FR3107457A1 - Mobile gaming robot and associated system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a 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 a game application (3a) from said library can be loaded, - 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 * means for interpreting user game actions, configured to interpret game actions of a user or of another robot, specific to the application current game (3a), and * robot game action means, configured to perform robot game actions, specific to the current game application (3a). The invention further relates to a corresponding system associated with play elements (13, 13a). Abstract figure: Fig. 2

Description

Gaming mobile robot and related 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 involves high manufacturing costs.

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

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

This type of solution is not fully satisfactory because setting up the game and handling the game is tedious. In addition, the handling of the rules of the game is not easy and the rules of the game must be re-explained to each new player.

In addition, this solution requires having a set of game elements for a game. In case of weariness, another set of game elements is needed for each additional game, which can be cumbersome in case of transport of several games.

A first objective of the invention is to propose a device and a system requiring less virtual game environment for more sociability of the users.

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

• une mémoire dans laquelle peut être chargée une application de jeu de ladite librairie,
• un module de connexion à un dispositif mobile pour l’installation et/ou l’utilisation de l’application de jeu.

To achieve these objectives, the invention proposes a game robot for a game system comprising a library of game applications, the robot being mobile and comprising:

• a memory into which a game application from said library can be loaded,
• a mobile device connection module for installing and/or using the game application.

• des moyens d’interprétation d’actions de jeu d’utilisateur, configurés pour interpréter des actions de jeu d’un utilisateur ou d’un autre robot, spécifiques à l’application de jeu en cours, et
• des moyens d’actions de jeu de robot, configurés pour réaliser des actions de jeu de robot, spécifiques à l’application de jeu en cours.

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

• user game action interpreting means configured to interpret user or other robot game actions specific to the current game application, and
• robot game action means configured to perform robot game actions specific to the current game application.

Advantageously, the robot makes it possible to perform 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.

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 that would be cumbersome.

• le robot comprend des capteurs pour des interactions avec l’utilisateur associés aux moyens d’interprétation d’actions de jeu d’utilisateur ; et/ou des capteurs pour des interactions avec l’environnement associés aux moyens d’actions de jeu de robot; et/ou
• lesdits capteurs comprennent des capteurs optiques et des capteurs à infrarouge; et/ou
• au moins un capteur est configuré pour interpréter le passage de la main de l’utilisateur, en particulier au-dessus du robot, comme une action de jeu d’utilisateur; et/ou
• le robot comprend des moyens d’extension pour ajouter d’autres moyens d’interprétation d’actions de jeu d’utilisateur et/ou d’autres moyens d’actions de jeu de robot; et/ou
• le robot se caractérise par une forme générale essentiellement prismatique à base polygonale d’au moins cinq côtés; et/ou
• le robot comprend des commandes de jeu qui comprennent des boutons de commande de robot et/ou des boutons de commande de dispositif mobile; et/ou
• les moyens d’interprétation d’actions de jeu d’utilisateur sont associés à des moyens mécatroniques du dispositif mobile; et/ou
• le robot de jeu comprend au moins une roue holonome, en particulier trois roues holonomes agencées à 120° l’une de l’autre.

According to other aspects taken in isolation, or combined according to all technically feasible combinations:

• the robot comprises sensors for interactions with the user associated with the means for interpreting user game actions; and/or sensors for interactions with the environment associated with the robot game action 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 over the robot, as a user game action; and or
• the robot includes expansion means for adding further user game action interpretation means and/or further robot game action means; 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 that include robot control buttons and/or mobile device control buttons; and or
• 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 at 120° from each other.

• un robot mobile selon l’invention, et
• une librairie d’au moins une application de jeu.

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.

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.

• de préférence, une application mobile d’interface dans un serveur distant;
• une librairie d’au moins une application de jeu, de préférence dans ladite application mobile d’interface;
• un robot de jeu mobile comprenant une mémoire dans laquelle peut être chargée ladite application de jeu, ledit robot comprenant un module de connexion à un dispositif mobile.

More generally, the invention also 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 mobile interface application;
• a mobile game robot comprising a memory into which said game application can be loaded, said robot comprising a module for connecting to a mobile device.

• des moyens d’interprétation d’actions de jeu d’utilisateur, configurés pour interpréter des actions de jeu d’un utilisateur, spécifiques à l’application de jeu en cours, et
• des moyens d’actions de jeu de robot, configurés pour réaliser des actions de jeu de robot, spécifiques à l’application de jeu en cours.

In one aspect, the robot includes a human-machine interface that includes

• user game action interpretation means configured to interpret user game actions specific to the current game application, and
• robot game action means configured to perform robot game actions specific to the current game application.

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 as many steps of the method according to the invention.

Another object of the invention relates to a computer program product comprising program code portions that can be recorded on a medium that can be used in a control unit, to implement a system according to the invention or the method according to the invention. Of course, the program itself is also an object of the invention.

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

The invention further relates to a game method carried out by means of a robot according to the invention. In particular, the game actions of the robot and the recognitions of user actions are, each, so many steps of 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:

Figure 1 is an overall diagram of the environment of the invention in a preferred embodiment;

Figure 2 is a spatial view of the robot in the preferred embodiment;

Figure 3 is a general block diagram of the invention in the preferred embodiment; And

Figure 4 is a detailed block diagram of the invention in the preferred embodiment.

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

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

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

The robot 1 is of reduced size, for example between about 5x5x5 cm and about 20x20x20cm. In the preferred variant, 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 makes it easy to store robots on top of each other and to the sides by limiting dead space between robots. In particular, the base is essentially hexagonal to have an optimal spatial occupation.

Robot 1 can include power supply 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 wheels 5. More particularly, the robot 1 comprises holonomic wheels 5, for example three holonomic wheels 5, associated with a system controlling the movement autonomously and/or by piloting the user in game or outside of any game as a remote controlled robot. The 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 shafts of the motors. This movement can trigger pressing of a push button, for example on/off. In a variant, there are three push buttons, one for each subsystem consisting of a wheel and a motor.

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

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 life, limiting the need for a virtual environment.

Furthermore, the robot 1 comprises a memory 6 into which a game application 3a from said library 3 can be loaded. In particular, the memory 6 allows several games to be installed and played using the robot 1.

Advantageously, this allows you to have a wide choice of games and to be able to change them in case of weariness.

Furthermore, the robot 1 comprises a module 7 for connecting to a mobile device 8 for installing and/or using the game application 3a. It is in particular a smartphone or a tablet that can be connected to the Internet, and to the robot, preferably wirelessly, such as in Bluetooth ^TM 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 downloading can be done in the robot 1.

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

By " man-machine interface " is meant 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 a referee or a means of calculating 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 per se and will not be presented in detail. The invention relates to the implementation of these means in a specific context described herein. For simplification, the man-machine interface 1a is identified in the drawings by the card 1a of the microcontroller 1b.

In particular, the robot 1 comprises an interface screen 1c able to display 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 1c screen makes it possible to have a visual human-machine interface independent of the smartphone 8. This makes it possible to play certain games 100% without a smartphone.

In a variant, the screen 1c can display facial expressions or emotions, in relation 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, it uses, for example, sound and visual feedback.

The robot 1 can include at least one loudspeaker 1d to send one or more messages or audio signals, in particular in connection with the game application 3a in progress. Said 1d speaker involves similar benefits to the 1c display, but auditory instead of visual. In particular, the loudspeaker 1d can make it possible to state information relating to the game, in particular the rules of the game, to state a menu.

The man-machine interface can involve L LEDs, for example four L LEDs controlled by the card (1a). The L leds are preferably placed below the robot and their light is reflected against the ground.

The human-machine interface 1a provides feedback from the robot and improves the user experience.

The man-machine interface 1a 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 application of game 3a in progress.

In particular, the man-machine interface 1a 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. corresponding are taken into account in order to have a reaction of robot 1, possibly by non-virtual movement of robot 1.

Thus, according to a preferred variant, the game robot 1 comprises sensors 9 for interactions with the user associated with the means 10, 10a, 10c for interpreting user game actions. The actions of users picked up by these sensors 9 allow the robot 1 to understand the game of the user or of 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 an infrared beam, the optical sensors 9b are actuated by disturbance of another optical beam. These sensors provide precise and effective 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 above, for interaction with the user. We can talk about a medium distance 9a IR sensor. 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 gaming action. This is for example a distance and or a specific detection time, for example at 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 commands involving movements of the user.

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

Robot 1 may include a light sensor.

Alternatively or in combination, user actions may further involve a microphone and voice recognition modules and/or speech-to-text modules.

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 captured or detected directly or it can be envisaged that this is done via a tool provided for this purpose such as a transmitter coupled to a receiver of the robot.

User actions can also be picked up/detected via mechatronic means of the mobile device 8 such as a compass, an accelerometer, etc. Thus, in a variant, the game action interpretation means of 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 uses them for its servoing.

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

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

Button commands can be based on touch buttons. The buttons can be in the form of a 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 autonomously.

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

In particular, the human-machine interface 1a knows several different means of robot game actions, but is configured to perform only those that correspond to the current game application 3a and not the other game applications.

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

Furthermore, the robot 1 is configured to be played with different games 3a from the game library 3, loaded into its memory 6. This makes it possible to change games without having a significant quantity of additional game elements which would be cumbersome. A memory extension, for example a memory card, can store thousands of games.

In addition, 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 that moves and can interact with external elements or people. It is located between the world of video games with library/platform, that of board games and that of robotics.

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

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

The ground sensors 9 can allow the robot 1 to avoid obstacles, or 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. The extension 12 gives modularity to the robot 1 and makes it possible to have technological adaptability. These may be software and/or hardware elements such as additional sensors, preferably simply plugged into robot 1 or wirelessly. Aesthetic means of extension can be provided, such as decorative elements.

We can provide an extension that will be used to differentiate game cards via NFC, RIFD or color sensors.

According to a variant, the robot 1 comprises update means for adapting and/or updating the user game action interpretation means and/or the robot game action means.

The invention further relates to a system 2 comprising a robot 1 as described previously 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 even including game app library 3.

According to a 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 game element(s) 13. The user uses a mobile device 8 for this purpose, and loads the interface application.

For example, the game 3a can relate to a course in which the robot 1 must avoid the obstacles 13a, recognize identify or read a card (card) or a smart card (smartcard) or a connected card, navigate 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 with a side of 3 cm, and has a height comprised between half the height of the robot 1 and the height of the robot 1 itself. Additional obstacles 13a of other shapes can be provided. . The obstacles 13a are preferably nestable and can be assembled together to save space.

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

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 which obstacle it encounters when it is close to it (RFID technology for example).

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

Robot 1 starts in the center, and the two players are on opposite sides of a board/table.

The first player passes his hand over robot 1 to start the game. There are 5 seconds per player, on his turn the player 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. The robot 1 constantly reacts to the obstacles 13a and follows a movement logic that varies with each game.

To win, you must bring robot 1 to the opposing camp.
Example 2: running

Robot 1 is controlled from the mobile app at full speed.

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

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 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 it turns right.

• soit l’autre joueur accepte: si il y arrive avec autant d'obstacle il gagne 2 points, 3 points si il le fait en moins et 1 point si il le fait en plus;
• soit il refuse et il pense que le premier joueur se trompe ou bluff: le premier joueur doit montrer que ce qu’il a dit est possible et si ça ne l’est pas il perd 2 points, sinon il en gagne 2.

Exemple 4 : Gros jeu A player bets that the robot can arrive at a point by placing a certain number of obstacles 13a: (he is not allowed to place obstacles 13a, he must imagine the route without making a mistake)

• 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 loses 2 points, otherwise he wins 2.

Example 4 : Big Game

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

Some options in the game can allow you to take control of robot 1 for a certain period of time.
Example 5 : Tower defense

Robot 1 starts from one side of the field and approaches slowly: the goal is, as a team or alone, to prevent robot 1 from reaching the end of the table/field by placing obstacles 13a. Cards can be added to complicate and diversify the game. They will allow you to 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 robot 1 performs all the actions, player by player, before starting a new turn.

The game ends when robot 1 has reached its goal.

Claims (11)

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) into which a game application (3a) from said library can be loaded,
- 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
* 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). Gaming robot according to the preceding claim, comprising sensors (9) for interactions with the user associated with the means (10, 10a) for interpreting user gaming actions; and/or sensors (9) for interactions with the environment associated with the robot game action means. Gaming robot according to the preceding claim, wherein said sensors (9) comprise optical sensors (9b) and infrared sensors (9a). Gaming robot according to Claim 2 or 3, in which at least one sensor (9a) is configured to interpret the passage of the user's hand, in particular over the robot (1), as a game action of 'user. Gaming robot according to one of the preceding claims, comprising extension means (12) for adding further user gaming action interpretation means and/or further user gaming action means robot. Game robot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an essentially prismatic general shape with a polygonal base of at least five sides. Game robot according to one of the preceding claims, comprising game controls which comprise robot control buttons (11) and/or mobile device control buttons (8). 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). 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. Game system including:
- a mobile robot (1) according to one of the preceding claims, and
- a library (3) of game applications (3a). 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.