KR20220143751A - Mobile game bots and related systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a game bot (1) for a game system (2) comprising a library (3) of game apps (3a), wherein the bot (1) is mobile, - the game app (3a) of the library can be uploaded a memory 6 located there, - a module 7 for connecting to a mobile device 8 for installing and/or using a game app 3a, and - a human/machine interface 1a, comprising: The interface includes: * means for interpreting a user game action configured to interpret the game action of a user or other bot specified in the current game app 3a; and * to perform a bot game action specific to the current game app 3a. It relates to a game bot comprising a configured bot game operation means. The invention also relates to a corresponding system associated with a game element (13, 13a).

Description

Mobile game bots and related systems

The present invention relates to the field of games, such as board games or video games. The present invention relates more precisely to gaming bots and related gaming systems.

In this field, a video game system is proposed in which the user can be in a virtual environment, a two-dimensional display or an immersive three-dimensional environment and can control game elements via buttons. These types of games involve high manufacturing costs as they have to transport game consoles or deliver video games, including complex systems and sensible displays.

In addition, video games are not always satisfactory in terms of user sociability, since they use a completely virtual environment.

Also, for example, a board game consisting of a board and tokens to be moved on this board is proposed depending on the result of rolling a dice.

This type of solution is not entirely satisfactory as it takes a lot of time to implement and process the game. Moreover, learning the rules of the game is not straightforward, and the rules of the game have to be explained to each new player again.

Also, this solution requires a set of game elements for the game. If you are tired, each additional game requires a different set of game elements, which can be cumbersome when carrying multiple games.

A first object of the present invention is to propose a device and system that requires less virtual gaming environment for greater user sociability.

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

In order to achieve this object, the present invention is a game bot for a game system including a library of game apps, wherein the bot is mobile,

- a memory into which game apps can be loaded from said library, and

- propose a game bot, comprising a module for connecting to a mobile device to install and/or use said game app.

According to a first aspect, the bot comprises:

- means for interpreting user game actions configured to interpret game actions of the user or other bots specific to the current game app, and

- a human/machine interface comprising bot game action means configured to perform a bot game action specific to the current game app.

Advantageously, the bot allows to play a game with one or more users, thereby limiting the need for a virtual environment and improving user sociability.

Additionally, the bot is configured to be played alongside other games in the game library, allowing game changes without having many bulky additional game elements.

According to another aspect, separated or combined according to any technically possible combination,

- the bot comprises a sensor for interaction with the user associated with the means for interpreting the user game action and/or a sensor for interaction with the surrounding environment associated with the bot game action means; and/or

- said sensor comprises an optical sensor and an infrared sensor; and/or

- the at least one sensor is specifically designed to interpret the passing of the user's hand over the bot as a user game action; and/or

- the bot includes extension means for adding other means for interpreting user game actions and/or other bot game action means; and/or

- the bot is characterized by a substantially prismatic general shape with a polygonal base with at least five sides; and/or

- the bot comprises game commands including bot command buttons and/or mobile device command buttons; and/or

- the means for interpreting the user game action is associated with the mechatronic means of the mobile device; and/or

- The game bot comprises at least one omni wheel, in particular three omni wheels, arranged at 120° to each other.

The present invention also

- a mobile bot according to the invention, and

- relates to a game system comprising at least one game app library.

Preferably, the system further comprises at least one game element selected from an obstacle such as a token, a figure, a card, and/or a wall.

More generally, the present invention also

- Preferably, the mobile interface app of the remote server;

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

- a mobile game bot comprising a memory into which the game app can be loaded, it relates to a video game system comprising a mobile game bot comprising a module for connecting to a mobile device.

According to one aspect, the bot comprises:

- means for interpreting user game behavior configured to interpret the user's game behavior specific to the current game app; and

- a human/machine interface comprising bot game action means configured to perform a bot game action specific to the current game app.

The invention also relates to a gaming method comprising the steps for implementing a system according to the invention. In particular, the operation of an element or means of a system according to the invention involves method steps according to the invention.

Another object of the invention relates to a computer program product comprising a program code portion which can be stored on a medium usable in an instruction unit for implementing a system according to the invention or a method according to the invention. Of course, the present invention also relates to the program itself.

The invention also relates to a mobile app comprising a computer program product or program according to the invention. The mobile app is preferably part of a system according to one variant of the invention. The present invention relates to respective mobile interface apps, game libraries and game apps.

The invention also relates to a game method performed by a bot according to the invention. In particular, the recognition of the game motion of the bot and the user motion are respectively concomitant steps of the game method according to the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be described in more detail through the description of non-limiting embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate variants of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a general view showing the environment of the present invention in a preferred embodiment.
2 is a view from space of the bot in a preferred embodiment;
3 is a diagram of a general overview of the invention in a preferred embodiment;
4 is a detailed schematic diagram of the invention in a preferred embodiment.

The present invention first relates to a gaming bot (1) for a gaming system (2).

The objective is to refresh the player's experience through new technologies by proposing a hybrid of board games and video games to bring together all generations and individuals of different interests around the board.

The adaptive gaming system 2 includes a library of game apps 3 that can be played using the bot 1 .

The bot 1 has a reduced size, for example from about 5×5×5 cm to about 20×20×20 cm. In a preferred variant, the dimensions of the bot 1 are about 13×13×5.5 cm. According to one variant, the bot 1 has a substantially prismatic overall shape with a polygonal base of at least five sides. This makes it easy to store bots on top of each other and limit dead space between bots from the side. In particular, the underside is substantially hexagonal, which allows for optimum space occupancy.

The bot 1 may include a supply and battery (B) module and may be associated with a charging station (C).

The bot 1 preferably includes bumpers 4 (eg front and rear) that absorb shocks and/or make it possible to detect contact with users and/or objects. This contact can be used in the game app 3a.

The bot 1 can in particular be moved by means of a wheel 5 . More specifically, the bot 1 is a remote-controlled bot, with an omni wheel 5 associated with a system that guides movement autonomously and/or by user guidance within or outside any game, for example three omni wheels. It includes a wheel (5). The bot 1 can use 3 omni wheels 5 arranged at 120° with 3 motors. This mechanism preferably enables the wheel to return into the bot 1 when the user depresses the bot, so as not to damage the shaft of the motor. This movement can trigger pressing an on/off push button, for example. In one variant, there are three push buttons, one for each subsystem consisting of a wheel and a motor.

A move per integer distance unit or fractional distance unit, for example a move in squares or centimeters, can be used. measure the distance traveled and use it in the game app 3a; Or you can envision dictating the distance to go in the rules of the game. The wheel 5 is preferably hidden by the shell of the bot 1 for improved aesthetics. Besides, it gives the impression of floating in the air. The omni wheel 5 allows 360° of movement.

The mobile bot 1 allows some of the games to be played. Moreover, the mobile bot 1 allows to play in real life, thereby limiting the need for a virtual environment.

The bot 1 also comprises a memory 6 into which a game app 3a can be loaded from the library 3 . In particular, the memory 6 makes it possible to install a plurality of games and play the games using the bot 1 .

This advantageously allows you to choose a lot of games and can change the game if you are tired.

The bot 1 also comprises a module 7 for connecting to the mobile device 8 for installing and/or using the game app 3a. This is particularly preferably a smartphone or tablet that can be connected to the Internet and bots wirelessly, for example by way of Bluetooth™ such as BLE technology.

The mobile device 8 forms a simplified means for connecting the bot 1 to the game library 3 in order to download the game app 3a. This entails a simplified setup of the bot 1 . Advantageously, the installation and download can be performed in the bot 1 .

According to a first aspect, the bot 1 comprises a specific human/machine interface 1a which makes it possible to implement a gaming app 3a.

" Human/Machine Interface " means all hardware and software means that make it possible to embody the "personality" of a bot as a player, as well as referee or means, for example, for calculating scores or evaluating games. The human/machine interface 1a comprises a plurality of means and other elements designed to allow a user to play using the bot 1 . These means are known per se and are not described in detail. The present invention relates to the implementation of such means with the specific frameworks described herein. In a simplified manner, the human/machine interface 1a is identified in the figure as the card 1a of the microcontroller 1b.

In particular, the bot 1 includes an interface screen 1a that can display information about the game, and in particular can display the rules of the game or display a menu. This is for example a TFT or OLED screen. The screen 1c makes it possible to have a visual human/machine interface independent of the smartphone 8 . This allows some games to be played 100% without a smartphone.

In one variant, screen 1c may display a facial expression or emotion related to the current game. Thus, the bot 1 can have a “human” reaction to an event, for example, the bot can express dissatisfaction, happiness, bumping into an obstacle, etc. To do this, the bot uses, for example, sound and visual feedback.

The bot 1 may comprise at least one loudspeaker 1d for sending one or more messages or audio signals, in particular in relation to the current game app 3a. The loudspeaker 1d has similar advantages to the screen 1c, but is audible instead of visual. In particular, the loudspeaker 1d makes it possible to express information related to the game, in particular the rules of the game or to display a menu.

The human/machine interface may include LEDs L, for example four LEDs L, controlled by the card 1a. The LED(L) is preferably placed under the bot and its light is reflected off the ground.

The human/machine interface 1a allows for bot feedback and makes it possible to improve the user experience.

The human/machine interface 1a comprises means for interpreting a user game action, which means is configured to interpret the game action of the user or other bot, and is currently specific to the game app 3a .

In particular, the human/machine interface 1a is designed to recognize a plurality of different user game actions, but only consider those corresponding to the current game app 3a and not other game apps. Corresponding information is considered in terms of the response of the bot 1 possibly by non-imaginary movements of the bot 1 .

Thus, according to a preferred variant, the game bot 1 comprises a sensor 9 for interaction with the user, associated with means 10 , 10a , 10c for interpreting the user's game action. Capturing user behavior by the sensor 9 allows the bot 1 to understand the game of the user or other bots.

In particular, the bot 1 comprises an infrared sensor 9a and an optical sensor 9b. The infrared sensor 9a is activated by blocking the infrared beam; The optical sensor 9b is activated by blocking other optical beams. The sensor can detect accurately and effectively using simplified elements.

More specifically, the bot 1 includes eleven infrared sensors 9a and two optical sensors. For example, one or two interactive IR sensors can be provided above for interaction with the user. Reference may be made to the mid-range IR sensor 9a. One or more sensors 9 may be used for navigation in the menu. It is desirable to have 4 sensors on the side.

More specifically, the at least one sensor 9 , 9a is specifically designed to interpret the passing of the user's hand over the bot 1 as a user game motion. This is a predetermined distance or specific detection time, for example, about 0 to 10 cm from the detector for about 500 ms to 2 seconds.

Advantageously, the detection of the infrared sensor 9a makes it possible to implement specific game commands comprising the movement of the user.

Of course, it is possible to envision standard presence sensors and/or video/camera image detection sensors without departing from the scope of the present invention, but this is not a preferred variant.

The bot 1 may include a brightness sensor.

Alternatively or in combination, the user action may further include a microphone and a speech recognition module or a speech-to-text module.

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

The user's motion may be sensed or detected directly, or it may be envisioned to be performed via a tool provided for this purpose, such as a transmitter coupled to a receiver of a bot.

The user's motion may be sensed/detected via mechatronic means of the mobile device 8 such as a compass, an accelerometer, or the like. Thus, in one variant, the means for interpreting the user game action is associated with the mechatronic means of the mobile device 8 .

In a preferred variant, the optical sensor 9b and the compass are used only to accurately detect the position of the bot; The bot uses sensors for servo control.

In addition to these sensors/detectors, the bot 1 may include game commands including a bot command button 11 . Advantageously, the command 11 makes it possible to interact with the bot without a smartphone 8 . It is possible, for example, to provide a control push button.

Alternatively or in combination, the bot 1 may include game commands comprising a mobile device command button 8 .

The command via the button may be based on a touch sensitive button. The button may be in the form of a joystick or D-pad.

Thus, depending on the current game, certain commands may work. In some cases, the bot 1 may be controlled in other ways or may move autonomously.

In addition to the means for interpreting the ten user game actions, the human/machine interface 1a is also configured to perform a bot game action specific to the current game app 3a, with the movement possibility of the bot 1 . includes means.

In particular, the human/machine interface 1a is designed to know a plurality of different bot game operation means, but only perform corresponding to the current game app 3a and not other game apps.

Advantageously, the bot 1 makes it possible to play a game with one or more users interacting with the human/machine interface 1a. This limits the need for a virtual environment and improves user sociability.

Further, the bot 1 is configured to play with another game 3a in the game library 3 loaded into the memory 6 . This allows game changes to be made without using a lot of bulky additional game elements. Thousands of games can be stored using memory expansion, for example, a memory card.

Moreover, the bot 1 can thus react to user game actions, possibly by movement. The present invention may be defined as a portable video game console capable of interacting with external elements or persons while moving. It sits between the world of video games, the world of board games, and the world of robotics with libraries/platforms.

Furthermore, according to one variant, the game bot 1 comprises a sensor 9 for interaction with the surrounding environment, associated with the means for operating the bot game. This may be one or more of the sensors 9a or detection means described above. For example, it is possible to provide four IR obstacle sensors 9a for interaction with any obstacle, for example to detect obstacles in front and behind and on the side of the bot 1 . Reference may be made to the long range IR sensor 9a.

It is also possible to provide ground sensors 9 (eg 2 to 6 sensors, front, rear and side) that detect the edge of the board so that the bot 1 does not tip over. Reference may be made to the near-IR sensor 9a. This can predict the desired reaction (half turn, quarter turn and keep running, bot stop, etc.).

The ground sensor 9 allows the bot 1 to avoid obstacles or falling hazards.

According to one variant, the bot 1 comprises expansion means 12 for adding other means for interpreting user game actions and/or other bot game action means 1 . Said extension means 12 provide the bot 1 with modularity and allow technical adaptability. This extension means may preferably be a software and/or hardware element such as an additional sensor simply connected to the bot 1 or connected wirelessly. Aesthetic extension means such as decorative elements may be provided.

It is possible to provide an extension that serves to distinguish the game card via NFC, RFID or even a color sensor.

According to one variant, the bot 1 comprises means for interpreting the user game action and/or updating means for adapting and/or updating the bot game action means.

The invention also relates to a system (2) comprising a bot (1) as described above, associated with a library of game apps (3). More specifically, the bot 1 is associated with an interface application for the mobile device 8 which itself contains a library of game apps 3 .

According to one variant, the system 2 further comprises at least one game element 13 selected from tokens, figures, cards, boards, and/or obstacles 13a such as walls or towers. Thus, the user can procure a bot 1 associated with one or more of these game elements 13 , from the library 3 using the bot 1 and possibly said game element or elements 13 . A plurality of games 3a can be accessed. The user uses the mobile device 8 for this purpose and loads the interface app.

For example, game 3a relates to a course in which bot 1 must dodge obstacles 13a, recognize, identify or read a card or smart card or connected card, move across a board, etc. can be The bot 1 meeting the obstacle 13a may stop and change direction, stop, slightly modify the trajectory, or push the obstacle 13a. The bot 1 may detect a specific card, such as a black card, on the game board.

The obstacle 13a preferably has a flanked hexagonal base of 3 cm and a height between half the height of the bot 1 and the actual height of the bot 1 . Additional obstacles 13a of different shapes may be provided. The obstacles 13a can preferably be fitted together and assembled together to save space.

It is possible to envision the use of connected obstacles 13a. In particular, the bot 1 can know whether an obstacle is placed on the board and the type of the obstacle placed on it (there may be several types).

NFC can be added so that the bot 1 and/or the smartphone 8 can recognize obstacles (or QR codes) as they approach them and use this information in the game.

In one variant, the bot 1 does not know where the obstacle 13a lies, but it does know what obstacles it encounters when it is close to the obstacle (eg RFID technology).

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

Possible examples of games:

Example 1: Combat:

The bot (1) starts in the center and the two players are on either side of the board/table.

The first player passes his hand over the bot 1 to start the game. Each player has 5 seconds; The player may grab or lift the obstacle 13a on his turn or do nothing; Then it is the turn of the other player.

Only one move is allowed per round. The bot 1 responds permanently to the obstacles 13a and follows a different movement logic from game to game.

To win, the bot (1) must move to the opposing side.

Example 2: Race

The bot 1 is controlled at full speed in the mobile app.

It is necessary for the player to drive as fast as possible to the end of a predetermined route. The fastest player wins. The game is played in turn.

Example 3: Arrive at the right spot

The bot 1 has the following movement order: (order defined for other games) (for example, when the bot passes an obstacle 13a it goes left the first three times, then forwards on the fourth) After passing the object in , go right and then start again, if the obstacle 13a is on the left, turn right.

The player bets that the bot can reach a point by placing a certain number of obstacles 13a: (no right to place obstacles 13a, the path must be drawn without mistakes)

- the other player accepts to score 2 points if the player succeeds in many obstacles, 3 points if they succeed in fewer obstacles, and 1 point if they succeed in more obstacles; or

- Refuses and believes that the first player makes a mistake or bluffs, the first player must show that what he said is possible, otherwise lose 2 points, otherwise gain 2 points.

Example 4: Big Game

Bot 1 moves in a board game and causes events; Mountains, plains or other game elements 13 are added incrementally to collect points or achieve specific goals.

Some game options allow you to control the bot 1 for a period of time.

Example 5: Tower Defense

The bot 1 proceeds from the side of the site and approaches slowly; The goal is to prevent the bot 1 from reaching the end of the table/field by setting up obstacles 13a as a team or individually. Cards can be added to make the game more complex and varied. The card will make it possible to add rules.

Example 6: Co-op game

Each player selects X actions to be performed by the bot 1 without knowing the movement chosen by the other player, and the goal is to get the bot 1 to the goal by passing the obstacle 13a as quickly as possible.

In each round, all players select an action at the same time, and the bot 1 performs all actions for each player before starting another round.

When the bot 1 achieves its goal, the game is over.

Claims (11)

A gaming bot (1) for a gaming system (2) comprising a library (3) of game apps (3a), said bot (1) being mobile,
- a memory 6 into which a game app 3a from said library can be loaded;
- a module 7 for connecting to a mobile device 8 for installing and/or using said game app 3a and
- Human/Machine Interface (1a)
including, wherein the human/machine interface comprises:
* means for interpreting the user game action configured to interpret the game action of the user or other bot specified in the current game app 3a, and
* bot game operation means configured to perform a bot game operation specific to the current game app 3a
Including, game bots. A sensor (9) for interaction with a user associated with means (10, 10a) for interpreting a user game action; and/or a sensor (9) for interaction with the surrounding environment associated with the bot game operating means. The game bot according to claim 2, wherein the sensor (9) comprises an optical sensor (9b) and an infrared sensor (9a). The gaming bot according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the at least one sensor (9a) is designed to interpret the passing of the user's hand in particular over the bot (1) as a user gaming motion. Game bot according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising extension means (12) for adding other means for interpreting user game actions and/or other means for bot game actions. 6 . The game bot according to claim 1 , characterized in that it has a substantially prismatic overall shape having a polygonal base with at least five sides. The game bot according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising game commands comprising a bot command button (11) and/or a mobile device command button (8). 8. Game bot according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for interpreting the user game action is associated with the mechatronic means of the mobile device (8). 9 . The game bot according to claim 1 , comprising at least one omni wheel ( 5 ), in particular three omni wheels ( 5 ) arranged at 120° to each other. As a game system,
- a mobile bot (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and
- Library of game apps (3a) (3)
A game system comprising: The game system according to claim 10, further comprising at least one game element (13) selected from an obstacle (13a) such as a token, a figure, a card, and/or a wall.

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