WO2023010167A1

WO2023010167A1 - Placement guide for physical layout of objects and automated score tracking system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2023010167A1
Application number: PCT/AU2022/050832
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kristian Prosdocimi
Original assignee: Shellmont Pty. Ltd.
Priority date: 2021-08-04
Filing date: 2022-08-03
Publication date: 2023-02-09

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device used to identify a required spatial configuration of one or more objects, the device including an optical lens for viewing an image of a game playing surface, a display operable to provide an image of the game playing surface to a user, one or more processors operable to generate and display the image of the game playing surface upon which another image is overlayed and presented to the user with the overlayed image identifying the required location and relative configuration of game objects such that the user is able to determine whether objects on the game playing surface are correctly located and configured according to the overlayed image on the image displayed of the game playing surface.

Description

PLACEMENT GUIDE FOR PHYSICAL LAYOUT OF OBJECTS AND AUTOMATED SCORE TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a system and method for guiding users with respect to the physical placement and configuration of objects according to a desired configuration that has been previously captured with an optical image and stored for future reference. The system and method is particularly useful for users who seek to layout objects in one or more configurations for the purpose of playing a game and more particularly, in instances when two players, or teams of players, should have the same configuration of objects since the configuration of game objects for each player, or teams of players, will affect the outcome of the game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] There are many games involving a configuration of items or objects for players whereby the same physical placement and configuration of objects is required for both players or teams of players since the physical placement and configuration of the objects affect the gameplay and the outcome of the game.

[0003] In such instances, it is not unusual for a substantial amount of time at the commencement of a game to be spent ensuring that the physical layout of objects for both teams are identical such that neither team gains an advantage, or suffers a disadvantage, as a result of a different configuration of objects. Typically, game players will use measuring devices or templates to ensure the layout of the game objects is equivalent for both players and/or teams.

[0004] Of course, when using measuring devices or templates, errors can occur and it is also not unusual for players and/or team members on opposing teams to spend a substantial amount of time measuring and checking distances between game objects as they are placed and configured for each player and/or team prior to commencement of the game.

[0005] In some instances, a game may include a number of standing arrangements/layouts of game objects and prepared templates are available that may be used to precisely locate objects with a reasonable degree of accuracy. In these instances, the use of templates may be considered restrictive since the layout of the games objects is restricted to those configurations that accord with one or more available templates.

[0006] Further, when using measuring devices and/or templates to assist the process of ensuring the same configuration of objects for each team player and/or team, the game generally must be played in the presence of both players and/or teams such that team members on opposing sides may inspect the layout and configuration of game objects of each other’s configuration both at the commencement of play and during gameplay. In this regard, it is possible during a game for objects to be dislodged from their initial location and hence, the problem associated with ensuring precisely the same placement and configuration of objects at commencement of the game may be repeated throughout a game as those objects are disturbed and/or shifted as a result of gameplay.

[0007] Many games do not suffer from the problem associated with ensuring a precisely configured arrangement of game objects for opposing teams since the game includes a standard configuration of game objects thus ensuring that all game players are subject to that standard configuration. For example, the game of darts is played with a standard configuration for a dart board and therefore all players are subject to precisely the same configuration of the dart board and therefore, the outcome of any game of darts is not susceptible to any suggestion regarding advantage and/or disadvantage as a result of the configuration of the dart board. Similarly, golf tournaments are played on the same golf course such that all players involved in a tournament play precisely the same course and are subject to the same configuration of the individual holes within the golf course with the same pin placement and location of obstacles such as bunkers and/or sand traps.

[0008] Accordingly, in games which include as a necessary component the configuration of game objects that are involved in the game with game players on opposing sides subject to the same physical configuration of game objects, the problem described above is encountered and generally requires substantial time and effort to ensure that the configuration of game objects is to the satisfaction of all game players since an incorrect or dissimilar configuration of game objects may affect the outcome of a game.

[0009] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved system and method of effecting a physical configuration of game objects that assures game players that precisely the same layout and configuration of objects is presented to opposing players to assuage any concerns that either opposing side has either an advantage, and/or disadvantage, arising from dissimilar configurations and layout of game objects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In one aspect, the present invention provides a device used to identify a required spatial configuration of one or more objects, the device including an optical lens for viewing an image of a game playing surface, a display operable to provide an image of the game playing surface to a user, one or more processors operable to generate and display the image of the game playing surface upon which another image is overlayed and presented to the user with the overlayed image identifying the required location and relative configuration of game objects such that the user is able to determine whether objects on the game playing surface are correctly located and configured according to the overlayed image on the image displayed of the game playing surface.

[0011] In an embodiment, the required layout and relative configuration of game objects is a stored image for subsequent use by the device as the overlay image. The device, or another device connected thereto, may store a library of images including layouts and configurations of game objects for use by the device.

[0012] In an embodiment, the required layout and relative configuration of game objects is extracted from an image captured of a game playing surface with an arrangement of game objects previously configured by a game player. In this embodiment, a spatial configuration of game objects may be established by a game player and captured with the device, the device extracting the required spatial configuration of objects the captured image and applying the layout and configuration required to replicate the same game object placement and providing same as an overlay image on the same device, or communicating same to another device, such that the game player, or another game player, may direct the optical lens of the device to view an image of a game playing surface and by observing the overlayed image of the previously captured layout and configuration of game objects enabling the game player, or the another game player, to arrange game objects on another game playing surface that precisely corresponds with the layout and configuration of game objects captured previously.

[0013] In an embodiment, an origin is established when capturing an image of an existing layout and configuration of game objects. In this regard, by including an origin in the captured image of a layout and configuration of game objects and identifying the origin as an origin point, enables the game player, or another game player, to align the origin point of the captured image with the origin point of another game playing surface to “anchor” the overlay image to the image of the game playing surface to subsequently guide the players to place objects according to the overlayed image. For example, in the instance of a game playing surface corresponding with one half of a tabletop, the origin point may be the furthest edge of the table from the opposing team game playing surface. When capturing an image of the layout and configuration of game objects on one side of a table, by including the table edge in the image and defining that edge as the origin point, subsequent display of that image as an overlay of a display of the opposing table end enables the game player, or another game player, seeking to layout game objects with the same layout and configuration on the other side of the table to accurately place those game objects such that the game objects on either side of the playing table are precisely correspondingly spaced and configured at either end of the game playing surface being the opposing ends of the tabletop.

[0014] In an embodiment, one or more additional reference points are established when capturing the image of an existing layout and configuration of game objects, and in addition to aligning the origin point of the captured image with the origin point of another game playing surface, the one or more additional reference points are aligned with corresponding reference points of the other game playing surface. Capturing additional reference points may facilitate scaling of the game playing surface in the overlayed image to “fit” the game playing surface viewed by the device. For example, in the instance of a game playing surface corresponding with one half of a tabletop, additional reference points may include the two corners of the half tabletop closest to the opposing team game playing surface.

[0015] As previously mentioned, objects during game play may move and after initial setup of game playing surfaces for opposing teams, in an embodiment, the device may be used to track moving objects during gameplay. For example, in games involving a ball that is thrown or bounced during gameplay, the device may capture the movement of the ball object during gameplay as a series of images and track the movement of the object during gameplay. In one particular example, a game involving game objects comprising cups with the open end of the cup projecting upwardly, a ball may be bounced with the intention of bouncing the ball and landing the ball into one of an arrangement of upwardly projecting cup ends. For any particular layout and configuration of cups, different cups may involve a different score for landing a bouncing ball into a particular cup. In this instance, tracking the movement of a bouncing ball during gameplay assists the device to track the landing of the bouncing ball into an upwardly projecting cup and having associated a point score with a particular cup, the device may both track movement of the bouncing ball object and maintain a tally of the score arising from the landing of the bouncing ball into any particular cup.

[0016] In the example of the game involving upwardly projecting cups and a bouncing ball that players attempt to land into a cup, the landing of a bouncing ball into a cup may physically move and disturb the physical layout of a cup within a configuration of cups and may subsequently require a re-establishment of the initial layout and configuration of the cups before the continuance of gameplay.

[0017] In an embodiment, in addition to tracking the movement of objects during gameplay, the device preferably transmits, by a data communications network, copies of captured images such that those images are streamed to other devices that may be located a substantial physical distance away from the capturing device. In this embodiment, it becomes possible for game players and/or teams to be physically located a substantial distance from each other yet play a game involving an initial layout and configuration of game objects and the capture and sharing of images regarding attempts to achieve an object of the game such as landing a bouncing ball into an upwardly projecting cup such that each opposing player or team members may observe the attempt of the other game player and/or team member. Similarly, in this embodiment, the initial establishment of the required layout and configuration of game objects may be shared with each device participating in the game such that opposing team players may observe the establishment of the layout and configuration of game objects for both teams. In the same embodiment, the initial layout and configuration of game objects may be established by one team that is physically located a substantial distance from the other team and shared by a data communications network with the other team who establishes precisely the same layout and configuration of game objects for playing the game with those game objects at the physically distant location. During play, the shared images regarding the re-establishment of the original layout and configuration of game objects may also be shared in those instances where a game object has moved during gameplay and requires re-establishment of the original layout and configuration of game objects. [0018] In another embodiment, the tracking of moving objects during gameplay and the automated tallying of points that are scored during gameplay may be shared with other devices belonging to team members, or team members of an opposing team, and the automated tallying of scores may occur for respective teams during a competition.

[0019] In an embodiment, the image of the game playing surface is a three- dimensional image that is provided to a user and the overlay image identifying the location of individual game objects is also provided to the user in three-dimensions.

[0020] In another embodiment, the automated tallying of points may be audibly reported to the holder of a device to which streamed images of gameplay are received and when activated, and a speech synthesis utility interprets the point score and audibly reports the point score through an audio speaker device.

[0021] In another embodiment, the stream of images associated with objects that move during gameplay may be analysed to determine various characteristics of gameplay. For example, by analysing the movement of an object during gameplay, it may be possible to establish characteristics of a particular team player such as their throwing style or bowling action during gameplay which may also be reported during gameplay subsequent to a game player effecting a gameplay action such as throwing and/or bowling.

[0022] In another aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable medium storing instructions, the instructions including one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors associated with a user device, cause the one or more processors to retrieve an image of a game playing surface captured using an optical lens associated with the user device, provide, using a display associated with the user device, an image of the game playing surface, generate the image of the game playing surface upon which another image is overlayed, the overlayed image identifying the required location and relative configuration of game objects, cause the display to provide the generated image including the overlayed image for display to the user, thereby enabling the user to determine whether objects on the game playing surface are correctly located and configured according to the overlayed image on the image displayed of the game playing surface. [0023] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a computer-implemented method for identifying a required spatial configuration of one or more objects, the method including receiving, by one or more processors of a user device, an image of a game playing surface captured using an optical lens associated with the user device, providing, by the one or more processors using a display associated with the user device, an image of the game playing surface, generating, by the one or more processors, the image of the game playing surface upon which another image is overlayed, the overlayed image identifying the required location and relative configuration of game objects, causing, by the one or more processors, the display to provide the generated image including the overlayed image for display to the user, thereby enabling the user to determine whether objects on the game playing surface are correctly located and configured according to the overlayed image on the image displayed of the game playing surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary system for guiding users with respect to the physical placement and configuration of objects in a game and providing an automated score tracking system in respect of same;

[0026] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram associated with the server component of the system illustrated in Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables a user to download and install a software application to enable a user device to interact with the system illustrated in Figure 1 ;

[0028] Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables a user to create a new game, invite others to play, and select/create a game template;

[0029] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables a user to determine where to locate and how to configure objects on a game playing surface in accordance with a selected/created template;

[0030] Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables users to play the game from remote locations and to automatically track the game score; and

[0031 ] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a user device displaying a tournament leader board interface for users or teams of users competing in the same game.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The present invention relates to at least a device and method used to identify the required location and configuration of one or more objects.

[0033] In an embodiment, the required location and configuration of objects is in the form of cups (182) in a game of beer pong. In particular, the device and method involve the use of an optical lens, e.g. a camera (210) associated with user device (90), for viewing an image of a game playing surface (180), as well as a display operable to provide an image of the game playing surface (180) to a user (80), e.g. the display associated with user device (90). By operating software application (100), the user device (90), utilising one or more of its processors, is used to generate and display an image (190) of the game playing surface (180) upon which another image is overlayed and presented to the user (80), the overlayed image identifying the required location and relative configuration of game objects to enable the user to determine where to locate and how to configure the actual objects (182) on the playing surface (180).

[0034] Where there are no existing objects on the playing surface (180), the user (80) is able to determine where to locate and how to configure objects on the game playing surface and in this regard the user is guided by the image displayed on the user device (100) which has an overlayed image that identifies the required location and relative configuration of game objects. This ensures that the objects (182) are located and configured according to the overlayed image. Similarly, where there are already existing objects (182) on the playing surface (180), e.g. objects already placed on the playing surface (180), the image generated and displayed on the device (90) will guide the user (80) in relation to whether or not existing objects on the game playing surface (180) are correctly located and configured according to the overlayed image.

[0035] In this way, users participating in a game of beer pong, for example, may determine that the beer pong cups are set up correctly on a playing surface and in a manner that ensures that neither participant in the game gains an advantage, or suffers a disadvantage, as a result of a different location/configuration of objects. The device and method therefore provide a means for at least two participants of a game to compete with the same layout and configuration of objects despite there potentially being a significant physical distance between the two participants (i.e. where the participants are playing the game remotely via a communications network). Further, the users can participate without the need to spend a substantial amount of time measuring and checking distances between the game objects (182) since the table and cup layout in each of the different locations will be practically identical.

[0036] Figure 1 is divided into segments which are further expanded in the subsequent Figures 2 to 7. In particular, segment 200 of Figure 1 shows a server (20) with which the software application (100) operating on user device (90) may communicate. This is expanded in Figure 2. Segment 300 of Figure 1 shows a user (80) downloading and installing the application (100) and logging into the application (100), which is expanded in Figure 3. Segment 400 of Figure 1 shows a user (80A) initiating a new game and selecting the layout or template that will be used to establish placement of the game objects (182), as expanded in Figure 4. Segment 500 of Figure 1 shows how the selected layout or template is used to overlay an image of the actual game playing surface (180), as captured by the device camera (210), which is expanded in Figure 5. Figure 6 illustrates the means by which at least two users (80A) and (80B) may participate in the same game despite being separated by a significant physical distance. This is expanded in Figure 6. Finally, segment 700 of Figure 1 shows an exemplary interface (240) associated with software application (100) that displays a tournament leader board, which is expanded in Figure 7.

[0037] As mentioned above, Figure 2 shows in greater detail the segment 200 from Figure 1. In particular, Figure 2 shows the server component (20) which includes infrastructure (10) on which the server (20) operates, which may be local or cloud-based. The steps described herein may be performed by one or both of the server (20) and the user device (90), but generally the server (20) will provide the functions and/or storage that cannot be provided locally by the user device (90). In this regard, the central server (20) may include one or more computer applications and/or storage means that provide the necessary functionality and storage to enable the application (100) operating on user device (90) to perform steps according to implementations of the present invention, including but not limited to the functionality and/or storage listed below:

• Register (30) of user accounts, each user account including a user profile which will typically contain user details such as name, location and contact information, as well as credentials such as user name and password information. Depending upon the game that is being played, each user profile may include additional information associated with a user, including for example a profile photo or avatar image selected by the user;

• Database (40) of game type and template data, i.e. data relating to games that are available for selection (e.g. beer pong) and associated templates (e.g. beer pong cup placement templates) which have been previously created. The repository (40) may store an increasing number of games over time as new games are added, and each game necessarily involves the placement of game objects (182) in a particular configuration/template;

• Database (50) of tournament data, i.e. data relating to established game competitions, and users or teams registered to compete;

• Database (60) of game instance data, i.e. data relating to instances of a game or games between users including standalone games or games which form part of a tournament;

• Database (62) of competitor data, which is distinct from user account data (30). The competitor data relates specifically to users who are competing in a particular instance (60) of a game;

• Database (64) relating to the particular game type and template that has been selected for the particular game instance, i.e. the active game type/template as selected from those stored in database (40);

• Functionality (66) for recording and storing a current score and ultimately the result of each particular game instance.

[0038] Whilst the above storage means (registers, repositories and databases) are described and depicted as being separate storage components, it is to be understood that other configurations may be possible. For example, all data may be stored in a single database and appropriately categorised in a data structure.

[0039] Figure 2 also shows that the server 20 is configured to enable communication (70) between the central server (20) and the software application (100) operating on user device (90), and any description herein relating to functionality and/or storage associated with the user device (90) may well be functionality and/or storage that occurs at the server (20) by way of the communication (70). [0040] Figure 3 shows in greater detail segment 300 of Figure 1 and illustrates, in an exemplary embodiment, how a user (80) may download and install the application (100) and subsequently log in to the application (100). In particular, the device (90) may be used to install the application (100), which may be achieved by downloading the application (100) from an applicable application store. The user (80) may then create an account on the application (100), and the account information may be stored in the user account register (30) which captures information sufficient to enable the user (80) to be correctly identified and to enable the user (80) to subsequently log in and participate in a game. The process of installing the application (100) is indicated by arrows (1 10), and the process of logging in or registering is indicated by identification number (120). The user device (90) may include a display that provides one or more interfaces for the user to input and/or view information, as described herein.

[0041] Once a first user (80A) has logged in to use the application (100), as shown in Figure 4, the user (80A) may be prompted at interface (130) to create a new game instance which may involve selecting a particular game and selecting whether the game will be part of a tournament or a standalone game.

[0042] In the event the user selects the creation of a tournament, the user (80A) may subsequently be prompted at interface (140) to send invitations (150) to additional users (80B, 80C) to join the tournament. The additional users (80B, 80C), who have also previously downloaded and installed application (100) and who are recorded in user account register (30), may receive an in-application notification (152) to join the tournament, or in any other manner including, for example, by SMS invitation (154) which is also shown in Figure 4.

[0043] In the event a tournament is not created or joined by user (80A), then as mentioned above the user may select a standalone game. A user’s selection to create, or join, a tournament may require the user (80A) to select other users who have registered to compete in a tournament. A user’s selection to compete in a standalone game may involve sending invitations sent to all registered users to compete (with a limited number of users joining on a “first in” basis), or users may be selected at random. In an alternate embodiment, users may be selected on the basis of their categorisation regarding a particular skill level as compared with user (80A). Once another user, or users, has been selected, a photo or avatar of each of the competing users may be displayed, as shown in interface (160).

[0044] Figure 4 also illustrates interface (170) in which the user (80A) may select the layout or template that will be used to layout the game playing objects (182) used in the game. For example, if the game of beer pong is selected, there may be a plurality of standing arrangements/layouts of cups available for selection, and such prepared templates may be stored in database (40). Interface (170) allows user (80A) to select one of those arrangements/layouts.

[0045] In an alternate embodiment, the layout may be selected prior to the user (80A) selecting his or her opponents or being allocated a particular opponent. After a particular layout template has been selected, opponent(s) may be automatically selected based upon the particular template selected. For example, users may first select a particular layout of preference, and other users who are registered and ready to play and who prefer to play using the same particular beer pong cup layout may be presented to the user for selection, or automatically paired with the user as previously described. It is this selected layout that is subsequently used as the overlay image, as described in greater detail below with reference to Figure 5.

[0046] Figure 5 illustrates a particular example in which two users (80A) and (80B) are participating in a game of beer pong wherein the users are not remotely located, i.e. users (80A) and (80B) are both competing against each other utilising the same beer pong table and hence the same playing surface (180). Each of the players (80A) and (80B) have placed their game playing objects (182), i.e. cups (182), upon the playing surface (180) in a triangular configuration, i.e. in an arrangement which corresponds with that which was previously selected in an interface (170). In accordance with the present invention, the application (100) may then be used to ensure that the cups (182) have been correctly placed in accordance with the selected template and in the same physical configuration on both ends of the table.

[0047] Skilled addressees will appreciate that the game of beer pong involves throwing (186) a ball (184) into cups (182) located on an opponent’s end of a playing surface (180). Accordingly, beer pong represents a game in which consistent placement of the cups is of primary importance. Accordingly, one or both of the users (80A) and (80B) may utilise their device (90) and in particular the interface (190) which is generated by application (100) to ensure the cups (182) are arranged for all participants correctly and fairly. In particular, a user may cause camera (210) of their device (90) to present an image of the game playing surface (180) on the user device display, and the application (100) will generate the image with an overlay image that corresponds with the cup layout previously selected by the user(s). In this way, the users are guided with respect to the correct placement of cups (182). In other words, the camera (210) of the device is directed by the user to view an image of the game playing surface (180) and by observing the overlayed image of the selected layout of cups (182), the user is enabled to arrange the cups (182) on the game playing surface (180) in a manner that precisely corresponds with the selected layout.

[0048] The skilled addressee would appreciate that in order for the layout to be correctly scaled to fit, such that the layout associated with the overlay image corresponds in dimension and scale with that captured in the camera image, an origin (not shown) may be established when capturing the image of the existing layout and configuration of cups (182) as shown in Figure 5. In this regard, once an image is captured, the user may be requested to select an original point in the image. By including an origin in the captured image and identifying the origin as an origin point, the users are enabled to align the origin point of the captured image with an origin point (not shown) of the selected layout. In this way, the overlay image is “anchored” to the image of the game playing surface to ensure that the template present on the overlay image is correctly positioned relative to the game playing surface (180) captured by camera (210). As an example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the origin point may be one or more edges of the table top.

[0049] It is to be understood that one or more additional reference points may be established when capturing the image, and such reference points may also exist in the stored layouts. Additional accuracy may be obtained in this regard since reliance upon more than just an origin point ensures scaling of the template more accurately to fit within the dimensions of the game playing surface (180) captured by camera (210). For example, additional reference points may include one or more additional edges or corners associated with the table top.

[0050] The above described example involves a user establishing an origin point at the time of capturing an image of a game playing surface (180) and then aligning an origin point associated with a stored template with the origin point in the captured image. This necessarily requires that the stored templates will have pre-established origin points. There may be situations where a template is not stored but is created by a user, and the below paragraphs describe examples regarding how the stored templates may be established and origin points added to the created template for subsequent use and storage.

[0051] As mentioned above, a user may prefer to create a new template, or there may be instances where a template is a previously created user template. When creating a template, a user may capture an image of a game playing surface with a preferred arrangement of game objects. In this way, the same game object layout and configuration may be replicated and provided as an overlay image such that the game player, or any other game player, may direct their camera to view a game playing surface and observe the previously captured layout and configuration as an overlayed image. In this embodiment, an origin may be established when the game player captures the image of an existing layout and configuration of game objects. By including an origin in this captured and stored image, the origin point may subsequently be aligned with the origin point of another game playing surface to again anchor the overlay image to the image of the game playing surface to subsequently guide players to place objects according to the overlayed image.

[0052] The ability to create a template is useful when playing a game locally, i.e. where both opponent game playing surfaces are on the same tabletop, or remotely, i.e. when the opponent tabletops are separate by a substantial physical distance. A user may capture an image of the layout and configuration of game objects on one side of a table at one location, and by including the table edge (for example) in the image and defining that edge as the origin point, subsequent display of that image as an overlay of a display of the opposing table end enables the opponent who is seeking to layout game objects with the same layout and configuration on their side of the table, to accurately place those game objects such that the game objects on either side of the playing tables are correspondingly relatively spaced and configured.

[0053] The above described device and method may also be utilised in order to automate the tracking of scores associated with the game as it is played, such as, for example, tracking the score in a game of beer pong. In this regard, the user device (90) or any device such as a standalone digital camera may be utilised to track moving objects during gameplay. This may be achieved, for example, by a bystander holding their smartphone camera to capture the gameplay, or by setting up an image capture device adjacent the playing surface (180) and fixing the device such that the device captures the gameplay without the need for a device to be manually held. For example, in games such as beer pong which involve a ball (184) that is thrown (186) or bounced during gameplay, such a device may capture the movement of the ball during gameplay as a series of images and track the movement of the object during gameplay. The beer pong cups are upstanding and include an open end of the cup projecting upwardly, and a ball is bounced with the intention of bouncing the ball and landing the ball into one of an arrangement of upwardly projecting cup ends. For any particular layout and configuration of cups, different cups may involve a different score for landing a bouncing ball into a particular cup (182). In this instance, tracking the movement of a bouncing ball during gameplay may assist the device to track the landing of the bouncing ball into an upwardly projecting cup and having associated a point score with a particular cup, the device may both track movement of the bouncing ball and maintain a tally of the score arising from the landing of the bouncing ball into any particular cup (182).

[0054] The automated tallying of points may be audibly reported to the user of a device (90) to which streamed images of gameplay are received, and a speech synthesis utility may be used to interpret the point score and audibly report the point score through an audio speaker device.

[0055] Figure 5 shows a score entry interface (220) which displays the scores that are tracked by the application (100) and which may also display the winner. Where the scores are not automatically tracked through use of a device, as described above, players located remotely may manually enter their score which may be shared with the other player(s).

[0056] In games such as beer pong, the landing of a bouncing ball into a cup may also physically move and disturb the cup and thereby affect the physical layout of cups. It will be appreciated that the application (100) may be utilised to re-establish the initial layout and configuration of the cups before the continuance of gameplay. For example, the device camera (210) may be utilised to capture an image and to utilise the relevant image overlay which will guide the user or users in relation to re-establishing the initial layout of cups. [0057] In each of the examples described above requiring a user, either before or during gameplay, to direct their device (90) such that a camera (210) captures one or more images, it is to be understood that the device will need to be appropriately positioned in order to capture the entire playing surface (180) or at least a relevant portion thereof. This may be achieved based upon a side capture of the game playing surface and associated components, as shown by way of example in Figure 5. In some instances, the device may need to be positioned above the table in order to fully capture the playing surface (180) or to ensure that a more accurate image overlay is achieved.

[0058] Figure 6 shows the previously described option of two users (80A) and (80B) located remotely (230A) and (230B) and competing against one another in a game of beer pong utilising their respective user devices (90). Use of the application (100) ensures that the table and cup layout in the different locations (230A) and (230B) are practically identical. The application (100) may also provide additional functionality, including the ability for remotely located users to communicate via audio chat and video, and to track each other’s score as shown in the example of Figure 6.

[0059] The application (100) may cause the device (90) to also transmit, via a data communications network, copies of captured images such that those images are streamed to other devices that may be located a substantial physical distance away from the capturing device, e.g. the remotely located users (80A) and (80B) in locations (230A) and (230B) respectively. In this way, it becomes possible for the users and/or teams of users to be physically located a substantial distance from each other yet play a game involving a particular layout and configuration of game objects. The capture and sharing of images regarding attempts to achieve an object of the game such as landing a bouncing ball into a cup ensures that opposing players or team members may observe the attempt of the other player and/or team member.

[0060] Similarly, the initial establishment of a required layout and configuration of game objects may be shared with each device participating in the game such that opposing team players may observe the establishment of the layout and configuration for both teams. In other words, the initial layout may be established by one team and subsequently shared by a data communications network with the other team(s) who may establish precisely the same layout and configuration of game objects for playing the game with those game objects at a physically distant location. During play, the shared images regarding the re-establishment of the original layout of game objects may also be shared in those instances where a game object has moved during gameplay.

[0061] It is to be understood that in the above description relating to embodiments of the present invention in which a single user is described, the same considerations will apply to teams of users. For example, the tracking of moving objects during gameplay and the automated tallying of points that are scored during gameplay may be shared with other devices belonging to team members, or team members of an opposing team, and the automated tallying of scores may occur for respective teams during a competition.

[0062] The application (100) may also be used to provide reports to users. For example, the stream of images associated with objects that move during gameplay may be analysed to determine various characteristics of gameplay. By analysing, for example, the movement of an object during gameplay, it may be possible to establish characteristics of a particular team player such as their throwing style or bowling action during game play which may also be reported during game play, subsequent to a game player affecting the gameplay action.

[0063] The ability to compete in tournaments has been previously described, and a particular embodiment is illustrated in Figure 7 in which the user device (90) displays an interface (240) of a tournament leader board. In particular, a listing of users (80A, 80B, 80C) is illustrated and the users are ranked according to their relative scores. In this way, if the game forms part of a tournament between users, all users can see where they currently stand on the leader board. Such an interface may include statistics in relation to a number of games played, win-loss ratios, total scores and similar information.

[0064] The skilled addressee will appreciate that the present invention facilitates the playing of any game involving a layout and configuration of objects for players whereby the same physical placement and configuration of objects is required for both players or teams of players since the physical layout and configuration of the objects affect the gameplay and the outcome of the game. Use of the application (100) ensures that the game is set up correctly and fairly through the use of, for example, a camera associated with a user device and intelligent image processing as described above. The application (100) keeps score of the games and may track tournaments, and further allow participants to play the game remotely by ensuring that the configuration of objects in different locations are substantially identical. [0065] The user device (90) could be a tablet computer, a smartphone, or any other type of portable computing device. The user device may include a display that provides an interface for the user to input and/or view information. For example, a user could interact with the device using a program, such as a text-based chat program, a voicebased communication program, and/or a video-based communication program. Alternatively, in some cases, the user device (90) could be a telephone (e.g., a cell phone, etc.).

[0066] The central server (20) may be a single computer, the partial computing resources of a single computer, a plurality of computers communicating with one another, or a network of remote servers (e.g., cloud). The one or more servers can house local databases and/or communicate with one or more external databases.

[0067] The user device (90) may communicate with the server (20) over a network. In some embodiments, the network may be a wide area network ("WAN"), e.g., the Internet. In other embodiments, the network may be a local area network ("LAN"). For example, in a more remote location far from a metropolitan area, the Internet may not be available. In yet other embodiments, the network may be a combination of a WAN and a LAN. In embodiments where the user device (90) is a phone (e.g., a cell phone), the communication may pass through a telecommunications network and/or a wide area network.

[0068] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant field of technology that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as detailed in the embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0069] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated feature or step, or group of features or steps, but not the exclusion of any other feature or step or group of features or steps.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1 . A device used to identify a required spatial configuration of one or more objects on a game playing surface, the device including: an optical lens for viewing an image of the game playing surface; a display operable to provide an image of the game playing surface to a user; one or more processors operable to generate and display the image of the game playing surface upon which another image is overlayed and presented to the user with the overlayed image identifying the required location and relative configuration of game objects such that the user is able to determine whether objects on the game playing surface are correctly located and configured according to the overlayed image on the image displayed of the game playing surface.

2. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the required layout and relative configuration of game objects is a stored image for subsequent use by the device as the overlay image.

3. A device according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the device, or another device connected thereto, stores a library of overlay images including layouts and relative configurations of game objects for use by the device, or the another device.

4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the required layout and relative configuration of game objects on the gaming playing surface is extracted from an image captured of another game playing surface with a previously configured arrangement of game objects.

5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to: establish a spatial configuration of game objects and capture a required spatial configuration of game objects based on the established spatial configuration of game objects, extract the required spatial configuration of objects within the captured image; apply a layout and configuration that replicates the required spatial configuration; provide the replicated required spatial configuration as an overlay image on the device and/or communicating same to another device to enable a game player, or another game player, to: direct the optical lens of the device to view an image of a game playing surface; and arrange game objects on another game playing surface that precisely corresponds with the layout and configuration of game objects captured previously by observing the overlayed image of the previously captured layout and configuration of game objects.

6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to enable the establishment of an origin when capturing the image of an existing layout and configuration of game objects on the playing surface.

7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the device is further configured to enable the establishment of one or more additional reference points when capturing the image of an existing layout and configuration of game objects on the playing surface.

8. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to track moving objects during gameplay.

9. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to transmit, by a data communications network, copies of captured images such that those images are streamed to other devices that may be located a substantial physical distance away from the capturing device.

10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to automatically tally points that are scored during gameplay and share same with other devices.

11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the automated tallying of points is audibly reported to a holder of the device to which streamed images of gameplay are received, and when activated, and a speech synthesis utility interprets the point score and audibly reports the point score through an audio speaker device.

12. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image of the game playing surface and the overlayed image are three-dimensional images.

13. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to analyse images associated with objects that move during gameplay to determine various characteristics of gameplay.

14. A computer-implemented method for identifying a required spatial configuration of one or more objects, the method including: receiving, by one or more processors of a user device, an image of a game playing surface captured using an optical lens associated with the user device; providing, by the one or more processors using a display associated with the user device, an image of the game playing surface; generating, by the one or more processors, the image of the game playing surface upon which another image is overlayed, the overlayed image identifying the required location and relative configuration of game objects; causing, by the one or more processors, the display to provide the generated image including the overlayed image for display to the user, thereby enabling the user to determine whether objects on the game playing surface are correctly located and configured according to the overlayed image on the image displayed of the game playing surface.

15. A computer-implemented method according to claim 14, wherein the method further includes storing, by the device, or another device connected thereto, a library of overlay images including layouts and relative configurations of game objects for use by the device, or the another device.

16. A computer-implemented method according to either claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the method further includes extracting the required layout and relative configuration of game objects on the gaming playing surface from an image captured of another game playing surface with a previously configured arrangement of game objects.

17. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the method further includes: establishing a spatial configuration of game objects and capturing a required spatial configuration of game objects based on the established spatial configuration of game objects, extracting the required spatial configuration of objects within the captured image; applying a layout and configuration that replicates the required spatial configuration; providing the replicated required spatial configuration as an overlay image on the device and/or communicating same to another device to enable a game player, or another game player, to: direct the optical lens of the device to view an image of a game playing surface; and arrange game objects on another game playing surface that precisely corresponds with the layout and configuration of game objects captured previously by observing the overlayed image of the previously captured layout and configuration of game objects.

18. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the method further includes establishing an origin when capturing the image of an existing layout and configuration of game objects on the playing surface.

19. A computer-implemented method according to claims 18, wherein the method further includes: establishing one or more additional reference points when capturing the image of an existing layout and configuration of game objects, aligning the established origin of the captured image with the origin of another game playing surface, and aligning the established one or more additional reference points with corresponding reference points of the another game playing surface.

20. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the method further includes tracking moving objects during gameplay.

21. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the method further includes transmitting, by a data communications network, copies of captured images such that those images are streamed to other devices that may be located a substantial physical distance away from the capturing device.

22. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 14 to 21 , wherein the method further includes automatically tallying points that are scored during gameplay and sharing same with other devices.

23. A computer-implemented method according to claim 23, wherein the method further includes audibly reporting the automated tallying of points to a holder of a device to which streamed images of gameplay are received, and interpreting, by a speech synthesis utility, the point score and audibly reporting same through an audio speaker device.

24. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the method further includes analysing images associated with objects that move during gameplay to determine various characteristics of gameplay.

25. A computer-readable medium storing instructions, the instructions including: one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors associated with a user device, cause the one or more processors to: retrieve an image of a game playing surface captured using an optical lens associated with the user device; provide, using a display associated with the user device, an image of the game playing surface; generate the image of the game playing surface upon which another image is overlayed, the overlayed image identifying the required location and relative configuration of game objects; cause the display to provide the generated image including the overlayed image for display to the user, thereby enabling the user to determine whether objects on the game playing surface are correctly located and configured according to the overlayed image on the image displayed of the game playing surface.