A system and method for controlling a plurality of karts implementing at least two communication networks.

Abstract

A system for controlling a plurality of karts distributed over a karting track, implementing a control server communicating with each of the karts using at least two separate communication networks, a first safety information management network and a second gaming information management network. The first safety information network also allows transmitting requests for action from one of the karts to the server. The server is configured to manage respective positions of the karts, analyze the requests according to the respective positions and to validate, refuse, modify and/or delay the activation of the requests, by emitting corresponding commands to the concerned karts, via the first network, and synchronize controlling according to the requests. The server generates image data at least to the concerned karts, and generates special effects by controlling light and/or sound sources provided for this purpose on the karting track, to simulate the activation of the requests.

Claims

1. A system for controlling a plurality of karts distributed over a karting track, the system comprising: a control server configured to receive a position of each kart from a positioning system and to communicate with each of said karts using at least two separate communication networks, a first safety information management network, allowing the control server to transmit commands to control motorisation of at least one of the plurality of karts according to a first secure radio protocol, and a second gaming information management network, allowing the control server to transmit image data to a screen mounted on each of said karts according to a second protocol, and wherein said control server comprises: means for managing the respective positions of each of the karts, provided by said positioning system, and means for analysing action requests emitted by said karts, comprising at least requests for increasing and/or reducing power, according to said respective positions, capable of validating, refusing, modifying and/or delaying activation of said requests, by emitting corresponding commands to respective karts of the plurality of karts, which correspond to the requests, via said first network, and synchronisation means controlling the activation of the requests according to said action requests; and means for generating image data, for each of said action requests, illustrating the activation of said action request, and transmitting the image data to at least one of the karts via said second network.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises the positioning system, which implements a third communication network with said control server, implementing an Ultra Wide Band type communication.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said first protocol implements a communication on a first frequency of an Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) band.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein said action requests are transmitted via said first network, and said first network also allows transmission, on a second frequency of the ISM band.

5. (canceled)

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system further comprises at least one of the karts, which comprises a steering wheel and a screen mounted on the steering wheel, which is configured to reproduce said image data, said screen being a removable screen in the form of a smartphone.

7. (canceled)

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein said server comprises means for generating special effects, to control light and/or sound devices provided on said karting track, to simulate the activation of said requests.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein for at least one of the requests, said means for analyzing validate, refuse, modify and/or delay the activation of the request according to a plurality of criteria comprising: the position of said kart emitting the request and/or of a neighbouring kart on said track, so as to avoid a change in power in a dangerous zone of said track; the position of said kart emitting the request and/or said neighbouring kart relative to all nearby karts; an orientation, speed and/or acceleration of said kart emitting the request and/or said neighbouring kart relative to said track; the orientation, speed and/or acceleration of said kart emitting the request and/or said neighbouring kart in relation to all the nearby karts; information on a possibility of activating said request, according to a set of rules for loading an availability counter.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the means for analyzing also takes into account orientation, speed and/or reference acceleration, pre-recorded by said control server.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein said requests comprise at least a request for a temporary increase in power of said kart emitting the request and a request for a temporary reduction of power of another kart of the plurality of karts.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein said request for a temporary reduction of power of another kart corresponds to sending a fictitious missile by the kart emitting the request, sending and/or an impact of which are illustrated by said means for generating special effects.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein said control server applies said impact to the kart of the plurality of karts that precedes and is closest to the kart emitting the request.

14. The system according to claim 12, wherein said server determines a trajectory of said fictitious missile depending on the position and orientation of said kart emitting the request and an existence or not of an impact on a kart preceding said kart emitting the request, depending on the position, orientation, speed and/or distance of said preceding kart.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the system comprises the kart emitting the request and said kart emitting the request comprises means for modifying an attitude of a missile strike, relative to the orientation of said kart emitting the request.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein said kart emitting the request is a two-seater kart, configured for carrying a driver and a passenger, said means for modifying the attitude of a missile strike being positioned on the kart emitting the request so as to be manipulated by said passenger.

17. The system according to claim 12, wherein said control server varies an intensity of the impact according to a number of successive requests generated by said kart emitting the request within a predetermined period of time.

18. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a virtual reality device wearable by a driver of at least one of said karts, wherein the virtual reality device is supplied via said second gaming information management network.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein said virtual reality device comprise means for locating the corresponding kart, cooperating with means for transmitting location information via said second gaming information management network.

20. The system according to claim 1, wherein said server comprises at least one of the following: means for constructing a virtual image of said track, and means for transmitting said virtual image to at least one screen intended for spectators or players; interactivity means for allowing a spectator to emit requests able to act on at least one of said karts.

21. (canceled)

22. A method for managing a system controlling a plurality of karts distributed over a karting track, the method comprising the following acts in a management server: determining a respective position of each of said karts; communicate with each of said karts using at least two separate communication networks, a first safety information management network and a second gaming information management network; emitting commands to control motorisation of at least one kart via said first safety information management network implementing a secure radio protocol; receiving requests for action from at least one of said karts, including at least a request for a temporary increase in a power of said kart and a request for a temporary reduction of a power of another kart of the plurality of karts; analysing said requests according to said respective positions, so as to validate, refuse, modify and/or delay activation of said requests; for at least one of the requests emitting a command corresponding to said activation which is validated, refused, modified and/or delayed to at least one kart of the plurality of karts that corresponds to the request, via said first network; generating image data, illustrating the activation of said requests; emitting said image data via said second network, to at least one of the karts to display said image data on a screen of the at least one kart.

23. A system for controlling a plurality of karts distributed over a karting track, the system comprising: a control server configured to receive a position of each kart from a positioning system and to communicate with each of said karts using at least two separate communication networks, a first safety information management network, allowing the control server to transmit commands to control motorization of at least one of the plurality of karts according to a first secure radio protocol, and a second gaming information management network, allowing the control server to transmit image data to a screen mounted on each of said karts according to a second protocol, and wherein said control server comprises: means for managing the respective positions of each of the karts, provided by said positioning system, and means for analysing action requests emitted by said karts, comprising at least requests for increasing and/or reducing power, according to said respective positions, capable of validating, refusing, modifying and/or delaying activation of said requests, by emitting corresponding commands to respective karts of the plurality of karts, which correspond to the requests, via said first network, and synchronisation means controlling the activation of the requests according to said action requests; and means for generating image data, for each of said action requests, illustrating the activation of said action request, and transmitting the image data to at least one of the karts via said second network; and wherein the system further comprises at least one of the karts, which comprises a steering wheel and the screen, which mounted on the steering wheel, and which is configured to reproduce said image data transmitted via said second network to illustrate the activation of said action request.

Description

4. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0080] Other features of the invention will emerge more clearly upon reading the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of simple illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended figures, among which:

[0081] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the communication and data exchange networks implemented according to a first approach to the invention;

[0082] FIG. 2 shows a more detailed view of an embodiment of the system of FIG. 1;

[0083] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the management of the “sound and light” aspects of the track;

[0084] FIG. 4 illustrates examples of gaming aspects that can be implemented according to the invention;

[0085] FIG. 5 shows an example of speed deviations, requiring the implementation of appropriate safety;

[0086] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a method that can be implemented to manage a system according to the invention;

[0087] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the communication and data exchange networks implemented according to a second approach of the invention.

5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

5.1 General Aspects

[0088] The invention proposes a new approach to karting and more specifically an enhancement of this activity, by offering the drivers, and where appropriate the spectators, new tools and new sensations, compared to the conventional practice of karting, in a safe manner.

[0089] As mentioned in the preamble, adaptations have already been considered to enhance the practice of karting, in particular by drawing inspiration from video games. For example, the holder of the present patent application proposed, in patent document FR1852834 (unpublished), to implement augmented reality means specifically adapted to karting are proposed, based on a particular headset, the visor of which provides, in addition to its protective function, a projection screen function, onto which information can be projected, in augmented reality, that is to say in superposition of the real elements seen by the driver.

[0090] In practice, and despite the solutions considered in this document, it appears that the safety of the drivers may, in some cases, not be guaranteed in an optimum manner. Indeed, the management of gaming aspects, whether via an augmented reality headset or via other approaches, described below, requires the transfer of a high amount of information, which can be detrimental to the management of safety, which requires both immediate reactions (for example to stop a kart or all karts, in the event of danger) and reliable transmissions and some of the corresponding commands. The speed of karts, even when they are rental karts, is significant, and the danger is therefore potentially high.

[0091] Moreover, the transmission of this high amount of information must be done in a simple and inexpensive way, the equipment of the karting tracks not allowing the development of a specific protocol for this application, and the karts not allowing the installation of dedicated electronic means. Indeed, for the record, a kart is a minimalist vehicle, not having, for reasons of cost as well as weight and complexity, electronic means of assistance as may exist in motor vehicles.

[0092] These two constraints led the person skilled in the art to consider that it was not possible, in practice, to propose solutions allowing a driver to interact with other (real or virtual) karts and/or other elements in a playful and safe manner, at an acceptable cost.

[0093] According to the invention however, as illustrated in FIG. 1, this is made possible by differentiating the communication networks, so that the safety commands are transmitted by a dedicated radio network 11, used on two separate frequency bands, and that the information relating to the gaming aspects is transmitted by another channel 12, implementing a Wi-Fi protocol allowing the implementation of means available on the market, and not requiring specific development of hardware and software, for the transmission.

[0094] In summary, in the embodiment described below, said server communicates with each of said karts using at least two separate communication networks, a first safety information management network, allowing to transmit commands acting on the control of the motorisation of at least one kart according to a secure radio protocol, on a first frequency of the ISM band, and a second gaming information management network, allowing to transmit image data to a screen mounted on the steering wheel each of said karts according to a Wi-Fi protocol, said first network also allowing the transmission, on a second frequency of the ISM band, of requests for action from one of said karts to said server, including at least requests for a temporary increase in the power of said kart and requests for a temporary reduction of the power of another kart.

[0095] Said server comprises means for managing the respective positions of each of the karts, provided by said locating means, and means for analysing said requests according to said respective positions, able to validate, refuse, modify and/or delay the activation of said requests, by emitting corresponding commands to the concerned karts, via said first network, and synchronisation means controlling according to said requests: [0096] means for generating image data at least to said concerned karts, illustrating the activation of said requests, via said second network; and [0097] means for generating special effects, controlling light and/or sound means provided for this purpose on said karting track, to simulate the activation of said requests.

[0098] Thus, according to the invention, it is possible to offer improvements, or enhancements, which are fun, compared to the usual practice of karting, without compromising safety. Specific means, including a dedicated network, are provided to generate and transmit commands to stop or slow down certain karts. In parallel, the server produces images, or information allowing to construct images, which are reproduced on screens mounted on the steering wheel of the karts. Transmission is provided by a second Wi-Fi network which does not interfere with the transmission of safety information.

[0099] This Wi-Fi network allows simple and efficient transmission, adapted to the mobile screens equipping the steering wheels.

[0100] The server also provides, in a synchronised manner, special effects, which can in particular be actuated via data delivered by the second network.

[0101] It is important to note that, for a gaming, but also sporty implementation, the speed variations should preferably be significant (at least 10 km/h). This requires an implementation guaranteeing the safety of the drivers, by a precise analysis and a very efficient transmission of the commands by the first network. In this embodiment in particular, it is planned to equip the karts, at their steering wheel, with a screen and transmission/reception means in the form of a smartphone 14.sub.1 to 14.sub.N (for a fleet of N karts) or a tablet. Such a device, for example according to the Android technique (registered trademark) has Wi-Fi communication means and a screen. It is therefore only necessary to develop an adapted application, capable of receiving information from the server 15, for example information on possible actions or effects undergone, points gained or lost, classification, etc.

[0102] The kart, in particular the steering wheel, can be equipped with one or more buttons 16.sub.1 to 16.sub.N, allowing the transmission of a (virtual) shooting command to another kart to slow it down or an activation of a “boost” or “turbo” effect, conferring a temporary increase in electric power, for example, in the case of an electric kart.

[0103] Preferably, these commands are not transmitted by the Wi-Fi network 12 (for example via a command accessible by pressing the screen of the telephone 14), but by a button 16 transmitting via the first network 11, over a first dedicated wavelength 111. Indeed, these actions inducing an acceleration or slowing down of one or more karts, are likely to create dangerous situations (accidents between two or more karts, going off the track in a turn, etc.) and must therefore be managed in a safe and immediate manner. They will therefore be transmitted by the network 11, which is a priority network, with Wi-Fi network 12 remaining dedicated to gaming and enhancement aspects, which can tolerate a slight delay, or even a transmission fault.

[0104] The network 11 is preferably a secure network using the ISM bands, which are free in particular in France. In particular, the first wavelength belongs to the low ISM band, for example 433 MHz and the second wavelength belongs to the high ISM band, for example 868 MHz. The signals are transmitted in a safe manner, if necessary with redundancy, error correcting codes, encryption, etc.

[0105] The Wi-Fi 12 network can also be used to communicate with other elements participating in gaming enhancement, and in particular: [0106] the reproduction of a virtual image of the entire track, on one or more large screens 16, allowing the audience to follow the position of the different karts (for example in the form of avatars) and the game effects (slowed or accelerated kart, virtual elements on the track, on which it is necessary to run or which must, on the contrary, be avoided, etc.); [0107] the management of lighting means 171 and sound reproduction 172 (“sounds and lights”) 17, for example allowing to light and follow a kart to illustrate that it is the victim of a slowdown (red lighting for example) or beneficiary of a “boost” effect (green lighting for example). Sound effects, depending on the karts thanks to loudspeakers distributed on the track, are also possible. Visual and/or sound effects can also be implemented to illustrate an effect on a zone of the track, generated randomly, or following an action by the driver of a kart, by a person in charge of animation, audience; [0108] the management of means 18 of interaction of the audience, outside the karts, for example to interact with one or more karts, by participating virtually in the competition from a virtual cockpit, or by aiming virtually on a kart using a fake weapon (the line of sight of which is measured and transmitted to the server, as well as the actuation of a shooting).

[0109] The server can also receive information or commands from a supervisor 19, in particular for safety applications: the latter can in particular send an order to slow down, or even stop, to one or more karts whose behaviour is dangerous and/or is/are in a danger zone (in some cases this can also be determined by the server itself, after analysing the positions, trajectory and/or speed of a kart).

[0110] The server 15 also has the precise positions of each of the karts on the track, via an adapted positioning system 110, for example using means distributed on the track and/or carried by the kart and/or the driver's headset (in particular in the embodiment implementing virtual reality, described below). A more detailed example of implementation is illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0111] A communication node 21 connects, for example by Ethernet, several computers: [0112] a gaming server 22, controlling the various gaming aspects; [0113] a server 23 for managing and displaying times and/or places, which can be connected to the Internet network 24; [0114] a positioning server 25, connected to a master antenna 26 which communicates with a plurality of antennas 27 distributed along the track and which receive the signals emitted by tags 28 carried by each of the karts. The positioning server can in particular operate at ultra-high frequency (UWB or “Ultra Wide Band”, between 3 and 10 GHz).

[0115] The communication node 21 distributes the safety signals to a safety management device 29, which emits them immediately, via the first wavelength 291 of the dedicated radio network. Safety commands can also be provided via a remote control 210 held by a supervisor, to act immediately on one or more karts, in the event of danger.

[0116] The controls equipping the kart steering wheel comprise in particular a “boost” button 211 and a “shooting” button 212, which can be actuated by the driver at his convenience. The corresponding commands are transmitted, via an analogue/digital converter (ADC) and a transponder 213 carried by the kart, communicating via the second wavelength 292 of the dedicated radio network.

[0117] The access point 21 also ensures the transmission of Wi-Fi information (either directly or through a dedicated device, not shown). This information comprises in particular information 214 intended to be displayed on the screen 215 carried by the steering wheel 216 of each kart. According to one embodiment, information 217 is also transmitted to a display element 218, for example a LED screen, mounted at the rear of the kart to communicate with the karts which follow it (for example to confirm that a shot hit the mark, or that the kart is currently or soon in an accelerated or slowed mode).

[0118] The server 22 can also take into account actions performed by the audience, who can for example vote to choose their favourite and provide it with a “bonus”, or on the contrary penalise a competitor with a “penalty”, or choose to display a virtual element in front of a driver and/or a predetermined (or randomly chosen) location of the track. The server sends corresponding information to the screen 215, which visually returns it to the driver. Depending on the case, a more or less significant part of the processing is carried out by the server or by the associated processing means (for example in a smartphone) on the screen 215, according to their capacities.

[0119] At the same time, the server 22 controls the visual and/or sound effects, as illustrated for example in the embodiment of FIG. 3. In particular, it controls lighting 31 and loudspeakers 32 distributed around and/or above the track. Depending on the effects, the lights and/or sounds can be oriented on a zone of the track, where appropriate in the form of holograms, to define a virtual object, or follow a kart, to signal to everyone that it is benefiting from a bonus (and therefore for example that it moves faster) or a penalty (and therefore for example that it moves more slowly).

[0120] The application of a “bonus” or a “penalty”, proposed by a spectator, or a group of spectators, or made available randomly via the server, or according to the behaviour of the driver (safety and/or passage on a virtual object) can for example be counted in the form of points (the driver must earn a maximum of points), time (added or subtracted from his time, so as to be able to modify his classification or, where appropriate, providing additional time on the track, etc.). According to another approach, or in combination, the “bonus” and the “penalty” can act on the available power of the motor, in particular on electric motors.

[0121] As illustrated by the example of FIG. 4, the steering wheel 41 of the kart carries the screen 42 and at least two buttons, a “boost” (turbo) button 43 and a shooting button 44. The gaming aspects can be illustrated in a simplified manner on the screen 42, for example: [0122] a rocket 421 to illustrate an acceleration effect for a predetermined period of time (the count of which may also appear on the screen), when the driver has pressed on the button 43 and the safety conditions have been validated; [0123] a shield 422 to illustrate protection (immunity) against a shooting or attack from another kart or the audience; [0124] a missile 423, offering the possibility of shooting using the button 44 (a similar image, for example on a red background, can warn the driver that he himself has been struck by such a missile); [0125] a flash 424, giving the driver the possibility of acting (“striking”) on all his competitors, to slow them down; [0126] an accumulation of points 425; [0127] etc.

[0128] In a particular embodiment, the shooting button can be supplemented or replaced by a fake weapon, which is movable to allow the driver (or an accompanying person, in a two-seater kart), to aim at another kart. In this case, the shooting information also comprises shooting attitude data, allowing the server to determine whether or not the shooting was successful.

[0129] 5.2 Safety Management

[0130] It is important to note that the approach of the invention differs from that of video games not only by the implementation of adapted transmissions, using several communication networks and a need for real and precise localisation of the karts, but also because of the need to ensure the safety of the drivers and to avoid, as far as possible, incidents or accidents.

[0131] Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the gaming approach increases the risks, due to the possible large variations in the speed of the karts, induced by the effects of acceleration, deceleration or other.

[0132] In a conventional operation 41, four speeds can be defined: [0133] V1 “stand”: for example 10 km/h; [0134] V2 “child”: for example 20 km/h; [0135] V3 “operation”: for example 35 km/h; [0136] V4 “expert”: for example 45 km/h.

[0137] The differences between these speeds are relatively small, and above all, these speeds are dedicated to zones (stands) and/or to types of users (children, experts, etc.) and apply uniformly to all karts: the speed is not changed during operation.

[0138] On the other hand, in the gaming exploitation 42 of the invention, there are at least three types of speeds: [0139] V1 “slow down”: for example 10 km/h; [0140] V2 “operation”: for example 30 km/h; [0141] V3 “boost”: for example 45 km/h.

[0142] The speed differences 421, 422 between the three situations are therefore significant (for example between V1=10 km/h and V3=45 km/h). This is desirable, in order to “feel” the effects of actions. But this introduces risks, in particular as the speeds are not applied globally, to the entire kart fleet, but specifically to a kart. For example, it is possible that one of the karts has a speed V3 while the one in front of it is slowed down to speed V1. Furthermore, speed changes can be made at any time, without warning (for example by decision of a driver or the audience) and on a single kart. The risk of contact or even accidents is therefore high.

[0143] According to an important aspect of the invention, provision is therefore made to avoid, or at the very least greatly reduce, this risk.

[0144] For this purpose, the server implements a control of the gaming aspects which can in particular authorise, prohibit, modulate and/or delay the application of a “bonus” or “penalty”. Indeed, it may be desirable that a “turbo” effect obtained by a driver, and actuated by the latter, for example via the button present on his steering wheel or a voice command, is not applied immediately, for example if this driver is in a turn, or a slower kart is just in front of him.

[0145] The same can be done for a “penalty” effect, which would be sent by a spectator or another kart: the kart must not slow down sharply in a turn, and/or when it is closely followed by another kart, in particular if it benefits from the acceleration effect.

[0146] The server can therefore control the application of these effects, which results, for example, in an increase or a reduction in power, as needed. Likewise, the server can decide on specific actions on its own, for safety reasons.

[0147] This essential aspect is far from video games, wherein accidents are part of the very principle of the game. According to the invention, the actions, in particular the actions leading to a significant speed variation (increase or reduction of the maximum speed for example) or another effect on a kart, is subject to an authorisation, and if necessary an adaptation (modulation, delay, etc.), delivered by the server. And this authorisation and/or adaptation is delivered via the first network dedicated to safety, which guarantees secure and immediate transmission.

[0148] This can for example be implemented according to the method of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0149] The server receives (61) a game command 611, for example a “boost” request or a shooting, via the first network.

[0150] Then it takes into account (62) the position of the concerned kart(s), as well as nearby karts, according to the positioning data 621. It also determines (63) various information, such as, for example, the speed of each kart, its acceleration, the differences between the karts, etc.

[0151] It also takes into account (64) the position of the karts on the track, because the decisions are different depending on whether the kart is in a straight line or in a curve or a turn. It can also take into account the trajectory (is the kart on a good trajectory? Is it oriented correctly in relation to the track?, etc.). Where appropriate, it can also receive data relating to the driver, for example provided by a database 651. Indeed, according to his experience, and/or his previous behaviour, the decisions can be adapted. Based on all this information, a decision is made (66) on the application of the command received, for example according to a rule base 661, controlled by a computer program, for example implementing an artificial intelligence (gradually allowing decisions to be optimised based on experience). This decision can take into account reference data 662, corresponding to the behaviour of a “reference” kart, which is pre-recorded, allowing to know, for example, the best trajectory, the maximum speeds in the different zones, the times and intensity of braking, etc.

[0152] These decisions lead to the transmission (68) of an action, if the decision is favourable, for example to act on the engine power (acceleration or slowdown) via the first network, as well as to the transmission (67) of information via the second network to the screens mounted on the steering wheels, to inform the drivers. Finally, the information is also delivered (69) by means of sound and light.

[0153] When, in step 66, the server considers that there is a dangerous situation, it can adapt its decision in several ways: [0154] refusal, or cancellation, of the command; [0155] postponement of the command (which will be applicable a few seconds later and/or when the kart is in another position on the track); [0156] modification, or modulation, of the command (the slowing down or acceleration may be weaker, or gradual); [0157] etc.

[0158] In these different situations, information 67 is transmitted, so that the driver is informed. Likewise, the light and sound effects 69 can be adapted.

[0159] The server 15 comprises means for synchronising the various aspects, in particular the application of the command via the first network, adapted if necessary as described above, and consequently image elements transmitted to the corresponding kart(s) and sound and light effects. This synchronisation primarily takes into account the aspects relating to safety, then adapts the gaming aspects accordingly.

[0160] 5.3 Variant of Implementation

[0161] According to a second approach illustrated by FIG. 7, the drivers are placed in a virtual reality situation. In this case, they are equipped with a virtual reality headset 71. Therefore, they no longer distinguish the real track, and it is possible to place them in a “virtual world”, built by the server.

[0162] In this case, the headset can determine its position itself, eliminating the need for an exchange with a positioning server. The positioning information is transmitted to the server, preferably via the first network. The other aspects described above may also apply.

[0163] In particular, it is understood that the aspects relating to safety are similar, if not increased. It could also be considered to systematically lower the speeds, compared to the previous embodiment.

[0164] 5.4 Other Optional Aspects

[0165] Many variations can of course be considered. For example: [0166] the driver himself can interact with the other karts, for example via a virtual shot, visible in the visor (and if necessary in a real way, using a laser beam), for example to slow down the driver in front of him (this action, authorised for example after having passed over a corresponding object which may temporarily limit the power of the targeted kart); [0167] the shooting can be undifferentiated (it is directed towards the nearest preceding kart) or implement an aim; [0168] the shooting can be single or multiple (receiving several shots amplifying the effect, for example slowing down); [0169] the attitude of the shooting can be that of the kart, or that of a viewing instrument simulating a weapon (for example on a two-seater kart); [0170] various interactions with the audience are possible: the audience can themselves have fake weapons, designate a driver to benefit from a bonus or a penalty, participate in parallel and virtually in the race, via a screen and a kart simulator, etc. [0171] in addition to the electrical power, it may be possible to act on other mechanical elements of the kart (reduction of the stroke of the accelerator pedal, blocking of one of the wheels to force a spin, etc.); [0172] etc.