Game system

Abstract

A game system comprising a game device (12; 92) which has a control unit (16; 104) and at least one movable, real game item (34, 36; 94), wherein operating instructions from a user at the control unit (16; 104) for moving the at least one game item (34, 36; 94) can be detected and transmitted to it, wherein the game system (10; 90) comprises a data processing unit (80) spatially separate from the game device (12; 92), which is designed and programmed such that it can provide game-influencing data which can be transmitted to and interpreted by the control unit (16; 104), wherein the game-influencing data is of a nature to influence the movement of the at least one game item (34, 36; 94), wherein the control unit (16; 104) can control a plurality of game levels provides, with a different range of functions for controlling at least one game item (34, 36;94) are linked, whereby the game influence data cannot be taken into account by the control unit in each of the game levels, and wherein the game levels are hierarchically structured in terms of their functional scope.;

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a gaming system comprising a gaming device which has a control unit and at least one movable, real game item, wherein operating instructions from a user for moving the at least one game item can be detected at the control unit and transmitted to it.

[0002] Such a game system can be designed in a variety of ways, for example as a model railway layout where a control unit is used for a railway-related toy, and especially model railway items. It is also conceivable that the toy is not railway-related and that the control unit acts as a remote control, such as a radio remote control, with which the movement of the toy can be controlled.

[0003] To enhance the play value of such a game system in the form of a model railway, it is known that communication between the control unit and the game item can be bidirectional. In DE 10 2011 003 472 A1 of the same applicant, it is described that parameters characterizing the operating state of the game item can be transmitted to the control unit. For example, a threshold distance traveled by the game item and / or threshold operating time can be determined, and a user, in imitation of the full-scale prototype, can be prompted to refill the operating fluid. The fictitious operating fluid defines a virtual parameter that is assigned to the game item to make the game system more realistic.

[0004] JP 2000-300857 A describes a toy device in the form of a model railway layout, whose toy items (model railway items) are also linked to virtual parameters. The control unit stores the acceleration and braking behavior of a full-scale prototype of the toy item, taking these parameters into account to realistically simulate the toy's movement. Furthermore, track contacts link fictitious positions of the toy item to virtual parameters in the form of railway stations, allowing the user to move the real toy item within a virtual environment and travel from station to station using the control unit.

[0005] German patent DE 10 2004 016 636 A1 describes a model railway system with a control unit and a toy, where a transmission device is also provided on the track. Control commands can be transmitted from the control unit via a first transmission channel that uses the track, and via a second transmission channel that uses the transmission device located near the track. In addition to the commands sent via the track, this allows functions of the toy to be controlled that could not otherwise be triggered by the control unit. Furthermore, the transmission device is used, for example, for programming the toy.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a generic game system with which an increase in the game value is possible.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention in a game system of the type mentioned at the outset by the fact that the game system comprises a data processing unit spatially separate from the game device, which is designed and programmed in such a way that it can provide game-influencing data which can be transmitted to the control unit and interpreted by it, wherein the game-influencing data is of a nature to influence the movement of the at least one game item, wherein the control unit provides a plurality of game levels which are linked with a respective different range of functions for controlling the at least one game item, wherein the game-influencing data is not taken into account by the control unit in every one of the game levels, and wherein the game levels are hierarchically structured with regard to their range of functions.

[0008] Providing a data processing unit that is spatially separate from the gaming device allows for a more versatile design of the gaming system than is possible in the aforementioned publications DE 10 2011 003 472 A1 and JP 2000-300857 A. The spatially separate data processing unit, for example, a server belonging to the gaming device manufacturer, can provide game-influencing data that can be interpreted by the control unit. For this purpose, the control unit preferably includes a control program for receiving, evaluating, and processing the game-influencing data.

[0009] According to the invention, the game control data is designed to influence the movement of the at least one game item. In the present context, this preferably means that the game control data is designed to influence the mobility of the at least one game item. This can include the ability of the at least one game item to move at all, for example, relative to a track section in a model railway or relative to a floor surface in the case of a freely movable game item, and / or, in particular, to move on a specific track section of the game device if it is designed as a model railway. Accordingly, the game control data can enable the blocking and release of the game item or the track section.For example, user instructions to move the game item or to move it along a specific track section may be ignored or rejected by the control unit.

[0010] In the present context, the influence on the movement of the at least one game item can preferably be further understood to mean that the movement behavior of the at least one game item is controllable, wherein the game item itself is movable. For example, the game influence data allows the control of the movement of the game item in imitation of a large-scale technical model, for example with regard to the starting behavior, steady-state behavior or braking behavior.

[0011] It is advantageous if the game-influencing data is designed to trigger a game situation for at least one game item or device that corresponds to a real-world situation in a large-scale technical model that the game item is intended to emulate. This allows a real-world event to be transferred into the game system as a kind of "scenario." Key parameters from the large-scale technical world can be implemented as virtual parameters for the game device and, in particular, the game item, thereby significantly increasing the game's value.

[0012] It is not absolutely necessary that the replica of a large-scale technical model by at least one toy item be accurate to scale.

[0013] It is advantageous if the game control data is configured to provide a virtual fuel necessary for moving the at least one game item. This can be understood, in particular, as the game control data containing information for the control unit that the at least one game item is being or can be supplied with a fuel, such as coal, diesel, water, oil, gasoline, or sand. It may be stipulated that the virtual fuel is required for the game item to be moved according to the user's instructions. Accordingly, the virtual fuel can influence the movement of the game item.

[0014] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the game control data allows for the determination of virtual working hours for the virtual operator of at least one game item, for example, to initiate or end a strike by the virtual operator or to begin or end a work shift. This allows for the creation of a game situation that mirrors a real-life situation. The game control data includes, for example, information that the virtual operator has gone on strike and is blocking the movement of the game item, thus restricting its mobility. The strike can then be ended and the movement of the game item restored accordingly.Furthermore, it is conceivable that the game influence data includes information that the virtual operator is performing a shift change and that, accordingly, the movement of the game item must be stopped, which can only be resumed after a change or a new login of a real user or virtual operator.

[0015] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the game control data allows for making a section of the track within the game device accessible or blocked for at least one game item. For example, the game control data might indicate that, in a game device in the form of a model railway, a specific track section must first be opened. This could be done, for instance, by officially inaugurating and putting it into operation in a simulation of a major technical event, perhaps after it has undergone a virtual inspection by a virtual regulatory authority. It is also conceivable that a track section could be virtually rented, which could be understood as renting it from another user or as paying a toll to a virtual regulatory authority.All these variations of the game-influencing data also allow the mobility of the game item to be influenced, by making it possible to enter or no longer enter the section of road only after the corresponding actions have been performed.

[0016] Preferably, the data processing unit is designed and programmed such that the game-influencing data can be provided randomly and / or according to a timer. Game-influencing data provided randomly or according to a timer and transmitted to the control unit allows for further enhancement of the game's value.

[0017] It is advantageous if the data processing unit includes a communication interface that can be connected to a user input unit, and if the data processing unit is designed and programmed in such a way that game-influencing data can be provided based on user input at the input unit, which can be transmitted to the data processing unit. The user can use an input unit to communicate with the data processing unit via the communication interface. User input can be transmitted to the data processing unit, and game-influencing data can be provided based on this input according to the user's instructions and preferably transmitted to the control unit.

[0018] The game system can include at least one input unit.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, it is beneficial if the control unit includes or forms an input unit for the game system. This allows the user to utilize the control unit to transmit inputs to the data processing unit for requesting game-influencing data.

[0020] The input unit can be designed as a conventional computer, for example as a desktop computer, a laptop computer or a tablet PC.

[0021] It is advantageous if the communication interface is designed to establish a connection with a mobile, portable input device running a communication application program that captures user input and transmits it to the data processing unit. This communication application program, for example in the form of an "app," is preferably specifically designed for communication between the input device and the data processing unit. This simplifies the process for the user to transmit input to the data processing unit to request game-influencing data. Examples of such a portable input device include a smartphone or a tablet PC.

[0022] It is advantageous to have a wireless and / or wired data connection between the control unit and the data processing unit, allowing the game-influencing data to be transmitted from the data processing unit to the control unit. The control unit and the data processing unit may be permanently connected wirelessly and / or via a wired connection. However, a wireless and / or wired data connection between the control unit and the data processing unit is usually established as needed. This data connection allows for the simple transmission of the game-influencing data to the control unit.

[0023] Preferably, the data connection is established via a communication network, or can be established via such a network, in particular the internet. This proves especially advantageous if the data processing unit is a computer located far away from the gaming device, such as one belonging to the manufacturer of the gaming device. Examples of other communication networks via which the data connection can be established include mobile networks.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the game-influencing data can be transferred from the data processing unit to the control unit via a separate storage medium. For example, a non-volatile storage medium such as a USB drive or flash memory can be used, on which the game-influencing data is stored and can be read by the control unit.

[0025] It is also conceivable that the data is stored on the storage medium by a user's input unit and can then be read by the control unit.

[0026] It is advantageous if the data processing unit is designed and programmed to provide a website or internet portal through which users can request game-influencing data from the data processing unit. The website or internet portal offers a user-friendly way to request game-influencing data, which can then be provided by the data processing unit based on user input and preferably transmitted directly to the control unit. The website or internet portal may require user registration and allow for the management of multiple user profiles in a database, enabling each user to request game-influencing data independently or in combination with other users.It may be provided that the data processing unit determines which users regularly or frequently use the website or internet portal, so that particularly “active” users receive a reward, for example a free game item for the gaming device.

[0027] It is advantageous if the data processing unit is designed and programmed to provide a trading and / or order platform through which the user can trade virtual fuel for at least one game item. This can significantly increase the game's value. For example, the user can "buy" virtual fuel from a virtual vendor or trade virtual fuel with other users of the trading and / or order platform. The user can store acquired or traded fuel in a virtual depot on the trading and / or order platform. Virtual fuel can be requested from the data processing unit, which then provides the corresponding game-influencing data for transmission to the control unit.

[0028] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the data processing unit is designed and programmed to provide a trading and / or order platform through which one user can issue an order to another user to move at least one game item along a predetermined path and / or to a predetermined position. This also significantly increases the game's value, as, for example, virtual driving orders can be negotiated or assigned between users, particularly in a game device such as a model railway. The data processing unit provides the game-influencing data based on the user's input(s) on the trading and / or order platform.

[0029] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the data processing unit is designed and programmed to provide a trading and / or ordering platform through which the user can request that a section of track within the game device be made available for use. This allows for an increase in the game's value, for example, by enabling the user to virtually rent or put into operation a section of track in a model railway layout. Depending on the user's input, the data processing unit can provide the game-influencing data so that the track section is only accessible when a corresponding virtual request from the user is received. Similarly, it can be provided that the track section is blocked if no such virtual request is received.

[0030] As a result, a virtual environment for the game device can be created by providing the trading and / or order platform. In this virtual environment, parameters or events from a large-scale technical model, which the at least one game item is designed to emulate, are preferably replicated by virtual parameters such as, in particular, virtual fuel, virtual requests to drive on track sections, and / or virtual driving orders.

[0031] It is advantageous if communication between the control unit and the at least one game item can be bidirectional. For example, it is beneficial if usage data can be transmitted from the at least one game item to the control unit, and if the control unit, based on this usage data, determines the status, supply, and / or consumption of a virtual resource for the at least one game item and preferably displays this information to the user. This increases the game's value by allowing the user to be informed at the control unit that the virtual resource needs to be replenished.

[0032] Conveniently, the consumption of virtual fuel depends on the movement state of the at least one game item. For example, the motor speed, motor power, and / or motor torque of a drive motor of the at least one game item are used to determine the consumption of virtual fuel, with the consumption being higher the higher the motor power.

[0033] It may be specifically designed that the control unit can terminate the movement of at least one game item when a predetermined supply of virtual fuel is depleted. As with the larger-scale model, the at least one game item can no longer be moved if no virtual fuel is available. User instructions to move the game item at the control unit may be ineffective or rejected.

[0034] To enhance gameplay, the control unit can allow the user to replenish virtual fuel. This can be done directly at the control unit, for example, by the user virtually replenishing the fuel, perhaps using a control element on the unit. It is possible for the control unit to have an unlimited supply of virtual fuel. However, it is particularly advantageous, as explained above, if virtual fuel is requested from the data processing unit via game-influence data and transferred to the control unit as needed to achieve a high degree of realism.

[0035] According to the invention, the control unit provides multiple authorization levels or game levels, each linked to a different range of functions for controlling the at least one game item. Depending on the authorization level (e.g., beginner, experienced user, "pro"), the control unit provides the user with a different range of functions for controlling the game item. Game-influencing data is not interpreted and considered by the control unit at every authorization level, allowing a user to customize the complexity of their game with the device according to their knowledge and experience.

[0036] In an advantageous embodiment, the play device is designed as a model railway system, which can be designed as a model railway system or as a model race track system.

[0037] The at least one toy item is preferably a model railway vehicle, in particular a model railway locomotive, specifically a model railway locomotive.

[0038] In another advantageous embodiment, the control unit may include or form a remote control, in particular a radio remote control, for the at least one toy item, and the at least one toy item may be a non-railway-bound toy item. For example, the toy item is a remotely controlled vehicle or aircraft.

[0039] It may be provided that the control unit is spatially separated from the at least one toy item and is in operative communication with it via cable or wirelessly, for example in the case of a model railway system or a remotely controlled non-railway-bound toy item.

[0040] In another advantageous embodiment, the control unit and the at least one game item form an integrated game device. Accordingly, the control unit can be integrated into the at least one game item, for example, arranged in a common housing with it.

[0041] Especially when a data connection exists between the control unit and the data processing unit, it is advantageous if service data can be transferred from the data processing unit to the control unit, particularly updates for a control program of the control unit and / or for an operating program stored in the at least one game item. Updates such as so-called "updates" to a control program of the control unit or the operating program can be transferred to the control unit or the game item in a user-friendly manner to bring the control program or the operating program up to date.

[0042] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the drawing, serves to explain the invention in more detail. The drawing shows: Fig. 1: a schematic representation of a first preferred embodiment of a gaming system according to the invention, comprising a gaming device with a control unit; Fig. 2: a first schematic representation of a display of the control unit; Fig. 3: a second schematic representation of the display; Fig. 4: a third schematic representation of the display and Fig. 5: a schematic representation of a second preferred embodiment of a game system according to the invention.

[0043] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a game system according to the invention, designated in its entirety by reference numeral 10. The game system 10 comprises a game device 12, which in this case is configured as a model railway system, and in particular as a model railway system 14. The model railway system 14 comprises a control unit 16 in which a control program is stored and which has a plurality of operating elements for a user, for example, buttons 18 and a speed controller 20. The control unit 16 further comprises a display 22, which is located in the Fig. Figures 2 to 4 are schematically depicted in different game situations of the model railway layout 14, which will be discussed in more detail below. The display 22 is preferably designed as a touchscreen, so that operating instructions can be entered by a user at the control unit 16, which are then processed by the control program.

[0044] The model railway layout 14 comprises a track 24, of which two track sections 26 and 28 are shown here. The control unit 16 is electrically connected to the track 24 via two lines 30 and 32. Driving commands and other control commands resulting from user instructions at the control unit 16 can be transmitted from the unit to the track 24 via one of the lines 30 or 32.

[0045] The commands are specifically intended for two play items of the play device 12, which are designed as model railway locomotives 34 and 36. Locomotives 34 and 36 are electrically connected to track 24 via a sliding contact in the usual manner. Commands from the control unit 16 can be interpreted and executed by a respective model railway decoder 38.

[0046] The model railway decoder 38 can send feedback to the control unit 16 via the other line 30, 32, thus establishing a bidirectional communication channel between it and the locomotives 34, 36. This feedback includes, for example, usage data related to the movement of locomotives 34, 36. This usage data could include information on the speed, power, or torque at which each drive motor 40 of locomotives 34 and 36 is operating. It is also conceivable that the usage data could include information on the distance traveled and / or the travel time of locomotives 34, 36.

[0047] Usage data can be transmitted to control unit 16, which can then use the control program to determine a fictitious consumption of a virtual operating fluid for locomotives 34 and 36. In this case, locomotives 34 and 36 are steam locomotives, which, in their full-scale counterparts (of which locomotives 34 and 36 are modeled), require operating fluids, particularly coal or water. Depending on the operation of locomotives 34 and 36, the control program of control unit 16 can determine the state of the respective operating fluid, especially its level and consumption.

[0048] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the display 22, which depicts a control panel 42 for one of the locomotives 34 or 36 (explained below using locomotive 34 as an example). The control panel 42 includes operating elements 44 that can be activated via the touchscreen of the display 22. For example, a smoke generator, a sound generator, or a light generator of locomotive 34 are controlled via the operating elements 44. Furthermore, the control panel 42 includes a display of a speedometer 46, which can be used to show the virtual speed of locomotive 34, converted to the full-scale prototype.

[0049] The control program of control unit 16 allows for multiple authorization or game levels, which are hierarchically structured. Depending on their experience and knowledge, a user can select a different game level, so that control unit 16 provides them with different functionalities and operating options. In higher game levels, a greater degree of realism can thus be achieved with the game device 12 than in lower game levels.

[0050] In the first stage of the game, for example, only the control panel 42 is displayed on the display 22. Feedback from the model railway decoder 38 regarding the virtual operating fluid of the locomotive 34 is ignored.

[0051] In a further, second game stage, for example a control element 48 is displayed on the control panel 42, via which the user can switch to a consumption display 50 for virtual fuel on the display 22. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of consumption 50 with exemplary stock representations 52 and 54 for coal and water respectively.

[0052] In the second game stage, the consumption of virtual fuel (coal or water) has no effect on whether locomotive 34 moves or can move. However, the user can "replenish" the virtual fuel via controls 56 and 58 on the touchscreen of display 22, of which sufficient quantities are always available.

[0053] In a further, third game stage, it may be provided that sufficient virtual operating resources are also available, which the user can replenish at the consumption display 50 by operating controls 56 and 58. However, in the third game stage, it is provided that if one of the operating resources is lacking, the movement of locomotive 34 can be influenced. For example, if the virtual operating resource coal is lacking, the control program can send the control command to locomotive 34 to stop. User operating instructions are ignored or rejected.

[0054] In the third game stage, it may also be provided that the user can switch from the control panel 42 via a control element 60 of the touchscreen of the display 22 to a mode of the third game stage in which a fictitious driver's cab 62 of the locomotive 34 is displayed on the display 22. The driver's cab 62 represents, for example, control elements 64 in the form of handwheels that can be operated via the touchscreen of the display 22, as well as a section 66 of the display 22, which shows a fictitious view from the locomotive 34 onto a virtual track 68.

[0055] The play device 12 comprises a plurality of contact elements on track 24, for example in the form of reed contacts, one of which is designated with reference numeral 70 in Fig. Figure 1 shows the reed contact 70, which is electrically connected to track 24 via lines 72 and 74 and includes a model railway decoder 76. The model railway decoder 76 can send usage data to the control unit 16 via the bidirectional communication channel. This data includes information that the respective locomotive 34, 36 (shown using locomotive 36 as an example) has passed contact 70. The control program can then, for example in section 66, execute a command in Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a virtual refilling station for replenishing the virtual operating fluid. By virtually approaching the refilling station, for example a coal or water reservoir, the virtual operating fluid of locomotive 34 can be replenished, thus maintaining its movement.

[0056] It is also conceivable that in the third game stage, virtual refill stations 78 are displayed in the driver's cab 62 at irregular intervals, and that the virtual operating fluid is refilled when passing them.

[0057] In a further, fourth game stage, it may be provided that control is only possible via the driver's cab 62, but the control panel 42 is not available.

[0058] Game system 10 also includes a [feature / component] in Fig. 1. A schematically represented data processing unit 80, for example in the form of a server belonging to a manufacturer of the gaming device 12. The data processing unit 80 and the gaming device 12 are spatially separated from each other, wherein the data processing unit 80 and the control unit 16 can be connected and / or are connected to each other via a communication network 82, specifically via the Internet. The connection can be partially wired and / or wireless.

[0059] Data can be transferred from the data processing unit 80 to the control unit 16 via the communication network 82 and interpreted and evaluated by its control program.

[0060] A user can communicate with the data processing unit 80 via a communication interface 84 using an input unit 86. The input unit 86 is, for example, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a portable mobile device such as a smartphone or a tablet PC. A communication application program, for example in the form of an "app," can be provided on the input unit 86 to facilitate communication between the user and the data processing unit 80.

[0061] The data processing unit 80, not shown in the drawing, is designed and programmed to provide the user with a website or internet portal through which the user has access to a trading and / or order platform. The trading and / or order platform can also be accessed via the communication application program of the input unit 86.

[0062] Via the trading and / or order platform provided by Data Processing Unit 80 (hereinafter referred to as the "Platform"), the user can request game-influencing data from Data Processing Unit 80, which can then be transmitted to Control Unit 16 to influence the movement of locomotives 34 and 36. For example, the user can purchase virtual fuel, perhaps from a virtual supplier. It is also conceivable that different users of Data Processing Unit 80 could trade virtual fuel. The user can store the purchased or traded virtual fuel in a virtual memory. The game-influencing data can include information sent to Control Unit 16 indicating that the virtual fuel supply is replenished.Particularly in the aforementioned game levels 3 and 4, where the supply of virtual fuel is limited, the game influence data can be interpreted by the control program of control unit 16 as requiring the replenishment of virtual fuel. This allows the mobility of locomotives 34 and 36 to be influenced. They can only be moved again after the virtual fuel has been replenished.

[0063] The platform allows the user to request further game-control data. For example, they can block or release a section of track 24, such as track section 28, by virtually renting it or virtually paying a toll for track section 28. It is also conceivable that track section 28 may require approval from a virtual regulatory authority. The movement of locomotives 34 and 36 on or around track section 28 is only possible once the corresponding game-control data has been transmitted to the control unit 16 and interpreted by it as indicating that track section 28 is clear.

[0064] The game-influencing data can include, for example, information on how to move locomotives 34 and 36 along a predetermined route and / or to a predetermined position on track 24. This allows transport orders to be negotiated and / or issued via the platform. For example, different users can issue transport orders to each other. In this case, the mobility of locomotives 34 and 36 is affected, for example, by the fact that sections of track 24 not included in the predetermined route cannot be traversed by locomotives 34 and 36.

[0065] Game control data that influences the movement of locomotives 34, 36 can also be transferred randomly and / or time-controlled from the data processing unit 80 to the control unit 16.

[0066] For example, the game influence data includes virtual working hours for the virtual operators of locomotives 34 and 36, specifically during a strike by virtual locomotive drivers. Locomotives 34 and 36 are immobile for the duration of the strike and can only be moved again once the strike has ended. The point in time at which this occurs can be time-controlled and / or randomly transmitted via the game influence data by data processing unit 80. It is also conceivable that virtual working hours include a virtual shift change between the operators of locomotives 34 and 36, during which they are taken out of service by control unit 16. Only after a new user has logged in to control unit 16 and / or the virtual operator has fictitiously performed a shift change can locomotives 34 and 36 be put back into operation.

[0067] As a result, the gaming system 10, by providing the data processing unit 80 and the possibility of providing game-influencing data, in particular via the website, the internet portal and / or the communication application program and especially preferably in combination with the platform, allows a high increase in the gaming value of the gaming device 12.

[0068] As explained using the example of the virtual fuel, it is intended that the game-influencing data will not be taken into account by the control unit 16 in all of the game levels described above. For example, game-influencing data will only be taken into account in the "higher game levels" 3 and 4, which require greater experience and knowledge of the user in dealing with the game device 12.

[0069] Fig.Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of another preferred embodiment of a gaming system according to the invention, designated by reference numeral 90. The advantages explained using the example of gaming system 10 can also be achieved with gaming system 90. Identical reference numerals are used for identical and equivalent features.

[0070] The game system 90 comprises a game device 92, which includes a game item in the form of a radio-controlled vehicle 94. The vehicle 94, for example a replica of a truck, can be moved on a base 98 using a chassis 96. To control the chassis 96, the vehicle 94 has a drive motor 100, which is coupled to a vehicle decoder 102. A control unit 104 in the form of a radio remote control 106 allows the vehicle 94 to be moved, with driving commands from operating elements 108 being transmitted wirelessly to the vehicle 94.

[0071] The game system 90 also includes the data processing unit 80, which can establish a data connection with the control unit 104 via the communication network 82. The input unit 86 allows a user to communicate with the data processing unit 80 via the communication interface 84.

[0072] In the case of vehicle 94, it can also be provided that a virtual operating fluid, such as gasoline, can be determined by the control unit 104, depending on the vehicle's movement across the ground. Corresponding usage data can be transmitted to the control unit 104 via the vehicle decoder 102 and the radio connection. It can be provided that the user must refill the virtual operating fluid, otherwise the control program of the control unit 104 will disable vehicle 94, rendering it immobile. As explained in the example of game system 10, this is achieved in particular by requesting virtual operating fluid from the data processing unit 80, which can then transmit corresponding game-influencing data to the control unit 104.

[0073] Game-influencing data that can affect the movement of vehicle 94 includes, in particular, virtual damage to vehicle 94. This damage can be transmitted, for example, on a timed and / or random basis from data processing unit 80 to control unit 104, disabling vehicle 94. Its movement can only be resumed when the user requests virtual repairs from data processing unit 80, which then allow vehicle 94 to move again based on the relevant game-influencing data.

[0074] Corresponding virtual damage is of course also possible in the case of the game system 10, whose data processing unit 80 can transmit game influence data to the control unit 16 in a corresponding manner.

[0075] The game system 90 also allows the transmission of further game-influencing data to influence the movement of vehicle 94, as explained using the example of a strike or working hours of virtual operating personnel of vehicle 94, the release and / or blocking of certain lanes of vehicle 94.

Claims

[1] A gaming system comprising a gaming device (12; 92) which has a control unit (16; 104) and at least one movable, real game item (34, 36; 94), wherein operating instructions from a user at the control unit (16; 104) for moving the at least one game item (34, 36; 94) can be detected and transmitted to it, wherein the gaming system (10; 90) comprises a data processing unit (80) spatially separate from the gaming device (12; 92), which is designed and programmed such that it can provide game-influencing data which can be transmitted to and interpreted by the control unit (16; 104), wherein the game-influencing data is of a nature to influence the movement of the at least one game item (34, 36; 94), wherein the control unit (16; 104) can detect a plurality of provides game levels, each with a different range of functions for controlling at least one game item (34, 36;94) are linked, whereby the game influence data cannot be taken into account by the control unit in each of the game levels, and wherein the game levels are hierarchically structured in terms of their functional scope.; [2] Game system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the game-influencing data are such that they influence the mobility and / or movement behavior of at least one game item (34, 36; 94). [3] Game system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the game influencing data are designed to trigger a game situation of the at least one game article (34, 36; 94) or the game device (12; 92), which game situation corresponds to a real life situation of a large-scale technical model to which the at least one game article (34, 36; 94) is modeled. [4] Game system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the game-influence data conforms to at least one of the following: - to provide a virtual fuel necessary to move the at least one game item (34, 36; 94); - to determine the virtual working time of virtual operators of the at least one game item (34, 36; 94), for example to initiate or end a strike of the virtual operators or to start or end a work shift of the virtual operators; - to make a section of roadway encompassed by the play device (12; 92) passable or to block the at least one play item (34, 36; 94). [5] Game system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the game system (10; 90) includes a communication interface (84) that can be coupled to a user input unit (86), and that the data processing unit (80) is designed and programmed in such a way that the game influencing data can be made available depending on user inputs at the input unit (86) that can be transmitted to the data processing unit (80). [6] Game system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a wireless and / or wired data connection is established or can be established between the control unit (16; 104) and the data processing unit (80), via which the game influence data can be transmitted from the data processing unit (80) to the control unit (16; 104). [7] Game system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the data processing unit (80) is designed and programmed to provide a website or internet portal through which the user can request game-influencing data from the data processing unit (80). [8] Game system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the data processing unit (80) is designed and programmed to provide a trading and / or order platform through which a virtual fuel for the at least one game item (34, 36; 94) can be traded by the user and / or an order can be placed by one user to another user to move the at least one game item (34, 36; 94) according to a predetermined path and / or to a predetermined position and / or to request that a roadway section encompassed by the game device (12; 92) be made passable, and that the data processing unit (80) provides the game influencing data depending on the user's inputs on the trading and / or order platform. [9] Game system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that usage data from at least one game item (34, 36; 94) can be transmitted to the control unit (16; 104) and that the control unit (16; 104) determines the status, supply and / or consumption of a virtual fuel for the at least one game item (34, 36; 94) based on the usage data and displays it to a user on a screen. [10] Game system according to claim 9, characterized by , that the consumption of virtual fuel depends on a movement state of the at least one game item (34, 36; 94). [11] Game system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the play device (12) is designed as a model railway system, in particular as a model railway system (14), preferably that the at least one play item (34, 36) is a model railway vehicle, in particular a model railway locomotive (34, 36). [12] Game system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by, that the control unit (104) comprises or forms a remote control, in particular a radio remote control (106), for the at least one toy article (94) and that the at least one toy article (94) is a non-railway-bound toy article (94).

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