U.S. patent application number 15/896168 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-16 for stadium for robotic games.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kenneth C. Miller. Invention is credited to Kenneth C. Miller.
Application Number | 20180229141 15/896168 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63106056 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180229141 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; Kenneth C. |
August 16, 2018 |
STADIUM FOR ROBOTIC GAMES
Abstract
A user configurable playing surface and stadium venue includes
interlocking floor parts that form a playing surface. Each of the
interlocking floor parts has a series of openings. A set of wall
elements are provided that each have insertion tabs configured to
mate with the interlocking floor parts using the series of openings
to form said stadium venue with a perimeter boundary.
Inventors: |
Miller; Kenneth C.; (Aptos,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Miller; Kenneth C. |
Aptos |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63106056 |
Appl. No.: |
15/896168 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62458705 |
Feb 14, 2017 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63D 15/003 20130101;
A63H 2200/00 20130101; A63F 7/3055 20130101; A63F 7/30 20130101;
A63F 2007/0047 20130101; A63F 7/305 20130101; A63F 2007/3662
20130101; A63H 33/003 20130101; A63D 15/00 20130101; A63H 33/082
20130101; A63H 33/086 20130101; A63F 7/0023 20130101; A63F 7/0058
20130101; A63H 33/084 20130101; A63F 2003/00381 20130101; A63H
11/00 20130101; A63F 3/0023 20130101; A63H 33/42 20130101; A63F
3/00097 20130101; A63H 33/005 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/00 20060101
A63H033/00; A63H 11/00 20060101 A63H011/00; A63H 33/08 20060101
A63H033/08; A63F 7/00 20060101 A63F007/00; A63F 3/00 20060101
A63F003/00 |
Claims
1. A user configurable playing surface and stadium venue
comprising: a plurality of interlocking floor parts that form a
playing surface, each of the of said interlocking floor parts
having a series of openings; and a set of wall elements, each wall
element having insertion tabs configured to mate with said
interlocking floor parts using said series of openings to form said
stadium venue with a perimeter boundary.
2. The user configurable playing surface and stadium venue of claim
1 wherein said plurality of interlocking floor parts and said set
of wall elements are formed of at least one of wood, plastic, or
composite materials.
3. The user configurable playing surface and stadium venue of claim
1 wherein said plurality of interlocking floor parts and said set
of wall elements are formed out of a foam-based material.
4. The user configurable playing surface and stadium venue of claim
3 wherein said plurality of interlocking floor parts and said set
of wall elements are die-cut from said foam-based material.
5. The user configurable playing surface and stadium venue of claim
3 wherein said plurality of interlocking floor parts and said set
of wall elements use the same thickness or different thickness of
foam than said interlocking floor parts, or said set of wall
elements are formed of a different material and have a different
thickness than the floor parts.
6. The user configurable playing surface and stadium venue of claim
1 wherein said interlocking floor parts are shaped as squares,
rectangles, triangles, and/or other shapes.
7. The user configurable playing surface and stadium venue of claim
1 wherein said interlocking floor parts have a set of perimeter
edges formed with alternating male and female features that join
with complementary patterns when mating other of said interlocking
floor parts.
8. The user configurable playing surface and stadium venue of claim
1 wherein said series of openings are used for insertion of
components to alter game play.
9. The user configurable playing surface and stadium venue of claim
1 further comprising a set of interlocking edge parts about an
outer perimeter of the playing surface, said set of interlocking
edge parts having a series of openings for inserting said set of
wall elements, a set of rod/tube parts, and/or a set of buttresses
to support said set of wall elements.
10. The user configurable playing surface and stadium venue of
claim 1 wherein said configurable playing surface is configured to
be taken apart for easy transport and storage.
11. The user configurable playing surface and stadium venue of
claim 1 wherein said set of wall elements further comprises a set
of gates with various sized gate openings.
12. The user configurable playing surface and stadium venue of
claim 11 said set of gates are configured with a gate mechanism
that periodically blocks said gate openings.
13. The user configurable playing surface and stadium venue of
claim 1 wherein said set of wall elements further comprises a
stadium module structure having a front face connected to a rear
face with a set of side walls.
14. The user configurable playing surface and stadium venue of
claim 13 further comprising a set of openings or windows made in at
least one of said front face, said rear face, and said side
walls.
15. The user configurable playing surface and stadium venue of
claim 13 wherein said front face and/or said rear face are
configured with insertion tabs for placement and insertion on said
interlocking floor parts and/or onto a set of interlocking edge
parts.
16. The user configurable playing surface and stadium venue of
claim 13 wherein said stadium module structure is configured to
hold at least one of various computer controlled gates, bumpers,
targets, displays, graphics, speakers, lights, cameras, clocks, and
tracks.
17. The user configurable playing surface and stadium venue of
claim 1 wherein said series of openings extend from a top surface
to a bottom surface of one of the interlocking floor parts.
18. The user configurable playing surface and stadium venue of
claim 1 wherein said series of openings are not throughholes
extending from a top surface to a bottom surface of one of the
interlocking floor parts.
19. The user configurable playing surface and stadium venue of
claim 1 wherein said series of openings include at least two
shapes.
20. The user configurable playing surface and stadium venue of
claim 1 wherein said series of openings do not form a closed packed
arrangement.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a non-provisional application that
claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
62/458,705 filed Feb. 14, 2017; the contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention in general relates to entertainment
and games, and in particular to a user configurable playing surface
and venue for robotic based games.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Most robot games are intended for the robots to push each
other around (sumo), destroy each other (e.g., BattleBots,
RoboWars, etc.), or play some form of soccer (push/roll/kick a ball
into a goal). In addition, some robot games are designed for a
specific purpose for hobbyists and educational competitions (e.g.,
First, etc.). However, there are currently no user configurable
playing surfaces and venues for robotic based games.
[0004] Thus, there exists a need for a user configurable playing
surface and venue for robotic based games.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A user configurable playing surface and stadium venue
includes interlocking floor parts that form a playing surface. Each
of the interlocking floor parts has a series of openings. A set of
wall elements are provided that each have insertion tabs configured
to mate with the interlocking floor parts using the series of
openings to form said stadium venue with a perimeter boundary.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The present invention is further detailed with respect to
the following drawings that are intended to show certain aspects of
the present of invention, but should not be construed as limit on
the practice of the invention, where like numbers have the same
meaning in the different drawing views, and wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1A is a partial top down view of a user configurable
walled playing surface that forms a stadium venue for robotic based
games according to embodiments of the invention;
[0008] FIG. 1B is an outside partial side perspective view of the
user configurable walled playing surface of FIG. 1A according to
embodiments of the invention;
[0009] FIG. 1C is an inside partial side perspective view of the
user configurable walled playing surface of FIG. 1A according to
embodiments of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 1D is an inside partial side perspective view of a user
configurable walled playing surface with a curved corner wall and a
series structures along the perimeter wall according to embodiments
of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 1E is an outside partial side perspective view of a
user configurable walled playing surface with a curved corner wall
and a series structures or stadium modules along the perimeter wall
as shown in FIG. 1D according to embodiments of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a detailed top view of a playing surface floor
section in accordance with embodiments of the invention;
[0013] FIGS. 3A and 3B are side perspective views of a male and
female edge parts, respectively according to embodiments of the
invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side view of a buttress part according to
embodiments of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a side view of a wall part according to
embodiments of the invention;
[0016] FIGS. 6A and 6B are side views of a large gate section and a
corresponding back up section, respectively in accordance with
embodiments of the invention;
[0017] FIGS. 7A and 7B are side views of a small gate section and a
corresponding back up section, respectively in accordance with
embodiments of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a top view of a circular part in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a side view of a flat corner part as shown in the
corner portion of FIGS. 1A-1C;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a side view of a curved corner part as shown in
the corner portion of FIGS. 1D and 1E;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a side view of a corner part back up in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates the insertion of the large gate section
and a corresponding back up section of FIGS. 6A and 6B into one of
the playing surface floor sections in accordance with embodiments
of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a detailed perspective view of the structure
shown in FIG. 1E in accordance with embodiments of the
invention;
[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates the insertion of the structure of FIG.
13 into one of the playing surface floor sections in accordance
with embodiments of the invention;
[0025] FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate the actuation of a gate
mechanisms in a down and up position, respectively for periodically
blocking the gate part opening of FIGS. 6A and 6B in accordance
with embodiments of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a detailed underside perspective view of the gate
mechanism of FIGS. 15A and 15B;
[0027] FIG. 17A is a side view of an embodiment of a robot
operative in the present invention; and
[0028] FIG. 17B is a bottom view of the robot shown in FIG.
17A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The present invention has utility as a user configurable
playing surface and stadium venue for robotic games. Embodiments of
the inventive user configurable playing surface and stadium venue
are formed with inter-locking floor parts and various perimeter
wall, gate elements, and stadium modules. Embodiments of the
interlocking floor parts and various perimeter wall and gate
elements may be formed of wood, plastic, and composite materials.
In a specific inventive embodiment, the inter-locking floor parts
and various perimeter wall and gate elements are formed out of a
foam-based material. In a specific inventive embodiment parts are
die-cut from a single piece of material. The wall and gate elements
may use the same or different thickness of foam then the floor
parts, or may be formed of a different material and have a
different thickness then the floor parts. When assembled the
inter-locking floor parts and various perimeter wall and gate
elements form a playing surface with an enclosed perimeter that may
be used as a stadium venue for competitive games illustratively
including robotic based games. The inter-locking floor parts and
various perimeter wall and gate elements may be easily disassembled
for storage and transport.
[0030] Embodiments of the inventive user configurable playing
surface may be formed of interlocking floor parts illustratively
shaped as squares, rectangles, triangles, and other shapes. The
perimeter edges of the interlocking floor parts have alternating
male and female features that join with complementary patterns of
mating floor elements. The interlocking floor parts have a series
of openings to accommodate the insertion of elements illustratively
including rod and tube parts, gates and walls that form an
enclosing perimeter about the playing surface.
[0031] As used herein, an opening is defined as a hole, slot or
geometric sample that in each instance either extends from top to
bottom surfaces of the part or is not a throughhole. The
arrangement of openings in some embodiments are not an array of
mono-shaped openings of a grid or peg board. In still other
embodiments, the openings are not in a close packed
arrangement.
[0032] The walls may have male mating features that interlock with
the holes and geometric openings of the floor parts. The openings
may also be used for insertion of components to alter game play.
Circle parts may be installed into the opening in the floor
parts.
[0033] Embodiments of the inventive floor parts when joined
together may be bordered with a series of interlocking edge parts
about the perimeter of the playing surface. The edge parts may have
openings for inserting wall parts, rod/tube parts, and buttress
parts. Buttress parts support wall parts from tipping over during
game play. Buttress parts have male extending features that
interlock with holes/openings in floor parts and edge parts to keep
them from moving.
[0034] Embodiments of the inventive gate parts have various sized
openings for game targets (balls) to pass through. The gate parts
may be configured with a gate mechanism that periodically block the
gate part opening. Corner parts are used in the corners of the
stadium to prevent targets (balls) from getting stuck and form a
portion of the perimeter of a playing field. Corner parts may be
made from same foam material and have the same thickness as floor
parts, or may use a different material with a different thickness.
Corner parts have male features that extend into and interlock with
holes/openings in floor parts. Corner parts may contain various
size openings for game targets, such as balls, to pass through.
Wall parts may be bent to form corners, or the corners may be
pre-shaped with a bend. Back-up gate and corner parts may be bonded
to gate and corner parts for added strength.
[0035] Rod/tube parts that may be slightly larger than the holes in
the floor and edge parts to provide support. Rod/tube parts may
illustratively be used to support flags, banners, signs, figures,
etc. Bumper mechanisms kick the targets such as balls, away from
the wall parts and into the playing field. Stadium modules may be
installed in place of wall parts and may contain various
computer-controlled gates, bumpers, targets, displays, graphics,
speakers, lights, cameras, clocks, tracks, etc.
[0036] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1A is a partial top down
view of a user configurable walled playing surface formed with
interlocking floor parts 10 with openings 12 and circles 14. A wall
22 with back up 24 form part of the perimeter boundary about the
playing surface. Buttresses 20 provide support to the wall and
engage the wall parts 22, floor parts 10, and the male 18 and
female 16 edge parts. FIG. 1B is an outside partial side
perspective view of the user configurable walled playing surface of
FIG. 1A showing both a large gate 26 with backing 28, and a small
gate 26S with backing 28S. In an inventive embodiment the size of
the gate determines the scoring, where a smaller size gate scores
more points. FIG. 1C is an inside partial side perspective view of
the user configurable walled playing surface of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1D is
an inside partial side perspective view of a user configurable
walled playing surface with a curved corner wall 32 and a series
stadium modules structures 30 along the perimeter wall. FIG. 1E is
an outside partial side perspective view of a user configurable
walled playing surface with a curved corner wall 32 and a series
structures or stadium modules 30 along the perimeter wall.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a detailed top view of an interlocking surface
floor section 10. The perimeter edges of the interlocking floor
parts 10 have alternating male and female features 34 that join
with complementary patterns of mating floor elements. The
interlocking floor parts 10 have a series of openings 12 to
accommodate the insertion of elements illustratively including rod
and tube parts, gates, and walls that form an enclosing perimeter
about the playing surface. A removable circle 14 is shown in the
floor part 10. FIGS. 3A and 3B are side perspective views of a male
18 with male connector MC at the opposing short sides of the
interlocking edge parts, and female 16 edge parts with female
connectors FC at the opposing short sides of the interlocking edge
parts, respectively. FIG. 4 is a side view of a buttress part 20
with insertion tabs 36 that fit into features 12 to support the
perimeter wall (22, 24). FIG. 5 is a side view of a wall part 32
with insertion tabs 36. FIGS. 6A and 6B are side views of a large
gate section 28 with insertion tabs 36, and a corresponding back up
section 26, respectively. FIGS. 7A and 7B are side views of a small
gate section 28S with insertion tabs 36, and a corresponding back
up section 26S, respectively. FIG. 8 is a top view of a circular
part 14. FIG. 9 is a side view of a flat corner part 38 with
insertion tabs 36 as shown in the corner portion of FIGS. 1A-1C.
FIG. 10 is a side view of a curved corner part 32 with insertion
tabs 36 as shown in the corner portion of FIGS. 1D and 1E. FIG. 11
is a side view of a corner part back up 40. FIG. 12 illustrates the
insertion of the large gate section 28 with insertion tabs 36 and a
corresponding back up section 26 of FIGS. 6A and 6B into one of the
playing surface floor sections 10.
[0038] FIG. 13 is a detailed perspective view of the stadium module
structure 30 shown in FIG. 1E. A front face 42 is connected to a
rear face 41 with side walls 44. Openings or windows 46 may be made
in the front face 42, rear face 41, and side walls 44. The front
face 42 and rear face 41 are configured with insertion tabs 36 for
placement and insertion on the playing surface floor sections 10
and/or the interlocking edge parts (16/18). The stadium module
structure 30 may be installed in place of wall parts and may
contain various computer controlled gates, bumpers, targets,
displays, graphics, speakers, lights, cameras, clocks, tracks, etc.
FIG. 14 illustrates the insertion of the stadium module structure
30 of FIG. 13 into one of the playing surface floor sections 10 and
the male edge section 18 via insertion tabs 36 into slots 12.
[0039] FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate the actuation of a gate
mechanism 54 in a down and up position, respectively for
periodically blocking the gate part opening (26/28) of FIGS. 6A and
6B. Hand crank 50 may be used to actuate the gate mechanism 54 via
actuation arm 52. It is appreciated that the action of the gate
mechanism 54 may be automated and controlled by a computer
processor, where the up and down motion of the gate mechanism is
determined on gaming conditions as monitored by the computer
processor. FIG. 16 is a detailed underside perspective view of the
stationary portion of the gate mechanism 48 of FIGS. 15A and
15B.
[0040] FIGS. 17A and 17B are a side view and bottom view,
respectively of an embodiment of a robot 60 that may be propelled
and steered by drive wheels 62 and may be operative in the present
invention. In a preferred embodiment an application program
operating on a smart phone or tablet device controls the movement
of the robot 60. A weapon may be provided in some embodiments to
impede the activities of a competitive robot from moving targets in
the stadium venue. A sensor used in the robots would be operative
to recognize targets with unique machine readable or recognizable
electronics/components (RFID, magnets, etc.) inside each ball (1
through 15), or machine readable (vision) unique marks.
[0041] It is appreciated that various games are readily developed
based on the robots, targets and user configurable playing surfaces
as defined herein. These games include: [0042] 1. Multiple Robots
play a simultaneous pushing game with targets--when the targets
associated with a Robot are pushed out of the game (thru a target
gate in a Stadium Wall Module), that Robot is disabled from playing
the game (shuts down movement) while the other Robots continue to
play. Play continues until there is only one Robot with live
targets left (the winner!). [0043] 2. Multiple Robots play a
simultaneous pushing game with targets--the first Robot to push all
of its associated targets out of the game (thru a target gate in a
Stadium Wall Module), is the winner. [0044] 3. Single Robot plays a
timed pushing game with targets--when the targets are pushed out of
the game (thru a target gate in a Stadium Wall Module), time is
recorded--fastest time is the winner. [0045] 4. Single or multiple
Robots play a timed game in the Stadium
touching/hitting/approaching/shooting features (Buttons, Bumpers,
Sensors, Opening, target gates, munition gates, etc.) on/in the
Stadium Wall Modules using the Robots, targets and munitions.
[0046] 5. Limit munitions/battery power for a robot, with resupply
coming at the cost of objective completion opportunities. [0047] 6.
Single or multiple Robots play a scoring game in the Stadium
touching/hitting/approaching/shooting features (Buttons, Bumpers,
Sensors, Openings, target gates, munition gates, etc.) on/in the
Stadium Wall Modules using the Robots, targets and munitions--high
score is the winner [0048] 7. Single or multiple Robots play a
video-like game of sequential challenges. [0049] 8. Combinations of
the above.
[0050] Variations on a bounded interlocking playing surface 10
illustratively include: [0051] 1. Which, when assembled, enclose
the Robots and targets in a defined space for playing games [0052]
2. That rest primarily on a horizontal playing surface (Billiards
Table, Craps Table, Ping-Pong Table, Floor, Driveway, Table, etc.)
[0053] 3. With target gates that allow the targets to pass thru a
gate section to be scored [0054] 4. With target gates that allow
the targets to pass thru, said gate section having means to
identify targets as they pass through (see target Reading Device
below) out of the Game (or to be collected and re-used during game)
[0055] 5. With target gate sections which have means to
automatically close/open (Gates, Doors, Windows, Bars, etc.) [0056]
6. With target gate sections which have means to indicate (lights,
flags, etc.) if they are open or closed (a closed gate could score
negative points) [0057] 7. With target gate sections which are
different sizes (smaller size scores more points) [0058] 8. With
target gate sections that physically align to pockets on a Billiard
Table (targets could be Pool Balls) [0059] 9. With target gate
sections that collect/control the targets for other purposes [0060]
10. With means to re-introduce the targets to the Game/Stadium for
continued play [0061] 11. With Buttons and/or Sensors that can be
activated by pushing/touching/approaching/shooting with Robots,
targets and/or munitions. [0062] 12. Which incorporate munition
gates, for the Weapons to fire munitions at and score points [0063]
13. With munition gates that can distinguish munitions from
different Robots [0064] 14. With dedicated munition gates that are
capable to detect one type of munition (Projectile, Visible Light
Beam, Laser Beam, IR Beam, Water, Gas, Flame, Missile, Airplane,
Rocket, Firework, etc.) [0065] 15. With munition gates that are
capable to detect multiple types of munition (Projectile, Visible
Light Beam, Laser Beam, IR Beam, Water, Gas, Flame, Missile,
Airplane, Rocket, or Firework, etc.) [0066] 16. With munition gates
at various (adjustable?) angles and sizes to vary difficulty of
hitting [0067] 17. With Blocks of various size, shape and location
to vary difficulty of hitting munition gates [0068] 18. With
Back-Boards (Mirror, angled Wall, etc.) of various size, shape and
location to vary difficulty of hitting munition gates [0069] 19.
With capability to install other munition gates [0070] 20. With
Garage feature to store and re-charge Robot(s) [0071] 21. With
Garage feature including a Door, with Door opening to start Game
[0072] 22. With Garage feature that acts as a sizing gage for
Robots--if it does not fit in the Garage, it is too big to play
[0073] 23. Which contains a Game Brain (game controller) that is
linked to the Robot Controllers (smart phones) and other Stadium
Wall Modules for scoring and game control [0074] 24. That
communicate the status of the target gates, Buttons, Sensors,
munition gates, etc. to the Game Brain [0075] 25. With Lights for
various visual effects [0076] 26. With a Scoreboard/Display [0077]
27. With Speakers for various sound effects [0078] 28. With
Microphones for other applications [0079] 29. With Cameras (pan,
tilt, zoom) for remote viewing by fans [0080] 30. With Batteries
[0081] 31. With Connector for power input [0082] 32. With Connector
for wire to communicate and/or power with other Wall Modules [0083]
33. With Wireless connection [0084] 34. With Link Provide an
electronic system at each Firework munition gate that can sense and
differentiate the different colors/chemistry of the Fireworks when
it hits or passes thru that gate [0085] 1. Provide means to
Transmit the information about the Firework to the Game Brain such
as wire, cell phone, radio, internet, Skype, computer network,
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth etc. [0086] 2. Score the munition
[0087] In embodiments of the inventive game, the slave targets are
electronically intelligent and coupled/matched (owned) to each
master robot of each competitor. Furthermore, there can be any
number of slaves matched with a single master robot (but the number
should be the same for all competing master robots in a single
game). When a master robot's slave target is eliminated (or
impaired) from the playing field, reduced functionality of the
slave owner's master robot can be initiated. Various stages of
impaired functionality can be implemented for each slave
eliminated. Master robots could display an indication of the number
of slaves still "alive" in the game. In embodiments, the game ends
when only one master robot has functioning slaves.
[0088] Embodiments of the inventive user configurable playing venue
for robotic games may be used on a table, pool table, floor, or
other suitable indoor or outdoor surface. The object of the game is
to push (using the master robot) the opponent's slave targets off
the table, into a pocket of a pool table, or out of the demarcated
playing field surface. Each player controls one master robot. Each
robot can have any number of slave targets.
[0089] Embodiments of the master robots in the inventive game may
be controlled with a portable electronic device (controller), such
as a smart phone, with communication and imaging capabilities, such
as a camera. The master robot and slave targets may sync (and link
with each other) with the portable electronic device via a bar
code, quick response (QR) code, radio frequency identification
(RFID), near field communication, Bluetooth, and other
identification methods. In an embodiment the barcode may be
positioned on the bottom of the robot for scanning or image capture
with the portable electronic device. The master robot also may be
configured with the ability to sync with the slave targets. The
portable electronic device or controller may be configured with
software, such as a downloadable application (App) for playing the
inventive game. The controller may have inertial sensors to provide
a tilt to drive for the robot being controlled i.e.,--more tilt,
more speed--horizontal is no speed in any direction. Additional
movement control may include "Push to Pass" feature to enable short
bursts of speed for the robot. The controlling device may also
provide indicators such as a for example a timer to show when the
last target was killed--used to decide who wins in close decisions,
controls to set the number of targets in a game, a way to connect
all controllers in a game so that they can all start the game at
the same time. The controller may have display aspects to provide
simulated game play to practice the physical game, as well as the
ability to control a physical game remotely.
[0090] Embodiments of the master robots may be configured with
software to keep the robot on the interlocking playing field 10, or
be user programmable to map the playing field (surface). In
addition, the master robots may be equipped with sensors to
identify the boundaries or edges of the playing field surface.
Embodiments of the software for controlling the master robots may
also be configured with a victory "dance" and an introductory
"dance" routine program. Embodiments of the robot may have
omni-wheel drive so that it can move in any direction at any time
(no steering).
[0091] Embodiments of the master robot may have a power source such
as a battery, lights, vision capability with one or more cameras,
and audio capability through a speaker. In an embodiment, the
vision system may enable viewing (controlling) the game from the
robot's perspective. The robot may be configured with a removable
crown which can be illuminated from the bottom with multi-colored
light(s) from the Robot. Each crown can be unique by using rapid
manufacturing. The robot may have an Indicator to show how many
targets are still alive, such as multiple lights to indicate how
many targets are left.
[0092] Embodiments of the slave targets may have electronic
intelligence and two-way communication capability with any master
robot, and have an ability to "lock" with one individual master
robot. Embodiments of the slave target may have a power source such
as a battery, lights, vision capability with one or more cameras,
and audio capability through a speaker. An example of audio may be
a scream when killed. The slave targets may be equipped with
sensors to identify the boundaries or edges of the playing field
surface. The slave targets may assume a spherical shape (ball) for
rolling on playing field surface (pool table).
[0093] Embodiments of the slave targets may be configured with a
removable "Head" that can fall off during game, thereby initiating
some response from the master robot. In an embodiment, the head
that pops off, as being spring loaded, when eliminated from game,
as it for example: goes off a table, into a pocket, or over the
line. Furthermore, the head may be configured like the back end of
a throwing dart (post) to accommodate the "flights" for
identification of the targets
[0094] Embodiments of the slave targets may sync with the portable
electronic device via a bar code, quick response (QR) code, radio
frequency identification (RFID), near field communication,
Bluetooth, and other identification methods. In an embodiment, the
barcode may be positioned on the bottom of the slave target for
scanning with the portable electronic device.
[0095] In an embodiment, the playing surface assemble with
interlocking pieces 10 may have graphics and indicators for
positioning game pieces before play begins, and to protect pool
table felt. In embodiments, the playing surface formed with
interlocking pieces 10 may have Intelligence to monitor game
pieces.
[0096] Any patents or publications mentioned in this specification
are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each
individual publication was specifically and individually indicated
to be incorporated by reference.
[0097] The foregoing description is illustrative of embodiments of
the invention, but is not meant to be a limitation upon the
practice thereof.
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