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.

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

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 targetswhen 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 targetsthe 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 targetswhen the targets are pushed out of the game (thru a target gate in a Stadium Wall Module), time is recordedfastest 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 munitionshigh 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 Robotsif 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 speedhorizontal 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 killedused 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.