JP2016529026A - Robot game with surrounding boundaries - Google Patents

Abstract

When and which robot targets fall into which pocket of the pool table, or through the boundary walls and gates that can be used to form the surrounding boundary wall gates and various shaped playing areas Methods and systems are provided for identifying. Identification of robot targets in the pocket can be used for scoring traditional games in pocket billiards, or scoring robot-based games performed on the surface of a pool table. The identification sensor in certain embodiments may be mounted on a user configurable gate. The numbers are printed on the surface of the robot target and based on the total score of the robot target values knocked in by the player, determine the winner of the game by themselves or by controlling the robot pushing the robot target be able to.

Description

[Related applications]
This application claims the benefit of priority of US Provisional Application No. 61 / 870,480, filed August 27, 2013, and US Provisional Application No. 61 / 985,855, filed April 29, 2014. The contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[Technical Field of the Invention]
The present invention relates generally to entertainment and games, specifically in pinball games, or any kind of table, such as billiards, pools, craps, air hockey, table tennis, round, rectangular, square, oval, etc. Above, perimeters for robots and other games performed on a plane or floor. The games are pool / billiard using a robot instead of a cue, pinball using a robot instead of a flipper, mini-golf using a robot instead of a club, and shooting using a robot instead of a gun. The target field, or any combination of robots, robot targets, players, and any combination thereof performed simultaneously using a plurality of smartphones controlling the game. The robot is designed to push the robot target through the gate and to fire ammo toward the weapon target.

  In most robot games, robots push each other (sumo), destroy each other (eg, BattleBot, RobotWar, etc.), or play some form of football (push / roll / kick ball to goal) Intended. In addition, some robot games are designed for specific purposes for enthusiasts and educational competitions (eg First).

  In certain games played on the surface of a pool or pool table, a competitive robot is used to score by hitting or hitting a pool ball into the table pocket. A traditional billiard or pool table has six pockets aimed at the pool ball, with four pockets located at the corners of the table and two pockets on each of the vertical sides of the table Located at the midpoint. However, an automated method for identifying when and which ball falls into which pocket of the pool table and a controllable perimeter boundary designed to control access to the pocket are However, it does not exist.

  In a similar game played on a plane without pockets, a competitive robot is used to score, for example, by pushing or hitting a robot target such as a ball, puck or block through an opening (gate) in the surrounding boundary. To win. However, an automated method for identifying when and which robot targets pass through which openings or gates of a controllable perimeter boundary designed to control access to the openings is , Currently does not exist.

  Thus, with respect to an automated method and system for identifying when and which robotic target falls into which pocket or through which opening in the perimeter boundary, and pockets, gates or openings There is a need for a controllable perimeter boundary designed to control access to parts.

  When and which robot targets fall into which pocket of the pool table, or through the boundary walls and gates that can be used to form the surrounding boundary wall gates and various shaped playing areas Automated methods and systems for identifying are provided. Identification of robot targets in the pocket can be used for traditional game scoring of pocket billiards, or for robot-based game scoring performed on the surface of a pool table. The identification sensor in certain embodiments may be mounted on a user configurable gate. A number is printed on the surface of the robot target to determine the winner of the game based on the total score of the values of the robot target knocked in by the player, either by themselves or by controlling the robot pushing the robot target be able to.

FIG. 1 is a top view of a billiard table with identification and tracking sensors located in a table pocket, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side perspective view showing a billiard table with identification and tracking sensors suspended above the table, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of a pool ball with an identification barcode, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of a pool ball with unique machine-readable or recognizable electronics / components (RFID, magnets, etc.) embedded therein, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4A-4C are perspective views of a gate and wall portion that form a boundary on a pool table (rectangular or planar), according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5A-5C are perspective views of a gate and wall portion that form a boundary on a circular surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 6A-6E are perspective views of a latch and its structure for securing a boundary wall and gate to a surface, such as a circular surface, shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6F is a perspective view of a slide latch for securing a boundary wall and gate to a surface, such as a circular surface, shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a plan view of a flat blank (from which five gate structures 90, 90L, 90R, 45, 0 are formed) according to an embodiment of the present invention. 8A-8L are perspective views of various structures of “90” gates and boundary walls and openings formed using “90” gates, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 9A-9H are perspective views of various structures of “0” gates and boundary walls and openings formed using “0” gates and “90” gates, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. is there. 10A-10G are perspective views of various structures of “45” gates and boundary walls and openings formed using “45” gates and “0” gates, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. is there. FIGS. 11A-11F illustrate various structures of “90L” and “90R” gates and boundary walls and openings formed using “90L” and “90R” gates according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 12A to 12B are perspective views of a hinge gate according to an embodiment of the present invention. 13A-13F are perspective views illustrating the relative size of a robot or ball relative to a gate opening that allows or prevents the robot or ball from passing through, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 14A-14F are perspective views of manual gates at "0" gate and "45" gate, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 15A-15D are perspective views of a motorized gate according to an embodiment of the present invention. 16A to 16K are perspective views of a gate sensor for detecting a robot or a robot target according to an embodiment of the present invention. 17A to 17E are perspective views of automatic target ball (miniball cannon) supply according to an embodiment of the present invention. 18A-18D are perspective views of a weapon target module, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 19A-19D are perspective views of a target facade for the weapon targeting module of FIGS. 11A-11D, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 20A-20K are perspective views of the building facade, robot target supply, and weapon target module of FIGS. 17A-17E and 18A-18D, respectively, according to embodiments of the present invention.

  The present invention provides a boundary wall that can be used to form when and which robotic target falls into which pocket of a pool table, or the gate of the surrounding boundary wall, and various shaped playing areas. There is utility as an automated method and system for identifying whether to go through a gate. Identification of robot targets in the pocket can be used for scoring traditional games in pocket billiards, or scoring robot-based games performed on the surface of a pool table. The identification sensor in certain embodiments may be mounted on a user configurable gate. For example, by adding a number printed on the surface of the robot target and controlling the robot pushing the robot target by itself or based on the total score of the robot target values knocked in by the player, The winner can be determined.

  In a first embodiment of the robotic target identification system of the present invention, a vision system is placed in each pocket of the gate or platform of the perimeter boundary. Alternatively, the vision system is placed on, around, above, or on a user configurable boundary with a gate. To run vision system software to track robot targets that go into the pool table pocket or through the gates of the perimeter, and (to allow the game to be played remotely and instant replay In order to transmit the video of the game, a video camera may be provided above the platform surface. The visual system recognizes any number of pockets (numbered 1 to 6) by character recognition of numbers printed on the surface of the robot target (the existing pool ball appearance is numbered from 1 to 15 without change). Individual robot targets (such as pool balls) can be tracked and identified as they go into. Alternatively, each robot target (pool ball, billiard ball, tennis ball, table tennis ball, pinball, etc.) has a unique machine-readable (visual) indicator or color that is actuated by the identification vision system for each robot target (1-15). , (In addition to standard signs of numbers, colors and stripes). The sign may include a color, barcode, quick response (QR) code, or other coded number or unique expression.

  In an alternative embodiment of the robot target identification system of the present invention, each robot target comprises a unique machine readable or recognizable electronic device / component (RFID, magnet, etc.) embedded within each robot target. Good. Sensors that operate to read and determine the type (numerical value) based on radio frequency identification (RFID), magnet, or other electronic device-embedded parts are each pocket in the perimeter gate or pool / billiard table May be arranged. Alternatively, the sensor system may be placed above, around, below, or above the boundary and / or gate to track and identify individual robot targets as they go into or pass through any gate. it can.

  In one embodiment of the robotic target identification system of the present invention, the robotic target may be tracked using a platform surface mat in which tracking and identification sensors are embedded (the mat is sized to fit the surrounding boundary platform surface). The mat may be a plain felt finish without any sign, as found on a pool table, or to place game pieces before play begins (and to protect the pool table or plane) ) It may have a sign for a game, such as a robot game, with graphics and indicators. In an embodiment, the mat may have intelligence to monitor game pieces (robot targets) and / or electronic graphics for visual stimulation of players and spectators. The mat may also be rolled for easy transportation and storage.

  If the robot is part of a game being played on a billiard table or within the perimeter, which one of the robot targets and when it enters the pocket or goes through the gate, Sensors for detection and tracking can be configured with the robot itself. As noted above, the sensors used in the robot are unique machine readable or recognizable electronics / components within each target (RFID, magnet, etc.) or machine readable (visual) for each robot target. A unique mark or sign and color (stripes and solids and numbers from 1 to 15) on a typical set of pool balls will be used to recognize the robot sign.

  In an embodiment of the robot target identification system, the robot target and the robot may communicate with a central controller or computing device via a wireless or wired connection and indicate the score, the current state of the robot target, and other game parameters. You may communicate with a display part.

  The perimeter boundary may be formed from stamped metal parts or may be formed from plastic, composite material, or wood. The various boundaries that define the playing area consist of surrounding modules, walls, gates and / or facades. The playing area defined by the boundary includes a rectangle, a square, an octagon, a circle, a free shape, an ellipse, or a combination thereof.

  Modules, walls, gates and / or facades are configured to attach together to form a perimeter boundary.

  The perimeter module may be any combination of walls, gates and facades.

  The wall is configured to provide a module, gate and facade.

  The gate is configured to include a manual shut-off gate, a motorized gate, and a facade. In embodiments of the present invention, the gate can be manually opened or closed, or has a motorized control for opening and closing the gate.

  The facade is configured to attach to a peripheral boundary gate, module or wall. The facade is in the form of a building, an organic shape, an animal, a city, a castle, a building, and the like. The facade includes light, speakers, electronic devices, and the like.

  Weapon targets with electronic sensors that detect weapons fired from robots, such as projectiles, light beams, laser beams, IR beams, water, liquids, gases, flames, missiles, rockets, or fireworks To be installed in the surrounding module, wall and / or gate

  Indicator lights for ambient modules, walls, gates, facades and / or weapon targets display and enable scoring changes from adding to deducting robot targets and / or weapon targets during gameplay, and for different targets Change the score or display and enable the availability of the robot target or weapon target for the score. The weapon target may also have an indicator for identifying which weapon target is “alive” and available for scoring during the game. The indicator may be colored light and may match the color of the player, indicating which target (robot or weapon) is available for scoring by that player. The color of the target indicator can change during the game. If a player attacks a target indicated by another player's color, a deduction can be scored.

  The robotic target return module is configured to attach to a perimeter boundary facade, wall or gate. The robot target return module can be operated by motor, elevator, lift, suction, and the like.

  The robotic target supply module is configured to attach to a perimeter boundary facade, wall or gate. The robot target supply module can be operated by a motor, a solenoid or the like.

  The entire perimeter boundary (perimeter module, wall, gate, facade, weapon target, robot target supply, robot target return, and weapon target) is housed in a box with a glass cover to enclose the enclosed area containing the robot and robot target. You can create an arcade-type game.

  Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a gaming system 10 comprising a billiard table 12 with an identification and tracking sensor 16 disposed in a table pocket 14 and a robot or ball 18 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure seen from above. FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of game system 20 showing billiard table 12 with identification and tracking sensor 26 suspended above table 12, according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3A is an implementation of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a pool ball 18 or robot with an identification barcode 28, according to an aspect. FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of a pool ball or robot 18 ′ with unique machine readable or recognizable electronics / components (RFID, magnets, etc.) 30 embedded therein, according to an embodiment of the present invention. .

  4A-4C are perspective views of a gate 34 and wall portion 32 that form a boundary 36 on a billiard table 12 that is rectangular or planar, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gate 34 also serves as a connecting portion to the wall portion 32. 5A-5C are perspective views of a gate 34 and wall portion 32 that form a boundary 36 on a circular surface 38, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As described further below, the angle of the connecting portion of the gate portion 34 defines the perimeter shape of the boundary 36.

  6A-6E are perspective views of a swivel latch 40 and its structure for securing a boundary 36 to a surface, such as a circular surface 38, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The latch 40 is pivotally attached to the wall portion 32 and is in an upper position prior to securing the boundary 36 to the circular surface or top 38 of the platform, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C. In FIGS. 6D and 6E, the latch 40 is in the lower position and the boundary 36 is surfaced by extending beyond the edge of the surface or pedestal top 38 (shown) or by fitting into a groove in the surface 38. 38 is fixed.

  FIG. 6F is a perspective view of the slide latch 41 that moves up and down in the slide guide holding blade 43 along the wall portion 32. As shown in the lower position, the stopper 45 formed on the upper portion of the slide latch 41 is on the upper set of the slide guide holding blades 43. In the lower position, the slide latch 41 secures the boundary 36 to the surface 38 by extending beyond the edge of the top surface or pedestal 38 (shown) or by fitting into a groove in the surface 38.

  FIG. 7 is a plan view of a flat blank 42 (from which five gate structures 90, 90L, 90R, 45, and 0 are formed) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gate structure is made by folding a blank, as shown in a series of FIGS. Different boundary structures can be obtained by changing the angle of the wall connecting portion 44 of the gate 34. 8A-8L are perspective views of various structures of “90” gates and boundary walls and openings formed using “90” gates, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8E, the “90” gate 46 includes two connecting portions 44 set at 45 degrees, and when the two wall portions 32 are connected, as shown in FIGS. 8F to 8L. A right angle (90 degrees) is formed. FIGS. 8F-8I illustrate a rectangular boundary with four “90” gates 46 at the corners of the wall portion 32. The wall connection 44 can be clipped to the wall portion 32 and secured by a fastener via the hole 48. FIG. 8J shows two gates 50 cut into the long sidewall 52. FIG. 8K shows two gates 50 cut into shorter end walls 54. FIG. 8L includes gates 50 on both long side walls 52 and shorter end walls 54.

  FIGS. 9A-9H illustrate various structures of boundary walls and openings formed using “0” gates 56 and “0” gates 56 and “90” gates 46, according to embodiments of the present invention. It is a perspective view. The “0” gate 56 includes the connecting portion 44 and the connecting wall portion 32 set at 0 degrees with respect to the gate 56 as shown in FIGS. 9F to 9H.

  FIGS. 10A-10G illustrate various structures of “45” gate 58 and boundary walls and openings formed using “45” gate 58 and “0” gate 56, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. It is a perspective view. The “45” gate 58 includes a connecting portion 44 at 22 half (22.5 degrees) with respect to the gate 58. FIGS. 10E and 10F show a circular boundary formed using only the “45” gate 58 and wall portion 32. FIG. 10G shows an ellipse formed with “45” gate 58 and “0” gate 56 along with wall portion 32.

  FIGS. 11A-11F illustrate various of the “90L” gate 60 and “90R” gate 62 and the boundary walls and openings formed using the “90L” and “90R” gates, according to embodiments of the present invention. It is a perspective view of a simple structure. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the “90L” gate 60 includes a connection portion 44 on the left side that is perpendicular to the long straight connection portion 64. As shown in FIGS. 11C and 11D, the “90R” gate 62 includes a connecting portion 44 at a right angle to the long straight connecting portion 64 on the right side. FIGS. 11E and 11F show a square or rectangle formed using “90L” gate 60 and “90R” gate 62 and wall portion 32.

  12A to 12B are perspective views of the hinge gate 66 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The hinge 66 allows it to be set to a custom angle.

  13A-13F are perspective views showing the relative size of a robot or robot target relative to a gate opening that allows or prevents passage of the robot or robot target according to an embodiment of the present invention. 13A and 13B show a case where the robot target 18 is smaller than the gate opening 50 and freely passes through. 13C to 13F show the case where the robot target 18 is larger than the gate opening 50.

  14A-14F are perspective views of manual shut-off gates at "0" gate and "90" gate, according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 14A shows the gate opening 50 and FIG. 14B shows a manual shut-off gate 68 designed to be inserted or clipped into the gate opening 50 as shown in FIG. 14C. 14D and 14E show front and back views of the manual shut-off gate 68 inserted into the “0” gate 56. FIG. 4F shows a “90” gate 58 with a manual shut-off gate 68 inserted.

  15A to 15D are perspective views of the motor type gate 70 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15A shows the motorized gate 70 from the front in the closed position, and FIG. 15B shows the motorized gate 70 from the back. The hook 72 is used to attach the motorized gate 70 to the gate opening 50. Also shown in cross section in FIG. 15B and FIG. 15C and in detail in FIG. 15D is a motorized gear 74 and a track 76 that engages the gear 74 to raise and lower the gate 70.

  16A-16K are perspective views of a gate sensor 78 for detecting a robot target 18 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gate sensor 78 can be provided above the gate 50 using a clip 80. 16E to 16H are perspective views of the gate sensor 78 provided on the opening 50 of the boundary wall 32. FIGS. 16I and 16J show a “90” gate 58 with a gate sensor 78. FIG. 16K shows a “0” gate 56 with a gate sensor 78 above the opening.

  17A-17E are perspective views of an automated robotic target (robot target cannon) supply 80, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The robot target supply 80 includes a shaft 82 for storing the robot target 18. The pin 84 pushes the robot target out of the robot target supply 80 and the pin and pusher mechanism are housed in the housing 86. Clip 88 allows robot target supply 80 to be placed on the game boundary as shown in FIG. 17E for “0” gate 56.

  18A-18D are perspective views of a weapon target module 90 that is mounted on the target facade 92 shown in the perspective views of FIGS. 19A-19D. The target facade 92 includes a frame 94 for mounting a weapon target module 90. The frame and weapon target module may be any corresponding shape—square, rectangular, circular, elliptical, octagonal, triangular, etc. Extending from the rear of the target facade 92 is a clip 96 for mounting to the boundary wall 32 or any gate.

  20A-20K illustrate a target facade 98 (for a robot or weapon target), a robot target supply 80, and a gate target for FIGS. 17A-17E and 18A-18D, respectively, according to an embodiment of the invention. 3 is a perspective view of a weapon target module 90. FIG. The target facade 98 comprises a gate opening 50 on the bottom surface with respect to the gate and a frame 94 for the weapon target module 90. Clip 96 attaches facade 98 to boundary wall 32. FIG. 20I shows a group of target facades 98 attached to the boundary wall 32 to form a city skyline. 20J and 20K show the robotic target supply 80 behind the target facade 98. FIG. Note that although buildings are used as exemplary target facades, animals, people, fictional characters, transport vehicles, or other objects may be used as the facade for the boundary.

  As shown in FIG. 20A, an indicator light 97 can display and enable a change from scoring to scoring one or more targets and target modules in the game, changing the scoring of different targets, or The availability of the one or more targets or target modules for scoring can be displayed and validated.

  In an embodiment, the robot may be able to physically interact with the boundary walls and gates that form the stadium. For example, the interaction may be similar to a pinball game where one or more robots act as pinballs and physically hit a target on the stadium wall to score. The sensor may identify which robot hits the target to score the correct robot (in a multi-robot game). Another interaction is that the robot has an extension probe that can interact with the stadium wall. The probe can be a simple cylinder that extends out of the robot and into a hole in the stadium wall, or the probe can be a more complex arm that extends and interacts with mechanisms in the stadium.

  The foregoing description is illustrative of specific embodiments of the invention, but is not intended to be limiting upon their implementation. The following claims, including all equivalents thereof, are intended to define the scope of the invention.

Claims (19)

A boundary wall system for robotic games:
A set of wall sections;
A set of gates with connecting ends;
With
Wherein the set of wall portions are coupled with the set of gates to form a boundary enclosure for the playing surface. The system of claim 1, comprising:
The boundary can be configured to be at least one of a rectangle, a square, an octagon, a circle, an ellipse, or a combination of these shapes.
system. The system of claim 1, comprising:
The connecting end further comprises a clip for attachment to the set of wall portions.
system. The system of claim 1, comprising:
The gate is formed from a stamped flat blank (folded to form the gate),
system. The system of claim 1, comprising:
The connecting end is set at a fixed angle relative to one gate of the set of gates;
Here, the fixed angle ranges from 0 degrees to 90 degrees.
system. The system of claim 1, comprising:
The connecting end is moved at a hinge and set at an arbitrary angle.
system. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising:
The set of wall portions further comprises a latch for securing the boundary enclosure to the playing surface.
system. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising:
The playing surface is a circular, oval, square or rectangular table,
system. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising:
The platform surface is any relatively flat surface;
system. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising:
The playing surface is a billiard table.
system. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising:
A visual system attachable to the gate configured to recognize a set of machine-readable signs or colors on the target or set of game play robots;
Wherein the machine-readable sign comprises a color, barcode, quick response (QR) code, or other coded uniqueness representation,
system. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising:
The gate is attached with a motor for opening and closing,
system. The system of claim 1, comprising:
Further comprising a set of facades attached to the boundary enclosure using clips or latches;
system. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein
The gate or the facade displays and enables the change of scores from scoring to scoring for one or more targets and target modules during game play, changes the scoring of different targets, or the one for scoring Or comprising one or more indicator lights that display and enable the availability of multiple targets or target modules;
system. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein
One or more target modules are configured to be mounted on the facade or wall portion;
The target module comprises a projectile, light beam, laser beam, IR beam, water, gas, flame, missile, rocket, or fireworks sensor,
system. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein
A target ball supply is configured to be mounted on the facade or wall portion;
system. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising:
The set of gates is sized such that the target ball can pass through and the robot cannot.
system. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising:
The set of gates and set of target balls may be of different sizes;
A set of small gates allows only a set of small target balls to pass through,
One or more robots are larger than the largest gate,
system. A method of playing a game,
Placing at least one robot in the system of claim 1 or on a billiard table;
Manipulating the at least one robot to move a ball on a playing surface to prompt the ball from within the bounding enclosure or from the surface of the pool table;
including,
Method.

Images