Multiplayer Laser-Tag Robotic Gaming System with Integrated Interactive Battlefield Features

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to interactive robotic toys and multiplayer gaming systems, specifically focusing on remote-controlled robots designed to engage in competitive, combat-based gameplay. This invention draws inspiration from the mechanics of Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) video games, translating these elements into a physical environment where players control robots in real-time.

Existing robotic toys, such as laser tag systems or simple remote-controlled vehicles, offer limited features when it comes to complex, interactive gameplay. These products often focus on either movement or basic combat functionality but rarely combine these elements in a cohesive, interactive system. While traditional remote-controlled vehicles allow for user-directed movement, they typically rely on basic drivetrain configurations, which restrict flexibility and control during play. Likewise, combat-based toys like laser tag sets tend to lack advanced feedback mechanisms, strategic movement, or the ability to integrate battlefield elements such as traps or power-ups.

Additionally, current robotic systems rarely offer meaningful multiplayer interactions or centralized control mechanisms. Existing systems often rely on individual, disconnected units, making it difficult to establish a coordinated, rule-driven multiplayer experience. Moreover, battlefield dynamics in traditional systems are typically static, without the ability to incorporate real-time effects triggered by player actions, such as activating power-ups or traps. These limitations restrict gameplay variety and reduce the potential for strategic depth in competitive scenarios.

The combination of various sensor and communication technologies, such as infrared (IR) communication, radio frequency identification (RFID), and near-field communication (NFC), in a multiplayer robotic combat system addresses these shortcomings. By integrating these established technologies with real-time game management and advanced movement systems, the present invention offers a more dynamic and interactive experience. Specifically, the invention provides robots with omnidirectional movement capabilities, real-time combat using IR-based systems, and a central server to manage gameplay mechanics, synchronize robot interactions, and enforce game rules.

This system enables not only traditional combat features, such as shooting and hit detection, but also introduces interactive battlefield elements, including power-ups and traps, to enhance the strategic complexity of the game. Additionally, the system supports player customization through mobile device or controller integration, allowing for a variety of gameplay modes, including tournaments and spectator-based competitions. Thus, the present invention seeks to overcome the limitations of existing robotic toy systems by creating a coordinated, real-time multiplayer experience that incorporates a wide range of interactive technologies, providing users with an immersive, strategic gameplay environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to interactive robotic toys and multiplayer gaming systems, specifically focusing on remote-controlled robots designed to engage in competitive, combat-based gameplay. This invention draws inspiration from the mechanics of Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) video games, translating these elements into a physical environment where players control robots in real-time.

Existing robotic toys, such as laser tag systems or simple remote-controlled vehicles, offer limited features when it comes to complex, interactive gameplay. These products often focus on either movement or basic combat functionality but rarely combine these elements in a cohesive, interactive system. While traditional remote-controlled vehicles allow for user-directed movement, they typically rely on basic drivetrain configurations, which restrict flexibility and control during play. Likewise, combat-based toys like laser tag sets tend to lack advanced feedback mechanisms, strategic movement, or the ability to integrate battlefield elements such as traps or power-ups.

Additionally, current robotic systems rarely offer meaningful multiplayer interactions or centralized control mechanisms. Existing systems often rely on individual, disconnected units, making it difficult to establish a coordinated, rule-driven multiplayer experience. Moreover, battlefield dynamics in traditional systems are typically static, without the ability to incorporate real-time effects triggered by player actions, such as activating power-ups or traps. These limitations restrict gameplay variety and reduce the potential for strategic depth in competitive scenarios.

The combination of various sensor and communication technologies, such as infrared (IR) communication, radio frequency identification (RFID), and near-field communication (NFC), in a multiplayer robotic combat system addresses these shortcomings. By integrating these established technologies with real-time game management and advanced movement systems, the present invention offers a more dynamic and interactive experience. Specifically, the invention provides robots with omnidirectional movement capabilities, real-time combat using IR-based systems, and a central server to manage gameplay mechanics, synchronize robot interactions, and enforce game rules.

This system enables not only traditional combat features, such as shooting and hit detection, but also introduces interactive battlefield elements, including power-ups and traps, to enhance the strategic complexity of the game. Additionally, the system supports player customization through mobile device or controller integration, allowing for a variety of gameplay modes, including tournaments and spectator-based competitions.

Thus, the present invention seeks to overcome the limitations of existing robotic toy systems by creating a coordinated, real-time multiplayer experience that incorporates a wide range of interactive technologies, providing users with an immersive, strategic gameplay environment.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a concept sketch of the robot, showing the external physical structure and key components of the robot. Other internal components are not depicted in this figure. The labeled elements include the chassis or body of the robot (S10), a front-facing LED feedback panel (S20) for visual feedback during gameplay, and a 360-degree infrared (IR) sensor array (S30) depicted as a wrap-around visor for combat detection. A speaker (S40) is provided for audio feedback, offering sound cues for events such as hits or ability activations. The Mecanum wheel drivetrain (S50) is shown to enable omnidirectional movement. An indicator (S60) points underneath the robot to suggest sensors internally located at the bottom of the robot, which interface with trap and power-up spots. Finally, a USB-C charging port (S70) is illustrated for recharging the robot's battery.

FIG. 2 is a concept diagram of the battlefield environment, illustrating an example arena where the robots operate and interact. The labeled components include power-up zones and trap zones (S90), which provide temporary gameplay advantages (e.g., power-ups) or impose temporary gameplay disadvantages (e.g., traps). Robots (S100) are shown operating within the battlefield, specifically labeled as Robot1, Robot2, and Robot3. Modular obstacles (S110) are placed throughout the arena to create barriers for strategic navigation. The borders or walls of the battlefield environment (S120) are shown to confine gameplay within a defined space. A central computer or server (S130) with a control interface is depicted at the edge of the battlefield, managing gameplay synchronization and communication between the robots.

FIG. 3 is a simplified robot component diagram, providing an overview of the robot's internal systems and their interconnections. The labeled components include the computing system (C1), such as a microcontroller or system-on-a-chip, which governs robot operations. Short-range sensors for battlefield interaction (C2), such as RFID and/or NFC modules, are shown for detecting zones within the playing environment. A player interface communication system (C3) supports control input via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or 2.4 GHz RF. A power source (C4), such as a rechargeable battery, supplies energy to the robot. The long-range server communication system (C5), utilizing Wi-Fi, facilitates real-time game data exchange with the central server. The holonomic drivetrain (C6) enables omnidirectional movement using Mecanum or omni-wheels. The combat system (C7) is also illustrated, comprising infrared (IR) transmitters and receivers for detecting and transmitting combat signals.

FIG. 4 is a system overview diagram, showing the logical flow of data and interaction between the robot's components, the central server, and the battlefield environment. The labeled elements include the robot computing system (R1), such as a microcontroller, which manages health status, shields, combat actions, and temporary effects. The combat system receiver array (R2) includes IR sensors for detecting hits, and the combat system transmitter (R3) sends IR combat signals. A short-range sensor (R4), such as an NFC module, detects power-up or trap zones on the battlefield. The long-range player-interface communication module (R5) receives user input via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or 2.4 GHz RF. The central server communication module (R6) synchronizes game state data and enforces rules using Wi-Fi communication. The sub-components of the robot's computing system (R100-R110) manage processes such as shield regeneration, data reading, and ability activation. Detection processes within the combat system receiver array are labeled as R200 and R201, and transmission processes within the combat system transmitter are labeled as R300. Zone detection and state updating processes managed by the short-range sensor system are labeled as R400 through R402. The user input interface (R500) sends player commands to the robot, while communication between the robot and the central server to update the game state is labeled as R600.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a multiplayer robotic toy system that combines real-time combat, strategic movement, and interactive battlefield features within a physical gaming environment. This system integrates multiple technologies—including infrared (IR) communication, radio frequency identification (RFID), near-field communication (NFC), and holonomic drivetrains—to deliver an immersive and interactive experience. The invention consists of three main components: remote-controlled robots, a central game server, and an interactive battlefield environment. Each of these components, along with their interactions, is described in detail below.

The remote-controlled robots are central to the gameplay experience, each robot designed with a variety of functional systems to enable competitive interactions. For movement, each robot is equipped with a holonomic drivetrain (C6) implemented using either mecanum wheels (S50) or omni-wheels, allowing omnidirectional movement. This drivetrain empowers the robots to move forward, backward, laterally, or diagonally, independent of their orientation, giving players greater control over positioning and enabling complex strategies in combat. A motor driver regulates the electric motors controlling the wheels, while a computing system (C1) such as a microcontroller or system-on-a-chip (SoC) governs the motor driver to interpret and execute player commands, facilitating precise movement control.

To enable combat, the robots are outfitted with an infrared (IR) combat system (C7) consisting of an IR transmitter (R3) and a series of IR receivers (R2) positioned around the robot's exterior. The IR transmitter acts as a weapon, emitting an IR signal directed at other robots, and the receivers allow the robot to detect hits from any direction, creating a 360-degree detection radius (S30). The IR protocol transmits specific information, including the unique ID of the firing robot, the strength of the shot, and any special effects (e.g., shield penetration). This data allows for accurate hit registration, which is processed by the robot's health system (R1), comprising hitpoints and shields (R101-R102). Hitpoints represent the robot's core health, decreasing with each registered hit, while shields offer a regenerative protective layer that absorbs damage first, replenishing over time if the robot avoids further damage. These health metrics are tracked by the robot's computing system (C1), which relays updates to the central server (R6) to maintain game synchronization.

Beyond basic combat, each robot includes special abilities (R107) that introduce tactical depth, such as temporary damage boosts, speed increases, trap deployment, or shield regeneration. These abilities are regulated by cooldown timers stored in the robot's computing system, preventing repeated use until a set period has elapsed. Real-time interaction with the battlefield environment is further enabled by a short-range sensor (C2, R4), such as an NFC module, located at the robot's base. This sensor detects NFC tags embedded in specific battlefield zones—such as power-up zones and trap zones (S90) that provide temporary advantages or impose temporary disadvantages. The computing system processes these environmental interactions and communicates the effect (e.g., enhanced shields or impaired movement) to the central server (R6), which applies the effect in real time.

An optional feature of the system is an RFID reader within each robot, designed to detect collectible figurines equipped with RFID tags. When scanned, these figurines grant the robot minor gameplay enhancements, such as additional hitpoints or increased damage, adding an element of personalization. Although not essential for gameplay, this feature enhances the user experience by enabling optional customization. Each robot also includes audio-visual feedback mechanisms: an LED feedback panel (S20) and a speaker (S40) that provide real-time cues during gameplay. For instance, LEDs may flash to indicate a hit or ability activation, while sound effects from the speaker signal actions like firing or taking damage. The computing system controls these feedback mechanisms, ensuring players receive immediate visual and auditory responses to in-game events.

The central game server (S130, R6) is responsible for real-time coordination across the system, managing game mechanics, synchronizing robot interactions, enforcing game rules, and maintaining up-to-date status information for each robot. Communication between the robots and the central server is facilitated through a long-range communication system (C5, R6), such as a Wi-Fi network, enabling continuous tracking of each robot's health, shield status, special ability cooldowns, and power-up effects. The server synchronizes each event—such as a registered hit, shield regeneration, or power-up detection—ensuring a consistent and fair gaming experience for all players. Additionally, the server enables players to customize gameplay modes by adjusting parameters such as hitpoints, rate of fire, or ability cooldowns, tailoring the game to suit different play styles and levels of difficulty. For spectator or tournament scenarios, the server can output gameplay data to an external display, allowing for live monitoring of the game's progress.

To further enhance gameplay and enable strategic positioning, the central server optionally includes RFID-based tracking across the battlefield. RFID readers positioned throughout the arena detect each robot's unique RFID tag, providing positional data that can be displayed externally for players or spectators. This positional awareness adds a layer of strategy, as players can observe their opponents'locations and respond accordingly.

The battlefield environment is designed to influence gameplay through interactive zones and configurable terrain. Specific areas of the battlefield contain power-up zones and trap zones (S90) that grant robots temporary advantages, such as speed boosts, additional shields, or increased attack power, or impose temporary disadvantages, such as reducing movement speed or disabling certain abilities. These effects are triggered by the robot's short-range sensor (C2, R4), which detects the NFC tags embedded in each zone. Once activated, the computing system in the robot manages the effect, communicating with the central server to enforce the effect's duration and characteristics.

The battlefield is also modular, allowing for a variety of obstacles (S110), barriers, and terrain elements that can be arranged to create diverse gameplay environments. The battlefield's walls (S120) confine the game to a specific area, while configurable elements introduce new challenges and tactical considerations, increasing the game's strategic depth. Players can alter the arrangement to create unique layouts, accommodating different play styles or levels of difficulty.

Each robot is wirelessly connected to the central server and controlled by players using either Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz RF modules (C3, R5). The long-range communication system enables the robots to send and receive updates to and from the server, maintaining real-time gameplay synchronization. The player interface communication module facilitates player control, enabling the use of mobile devices, tablets, or dedicated game controllers to issue commands such as movement, firing, and ability activation. The Bluetooth module is ideal for mobile device connectivity, while the 2.4 GHz RF module offers low-latency communication, supporting responsive control for fast-paced, competitive scenarios.