EP4106895A1

EP4106895A1 - Mobile gaming bot and system associated with same

Info

Publication number: EP4106895A1
Application number: EP21706275.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mathieu LEGEAY; Alexis LEMEY; Nicolas SILVANI
Original assignee: Ludotech
Current assignee: Ludotech
Priority date: 2020-02-20
Filing date: 2021-02-19
Publication date: 2022-12-28
Anticipated expiration: 2041-02-19
Also published as: CA3167360A1; JP2023515430A; WO2021165517A1; FR3107457A1; US20230095983A1; FR3107457B1; EP4106895B1; KR20220143751A

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

Title of the invention: Mobile gaming 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 an associated gaming system.

In this field, video game systems have been proposed where the user can be in a virtual environment with a two-dimensional display or in an immersive three-dimensional environment, and controls the game elements by buttons. This type of game makes it necessary to transport a game console or to provide a video game including a complex system and a delicate display, which implies high manufacturing costs.

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

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

[0005] This type of solution is not fully satisfactory because the setting up of the game and the game manipulations are tedious. In addition, learning the rules of the game is not easy and the rules of the game must be explained to each new player.

[0006] In addition, this solution requires having a set of game elements for a game. In case of fatigue, another set of game elements is needed for each additional game, which can be cumbersome in terms of case of transport of several sets.

[0007] A first objective of the invention is to provide a device and a system requiring less virtual gaming environment for more sociability of users.

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

[0009] To achieve these objectives, the invention provides a game robot for a game system comprising a game application library, the robot being mobile and comprising

- a memory in which can be loaded a game application from said library,

- a module for connecting to a mobile device for installing and / or using the game application.

According to a first aspect, the robot comprises a man-machine interface which comprises

means for interpreting user game actions, configured to interpret game actions of a user or of another robot, specific to the current game application, and

- robot game action means, configured to perform robot game actions, specific to the current game application.

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

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

[0013] According to other aspects taken in isolation, or combined in any technically feasible combination:

- the robot includes sensors for interactions with the user associated with the means of interpreting user game actions; and / or sensors for interactions with the environment associated with the robot game means; and or

said sensors include optical sensors and infrared sensors; and or

- at least one sensor is configured to interpret the passage of the user's hand, in particular above the robot, as a user play action; and or

- the robot includes expansion means to add other means of interpreting user game actions and / or other means of robot game actions; and or

- the robot is characterized by an essentially prismatic general shape with a polygonal base of at least five sides; and or

- the robot includes game controls which include robot control buttons and / or mobile device control buttons; and or

- means for interpreting user game actions are associated with mechatronic means of the mobile device; and or

- the gaming robot includes at least one holonomic wheel, in particular three holonomic wheels arranged at 120 ° to each other.

[0014] The invention further relates to a game system comprising

- a mobile robot according to the invention, and

- a library of at least one game application.

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

More generally, the invention further relates to a video game system comprising - preferably, a mobile interface application in a remote server;

- a library of at least one game application, preferably in said interface mobile application;

a mobile game robot comprising a memory in which said game application can be loaded, said robot comprising a module for connection to a mobile device.

[0017] According to one aspect, the robot comprises a man-machine interface which comprises

- means for interpreting user game actions, configured to interpret user game actions, specific to the current game application, and

[0018] The invention further relates to a game method comprising steps for implementing the system according to the invention. In particular, the actions of the elements or means of the system according to the invention are all steps of the method according to the invention.

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

[0020] The invention further relates to a mobile application comprising a computer program product 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 by means of a robot according to the invention. In particular, robot game actions and user action recognitions are each steps in the game method according to the invention.

The invention will be further detailed by the description of non-limiting embodiments, and on the basis of the appended figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which:

[0023] [fig.l] 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 preferred embodiment;

[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 detailed block diagram of the invention in the preferred embodiment.

The invention relates firstly to a gaming robot 1 for a gaming system 2.

The objective is to renew the experience of the player thanks to new technologies, by proposing a hybridization of the board game and the video game to bring together all the generations and people with different points of interest around the table. .

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

The robot 1 is small, for example between about 5x5x5 cm and about 20x20x20cm. In the preferred variant, the robot 1 measures approximately 13x13x5.5 cm. According to a variant, the robot 1 has an essentially prismatic general shape with a polygonal base of at least five sides. This allows robots to be easily stored on top of each other and to the sides, limiting the dead space between the robots. In particular, the base is essentially hexagonal in order to have an optimal spatial occupation.

The robot 1 can include power and battery modules B, and be associated with a charging base C.

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

The robot 1 is mobile, in particular thanks to the wheels 5. More particularly, 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 the game or outside of any game such as a remote control robot. Robot 1 can use 3 holonomic wheels 5 arranged at 120 ° with 3 motors. Preferably, a mechanism allows the wheels to enter the robot 1 when the user presses on it so as not to damage the motor shafts. This movement can trigger a press on a push button, for example on / off. Alternatively, there are three pushbuttons, one for each subsystem consisting of a wheel and a motor.

We can use movements by whole units of distances or fractions, for example movements in number of boxes, or centimeters ... We can consider measuring the distance traveled and use it in the game application 3a; or to control a distance to be covered in accordance with the rules of the game. The wheels 5 are preferably hidden by the shell of the robot 1 for better aesthetics. In addition, it gives an impression of levitation. 5 holonomic wheels allow movement at A mobile robot 1 allows the implementation of some of said games. In addition, a mobile robot 1 makes it possible to play in real, while limiting the need for a virtual environment.

Furthermore, the robot 1 comprises a memory 6 into which can be loaded a game application 3a of said library 3. In particular, the memory 6 makes it possible to install several games and to play them using the robot 1.

Advantageously, this makes it possible to have a wide choice of games and to be able to change them in the event of weariness.

[0038] In addition, the robot 1 comprises a connection module 7 to a mobile device 8 for the installation and / or use of the game application 3a. This is in particular a smartphone or tablet connectable to the Internet, and preferably wireless robot, such as in Bluetooth ™ technology, for example in BLE technology.

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

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

By "man-machine interface" is understood all the hardware and software means making it possible to implement a "personality" of the robot as a player for example, and not only as an arbiter or a means of computation. points or game evaluation. The man-machine interface 1a comprises several 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 within a specific framework described herein. For simplicity, the man-machine interface 1a is identified in the drawings by the card 1a of the microcontroller lb.

In particular, the robot 1 includes an interface screen the capable of displaying information relating to the game, in particular displaying the rules of the game, displaying a menu. This is, for example, a TFT or OLED screen. The screen allows it to have a visual man-machine interface independent of the smartphone 8. This allows certain games to be played 100% without a smartphone.

[0043] Alternatively, the screen 1c can display facial expressions or emotions, related to the game in progress. Thus, robot 1 can have “human” reactions to events, for example it can express discontent, joy, bump into an obstacle etc. For this he uses for example sound and visual feedback.

The robot 1 can include at least one loudspeaker ld to send one or more messages or audio signals, in particular in connection with the game application 3a in progress. Said loudspeaker ld implies similar advantages to the screen le, but auditory in place and place of the visual. In particular, the loudspeaker ld can make it possible to speak information relating to the game, in particular the rules of the game, to speak a menu.

The man-machine interface can involve L leds, for example four L leds controlled by the card (la). The L leds are preferably placed below the robot and their light is reflected against the ground.

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

The man-machine interface comprises, on the one hand, means for interpreting user game actions, configured to interpret game actions of a user or of another robot, and specific to the user. current game application 3a.

In particular, the man-machine interface recognizes several different user game actions, but is configured to take into account only those which correspond to the game application 3a in progress and not the other game applications The corresponding information is taken into account in order to have a reaction from robot 1, possibly by non-virtual movement of robot 1.

[0049] Thus, according to a preferred variant, the gaming robot 1 comprises sensors 9 for interactions with the user associated with the interpretation means 10, 10a,

10cd ’user play actions. User actions captured by these sensors 9 allow robot 1 to understand the game of the user or the other robot.

In particular, the robot 1 comprises infrared sensors 9a and optical sensors 9b. The infrared sensors 9a are actuated by disturbance of one infrared beam, the optical sensors 9b are actuated by disturbance of another otic beam. These sensors allow precise and efficient detection with simplified elements.

More particularly, the robot 1 comprises eleven infrared sensors 9a and two optical sensors. For example, one or two IR interaction sensors can be provided on top, for interaction with the user. We can speak of an IR sensor 9a medium distance. One or more sensors 9 can be used for menu navigation. There are preferably 4 sensors on the sides.

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

Advantageously, the detections of the infrared sensors 9a make it possible to implement specific game controls involving movements of the user G.

Of course one can consider standard presence sensors, and / or detection video / camera image without departing from the scope of the invention although this is not the preferred variant.

The robot 1 can include a light sensor.

[0056] Alternatively or in combination, user actions can further involve a microphone and speech recognition modules and / or speech-to-text modules.

The robot 1 can also read the result of a physical or electronic dice roll or have an additional module for this purpose.

The actions of the user can be picked up or detected directly or it can be envisaged that this be done via a tool provided for this purpose such as a transmitter coupled to a receiver of the robot.

The actions of users can also be captured / detected by means of mechatronic means of the mobile device 8 such as a compass, an accelerometer, etc. Thus, in a variant, the means of interpretation of user game actions 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 uses them for its control.

In addition to these sensors / detectors, the robot 1 can include game controls which include robot control buttons 11. Advantageously, these controls 11 make it possible to interact with the robot without needing the smartphone 8. It is possible to provide for example four control push buttons.

Alternatively or in combination, the robot 1 can include game controls which include mobile device control buttons 8.

The button controls can be based on touch buttons. The buttons can be in the form of joystick, directional cross.

Thus, depending on the game in progress, specific commands may be functional. Depending on the case, the robot 1 can be controlled in different ways or can move independently.

In addition to the means 10 for interpreting user game actions, the man-machine interface 1a on the other hand comprises robot game action means, configured to perform robot game actions, specific to the current application 3a, with the possibility of robot 1 movement.

[0066] In particular, the human machine interface is familiar with several different means of robot game actions, but is configured to perform only those that match the current game application 3a and not other game applications.

Advantageously, the robot 1 makes it possible to play games with one or more users interacting with the man-machine interface 1a. This makes it possible to limit the need a virtual environment and improves the sociability of users.

In addition, the robot 1 is configured to be played with different games 3a from a game library 3, loaded into its memory 6. This makes it possible to change the game without having a significant amount of additional game elements which would be in bulk. Memory expansion, for example a memory card, can store thousands of games.

[0069] In addition, the robot 1 can therefore react, possibly by moving, to the user's game actions. The invention can be defined as a portable video game console which moves and which can interact with external elements or people. It is situated between the world of video games with library / platform, that of board games and that of robotics.

[0070] Furthermore, according to a variant, the game robot 1 comprises sensors 9 for interactions with the environment associated with the robot game action means. It may be one or more sensors 9a or detection means described above. For example, four IR obstacle sensors 9a can be provided for interaction with any obstacles, for example detecting obstacles in front of and behind the robot 1 as well as on the sides. We can talk about IR sensor 9a long distance.

It is also possible to provide ground sensors 9 (for example two to six sensors, front and rear and side) detecting edges of tables so that the robot 1 does not fall. We can talk about an IR sensor 9a short distance. We can predict the reaction we want based on this (U-turn, ¼ turn and keep rolling, robot stop, ...).

The ground sensors 9 can allow the robot 1 to avoid obstacles, or the dangers of falling.

According to a variant, the robot 1 comprises extension means 12 for adding other means of interpreting user game actions and / or other means of robot 1 game actions. These extension means 12 give modularity to the robot 1 and make it possible to have technological adaptability. These may be software and / or hardware elements such as additional sensors, preferably simply plugged into the robot 1 or wirelessly. Aesthetic extension means can be provided, such as decorative elements.

An extension can be provided which will serve to differentiate game cards via NFC, RIFD or even color sensors.

[0075] According to a variant, the robot 1 comprises update means for adapting and / or updating the means for interpreting user game actions and / or the means for robot game actions.

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

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

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

Preferably, the obstacle 13a has a hexagonal base of 3 cm side, and has a height between half the height of the robot 1 and the height of the robot 1. It is possible to provide additional obstacles 13a d 'other forms. The obstacles 13a are preferably nestable and can be assembled together to save space.

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

We can add NFC 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.

In a variant, the robot 1 will not be able to know where the obstacles 13a are located, but it can know what obstacle it encounters when it is close to it (RFID technology for example).

Advantageously, the game system 2 makes it possible to have a set of game elements 13 which can be re-parameterized to implement several different games 3a.

Possible examples of ieux:

Example 1: the battle:

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

The first player passes his hand over robot 1 to start the game. There are 5 seconds per player, the player's turn can take or remove an obstacle 13a or do nothing, then it is the other player's turn.

Only one action is possible per turn. Robot 1 constantly reacts to obstacles 13a and follows a logic of movement varying with each part.

To win you have to bring robot 1 to the opposing camp.

Example 2: the race

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 course predetermined by the players. The fastest player wins. This game is played on a turn-based basis.

Example 3: Good point arrival

The robot 1 has this sequence of movement: (sequence 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 it crosses the obstacle in front of it times to the right and it starts again. If an obstacle 13a is to its left, then he turns right.

[0091] A player bets that the robot can get to a point by posing a certain number of obstacles 13a: (he is not allowed to pose obstacles 13a, he must imagine the course without making a mistake)

- either the other player accepts: if he gets there with so 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 loses 2 points, otherwise he gains 2.

Example 4: Gros ieu

The robot 1 moves in a board game and brings events, we add mountains, plains, or other game element 13 as and when to collect points or reach a specific objective.

Some options of the game may allow you to take control of robot 1 for a certain time.

Example 5: Tower defense

Robot 1 starts from one side of the field and slowly approaches: the goal is, as a team or alone, to prevent robot 1 from reaching the end of the table / field by posing obstacles 13a. Cards can be added to make the game more complex and diversify. They will add rules.

Example 6: co-op play

Each player chooses a number X of actions that the robot 1 will perform without knowing 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. .

At each turn, all the players choose the actions at the same time then the robot 1 performs all the actions, player by player, before starting a round again.

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

Claims

[Claim 1] Game robot (1) for a game system (2) comprising a library (3) of game applications (3a), the robot (1) being mobile and comprising:

- a memory (6) in which can be loaded a game application (3a) from said library,

- a connection module (7) to a mobile device (8) for installing and / or using the game application (3a),

- a man-machine interface (la) which includes

* means for interpreting user game actions, configured to interpret game actions of a user or of another robot, specific to the game application (3a) in progress, and

* robot game action means, configured to perform robot game actions, specific to the current game application (3a).

[Claim 2] A game robot according to the preceding claim, comprising sensors (9) for interactions with G user associated with means of interpretation (10, 10a) of user game actions; and / or sensors (9) for interactions with the environment associated with robot game means.

[Claim 3] A gaming robot according to the preceding claim, wherein said sensors (9) comprise optical sensors (9b) and infrared sensors (9a).

[Claim 4] A gaming robot according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at least one sensor (9a) is configured to interpret the passage of the user's hand, in particular over the robot (1), as an action of. user game.

[Claim 5] A game robot according to one of the preceding claims, comprising extension means (12) for adding other means of interpreting user game actions and / or other means of interpreting. robot game actions.

[Claim 6] A gaming robot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an essentially prismatic general shape with a polygonal base of at least five sides.

[Claim 7] A gaming robot according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising game controls which include robot control buttons (11) and / or mobile device control buttons (8).

[Claim 8] A game robot according to one of the preceding claims, in which the means for interpreting user game actions are associated with mechatronic means of the mobile device (8).

[Claim 9] A gaming robot according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one holonomic wheel (5), in particular three holonomic wheels (5) arranged at 120 ° to each other.

[Claim 10] A game system comprising:

- a mobile robot (1) according to one of the preceding claims, and

- a library (3) of game applications (3a).

[Claim 11] A game system according to the preceding claim, further comprising at least one game element (13) chosen from a pawn, a character, a card, and / or an obstacle (13a) such as a wall.