Laser Emitter Mounting Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laser emitter holder comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a flat surface with through holes for mounting against a wall, as well as protrusions designed to couple with a laser emitter and mounting holes for interfacing with the second portion. The second portion consists of a semi-circular tube that covers the first portion, with mounting holes configured to interface with the first portion. Additionally, the second portion includes a plurality of through holes that allow laser light to pass through. This laser emitter holder provides a secure and convenient means for mounting and positioning laser emitters while allowing for the transmission of laser light.

Claims

1. A laser emitter holder, comprising: a first portion comprising: a flat surface with one or more through holes for mounting against a wall; at least a pair of protrusions shaped to couple with a laser emitter; and at least a pair of mounting holes for interfacing with a second portion; and a second portion comprising: a semi-circular tube configured to cover the first portion; at least a pair of mounting holes configured to interface with the first portion; and a plurality of through holes configured for allowing laser light to pass through.

2. The laser emitter holder of claim 1, wherein the plurality of through holes on the second portion is configured at different angles relative to each other.

3. The laser emitter holder of claim 2, wherein the different angles correspond to different laser beams that can be emitted from a laser emitter at different angles to each other.

4. The laser emitter holder of claim 1, wherein the pair of mounting holes on the first and second portion are configured to accept coupling hardware.

5. The laser emitter holder of claim 4, wherein the coupling hardware comprising a spring.

6. The laser emitter holder of claim 5, wherein the spring is configured to allow for an amount of compression between the first and second portions.

7. The laser emitter holder of claim 1, wherein the semi-circular tube is configured to prevent tampering or accessing the laser emitter.

8. The laser emitter holder of claim 1, wherein the semi-circular tube is configured with a smooth material to allow movement against the holder without damage.

9. The laser emitter holder of claim 1, wherein the first portion further comprises a pair of lips extruding from each side toward the second portion.

10. The laser emitter holder of claim 9, wherein the pair of lips are configured to extend past an end of the semi-circular tube.

11. The laser emitter holder of claim 1, wherein the first portion further comprises a pair of male interlocking pieces on one side of the portion, and a pair of female interlocking portions on an opposing side of the laser emitter holder.

12. The laser emitter holder of claim 11, wherein the pairs of male and female interlocking pairs are configured to interlock with each other.

13. The laser emitter holder of claim 12, wherein the interlocking of laser emitter holders can configure a column of laser emitters suitable for mounting on a wall within a laser maze interactive game.

14. A method of manufacturing a laser emitter holder, the method comprising: manufacturing a first portion comprising: a flat surface with one or more through holes for mounting against a wall; at least a pair of protrusions shaped to couple with a laser emitter; and at least a pair of mounting holes for interfacing with a second portion; and manufacturing a second portion comprising: a semi-circular tube configured to cover the first portion; at least a pair of mounting holes configured to interface with the first portion; and a plurality of through holes configured for allowing laser light to pass through.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the method further comprises interlocking the first portion and second portion together.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the method further includes installing the laser emitter holder within a laser maze interactive game room.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0046] The above, and other, aspects, features, and advantages of several embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description as presented in conjunction with the following several figures of the drawings.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a plurality of views of a laser maze room in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

[0048] FIG. 2 is a photograph of a plurality of players engaging in a laser maze game within a laser maze in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

[0049] FIG. 3 is a conceptual illustration on an example laser room setup depicting a variety of different angles that the laser beams may be configured to cross the room in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 4 is a photo of a laser room with a plurality of laser beams configured to cross the room in a variety of angles and patterns in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

[0051] FIG. 5 is a photo of a plurality of players interacting with a laser maze game with a plurality of laser beams crossing the game room at a variety of angles in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 6 is a photo of a first portion of a laser emitter holder in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

[0053] FIG. 7 is a photo of a second portion of a laser emitter holder in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

[0054] FIG. 8 is a photo of the first portion and second portion of the laser emitter holder coupled together in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

[0055] FIG. 9 is a photo of a spring-based coupling hardware between the first portion and second portion of the laser emitter holder in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure; and

[0056] FIG. 10 is a photo of a plurality of laser emitter holders with interlocking portions and end caps in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure.

[0057] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several figures of the drawings. Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures might be emphasized relative to other elements for facilitating understanding of the various presently disclosed embodiments. In addition, common, but well-understood, elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] In response to the issues described above, devices and methods are discussed herein that can hold a laser emitter such that it may be installed with an interactive laser maze game room.

[0059] In various embodiments, the laser maze room system can have an integrated baseboard LED lighting, and an integrated fog box, both of which are integrated into the game, take signals/cues/messages from the game logic, and can also be controlled by technicians in the Laser Maze System interface, which you can bring up on the touch screens in the room.

[0060] Traditional Laser Maze rooms often use only one beam, and then a series of mirrors, bouncing from wall to wall, on angles, leading to a final terminal photocell sensor on the far side of the room. Similar to how a garage door or an elevator sensor knows if a person is blocking it.

[0061] Thus, in a traditional laser maze, if any player breaks the laser beam anywhere in the room, that one beam doesn't reach the single terminal sensor, and the laser system has been tripped. This does not allow individualized control of lasers being emitted, it does not allow individualized recognition of lasers being received and whether one or more laser beam segments has been tripped while other laser beam segments have not been tripped.

[0062] In some embodiments, a laser maze room comprised 5 columns of 4 lasers each, pointed straight across the wall, each laser being pointed at an individualized photocell receptor. The laser columns were approximately 36 inches from one another, and the 4 lasers in each column were at 12 off the ground, 28 off the ground, 44 off the ground, and 60 off the ground, respectively. This was developed as a means of computer control over each of the 20 lasers, so that we could program patterns of lasers, ranging from all-on, to patterns where some of the lasers were on and others were off, to patterns where only one laser beam emitter out of the 20 blinked at any one time as you tried to cross the laser maze. Patterns could be programmed to appear and disappear on time cues, and thus could be made to be rolling through the room front to back, blinking on and off, transitioning between low lasers at your feet to high lasers at your head, to patterns where you had to memorize the gaps in the maze as the patterns changed so that you could run across and have safe spaces to stand during your journey.

[0063] Additional embodiments of the laser maze had approximately 20 individualized photocell receptors directly opposite the lasers. We had computer monitoring of these photocells, such that we knew exactly which photocell was being hit, in our computer program. The game logic could keep track of which lasers were hit, and how many lasers were hit during a particular level of the game. Game play rules, via the game logic, afforded the teams of players only a certain number (a limit) of total laser maze hits per level after which the players would have to go back to the original side of the laser maze to try that failed level again. The Laser Maze can have a TV on each side of the room, providing feedback, such as the number of hits (depicted as heart shapes) the team had triggered per level, and if they had all been exhausted a message that the team had failed the level. There was also a visual indication of which level the team was on, plus a countdown clock for the total time remaining in the room off of a predetermined start time (10 minutes is a standard but it is modifiable).

[0064] To solve the issue of authenticating that all players had crossed the laser maze, some embodiments can use 6 RFID wristbands, programmed as Player 1 through Player 6, and all teams used the same wristbands. There were RFID boxes on each side of the room. After that we transitioned to having 6 arcade buttons on each side of the room, which the players needed to depress/trigger once they had gotten across the room.

[0065] In further embodiments, the Laser Maze, which we developed with Future Colossal, we went back to the use of RFID readers on each side of the room, now using 6 RFID readers with color-changing lights. At this point each of the players were given individualized RFID wristbands. During that version we first prototyped using a Camera Vision system, rather than a photocell based system.

[0066] In more embodiments, versions of the laser maze, utilize standardized architectural dimensions, which are a 10 wide room that is 20 long. In the middle of the room is a 12 span of lasers, consisting of 5 equidistant-spaced columns of lasers, with 4 of safe zone on both the front and the back sides of the laser maze room. On one end-wall of the laser maze system is a full-wall projection, starting at about 50 inches off the ground, and spanning the 10 width of the wall, while the opposite end-wall of the laser maze has one door into it, and a TV above that door. One or more doors can be placed into the side of the room from an outer hallway, in the 4 gap on either side of the laser maze. Many embodiments have a touch screen with an RFID underneath it, on either side of the central lasers as well, on opposite sides of the room of the laser maze This acts as a control device for new functionalities within the laser maze whereby players can control the laser patterns. The touch screen also gives technicians a user-interface by which to troubleshoot the laser maze. We have come up with a variety of software. However, as described below, various manufacturing methods can be done as well regarding physical products.

[0067] Various embodiments are now 30 lasers. 20 of them are straight across. And 10 of them are pre-milled at various angles. The angled lasers are meant to deprive participants of a sense of safety that they might otherwise have if they could stand between rows of vertical columns without fear of being hit. The angled lasers allow us to make interesting patterns for games in which the players must move but never feel too comfortable about standing in one spot. We have a software logic system that can allow us to see the angles needed to be milled into the laser maze laser emitter units, in order to hit pre-determined planned dot locations on the other side of the room. We develop our laser maze angles in the computer 3D model first, and then use the computer's output to determine the angles to be printed into the 3D printed laser rails. As of now the angled lasers are not on motors and moving in patterns but this is something that we are looking to do in the future.

[0068] In some embodiments, the laser emitter rails are 3D printed or extrusion molded and snap together, for easy installation. The laser emitter units snap together in 7 vertical segments, and are mounted on a set of fours to absorb shock of being hit or bumped into, thus returning the laser beam to its original position. In some embodiments, this can allow for an amount of compression between a first and second portion. This design feature of the shock-absorbing springs was a result of previous iterations (generations) of our laser emitter designs were getting knocked off their intended trajectoriesand in the process often physically brokenby players in the room who were accidentally hitting the emitters in the dark as they passed by them, or purposefully holding onto them for balance. Also, to prevent damage, the new design of the laser rails have a rounded feature on the top and bottom, to prevent anyone from getting their fingers behind the column-like design and then pulling the laser rail off of the wall. Laser rails have an additional feature on the side of the casing whereby the base casing has a protective 2 (or thereabouts) wall/barrier that comes up on the side, to prevent anyone including kids from getting their fingers between the laser emitter units and the base plates on which they are mounted.

[0069] Unique aspects of BTB Laser Maze functionality, in addition to that which is described above, that we want to try to highlight:

[0070] If possible, some embodiments utilize a camera vision system to record the breaking of laser beams within the laser maze, by the camera vision having a picture or video of the wall on which the laser beams terminate, and by judging whether dots on the wall disappear (if a dot disappears, it means that something came into the path of that laser beam, i.e. in an otherwise empty room with just humans in it, that a human stepped in front of it). Note that since a person can block the view of a single camera looking at a wall with dots, we use a camera vision stitching software algorithm to not just authenticate a laser maze via 1 camera failing to see a dot, but we have multiple (4 total cameras) with overlapping fields of vision. Any cameras with overlapping fields of vision on a single dot must all determine that the dot has disappeared from their field of view, in order for our system to pronounce that a particular laser beam has been broken.

[0071] In more embodiments, the computer-controlled patterns of a laser maze wall, that both change between levels of game play, and change during any one game play level (meaning the changing is part of the game itself).

[0072] In certain embodiments, the multi-purpose interactive game room can have an in-room screen interface to both give customers an interactive ability, and to give our technicians the ability to troubleshoot and see laser maze status within the room.

[0073] In additional embodiments, customers can have the ability to interact with the laser maze settings and functionality, including via a touch screen to turn on and off individual lasers, and turn on and off different full laser patterns, to freeze the lasers (pause them in place if they are moving between patterns), etc.

[0074] In various embodiments, if possible, RFID readers are utilized as a mechanism for authenticating whether individual players have gotten across a laser maze, (and more generally speaking as a brand/business we'd love to get protection over using RFID readers as game play buttons within an interactive digital game room).

[0075] Aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied as an apparatus, system, method, or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, or the like) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a function, module, apparatus, or system. Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media storing computer-readable and/or executable program code. Many of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as functions, in order to emphasize their implementation independence more particularly. For example, a function may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A function may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as via field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, or the like.

[0076] Functions may also be implemented at least partially in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified function of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions that may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified function need not be physically located together but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the function and achieve the stated purpose for the function.

[0077] Indeed, a function of executable code may include a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, across several storage devices, or the like. Where a function or portions of a function are implemented in software, the software portions may be stored on one or more computer-readable and/or executable storage media. Any combination of one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized. A computer-readable storage medium may include, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing, but would not include propagating signals. In the context of this document, a computer readable and/or executable storage medium may be any tangible and/or non-transitory medium that may contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, processor, or device.

[0078] Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object-oriented programming language such as Python, Java, Smalltalk, C++, C#, Objective C, or the like, conventional procedural programming languages, such as the C programming language, scripting programming languages, and/or other similar programming languages. The program code may execute partly or entirely on one or more of a user's computer and/or on a remote computer or server over a data network or the like.

[0079] A component, as used herein, comprises a tangible, physical, non-transitory device. For example, a component may be implemented as a hardware logic circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits, gate arrays, or other integrated circuits; off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete devices; and/or other mechanical or electrical devices. A component may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, or the like. A component may comprise one or more silicon integrated circuit devices (e.g., chips, die, die planes, packages) or other discrete electrical devices, in electrical communication with one or more other components through electrical lines of a printed circuit board (PCB) or the like. Each of the functions and/or modules described herein, in certain embodiments, may alternatively be embodied by or implemented as a component.

[0080] A circuit, as used herein, comprises a set of one or more electrical and/or electronic components providing one or more pathways for electrical current. In certain embodiments, a circuit may include a return pathway for electrical current, so that the circuit is a closed loop. In another embodiment, however, a set of components that does not include a return pathway for electrical current may be referred to as a circuit (e.g., an open loop). For example, an integrated circuit may be referred to as a circuit regardless of whether the integrated circuit is coupled to ground (as a return pathway for electrical current) or not. In various embodiments, a circuit may include a portion of an integrated circuit, an integrated circuit, a set of integrated circuits, a set of non-integrated electrical and/or electrical components with or without integrated circuit devices, or the like. In one embodiment, a circuit may include custom VLSI circuits, gate arrays, logic circuits, or other integrated circuits; off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete devices; and/or other mechanical or electrical devices. A circuit may also be implemented as a synthesized circuit in a programmable hardware device such as field programmable gate array, programmable array logic, programmable logic device, or the like (e.g., as firmware, a netlist, or the like). A circuit may comprise one or more silicon integrated circuit devices (e.g., chips, die, die planes, packages) or other discrete electrical devices, in electrical communication with one or more other components through electrical lines of a printed circuit board (PCB) or the like. Each of the functions and/or modules described herein, in certain embodiments, may be embodied by or implemented as a circuit.

[0081] Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment, an embodiment, or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases in one embodiment, in an embodiment, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean one or more but not all embodiments unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms including, comprising, having, and variations thereof mean including but not limited to, unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms a, an, and the also refer to one or more unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0082] Further, as used herein, reference to reading, writing, storing, buffering, and/or transferring data can include the entirety of the data, a portion of the data, a set of the data, and/or a subset of the data. Likewise, reference to reading, writing, storing, buffering, and/or transferring non-host data can include the entirety of the non-host data, a portion of the non-host data, a set of the non-host data, and/or a subset of the non-host data.

[0083] Lastly, the terms or and and/or as used herein are to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, A, B or C or A, B and/or C mean any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C. An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps, or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.

[0084] Aspects of the present disclosure are described below with reference to schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams of methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions and/or acts specified in the schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams block or blocks.

[0085] It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more blocks, or portions thereof, of the illustrated figures. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flowchart and/or block diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding embodiments. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted embodiment.

[0086] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof. The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. The description of elements in each figure may refer to elements of proceeding figures. Like numbers may refer to like elements in the figures, including alternate embodiments of like elements.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of a plurality of views of a laser maze room in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure is shown. In many embodiments, a first side view 110 shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 has a doorway 160 that enters into the room as well as a plurality of laser emitters 130. The laser emitters 130 can be deployed on a wall within a laser emitter holder, or may be installed within a wall. The first side view 110 also comprises a touchscreen display 140 that can be utilized to interact with the game, such as indicating when to start or stop, etc.

[0088] In a second side view 120, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 comprises a plurality of cameras 150 as well as another touchscreen display 140. In some embodiments, the displays may be touchscreen display and wireless reader combination units. In additional embodiments, other areas of a wall may have wireless readers or a projection screen/large display to show gameplay information such as current game state, status, score, etc.

[0089] Although a specific embodiment for a plurality of views of a laser maze room suitable for carrying out the various steps, processes, methods, and operations described herein is discussed with respect to FIG. 1, any of a variety of systems and/or processes may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the specific number of laser emitters utilized can vary depending on the application desired. The elements depicted in FIG. 1 may also be interchangeable with other elements of FIG. 2-10 as required to realize a particularly desired embodiment.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 2, a photograph of a plurality of players 220 engaging in a laser maze game within a laser maze in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure is shown. In a number of embodiments, the laser maze room is configured with a plurality of laser emitters that can be deployed within a laser emitter column 210. Each laser emitter column 210 can be configured with a varying number of laser emitters as desired. By utilizing a laser emitting column 210, the power delivery, communication wires, and other items can be hidden from view or be tamper resistant from players who may want to damage or otherwise accidently harm the laser emitters and related equipment.

[0091] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, a plurality of players 220 can attempt to cross the room while avoiding breaking a laser beam emitted from the plurality of laser emitter column 210. While this may seem straightforward, it may be difficult to detect when a single beam is broken, and difficulty can be increased by adjusting the angle of exit from the laser emitter columns 210. Thus, the complexity of the game can change, or be varied such as with an easy, intermediate, and expert difficulty level that can engage or disengage various laser emitters within each laser emitter column 210.

[0092] Although a specific embodiment for a plurality of players engaging in a laser maze game within a laser maze suitable for carrying out the various steps, processes, methods, and operations described herein is discussed with respect to FIG. 2, any of a variety of systems and/or processes may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the number of players may vary based on the desired game played. The elements depicted in FIG. 2 may also be interchangeable with other elements of FIGS. 1 and 3-10 as required to realize a particularly desired embodiment.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 3, a conceptual illustration on an example laser room setup depicting a variety of different angles that the laser beams may be configured to cross the room is shown. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the laser room comprises a plurality of laser emitter columns 310 which are configured with a series of laser emitters that are emitting a plurality of laser beams at the other side of the room. In many embodiments, the laser beams may be aimed at a plurality of laser targets 320 disposed on the opposing wall. The laser targets may be a physical device, but may also be a colored circle on the wall that can create a target for a camera to watch for changes in the laser target. This can be done via computer vision or other machine-learning methods.

[0094] In some embodiments, the laser beams may be configured to emit from the laser emitter columns 310 at varying angles. This can increase or otherwise change the complexity or difficulty of a laser maze game. This can provide new challenges to players already accustomed to the original setup, which can increase overall re-playability and bring in increased sales. Each of these laser emitters within the laser emitter columns 310 can be individually controlled and turned on or off as needed based on the desired application/game.

[0095] Although a specific embodiment for an example laser room setup depicting a variety of different angles that the laser beams may be configured to cross the room suitable for carrying out the various steps, processes, methods, and operations described herein is discussed with respect to FIG. 3, any of a variety of systems and/or processes may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the number of laser emitters engaged at any time can vary and can be selectively turned on and off in sequence for a specific game. The elements depicted in FIG. 3 may also be interchangeable with other elements of FIG. 1-2 and 4-10 as required to realize a particularly desired embodiment.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 4, a photo of a laser room with a plurality of laser beams configured to cross the room in a variety of angles and patterns in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure is shown. In a number of embodiments, a laser maze room can have a plurality of laser emitter columns 410 which are able to emit laser beams across a game room. The lasers may be controlled by an external controller or game logic, and may be projected out at various angles. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, a first laser beam 420 at a first angle is shown going downward across the room. However, a second laser beam 430 is shown at a second angle going upwards across the room.

[0097] Although a specific embodiment for a laser room with a plurality of laser beams configured to cross the room in a variety of angles and patterns suitable for carrying out the various steps, processes, methods, and operations described herein is discussed with respect to FIG. 4, any of a variety of systems and/or processes may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the laser beams may be configured to cross the room in a horizontal direction such that it is not going upward or downward in reference from a perpendicular line between each of the two walls (emitting and receiving wall). The elements depicted in FIG. 4 may also be interchangeable with other elements of FIG. 1-3 and 5-10 as required to realize a particularly desired embodiment.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 5, a photo of a plurality of players 520 interacting with a laser maze game with a plurality of laser beams crossing the game room at a variety of angles in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure is shown. Similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, a plurality of laser beams may cross a laser maze room. For example, a first laser beam 510 is shown crossing at a downward angle toward the floor in front of the players 520. This arrangement can allow for more complex laser patterns, and, along with the laser target setup, can be detected on a per laser beam basis.

[0099] Although a specific embodiment for a photo of a plurality of players interacting with a laser maze game with a plurality of laser beams crossing the game room at a variety of angles suitable for carrying out the various steps, processes, methods, and operations described herein is discussed with respect to FIG. 5, any of a variety of systems and/or processes may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the spacing of laser emitters in the laser emitter columns may be closer or farther apart depending on the application desired. The elements depicted in FIG. 5 may also be interchangeable with other elements of FIG. 1-4 and 6-10 as required to realize a particularly desired embodiment.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 6, a photo of a first portion 600 of a laser emitter holder in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure is shown. In many embodiments, the first portion 600 can be configured with at least one flat surface with a plurality of through holes 610. These can be utilized to screw or otherwise fasten the first portion 600 to a wall or other surface. Likewise, the first portion 600 can be configured with a plurality of mounting holes 620 which can be utilized for mounting or otherwise coupling with a second portion.

[0101] In more embodiments, the first portion 600 can include a plurality of protrusions 630. In some embodiments, the protrusions 630 can be configured to hold a laser emitter. However, in additional embodiments, the protrusions 630 can be utilized to hold a series of wires such as, but not limited to, power wires, and/or communication wires. The communication wires can be utilized to signal which laser emitters should turn off or on. In certain embodiments, the laser emitters only receive power and the decisions to turn each one off or on can be made by a controller, computing device, or other logic. By removing or adding power to the laser emitter, it may be controlled in an on/off fashion.

[0102] Although a specific embodiment for a first portion of a laser emitter holder suitable for carrying out the various steps, processes, methods, and operations described herein is discussed with respect to FIG. 6, any of a variety of systems and/or processes may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the shape and/or scale of the first portion 600 can be changed based on the size of the laser emitter or the application desired. The elements depicted in FIG. 6 may also be interchangeable with other elements of FIG. 1-5 and 7-10 as required to realize a particularly desired embodiment.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 7, a photo of a second portion 700 of a laser emitter holder in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure is shown. The second portion 700 is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7 to be a semi-circular shape. This can be described as a semi-circular tube or half-tube. This outer smooth surface can be configured to prevent accessing, tampering, or other movement by players in the game room. In many embodiments, this shape, when joined with the first portion can allow for a part of a laser emitter column which can reduce damage taken by players rubbing up against or hitting the emitters. Not shown in the figure, but the second portion 700 has a number of laser emitter holes on the outside of the semi-circular portion. Depending on the angle and placement, this can create an angled laser beam within the laser maze game. Additional coupling holes (now shown) can also be utilized to couple the second portion 700 to the first portion.

[0104] Although a specific embodiment for a second portion of a laser emitter holder suitable for carrying out the various steps, processes, methods, and operations described herein is discussed with respect to FIG. 7, any of a variety of systems and/or processes may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the laser emitter holes may in some embodiments be indents for the placement of the laser emitters with only a small through hole for a power/control wire. The elements depicted in FIG. 7 may also be interchangeable with other elements of FIG. 1-6 and 8-10 as required to realize a particularly desired embodiment.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 8, a photo of the first portion 600 and second portion 700 of the laser emitter holder coupled together in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure is shown. In many embodiments, the second portion 700 can couple with the first portion 600 through a plurality of mounting holes. In more embodiments, the first portion 600 may comprise a pair of lips 820 that extrude upward to cover the joint between the first portion 600 and second portion 700.

[0106] In additional embodiments, the second portion may have a plurality of laser emitter holes 810 which may be set at various angles that can allow for one or more laser emitters to pass through and extend outward from at different angles as desired. In still more embodiments, the first portion can include one or more protrusions 630 which can allow for mounting of laser emitters, or managing one or more cables, or wires. Finally, the first portion 600 may have a pair of male interlocking pieces 830 which are configured to mate with a pair of female interlocking pieces (not shown) on the opposing side of the first portion 600.

[0107] Although a specific embodiment for the first portion and second portion of the laser emitter holder coupled together suitable for carrying out the various steps, processes, methods, and operations described herein is discussed with respect to FIG. 8, any of a variety of systems and/or processes may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the laser emitter holes 810 may also be utilized as through holes for the coupling through the mounting holes. For example, a screw can be used to pass through the laser emitter holes 810 on the second portion 700, through the mounting holes on the first portion 600 and onto a surface for attachment. The elements depicted in FIG. 8 may also be interchangeable with other elements of FIG. 1-7 and 9-10 as required to realize a particularly desired embodiment.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 9, a photo of a spring-based coupling hardware 920 between the first portion 600 and second portion 700 of the laser emitter holder in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure is shown. As previously described, there are numerous methods to couple the first portion 600 with the second portion 700. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9, a coupling hardware 920 is utilized. The coupling hardware can allow for acceptance and physical integration between the first portion 600 and second portion 700.

[0109] In some embodiments, the coupling hardware 920 may utilize a spring 910 that can help create a cushion between the first portion 600 and second portion 700. By utilizing a spring, damage may be lessened when a player bumps into the laser emitter column. During laser maze gameplay, especially at the more difficult levels, it may be more common for players to accidently bump or place their hand on the second portion 700. Thus, allowing for a spring 910 to work with the coupling hardware 920, more difficult laser maze games can be facilitated with reduced costs from damage.

[0110] Although a specific embodiment for a spring-based coupling hardware between the first portion and second portion of the laser emitter holder suitable for carrying out the various steps, processes, methods, and operations described herein is discussed with respect to FIG. 9, any of a variety of systems and/or processes may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. For example, there may be multiple mounting hardware 920 pieces utilized and the embodiment in FIG. 9 shows only one for ease of explanation. The elements depicted in FIG. 9 may also be interchangeable with other elements of FIG. 1-8 and 10 as required to realize a particularly desired embodiment.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 10, a photo of a plurality of laser emitter holders with interlocking portions and end caps in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure is shown. In many embodiments, a laser emitter column can be constructed by interlocking various laser emitter holder devices together. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, two first portions 600 are shown separated, but otherwise ready to interlock. Each first portion 600 has a pair of interlocking pieces 830 which can pair, mate, or otherwise interlock with a pair of female interlocking portions (not shown) on the opposing side.

[0112] This interlocking can be done as many times as needed depending on the size of the laser emitter column desired. However, when no additional first portions 600 are desired to be added to the laser emitter column, a male endcap 1010 or female endcap 1020 may be interlocked in place to cap off the laser emitter column. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the male endcap 1010 can include a pair of interlocking pieces not unlike the interlocking pieces 830 of the first portions 600. Likewise, a female endcap can have a pair of interlocking portions similar to the interlocking portions (not shown) of the first portions 600. In this way, a full laser emitter column can be put together.

[0113] Although a specific embodiment for a plurality of laser emitter holders with interlocking portions and end caps suitable for carrying out the various steps, processes, methods, and operations described herein is discussed with respect to FIG. 10, any of a variety of systems and/or processes may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the shape of the interlocking pieces and/or portions may be adjusted to provide a more study or permanent fit depending on the application required. The elements depicted in FIG. 10 may also be interchangeable with other elements of FIG. 1-9 as required to realize a particularly desired embodiment.

[0114] Information Although the present disclosure has been described in certain specific aspects, many additional modifications and variations would be apparent to those skilled in the art. In particular, any of the various processes described above can be performed in alternative sequences and/or in parallel (on the same or on different computing devices) in order to achieve similar results in a manner that is more appropriate to the requirements of a specific application. It is therefore to be understood that the present disclosure can be practiced other than specifically described without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. It will be evident to the person skilled in the art to freely combine several or all of the embodiments discussed here as deemed suitable for a specific application of the disclosure. Throughout this disclosure, terms like advantageous, exemplary or example indicate elements or dimensions which are particularly suitable (but not essential) to the disclosure or an embodiment thereof and may be modified wherever deemed suitable by the skilled person, except where expressly required. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0115] Any reference to an element being made in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one unless explicitly so stated, but rather one or more. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment and additional embodiments as regarded by those of ordinary skill in the art are hereby expressly incorporated by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims.

[0116] Moreover, no requirement exists for a system or method to address each and every problem sought to be resolved by the present disclosure, for solutions to such problems to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. Various changes and modifications in form, material, workpiece, and fabrication material detail can be made, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as set forth in the appended claims, as might be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, are also encompassed by the present disclosure.