ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS AND RELATED METHODS

Abstract

Described herein are various mobile entertainment systems. A system can include a housing defining an inner volume and a plurality of externally facing apertures; and a plurality of tracks that each traverse a portion of the inner volume. A track may connect an externally facing aperture to a second externally facing aperture. An externally facing aperture receives as an input or provides as an output an object. The object may travel along a track from an externally facing aperture to a second externally facing aperture. The system can further include electronics for generating one or more visual or auditory effects; one or more sensors coupled to the housing, an object, or a prop; and/or one or more props, each connected to a drive motor. A microcontroller of the system activates the electronics, sensors, and/or drive motors based on a library of motion profiles or effect profiles and/or received sensor data.

Description

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety, as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This field relates to systems, components, assemblies, mechanisms, and the methods of material handling (sensing, counting, sorting, storage, releasing, etc.) as they pertain to ball games.

BACKGROUND

Mini golf players are familiar with putting through an animated obstacle affixed to the course, for example a spinning windmill or an opening and closing alligator mouth. The concept of a throwing game involving a moving target is also well known. Many of these animated obstacles were created from old automotive parts and HVAC fans decades before affordable micro-controllers were made readily available. The old obstacles, themed elements, etc. were made to work in the on state all day long, oblivious to the activity of players.

For the last decade, the Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) or Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math (STEAM) programs in the U.S. brought remote control robotics to a different generation of teenagers, so now the simple ON/OFF moving obstacle is old-fashioned.

More advanced interactive animatronic experiences in the physical game space are needed. Further, a need exists for re-vamped, automated, animated mini golf obstacles and smarter, interactive, moving targets.

SUMMARY

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mobile entertainment system, including: a housing defining an inner volume and a plurality of externally facing apertures; a plurality of tracks that each traverse at least a portion of the inner volume, wherein at least a subset of the plurality of tracks connects at least one externally facing aperture to a second externally facing aperture, and wherein each of the plurality of externally facing apertures are configured to receive as an input or provide as an output an object therethrough such that the object is configured to travel along one or more of the plurality of tracks from the at least one externally facing aperture to the second externally facing aperture; electronics for generating one or more visual or auditory effects; one or more sensors coupled to the housing and configured to detect a presence of one or both of: a user and the object; and a microcontroller communicatively coupled to the electronics and the one or more sensors and configured to: receive one or more signals from the one or more sensors, wherein the one or more signals indicate a location of one or both of: the user and the object, access a library of preset effect profiles, select, based on the one or more signals, one or more of the preset effect profiles, transmit, to the electronics, a set of pre-programmed instructions, corresponding to the one or more preset effect profiles, and activate the electronics to generate the one or more visual or auditory effects, according to the set of pre-programmed instructions.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mobile entertainment system, wherein the electronics include one or more of: a speaker, a light, a display, a microphone, a power source, or a combination thereof. 3.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mobile entertainment system, wherein the microcontroller is wirelessly coupled to one or both of: the one or more sensors and the electronics.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mobile entertainment system, wherein the library of preset effect profiles are stored locally in a memory of the microcontroller.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mobile entertainment system, including: a housing defining an inner volume and a plurality of externally facing apertures; a plurality of tracks that each traverse at least a portion of the inner volume, wherein at least a subset of the plurality of tracks connects at least one externally facing aperture to a second externally facing aperture, and wherein each of the plurality of externally facing apertures are configured to receive as an input or provide as an output an object therethrough such that the object is configured to travel along one or more of the plurality of tracks from the at least one externally facing aperture to the second externally facing aperture; one or more props, each connected to a drive motor; one or more sensors coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of externally facing apertures or to at least a subset of the plurality of tracks, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to detect a presence of the object; and a microcontroller communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors and at least one drive motor associated with a prop of the one or more props, the microcontroller being configured to: receive one or more signals from the one or more sensors, wherein the one or more signals indicate a location of the object, access a library of preset motion profiles, select, based on the one or more signals, one or more of the preset motion profiles, transmit a set of pre-programmed instructions, corresponding to the one or more preset motion profiles, to the at least one drive motor associated with the associated prop, and activate the at least one drive motor and the associated prop to alter a movement or a path of the object through the plurality of externally facing apertures or the plurality of tracks.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mobile entertainment system, wherein the altered movement of the object includes one or more of: diverting, capturing, releasing, blocking, or allowing the object to pass through.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mobile entertainment system, wherein at least one track of the plurality of tracks terminates in a sequestration area to capture the object.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mobile entertainment system, including: a housing defining an inner volume and a plurality of externally facing apertures; a plurality of tracks that each traverse at least a portion of the inner volume, wherein at least a subset of the plurality of tracks connects at least one externally facing aperture to a second externally facing aperture, and wherein one or more externally facing apertures of the plurality of externally facing apertures are configured to receive as an input a first object therethrough such that the first object is configured to travel along one or more of the plurality of tracks; one or more props, each connected to a drive motor; one or more sensors coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of externally facing apertures or to at least a subset of the plurality of tracks, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to detect a presence of the first object; and a microcontroller communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors and at least one drive motor associated with a prop of the one or more props, the microcontroller being configured to: receive one or more signals from the one or more sensors, wherein the one or more signals indicate one or both of: a first location of the first object and a second location of a second object, access a library of preset motion profiles, select, based on the one or more signals, one or more of the preset motion profiles, transmit a set of pre-programmed instructions, corresponding to the one or more preset motion profiles, to the at least one drive motor with the associated prop, and activate the at least one drive motor and the associated prop to alter a movement or a path of the first object through the plurality of tracks such that the first object is sequestered and the second object is delivered as an output from one of the plurality of externally facing apertures.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mobile entertainment system, wherein a route of each of the plurality of tracks through the housing is externally visible.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mobile entertainment system, further including a plurality of ramps connected to each of the plurality of externally facing apertures such the first object is configured to roll on a ramp and into an externally facing aperture.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mobile entertainment system, wherein each of the plurality of ramps is configured to be rolled for transport or storage of the mobile entertainment system.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mobile entertainment system, further including the first object including a sensor therein, the sensor being configured to transmit to the microcontroller an indication of one or more of: a feature of the object, a user identification, or a type of tool used to manipulate the object.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mobile entertainment system, further including a base coupled to the housing and configured to rest on a surface.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mobile entertainment system, further including a movement means coupled to the base, configured to transport the mobile entertainment system.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mobile entertainment system, wherein the movement means includes one or both of a brake or locking wheels.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mobile entertainment system, wherein the movement means includes wheels, tracks, pedrail wheels, maglev, a haul, or pontoons.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mobile entertainment system, wherein the housing is further configured to be compatible with a virtual or augmented reality device.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mobile entertainment system, further including a mobile computing device communicatively coupled to the microcontroller and configured to receive notifications related to the mobile entertainment system.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mobile entertainment system, wherein a second subset of the plurality of tracks connects an externally facing aperture to a track that is terminated within the inner volume.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mobile entertainment system, wherein the terminated track includes a cup configured to receive the object therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing is a summary, and thus, necessarily limited in detail. The above-mentioned aspects, as well as other aspects, features, and advantages of the present technology are described below in connection with various embodiments, with reference made to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating various components of one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a housing of various features of an entertainment system.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a housing defining one or more external apertures and showing one or more tracks therein.

FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of another embodiment of an entertainment system.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a mobile entertainment system.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of an embodiment of an entertainment system.

FIGS. 7A-7B show various embodiments of a sensorized tracked and object sequestration mechanism.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of an entertainment system.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of an entertainment system comprising one or more activatable and motorized props.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of an entertainment system.

The illustrated embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the disclosure. The schematics are drawn to illustrate features and concepts and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing is a summary, and thus, necessarily limited in detail. The above-mentioned aspects, as well as other aspects, features, and advantages of the present technology will now be described in connection with various embodiments. The inclusion of the following embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosure to these embodiments, but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the contemplated invention(s). Other embodiments may be utilized, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. Aspects of the disclosure, as described and illustrated herein, can be arranged, combined, modified, and designed in a variety of different formulations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and form part of this disclosure.

Previous systems include indoor golf putting games having a series of narrow putting greens arranged on a horizontal surface or portable miniature golf games configured for indoor or outdoor use by people who are wheelchair-bound. Additional prior systems include various movable blocking elements to be configured and reconfigured by the players to provide at least 18 different configurations, thereby simulating an 18-hole golf course.

However, prior systems are silent regarding an interactive automated game course comprising a compact interactive ballgame, responsive to player prompts. Such a game as described herein would benefit any player desirous of a more challenging game set in a themed environment. A need exists for a compact, mobile, interactive, automated, ball-game course.

In any of the embodiments described herein, an object, such as a ball, may be putted, placed, dropped, rolled, etc. into the entertainment system. The object may include a sensor therein that provides, to a microcontroller of the system, an indication of a feature of the object, a user identification, a type of tool used to manipulate the object, etc. Further, in some embodiments, one or more sensorized objects may be able to communicate (wired or wirelessly) a position to one another, for example, or another feature of one object to the other. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more sensors associated with a housing, track, aperture, etc. may provide, to a microcontroller of the system, an indication of a feature of the object, a user identification, a type of tool used to manipulate the object, etc.

The entertainment system may be mobile or a form of built-in furniture: wall-mounted shelf, flat surface, or three-dimensional volume containing a pathway for the object to travel past, through, or around a series of obstacles in order to provide entertainment or score points by hitting its target. The entertainment system can be used for mini golf, roll ball, put ball, or the like.

Any of the mobile entertainment systems described herein may include a housing configured to receive or for installing one or more: sensors, controllers, motors, tracks, audio/visual effects, power sources, props, etc. and external theme elements. In some embodiments, the housing may define an inner volume with one or more or a plurality of tracks traversing at least a portion of the inner volume. In some embodiments, one or more sidewalls of the housing may define one or more external apertures configured to receive an object therethrough. The object may travel along one or more of the plurality of tracks and exit the housing through one of the plurality of external apertures. In other embodiments, a first object is received in a first aperture, the first object being sequestered in a trap or cup in the housing, such that a second object exits the housing from a second aperture (e.g., an unexpected or seemingly impossible second aperture). The first object and the second object may appear to be the same object or may appear to be distinct.

Further, in some embodiments, one or more sensorized apertures or props may be able to communicate (wired or wirelessly) a status of the aperture or prop to one another, for example, or another feature of an aperture (occupied, empty, etc.) or prop (e.g., activated, deactivated, speed, direction of rotation, motion profile, etc.) to the other.

The housing may be formed of or comprise a plurality of sidewalls. The sidewalls may be planar, convex, concave, angled, rounded, or any shape or curvature to achieve an intended theme. The plurality of sidewalls may be structured or configured such that the housing comprises a themed housing. For example, the housing may appear as a sandcastle, a voyaging canoe, a table tennis court, a tiki hut, an animal, a putting green, etc.

In some embodiments, an external surface and/or one or more of the plurality of sidewalls may be modified to alter or change a theme of the housing. For example, one or more of the plurality of sidewalls may be replaced with a different set of sidewalls.

In some embodiments, an entertainment system may include one or more or a plurality of ramps. A ramp may provide a track for an object from a surface into an external aperture defined by the housing, for example. The ramp may be configured to be rolled, removed, minimized, retracted, etc. for transport and/or storage of the entertainment system. A topography, slope, and/or edging of any one or more of the ramps may be adjustable.

In some of the embodiments, a housing may optionally further include augmented reality or virtual reality compatible components, for example one or more overhead rails, gantry, harnesses, helmets, or the like so that the entertainment system may be coupled to or integrated with virtual reality and/or augmented reality components and/or games. The augmented reality or virtual reality compatible components may be configured to provide stability for a user and/or to prevent a user from falling or moving too far from the entertainment system during play. If a helmet forms a part of the augmented reality or virtual reality compatible components, the helmet may provide virtual reality obstacles, distractions, rewards, etc. during play.

In some embodiments, a housing may optionally include one or more user input devices, for example buttons, sliders, joysticks, cameras, displays, etc. configured to receive a user input. A processor of the microcontroller may be configured to receive the one or more user inputs from the user input devices and activate one or more electronics or drive motors or the like.

In any of the embodiments described herein, a user puts, drops, strikes, moves, etc. an object as input into one or more apertures, one or more tracks, etc. of a housing of the entertainment system. The object may disappear, in one embodiment, into a volume defined by a housing of the entertainment system and/or roll into and out of (as output) one or more apertures defined by the housing. The object may unexpectedly exit an aperture and trigger audio and/or visual effects. The games described herein may be played with any object, for example, a ball with or without a putter or other striking tool.

In some embodiments, any of the entertainment systems described herein may be coupled to a movement means, such that the entertainment system is transportable, portable, or the like. The movement means may configure the entertainment system for delivery to any location and/or rapid deployment/installation. Any of the entertainment systems described herein may be configured for indoor and/or outdoor play. In some embodiments, a movement means is coupled to a base of a housing of the entertainment system. The movement means may comprise one or both of a brake or locking wheels. Additionally, or alternatively, the movement means may comprise wheels, tracks, pedrail wheels, maglev, a haul, pontoons, or the like, such that the movement means may be configured for travel on a surface or in a liquid.

In some embodiments, an entertainment system may include a plurality of tracks external to the housing or passing from an internal volume define by the housing to an external area (external to the housing). Any one or more of the tracks may comprise one or more of: a green, an edging, an obstacle, a gate, a trap, an object sequestration area, a target, or a cup for receiving the object therein.

In some embodiments, any of the entertainment systems described herein may include one or more low voltage micro-controllers, electronic actuators, mini motors, LED bulbs, wireless speakers, etc. to create a digitally controlled interactive game experience.

Any one or more of the entertainment systems described herein may include an algorithm or instructions executable by a processor of a microcontroller. The instructions may include accessing a library of preset effect profiles or motion profiles. The library of profiles may be stored in a memory of the microcontroller of the entertainment system or remotely in a computing device and accessed, or a subset of the profiles selected upon a processor of the microcontroller receiving one or more sensor inputs, user inputs (e.g., user prompt, text query, etc.), or the like. Alternatively, or additionally, the library of profiles may be accessed or a subset of the profiles may be selected randomly upon a user advancing to another level or section of the entertainment system.

In some embodiments, a memory of the microcontroller is configured to store one or more of: a user name, a user age, a score, a game type, a challenge level, etc. Alternatively, or additionally, the entertainment system may be communicatively coupled (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc., such that the entertainment system includes a coil or an antenna) to a computing device such that a memory of the computing device associated with an application running on the computing device, is configured to store one or more of: a user name, an age of the user, a score, a game type, a challenge level, etc. As such, in some embodiments, one or more preset profiles of the entertainment system may be adjusted according to one or more of: a skill level of the user, a frequency of play of the user, an age of the user, a play time of the user, a location of the user, a type of object the user is playing with, etc. An entertainment system may optionally be further configured to transmit one or more notifications to a computing device (e.g., mobile computing device) of a user, for example a notification indicting an availability (e.g., it is available, there is a wait, etc.) of an entertainment system, a high score achieved at an entertainment system, a level of complexity of an entertainment system, etc.

In some embodiments, two or more entertainment systems may be configured to wirelessly sync with one another, for example to keep score for a user across multiple entertainment systems, to track a time of play of a user across multiple entertainment systems, etc.

In any of the embodiments described herein, an entertainment system may be configured for target-activated gates, bridges, animated obstacles, adjustable edging, etc. to enable users to modify and reconfigure the entertainment system as they play via the pre-programmed motion profiles.

Turning now to the figures which describe various embodiments of an entertainment system that may or may not incorporate any of the features described above.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary entertainment system. The entertainment system 100a may comprise a microcontroller 110, one or more sensors 120, optionally one or more auditory or visual effect components 130, optionally electronics 170, and optionally one or more props 140 and associated drive motors 150. Entertainment system 100a may be optionally communicatively coupled to a second or one or more additional entertainment systems, represented by entertainment system 100b and/or one or more optional computing devices, represented by computing device 160.

The mobile computing device 160 (e.g., associated with a user) may optionally be communicatively coupled to the microcontroller and configured to receive notifications related to the entertainment system. For example, a notification may include a wait status for an entertainment system, a score of a game associated with an entertainment system, one or more visual/audible effects associated with an entertainment system, etc.

The one or more sensors 120 may sense a location of a user, a location of an object, a state (e.g., activated, inactivated, speed, location, etc.) of a prop, a state (e.g., empty or occupied) of a cup or a sequestration area, etc. A sensor may comprise an accelerometer, proximity sensor, force sensor, motion sensor, camera, or the like.

Electronics 170 may include, but not be limited to, a power source (e.g., battery, solar, etc.), speaker (for auditory effects), microphone (for receiving user or environmental inputs), lights, and/or displays (for visual effects). In some embodiments when no motion or play is detected for a pre-determined period of time, an entertainment system may enter a shutdown mode or sleep mode until motion is detected. At which time (when motion is detected), a microcontroller of the system may cause power from a power source to be sent to one or more motors, props, electronics, etc. of the system to restore some or all functionality of the system for play.

In some embodiments, a microcontroller 110 receives one or more signals, indicating a location of one or both of: the user and the object, from the one or more sensors 120; accesses (e.g., from memory) a library of preset effect profiles; selects, based on the one or more signals, one or more of the preset effect profiles; transmits a set of pre-programmed instructions, corresponding to the one or more preset effect profiles, to the electronics 170; and causes the electronics 170 to activate the one or more visual or auditory effects, according to the set of pre-programmed instructions.

Additionally, or alternatively, a microcontroller 110 receives one or more signals, indicating a location of an object, from the one or more sensors 120; accesses (e.g., from memory) a library of preset motion profiles; selects, based on the one or more signals, one or more of the preset motion profiles; transmits a set of pre-programmed instructions, corresponding to the one or more preset motion profiles, to at least one drive motor 150 associated with a prop 140; and activates the at least one drive motor 150 and the associated prop 140 to alter a movement or a path of the object through the plurality of externally facing apertures or the plurality of tracks of the housing. In some embodiments, the altered movement includes, but is not limited to: diverting, capturing, releasing, blocking, or allowing the object to pass through.

Additionally, or alternatively, a microcontroller 110 receives one or more signals, indicating one or both of: a first location of a first object and a second location of a second object, from the one or more sensors; accesses (e.g., from memory) a library of preset motion profiles; selects, based on the one or more signals, one or more of the preset motion profiles; transmits a set of pre-programmed instructions, corresponding to the one or more preset motion profiles, to at least one drive motor 150 associated with a prop 140; and activates the at least one drive motor 150 and the associated prop 140 to alter a movement or a path of the first object through the plurality of tracks such that the first object is sequestered in the housing and the second object is delivered as the output from one of the plurality of externally facing apertures of the housing.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of an entertainment system 200 that is themed as a tiki hut. As shown, housing 206 defines external apertures 208a, 208b, 208c, 208n. A ramp 294a, 294b, 294c, 294n may optionally lead to one of the apertures 208a, 208b, 208c, 208n such that, for example, an object 292 may travel on the ramp 294 and into an aperture 208 or may exit an aperture 208 onto a ramp 294.

Housing 206 is formed of or comprises a plurality of sidewalls 204a, 204b, 204c, 204n, only a subset of which are labeled for clarity. Housing 206 includes one or more sensors 220a, 220b, 220n, for example motion sensors for detecting a presence of a user 290, proximity sensors for detecting a proximity of the user 290 to the entertainment system 200, and the like. Although external sensors 220a, 220b, etc. are shown, there may also be sensors inside the housing, as described elsewhere herein.

One or more props 240a, 240b, 240n and associated drive motors (not shown) may be coupled to the housing 206. In some embodiments, a prop 240a defines an aperture 208c, a sidewall 204 of the housing 206 defines an aperture 208b, etc. Each aperture, whether in a housing, prop, sidewall, etc. is configured to receive an object 292 as an input or provide an object 292 as an output.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, a microcontroller receives one or more signals, indicative of a presence of a user and/or a proximity of a user 290 to a housing 206, from one or more sensors 220; and when the presence of the user 290 is detected or a proximity of the user 290 is within a predefined distance or threshold of the housing, causes the electronics to activate one or more visual and/or auditory effects and/or cause one or more drive motors to activate one or more associated props 240.

When a presence or proximity of a user it not detected for a predetermined period of time (e.g., by one or more sensors), the microcontroller causes the electronics to deactivate one or more visual and/or auditory effect components and/or causes deactivation of one or more drive motors associated with one or more props 240.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of an entertainment system 300. Entertainment system 300 comprises housing 306 defining an inner volume 312. Said another way, housing 306 comprises a plurality of sidewalls 304a, 304b, 304c, 304n, at least a subset of which define an inner volume 312. Housing 306 further defines a plurality of externally facing apertures 308a, 308b, 308c, 308d, 308e, 308n. Said another way, housing 306 comprises a plurality of sidewalls 304a, 304b, 304c, 304n, at least a subset of which define one or more apertures 308a, 308b, 308c, 308d, 308e, 308n. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, sidewall 304a defines aperture 308d, sidewall 304b defines aperture 308e, sidewall 304c defines aperture 308c, etc. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of tracks 386a, 386b, 386c, 386n each traverse at least a portion of the inner volume 312. At least a subset of the plurality of tracks 386 connects at least one externally facing aperture 308 to a second externally facing aperture 308. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, aperture 308a is optionally (depending on prop activation, sensor detection etc.) connected to aperture 308b via track 386c, and aperture 308c is optionally (depending on prop activation, sensor detection etc.) connected to aperture 308d via track 386b. In some configurations, one or more cups or sequestration areas 388 may feed into a track 386 and/or an aperture 308. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more tracks 386c may include a prop 340 therein, for example a motorized disk valve or gate as shown in FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, each of the externally facing apertures 308 are configured to receive as an input or provide as an output an object 392a, 392b, 392c, 392n therethrough such that the object 392 travels along one or more of the plurality of tracks 386 from the at least one externally facing aperture 308 to the second externally facing aperture 308. In some configurations, a first object is received as an input (e.g., from user 390) into a first aperture and a second object is provided as an output from the first aperture or a second aperture. The first and second objects may be the same or substantially the same in appearance (such that the user is convinced that the first and second objects are the same objects) or the first and second objects may be different in appearance (e.g., color, size, shape, visual effects coming from object, auditory effects from object, haptic effects coming from object, etc.).

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of an entertainment system 400 comprising four turrets 416a, 416b, 416c, 416d at each corner of a substantially central volume 412. A plurality of tracks 486 traverse at least a portion of the central volume 412 or at least a portion of a volume defined by one of the turrets 416a, 416b, 416c, 416d. For example, turret 416b defines a volume through which track 486a traverses. Further, aperture 408b and 408a, defined by turret 416b are optionally (depending on prop activation, sensor detection, etc.) connected by track 486a. Further for example, track 486c traverses at least a portion of the central volume 412 and optionally connects aperture 408h to aperture 408i. Entertainment system 400 further comprises one or more sensors 420, microcontroller 410, drive motors 450, props 440 (e.g., show here as doors or gates that pivot about a horizontal or vertical axis), and electronics 470 (e.g., shown here as causing activation of a visual indicator). As described elsewhere herein, entertainment system 400 may be coupled to a movement means or may alternatively be attached to a surface, for example via floor mounted cleat connections 422a, 422b, 422c, 422d.

Props 440, as shown in FIG. 4, may be manually manipulatable props, such that movement of an object pass the prop or through an aperture containing the prop causes movement (e.g., swinging, rotation, swiveling, etc.) of the prop. Alternatively, in some embodiments, also shown in FIG. 4, props 440 may be electronically activated via an associated drive motor, such that one or more signals (e.g., from sensors) received by the microcontroller causes the microcontroller to activate a drive motor and thus the associated prop.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of an entertainment system 500 with associated movement means 532, here shown as wheels, although any movement means is contemplated herein. Housing 506 defines inner volume 512. One or more track 586a, 586b, 586c, 586d, 586n traverse at least a portion of the inner volume 512. In this view, inner volume 512 includes the volume that is defined by each of the turrets as well as the central volume. In some implementations, for example for any of the systems of FIGS. 2-10, a route through the inner volume 512 of one or more tracks 586a, 586b, 586c, 586d, 586n may be externally visible through housing 506. Housing 506 further defines apertures 508a, 508b, 508c, 508d, 508n. One or more tracks 586 may connect one or more apertures 508 as described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, an aperture 508d and corresponding track 586d may extend outside the housing 506, for example. It is also conceivable, that in some embodiments, one or more tracks may lead to a cup, sequestration area, or “dead end.” Housing 506 or a base 507 of housing 506 may further comprise one or more attachment means 522a, 522b, 522n for attaching the housing 506 to the movement means 532 (e.g., wheels, castors, etc.). The attachment means 522 may be either a reversible attachment means or an irreversible attachment means.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of an entertainment system 600. Entertainment system 600 comprises one or more motion sensors 620a, 620b, 620n wired to a microcontroller 610 that controls a motion (e.g., open or closed) of a prop 640, shown here as a gate. For example, when an object 692 enters the system 600 via aperture 608a, prop 640 may either prevent the object 692 from traveling through a length of track 686 or may be activated such that the object 692 is able to exit the system 600 via aperture 608b. In some embodiments, one or more entertainment systems described herein may be used in a team play game where one player must free a teammate’s trapped object, for example a ball. For the systems described herein, interior track lengths and configurations can vary and depend upon overall shape and size of the entertainment system. When an object 692 is trapped within the system 600 and/or out of sight of the user, an audio prompt or reward is activated via microcontroller causing activation of one or more electronics, for example a speaker 670 in this embodiment.

FIG. 7A shows an example of a sequestration area 766a in an exemplary track 786a that may be used in any of the entertainment systems described herein. Track 786a optionally, for example via an action of a movable prop, terminates in sequestration area 766a. For example, an object 792a enters aperture 708a and becomes trapped or sequestered in sequestration area 766a. In this embodiment, the sequestration area 766a is formed by movable gate or wall 768a that blocks the path of the track 786a. When a second object 792b is received in aperture 708b, it can trigger sensor 720. Sensor 720 can transmit a signal to a microcontroller 796, which causes activation of a motor 795 that opens the gate or wall 768a, allowing the first object trapped in the sequestration area 766a to progress down the track 786a.

FIG. 7B shows another example of a sequestration area 766b in an exemplary track 786b that may be used in any of the entertainment systems described herein. Track 786b may optionally, for example via an action of a prop, terminate in sequestration area 766b. For example, an object 792c enters aperture 708c and becomes trapped or sequestered in sequestration area 766b. In this embodiment, the sequestration area 766b is formed by movable gate or wall 768b that blocks the path of the track 786b. On its way to the sequestration area 766b, the object 792c can trigger sensor 720a. The controller 796a receives a sensor signal from sensor 720a and activates a motor 795a to obstruct aperture 708c with a barrier 797. The barrier 797 prevents additional objects from becoming trapped in the sequestration area 766b. When a second object 792d is received in aperture 708d, it can trigger sensor 720b. The controller 796b receives a second sensor signal from the sensor 720b and activates a motor 795b that opens the gate or wall 768b, allowing the first object 792c trapped in the sequestration area 766b to progress down the track 786b. In some embodiments, controller 796a is communicatively coupled (e.g., electrically and/or wirelessly) to sensor 720b and motor 795a such that the controller 796a causes the barrier 797 to be removed when the gate or wall 768b of the sequestration area 766b is opened as determined by an activation of sensor 720b. In other embodiments, alternative mechanisms can trigger the removal of barrier 797 from aperture 708c.

FIG. 8 shows an entertainment system 800 that employs a housing having a table configuration. As shown in FIG. 8, sidewalls 804a, 804b, 804d, 804e form a perimeter to maintain an object 892 within the housing and/or on base 804c. Props 840a, 840b, 840c, shown in FIG. 8 as gates, move between open and closed configurations to permit or block, respectively, an object 892 from passing therethrough and reaching an aperture 808a, 808b. Each of props 840a, 840b, 840c may be activated synchronously or asynchronously in a predetermined pattern or at random, based on the level of desired play. One or more inputs 864 (e.g., target, button, etc. comprising a sensor such as a force sensor) may be provided. A user may try to direct an object 892 (e.g., using his or her hands or other object like a putter or stick) to interact with the input 864 (e.g., target) to control one or more of the props 840a, 840b, 840c and/or tracks 886a, 886b to prevent an opponent from reaching apertures 808a, 808b or to try to direct an opponent’s object 892 into a gutter 862 defined by the housing. Gutter 862 may bisect the housing, run along at least a portion of the perimeter of the housing, traverse at least a portion of base 804c, etc. In this specific embodiment, a user 890 may score points by getting their object into a specific aperture.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of an entertainment system 900 comprising a plurality of sidewalls 904a, 904b, 904d at least partially surrounding a base 904c. One or more props 940a, 940b may be positioned on or proximate to the base 904c and can be activated or deactivated (e.g., activate or deactivate associated drive motor of each prop) based one or more sensed properties by sensors 920a, 920b. For examples, sensors 920a, 920b may sense a proximity of a user, a location of user, a striking tool 956 used by the user 990, an identification of a user 990 (e.g., on a mobile device, in the striking tool, on a card carried by the user 990, a height of the user 990, etc.). In one embodiment, a height of a user 990, as sensed by one or more of the sensors 920, may be used to determine a level of play for the entertainment system 900. A user 990 above a pre-determined height threshold may experience a more difficult level of play while a user 990 below a pre-determined height threshold may experience an easier level of play. Alternatively, or additionally, a striking tool 956, as sensed by one or more sensors 920, may determine a level of play for the user 990. In this embodiment, or any of the embodiments described herein, a microcontroller may cause one or more props 940a, 940b to try to actively trap or reroute objects to prevent the objects from reaching an intended goal or target. A user may race against time in order to score points. If the user runs out of time, a prop, for example a gate, may be caused to close or cover aperture 908, for example via microcontroller of the system.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of an entertainment system 1000 comprising an upright housing 1006a and a runway-like housing 1006b. The housings 1006a, 1006b comprise a plurality of sidewalls 1004a, 1004b, 1004d, 1004e, 1004f, 1004n. Sidewalls 1004a, 1004b provide at least a partial perimeter for base 1004c. Sidewalls 1004, 1004e, 1004f comprise the upright housing which defines a plurality of slots 1054 that dispense objects (e.g., balls, chips, irregular shapes, etc.) into one or a subset of a plurality of scoring pockets 1052. The plurality of slots 1054 can dispense objects into a plurality of scoring pockets 1052 using a track connecting one or more slots 1054 to a pocket 1052 or a subset of the pockets 1052. An object 1092 is passed (via rolling, striking, throwing, etc.) into one of a plurality of apertures 1008, for example at a base of upright housing 1006a which corresponds to one or more props (here shown as a gate), each of which corresponds to an indicator 1042 (e.g., light, speaker, display, etc.). In some embodiments, a feature of the indicator 1042 changes (e.g., color of light changes, display changes, sound changes, etc.) which prompts a user to target the aperture 1008 corresponding to that gate and thus the identified indicator 1042. Positively targeting the corresponding aperture 1008 causes, at least in some embodiments, for one or more objects from a pre-determined slot 1054 to be dispensed into a pre-determined pocket 1052, with the goal of achieving four like objects in a row in the plurality of scoring pockets, for example. Objects are collected in a reservoir (not shown) below at least a portion of the base 1004c and sent up to the plurality of slots 1054 above the plurality of scoring pockets 1052, at least in some variations. Although the plurality of slots is shown above the plurality of scoring pockets which are shown above the plurality of indicators 1042 and apertures 1008, one of skill in the art will appreciate that any configuration of these components is within the scope of this disclosure.

The systems and methods of the preferred embodiment and variations thereof can be embodied and/or implemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions are preferably executed by computer-executable components preferably integrated with the system and one or more portions of the processor in the microcontroller, entertainment system, and/or computing device. The computer-readable medium can be stored on any suitable computer-readable media such as RAMs, ROMs, flash memory, EEPROMs, optical devices (e.g., CD or DVD), hard drives, floppy drives, or any suitable device. The computer-executable component is preferably a general or application-specific processor, but any suitable dedicated hardware or hardware/firmware combination can alternatively or additionally execute the instructions.

As used in the description and claims, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include both singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “aperture” may include, and is contemplated to include a plurality of apertures. At times, the claims and disclosure may include terms such as “a plurality,” “one or more,” or “at least one;” however, the absence of such terms is not intended to mean, and should not be interpreted to mean, that a plurality is not conceived.

The term “about” or “approximately,” when used before a numerical designation or range (e.g., to define a length or pressure), indicates approximations which may vary by ( + ) or ( - ) 5%, 1% or 0.1%. All numerical ranges provided herein are inclusive of the stated start and end numbers. The term “substantially” indicates mostly (i.e., greater than 50%) or essentially all of a device, substance, or composition.

As used herein, the term “comprising” or “comprises” is intended to mean that the devices, systems, and methods include the recited elements, and may additionally include any other elements. “Consisting essentially of” shall mean that the devices, systems, and methods include the recited elements and exclude other elements of essential significance to the combination for the stated purpose. Thus, a system or method consisting essentially of the elements as defined herein would not exclude other materials, features, or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed disclosure. “Consisting of” shall mean that the devices, systems, and methods include the recited elements and exclude anything more than a trivial or inconsequential element or step. Embodiments defined by each of these transitional terms are within the scope of this disclosure.

The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

Claims

1. A mobile entertainment system, comprising: a housing defining an inner volume and a plurality of externally facing apertures;a plurality of tracks that each traverse at least a portion of the inner volume, wherein at least a subset of the plurality of tracks connects at least one externally facing aperture to a second externally facing aperture, andwherein each of the plurality of externally facing apertures are configured to receive as an input or provide as an output an object therethrough such that the object is configured to travel along one or more of the plurality of tracks from the at least one externally facing aperture to the second externally facing aperture;electronics for generating one or more visual or auditory effects;one or more sensors coupled to the housing and configured to detect a presence of one or both of: a user and the object; anda microcontroller communicatively coupled to the electronics and the one or more sensors and configured to: receive one or more signals from the one or more sensors, wherein the one or more signals indicate a location of one or both of: the user and the object,access a library of preset effect profiles,select, based on the one or more signals, one or more of the preset effect profiles,transmit, to the electronics, a set of pre-programmed instructions, corresponding to the one or more preset effect profiles, andactivate the electronics to generate the one or more visual or auditory effects, according to the set of pre-programmed instructions.

2. The mobile entertainment system of claim 1, wherein the electronics comprise one or more of: a speaker, a light, a display, a microphone, a power source, or a combination thereof.

3. The mobile entertainment system of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is wirelessly coupled to one or both of: the one or more sensors and the electronics.

4. The mobile entertainment system of claim 1, wherein the library of preset effect profiles are stored locally in a memory of the microcontroller.

5. A mobile entertainment system, comprising: a housing defining an inner volume and a plurality of externally facing apertures;a plurality of tracks that each traverse at least a portion of the inner volume, wherein at least a subset of the plurality of tracks connects at least one externally facing aperture to a second externally facing aperture, andwherein each of the plurality of externally facing apertures are configured to receive as an input or provide as an output an object therethrough such that the object is configured to travel along one or more of the plurality of tracks from the at least one externally facing aperture to the second externally facing aperture;one or more props, each connected to a drive motor;one or more sensors coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of externally facing apertures or to at least a subset of the plurality of tracks, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to detect a presence of the object; anda microcontroller communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors and at least one drive motor associated with a prop of the one or more props, the microcontroller being configured to: receive one or more signals from the one or more sensors, wherein the one or more signals indicate a location of the object,access a library of preset motion profiles,select, based on the one or more signals, one or more of the preset motion profiles,transmit a set of pre-programmed instructions, corresponding to the one or more preset motion profiles, to the at least one drive motor associated with the associated prop, andactivate the at least one drive motor and the associated prop to alter a movement or a path of the object through the plurality of externally facing apertures or the plurality of tracks.

6. The mobile entertainment system of claim 5, wherein the altered movement of the object comprises one or more of: diverting, capturing, releasing, blocking, or allowing the object to pass through.

7. The mobile entertainment system of claim 6, wherein at least one track of the plurality of tracks terminates in a sequestration area to capture the object.

8. A mobile entertainment system, comprising: a housing defining an inner volume and a plurality of externally facing apertures;a plurality of tracks that each traverse at least a portion of the inner volume, wherein at least a subset of the plurality of tracks connects at least one externally facing aperture to a second externally facing aperture, andwherein one or more externally facing apertures of the plurality of externally facing apertures are configured to receive as an input a first object therethrough such that the first object is configured to travel along one or more of the plurality of tracks;one or more props, each connected to a drive motor;one or more sensors coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of externally facing apertures or to at least a subset of the plurality of tracks, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to detect a presence of the first object; anda microcontroller communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors and at least one drive motor associated with a prop of the one or more props, the microcontroller being configured to: receive one or more signals from the one or more sensors, wherein the one or more signals indicate one or both of: a first location of the first object and a second location of a second object,access a library of preset motion profiles,select, based on the one or more signals, one or more of the preset motion profiles,transmit a set of pre-programmed instructions, corresponding to the one or more preset motion profiles, to the at least one drive motor with the associated prop, andactivate the at least one drive motor and the associated prop to alter a movement or a path of the first object through the plurality of tracks such that the first object is sequestered and the second object is delivered as an output from one of the plurality of externally facing apertures.

9. The mobile entertainment system of claim 8, wherein a route of each of the plurality of tracks through the housing is externally visible.

10. The mobile entertainment system of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of ramps connected to each of the plurality of externally facing apertures such the first object is configured to roll on a ramp and into an externally facing aperture.

11. The mobile entertainment system of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of ramps is configured to be rolled for transport or storage of the mobile entertainment system.

12. The mobile entertainment system of claim 8, further comprising the first object comprising a sensor therein, the sensor being configured to transmit to the microcontroller an indication of one or more of: a feature of the object, a user identification, or a type of tool used to manipulate the object.

13. The mobile entertainment system of claim 8, further comprising a base coupled to the housing and configured to rest on a surface.

14. The mobile entertainment system of claim 13, further comprising a movement means coupled to the base, configured to transport the mobile entertainment system.

15. The mobile entertainment system of claim 14, wherein the movement means comprises one or both of a brake or locking wheels.

16. The mobile entertainment system of claim 14, wherein the movement means comprises wheels, tracks, pedrail wheels, maglev, a haul, or pontoons.

17. The mobile entertainment system of claim 8, wherein the housing is further configured to be compatible with a virtual or augmented reality device.

18. The mobile entertainment system of claim 8, further comprising a mobile computing device communicatively coupled to the microcontroller and configured to receive notifications related to the mobile entertainment system.

19. The mobile entertainment system of claim 8, wherein a second subset of the plurality of tracks connects an externally facing aperture to a track that is terminated within the inner volume.

20. The mobile entertainment system of claim 19, wherein the terminated track comprises a cup configured to receive the object therein.