Games played with robots

• US 9,795,868 B2
• Filed: 04/18/2017
• Issued: 10/24/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 10/10/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Miller, Kenneth C.
• Original Assignee: Miller, Kenneth C.
• Inventors: Miller, Kenneth C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Deodhar, Omkar
• Assistant Examiner(s): HALL, SHAUNA-KAY N
• Application Number:
  US15/490,763
• Publication Number:
  US 20170225065A1
• Time in Patent Office: 189 Days
• Field of Search: 463 9
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2007/0047 simulating pool, snooker or billiards
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/2442 Sensors or detectors
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/2489 by radio transmitters, e.g. using RFID
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 7/0023 played on a table from all sides, e.g. marble games
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 7/0058 electric A63F7/027, A63F7/3065 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 7/307 with a score counter
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/24 Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for video games A63F13/00; computerized gaming systems G07F17/32

Abstract

A robotic gaming system is provided that includes a plurality of modular wall sections placed on playing surface. At least one robot is controlled by a player to navigate on the playing surface and interact with a plurality of scoring elements on the walls. A sensor associated with a scoring elements identifies when the robot successfully interacts with the scoring element to score a point.

Claims

1. A robotic gaming system comprising:

a plurality of modular wall sections placed on a de novo playing surface constructed in user selected configurations that are reconfigurable based on the modular wall sections laterally joined to define the playing surface;

at least one robot controlled by a player with a smart phone and navigating on the playing surface;

a plurality of scoring elements on the plurality of modular wall sections with which the at least one robot interacts; and

a plurality of sensors operative for identifying when the at least one robot successfully interacts with an element of the plurality of elements;

wherein a successful interaction scores at least one point for the at least one robot.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of modular wall sections includes a plurality of indicator lights that signal when scoring opportunities are available or when scoring occurs.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of modular wall sections includes at least one speaker for indicating scoring and is capable of providing sound effects.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of modular wall sections includes an elevated track surface.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of modular wall sections includes at least one display.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of modular wall sections lock into a playing surface mat.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein the playing surface is a mat embedded with tracking and identification sensors.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein at least one target is configured with at least one of radio frequency identification (RFID), magnet, or other electronic embedded components.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of modular wall sections includes at least one moving component or fog generator.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of scoring elements includes bumpers on the plurality of modular wall sections for the at least one robot to hit to score points.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of scoring elements includes buttons on the plurality of modular wall sections for the at least one robot to push to score points.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of scoring elements includes knobs on the plurality of modular wall sections for the at least one robot to turn to score points.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of scoring elements includes toggle switches on the plurality of modular wall sections for the at least one robot to flip to score points.

14. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of scoring elements includes openings in the plurality of modular wall sections through which the at least one robot can shoot to score points.

15. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of scoring elements includes stationary or moving projectile targets that upon being hit scores points.

16. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of scoring elements includes stationary or moving laser, infrared or light targets.

17. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one target on the playing surface.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein said plurality of scoring elements includes at least one opening through which the at least one robot can pass said at least one target and wherein said at least one opening includes a sensor to identify when the at least one target passes through the opening to score at least one point for the at least one robot.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein said at least one opening includes a kicker, a flipper, or a gate.

20. The system of claim 18 wherein at least one of said plurality of modular wall sections includes a target return system for returning the at least one target to the playing surface after the at least one target passes through the at least one opening.