WO2016034722A1

WO2016034722A1 - Game device provided with an interactive surface for moving a projectile

Info

Publication number: WO2016034722A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/070291
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joann AMELINE
Original assignee: Ameline Joann
Priority date: 2014-09-05
Filing date: 2015-09-04
Publication date: 2016-03-10
Also published as: FR3025436A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a game device, comprising a playing surface, at least one projectile capable of moving over the surface while resting on same and means for moving the projectile over the playing surface. At least one portion of the playing surface is formed by at least one display screen connected to a computer display unit and the device includes first means for detecting a position of the projectile on the playing surface, the detection means being connected to the display unit, which is programmed such as to modify the display of the screen in accordance with the position of the projectile on the rolling surface.

Description

Game device with an interactive surface for moving a projectile

The present invention relates to gaming devices such as games called "table", "coffee" or "bistros", including foosballs, billiards, billiards ...

Such games are known which generally include a playing surface forming a rolling surface of a ball or ball, and means for rolling the ball or ball on the running surface towards one or more targets, such as goals in the case of table football, so that players can show their skill.

These games, which could be described as mechanical or traditional, have suffered greatly from the emergence of computer games (video games) that have gradually supplanted them in cafés and other bistros.

Although relegated to a large number of specialized venues such as gambling halls and billiard academies, traditional games continue to appeal to a relatively large part of the public. Nevertheless, they can not compete with video games with regard to the richness of the images presented, the interactivity they allow and the surprises that they can reserve so that traditional games struggle to permanently seduce the public of players in his outfit.

An object of the invention is to provide a game device that is fun and attractive retaining the spirit of traditional games.

For this purpose, there is provided, according to the invention, a game device comprising a playing surface, at least a projectile capable of moving on the surface while resting on it, and means for moving the projectile on the playing surface. At least a portion of the playing surface is formed by at least one display screen connected to a display computer unit and the device comprises first means for detecting a position of the projectile on the playing surface, the detection means being connected to the display unit which is programmed to modify the display of the depending on the position of the projectile on the running surface.

In the present description, the front surface of the screen is the surface by which the light rays emitted by the screen are diffused. This frontal surface is generally constituted by the surface of a protective glass covering the light components of the screen. Thanks to the first detection means, the projectile then contributes to establishing an indirect interaction between the users and the screen. This increases the playfulness of the game device and enriches the environment of the projectile.

According to a particular embodiment, the first detection means are optical means.

The detection means may take the form of a frame which surrounds the playing surface and which carries a set of transmitters and receivers to form in the space overlooking the playing surface a grid of light beams. The interruption, by the projectile, of at least two intersected beams makes it possible to locate the projectile on the playing surface. In a variant, the detection means comprise at least one camera placed above the playing surface to detect the position of the projectile after processing the images provided by the camera.

In an application to foosball, the projectile is a ball and the playing surface forms a running surface for the ball. The game device includes bars that carry players and that are mounted on a frame surrounding the tread surface such that the bars are movable relative to the tread and that the players can touch the ball.

Advantageously then, the device comprises second means for detecting the movements of the players, the second detection means being connected to the display unit and, preferably, the second detection means comprise at least one inertial sensor.

This allows you to change the display of the screen according to the actions of the players.

According to a particular characteristic, the display unit is arranged to display a graphic along at least a portion of a trajectory of the proj ectile.

According to another particular characteristic, the display unit is arranged to display game information such as a game rule, an identification of the players, a score ...

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the following description of particular non-limiting embodiments of the invention.

Reference will be made to the appended drawings, among which:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a foosball according to a first embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of this foosball;

- Figure 3 is a detailed perspective view of players of this table football; - Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a football table according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view, essentially from above, of this foosball;

- Figure 6 is a view similar to that of Figure 5 after removal of an upper pane; FIG. 7 is a perspective view, essentially from above, of a foosball according to a third embodiment of FIG.

The invention;

- Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of this foosball.

The invention is here described in application to a game of babyfoot.

Referring to the figures, the game device comprises a frame generally designated 1 having a lower portion 1.1 forming a base and an upper portion 1.2 laterally defining a play area. The frame 1 supports a rectangular play surface forming a running surface 2 a ball 50 and defines a goal 1.3 in the middle of each of the short sides of the running surface 2.

The game device further comprises means for rolling the ball 50 on the running surface 2. These means comprise bars 3 which carry players and which are mounted on the upper part of the frame 1 surrounding the running surface 2 of such that the bars 3 are movable relative to the running surface 2 and the feet of the players reach a height equal to the radius of the ball about the rolling surface 2. The players can thus hit the ball.

The running surface 2 is formed by the front surface of at least one display screen, generally designated 4, connected to a display unit 5. The display screen 4 here comprises a liquid crystal panel 4.1 covered with a protective glass 4.2 having a front surface forming the front surface of the screen 4 This type of slab is known in itself and will not be described here. The glass is made of glass or transparent plastic and is optionally covered with a relatively flexible transparent coating, such as a resin, facilitating the control of the ball by the players by preventing it from slipping on the running surface 2 at the moment where one of the users tries to block it with a player (conversely, it is also possible to choose the material of the ball according to the coefficient of friction of the running surface 2). Of course, other types of screen are usable. The display unit 5 is here a personal computer central unit. Other types of display computer unit are usable and, for example, the display unit 5 may consist of one or more processors having sufficient power to manage the display of the screen 4.

Referring more particularly to Figures 1 to 3 and according to the first embodiment, the game device comprises first optical means for detecting a position of the ball on the tread surface 2. The detection means here comprise a frame 6 which surrounds the running surface and which carries a set of transmitters and receivers to form, in the space of evolution of the ball above the tread surface 2, a grid of light beams. The number of emitters and receivers is such that the grid has mesh sizes smaller than the section of the ball measured at the height of the emitters and receivers relative to the tread surface. to ensure a complete grid of the running surface 2, transmitters and receivers are also mounted at the bottom of the goals 1.3. The transmitters and receivers here are of the infrared type and are connected to the display unit 5 which is programmed to modify the display of the screen 4 as a function of the position of the bale on the rolling surface 2. interruption by the bale of at least two mutually intersected beams makes it possible to locate the bale at any point on the running surface 2.

The game device also comprises second means for detecting the movements of the players. The second detection means are connected to the display unit 5.

The second detection means comprise at least one angular inertial sensor of the gyrometer type housed in one of the players of each bar 3 and an accelerometric sensor housed in one of the players of each bar 3. The second detection means also comprise a pressure sensor 30 mounted at the foot of each player to detect the effort exerted by the player on the ball at the time of the strike. These sensors are also connected to the display unit 5: this connection is for example made wirelessly. The display unit 5 is programmed to:

calculating a speed and / or an acceleration of the players and modifying the display of the screen 4 according to the speed or the acceleration of the players, in particular at the moment of the typing;

- calculate the position of the players and modify the display according to the position of the players (to display a particular graphic under moving players for example).

The display unit 5 is arranged to display a graphic along at least a portion of a trajectory of the ball.

Graphics may include, but are not limited to:

- a halo surrounding the ball,

- a comet tail following the ball,

- a trail of smoke following the ball,

- an explosion at the point of contact between a player and the ball when the player hits the ball ...

The display unit 5 selects the graphics according to the speed and / or bar bearing the player having hit the ball and / or according to the speed of movement of the ball.

The first detection means are also used to determine if the ball has entered one of the goals 1.3. As a variant, it is possible to use for this purpose third detection means mounted in each of the purposes 1.3. The third detection means comprise for example a shock detector for detecting the shock of the ball in the goal 1.3 or an optical barrier disposed on the goal line to detect its crossing by the bullet. Alternatively, the ball may comprise an RFID chip and RFID sensors may be mounted for purposes 1.3.

Note that the various sensors on the table football can be used to ensure compliance with at least part of the rules of the game (whether local, national or international, pre-programmed at the factory or chosen by users before the start of the game via a suitable interface). For this purpose, the sensors will be used to detect in particular:

- the wheels (prohibited by certain rules),

- volleying (prohibited by certain rules), - Penalty shots from certain players, such as those from midfield or halfback bars (prohibited or leading to a particular increase in the score according to certain rules), - Runs with half-bars

(prohibited by certain rules),

- goals and "bowls" (for incrementing scores).

The device advantageously comprises an information input interface enabling users to:

- enter information in the display unit 5, such as the number of users, their names or team names, their ages ... - set a number of points to reach or others,

- make choices in menus for example to choose colors to display or select a game rule ...

The input interface comprises, for example, a keyboard integral with the football table or a digital tablet (symbolized at 10 in FIG. 2) in wireless connection with the display unit 5.

Preferably, the display unit 5 is also arranged to display:

- the score ;

- the name of the scorer if he has been informed);

advertisements (it will be noted that the advertisements to be displayed may for example be selected by the display unit 5 according to the age of the users if the latter has been indicated ... In the first embodiment, the part of them (for example one player per bar), are themselves equipped with a screen level of the player's face and a screen 12 mounted on the torso of the player. The screens 11, 12 are connected by current electrical cables in the bars to the display unit 5. The screen 11 is intended to display the face of an existing or existing football player, who has been chosen by the user and the screen 12 is intended to display the number of this player and / or the colors of his club team or his national team. The choice is made from the input interface. As a variant, the display unit 5 is connected, via a wired or wireless link, to the Internet and connects to a server arranged to deliver data on current or future football matches and in particular the composition of the games. teams. The display unit 5 is arranged to select a match (according to prerecorded parameters or according to a choice made by the users via the input interface 10) and then displays on the screens 11, 12 the faces and numbers of the players of the teams playing this match.

Advantageously, when the display unit 5 authorizes a choice of the teams by means of the input interface, the display unit 5 is also arranged to enable the screen to be put in the colors of one of its two teams, which will play at home while the other of the two teams will play outside. Preferably, the foosball also has speakers connected to the display unit 5 to broadcast ambient noises such as encouragement, whistles, music, sports commentary, the name of players touching the ball ...

It can be expected that the broadcast commentaries simply depend on the player touching the ball or the bar to which the player touching the ball belongs. The table football can also be provided with side screens, interior and / or exterior of the upper part 1.2 of the frame to broadcast advertising messages, display scores, display the colors of the selected teams, the names of users ...

In the second embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 6, the first detection means are different from those of the first embodiment.

These first detection means here comprise four cameras 20 arranged in height on each side of the 1.3 goals to cover each substantially the entire rolling surface 2. As the cameras 20 are fixed on the short sides of the upper part 1.2 of the frame 1, the field of each camera 20 may not cover an area of small width immediately adjacent to said step 1.2 on which the camera 20 is mounted, this area being covered by the cameras 20 mounted on the opposite side.

The cameras here comprise a sensor sensitive to infrared radiation and the bullet 50 is provided with a battery and infrared radiation emission elements such as light-emitting diodes. The use of infrared radiation facilitates the detection of the ball 50 on the images provided by the cameras 20 whatever the lighting conditions in the place where the foosball is installed. The ball 50 also incorporates an inductive circuit for recharging the battery by induction. Several bales are preferably used to allow each bale sufficient load time. To this end, the foosball includes a charging circuit disposed in a bale receiving tray after use to inductively generate an electric current charging the battery between two use of each ball. This battery charging technology is known in itself and will not be described here anymore.

As the balls 50 incorporate a little technology, it is advantageous to provide that the ball 50 follows a closed circuit to which users do not have access. Thus, the upper part 1.2 of the frame 1 is covered by a protective glass preventing access to the playing surface 2 and the volume in which the players and the balls 50 evolve. There is further provided a device for raising bales 50 from the receiving tray to the playing surface 2. This device comprises for example an electric elevator comprising a receiving bucket having a low position in which the bucket is flush with the bottom of the receiving tray for receiving a ball 50 which arrives by gravity and a high position in which the bucket places the ball on the playing surface 2. The control of the raising device is for example obtained by pressing a control button. Alternatively, the lift device can operate with compressed air, for example by blowing.

In the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the foosball only comprises two bars 3 per side and not four as in the previous embodiments.

In addition, to improve the sound of the foosball, it includes two sets of two speakers, namely a subwoofer 31 and a midrange speaker / acute 32, mounted in the frame 1 to open at each end of the lower part 1.1 under the goals 1.3. These speakers are connected to the display unit 5 to broadcast sound signals therefrom.

The display unit 5 is further connected to a docking station of a smartphone or music player type digital terminal to enable broadcast by the loudspeakers 31, 32 the sound signals from said terminal.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described but encompasses any variant within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

In particular, the game device may comprise only first detection means.

The first detection means may be different from those described and include for example a camera disposed above the tread surface 2 to detect the movements of the ball or ball. The first detection means may comprise means arranged at the screen (tactile devices for example) or behind it (the screen is translucent and used as a projection surface and the first detection means comprise a camera arranged behind the screen with the projector). Alternatively, it is possible to provide cameras around the playing surface and flush with it.

The second detection means may be different from those described. The second detection means may for example be of the optical type and include a graphic made on the bars to detect the rotational position (in the manner of a coding wheel) and / or in translation.

Motion sensors connected to the display unit may be arranged for purposes.

The running surface may be formed in whole or in part by the front surface of at least one screen. The tread surface may thus comprise a portion formed by the front surface and an inert portion. The running surface may also be formed of the frontal surface of several contiguous screens.

The displayed effects may be different from those described: one can foresee a completely black screen at the beginning of the game and a progressive discovery of a black masked scenery in the areas that have been traversed by the ball (as if the ball removed a black coating or alternatively , illuminated a dark room, the screen displaying a luminous halo around the ball).

The projectile can also incorporate a sensor for example of the inertial type and its power supply.

The input interface may be left accessible to the users or owner of the game device only.

The input interface may include at least one touch sensor connected to the display unit.

The device may comprise means of connection to the display unit of at least one communication terminal and, preferably, means of connection to the display unit of as many communication terminals as there are a lot of players. In the context of a device having a frame of substantially rectangular shape, the connection means are arranged at each corner of the frame.

The display unit is preferably arranged to send to the communication terminal data relating to the game (score and statistics of the game in progress and the player himself for example) and / or to recharge the communication terminals.

Finally, the invention is applicable to other types of gaming devices and in particular billiards (the projectiles being the balls and means of moving the tails), electronic billiards (or pinball), table hockey (the projectile being the puck and the moving means being the knuckles) ...

Claims

1. A game device, comprising a playing surface, at least one projectile capable of moving on the playing surface by resting on it and means for moving the projectile on the playing surface, characterized in that at least one portion of the playing surface is formed by at least one display screen connected to a display computer unit and the device comprises first means for detecting a position of the projectile on the playing surface, the means for detection being connected to the display unit which is programmed to change the display of the screen according to the position of the projectile on the running surface.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the first detection means are optical means.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, of the foosball type, the projectile being a ball and the playing surface forming a rolling surface for the ball, and the moving means comprising bars which carry players and which are mounted on a frame surrounding the running surface such that the bars are movable relative to the running surface and that the players can touch the ball resting on the running surface.

4. Device according to claim 3, comprising second means for detecting the movements of the players, the second detection means being connected to the display unit.

5. Device according to claim 4, wherein the second detection means comprise at least one inertial sensor.

6. Device according to any one of Claims 3 to 5, including objects in which movement sensors connected to the display unit are arranged.

7. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display unit is arranged to display a graphic along at least a portion of a trajectory of the proj ectile.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display unit is arranged to display game information such as a game rule, an identification of players, a score ...

Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, having an information input interface in the display unit.

10. Device according to claim 9, wherein the input interface comprises at least one touch sensor connected to the display unit.

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising connection means to the display unit of at least one communication terminal.

12. Device according to claim 11, wherein the display unit is arranged to send to the communication terminal data relating to the game.

13. Device according to claims 11 or 12, comprising a frame of substantially rectangular shape at each corner of which are arranged connection means to the display unit of a communication terminal.

14. Device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, comprising connection means to the display unit of at least one communication terminal.