JP2023515430A - Mobile gaming bots and related systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a gaming bot (1) for a gaming system (2) comprising a library (3) of gaming apps (3a), the bot (1) being mobile and - gaming in the library a memory (6) to which an app (3a) can be uploaded; - a module (7) for connecting to a mobile device (8) for installing and/or using a gaming app (3a); - a man-machine. An interface (1a), * means for interpreting user gaming actions, configured to interpret gaming actions of a user or another bot, specific to the current gaming app (3a) and bot gaming action means configured to perform bot gaming actions that are specific to the current gaming app (3a). (1a); The invention further relates to corresponding systems associated with gaming elements (13, 13a). [Selection drawing] Fig. 2

Description

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

In this field, video gaming systems have been proposed in which a user enters a virtual environment via a two-dimensional display or an immersive three-dimensional environment and controls gaming elements via buttons. This type of game requires shipping a game console or providing a video game involving complex systems and sensitive displays with high manufacturing costs.

Furthermore, video games generally involve the use of virtual environments, which is not always satisfactory from a user's sociability standpoint.

Further, board games have been proposed, for example comprising a board and tokens that move on the board depending on the result of rolling the dice.

This type of solution is not fully satisfactory as it takes time to play the game and to handle the game. Furthermore, the game rules are difficult to understand and must be re-explained to each new player.

Moreover, this solution requires a set of gaming elements for the game. If bored, each additional game requires another set of gaming elements, which can prove 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 higher user sociability.

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

To achieve these objectives, the present invention proposes a gaming bot for a gaming system comprising a library of gaming apps, the bot being mobile and
- a memory capable of loading gaming applications from the library;
- a module for connecting to a mobile device for installing and/or using gaming apps.

According to a first aspect, the bot comprises a man-machine interface, the man-machine interface comprising:
- Means for interpreting user gaming actions, the means for interpreting user gaming actions being configured to interpret gaming actions of a user or another bot specific to the current gaming app. and,
- a bot gaming action means configured to perform a bot gaming action specific to the current gaming app.

Advantageously, bots allow more than one user to play the game, which allows limiting the need for virtual environments and improves user sociability.

Additionally, the bots are configured to play different games in the gaming library, which allows changing games without having a large number of additional gaming elements that can be bulky.

According to other aspects, either independently or in combination, in any technically possible combination,
- the bot comprises sensors for interacting with the user, associated with means for interpreting user gaming actions, and/or sensors for interacting with the environment, associated with means for bot gaming actions; and/or - the sensors include an optical sensor and an infrared sensor; and/or - at least one sensor is specifically designed to interpret the passage of the user's hand over the bot as a user gaming action. and/or - the bot comprises other means for interpreting user gaming actions and/or extension means for adding other bot gaming action means, and/or - the bot has at least five characterized by a substantially prismatic general shape with a four-sided polygonal base; and/or - the bot comprises gaming commands including bot command buttons and/or mobile device command buttons; and/or - the means for interpreting user gaming actions are associated with the mechatronic means of the mobile device, and/or - the gaming bots are arranged on at least one omniwheel, in particular at 120° to each other with three omni wheels.

The present invention further provides a gaming system comprising:
- a mobile bot according to the invention;
- a gaming system comprising a library of at least one gaming app.

The system preferably further comprises at least one gaming element selected from tokens, figures, cards and/or obstacles such as walls.

More generally, the invention is also a video gaming system comprising:
- preferably a mobile interface app in a remote server;
- a library of at least one gaming app, preferably within the mobile interface app;
- A video gaming system comprising a mobile gaming bot comprising a memory in which the gaming app can be loaded, the bot comprising a module for connecting to a mobile device.

According to one aspect, the bot comprises a man-machine interface, the man-machine interface comprising:
- means for interpreting user gaming actions, the means for interpreting user gaming actions being configured to interpret user gaming actions specific to the current gaming app;
- a bot gaming action means configured to perform a bot gaming action specific to the current gaming app.

The invention further relates to a gaming method comprising steps for implementing the system according to the invention. In particular, the actions or means of the elements of the system according to the invention are accompanied by the steps of the method according to the invention.

Another object of the invention relates to a computer program product comprising program code parts that can be stored on a medium that can be used in a command unit for implementing the system according to the invention or the method according to the invention. Of course, the invention also relates to the program itself.

The invention further relates to a mobile app comprising a computer program product or program according to the invention. The mobile app is preferably part of the system according to this variant of the invention. The present invention relates to each of a mobile interface app, a gaming library, and a gaming app.

The invention further relates to a gaming method implemented by a bot according to the invention. In particular, bot gaming actions and user action recognition are respectively attendant steps of the gaming method according to the present invention.

The invention will be explained in more detail by means of a description of non-limiting embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate variants of the invention.

1 is an overview diagram of the environment of the present invention in a preferred embodiment; FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram of the bot's space in the preferred embodiment; 1 is an overview of the invention in a preferred embodiment; FIG. 1 is a detailed overview of the invention in a preferred embodiment; FIG.

The present invention firstly concerns a gaming bot 1 of a gaming system 2 .

Its aim is to renew the player's experience with new technologies by proposing a hybrid between board games and video games to bring all generations and individuals with different interests together around the board. be.

A compatible gaming system 2 comprises a library of gaming apps 3 that can be played with bots 1 .

The bot 1 has a small size of, for example, about 5×5×5 cm to about 20×20×20 cm. In a preferred variant, the bot 1 measures approximately 13 x 13 x 5.5 cm. According to a variant, the bot 1 is of substantially prismatic general shape with a polygonal base of at least five sides. This allows the bot 1 to be easily stored vertically and sideways, limiting dead space between bots. In particular, the base is substantially hexagonal so as to have an optimal footprint.

The bot 1 comprises a supply and battery B module and can be associated with a charging station C.

The bot 1 preferably comprises bumpers 4 (e.g. at the front and rear) that make it possible to absorb impacts and/or detect contact with users and/or objects. This contact can be used in the gaming app 3a.

The bot 1 is mobile in particular by means of wheels 5 . More specifically, the bot 1 comprises an omni-wheel 5 associated with the system, for example three omni-wheels 5, which as a remote-controlled bot can operate autonomously within the game or outside any game. and/or guide movement by user guidance. The bot 1 may use three motors and three omniwheels 5 arranged at 120°. This mechanism preferably allows the wheel to move back into the bot when the user presses on the bot 1 so as not to damage the shaft of the motor. This action may trigger pressing of an on/off push button, for example. In a variant, there are three pushbuttons and each one of the subsystems consists of a wheel and a motor.

It is possible to use movements in whole distance units or by fractions, such as in squares or centimeters. It is possible to anticipate a measure of the distance traveled and use it in the gaming application 3a or to dictate the distance to be traveled in the rules of the game. The wheels 5 are preferably hidden by the shell of the bot 1 to enhance aesthetics. Furthermore, this gives the impression of floating. The omniwheel 5 allows 360° movement.

A mobile bot 1 makes it possible to play some of these games. Additionally, the mobile bot 1 allows for real play, limiting the need for virtual environments.

Furthermore, the bot 1 comprises a memory 6 into which a gaming application 3a can be loaded from the library 3 concerned. In particular, memory 6 allows multiple games to be installed and games to be played using bot 1 .

This advantageously allows for a wide selection of games and the possibility to replace games when bored.

Furthermore, the bot 1 comprises a module 7 for connecting to the mobile device 8 for installing and/or using the gaming application 3a. This is in particular a smartphone or tablet that can be connected to the Internet and bots, preferably wirelessly, by means of Bluetooth™, eg BLE technology.

The mobile device 8 forms a simplified means for connecting the bot 1 to the gaming library 3 for downloading the gaming app 3a. This involves a simplified setup of bot1. Advantageously, installation and download can be performed in bot 1 .

According to a first aspect, the bot 1 comprises a specific man-machine interface 1a that allows it to implement a gaming application 3a.

"Man-Machine Interface" means all hardware and software means, such as a bot, not only as a player and as a referee or means for calculating points or evaluating a game. to implement the "personality" of The man-machine interface 1a comprises a number of means and other elements designed to allow the user to play with the bot 1. These means are known per se and will not be described in detail. The present invention relates to the implementation of these means within the specific framework described herein. In simplified fashion, the man-machine interface 1a is identified in the drawing by the card 1a of the microcontroller 1b.

In particular, the bot 1 comprises an interface screen 1a capable of displaying information about the game, in particular the rules of the game or displaying a menu. This is for example a TFT or OLED screen. The screen 1c makes it possible to have a visual man-machine interface independent of the smart phone 8. This allows some games to be played 100% without a smartphone.

In a variant, the screen 1c can show facial expressions or emotions regarding the current game. The bot 1 can thus have a "human" response to events, which can represent, for example, dissatisfaction, satisfaction, hitting an obstacle, and so on. For this purpose, for example, audio and video feedback are used.

The bot 1 may include at least one loudspeaker 1d for transmitting one or more messages or audio signals, particularly related to the current gaming app 3a. The loudspeaker 1d has a similar effect to the screen 1c, but is audible rather than visual. In particular, the loudspeaker 1d makes it possible to articulate information about the game, in particular game rules, or menus.

The man-machine interface may include LEDs L, for example four LEDs L controlled by the card (1a). The LEDs L are preferably placed below the bot and their light is reflected on the ground.

The man-machine interface 1a allows bot feedback and allows for improved user experience.

The man-machine interface 1a is a means for interpreting user gaming actions and is configured to interpret gaming actions of a user or another bot, said gaming actions being specific to the current gaming app 3a. a means for interpreting user gaming actions;

In particular, the man-machine interface 1a is designed to recognize multiple different user gaming actions, but only those corresponding to the current gaming app 3a and not other gaming apps. The corresponding information takes into account the scenery with bot 1's response, possibly due to bot 1's non-virtual movement.

Therefore, according to a preferred variant, the gaming bot 1 comprises a sensor 9 for interacting with the user, associated with means 10, 10a, 10c for interpreting user gaming actions. User actions captured by said sensor 9 allow bot 1 to understand the game of the user or of other bots.

In particular, the bot 1 comprises an infrared sensor 9a and an optical sensor 9b. The infrared sensor 9a is activated by interruption of the infrared beam and the light sensor 9b by interruption of another light beam. The sensor allows accurate and efficient detection using simplified elements.

More specifically, the bot 1 comprises eleven infrared sensors 9a and two optical sensors. For example, it is possible to provide one of the above two interactive IR sensors for interacting with a user. Reference can be made to the mid-range IR sensor 9a. One or more sensors 9 may be used for navigation within the menu. Preferably four sensors are present on the sides.

More specifically, the at least one sensor 9 (9a) is specifically designed to interpret the passage of the user's hand over the bot 1 as a user gaming action. This can be, for example, from about 500 ms to 2 seconds at a distance or a specific detection time, eg, from about 0 to 10 cm from the detector.

Advantageously, the detection of the infrared sensor 9a makes it possible to implement certain gaming commands, including movement of the user.

Naturally, without departing from the scope of the invention, one can envisage standardly existing sensors and/or sensors for video/camera image detection, but this is not a preferred variant.

Bot 1 may include a brightness sensor.

Alternatively, or in combination, the user action may further include a microphone and voice recognition module, or a phonetic transcription module.

The bot 1 can also retrieve the result of rolling the dice physically or electronically, or have an additional module for this purpose.

Assume that user actions can be sensed or detected directly, or carried out through tools provided for this purpose, such as transmitters coupled to bot receivers. is possible.

User actions can also be sensed/detected via mechatronic means of the mobile device 8, such as a compass, accelerometer, and the like. Therefore, in a variant, the means for interpreting user gaming actions are associated with the mechatronic means of the mobile device 8 .

In a preferred variant, the light sensor 9b and compass are only used to accurately detect the position of the bot, which uses them for servo control.

Besides these sensors/detectors, the bot 1 can be equipped with gaming commands including bot command buttons 11 . Advantageously, the command 11 allows interacting with the bot without the need for a smart phone 8. For example, it can be provided to control push buttons.

Alternatively, or in combination, bot 1 may be provided with gaming commands including mobile device command buttons 8 .

Button commands can be based on touch-sensitive buttons. The buttons can be in the form of joysticks or D-pads.

Therefore, depending on the current game, certain commands may work. Optionally, the bot 1 can be controlled in different ways or move in an autonomous manner.

Besides the means 10 for interpreting user gaming actions, the man-machine interface 1a is configured to perform bot gaming actions that are specific to the current gaming app 3a, with the possibility of movement of the bot 1. , also has bot gaming action means.

In particular, the man-machine interface 1a knows several different bot gaming action means, but is designed to perform only those that correspond to the current gaming app 3a but not to other gaming apps.

Advantageously, the bot 1 allows one or more users to play games interacting with the man-machine interface 1a. This allows for limiting the need for virtual environments and improves user sociability.

Furthermore, the bot 1 is configured to play different games 3a in the gaming library 3 loaded in its memory 6. This allows the game to be modified without having a large number of additional gaming elements that can be bulky. Memory expansion, such as memory cards, may allow thousands of games to be stored.

Furthermore, the bot 1 can thus respond to user gaming actions, possibly by moving. The present invention can be defined as a portable video game console that can move around and interact with external elements or people. It sits between the world of video games with libraries/platforms, the world of board games, and robotics.

Furthermore, according to a variant, the gaming bot 1 comprises a sensor 9 for interacting with the environment associated with the bot gaming action means. This may be one or more sensors 9a or detection means as described above. For example, it is possible to provide four IR obstacle sensors 9a for interacting with any obstacles, eg for detecting obstacles in front of and behind the bot 1 as well as to its sides. Reference can be made to the long range IR sensor 9a.

Additionally, it is possible to provide ground sensors 9 (eg 2-6 sensors, front, rear and side) that detect the edges of the board to prevent the bot 1 from falling. Reference can be made to the near-field IR sensor 9a. Depending on it it is possible to predict the desired reaction (bot half turn, quarter turn, continue running, stop, etc.).

A ground sensor 9 may enable the bot 1 to avoid obstacles or fall hazards.

According to a variant, the bot 1 comprises expansion means 12 for adding other means for interpreting user gaming actions and/or other bot gaming action means 1 . The expansion means 12 provide the bot 1 with modularity and allow technical adaptability. These can be software and/or hardware elements, such as additional sensors, preferably simply connected to the bot 1 or wireless. Aesthetic enhancements such as decorative elements can be provided.

It is possible to provide extensions that serve to identify game cards via NFC, RFID or even color sensors.

According to a variant, the bot 1 comprises updating means for adapting and/or updating means for interpreting user gaming actions and/or bot gaming action means.

The present invention further comprises a bot 1 associated with a library of gaming apps 3 as described above with respect to system 2 . More specifically, bot 1 is associated with an interface application for mobile device 8 which itself comprises a library of gaming apps 3 .

According to a variant, the system 2 further comprises at least one gaming element 13 chosen from tokens, figures, cards, boards and/or obstacles 13a such as walls or towers. Thus, a user can obtain a bot 1 associated with one or more of these gaming elements 13 and, using the bot 1 and possibly one or more such gaming elements 13, the library 3 can have access to multiple games 3a from. The user loads an interface app using the mobile device 8 for this purpose.

For example, the game 3a involves associating the bot 1 with a course on which it has to avoid obstacles 13a, recognizing, identifying or reading cards or smart cards or connected cards, moving across the board. can do things, etc. When the bot 1 encounters an obstacle 13a, it can stop and change direction, stop, slightly correct its trajectory, or push the obstacle 13a. The bot 1 can detect specific cards on the gaming board, for example black cards.

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

It is possible to envisage the use of connected obstacles 13a. In particular, the bot 1 can know if obstacles are placed on the board and which obstacles are placed (there may be different types).

NFC can be added so that when the bot 1 and/or smartphone 8 approaches an obstacle (or QR code) it can recognize it and use this information in-game.

In a variant, the bot 1 cannot know where the obstacles 13a are, but can know which obstacles it will encounter when it approaches them (eg RFID technology).

Advantageously, the gaming system 2 allows having a set of gaming elements 13 that can be re-parameterized to play multiple different games 3a.

Examples of possible games:
Example 1: Battle:
Bot 1 starts in the middle, with two players either on the board side/table side.

The first player holds his hand over bot 1 to start the game. Each player has 5 seconds and on his turn the player can take or lift the obstacle 13a or do nothing. Then it is the other player's turn.

Only one action is possible per round. The bot 1 permanently reacts to obstacles 13a and follows a movement logic that changes from game to game.

To win, Bot 1 must move into the opposite camp.

Example 2: Race Bot 1 is controlled from a mobile app at full speed.

It is necessary to run as fast as possible to the end of the route predetermined by the player. The fastest player wins. This game is played in order.

Example 3: Arriving at the Correct Point Bot 1 has the following motion sequence. (sequences defined for different games)
(Sequences are defined for different games) (Example: If the bot passes an obstacle 13a, it goes left the first three times, then passes the object in front of it for the fourth time, and goes right once. Go ahead and restart, if the obstacle 13a is on the left side of the bot, then turn right.

The player bets that the bot can reach a certain point by placing a certain number of obstacles 13a: (The player has no right to place obstacles 13a and must draw the route without making mistakes. must)
- other players accept, - score 2 points for success with a large number of obstacles, 3 points for fewer successes, 1 point for more successes,
- or the player declines and thinks the first player is wrong or bluffing: the first player must show that what he said is possible, otherwise A player either loses 2 points or gains 2 points.

Example 4: Big Game Bot 1 moves through a board game and causes events. Mountains, plains, or other gaming elements 13 are added step by step to collect points or achieve a specific objective.

Some gaming options may allow bot 1 to be controlled for a certain amount of time.

Example 5: Tower Defense Bot 1 walks from the side of the site and slowly approaches. The aim is to prevent the bot 1 from reaching the end of the table/site by setting up obstacles 13a, either in teams or individually. Cards can be added to make the game more complex and varied. Cards allow you to add rules.

Example 6: Cooperative Game Each player chooses a number X of actions for bot 1 to perform without knowing the actions chosen by the other players. The aim is to get the bot 1 to the target by passing the obstacle 13a as fast as possible.

Each round, all players select actions simultaneously, and then Bot 1 performs all actions for each player before starting another round.

The game ends when bot 1 has achieved its objective.

Claims (11)

A gaming bot (1) for a gaming system (2) comprising a library (3) of gaming apps (3a), said bot (1) being mobile,
- a memory (6) capable of loading gaming apps (3a) from said library;
- a module (7) for connecting to a mobile device (8) for installing and/or using said gaming app (3a);
- a man-machine interface (1a),
* Means for interpreting user gaming actions, which are configured to interpret gaming actions of a user or another bot specific to said current gaming app (3a) a means for
* a gaming bot (1 ). Sensors (9) for interacting with said user, associated with means (10, 10a) for interpreting said user gaming actions, and/or for interacting with the environment, associated with said means for bot gaming actions. 2. A gaming bot according to claim 1, comprising a sensor (9) of . Gaming bot according to claim 2, wherein said sensors (9) comprise an optical sensor (9b) and an infrared sensor (9a). Gaming bot according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein at least one sensor (9a) is designed in particular to interpret the passage of the user's hand over the bot (1) as a user gaming action. . A gaming bot according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising expansion means (12) for adding other means for interpreting user gaming actions and/or for adding other bot gaming action means. 10. A gaming bot according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a substantially prismatic general shape with a polygonal base of at least five sides. A gaming bot according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising gaming commands comprising bot command buttons (11) and/or mobile device command buttons (8). A gaming bot according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for interpreting user gaming actions are associated with mechatronic means of the mobile device (8). Gaming bot according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one omniwheel (5), in particular three omniwheels (5) arranged at 120° to each other. a gaming system,
- a mobile bot (1) according to any one of the preceding claims;
- a gaming system comprising a library (3) of gaming apps (3a). 11. Gaming system according to claim 10, further comprising at least one gaming element (13) selected from obstacles (13a) such as tokens, figures, cards and/or walls.

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