FR3075062A1 - GAME ASSISTANCE SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

 Game assistance system comprising at least one game element (10), such as a playing card or a token, comprising a contactless identification means (12), a play mat (20) comprising at least one sensor (23) capable of identifying at least one means of identification (12) of a play element (10) disposed in a range of the sensor (23), a processing unit (30), interfaced with the sensor (23) and able to memorize the sequence of identified game elements (10) and to produce information as a function of the identified game elements and their history, a man-machine interface (40) allowing a dialogue between the processing unit (30) and at least one player.

Description

The present invention relates to a game aid system allowing, by means of an identification of the game elements, such as playing cards or tokens, to increase the experience of the players.

The subject of the invention is a game assistance system characterized in that it comprises at least one game element, such as a playing card or a token, comprising a contactless identification means, a play mat comprising at least one sensor capable of identifying at least one means of identifying a game element disposed within a range of the sensor, a processing unit, interfaced with the sensor and able to memorize the sequence of identified game elements and to produce information according to the game elements identified and their history and a man-machine interface allowing a dialogue between the processing unit and at least one player.

According to another characteristic, the processing unit knows a rule of the game and is able to indicate whether a move / movement, corresponding to a game element falling within the scope of the sensor, is valid or not relative to the rule of the game.

According to another characteristic, the processing unit is also able to indicate the quality of a move / movement, relative to the rule of the game and / or able to provide advice on play / progression.

According to another characteristic, the processing unit knows a rule of the game and is able to count the points according to the rule of the game.

According to another characteristic, the identification means comprises a radiofrequency label integrated into the game element, preferably in an invisible manner.

According to another characteristic, a game element comprises a speaking face and the identification means is unique per speaking face, preferably absolutely unique.

According to another characteristic, the mat comprises a central sensor, and / or one sensor per player, and / or one sensor per playing area and / or one sensor per folding area.

According to another characteristic, the range of a sensor is limited so as to identify a play element placed on the mat or placed on a stack of play elements.

According to another characteristic, the sensor is capable of simultaneously identifying several game elements present in its range, preferably at least eight game elements.

According to another characteristic, the processing unit is able to supply at least one robot player.

According to another characteristic, the system also comprises a network interface, interfaced with the processing unit, the processing unit being able, via the network interface, to communicate with a remote device, so as to allow a player distant from participating in a game.

According to another characteristic, the man-machine interface is able to allow a player to configure the processing unit by indicating the characteristics of a game and of the players and is also able to display the information produced for the attention of players.

According to another characteristic, the man-machine interface comprises a computer equipped with a dedicated application, connected to the processing unit, preferably wireless.

According to another characteristic, the man-machine interface is capable of displaying a game rule or even of recalling a relevant game rule point.

According to another characteristic, the processing unit is able, via the network interface, to publish the scores of a game.

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description given below by way of indication in relation to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a system according to the invention,

FIG. 2 details an exploded view of an embodiment of a game element,

- Figure 3 details a carpet / sensor.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the system according to the invention proposes, using the usual playing elements 10 in order to preserve for the player the tactile sensations and habits of manipulation of the playing elements, to perform on the fly, by during the game, a digitization of the game elements, in order to be able to increase the players' experience, in particular by means of a computer processing unit 30 and / or communication networks 50.

Depending on the game envisaged, a game element 10 can take different forms. Thus for card games, a game element 10 is a card. The invention is also applicable to playing elements 10 which are tokens, domino bricks, mahjong tiles or any other equivalent playing element 10 in that it is identified by a speaking face, indicating its value, and that, during a game, the game elements are played by laying on a play mat 20 and if necessary by picking up in the form of a fold. In order to simplify, such a playing element 10 can be designated card 10 in the following, but designates any type of playing element.

In order to carry out such a digitization, a play element 10 is increased, as more particularly illustrated in FIG. 2, by means of a contactless identification means 12 integrated in the play element 10 allowing the system to identify said game element 10 and in particular its value. FIG. 2 shows such a playing element 10, here a playing card increased by insertion of a microcircuit 12 between two thicknesses 11, 13. For all other aspects, the playing element 10 is identical to a playing element according to the prior art, as the players are used to using. Advantageously, the identification means 12 is invisible. Thus a player sees a usual playing element 10 apparently unchanged.

The system according to the invention also comprises a sensor capable of identifying at least one means of identification 12 of a play element 10 disposed within the range of the sensor 23. According to one embodiment, the sensor 23 is advantageously integrated into a play mat 20. The sensor 23 can be integrated invisibly. Thus, in the case of a sensor 23 capable of detecting an RFID identification means, the sensor 23 includes an antenna, which can be substantially flat in the thickness of a play mat 20. For all aspects other than the sensor 23 the play mat 20 is advantageously in all respects similar to a play mat according to the prior art, such as the players are used to using. Thus the sensor 23 can advantageously be integrated between a substrate layer capable of resting on a table and an upper layer, typically made of felt.

The system also comprises a processing unit 30 capable, via the sensor 23 to which it is interfaced, of identifying the game elements 10, of memorizing the sequence of the identified game elements 10, of deducing therefrom information as a function of the game elements 10 identified and their history, and the game context.

The system also includes a man-machine interface 40 in order to allow at least one player to dialogue with the processing unit 30, before, during and after a game.

The system according to the invention, in that it comprises the means of a game according to the prior art: playing elements and mat, makes it possible to play, between players, in the usual manner. However, when a playing element 10 is played, by placing it on the playing mat 20, the sensor 23 is able to identify the playing element 10 played. Thus the system, and mainly the processing unit 30, is able to know the game elements 10, and their sequence, as and when they are played. This sequence is advantageously stored by the processing unit 30. On the basis of this information accumulated in real time the processing unit 30 can produce information.

According to a first embodiment, the system is applied to monitor a game in progress. For this, the processing unit 30 knows the rule of the game played. Depending on the knowledge of this rule of the game, the system is able to indicate whether a stroke made, which the system detects by a new game element 10 coming within the range of the sensor 23, is valid or not relative to the rule of the game. The indication of validity or invalidity is broadcast by the man-machine interface 40 according to any modality: visual, for example by means of a screen 42, sound, for example by means of a loudspeaker 43 , or any other means of dissemination. This can make it possible to verify the smooth running of the game, to avoid any voluntary or involuntary defect. The system is then an impartial and appreciably omniscient arbiter.

This can also make it possible to learn the rules of the game by practice for at least one player. The pedagogy of the rules of the game is a first augmented mode offered by the system.

According to another characteristic, the system is able to assess the quality of a stroke. For this it includes a module able to note comparatively a stroke given as a function of the playing context given by the rules of the game and the sequence of strokes already played so far. Equipped with such a quality or note, the system can thus qualify each stroke when it is played. He can still provide game advice, for example when a player requests it. Another enhanced mode offered by the system is stroke scoring. This embodiment can complement the pedagogy of the rules of the game.

According to another characteristic, the system is able, using the rules of the game, to count the points. Thus, in real time, during the course of a game, the system can keep the scores. This relieves players of this task and provides a paperless mode. Another enhanced mode offered by the system is record keeping.

In order to simplify a game and also not to change the habits of the players, the identification means 12 of a playing element 10 is advantageously contactless. According to a preferred embodiment, the identification means comprises a radio frequency label 12 or RFID. This radio frequency label is integrated into the play element 10.

Such a label 12 comprises a microchip and an antenna both disposed on a card holder can be played, and one thus being a speaking

This invisible integration.

thin paper-type support layer. This integrated, for example layer 11 comprising comprising the back of is preferably made in a face on the card.

Any game element 10 includes a talking face 11 which indicates the value of the game element 10 and visibly allows a player to see and know this value, in order to be able to play. According to a first embodiment, the identification means 12 is unique per speaking face. Thus the identification means 12 is indicative of the value of the game element 10 and two game elements 10 of the same value comprise an identification means 12 comprising the same identifier. According to another embodiment, an identification means 12 is unique per game element within the same distinguishing value / face packet from packet realization. Thus it is for example possible for two game elements having such two jokers within

Still speaking 11, cards 10.

one means of identification another identification is one of the same mode of absolutely unique. Thus an absolute means and is never reused.

be advantageous in terms of advantageous for the

One is unique in such an embodiment can still 10 possible mixing game elements, assisted by mixed.

Depending on the finesse of detection sought,

10. There can still be several packages, the realization of a system, then be such sorting traceability as that of the rami. It makes elements of packages have the mat of j had been had may include a single sensor 23 or more. In the case of a single sensor, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the sensor 23 is advantageously placed in the central zone 22C and advantageously has a range extended to the entire playing area, ie to the entire zone where an element of game 10 can be set when played. If more than one sensor is used, as shown in Figure 3, it may be possible to distinguish play areas by player. In this case, each player is associated with a sensor 23, ie for example a sensor for each direction: one for the west zone 22W, one for the north zone 22N, one for the east zone 22E and one for the south zone 22S. It is also possible to add a sensor for a zone 22P intended for the collection of folds. This zone can be unique, as illustrated in figure 3, by team or by player. These variable arrangements can be adapted according to the possible games and the identification / location needs of the desired game elements.

According to another characteristic, the range of a sensor 23 is limited, in height above the sensor / mat so as to identify a play element 10 placed on the mat 20 or placed on a stack of play elements 10. Thus a playing element 10 can be detected when it is played and therefore placed on the mat. The sensor 23 can also detect a play element 10 within a stack of play element. A limited range is advantageous in that it makes it possible to exclude from detection a play element 10 held in hand by a player and therefore disposed at a distance from the mat 20 such that it is out of range of the sensor 23.

According to another characteristic, the sensor 23 is capable of simultaneously identifying several playing elements 10 present in its range. Thus a sensor 23 capable of simultaneously identifying a large number 32, 54 or even 7 8 game elements 10 can simultaneously identify all the cards in a pack of 32, 54 or 78 cards (case of the tarot). This can be useful in an initialization phase so that the system knows the identification means 12 of all the game elements. This also makes it possible to follow all the game elements, during the game, or picked up in the game or games. fold zones 23P.

A sensor 23 capable of simultaneously identifying a smaller number of playing elements is advantageously capable of identifying a complete lift, either as many playing elements 10 as there are players, or a number between 2 and 8.

According to another characteristic, the processing unit 30 is able to supply at least one robot player. Thus if one or more players are absent, the processing unit 30 can replace them with a robot player or AI capable of playing the role each of a player.

As described so far, the system according to the invention is autonomous. It allows you to play, with increases, a game between players present (or robots) around the play mat 20.

By adding a network interface 50 to the system according to the invention, the system opens up to the world. The network interface 50 is connected with the processing unit 30, allowing it to communicate with other systems or devices.

According to another characteristic, the processing unit 30 is able, via the network interface 50, to dialogue with a remote device, so as to allow a remote player to participate in a game. The remote device can be similar to the system according to the invention in that it comprises at least one game element 10, a sensor 23 capable of identifying the game elements 10 played by the remote player, a processing unit and an interface. machine man. Alternatively, the remote device can be only digital in that it only includes the processing unit and the man-machine interface, the processing unit being configured so as to allow the remote player on the one hand to know the elements of games played by the other players, present with the system, and to indicate which element of the game he wishes to play. Its game choices are then collected by the remote device to be communicated, via the network interface 50, to the system and thus to the other players.

Another augmented mode offered by the system is remote gaming, with at least one remote player. The invention thus makes it possible to link players, so that they can play the same game together, from a distance.

According to another characteristic, the man-machine interface 40 is able to allow a player to configure the processing unit 30 by indicating, the characteristics of a game and of the players and is also able to display the information produced on the attention of players.

The man-machine interface 40 therefore includes at least one input device, such as a keyboard 41 and at least one output device, such as a screen 42. The input devices can also include a pointing device, such as a mouse (not shown), a touch screen (not shown), a microphone 44, advantageously associated with voice recognition or any other input device, according to any modality (touch, visual, sound, etc.). The output devices can also include a vibrator (not shown), a sound reproduction device 43 or any other output device, according to any modality.

Thus, according to an illustrative scenario, a game played with the system according to the invention can take place in the following manner. One of the players, dialogues with the processing unit 30, by means of the man-machine interface 40, and initializes a game by indicating: the game played (tarot, belote, etc.), the possible options, the number of games or rounds desired, the number of players, any teams and, if applicable, an identification of the players in order for example to personalize their results or even to make a tele-presence, by means of a photo or other avatar, to a distant player. Once the game has started, each player in turn plays by placing one or more cards, as he would with a game and a physical mat according to the prior art. Each card 10, during its installation, is identified and memorized by the system, which can thus follow the game, with each movement. A command allows via the man machine interface to indicate to the system, if necessary, that the game is over. During the game, the processing unit 30 can use the man-machine interface 40 to inform the players: a move is invalid, the round is over, a card remains to be played to end the round, such player or team has won the trick, display of statistics on cards played or times, etc.

According to another characteristic, the man-machine interface can be integrated into the play mat 20, for example in the form of a keyboard and an LED display or else a screen provided with a touch screen. This characteristic makes it possible to obtain an autonomous system, the useful visible parts of which are reduced to the play mat 20 and to the play elements 10, usual for players, the processing unit 30 being able to be offset or even hidden.

Alternatively, the man-machine interface can be integrated into the processing unit.

Preferably, the man-machine interface comprises a computer equipped with a dedicated application, connected to the processing unit 30, preferably wireless. A wireless interface can here be standard Wifi or even Bluetooth. This solution makes it possible to reuse a widespread human-machine interface known to players.

According to another characteristic, the man-machine interface 40 is capable of displaying a game rule. Thus the system supports a pedagogy of the game rule. According to another characteristic, made possible by the knowledge that the system has of the progress and progress of the game, in addition to the rule of the game, this characteristic can be used in a very relevant way, in that the system can advantageously recall a point of rule, wisely, for example when this game point is violated.

It has been seen that the system is able to keep accounts in progress and throughout a game. If the system includes a network interface 50, the processing unit 30 is advantageously able, via the network interface, to publish the scores of a party. This can be automatic as soon as a game is finished or performed on demand, by one of the players by means of a command from the man machine interface 40. This publication can be carried out on a website, for example dedicated to a community of players from the same game, on a blog, a social network, etc.

Another enhanced mode offered by the system is the publication of results.

According to another characteristic, in order to improve the autonomy of the system and allow play substantially anywhere, the system is advantageously powered by a battery.

Claims (14)

1. Game assistance system characterized in that it comprises: - at least one game element (10), such as a playing card or a token, comprising a contactless identification means (12), a play mat (20) comprising at least one sensor (23) capable of identifying at least one means of identification (12) of a play element (10) disposed in a range of the sensor (23), a processing unit (30), interfaced with the sensor (23) and able to memorize the sequence of identified game elements (10) and to produce information according to the identified game elements and their history, and - a man-machine interface (40) allowing a dialogue between the processing unit (30) and at least one player. 2. System according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit (30) knows a rule of the game and comprises a validation means, capable of indicating whether a stroke, corresponding to a game element (10) falling within the scope of the sensor (23), is valid or not relative to the rules of the game. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the processing unit (30) further comprises a qualifying means capable of indicating the quality of a stroke, relative to the rule of the game and / or a means of advice capable of providing game or progression tips. 4. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processing unit (30) knows a rule of the game and further comprises a counting means capable of counting the points according to the rule of the game. 5. System according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the identification means (12) comprises a radio frequency label (12) integrated into the game element (10), preferably invisibly. 6. System according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a game element (10) comprises a speaking face (11) and the identification means (12) is unique by speaking face (11), preferably absolutely unique . 7. System according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mat (20) comprises a central sensor (23), and / or a sensor (23) per player, and / or a sensor (23) per zone of clearance and / or a sensor (23) per fold zone. 8. System according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the range of a sensor (23) is limited so as to identify a play element (10) placed on the mat (20) or placed on a stack of 'game elements. 9. System according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the sensor (23) is capable of simultaneously identifying several playing elements (10) present in its range, preferably at least eight playing elements. 10. System according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the processing unit (30) further comprises robot means capable of providing at least one robot player. 11. System according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a network interface (50), interfaced with the processing unit (30), where the processing unit (30) is able, via the network interface (50), to communicate with a remote device, in such a way as to allow a distant player to participate in a game. 12. System according to any one of claims 1 to 11, where the man-machine interface (40) comprises a configuration means able to allow a player to configure the processing unit (30) by indicating, the characteristics of a game and of the players and a display means able to display the information produced for the attention of players. 13. System according to any one of claims 1 to 12, where the man-machine interface (40) comprises a computer equipped with a dedicated application, connected to the processing unit (30), preferably wireless. 14. System according to any one of claims 1 to 13, where the man-machine interface (40) comprises a display means capable of displaying a game rule or a recall means capable of recalling a relevant game rule point. 15. System according to any one of claims 11 to 14, where the processing unit (30) further comprises a publication means capable, via the network interface (50), of publishing the scores of a game.