Interactive portable gaming system and connection setup

Abstract

Portable interactive game unit that includes the following: a base comprising an extendable shaft which is displaceable in a compressed configuration and an extended configuration, the extendable shaft extending outwards; a projection head that is mounted at a distal end of the extendable shaft and is therefore movable; and a pneumatic actuator that is operatively connected to and activatable with the extendable shaft to configure the extendable shaft between the compressed configuration and the extended configuration.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The technical field relates to interactive games and a connection arrangement between a base part and a head part. In particular, it relates to a portable interactive game system that makes it possible to use a room or a large part of a room as a facility for an interactive game, comprising at least a section of a wall that is used as an interactive surface in the interactive game, and a method for operating the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] Interactive play systems such as the Lü® and Neo-One™ interactive playgrounds are well-known, allowing users to engage in various activities using body parts or real-world elements. These systems are typically ceiling-mounted and project onto a wall surface and / or floor.

[0003] These systems are hardly portable, as they cannot be moved easily and quickly from one place to another.

[0004] In light of the above, there is a need for an improved interactive game system and a method for operating it that is capable of overcoming or at least minimizing some of the prior art problems discussed above. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Therefore, one objective of the present invention is to address the problems mentioned above.

[0006] According to a general aspect, a portable interactive gaming unit is provided, comprising: a base including an extendable shaft that protrudes from it and is configurable in a compressed and an extended configuration; a projection head that is mounted at a distal end of the extendable shaft and is thus movable; and a pneumatic actuator that is operatively connected to and activatable with the extendable shaft to configure the extendable shaft in the compressed and extended configurations.

[0007] According to another general aspect, a portable interactive gaming unit is provided, comprising: a base including an extendable shaft projecting from it, configurable in a compressed and an extended configuration, the base comprising a central unit and a plurality of extendable legs mounted on the central unit, the extendable legs being selectively configurable in a compressed and an extended configuration, the base being at least partially supported on a floor by the central unit in the compressed configuration of the extendable legs, and the base being supported on the floor by the extendable legs in the extended configuration, with the central unit being spaced from the floor;and a projection head that is mounted at a distal end of the extendable shaft and is therefore movable.

[0008] According to another general aspect, a portable interactive gaming unit is provided, comprising: a base including an extendable shaft projecting from it, configurable in a compressed and an extended configuration; a projection head mounted at a distal end of the extendable shaft and thus movable; and a sound module comprising a low-frequency sub-module located in the base and a high-frequency sub-module located in the projection head.

[0009] According to yet another general aspect, a portable interactive gaming unit is provided, comprising: a base including an extendable shaft projecting from it, configurable in a compressed and an extended configuration; a projection head mounted at a distal end of the extendable shaft and thus movable; and a connector sleeve containing and surrounding a variety of cables extending between the projection head and the base.

[0010] According to a general principle, a portable interactive gaming unit is provided, which includes the following: a base comprising an extendable shaft which is displaceable in a compressed configuration and an extended configuration, the extendable shaft extending outwards; a projection head that is mounted at a distal end of the extendable shaft and is therefore movable; and a pneumatic actuator that is operatively connected to and activatable with the extendable shaft to configure the extendable shaft in the compressed configuration and the extended configuration.

[0011] In one embodiment, the base comprises a central unit that defines a chamber, and the pneumatic actuator is at least partially contained within the chamber.

[0012] In one embodiment, the pneumatic actuator includes an air compressor.

[0013] In one embodiment, the extendable shaft is a telescopic shaft.

[0014] In the extended configuration of the extendable shaft, the length of the extendable shaft projecting outwards from the central unit can be longer than the height of the central unit.

[0015] In one embodiment, the projection head comprises a coupling receptacle, and the portable interactive game unit further comprises a head engagement coupling that is mounted on the distal end of the extendable shaft and can engage in the coupling receptacle to detachably mount the projection head to the distal end of the extendable shaft. Each of the coupling receptacle and the head engagement coupling can comprise an insertion section with a tapered profile and a coupling section that is wider than the coupling section.The projection head may include functional connectors and / or functional terminals that are exposed in the coupling receptacle recess, and the head engagement coupling may include functional connectors and / or functional terminals that are complementary to and can be coupled to the functional connectors and / or functional terminals of the projection head when the head engagement coupling is inserted into the coupling receptacle recess of the projection head.The head-engagement coupling may further comprise a function connector support on which the function connectors and / or function ports are mounted, and the function connector support may be selectively configurable in a raised configuration and a lowered configuration, wherein, when the head-engagement coupling is inserted into the coupling receptacle of the projection head and the function connector support is configured in the raised configuration, the function connectors and / or function ports of the projection head are coupled to the function connectors and / or function ports of the head-engagement coupling, and when the function connector support is configured in the lowered configuration, the function connectors and / or function ports of the projection head and the function connectors and / or function ports of the head-engagement coupling are decoupled.The portable interactive game unit may further include a connector support displacement assembly that is connected to and activatable with the functional connector support to displace the functional connector support between the raised and lowered configurations, and wherein the functional connector support may include a preloading element that preloads the functional connector support in the lowered configuration. The connector support displacement assembly may be operatively connected to the pneumatic actuator.

[0016] According to a general aspect, a portable interactive gaming unit is provided comprising: a base comprising an extendable shaft that is movable in a compressed and an extended configuration, the base comprising a central unit and a plurality of extendable legs mounted on the central unit, the extendable legs being selectively configurable in a compressed and an extended configuration, wherein in the compressed configuration of the extendable legs the base is at least partially supported on a floor by the central unit, and in the extended configuration of the extendable legs the base is supported on the floor by the extendable legs, the central unit being spaced from the floor;and a projection head mounted at a distal end of the extendable shaft and thus movable, the extendable shaft projecting outwards from the central unit in the extended configuration.

[0017] In one embodiment, the extendable legs in the compressed configuration extend adjacent to and essentially parallel to the central unit.

[0018] In one embodiment, the extendable legs are pivotably mounted on an upper section of the central unit, and a lower section of the extendable legs is spaced away from the central unit in the extended configuration.

[0019] In one embodiment, the extendable shaft can only be configured in the extended configuration if the extendable legs are configured in the extended configuration.

[0020] In one embodiment, the extendable legs can only be configured in the compressed configuration if the extendable shaft is configured in the compressed configuration.

[0021] In one embodiment, each of the extendable legs comprises a material with a low coefficient of friction at its lower end.

[0022] In one embodiment, the extendable shaft is a telescopic shaft.

[0023] In one embodiment, each of the extendable legs can be extended and compressed in length.

[0024] In one embodiment, in the compressed configuration of the extendable legs, the base is supported on a floor only by the central unit.

[0025] In one embodiment, the base comprises three extendable legs that are evenly spaced around the central unit.

[0026] In one embodiment, each of the extendable legs comprises an outer section pivotably mounted on the upper section of the central unit and an inner section that is extendable and compressible in length, the inner section having a section that extends below the outer section, at least in the extended configuration.

[0027] In one embodiment, in the extended configuration of the extendable shaft, the length of the extendable shaft is longer than the height of the central unit.

[0028] According to a general aspect, a portable interactive gaming unit is provided, comprising: a base including an extendable shaft that is movable in a compressed and an extended configuration; a projection head mounted at a distal end of the extendable shaft and thus movable; and a sound module comprising a low-frequency sub-module located in the base and a high-frequency sub-module located in the projection head.

[0029] In one embodiment, the portable interactive game unit further comprises a control unit that is operatively connected to the low-frequency sub-module and the high-frequency sub-module.

[0030] In one embodiment, the low-frequency sub-module includes an amplifier and / or a subwoofer.

[0031] In one embodiment, the high-frequency sub-module comprises a tweeter and / or a plurality of high-frequency loudspeakers.

[0032] In one embodiment, the portable interactive game unit further comprises at least one audio cable that connects the low-frequency sub-module and the high-frequency sub-module.

[0033] According to a general principle, a portable interactive gaming unit is provided, which includes the following: a base comprising an extendable shaft that is movable in a compressed configuration and an extended configuration; a projection head that is mounted at a distal end of the extendable shaft and is therefore movable; and a connector sleeve that contains and surrounds a variety of cables extending between the projection head and the base.

[0034] Portable interactive game unit according to claim 29, wherein the connector sleeve extends spirally around the extendable shaft and is configurable in a compressed configuration when the extendable shaft is configured in the compressed configuration and in a stretched configuration when the extendable shaft is configured in the extended configuration.

[0035] In one embodiment, the extendable shaft is a telescopic shaft.

[0036] In one embodiment, the base comprises a central unit, and the extendable shaft projects outward from the central unit in the extended configuration. In the compressed configuration, the extendable shaft and the connector sleeve can be substantially entirely contained within the central unit. In the extended configuration, the length of the extendable shaft can be greater than the height of the central unit.

[0037] According to a general aspect, a portable interactive gaming unit is provided, comprising: a base including an extendable shaft and a head-engagement coupling, wherein the extendable shaft is displaceable in a compressed configuration and an extended configuration, the extendable shaft extending outwards, the head-engagement coupling being mounted and thus displaceable at a distal end of the extendable shaft; and a projection head including a coupling receptacle, wherein the head-engagement coupling can engage in the coupling receptacle to detachably mount the projection head at the distal end of the extendable shaft, each of the coupling receptacle and the head-engagement coupling comprising an insertion section with a tapered profile.

[0038] In one embodiment, each of the coupling receptacle and the head engagement coupling further comprises a coupling section that is wider than the coupling section. The coupling section of the head engagement coupling may further comprise functional connectors and / or functional terminals, and the projection head may further comprise functional connectors and / or functional terminals that are exposed in the coupling section of the coupling receptacle, wherein the functional connectors and / or functional terminals of the head engagement coupling are complementary to the functional connectors and / or functional terminals of the projection head and can be coupled to them when the head engagement coupling is inserted into the coupling receptacle of the projection head.

[0039] According to a general aspect, a portable interactive gaming unit is provided, comprising: a base including an extendable shaft and a head engagement coupling, wherein the extendable shaft is displaceable in a compressed and an extended configuration, the extendable shaft extending outwards and along a first translational axis, the head engagement coupling being mounted and thus displaceable at a distal end of the extendable shaft; and a projection head comprising a coupling receptacle, wherein the head engagement coupling can engage in the coupling receptacle by translation along a second translational axis perpendicular to the first translational axis in order to detachably mount the projection head at the distal end of the extendable shaft.

[0040] Portable interactive game unit according to claim 38, wherein the head-engagement coupling further comprises a functional connector support on which functional connectors and / or functional ports are mounted, and the functional connector support is selectively configurable in a raised configuration and a lowered configuration, and the projection head further comprises functional connectors and / or functional ports that are exposed in the coupling receptacle recess, wherein the head-engagement coupling can engage in the coupling receptacle recess to detachably mount the projection head to the distal end of the extendable shaft, wherein the functional connectors and / or functional ports of the head-engagement coupling are complementary to and can be coupled to the functional connectors and / or functional ports of the projection head.when the head engagement coupling is inserted into the coupling receptacle of the projection head and the function connector support is configured in the raised configuration.

[0041] In one embodiment, when the function connector support is configured in the lowered configuration, the function connectors and / or function terminals of the projection head and the function connectors and / or function terminals of the head engagement coupling are decoupled.

[0042] In one embodiment, the portable interactive game unit further comprises a connector support displacement assembly connected to and activatable with the functional connector support to displace the functional connector support between the raised and lowered configurations, wherein the functional connector support includes a preload element that preloads the functional connector support in the lowered configuration. The portable interactive game unit may further comprise a pneumatic actuator operatively connected to the extendable shaft and the connector support displacement assembly, wherein the pneumatic actuator is activatable to position the extendable shaft between the compressed and extended configurations and the functional connector support between the raised and lowered configurations.

[0043] In one embodiment, the first displacement axis is a vertical axis and the second displacement axis is a horizontal axis.

[0044] According to a general aspect, a connection arrangement between a base and a head is provided, wherein the base comprises an extendable shaft and a head engagement coupling, wherein the extendable shaft is displaceable in a compressed configuration and an extended configuration along a first translational axis, wherein the head engagement coupling is mounted on the distal end of the extendable shaft and is thus displaceable, and wherein the head comprises a coupling receiving recess, wherein the head engagement coupling can engage in the coupling receiving recess by translation along a second translational axis perpendicular to the first translational axis in order to detachably mount the head on the distal end of the extendable shaft.

[0045] In one embodiment, the head engagement coupling further comprises a function connector support on which function connectors and / or function ports are mounted, and the function connector support is selectively configurable in a raised configuration and a lowered configuration by translation along the first translation axis; and wherein the head further comprises function connectors and / or function ports that are exposed in the coupling receiving recess, wherein the function connectors and / or function ports of the head engagement coupling are complementary to and can be coupled to the function connectors and / or function ports of the head when the head engagement coupling is inserted into the coupling receiving recess of the head and the function connector support is configured in the raised configuration.If the function connector support can be configured in the lowered configuration, the function connectors and / or function terminals of the head and the function connectors and / or function terminals of the head engagement coupling are decoupled.

[0046] In one embodiment, the connection arrangement further comprises a connector support displacement arrangement connected to and activatable with the functional connector support to displace the functional connector support between the raised and lowered configurations, wherein the functional connector support includes a preload element that preloads the functional connector support in the lowered configuration. The connection arrangement may further comprise a pneumatic actuator operatively connected to the extendable shaft and the connector support displacement arrangement, wherein the pneumatic actuator is activatable to position the extendable shaft between the compressed and extended configurations and the functional connector support between the raised and lowered configurations.

[0047] In one embodiment, each of the coupling receiving recess and the head engagement coupling comprises an insertion section with a tapered profile.

[0048] In one embodiment, the first displacement axis is a vertical axis and the second displacement axis is a horizontal axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective top view of a portable interactive game unit according to an embodiment in a partially compressed configuration; Fig. Figure 1a is a perspective top view of a portable interactive game unit according to an embodiment in a fully compressed configuration; Fig. Figure 2 is a side view of the portable interactive game unit from Fig. 1 in an extended configuration projected onto a wall; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective top view of the portable interactive game unit of Fig. 1 in the extended configuration; Fig. Figure 4 is a side view of the portable interactive game unit of Fig. 1 in the partially compressed configuration, however, with extendable legs of a portable base in an extended configuration and a housing plate of a central unit removed to expose a chamber of a housing of the portable base; Fig. Figure 5 is an enlarged side view of a lower section of the portable base of the portable interactive game unit by Fig. 1, wherein extendable legs of the portable base are in the extended configuration; Fig. Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the portable base of the portable interactive game unit by Fig. 1, wherein extendable legs of the portable base are in the extended configuration and a housing plate of a central unit has been removed to expose a chamber of a housing of the portable base; Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective bottom view of the portable base of the portable interactive game unit by Fig. 1 in the configuration of Fig. 6, wherein a pneumatic actuator was removed to expose a section of a sound module; Fig. 8 includes Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b, each showing a perspective front view and a perspective rear view of an extendable shaft of the portable base of the portable interactive game unit of Fig. 1 are in an extended configuration and have a head engagement coupling mounted at a distal end thereof; Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective bottom view of a projection head of the portable interactive game unit of Fig. 1, comprising at least one section of a projection module, a lighting module, a sound module and a motion detection module; Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the projection head of Fig. 9; and Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective top view of the projection head of Fig. 9, with the top panel and video projector of the projection module removed. Fig. Figure 12 is a perspective top view of a head engagement coupling at a distal end of the extendable shaft according to another embodiment, wherein the head engagement coupling comprises a functional connector support in a lowered configuration; Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective top view of the head engagement coupling of Fig. 12, wherein the functional connector support is in a raised configuration; Fig. Figure 14 is a truncated perspective top view of the head engagement coupling of Fig. 12, wherein the functional connector support is in the lowered configuration; and Fig. Figure 15 is a truncated perspective top view of the head engagement coupling of Fig. 12, where the functional connector support is in the raised configuration.

[0049] It should be noted that identical features in the attached drawings are indicated by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Although the embodiments of the portable interactive game unit and its corresponding parts consist of certain geometric configurations, as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and should therefore not be understood in a limiting sense. It is understood, as is also obvious to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and interactions between them, as well as other suitable geometric configurations, may be used for the portable interactive game unit, as briefly explained herein and readily deduced by a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, it is understood that, unless otherwise specified, descriptions of positions such as "above," "below," "left," "right," and the like are to be understood in the context of the figures and are not to be considered limiting.

[0051] In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely to avoid unduly cluttering the figures with multiple references, not all figures contain references to all components and features, and references to some components and features are found in only one figure. Components and features of the present disclosure that are illustrated in other figures can be easily deduced from them. The embodiments, geometric configurations, materials, and / or dimensions shown in the figures are optional and serve only for illustration.

[0052] Furthermore, it is understood that, unless otherwise specified, positional descriptions such as "above," "below," "front," "back," "left," "right," and the like are to be understood in the context of the figures and correspond to the position and orientation of the portable interactive game unit and its corresponding parts when used to project onto a wall. "Front" refers to a position closer to a projector lens of the portable interactive game unit, and "back" refers to a position closer to the back of a projection head of the portable interactive game unit. Positional descriptions should not be considered restrictive.

[0053] To provide a more concise description, some of the quantitative expressions given herein may be referred to as "approximately". It is understood that, whether the term "approximately" is explicitly used or not, each quantity given herein is intended to refer to an actual given value and also to the approximation to such a given value that would reasonably be derived on the basis of the average person skilled in the art, including approximations based on the experimental and / or measurement conditions for such a given value.

[0054] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 shows a portable interactive game unit 20 comprising a portable base 22 and a projection head 24. Hereinafter, the interactive game unit 20 is referred to as portable because it can be moved / mobilized from one location to another. Instead of being mounted on a ceiling or wall to project onto an interactive surface, the unit 20 is placed on the floor or supported on a surface. In some embodiments, it can be rolled or moved along this surface.

[0055] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the portable interactive game unit 20 is designed and configured to provide an interactive gaming experience in at least one section of a large room 32 using an interactive surface 34 (or an interactive wall section). In one embodiment, the interactive surface 34 extends along a plane P defined by at least one section of a wall 33 of the room 32 in which the portable interactive game unit 20 is located (or substantially parallel to it). Thus, the wall 33 used to define the interactive surface 34 can simply be a conventional wall 33 of the room 32 used for the interactive game.For example, and without being limited thereto, the portable interactive play unit 20 can, in one embodiment, be installed in a school gymnasium, a sports complex, or the like, to provide an interactive, immersive, and interactive playground for children located in the gymnasium, with at least one section of a wall 33 of the room 32 being used as the interactive surface 34 of the portable interactive play unit 20. A person skilled in the art will understand that, in alternative embodiments, the portable interactive play unit 20 can also be installed in any other type of space of sufficient size to provide the desired immersive experience, such as, and without being limited thereto, a common room, a training room, a hall, etc.In one embodiment, the interactive surface has 34 dimensions ranging from approximately 12 inches by 7 inches to approximately 19 feet by 11 feet. In an alternative embodiment, the interactive surface has 24 dimensions ranging from approximately 8 feet by 4.5 feet to approximately 19 feet by 11 feet.

[0056] A person skilled in the art will understand that in an alternative embodiment, at least one section of the floor, ceiling, or any other element located in the space 32 could also be used to define the interactive surface 34. However, for the sake of clarity, the term "wall" is used throughout this description to refer to the structure used to define the interactive surface 34.

[0057] The portable interactive game unit 20 is movable, meaning it can be moved from one place to another and within a place.

[0058] In the non-restrictive embodiment, which is described in the Fig. 1 to Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the portable base 22 comprises a central unit 26 (or a central section) and three extendable legs 28, which can be selectively deployed in a compressed configuration, as shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a shown, and an extended configuration, as shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown (for example, for operation) are configurable. In the non-restrictive embodiment, which is shown in the Fig. 1 to Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the three extendable legs 28 are evenly spaced around the central unit 26. It is understood that the number, shape, and configuration of the extendable legs 28 may differ from the embodiment shown.

[0059] The extendable legs 28 are pivotally mounted on an upper section of the central unit 26, spaced substantially equally apart from one another. In addition to being pivotable about the central unit 26, the extendable legs 28 are extendable. In particular, in the non-limiting embodiment shown, each of the extendable legs 28 comprises an upper section 28a with an upper end that is pivotably mounted on the upper section of the central unit 26, and a lower (inner) section 28b that is mounted on and slidable along the upper section 28a to extend or retract a length of the extendable leg 28. The inner / lower section 28b has a portion that extends below the upper section 28a, at least in the extended configuration.

[0060] In a non-restrictive embodiment, the mobile interactive game unit 20 can include an electric leg actuator (not shown) that is operatively connected to and activatable by the extendable legs 28 to selectively configure the extendable legs 28 in the compressed and extended configurations. In one embodiment, the leg actuator simultaneously configures all legs in one of the compressed and extended configurations.

[0061] The projection head 24 is mounted on the central unit 26 and can be selectively used in a partially compressed configuration, as shown in Fig. 1 shown, configured with the projection head 24 being adjacent to (or closer to) the central unit 26, in a fully compressed configuration as shown in Fig. 1a shown, with the projection head 24 located next to the central unit, and in a raised (or extended) configuration, as shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows the projection head 24 being vertically spaced from the central unit 26 (for example, for operation).

[0062] In particular, the portable base 22 comprises an extendable shaft 90, which is mounted on the central unit 26 and projects outwards from it, at least in a raised configuration thereof. In the embodiment shown, the extendable shaft 90 is a telescopic shaft. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the portable base 22 also includes a head insertion coupling 92 at a distal end 94 thereof. The head insertion coupling 92 is designed and configured to quickly connect and disconnect the projection head 24 to the portable base 22, as described in more detail below.

[0063] In one embodiment, in the extended configuration of the extendable shaft, the length of the extendable shaft 90 can be longer than the height of the central unit 26.

[0064] In a fully compressed configuration ( Fig. 1a) The projector head 24 is located adjacent to the base 22, and the extendable shaft 90 is essentially entirely contained within the base 22. The portable interactive game unit 20 can be configured in the fully compressed configuration of the projector head 24, for example, for storage and transport purposes.

[0065] The extendable shaft 90 is configurable between a fully compressed configuration and an extended configuration, with a variety of configurations in between, such as those shown in Fig. 1 shown.

[0066] With renewed reference to the Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. In one embodiment, to ensure stability for the portable interactive game unit 20, the extendable shaft 90 of the portable base 22 can only be configured in the raised configuration if the extendable legs 28 are configured in the extended configuration. Additionally, the extendable legs 28 cannot be configured in the compressed configuration if the extendable shaft 90 is configured in the raised configuration.

[0067] With reference to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 In one embodiment, when the extendable legs 28 are configured in the extended configuration, the portable base 22 rests only on the lower ends of the extendable legs 28, i.e., the central unit 26 of the portable base 22 is spaced from the floor / base 36.

[0068] In the embodiment, the lower ends of the extendable legs 28 comprise Teflon® 38 (or Fluorosint®), i.e., a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with a dynamic coefficient of friction of about 0.10, or any other suitable material characterized by a low coefficient of friction, which allows the portable interactive game unit 20 to slide on the floor 36 instead of tilting in the event of an impact when the legs 28 are configured in the extended configuration. For example, other non-restrictive materials that can be used to coat the lower ends of the extendable legs 28 include nylon with additives such as Nyloil® (dynamic coefficient of friction of about 0.12), UHMW such as Tivar® 88 (dynamic coefficient of friction of about 0.14) and Tivar® HPV (dynamic coefficient of friction of about 0.09), and PET-P such as Ertalyte® (dynamic coefficient of friction of about 0.19).In one embodiment, the dynamic coefficient of friction is below 0.3, and in a specific embodiment, it is below 0.2.

[0069] The central unit 26 in turn includes rollers 27, which are mounted on a lower section of it and support it on the ground 36. Therefore, the portable interactive game unit 20, at least in the compressed configuration of the extendable legs 28, can be moved from one place to another or within a place by rolling the portable unit 20 on the rollers 27.

[0070] When the extendable legs 28 are configured in the compressed configuration, the central unit 26 of the portable base 22 touches the ground 36 and can be moved along it. In the compressed configuration of the extendable legs 28, the extendable legs 28 can touch the ground 36 and be moved along it, or they can be spaced away from the ground 36, and the portable interactive game unit 20 can only be supported by the central unit 26.

[0071] With reference to Fig. 6 The central unit 26 comprises a housing 30 that defines a chamber 31. In the embodiment of Fig. 6. A housing plate was removed to expose at least some of the unit components contained in chamber 31. Chamber 31 is divided into three levels, as described in more detail below.

[0072] In the embodiment shown, the portable interactive game unit 20 further comprises a pneumatic actuator 96 (such as an air compressor) contained in a first and lower level of the chamber 31 of the central unit 26 and operatively connected to the extendable shaft 90. The pneumatic actuator 96 is actuated to raise and lower the extendable shaft 90 (i.e., to extend and compress the telescopic shaft 90). By its design, the pneumatic actuator 96 is an essentially safe actuator, allowing for relatively slow compression of the extendable shaft 90 in the event of a malfunction. If the pneumatic actuator 96 or associated components fail, air escapes slowly, preventing a fast projection head 24 from falling.

[0073] The portable interactive game unit 20 may further include a pressure sensor (not shown) that monitors the air pressure within the air line in fluid connection with the pneumatic actuator 96. The pressure sensor may be in data communication with a control unit 40, which is described in more detail below, and which compares the measured pressure with at least one air pressure setpoint or threshold value. For example, if the air pressure measured by the pressure sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the control unit 40 may attribute the event to an obstacle encountered while raising or lowering the extendable shaft 90 and stop the raising / lowering operation.

[0074] It is understood that the portable interactive play unit 20 may include other sensors, such as, without limitation, a gyroscope or an accelerometer, which may be operatively connected to the control unit 40 and whose data may be assigned to an obstacle that is hit when the extendable shaft 90 is raised or lowered, or to an object that hits the portable interactive play unit 20.

[0075] Among other things, and additionally, chamber 31 accommodates a section of a sound module 70, which is also located in the first and lower level of chamber 31. In particular, a low-frequency sub-module 70a of the sound module 70 is contained within chamber 31, while a high-frequency sub-module 70b of the sound module 70 ( Fig. 11), which includes a tweeter and / or a plurality of high-frequency loudspeakers 72, is contained within the projection head 24. Since the low-frequency sub-module 70a, which may include the amplifier and subwoofer, is heavier, it reduces the weight of the projection head 24 when it is raised and lowered in the central unit 26. Furthermore, by arranging the relatively heavy components in the base part 22 and, in particular, the central unit 26, the center of gravity of the portable interactive game unit 20 is low, which gives the portable interactive game unit 20 considerable stability and safety. Additionally, mounting the projection head 24 on the distal end 94 of the extendable shaft 90 is easier when the projection head 24 is lighter.

[0076] Chamber 31 also contains the pneumatic actuator valves, air controls, and leg actuators, which may be electric leg actuators. In the non-restrictive embodiment shown, they are located in a second, middle level of chamber 31.

[0077] On a third and upper level, chamber 31 contains electronic components, user buttons / interfaces and a computer 41 ( Fig. 6).

[0078] It is understood that the position of the various components, including the pneumatic actuator 96, the low-frequency sub-module 70a, the pneumatic actuator valves, the air controls, the audio amplifier, the leg actuators, the electronic components, the user buttons / interfaces and the computer, within the chamber 31 may differ from the embodiment shown.

[0079] In the embodiment shown, the portable interactive game unit 20 comprises the control unit 40 (or controller), a projection module 50 (or projection source(s)), a lighting module 60 (or light source(s)), the sound module 70 (or acoustic source(s)), and a motion detection module 80 (or motion sensor(s)). In an alternative embodiment, however, the portable interactive game unit 20 may be free of the sound module 70.

[0080] The projection module 50, the lighting module 60, and the motion detection module 80 are located in / are mounted on the projection head 24 to ensure that they do not obstruct the actions of users moving within the space 32 and each projects appropriately onto the interactive surface 34, directs the light primarily towards the floor, limits the light emission directed onto the interactive surface 34, and provides a substantially unobstructed field of view on the interactive surface 34. However, a person skilled in the art will understand that in an alternative embodiment, at least one section of the projection module 50, the lighting module 60, and the motion detection module 80 may be partially arranged within the central unit 26 of the portable base 22.

[0081] The control unit 40 can be located in the projection head 24 or the central unit 26, or a section of it can be provided in both.

[0082] It is also understood that the projection module 50, the lighting module 60, and the motion detection module 80 are interconnected via the control unit 40. Specifically, the projection module 50, the lighting module 60, the sound module 70, and the motion detection module 80 are connected to the control unit 40 (i.e., they are in data communication with the control unit 40) to enable the control unit 40 to manage their operation and provide the desired interactive and immersive gaming experience for the users in room 32 through the inputs provided by the motion detection module 80 and the outputs provided by the projection module 50, the lighting module 60, and / or the sound module 70.

[0083] A person skilled in the art will understand that the data connection between the control unit 40 and each of the projection module 50, the lighting module 60, the sound module 70, and the motion detection module 80 can be any type of connection that allows data transmission between them. For example, and without being limiting, in one embodiment the connection between the control unit 40 and the projection module 50, the lighting module 60, the sound module 70, and / or the motion detection module 80 is a wired connection.However, a person skilled in the art will understand that in an alternative embodiment the connection between the control unit 40 and the projection module 50, the lighting module 60, the sound module 70 and / or the motion detection module 80 can be a wireless connection, wherein the control unit 40 and the corresponding projection module 50, the lighting module 60, the sound module 70 and / or the motion detection module 80 are provided with communication hardware (e.g. receiver / transceiver) to enable a wireless connection between them.

[0084] In the illustrated embodiment, the data connection between the control unit 40 and each of the projection module 50, the lighting module 60, the sound module 70, and the motion detection module 80 is at least partially a wired connection, with wires extending between the unit(s) located in the projection head 24 and the central unit 26. In the illustrated embodiment, all wires extending between the projection head 24 and the central unit 26 are contained in a connector sleeve 98, which extends between the projection head 24 and the central unit 26 and spirals around the extendable shaft 90. Therefore, the connector sleeve 98 can be in a compressed configuration ( Fig. 1) be configured when the extendable shaft 90 is in a partially compressed configuration or the fully compressed configuration ( Fig. 1a) is configured. The connector sleeve 98 is in a stretched configuration ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) configured when the extendable shaft 90 is configured in the extended configuration.

[0085] The connector sleeve 98 contains and surrounds a variety of cables (electrical cables, audio cables, data transmission cables, sound transmission cables, etc.) that extend between the projection head 24 and the portable base 22, and in particular the central unit 26 thereof. In a fully compressed configuration ( Fig. 1a) the connector sleeve 98 is completely contained in the third and upper level of chamber 31.

[0086] In one embodiment, the data communication cables between the projection head 24 and the portable base 22 are contained in the connector sleeve 98. Additionally, the audio cables connecting the computer (or control unit) located in the projection head 24, the low-frequency audio submodule 70a located in the projection head 24, and the high-frequency audio submodule 70b located in the central unit 26 of the portable base 22 are also contained in the connector sleeve 98. Furthermore, the connector sleeve 98 may contain 110-volt and 240-volt cables extending within it.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the projection head 24 is detachably removable at the distal end 94 of the extendable shaft 90. As mentioned above, the head engagement coupling 92 is mounted at the distal end 94. A coupling receiving recess 95 is defined in a lower surface 97 of a housing 99 of the projection head 24 (see Fig. 9 and Fig. 10) In the non-restrictive embodiment shown, the coupling receiving recess 95 can be divided into two sections: an insertion section 95a and a coupling section 95b. The insertion section 95a is trapezoidal with a tapered profile to facilitate alignment during the insertion of the head engagement coupling 92. In the non-restrictive embodiment shown, the coupling section 95b is essentially rectangular, serving as a support for the connectors and their connections, thus ensuring that they are inserted straight once aligned.

[0088] Thus, the extendable shaft 90 can be configured in both the extended and compressed configurations by displacement along a first displacement axis, which in the illustrated embodiment is a vertical axis. The head 24 can engage with the head engagement coupling 95 by translation along a second translation axis perpendicular to the first translation axis, which in the illustrated embodiment is a horizontal axis.

[0089] It is understood that the connection arrangement can be used to mount the head, such as the projection head 24, to any base and not necessarily to the base of an interactive portable gaming unit 20, as described above and shown in the figures. In particular, the connection arrangement can be used between any base, including an extendable shaft, and a head to detachably mount the head to it. In such a connection arrangement, the extendable shaft is displaceable in a compressed and an extended configuration along a first translational axis and includes a head engagement coupling that is mounted and thus displaceable at its distal end.The head includes a coupling receptacle, wherein the head engagement coupling can engage in the coupling receptacle by translation along a second translation axis perpendicular to the first translation axis, in order to detachably mount the head to the distal end of the extendable shaft. In the embodiment in which the first translation is a vertical axis, the second translation axis is the horizontal axis.

[0090] With further reference to the Fig. 12 to Fig. The head-engagement coupling 92 comprises electrical (power) and data connectors / terminals (or functional connectors and / or terminals) to enable data and power communication between the portable base 22 and the projection head 24. The projection head 24, located in or near the coupling receptacle 95, includes complementary functional connectors / terminals that can engage with it. Therefore, when the head-engagement coupling 92 engages the coupling receptacle 95, the complementary functional connectors / terminals are operatively connected to each other. Furthermore, the projection head 24 is securely locked to the distal end 94 of the extendable shaft 90.

[0091] With reference to the Fig. 12 to Fig. Figure 14 shows an alternative embodiment of the head engagement coupling 92, wherein the features are numbered with reference numerals in the series 100, corresponding to the reference numerals of the previous embodiment. In this embodiment, the head engagement coupling 192 is mounted on the distal end 94 of the extendable shaft 90. Additionally, the external shape of the head engagement coupling 192 is similar to that of the head engagement coupling 92 to allow for removable insertion into the coupling receptacle 95. In particular, the head engagement coupling 92 can be divided into two sections: an insertion section 192a and a coupling section 192b. The insertion section 192a is trapezoidal with a tapered profile to facilitate alignment during coupling. The coupling section 192b is wider and serves as a support for the functional connectors / terminals.

[0092] In the embodiment of the Fig. 12 to Fig. 15 The head engagement coupling 192 comprises an upper plate 186 with a defined opening therein. As in the Fig. 14 and Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the head engagement coupling 192 has a chamber 187 defined therein, which is partially limited by the upper plate 186.

[0093] The head engagement coupling 192 further comprises a function connector support 188 with a plurality of function connectors and / or function ports exposed on it. The function connectors and / or ports can be, for example, data transmission connectors or ports, audio connectors or ports, or electrical connectors or ports. The function connector support 188 can contain only function ports, only function connectors, or a combination of function ports and function connectors. The function connectors and / or function ports are complementary to the function connectors and / or function ports that are provided and exposed in the coupling receptacle 95 of the projection head 24 and can thus engage with it.

[0094] The functional connectors and / or functional terminals of the functional connector support 188 are operatively connected to the cables contained in and surrounded by the connector sleeve 98 (in the Fig. 12 to Fig. 15 not shown).

[0095] The head engagement coupling 192 further comprises a connector support displacement arrangement 189, which is contained in the chamber 187 and is operatively connected to the functional connector support 188 in order to move it between a lowered configuration ( Fig. 12 and Fig. 14) and an upgraded configuration ( Fig. 13 and Fig. 15) to postpone.

[0096] As mentioned above, the outer shape of the head engagement coupling 192 is complementary in form to the shape of the coupling receptacle 95, which is defined in the lower surface 97 of the housing 99 of the projection head 24. When the head engagement coupling 192 is inserted into the coupling receptacle 95, the function connector support 188 can be moved from the lowered configuration to the raised configuration in order to couple the function connectors and / or function terminals of the function connector support 188 with the function connectors and / or function terminals provided in the coupling receptacle 95 of the projection head 24. When the function connectors and / or function terminals of the function connector support 188 and the projection head 24 are coupled together, at least power is supplied to the projection head 24 and data transmission is possible.

[0097] With reference to the Fig. 14 and Fig. Reference 15 describes a non-restrictive embodiment of the connector support displacement arrangement 189. The connector support displacement arrangement 189 comprises a base plate 173 and a plurality of spacer posts 174 projecting from it. In the non-restrictive embodiment shown, the connector support displacement arrangement 189 comprises four spacer posts 174; however, it is understood that the number and their configuration can vary. The functional connector support 188 is mounted at the upper ends of the spacer posts 174, which are opposite the ends attached to the base plate 173. The spacer posts hold the functional connector support 188 vertically spaced from the base plate 173.

[0098] The connector support displacement arrangement 189 further comprises a prestressing element 175, which is located in the Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 is embodied by a helical spring to hold the functional connector support 188 in the lowered configuration, i.e., when the functional connectors and / or functional terminals of the functional connector support 188 and the projection head 24 are decoupled. The connector support displacement assembly 189 also includes a prestressing element support post 176, onto which the prestressing element 175 is wound.

[0099] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the connector support displacement arrangement 189 further comprises displacement posts 177. In the non-restrictive embodiment shown, the connector support displacement arrangement 189 comprises three displacement posts 177; however, it is understood that the number and their configuration can vary. The displacement posts 177 move within and outside the chamber 187 in openings defined in a lower plate 178 of the head engagement coupling 192. The base plate 173 is mounted at an upper end of the displacement posts 177 and therefore moves simultaneously with them. In the raised configuration, they are extended within the chamber, and the base plate 183 is located near the opening 184. Therefore, the functional connector support 188 projects outward and is located above and spaced apart from the upper plate 184 of the head engagement coupling 192.

[0100] In the lowered configuration, the displacement posts 177 are largely contained within the extendable shaft 90, and the base plate 183 rests against (or beside or adjacent to) the lower plate 178 of the head engagement coupling 192. In the lowered configuration, the functional connector support 188 is substantially aligned with the upper plate 184 of the head engagement coupling 192 and closes the opening 184 defined therein.

[0101] As mentioned above, the prestressing element 175 prestresses the functional connector support 188 in the lowered configuration. In the raised configuration, the prestressing element 175 is in a tensioned state, i.e., compressed, as shown in Fig. 14 shown.

[0102] The connector support displacement arrangement 189 also includes an actuator (not shown) for displacing the displacement posts 177 relative to the head engagement coupling 192 and into the openings defined in the lower plate 178 of the head engagement coupling 192. In one embodiment, the displacement posts 177 are brought into displacement engagement by the pneumatic actuator 96.

[0103] Thus, when the extendable shaft 90 is configured in the compressed configuration, the head engagement coupling 192, located at the distal end 94 of the extendable shaft 90, can be coupled (i.e., inserted) into the coupling receptacle 95 of the projection head 24. Once the head engagement coupling 192 and the projection head 24 are coupled, the function connector support 188 can be moved from the lowered configuration to the raised configuration by actuating the connector support displacement assembly 189, in order to couple the function connectors and / or function ports of the function connector support 188 with the function connectors and / or function ports provided in the coupling receptacle 95 of the projection head 24.The displacement of the functional connector support 188 from the lowered configuration to the raised configuration and vice versa can be performed when the extendable shaft 90 is configured in the compressed configuration or the raised configuration.

[0104] In one embodiment, the functional connector support 188 is configured in the lowered configuration when the extendable shaft 90 is configured in the compressed configuration. When the extendable shaft 90 begins to extend, the functional connector support 188 is configured in the raised configuration to engage its functional connectors and / or functional ports with those provided in the coupling receptacle 95.

[0105] Thus, when pneumatic pressure is generated to extend the extendable shaft 90, the same compressed gas is used to raise the functional connector support 188 in the raised configuration. This ensures that the functional connectors and / or functional ports of the functional connector support 188 engage with the functional connectors and / or functional ports of the projection head 24 at the start of the lifting operation of the extendable shaft 90.

[0106] When the extendable shaft 90 is compressed, the functional connectors and / or functional ports of the functional connector support 188 engage with and disengage from the functional connectors and / or functional ports of the projection head 24 as soon as the extendable shaft 90 is substantially in the compressed configuration. The preload element 175 ensures that the functional connector support 188 returns to the lowered configuration when the gas pressure decreases.

[0107] In one embodiment, the control unit 40 comprises one or more computing devices 41 ( Fig. 6) in data communication with the projection module 50, the lighting module 60, the sound module 70, and / or the motion detection module 80. The computing device(s) may include a memory for storing instructions, data, and the like, and at least one processor for processing data. A person skilled in the art will understand that, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the control unit 40 may comprise a combination of a central computing device connected to one or more remote computing devices, such as one or more servers or the like, which communicate with each other via a network, such as, but not limited to, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, or the like.In another alternative embodiment, the control unit 40 can be a remote computing device that communicates with the projection module 50, the lighting module 60, the sound module 70 and / or the motion detection module 80 via a network, such as, but not limited to, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a wireless private network (WPAN) or the like.

[0108] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the motion detection module 80 comprises a motion sensor 82 with a motion sensor field of view configured to intersect the interactive surface 34. The detection module 80 also has a field of view that intersects a section of the room and its floor in which the portable interactive game unit 20 is located, which is capable of detecting real-world elements, such as objects and people, in its environment.

[0109] The at least one motion sensor 82 is configured to detect the movement of real elements within the motion sensor's field of view, to detect the occurrence and position of a contact between each of the real elements and the interactive surface 34 (i.e., to detect when a real element intersects the plane P that defines the interactive surface 34, and to detect the position of the real element within the interactive surface 34 when such a contact occurs), or to detect the occurrence and position of real elements within the field of view of the at least one motion sensor 82.In light of the above, in one embodiment the data from the motion detection module 80 can be used to generate interaction data that is representative of the contact between the real elements and the plane P, which defines the interactive surface 34, and / or the occurrence of an event within the field of view of the motion detection module 80. For example, and without limitation, the interaction data can include data relating to the occurrence of contact, the position (i.e., the coordinates) of the contact of the real element on the interactive surface, the occurrence of an event within the field of view of the motion detection module 80, etc.

[0110] Throughout this document, the term “real element” shall be understood to mean any real object (e.g., ball), any person (or any part thereof), or the like, which is within the field of view of the motion detection module 80 or may temporarily enter the field of view of the motion detection module 80 and may optionally touch (or intersect) the interactive surface 34.

[0111] In a non-limiting embodiment, the motion sensor 82 can include a Kinect™ motion sensor comprising a camera, an infrared emitter, and an infrared depth sensor that work together to detect the movement of real-world objects within the motion sensor's field of view. However, a person skilled in the art will understand that in alternative embodiments (not shown), a different shape, type, and / or model of the motion sensor 82 can be used, such as a sensor using time-of-flight (ToF) technology, LiDAR technology, a sensor using stereo technology, etc.Thus, the motion sensor 82 can include a different combination of components than the camera, infrared emitter and infrared depth sensor of the embodiment shown, in order to capture the data relating to the movement of the real elements within the motion sensor's field of view, which are required to generate the interaction data that are representative of the contact between the real elements and the interactive surface 34, and / or data that are representative of the presence of real elements within the field of view of the motion sensor(s) 82.

[0112] In one embodiment, the motion detection module 80 may also include any additional software, hardware (memory, processor, etc.), or a combination thereof, to generate the interaction data relating to contact between real elements and the interactive surface 34 and / or from the data relating to the actual movement of the real elements within the motion sensor's field of view. However, a person skilled in the art will understand that in an alternative embodiment, raw data relating to the movement of the real element within the field of view of the motion detection module 80 may also be transmitted to the control unit 40, wherein the control unit 40 comprises the software, hardware, or a combination thereof, to generate the interaction data relating to contact between the real elements and the interactive surface 34.In one embodiment, the motion detection module 80 communicates the generated interaction data (or the raw data relating to the movement of the real element within the field of view of the motion detection module 80) to the control unit 40 in real time. For clarity, the following description refers only to the embodiment in which the interaction data is generated at the motion detection module 80 and transmitted to the control unit 40. It should be noted that, alternatively, the interaction data can be generated at the control unit 40 based on the data relating to the movement of the real element within the field of view of the motion detection module 80 that it receives from it.

[0113] In one embodiment, the motion detection module 80 enables the generation of interaction data without the need for sensors mounted on the corresponding wall 33 of the room 32. In other words, the motion detection module 80 is mounted on the portable interactive game unit 20, and in particular on the projection head 24, i.e., positioned away from the wall 33 of the room 32, which is used as the interactive surface 34, with the motion sensor field of view of the motion detection module 80 directed towards the wall 33 of the room 32, which is used as the interactive surface 34. In the embodiment shown, the motion sensor field of view of the motion detection module 80 essentially corresponds to the field of view 54 of the projection module 50.

[0114] For example, and without being limited thereto, the motion detection module 80 can be configured in one embodiment to detect contacts between balls and the interactive surface 34 (i.e., the motion detection module 80 is configured to detect the exact position of contact of each of the balls with the interactive surface 34). A person skilled in the art will understand that in an alternative embodiment, interactions between the physical world and the interactive surface 34 that differ from the aforementioned ball contact can also be detected by the motion detection module 80 (e.g., a user touching the interactive surface 34, contact between an object other than a ball and the interactive surface 34, etc.), with the generated interaction data then being transmitted from the motion detection module 80 to the control unit 40.

[0115] As described in more detail below, the control unit 40 can receive the interaction data as user input from the user within the interactive game and process the interaction data in order to subsequently control the projection module 50, the lighting module 60 and / or the sound module 70 in order to implement the game of the interactive game according to the interaction data received as user input from the motion detection module 80 (i.e., to generate the data relating to the graphics, lighting and sound to be output to the user in order to enable subsequent user interaction and to represent the development of the user in the game being played according to the game plan).Throughout this application, the term "game plan" is used to refer to the manner in which the game is played and includes the game plan itself, which is defined by the evolutionary sequence of actions that define the interactive game and that the player goes through as the game's action unfolds. Thus, the implementation of the "game plan" in this application includes determining the specific graphics, lighting, and / or sound to be output according to the game plan in order to provide the desired immersive and interactive experience for the players.

[0116] The control unit 40 is configured to control at least one of the projection module 50, the lighting module 60 and the sound module 70 in real time based on the interaction data in order to provide an interactive gaming experience.

[0117] In one embodiment, the control unit 40 can execute a game machine configured to implement a predetermined game plan based on user interactions (or user inputs) as defined by the interaction data input, and to output the data in relation to the appropriate graphics, lighting, and / or sound. The game machine can be stored in the memory of the control unit 40 and can include the necessary components to generate the required output instructions for implementing the game plan (or game logic) (e.g., the graphic display, lighting, sound, etc., required to allow the user to interact and play the game).In one embodiment, the game machine comprises, for example, and without limitation, a main game machine that implements the game instructions, a rendering machine that generates the required graphics instructions, an audio machine that generates the required audio instructions, a lighting machine that generates the required lighting instructions, a physics machine, etc. In other words, the game machine generates graphics instructions, lighting instructions, and / or audio instructions for the control unit 40 to control the output of the projection module 50, the lighting module 60, and the sound module 70, respectively, according to the implementation of the game plan of an interactive game. A person skilled in the art will understand that, in one embodiment, several different interactive games can be played using the portable interactive game unit 20, each interactive game having its own game plan parameters.In one embodiment, the control unit 40 can access a database containing game plan information relating to the corresponding interactive game.

[0118] In one embodiment, the control unit 40 receives the interaction data from the motion detection module 80 in real time and generates and transmits output instructions to control at least one of the projection module 50, the lighting module 60, and the sound module 70, also in real time. As mentioned above, in an alternative embodiment, the control unit 40 can also receive raw data relating to the movement of real objects within the motion sensor's field of view, processing the data to generate the interaction data and subsequently generating and transmitting output instructions to control at least one of the projection module 50, the lighting module 60, and the sound module 70 in real time to provide the user with the desired interactive experience.

[0119] In light of the above, in one embodiment the control unit 40 generates graphics instructions as output, which are to be transmitted to the projection module 50 to project graphics (i.e., 2D or 3D graphics) onto the interactive surface 34. In one embodiment, the projection module 50 comprises a projector 52 with a projector viewing area 54 ( Fig. 2) which intersects the interactive surface 34 to display the desired graphics on the interactive surface 34. A person skilled in the art will understand that, in an alternative embodiment, the control unit 40 may include more than one projector 52 or other display devices controlled by the control unit 40 and capable of displaying graphics on the interactive surface 34. As mentioned above, the graphics instructions relating to the graphics to be displayed by the projection module 50 result from the processing of the interaction data generated using the motion detection module 80, thereby creating an interactive graphic display for the users.In other words, the graphics instructions are generated based on the interaction data, so that the graphics instructions depend on the real element that touches the interactive surface 34, thus providing the interactivity between the actions of the real objects and providing the development of the interactive game.

[0120] In Fig. 11 the video projector 52 was removed to expose other components contained in the projector head 24, including loudspeaker 72, which is part of the high-frequency sub-module 70b of the sound module, lights, a camera, a power supply, a DIN rail for power distribution, a section of the control unit and a PCB for light management.

[0121] In one embodiment, the control unit 40 also generates lighting instructions as output, which are to be transmitted to the lighting module 60 to illuminate the room 32 in which the interactive game is played. The lighting module 60 has a lighting range that can cover at least a section of the room 32 so as not to significantly impair the quality and contrast of the graphics projected by the projection module 50 onto the interactive surface 34.For example, and without being limiting, in an embodiment in which the interactive surface 34 extends along a surface of a wall 33 of the room 32, the illumination span of the lighting module 60 is limited to the illumination of the floor 36 of the room 32 in order to minimize the negative incidence of the illumination provided by the lighting module 60 on the graphics projected by the projection module 50 onto the interactive surface 34.

[0122] In one embodiment, the lighting module 60 can include a plurality of stage lighting instruments 62 (or stage lighting fixtures) that operate simultaneously and are used in combination to illuminate the desired section of the room 32 in which the interactive game is played, according to the lighting instructions. For example, and without being limiting, in one embodiment the lighting module 60 includes a plurality of flash units, each comprising three lights located mainly on the lower surface 97 of the housing 99. It is understood that the quantity, configuration, and position of the flash units may differ from the embodiment shown. The flash units may consist of only static lights, only moving lights, or a combination of moving and static lights working together to provide illumination of the corresponding section of the room 32.

[0123] In one embodiment, each of the flash units of the lighting module 60 can be independently controllable according to the output lighting instructions generated by the control unit 40 (i.e., the type, color, intensity, and / or direction, etc., of a light beam generated by each flash unit of the lighting module 60 can be controlled independently). In other words, the lighting instructions generated by the control unit 40 can refer to the lighting to be generated independently by each of the flash units of the lighting module 60.

[0124] The independent control of the multitude of flash units can therefore be used to vary the colors and / or intensity of the lighting and / or to display animated lighting sequences, including, for example, and without being limiting, targeted color changes, lighting of specific zones, spot lighting effects, etc., which greatly enhance the immersive experience of the interactive game in room 32.

[0125] It is understood that different lighting control protocols can be used, enabling the control of each of the 62 stage lighting instruments.

[0126] In one embodiment, the lighting provided by the lighting module 60 results, according to the lighting instructions generated by the control unit 40, from the processing of interaction data generated using the motion detection module 80, thereby creating interactive lighting for the users. In other words, the lighting instructions are generated based on the processing of the interaction data, so that the lighting instructions depend on the real events relating to the real elements touching the interactive surface 34 and / or the presence of real events within the field of view of the motion sensor(s) 82, thus providing interactivity between the actions of the real objects and the lighting provided by the lighting module 60.

[0127] In an alternative embodiment, the lighting provided by the lighting module 60 can be independent of the interaction data generated using the motion detection module 80, according to the lighting instructions generated by the control unit 40; that is, the lighting instructions generated by the control unit 40 can be predetermined and independent of the interactions of the real element with the interactive surface 34.In such an embodiment, therefore, there is no synchronization between the graphics projected by the projection module 50 (according to the graphics instruction output generated by the control unit 40) and the lighting provided by the lighting module 60 (according to the lighting instruction output generated by the control unit 40), while still providing an immersive experience in which graphics and lighting are provided in an interactive game played by users in a large room 32.

[0128] In one embodiment, the control unit 40 also generates acoustic instructions as output, which are to be transmitted to the sound module 70 to play sounds. In one embodiment, the sound module 70 comprises a plurality of loudspeakers 72 ( Fig.10), which are used to play the sounds. Throughout this description, the term "sounds" is used to refer to any emitted vibrations (or propagated sound wave) that can be heard and interpreted when they reach a person's ear, such as individual noises, music, etc.

[0129] The control unit 40 is operatively connected to the low-frequency sub-module 70a, which is located in the central unit 26, and the high-frequency sub-module 70b, which is located in the housing 99 of the projection head 24.

[0130] Once again, in one embodiment, the acoustic instructions regarding the sounds to be played by the sound module 70 result from the processing of the interaction data generated using the motion detection module 80, thereby creating an interactive auditory environment for the users. In other words, the acoustic instructions are generated based on the interaction data, which indicates that the acoustic instructions depend on the real events relating to the real elements touching the interactive surface 34 and / or the presence of real elements within the field of view of the motion sensor(s) 82, thus providing interactivity between the actions of the real objects and the sounds played by the portable interactive gaming unit 20.It is understood that in an alternative embodiment the acoustic instructions may be independent of the real events relating to the real elements touching the interactive surface 34 and / or the presence of real elements within the field of view of the motion sensor(s) 82.

[0131] In light of the above, in one embodiment, the control unit 40 can synchronize the graphics projected by the projection module 50, the lighting provided by the lighting module 60, and the sound played by the sound module 70 to provide an immersive experience in which the graphics, lighting, and sounds are complementary and coordinated to correspond with the implementation of the interactive game's game board as the game progresses. However, as mentioned above, a person skilled in the art will understand that in one embodiment, the portable interactive game unit 20 can be free of the sound module 70, with the immersive experience instead being provided by the combination of graphics and lighting that are complementary and coordinated to correspond with the implementation of the interactive game's game board.

[0132] In the above description, an embodiment is an example or an implementation of the invention. The various appearances of "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features of the invention can be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features can also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. While the invention may be described here in the context of separate embodiments for the sake of clarity, conversely, the invention can also be implemented in a single embodiment.Reference in the description to “some embodiments”, “one embodiment” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure or property described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the inventions.

[0133] It is understood that the phraseology and terminology used here should not be interpreted as restrictive and serves only the purpose of description.

[0134] Furthermore, it is understood that the invention can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that it can be implemented in embodiments other than those set forth in the description above. The descriptions, examples, methods, and materials presented in the claims and the description are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as illustrative.

[0135] It is understood that the terms "including," "comprising," "consisting," and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof, and that these terms are to be interpreted as specifying components, features, steps, or integers. If the description or the claims refer to "an additional" element, this does not preclude the presence of more than one of the additional elements. It is understood that if the claims or the description refer to "one" element, such a reference is not to be interpreted as meaning that there is only one of these elements.It is understood that if the description states that a component, feature, structure or property "may be included", "might be included", "may be included" or "might be included", that particular component, feature, structure or property need not be included.

[0136] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary only. A person skilled in the art would recognize the features of each embodiment and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person skilled in the art would further recognize that any one of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention can be carried out in other specific forms without departing from its central features. The present examples and embodiments are therefore to be regarded in every respect as illustrative and not as limiting, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein.While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications are accordingly considered. The scope of the invention is therefore to be limited exclusively by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

[1] Portable interactive game unit comprising: a base including an extendable shaft slidable in a compressed configuration and an extended configuration, the extendable shaft extending outwardly; a projection head mounted on a distal end of the extendable shaft and movable therewith; and a pneumatic actuator operatively connected to the extendable shaft and activatable to configure the extendable shaft between the compressed configuration and the extended configuration. [2] The portable interactive gaming unit of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a central unit defining a chamber, and the pneumatic actuator is at least partially contained within the chamber. [3] A portable interactive game unit according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the pneumatic actuator comprises an air compressor. [4] A portable interactive game unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the extendable shaft is a telescopic shaft. [5] The portable interactive game unit according to claim 2, wherein in the extended configuration of the extendable shaft, a length of the extendable shaft projecting outward from the central unit is longer than a height of the central unit. [6] A portable interactive game unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the projection head includes a coupling receiving recess, and the portable interactive game unit further includes a head engagement coupling mounted on the distal end of the extendable shaft and engageable with the coupling receiving recess to removably mount the projection head to the distal end of the extendable shaft. [7] The portable interactive game unit according to claim 6, wherein each of the coupling receiving recess and the head engagement coupling comprises an insertion portion having a tapered profile and a coupling portion that is wider than the coupling portion. [8] A portable interactive game unit according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the projection head comprises functional connectors and / or functional terminals exposed in the coupling receiving recess, and the head engagement coupling comprises functional connectors and / or functional terminals complementary to and couplable with the functional connectors and / or functional terminals of the projection head when the head engagement coupling is inserted into the coupling receiving recess of the projection head. [9] The portable interactive gaming unit of claim 8, wherein the head engagement coupling further comprises a functional connector support to which the functional connectors and / or functional terminals are mounted, and the functional connector support is selectively configurable in a raised configuration and a lowered configuration, wherein when the head engagement coupling is inserted into the coupling receiving recess of the projection head and the functional connector support is configured in the raised configuration, the functional connectors and / or functional terminals of the projection head are coupled to the functional connectors and / or functional terminals of the head engagement coupling, and when the functional connector support is configured in the lowered configuration, the functional connectors and / or functional terminals of the projection head and the functional connectors and / or functional terminals of the head engagement coupling are uncoupled. [10] The portable interactive gaming unit of claim 9, further comprising a connector support translation assembly connected to the functional connector support and activatable to translate the functional connector support between the raised configuration and the lowered configuration, and wherein the functional connector support includes a biasing member biasing the functional connector support in the lowered configuration. [11] A portable interactive gaming unit according to claim 10, wherein the connector support displacement assembly is operatively connected to the pneumatic actuator. [12] Portable interactive game unit comprising: a base comprising an extendable shaft that is slidable in a compressed configuration and an extended configuration, the base comprising a central unit and a plurality of extendable legs mounted on the central unit, the extendable legs being selectively configurable in a compressed configuration and an extended configuration, wherein in the compressed configuration of the extendable legs the base is at least partially supported by the central unit on a floor and in the extended configuration of the extendable legs the base is supported by the extendable legs on the floor, wherein the central unit is spaced from the ground; and a projection head mounted on a distal end of the extendable shaft and is movable, with the extendable shaft projecting outwards from the central unit in the extended configuration. [13] A portable interactive gaming unit according to claim 12, wherein the extendable legs extend adjacent to and substantially parallel to the central unit in the compressed configuration. [14] A portable interactive gaming unit according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the extendable legs are pivotally mounted to an upper portion of the central unit and a lower portion of the extendable legs is spaced from the central unit in the extended configuration. [15] A portable interactive game unit according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the extendable shaft is configurable in the extended configuration only when the extendable legs are configured in the extended configuration. [16] A portable interactive gaming unit according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the extendable legs are configurable in the compressed configuration only when the extendable shaft is configured in the compressed configuration. [17] A portable interactive game unit according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein each of the extendable legs comprises a material having a low coefficient of friction at a lower end thereof. [18] A portable interactive game unit according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the extendable shaft is a telescopic shaft. [19] A portable interactive game unit according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein each of the extendable legs is extendable and compressible in length. [20] A portable interactive game unit according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the base is supported on a floor only by the central unit in the compressed configuration of the extendable legs. [21] A portable interactive gaming unit according to any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the base comprises three extendable legs evenly spaced around the central unit. [22] A portable interactive gaming unit according to any one of claims 12 to 21, wherein each of the extendable legs comprises an outer portion pivotally mounted to the upper portion of the central unit and an inner portion expandable and compressible in length, the inner portion having a portion extending below the outer portion at least in the extended configuration. [23] A portable interactive game unit according to any one of claims 12 to 22, wherein in the extended configuration of the extendable shaft, a length of the extendable shaft is longer than a height of the central unit. [24] Portable interactive game unit comprising: a base including an extendable shaft slidable in a compressed configuration and an extended configuration; a projection head mounted on a distal end of the extendable shaft and movable therewith; and a sound module comprising a low-frequency sub-module arranged in the base and a high-frequency sub-module arranged in the projection head. [25] A portable interactive gaming unit according to claim 24, further comprising a control unit operatively connected to the low frequency sub-module and the high frequency sub-module. [26] A portable interactive gaming unit according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the low frequency sub-module comprises an amplifier and / or a subwoofer. [27] A portable interactive game unit according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the high frequency sub-module comprises a tweeter and / or a plurality of high frequency speakers. [28] A portable interactive game unit according to any one of claims 24 to 27, further comprising at least one audio cable interconnecting the low frequency sub-module and the high frequency sub-module. [29] Portable interactive game unit comprising: a base including an extendable shaft slidable in a compressed configuration and an extended configuration; a projection head mounted on a distal end of the extendable shaft and movable therewith; and a connector sleeve containing and surrounding a plurality of cables extending between the projection head and the base. [30] The portable interactive gaming unit of claim 29, wherein the connector sleeve extends spirally around the extendable shaft and is configurable in a compressed configuration when the extendable shaft is configured in the compressed configuration and an extended configuration when the extendable shaft is configured in the extended configuration. [31] A portable interactive game unit according to any one of claims 29 and 30, wherein the extendable shaft is a telescopic shaft. [32] A portable interactive game unit according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the base comprises a central unit and the extendable shaft projects outwardly from the central unit in the extended configuration. [33] A portable interactive gaming unit according to claim 32, wherein the extendable shaft and the connector sleeve are substantially entirely contained within the central unit in the compressed configuration. [34] A portable interactive game unit according to any one of claims 32 and 33, wherein in the extended configuration of the extendable shaft, a length of the extendable shaft is longer than a height of the central unit. [35] Portable interactive game unit comprising: a base comprising an extendable shaft and a head engagement coupling, the extendable shaft being slidable in a compressed configuration and an extended configuration, the extendable shaft extending outwardly, the head engagement coupling mounted on and slidable with a distal end of the extendable shaft; and a projection head comprising a coupling receiving recess, wherein the head engaging coupling is engageable with the coupling receiving recess to releasably mount the projection head to the distal end of the extendable shaft, wherein each of the coupling receiving recess and the head engaging coupling comprises an insertion portion having a tapered profile. [36] The portable interactive game unit of claim 35, wherein each of the coupling receiving recess and the head engagement coupling further comprises a coupling portion that is wider than the coupling portion. [37] A portable interactive game unit according to claim 36, wherein the coupling portion of the head engagement coupling further comprises functional connectors and / or functional terminals, and the projection head further comprises functional connectors and / or functional terminals exposed in the coupling portion of the coupling receiving recess, wherein the functional connectors and / or functional terminals of the head engagement coupling are complementary to and coupleable with the functional connectors and / or functional terminals of the projection head when the head engagement coupling is inserted into the coupling receiving recess of the projection head. [38] Portable interactive game unit comprising: a base comprising an extendable shaft and a head engagement coupling, the extendable shaft being slidable in a compressed configuration and an extended configuration, the extendable shaft extending outwardly and along a first translational axis, the head engagement coupling being mounted on and slidable with a distal end of the extendable shaft; and a projection head comprising a coupling receiving recess, wherein the head engagement coupling is engageable with the coupling receiving recess by translation along a second translation axis perpendicular to the first translation axis to removably mount the projection head to the distal end of the extendable shaft. [39] The portable interactive gaming unit of claim 38, wherein the head engagement coupling further comprises a functional connector support to which functional connectors and / or functional terminals are mounted, and the functional connector support is selectively configurable in a raised configuration and a lowered configuration, and the projection head further comprises functional connectors and / or functional terminals exposed in the coupling receiving recess, wherein the head engagement coupling is engageable in the coupling receiving recess to releasably mount the projection head to the distal end of the extendable shaft, wherein the functional connectors and / or functional terminals of the head engagement coupling are complementary to and couplable with the functional connectors and / or functional terminals of the projection head,when the head engagement coupling is inserted into the coupling receiving recess of the projection head and the function connector support is configured in the raised configuration. [40] The portable interactive gaming unit of claim 39, wherein when the functional connector support is configured in the lowered configuration, the functional connectors and / or functional terminals of the projection head and the functional connectors and / or functional terminals of the head engagement coupling are decoupled. [41] A portable interactive gaming unit according to any one of claims 39 and 40, further comprising a connector support translation assembly connected to the functional connector support and activatable to translate the functional connector support between the raised configuration and the lowered configuration, and wherein the functional connector support comprises a biasing member biasing the functional connector support in the lowered configuration. [42] The portable interactive gaming unit of claim 41, further comprising a pneumatic actuator operatively connected to the extendable shaft and the connector support translation assembly, the pneumatic actuator being activatable to configure the extendable shaft between the compressed configuration and the extended configuration and the functional connector support between the raised configuration and the lowered configuration. [43] A portable interactive game unit according to any one of claims 38 to 42, wherein the first translation axis is a vertical axis and the second translation axis is a horizontal axis. [44] A connection assembly between a base and a head, the base comprising an extendable shaft and a head engagement coupling, the extendable shaft being slidable in a compressed configuration and an extended configuration along a first translation axis, the head engagement coupling mounted on and slidable with the distal end of the extendable shaft, and the head comprising a coupling receiving recess, the head engagement coupling being engageable in the coupling receiving recess by translation along a second translation axis perpendicular to the first translation axis to releasably mount the head to the distal end of the extendable shaft. [45] The interconnection assembly of claim 44, wherein the head engagement coupling further comprises a functional connector post having functional connectors and / or functional terminals mounted thereon, and the functional connector post is selectively configurable in a raised configuration and a lowered configuration by translation along the first translation axis; and wherein the head further comprises functional connectors and / or functional terminals exposed in the coupling receiving recess, the functional connectors and / or functional terminals of the head engagement coupling being complementary to and couplable with the functional connectors and / or functional terminals of the head when the head engagement coupling is inserted into the coupling receiving recess of the head and the functional connector post is configured in the raised configuration. [46] The interconnection assembly of claim 45, wherein when the functional connector support is configured in the lowered configuration, the functional connectors and / or functional terminals of the head and the functional connectors and / or functional terminals of the head engagement coupling are decoupled. [47] A connector assembly according to any one of claims 45 and 46, further comprising a connector support displacement assembly connected to the functional connector support and activatable to translate the functional connector support between the raised configuration and the lowered configuration, and wherein the functional connector support includes a biasing member biasing the functional connector support in the lowered configuration. [48] The connector assembly of claim 47, further comprising a pneumatic actuator operatively connected to the extendable shaft and the connector support displacement assembly, the pneumatic actuator being activatable to configure the extendable shaft between the compressed configuration and the extended configuration and the functional connector support between the raised configuration and the lowered configuration. [49] A connector assembly according to any one of claims 44 to 48, wherein each of the coupling receiving recess and the head engagement coupling comprises an insertion portion having a tapered profile. [50] A connecting arrangement according to any one of claims 44 to 49, wherein the first displacement axis is a vertical axis and the second displacement axis is a horizontal axis.

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