Modular Control System for Game Tables

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a control system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a modular control system that provides multiple functionalities and features to game tables such as foosball, pool etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Games like foosball, billiards, pool or ping pong are perfect for enjoying time with friends in your own home, in a hotel, in a bar or a gaming arcade. However, most of these games have a basic scoring system and no lighting system within the system. It is often difficult to keep track of the score if you are playing in the presence of a crowd or if just the players are present in such games. Further, the lighting of the room in which the game table is present may not always be great. Thus, a system that can enhance the gaming features and ambience of such table games with some extra electric/electronic as well as wireless network features would greatly elevate the experience of playing indoor table games.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a semi-portable control system that may be attached to an existing game table, such as foosball, pool etc., to enable a vast array of enhancements and features. To accomplish this, a control board that is electrically and electronically connected to multiple audio-visual components and sensors are mounted around the game table. The control board and the multiple components and sensors are detachably attached to the game table, such that the additional fittings may be taken out and used on a different game table, which makes it convenient and versatile. Further, the control board may operate independently or may connect to a proprietary web server which maintains a database of world-wide teams and rankings, which players use to compete in “ranked matches. Thus, the present invention is a multifunctional and user-friendly attachment that can elevate the playing experience of indoor table games.

SUMMARY

An objective of the present invention is to provide a semi-portable control system that may be attached to an existing game table, such as foosball, pool etc., to enable a vast array of enhancements and features such as automatic digital score keeping, multi-colored controllable lights, interactive crowd noises and announcer, stat tracking, game analysis, recording video, streaming video, and uploading of video etc. Players may interact with the system with their network connected devices or attached control pad or remote control. Each control system may or may not interact with an internet server to enable players to authenticate via scanning QR code containing a private-key signed authentication message. To accomplish this, a control board that is electrically and electronically connected to multiple audio-visual components and sensors are mounted around the game table. The control board and the multiple components and sensors are detachably attached to the game table, such that the additional fittings may be taken out and used on a different game table, which makes the present invention modular and versatile. Further, the control board may operate independently or may connect to a proprietary web server which maintains a database of world-wide teams and rankings, which players use to compete in “ranked matches. Thus, the present invention is a multifunctional and user-friendly attachment that can elevate the playing experience of indoor table games.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the present invention, wherein thinner flowlines represent electrical connections between components, thicker flowlines represent electronic connections between components, and dashed flow lines indicate the components being communicably coupled.

FIG. 2 is a top front left perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top elevational view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the present invention, wherein the table body of the table game is shown in broken lines and internal components are made visible.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, the present invention is a multifunctional control system for table games. An objective of the present invention is to provide a semi-portable control system that may be attached to an existing game table, such as foosball, pool etc., to enable a vast array of enhancements and features such as automatic digital score keeping, multi-colored controllable lights, interactive crowd noises and announcer, stat tracking, game analysis, recording video, streaming video, uploading of video etc. Players may interact with the system with their network connected devices or attached control pad or remote control. Each control system may or may not interact with an internet server to enable players to authenticate via scanning QR code containing a private-key signed authentication message. To accomplish this, a control board that is electrically and electronically connected to multiple audio-visual components and sensors are mounted around the game table. The control board and the multiple components and sensors are detachably attached to the game table, such that the additional fittings may be taken out and used on a different game table, which makes the present invention modular and versatile. Further, the control board may operate independently or may connect to a proprietary web server which maintains a database of world-wide teams and rankings, which players use to compete in “ranked matches. Thus, the present invention is a portable multifunctional and user-friendly system that can elevate the playing experience of indoor table games.

The following description is in reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 4. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a table game 1, a control board 2, a sensor system 3, an audio-visual system 4, and a computing system 5. In the preferred embodiment, the table game 1 is foosball table, and the table game 1 comprises a first surface 1a, wherein the first surface 1a is a gaming surface of the table game 1. However, the table game 1 may be any other table games such as pool, ping-pong, billiards etc. The control board 2 is the main control unit of the present invention, wherein all the electrical and electronic components are wires are physically supported and connected in specific ways for performing the various functionalities. Preferably, the control board 2 is a semi-portable electronic PCB (printed circuit board). Further, the control board 2 is detachably mounted onto a second surface 1b of the table game, wherein the second surface 1b is positioned laterally offset from the first surface 1a of the table. However, the control board 2 may be mounted on any other location and comprise any material, size, components, arrangement of components etc. that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered. Thus, in an alternate embodiment, the second surface 1b may be positioned lateral to the first surface 1a of the game table 1.

In the preferred embodiment, the control board 2 comprises a microcontroller 6. The microcontroller 6 is a processing device that interprets commands received from the systems and devices involved in the present invention and uses these commands to manage the operation of the electrical components within the present invention.

It is an objective of the present invention to enable a vast array of features to the table game, such as automatic digital score keeping, multi-colored controllable stadium lights, interactive crowd noises and announcer, stat tracking, game analysis, recording video, streaming video, uploading of video etc. To accomplish this, the audio-visual system 4, the sensor system 3, and the computing system 5 are detachably mounted onto the table game 1, and they work together towards fulfilling the above-mentioned features. Further, for the smooth functioning of the various components and devices within these systems, the sensor system 3, the audio-visual system 4, and the computing system 5 are electronically connected to the control board 2 through the microcontroller 6.

In order to accomplish automatic and digital score keeping, the sensor system 3 comprises a plurality of sensor devices 7. Preferably, the plurality of sensor devices 7 is mounted adjacent to the first surface 1a of the game table 1, and the plurality of sensor devices 7 is electronically connected to the microcontroller 6. This is so that, the plurality of sensor devices 7 can detect the ball (in the foosball game or any other table game 1) going past a goal line, designated points on the table, and other game-related events. Thus, according to the preferred embodiment, the plurality of sensor devices 7 comprises at least one of force sensitive resistors 8, infrared sensors 9, speed sensors 10 and ultrasonic sensors 11.

More specifically, and in reference to FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, the following different types of sensor devices are used and are located across the table game 1 (foosball table) in the preferred embodiment.

- Force Sensitive resistors 8:
  - FSRA (8a)—Placed/stuck in ball feed of foosball table to detect when new ball is in play
  - FSRB (8b)—Placed on back wall of goal, can be used to determine if player hit “slam shot” target area to trigger event
  - FSRC (8c)—placed on edge of goal, just before ball would enter. Used to determine if it was a “great save” event. Can be done with ultrasonic/IR sensor as well.
  - FSRD (8d)—sensors may be placed on playing field to determine other events.
  - FSRE (8e)—sensor placed on back wall to determine “missed shots”.
- Infrared Sensors 9:
  - IRA—Placed across on edges of table, used to determine when ball crosses or enters certain zones of play. May be used to calculate possession time, successful passes
- Speed Sensors 10:
  - Placed at regular intervals on the table, may determine how fast a pass/shot was from different points of the table
- Ultrasonic Sensors 11:
  - Ultrasonic A—placed on side of playing table
    
    However, the sensor system 3 and the plurality of sensor devices 7 may comprise any other kind, type, shape, technology, location, orientation etc. that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered.

According to the preferred embodiment, the computing system 5 is a system that is capable of calculating and judging metrics such as fastest shot speed, pass accuracy, shot accuracy using control board attached sensors. Preferably the computing system 5 is a small computer with the above-mentioned capabilities. However, the computing system 5 may comprise any brand, size, technology etc. that is known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are fulfilled.

Continuing with the preferred embodiment, the audio-visual system 4 of the present invention comprises at least one display device 12, a plurality of speakers 13, a plurality of lighting devices 14, and at least one camera device 15. The at least one display device 12 may be used as a digital score display, which updates according to sensors and designated game events. Further, the at least one display device 12 or score display may be stuck, or mounted onto the table game 1, replacing legacy bead-type counters. According to the preferred embodiment, the present invention may comprise at least one enclosure 16 or casing, that may be used to house all display related components, such as the scoreboard in one. To that end, the at least one enclosure 16 is detachably mounted onto the table game 1 encompassing the at least one display device 12. This is so that, the enclosure 16 helps in protecting the display elements from the external elements such as liquids, dust, etc.

The plurality of speakers 13 is intended to play interactive crowd, announcer, or music sounds when the ball crosses certain designated sensor points. To that end, the plurality of speakers 13 maybe mounted adjacent to the first surface 1a. As seen in FIG. 2, in the preferred embodiment, the plurality of lighting devices 14 is LEDs (light emitting diodes) and the plurality of lighting devices 14 is mounted perimetrically along inner sidewalls of the table game 1. In other words, stickable LED lights are stuck around the perimeter of the table, or inside. These lights may also interact according to the plurality of sensor devices 7, as flashing lights, displaying patterns according to game movement. The at least one camera device 15 is preferably a slow-motion camera, which has the ability to record gameplay, according to sensors recording events on the table. Furthermore, the at least one display device 12 enables playback of selected events recorded by the at least one camera device 15, or the plurality of sensors 7. To accomplish the smooth functioning of all the components, the at least one display device 12, the at least one camera device 15, the plurality of lighting devices 14, and the plurality of speakers 13 are mounted around and within the table game 1. It should be noted that, the at least one display device 12, the at least one camera device 15, the plurality of lighting devices 14 and the plurality of speakers 13 may comprise any brand, size, technology, location, orientation etc. that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the objectives of the present invention are not altered.

According to the preferred embodiment, the computing system 5 is electrically coupled to the audio-visual system 4, and the sensor system 3 is electrically coupled to the computing system 5. This is so that the interaction between the different devices of the audio-visual system 4 is accomplished, as well as the results of the data from the sensor system 3 is computed and delivered to the audio-visual system 4.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide WiFi enabled control system that has the ability to record, and upload game scores, results, stats, video highlights etc. for streaming to the internet. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises a wireless communication module 17. Preferably, the wireless communication module 17 is a wireless radio that connects and communicates with external devices via wireless data transmission protocols. To that end, the wireless communication module 17 is mounted onto the control board 2, and the wireless communication module 17 is electronically connected to the microcontroller 6. The wireless communication module 17 is capable of using standards including, but not limited to, such as Bluetooth, WI-FI, GSM, CDMA, and ZigBee. However, the wireless communication module 17 may comprise any other technology known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered.

Continuing with the preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a remote-control device 18 which may be used to control light patterns, colors of team sides, score etc. Accordingly, the remote-control device 18 is communicably coupled to the wireless communication module 17, wherein operating the remote-control device 18 governs working of at least one of the audio-visual system 4, the sensor system 3, and the computing system 5. The remote-control device 18 may comprise any size, shape, technology, etc. that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered.

In order to manually control the devices of the control board, specifically, the audio-visual system, the present invention comprises a HID (human interface device) 19. As seen in FIG. 2, the HID 19 is a touchscreen placed on an edge of the foosball table to control custom sounds, light patterns, events etc. In other words, the HID 19 is mounted adjacent to the first surface 1a of the game table 1 and is electronically coupled to the microcontroller 6. However, the HID 19 may comprise any other shape, location on the table, technology, such as push buttons, rotating knobs etc. to enable manually operating and controlling any components of the present invention. Further, the HID 19 may also be used for players to enter into a game or interact with an internet server to enable players to authenticate via scanning QR code on the touch screen or HID 19, containing a private-key signed authentication message. Accordingly, the HID 19 is operably coupled to the audio-visual system 4, wherein operating the HID 19 governs working of the audio-visual system 4.

In order to provide power to all the electrical and electronic components of the present invention, the present invention comprises a power source 20. The power source 20 preferably may be a rechargeable battery, that is used to deliver electrical power to the microcontroller 6 and other systems or devices of the present invention. To that end, the microcontroller 6 is electrically connected to the power source 20. However, any other source of power, or a combination of the following sources may be employed for the smooth functioning of the present invention. Examples of such power sources include, but are not limited to, Li (lithium) ion batteries, magnetic power converters, solar power converters, etc. Further, the power source 20 may be connected to an external power source 21 such as an electrical terminal that allows the present invention to receive electrical power from an external power supply. To that end, and to connect the multiple components of the present invention to the control board 2, a plurality of wires 22 or cables of varied lengths may be used to fulfill the interconnections.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A modular control system comprising: a table game;a control board;an audio-visual system;a sensor system;a computing system;the control board comprising a microcontroller;the table game comprising a first surface, wherein the first surface is a gaming surface of the table game;the control board being detachably mounted onto a second surface of the table game, wherein the second surface is laterally offset from the first surface;the audio-visual system, the sensor system, and the computing system being detachably mounted onto the game table; andthe audio-visual system, the sensor system, and the computing system being electronically connected to the control board through the microcontroller.
2. The modular control system of claim 1, wherein the sensor system comprises: a plurality of sensor devices;the plurality of sensor devices being mounted adjacent to the first surface of the game table; andthe plurality of sensor devices being electronically connected to the microcontroller.
3. The modular control system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of sensor devices is at least one of force sensitive resistors, infrared sensors, speed sensors and ultrasonic sensors.
4. The modular control system of claim 1, wherein the audio-visual system comprises: at least one display device;a plurality of speakers;at least one camera device;a plurality of lighting devices; andthe at least one display device, the at least one camera device, the plurality of lighting devices, and the plurality of speakers being mounted around and within the table game.
5. The modular control system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of lighting devices is LEDs (light emitting diodes).
6. The modular control system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of lighting devices is mounted perimetrically along inner sidewalls of the table game.
7. The modular control system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of speakers is mounted adjacent to the first surface.
8. The modular control system of claim 4, comprising: at least one enclosure;the enclosure being mounted onto the table game; andthe enclosure encompassing the display device.
9. The modular control system of claim 1, comprising: the computing system being electrically coupled to the audio-visual system; andthe sensor system being electrically coupled to the computing system.
10. The modular control system of claim 1, comprising: a wireless communication module;a remote control device;a human interface device (HID);the wireless communication module being mounted onto the control board;the wireless communication module and the HID being electronically connected to the microcontroller;the remote control device being communicably coupled to the wireless communication module, wherein operating the remote control device governs working of at least one of the audio-visual system, the sensor system, and the computing system; andthe HID being operably coupled to the audio-visual system, wherein operating the HID governs working of the audio-visual system.
11. The modular control system of claim 10, wherein the HID is mounted adjacent to the first surface of the game table.
12. The modular control system of claim 1, wherein the second surface is positioned lateral to the first surface of the game table.
13. The modular control system of claim 1, comprising: a power source; andthe microcontroller being electrically connected to the power source.
14. A modular control system comprising: a table game;a control board;an audio-visual system;a sensor system;a computing system;the control board comprising a microcontroller and a wireless communication module;the table game comprising a first surface, wherein the first surface is a gaming surface of the table game;the control board being detachably mounted onto a second surface of the table game, wherein the second surface is positioned laterally offset from the first surface;the audio-visual system, the sensor system, and the computing system being detachably mounted onto the game table; andthe audio-visual system, the sensor system, the computing system, and the wireless communication module being electronically connected to the control board through the microcontroller.
15. The modular control system of claim 14, wherein the sensor system comprises: a plurality of sensor devices;the plurality of sensor devices being mounted adjacent to the first surface of the game table; andthe plurality of sensor devices being electronically connected to the microcontroller.
16. The modular control system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of sensor devices is at least one of force sensitive resistors, infrared sensors, speed sensors and ultrasonic sensors.
17. The modular control system of claim 14, wherein the audio-visual system comprises: at least one display device;a plurality of speakers;at least one camera device;a plurality of lighting devices; andthe at least one display device, the at least one camera device, the plurality of lighting devices, and the plurality of speakers being mounted around and within the table game.
18. The modular control system of claim 14, comprising: the computing system being electrically coupled to the audio-visual system; andthe sensor system being electrically coupled to the computing system.
19. The modular control system of claim 14, comprising: a remote control device;a human interface device (HID);the HID being electronically connected to the microcontroller; andthe remote control device being communicably coupled to the wireless communication module, wherein operating the remote control device governs working of at least one of the audio-visual system, the sensor system, and the computing system; andthe HID being operably coupled to the audio-visual system, wherein operating the HID governs working of the audio-visual system.
20. A modular control system comprising: a table game;a control board;an audio-visual system;a sensor system;a computing system;a remote control device;a human interface device (HID);a power source;the control board comprising a microcontroller and a wireless communication module;the table game comprising a first surface, wherein the first surface is a gaming surface of the table game;the microcontroller being electrically connected to the power source;the control board being detachably mounted onto a second surface of the table game, wherein the second surface is positioned laterally offset from the first surface;the audio-visual system, the sensor system, and the computing system being detachably mounted onto the game table;the audio-visual system, the sensor system, and the computing system being electronically connected to the control board through the microcontroller;the HID being electronically connected to the microcontroller;the remote control device being communicably coupled to the wireless communication module, wherein operating the remote control device governs working of at least one of the audio-visual system, the sensor system, and the computing system; andthe HID being operably coupled to the audio-visual system, wherein operating the HID governs working of the audio-visual system.

Modular Control System for Game Tables

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Description

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