out simultaneously.

Embodiments of the invention

1 shows a schematic view of an electronic cube according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

According to 1 the electronic cube has a housing 10 with six side surfaces 11-1 . 11-2 . 11-3 on. The totality of the side surfaces is also mentioned below 11 and any side surface also with 11-i designated. The majority of side surfaces 11 may in particular be four, six, eight, ten, twelve, twenty, thirty or one hundred. The side surfaces 11-i of the cube 1 can each be the same size, so that there is an approximately equal probability, a certain side surface 11-i to dice. By rolling a side surface 11-i is meant that the cubed side surface 11-i of the cube 1 in a stable equilibrium position of the cube 1 points upwards. But it can also be some or all of the side surfaces 11-i be formed differently from each other, for example, a probability of dicing certain side surfaces 11-i to enlarge or reduce. It can also be in or on the case 10 of the cube 1 Weights should be designed and arranged so that despite approximately equally trained side surfaces 11-i different probabilities yield different faces 11-i to dice.

According to the first embodiment, the electronic cube 1 a sensor device 12 on which in the housing 10 is trained. The sensor device 12 is formed such that by means of the sensor device 12 Information about a movement of the cube 1 be determined in real time. That is, within a certain tolerance and essentially no time delay can be determined how the cube 1 currently moving. In this case, a relative movement relative to a reference point or a reference field, for example, the gravitational field of the earth or an absolute movement can be determined. Movements are all translations and rotations in three-dimensional space. In particular, information about speeds, angular velocities, accelerations, angular accelerations as well as higher derivatives of these and other motion variables can thus be determined.

According to the first embodiment, the sensor device comprises 12 a three-axis rate of rotation sensor 14 and a three-axis accelerometer 16 , The rotary axis sensor 14 is for finding information about rotations of the cube 1 trained in real time. The acceleration sensor 16 is for finding information about accelerations of the cube 1 trained in real time.

According to the first embodiment, in the electronic cube 1 furthermore a communication device 20 formed, by means of which electronic data signals, which are based on the information obtained, are wirelessly broadcast. Thus, the electronic data signals can be transmitted to a receiving device. The communication device 20 can also be designed as a two-way communication device, so that signals to the electronic cube 1 are sendable.

The cube 1 also has an energy source 22 on, by means of which at least the sensor device 12 and the communication device 20 can be supplied with electrical energy. The energy source 22 For example, it can be designed as a battery, in particular as a button cell. The energy source 22 may also include, for example, an accumulator, which is connected, for example, with a device for inductive charging of the accumulator. It may thus be possible to recharge the rechargeable battery inductively, in particular without contact, without it coming out of the electronic cube 1 must be removed. The electronic cube can thus be made tightly closed, which can improve its robustness and longevity. There may also be one or more solar cells on the housing 10 of the cube 1 be educated. A device for obtaining electrical energy from kinetic energy, for example from shaking the cube, is also conceivable. Such a solar cell can be a transparent, organic solar cell.

According to the first embodiment, measurement data of the sensor device 12 What information about the movement of the cube 1 comprise, by means of the communication device 20 sent out. An evaluation of the thus emitted electronic data signals can then take place externally. As a result, the manufacturing costs and the sensitivity of the electronic cube 1 reduce.

2 shows a schematic block diagram of an electronic cube according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The electronic cube 1' according to the second embodiment has substantially the same features as the electronic cube 1 according to the first embodiment. In contrast to the first embodiment is in the electronic cube 1' continue a microcontroller 24 educated. The microcontroller 24 is in the case 10 arranged and adapted to the information obtained about the movement of the cube 1' evaluate. The microcontroller 24 can do so in real time a trajectory 2 of the cube 1' to calculate. The trajectory 2 can be a trajectory of the cube 1' include. The trajectory gives a series of space-time coordinates of the cube 1' in relation to a certain starting point. The starting point may be, for example, a time and a spatial position of the cube 1' where the dice process started.

The beginning of dicing may be, for example, by detecting a shock (by lifting the dice) after a period of complete rest by means of the microcontroller 24 be determined. The position of the cube 1' is doing advantageously as the position of the center of gravity of the cube 1' established. Alternatively, the position of the cube 1' also as the position of the sensor device 12 in the case 10 of the cube 1' be determined. Advantageously, the sensor device is located 12 even at the center of gravity of the cube 1' ,

The trajectory 2 of the cube 1' can continue to align the side surfaces 11-i of the cube 1' at every point of the trajectory. The orientation of the side surfaces 11-i For example, it may be relative to the Earth's gravity field, relative to the Earth's magnetic field, or relative to a previously determined orientation of the cube 1' be determined at the time of the beginning of the dice. The sendable data signals include the calculated trajectory 2 of the cube 1 , According to the second embodiment, in an external receiving device, a software with a lesser range of functions usable because already a fully calculated trajectory 2 of the cube 1' is sent out. In addition, the number of data to be transmitted is reduced.

3 shows a schematic block diagram of the sensor device 12 ' according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

The sensor device 12 ' According to the third embodiment is a variant of the sensor device 12 according to the first embodiment, wherein the sensor device 12 ' according to the third embodiment, further a three-axis magnetic sensor 18 having. By means of the three-axis magnetic sensor 18 The absolute orientation of the cube in space can be determined using the Earth's magnetic field. The sensor device 12 ' According to the third embodiment may advantageously with the electronic cube 1 . 1' The first and / or second embodiment may be combined to provide more accurate information about the movement of the cube 1 . 1' provide.

4 shows a schematic view of a game system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The game system points accordingly 4 an electronic cube having features, for example according to one of the first to third embodiments. The gaming system further includes a receiving device 110 , by means of which by means of the communication device 20 the electronic cube emit electronic data signals are receivable. In 4 is the receiving device 110 exemplified as a WLAN station. The receiving device 110 is with a computing device 120 connected, which may be a PC, for example, as in 4 shown. By means of the computing device 120 are those of the receiving device 110 Receivable data signals in real time evaluable to real-time an animated virtual representation 101 of the electronic cube. For this purpose, various software packages known in the prior art can be used, which are designed to generate an animated virtual cube based on the determined information about the movement of the cube 101 to create. The computing device 120 is still with a display device 130 connected, which may be for example a screen, as in 4 shown. The receiving device 110 , the computing device 120 and the display device 130 may advantageously be integrated in a device, for example in a tablet PC. The display device 130 is designed to be one of the computing device 120 generate generated animated virtual representation of the electronic cube in real time. There may also be several display devices 130 be provided, which directly or indirectly with the computing device 120 can be connected. For example, different players of a software-based parlor game each have their own display device 130 with each of the display devices 130 the same animated virtual representation 101 of the electronic cube in real time. According to 4 becomes the cube 1 for example thrown on a table T.

5 FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a method of displaying a movement of an electronic cube according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

In a method step S01, by means of the sensor device 12 Information about a movement of the electronic cube 1 determined.

In a method step S02, data signals are transmitted which are based on the information about the movement of the electronic cube. The data signals are sent to at least one receiving device 110 sent out S02. In a method step S03 the trajectory becomes 2 of the cube 1 calculates which is a trajectory of the cube 1 and an alignment of the cube 1 at every point of the trajectory. In accordance with the calculated trajectory 2 In a method step S04, the animated virtual representation is 101 generated by the electronic cube. The animated virtual representation 101 is in a step S05 in real time by means of at least one display device 130 displayed. When viewing S05, the virtual representation 101 in connection with other virtual representations. For example, a virtual representation of a table top can be displayed, which is in accordance with the calculated trajectory 2 of the electronic cube 1 is produced. For example, by detecting bumps of the electronic cube 1 be determined at which space-time coordinates of the cube 1 this was in contact with the tabletop of the table T. The impacts can be determined, for example, by detecting jerky speed and / or rotational speed values and / or directions. Once a push of the electronic cube 1 has been determined, the virtual representation of the table top by means of the display device 130 are displayed. At each additional impact, the virtual representation of the table top can be adjusted to match the actual orientation of the table top of the table T with respect to the trajectory 2 of the cube 1 equivalent.

Furthermore, an animated virtual representation of hands can be generated, which the animated virtual representation 101 of the electronic cube 1 shake when a fast up and down movement of the electronic cube 1 is detected.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto, but modifiable in a variety of ways. In particular, the invention can be varied or modified in many ways without deviating from the gist of the invention.

The communication device 20 For example, it may also convey electronic signals indicating which number or object of each page area 11-i of the cube 1 ; 1' that is, which number or object is "diced" if the corresponding side surface 11-i of the cube 1 ; 1' comes to rest at the end of the dice. The assignment can also be made by an external device, for example by the computing device 120 on which runs the software-based parlor game for which the dice 1 ; 1' is used. So one and the same electronic cube 1 ; 1' can be used for a variety of software-based parlor games that require, for example, dice with the same page number but different symbols (eg, six-eyed dice, fudge dice, color-coded dice).

It may also be provided that the software-based parlor game prompts a user for a dice 1 ; 1' with a certain number of side surfaces 11-i to dice. Depending on the game situation, the board game can be the side surfaces of the electronic cube 1 ; 1' each assign different numbers and / or objects. This assignment may also be based on a user input and / or on the individual identification code of the cube 1 ; 1' be adjusted. For example, a user may be told the software-based parlor game that a dice 1 ; 1' associated with a particular identification code to a child. The animated virtual cube, which is based on the dice of the electronic cube 1 ; 1' generated with this particular identification code can then have, for example, more favorable numbers and / or objects on its side surfaces than other cubes associated with adults.

The physical electronic cube 1 ; 1' itself can on its side surfaces 11-i Have wildcard symbols or different colored LEDs. Thus, the user can thus also be aware of his cube result only when an animated virtual representation of the cube with the result of the cube is displayed on a display device.

The transmission of the electronic data signals can also be encrypted. The electronic cube 1 ; 1' can thus be used to prevent a cheater from bringing a fake dice unnoticed in a game.

The acceleration sensor 16 can also be used to save energy. Electronic elements of the electronic cube 1 ; 1' , For example, the communication device 20 , after prolonged non-use, may remain in an energy-efficient sleep mode until the cube is shaken at least at a predetermined speed. Then, for example, through the microcontroller 24 , the communication device 20 to be activated.

Instead of carrying out the various method steps in real time, some or all of the method steps may be delayed in time and optionally also several times. This can be useful, for example, to check a disputed cube event, or if any pending processing - such as sending the data signals - currently can not be done.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2012/0302320 A1 [0003]

Claims (9)

Electronic cube with: a housing ( 10 ) having a plurality of side surfaces ( 11-i ); a sensor device ( 12 ; 12 ' ), by means of which information about a movement of the cube ( 1 ) can be determined in real time, wherein the sensor device ( 12 ) a rotation rate sensor, in particular a three-axis rotation rate sensor ( 14 ), which in the housing ( 10 ) and an acceleration sensor, in particular a three-axis acceleration sensor ( 16 ), which in the housing ( 10 ) is formed; and a communication device ( 20 ), by means of which electronic data signals based on the determined information can be transmitted wirelessly. An electronic cube according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device ( 12 ; 12 ' ) further comprises a magnetic sensor, in particular a three-axis magnetic sensor ( 18 ). Electronic cube according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the cube ( 1 ; 1' ) an energy source ( 22 ), by means of which the sensor device ( 12 ; 12 ' ) and the communication device ( 20 ) are supplied with electrical energy and which is formed as a battery, as a battery, as a solar cell and / or as a means for obtaining electrical energy from kinetic energy. An electronic cube according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cube ( 1' ) continue a microcontroller ( 24 ), which in the housing ( 10 ) is arranged and which is adapted to the determined information about the movement of the cube ( 1' ) to evaluate a trajectory in real time ( 2 ) of the cube ( 1' ) to calculate which trajectory of the cube ( 1' ) and an orientation of the side surfaces ( 11-i ) of the cube ( 1' ) at each point of the trajectory; and wherein the data signals that can be transmitted include the calculated trajectory ( 2 ) of the cube ( 1' ). An electronic cube according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the side surfaces ( 11-i ) of the cube ( 1 ; 1' ) are the same size and the majority of side surfaces ( 11-i ) is in particular four, six, eight, ten, twelve, twenty, thirty or one hundred. Electronic cube according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein by means of the communication device ( 20 ) an individual identification code of the cube ( 1 ; 1' ), by means of which the electronic cube ( 1 ; 1' ) is clearly identifiable.  Electronic cube according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein by means of the cube special commands according to predetermined movement pattern of the cube are transferable to a game system. Game system with: an electronic cube ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7; a receiving device ( 110 ), by means of which the means of communication ( 20 ) are sendable electronic data signals can be received; a computing device ( 120 ), by means of which by the receiving device ( 110 ) are evaluable in real time to receive an animated virtual representation ( 101 ) of the electronic cube ( 1 ; 1' ) to create; and a display device ( 130 ), by means of which one of the computing device ( 120 ) generated animated virtual representation ( 101 ) of the electronic cube ( 1 ) is displayed in real time. A method of indicating movement of an electronic cube, comprising the steps of: determining (S01) information about movement of the electronic cube ( 1 ; 1' ) by means of a sensor device ( 12 ; 12 ' ); Wireless transmission (S02) of data signals which are based on information about the movement of the electronic cube ( 1 ; 1' ) to a receiving device ( 110 ); Calculating (S03) a trajectory ( 2 ) of the cube ( 1 ; 1' ), which is a trajectory of the cube ( 1 ; 1' ) and an alignment of the cube ( 1 ; 1' ) at each point of the trajectory; Generating (S04) an animated virtual representation ( 101 ) of the electronic cube ( 2 ) in accordance with the calculated trajectory ( 2 ); and displaying (S05) the animated virtual representation ( 101 ) in real time by means of a display device ( 130 ).

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