Patent Application
20120115559
The invention relates to an interactive sound and visual game for simulating a treasure hunt, which can comprise a display of the treasure, simulated digging of holes, and prize distribution.
Many amateurs search for objects, in nature or on beaches, using metal detectors. This practice requires expensive equipment, prior knowledge, and is covered by very strict laws both in terms of archaeology and the found objects; it is prohibited in many places. A larger audience simply wishes to experience the feeling of discovery with the detector while performing a purely recreational activity. The invention makes it possible to resolve this problem by offering a wide audience the possibility, in all locations, both outdoors and indoors, of experiencing the feeling of searching for and finding treasures using a detector in the recreational context of the game or an interactive animation.
The invention makes it possible to meet this need in all or part of its specific characteristics. The invention proposes an interactive system for simulating a treasure hunt. In that spirit, the invention relates to a simulation system made up of pseudo-treasures, detectors (appearance depending on the theme of the game), digging virtual holes, displaying the image of the treasure or distributing prizes, elements making up the various configurations of an interactive sound and visual treasure hunt game.
The principles of the system are as follows:
Pseudo-treasures are distributed over a playing area. These pseudo-treasures, depending on the type of ground in the playing area, may be buried or placed just above the ground invisibly. The pseudo-treasures are detected and identified by the detector allocated to each player. The detectors have various appearances, such as a pseudo-radar, magic wand, wizard's staff, metal detector, etc.
The sensor device of the detector detects the presence of the pseudo-treasures during scanning movements made by the player. Three detection principles and various alternative embodiments are applicable to the system according to the invention.
According to a first detection principle, the pseudo-treasures emit a code specific to them and which is sensed and identified by the detector.
According to a second detection principle, the presence of a passive pseudo-treasure in a small zone of the playing area (to which a virtual code is assigned) is picked up by the detector.
According to a third, reverse detection principle, pseudo-detectors emit a code or frequency specific to them; the pseudo-treasures pick up that code or frequency and transmit them to a game management computer.
The aim of a game is to discover one or more pseudo-treasures within the set time.
The simulation system is particularly characterized in that several players can play at the same time on the same playing area (which may be small) with a limited number of pseudo-treasures. The illusion of random discovery is caused by the fact that each player is unaware of his goals (pseudo-treasures to be discovered), that those goals are different for each player during a game, and that the order of the goals is different for each game. To that end, in the memory of the game management computer, a table of goals is created, specific to each player present in the playing area. This is the list of the numbers of the pseudo-treasures to be discovered during a game and the maximum times allotted to find them. This table is generated by a program according to the invention that automatically determines, in real-time, the timing schedule of the availability of the pseudo-treasures according to the players present in the playing area, their goals, and the evolution of their game. In general, before the beginning of the game, the table of goals has been introduced into the memory of the microcontroller of the detector given to each player; in configurations where the management of the game a centralized, no transfer is necessary.
Players perform their searches by making scanning motions and moving around with the detector.
The microcontroller of the detector triggers the “treasure found” process when the sensor device of the detector has received a treasure number code identical to the goal number (at that stage of the game).
Players are assisted during their pseudo-treasure search interactively by the sound assistance device.
During the “treasure found” process, the microcontroller commands a synthesis circuit, which broadcasts messages to the player via an amplifier in the headset connected to the detector. Through these messages, players will be invited for example to answer quiz questions or dig virtual holes; they may discover the nature of the treasure they have detected or receive various instructions on the progression of the game. Players can answer questions using push buttons. The microcontroller compares the players' responses with the quiz tables loaded into the memory before beginning the game. These tables are made up of sound files associated with valid response numbers and goal numbers.
The operator can configure the simulation system according to four modes in addition to simple pseudo-treasure detection.
These various modes are described below:
> Mode with Validation of the Discovery of Each Treasure by Simulating Digging a Hole.
The player must manually transfer plastic balls that fill a first barrel, into a second barrel identical to the first. When the first barrel is empty, the player submerges his detector in the bottom of the barrel to prove that he has indeed “dug”; the detector senses a code emitted by a proximity transmitter situated at the bottom of the barrel. The player then transfers all of the balls from the second barrel to the first and submerges his detector in the bottom of the second barrel to prove that he has indeed “refilled” the virtual hole; upon reception of the code emitted by the transmitter situated at the bottom of the second barrel, the detector calculates the type of treasure. This calculation is done by associating the treasure number with a table of treasure types that takes the age and sex of the player into account. The detector informs the player of the nature of his win via a sound message.
The two containers can be barrels or can assume various appearances depending on the decorative themes of the game.
> Mode with Detection Validation by the Simulated Digging of a Hole and the Display of the Virtual Treasure on a Screen.
In this mode, the validation of the discovery is identical to that of the previous mode, but the treasure type code is transmitted from the detector to a receiver situated at the bottom of the second barrel, then via a cable or any other means to a game management computer. This computer, owing to software specific to the system according to the invention, establishes the relationship between the treasure type code and a prerecorded image or video clip in the image database pre-existing on the hard disk. This image or clip is automatically broadcast on a large screen. In this way, the player and the audience can see the virtual treasure discovered.
In the case of outdoor use, a current with a large wavelength is used so that the emitted field propagates with a low loss in a very moist medium (for example, wet sand). These treasure simulators are randomly distributed under a developed playing area, for example buried under a sand or soil surface. When the ground is hard, or indoors, the pseudo-treasures are miniaturized and integrated into a carpet imitating a lawn or a parquet floor placed on the ground. The playing area, given the magnetic coupling system used, can have a modest size, there being no interference to fear between the treasure simulators beyond their unique transmission zone, which is limited to 60 centimeters. This specificity allows indoor use.
If the battery powering the pseudo-treasure is nearly empty, an appropriate assembly detects it and a specific code is emitted. In case of fixed or indoor installation, the battery as well as the brown-out circuit are advantageously replaced by a low-voltage power cable shared by all of the pseudo-treasures.
>> Detectors Whereof One is Allocated to Each Player.
As of start-up, the microcontroller of the detector controls a sound synthesis circuit; the player is guided by his detector, which broadcasts, in the headset connected thereto, the rules of the game. The detector picks up the encoded magnetic field of the treasure simulators owing to its high-quality circuit tuned on the same frequency as that of the pseudo-treasures, which excludes any parasitic or unwanted field.
During the scanning movements performed by the player, the microcontroller of the detector continuously analyzes those signals. Once the coil of the sensing device of the detector receives a treasure number code identical to the goal (at the stage of the evolution in the table stored in memory), the microcontroller triggers the “treasure found” process. This process can comprise a sound and light animation varying according to the electromagnetic field, therefore as a function of the proximity of the pseudo-treasure. This animation can include devices such as: a lighted strip, a pseudo-radar screen visible by the player, a speaker.
The sound assistance broadcasts a message to the player inviting him to dig a virtual hole as already described.
>> Two Barrels Situated on the Edge of the Playing Area.
At the center of the bottom of each barrel, at the end of an inverted cone intended to bring the balls together, is a device identical to a pseudo-treasure but with a very weak transmission power (proximity transmitter). The sensing device of the detector having the same diameter as the end of the cone, only removing the last ball makes it possible to put the detector in contact with the proximity transmitter. When, following the maneuvers already described, the microcontroller has calculated the type of treasure, this code is retransmitted by an infrared diode included in the sensing device of the detector toward an infrared phototransistor situated at the bottom of the second barrel. Next, a cable communicates it to the game management computer, which will display the image of the treasure using the described means.
The game is won when the player has found and potentially validated all of the treasures set out by the rules of the game. During the game, the detector records each player's successes and failures (treasures found or not found) in memory and limits the duration of each discovery and the total duration of the game.
According to other, lower performing embodiments adapted to cases of non-buried pseudo-treasures, the pseudo-treasures and the sensing device of the detector are capacitive, or ultrasound, or infrared, or high frequency transmitters and receivers.
One particularly economical alternative adapted to a small playing area comprises a matrix of infrared LED diodes incorporated into a carpet, the upper surface of the carpet being transparent to the infrareds and opaque in the visible spectrum. This matrix is connected to the ports of a microcontroller that is connected with the game management computer. By program, the bearing lines power, with a pulsed signal, several LED diodes serving as pseudo-treasure during a game. The sensing devices of the detectors are infrared phototransistors. This alternative is the opposite of the third detection principle described later.
A microcontroller that receives, from a GPS circuit or a position detector circuit, the spatial coordinates of the detector at all times. The goal table introduced into the memory of the microcontroller is made up of perimeter coordinates of each of the small zones in which the pseudo-treasures to be located are situated and the maximum times allotted to perform the detection. The pseudo-treasures are passive; they do not emit a code, but can be located owing to the detector given to each player. The microcontroller triggers the “treasure found” process when the detector is situated over a position that is within the perimeter of the zone set as goal and the sensing device has detected the pseudo-treasure by field absorption. According to this second principle, the pseudo-treasures being passive, the detector emits a magnetic field that will be particularly absorbed by the pseudo-treasure. The pseudo-treasures are tuned circuits (capacity inductance), or any other absorbing device, for example a Thomson ring.
In the specific case of a centimetric precision position detector (made up for example of two SHF telemeters), the passive pseudo-treasure can be removed in favor of 5 concentric mini-zones of 10 to 60 cm for each treasure. Each zone corresponds to a virtual signal level that increases from the outermost zone to the central zone.
The table loaded in the memory of the detector comprises the coordinates of the outer zone; the other zones (still of the same size) are determined by calculation by the microprocessor of the detector. The pseudo-treasure becoming completely virtual, it is possible to create, in each game, changes in the position of the treasure over the playing area. The two antennas of the telemeters can advantageously be positioned parallel to a length of the perimeter of the playing area in the extension of the two diagonals at a distance of several meters from the area.
Pseudo-detectors that each continuously emit a frequency that is specific to them. A matrix of sensors integrated into the playing area (cabled in X Y) transmits the signal to a detection interface. This interface selects the sensors serving as pseudo-treasures and transforms the frequency into code. This code is communicated to a game management computer that compares the sensed code with the table of goals for the player. This detection principle is adapted to economical indoor games. As a result, the sensors can be coils sensitive to a low-frequency or high-frequency electromagnetic field coming from the coil of the pseudo-detector or metal surfaces that are coupled capacitively with the transmission plate of the pseudo-detector, but also a matrix of photo-detectors incorporated into a plastic carpet whereof the upper surface is transparent to infrareds.
This principle is adapted to the automatic distribution mode of the treasure upon detection; the connection with the computer being constant and economical. In return, the player does not have any sound assistance and the interactivity is limited.
Devices incorporated into the system as a function of the selected exploitation modes:
>> A Game Management Computer
When a player comes to the counter, the operator enters data using the keyboard: the difficulty level (to adapt the quizzes as a function of the player's age), the number and types of treasures to be found, the language and duration of the game. The table of goals is different for each player. The management of the goal tables and maximum times given can be centralized using a computer owing to the time planning software; this device allows a fluid organization of the games. The system according to the invention can, however, operate minimalistically, without a computer, with goals frozen in the memory of the detectors, but in that case the number of players who can play at the same time on the playing area will be reduced.
Each detector has a serial connecting plug that makes it possible, when the detector is given to the player at the beginning of the game, to test the general operation of the detector and the level of its battery, then to transfer the goal and quiz tables from the computer to the memory of the detector.
At the end of the game upon return of the detector, the connector makes it possible to transmit detailed results of the game from the detector to the computer. The operator can display whether the game was won or lost on the screen, the nature of the treasures, the performance for each goal, and can store the score on a hard disk with the aim of running competitions.
The computer receives the treasure code via the cable connected to the sensor of the second barrel, by a UHF receiver producing a link with the detector or via the serial connection at the end of the game.
Software, specific to the system according to the invention, establishes the relationship between the treasure type code and an image or video clip prerecorded in the image database preexisting in the hard disk. This image or clip is automatically broadcast on the large screen. In this way, the player and the audience can immediately see the virtual treasure.
If the operator wishes to distribute prizes, the management computer controls, relative to the treasure type code, through its parallel port and via power transistors, the electromagnetic locks (or opening cylinders) of chests or box doors. These chests or boxes contain prizes called treasures for the purposes of the game. A chest or a box opens automatically according to the rules of the game set by the operator. He can choose to open a box at the end of a winning game or each time a pseudo-treasure is found.
<<A Display Device
This device connected to the video card of the game management computer is made up of flat television screens or indoors of a video projector.
According to the configurations chosen by the operator, the system according to the invention can comprise appended animation devices:
The detector can be equipped with a UHF retransmission transmitter characterized in that a first transmitting channel connected to the synthesis retransmits what the player hears in his headphones.
The second transmitting channel retransmits the player's comments picked up by the micro-headset. These two channels received by a UHF receiver, then mixed with the comments made in the microphone by the organizer of the game, can be broadcast by a PA system, a radio or during a television transmission. This animation increases the audience's interest in the game.
The system according to the invention can comprise devices compatible with the configuration and display and distribution modes as of detection:
The treasure type code is transmitted in the form of an encoded signal via one of the channels of a UHF retransmitter.
This signal is received by a UHF receiver (not shown) connected to the game management computer.
The encoded signal is, according to one embodiment, a non-audible encoded signal at 30 Hz emitted by the synthesis. This frequency is blocked by a high-pass filter at the audio mixing so as not to be broadcast in the PA system.
The invention will be better understood and the advantages thereof will appear more clearly in light of the descriptions of embodiments of the devices according to its principles and the preceding definition, which will follow, provided solely as an example, and done in reference to the appended drawings, in which:
In reference to
This field is sensed by a detector (6) according to the invention. The player (7), through a scanning motion and movement of the coil of the detector (18), looks for a treasure hidden under the playing area (5).
The detector (6) emits a sound signal in the headset (8) and light animations of the spiral (9) that surrounds the support tube (10) when it is in the presence of the magnetic field of the pseudo-treasure whereof the code corresponds to the treasure that the player must find. The detector broadcasts a sound message to announce to the player that he has detected a treasure, then invites the player to move toward the barrels (11 and 12) to dig a virtual hole.
In reference to
At this stage, the detector broadcasts a quiz in the headset to which the player will respond by pressing on push buttons. A correct response allows the player to find another treasure on the playing area more quickly.
At the beginning of the game, the organizer, using the game management computer, introduces the player's goal table into the memory of the detector via a serial connection; as a result, the player must find his pseudo-treasures in several steps in the playing area (5) and makes, in each step, his pseudo-holes with the barrels (11 and 12) in a predetermined time to win the game or a prize (examples of game rules).
The game management computer includes, in its hard disk, multiple game levels and themes; the operator can therefore adapt the detector to the player's age and the themes of the game.
Outside the playing area (5) can be a semi-hard ground surface such as dirt, lawn or a loose type such as sand or gravel; in these cases, the pseudo-treasures are buried.
Inside or when the ground is hard, the playing area can be a carpet or a parquet floor incorporating the transmitters in miniature form.
A divider bridge made up of resistances (51 and 52) has a voltage filtered by the capacitance (53) at each of the inputs+the four amplifiers.
The treasure simulator comprises a Butzer (54) connected on an outlet of the microcontroller via a resistance (55) which informs the operator by a beep during powering on by the switch (56) of the powering on.
A brown-out detection circuit, made up of a fixed voltage source, formed by the zoner (57) and the resistance (58) and a threshold detection done with the transistor (59) and the resistance (60) aims, once the reserve level of the battery (61) is reached, to change the level of an input of the microcontroller. The latter causes a series of beeps in the Butzer (this function makes it possible to find the treasure simulator easily when it is buried) and the transmission of a specific code called low battery to the detector. Through this principle, the operator is informed at the end of each game of the level of the batteries of the pseudo-treasures that have been detected by the player.
When the pseudo-treasures are permanently buried (fixed playing area) or included in a carpet or a parquet floor, the batteries are replaced by a low-voltage power cable shared by all of the pseudo-treasures.
When the current caused in the coil (18) is weak (detection distance up to 80 cm for a transmission power lower than 1 mW), the diodes do not conduct, the gain of the amplifier (66) is very significant. When the player presents the coil at the vertical of a pseudo-treasure, the field and the current caused are maximum, the diodes (67 and 68) conduct and therefore the amplifier has a low gain.
The signal is transmitted by the connecting capacitance (73) to a polarization bridge made up of resistances (74 and 75) then to the minus input of the internal comparing element of the microcontroller (79). The plus input of the comparing element is connected to the divider bridge formed by the resistances (80 and 81), the capacitor (82) ensures the filtering. This mounting compares the evolution of the signal with a level corresponding to the virtual mass, which creates a level change of the output of the comparing element internal to each sinusoid. The FM demodulation of the code emitted is ensured by this circuit and suitable software. The stabilization of the clock of the microcontroller (79) is ensured by the quartz (83) and the capacitances (84 and 85). The microcontroller (79) is connected to a sound synthesis circuit (86) comprising a removable memory (87). The sound synthesis output is connected to an audio amplifier (88) whereof the gain can be adjusted owing to a potentiometer (89), this amplifier is connected to a headset (90). A speaker (91) makes it possible to broadcast sounds synthesized by the microcontroller (79). Push buttons (92 and 93) through which the player can respond to the quizzes are connected to the microcontroller (79). The powering on of the detector is done by a switch (95); the power supply is ensured by a battery (94).
In the case where the player has placed the coil of his detector near one of the pseudo-treasures; if the code is the same as the stored goal, the microcontroller transmits an instruction to the sound synthesis (86) that broadcasts a sound signal evoking a radar echo whereof the frequency varies as a function of the received magnetic field level. This sound signal is broadcast in the headset (8) or in the speaker (directly from the microcontroller). On the other hand during the approach, a radar screen visual simulator (96) made up of LED diodes has emitted concentric slivers as a function of the level of the received magnetic field. The level increase also causes an increase in the frequency of the flashes emitted by the light spiral (9—
This variable continuous signal is then presented at the input of the analog-digital converter inside the microcontroller by software: this data frequency modulates the sound and light animations previously described.
The detector then broadcasts a message to a player inviting him to dig a virtual hole under the conditions described by the associated text in
The first goal being found, the microcontroller (79) stores this result and transmits instructions to the synthesis (86) or the display (99) so as to broadcast a quiz. The player answers it by actuating the yes button (91) or the no button (92). If the response correct, the microcontroller broadcasts a clue allowing the player to find his next goal.
Lastly, the microcontroller (79) signals the end of the game to the player, which can be due to exceeding the allowed time or successfully finding all of the goals of the game.
The principle of the system according to the invention and all of the devices making up that system allows several players (20, 21, 8—
The tables of goals for players nos. 6, 7 and 8 are randomly formed with the available pseudo-treasures and the treasure numbers that soon will be in minute 11, player no. 8 is assigned treasure no. 7, which is effectively available, but also no. 20 that player no. 1 is looking for at that time. This possibility exists since player no. 8 will look for that treasure 9 minutes later; player no. 1 at that stage will have finished his game. This optimization device is intended to absorb the peak flows of players. During normal operation, the game must have a much larger number of pseudo-treasures than the number of players present on the playing area so as to preserve the random nature of the games.
In case of extended saturation, the software would propose to the operator to organize games including three goals, or 9 minutes.
Called zone preselection, usable outside buildings and over a large playing area.
In reference to
The pseudo-detectors given to the players comprising a stable oscillator that powers an infrared LED diode produce an infrared radiation modulated on a frequency specific to them.
The system according to the invention is intended to be exploited in recreational locations (beaches, amusement parks, party or game rooms, etc.) or used as an advertising promotional tool on the sales sites. It may be the basis for a televised game, a website or a radio show.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09/03222 | Jul 2009 | FR | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/FR2010/051386 | 7/1/2010 | WO | 00 | 1/19/2012 |
