Game device

Abstract

To provide a game device for playing a game by using a game ball.SOLUTION: Disclosed is a game device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The device comprises: a game table including a first section in which at least one first game cup is placed and a second section in which a ball is bounded; and a throw-line emission unit for shining line light on the position of a throw-line, which is the position from which a player throws the ball, or shining an image, including information about the position of the throw-line, on the throw-line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a gaming device, and more particularly to a gaming device that is played using a gaming ball. [Background technology]

[0002] There are a wide variety of games played using game balls, and they are widely popular among the general public.

[0003] Table tennis is an example of a game played using a game ball. Table tennis is a popular indoor game played by people of all ages and genders, and can be enjoyed in a relatively small space with only a table, rackets, and a table tennis ball.

[0004] Another example is beer pong, a game similar to table tennis that originated in the United States in the 1950s. Beer pong is also an indoor game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and genders, and can be played in a relatively small space with just a table, cups, and balls (such as table tennis balls).

[0005] Beer pong is a game in which players throw balls into cups placed at either end of a table. The cups may be filled with drinks or water, and six or ten cups may be arranged in a triangle at the end of the table. It is usually played by two teams of two to four players. The winner is usually the team that gets all of the balls into the opposing team's cups.

[0006] Recently, beer pong has become popular not only in the United States, where it originated, but also across the country.

[0007] On the other hand, in games played using game balls and a table, the table is usually not equipped with any electronic devices. It may be difficult to add entertainment elements to such a table. Also, when using a regular table, there may be an inconvenience in that players must calculate the game points themselves.

[0008] Therefore, there may be a need in the industry for a gaming device (or game, table) that can add an entertainment element and has convenient features (eg, game point calculation). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 10,525,319 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present disclosure has been devised in view of the above-mentioned background art, and aims to provide a game device that outputs a throw line.

[0011] The technical problems in the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and a person skilled in the art can clearly understand technical problems other than those mentioned above based on the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To solve the above-mentioned problems, a gaming device is disclosed according to several embodiments of the present disclosure, which may include: a game table including a first section in which at least one first game cup is placed and a second section in which a ball bounds; and a throw-line illumination unit that illuminates a line of light at a throw-line position where a player throws the ball, or illuminates an image including information relating to the position of the throw-line onto the throw-line.

[0013] Furthermore, the position of the throw line may be a position on the floor corresponding to a position separated by a predetermined distance on an extension line connecting the first section and the second section.

[0014] The throw line illuminating unit can be provided on the bottom or side of the game table.

[0015] The device further includes a rail provided on the bottom or side of the game table; a moving part slidably coupled to the rail; and a rotating bracket rotatably installed on the moving part; and the throw line illuminator can be tiltably installed on the rotating bracket.

[0016] The video may further include at least one of a preset guide video, a preset event video, and a preset advertisement video.

[0017] The device may further include a laser unit that is provided on the bottom or side of the game table and that irradiates a laser beam onto a floor surface corresponding to the position of the throw line; and a laser sensing unit that detects a reflected wave of the laser beam and uses the reflected wave to determine whether the player is stepping on or over the throw line when throwing the ball.

[0018] The device may further include a camera unit provided on the bottom or side of the game table and configured to acquire video data relating to the position of the throw line; and a control unit configured to use the video data acquired by the camera unit to recognize whether the player is stepping on or crossing the throw line when throwing the ball.

[0019] The device may further include a touch unit that senses that the player is ready to throw the ball; and a control unit that controls the game device to activate the game from the point in time when it senses that the player is ready to throw the ball.

[0020] In addition, the touch unit detects a touch input made by the player after the player is ready to throw the ball, and when the control unit receives the touch input through the touch unit, it recognizes that a game round has started and activates a sensing unit installed on the game table.

[0021] The device may further include a display unit that outputs an event video; and a control unit that controls the event video displayed on the display unit based at least in part on the position of the ball thrown toward the game table.

[0022] In addition, the control unit can recognize position information of the ball based on sensing data sensed by a sensing unit installed on the game table, and determine at least one of a position where the event video is displayed on the display unit and a duration of the event video based at least in part on the ball position information.

[0023] The device further includes a memory that stores the event video corresponding to a preset event, and the control unit calculates game points based on sensing data sensed by a sensing unit provided on the game table, and controls the display unit to output the event video based on the game points.

[0024] The device further includes an audio unit that outputs an event sound; and a memory that stores the event sound corresponding to a preset event; and the control unit can calculate game points based on sensing data sensed by a sensing unit provided on the game table, and control the audio unit to output the event sound based on the game points.

[0025] The device further includes a camera unit that captures an image of the player throwing the ball, and when the control unit recognizes that a preset event has occurred, the control unit can control the display unit to output the image captured by the camera unit to the display unit.

[0026] The device may further include a ball sensing unit provided in the first section, which senses whether the ball is located in any one of the at least one first game cup.

[0027] In addition, the ball sensing unit may adjust the zero point of the ball sensing unit when it recognizes that the round of the game has ended or that the ball is located in one of the at least one first game cup.

[0028] The device may further include a bounce sensing unit provided in the second section for sensing whether the ball has bounced in the second section.

[0029] The game table may further include a pad provided in one area of ​​the first section to prevent the ball from bouncing.

[0030] In addition, the game table may have a structure in which the first section and the second section can be separated.

[0031] The game table may further include a third section in which at least one second game cup is arranged in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first section is located in the second section.

[0032] The technical solutions provided by the present disclosure are not limited to the solutions described above, and a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can clearly understand solutions other than those described above from the following description. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] The present disclosure provides a game device that outputs a throw line, thereby improving convenience for game players.

[0034] The effects obtained by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned solutions, and a person with ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains can clearly understand effects other than those described above based on the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a game device according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a game device according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a game device according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram for explaining a first example of a method for recognizing a ball in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5]10 is a diagram for explaining a second example of a method for recognizing a ball in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a ball in several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an example of a guard portion and a through-hole that can be provided in a game device according to multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an example of a guard portion and a through-hole that can be provided in a game device according to multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table module in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram for explaining a first example of a coupling structure of a table module in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram for explaining a second example of a coupling structure of a table module in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram for explaining a third example of a coupling structure of a table module in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 10 is a diagram for explaining a fourth example of a coupling structure of a table module in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 10 is a diagram for explaining a fifth example of a coupling structure of a table module in several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] 10 is a diagram for explaining a sixth example of a coupling structure of a table module in several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a throw line in several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the position of a throw line and a throw line irradiation unit in several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a slow line irradiation unit in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for calculating game points by a control unit of a game device in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of an application screen related to a game executed on a game device in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Various embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, like reference numerals are used to indicate like components. In the following embodiments, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of one or more aspects. However, it will be apparent that such element(s) can be practiced without such details.

[0037] Various embodiments and / or aspects are disclosed below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are disclosed to facilitate a general understanding of an aspect. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that such aspect(s) may be practiced without such specific details. The following description and the accompanying drawings detail certain exemplary aspects of one or more aspects. However, these aspects are illustrative, and only a portion of various methods based on the principles of the various embodiments may be utilized, and the description herein is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. In particular, the terms "embodiment," "example," "aspect," "exemplary," etc., as used herein, may not be construed as implying that any aspect or design described herein is superior or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

[0038] Hereinafter, the same reference numerals will be used to denote identical or similar components regardless of the reference numerals in the drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are merely intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings.

[0039] The terms used in this specification are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In this specification, singular terms include plural terms unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the term "comprises" or "comprising" used as a predicate or modifier does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements other than the elements directly mentioned in the specification.

[0040] Although expressions such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various elements or components, these elements or components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one element or component from another. Therefore, a first element or component described below may also be a second element or component within the technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification can be used in a manner commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should not be interpreted ideally or excessively unless otherwise defined.

[0042] The term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, "X utilizes A or B" shall mean one of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X utilizes A; X utilizes B; or X utilizes both A and B, then "X utilizes A or B" can apply to any of these. Additionally, the term "and / or" as used herein should be understood to refer to and include all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0043] Also, as used herein, the terms "information" and "data" are often used interchangeably.

[0044] When a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected, coupled, or connected to the other component, but that there may be other components between them. On the other hand, when a component is described as being "directly connected," "directly coupled," or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components between them.

[0045] The suffixes "module" and "section" used in the following description of components are used interchangeably solely for the purpose of facilitating the drafting of the specification, and do not necessarily have any specific meanings or roles.

[0046] When an element or layer is described as being "on" or "on" another element or layer, it does not only mean that it is directly on the other element or layer, but also when there are other layers or other elements between them. On the other hand, when an element is described as being "directly on" or "just above" it means that there are no other elements or layers between them.

[0047] Spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "lower," "above," "upper," etc. may be used to easily describe the relationship of one component to another as shown in the drawings. Spatially relative terms should be understood when used in conjunction with the orientations shown in the drawings or as terms that include different orientations of each element during operation.

[0048] For example, if components depicted in the figures were turned upside down, a component described as "below" or "beneath" another component would then be positioned "above" the other component. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of below and above. Components may be oriented in other directions, whereby spatially relative terms may be interpreted accordingly.

[0049] The objectives and effects of the present disclosure, as well as the technical configurations for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the following detailed examples along with the accompanying drawings. When describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of well-known functions or configurations may obscure the gist of the present disclosure, such detailed description will be omitted. The terms used below are defined in consideration of the functions in the present disclosure, and may vary depending on the intentions or practices of users or operators.

[0050] However, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples disclosed below, and can be embodied in various different forms. However, these examples are provided to make the disclosure complete and to allow those skilled in the art to fully understand the scope of the disclosure, and the present disclosure is defined by the scope of the claims. Therefore, the definition should be determined based on the contents described throughout this specification.

[0051] The scope of rights relating to the methods in the claims of the present disclosure arises from the functions and features recited in each step, and is not affected by the order in which each step is recited in the claims, unless the order of each step constituting the method is clearly stated. For example, in a claim reciting a method including steps A and B, even if step A is recited before step B, the scope of rights is not limited to the requirement that step A must be performed before step B.

[0052] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a game device according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] 1, the game device 1000 may include a control unit 100, a sensing unit 200, a memory 300, a display unit 400, an audio unit 500, a throw line projection unit 600, and an input unit 700. However, the above components are not essential for implementing the game device 1000, and the game device 1000 may include more or fewer components than those described above.

[0054] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the gaming device 1000 may be a device related to a game table for playing a game using a ball. The gaming device 1000 may have any external configuration suitable for playing a game (e.g., beer pong) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The gaming device 1000 may include any type of computer system or device, such as a microprocessor, a mainframe computer, a digital processor, a handheld device, a device controller, etc. The gaming device 1000 may provide players with the entertainment and convenience associated with a game using a ball.

[0055] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the gaming device (1000) can include a game table including a first section in which at least one first game cup is placed and a second section in which a ball bounces.

[0056] The game table will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0057] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a ball can be thrown (i.e., thrown) by a player toward a game cup. The ball may have an internal space, such as a table tennis ball. The internal space may also contain a specific substance or device.

[0058] The ball will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0059] Meanwhile, the sensing unit 200 of the game device 1000 may include a ball sensing unit 210, a bounce sensing unit 220, and a guard sensing unit 230. However, the sensing unit 200 is not limited to these, and may include more or fewer sensing units depending on the sensing data required in a game using a ball.

[0060] First, the ball sensing unit 210 may be provided in a first section of the game table where at least one first game cup is placed. The location where the ball sensing unit 210 is provided will be described later with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0061] The ball sensing unit 210 can detect whether a ball is located in a game cup in a game using a ball, for example, the ball sensing unit 210 can detect whether a ball has landed in an opponent's game cup in a beer pong game.

[0062] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the ball sensing unit 210 can sense a change in the weight of the game cup and recognize whether a ball is located in the game cup.

[0063] Specifically, the ball sensing unit 210 can sense a change in weight of each of the at least one first game cup, and can recognize whether a ball is located in any one of the at least one first game cup based on the change in weight of each of the at least one first game cup.

[0064] More specifically, the ball sensing unit 210 can recognize the weight of each of the at least one first game cup at a first time point. The ball sensing unit 210 can recognize a first game cup whose weight has changed among the at least one first game cup at a second time point after the first time point. The ball sensing unit 210 can recognize that a ball is located in the first cup if the changed weight in the first cup is maintained for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds). On the other hand, the ball sensing unit 210 can recognize that a ball is not located in the first cup if the changed weight in the first cup is not maintained for the predetermined time.

[0065] For example, before a ball is thrown, the first cup may be recognized as having a first weight. When the thrown ball lands in the first cup, the weight of the first cup may change to a second weight due to the thrown ball. If the change from the first weight to the second weight is maintained for a predetermined time, the ball sensing unit 210 may recognize that the ball has landed in the first cup.

[0066] Here, the first time point may refer to, but is not limited to, the time point when a round of the game begins, the time point when the ball is thrown, or the time point immediately before the ball is thrown.

[0067] Therefore, the ball sensing unit 210 can distinguish whether the ball hits the cup, changes the weight of the cup, and then bounces off the cup, i.e., whether the ball is located in the cup or not.

[0068] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the ball sensing unit 210 can sense whether a ball is located in the game cup using image data.

[0069] Specifically, the ball sensing unit 210 may include a camera unit that acquires image data. In this case, the ball sensing unit 210 may determine whether the ball is located in one of the at least one first cup using the image data acquired by the camera unit. For example, a difference between two or more pieces of image data acquired at different times may be used to detect a change in the image data. The difference may include subtracting two input operations and then generating result image data using the absolute value of the resulting value.

[0070] As another example, a change in image data can be detected by calculating the absolute value of the difference in grayscale values ​​between image data based on grayscale values ​​ranging from 0 to 255.

[0071] For another example, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the comparison of image data and / or the detection of changes in the image data may be performed by extracting key points from the images and then matching or comparing the extracted key points. Any method for extracting and comparing key points from the images may be used.

[0072] As yet another example, the comparison of video data and / or detection of changes in video data in an embodiment of the present disclosure may be performed by any form of deep learning-based video data comparison method. In the present disclosure, deep learning can be defined as a set of machine learning algorithms that achieve high-level abstraction (the process of summarizing features, core content, or functions from large amounts of data or complex materials) by combining multiple nonlinear transformation methods, and is a field of machine learning that teaches computers how to think humanly.

[0073] More specifically, the ball sensing unit 210 can acquire an internal image of at least one first game cup at a first time point using the camera unit. The ball sensing unit 210 can recognize a first game cup whose internal image has changed among the at least one first game cup at a second time point after the first time point. The ball sensing unit 210 can recognize that a ball is located in the first game cup if the changed image of the first game cup is maintained for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds). On the other hand, the ball sensing unit 210 can recognize that a ball is not located in the first game cup if the changed image of the first game cup is not maintained for a predetermined time point.

[0074] Therefore, the ball sensing unit (210) can accurately recognize whether the ball is located in the cup.

[0075] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the ball sensing unit 210 can sense whether a ball is in proximity to the game cup and recognize whether a ball is located within the game cup.

[0076] Specifically, the ball sensing unit 210 may include an oscillator that generates a high frequency wave to form a magnetic field and a magnetic field detector that detects changes in the magnetic field. In this case, the ball may include a metal material with a predetermined level of permeability. Here, permeability represents the ratio of the magnetic field B to the induced magnetic field H. In other words, a ball including a metal material may generate changes in the magnetic field formed by the oscillator of the ball sensing unit 210.

[0077] More specifically, the ball sensing unit 210 can form a magnetic field in each of at least one first game cup at a first time point using the oscillator. The ball sensing unit 210 can then use the magnetic field detector to identify a first game cup in which a change in the magnetic field has occurred among the at least one first game cup at a second time point after the first time point. The ball sensing unit 210 can determine that a ball is located in the first game cup if the changed magnetic field in the first game cup is maintained for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds). On the other hand, the ball sensing unit 210 can determine that a ball is not located in the first game cup if the changed magnetic field in the first game cup is not maintained for the predetermined time.

[0078] Therefore, the ball sensing unit 210 can accurately distinguish whether the ball has passed around the periphery of the cup and caused a change in the magnetic field, or whether the ball has been positioned inside the cup and caused a change in the magnetic field. In other words, the ball sensing unit 210 can accurately recognize whether the ball is positioned in the cup.

[0079] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the ball sensing unit 210 can sense the magnetic field generated by the ball and recognize whether the ball is located in the game cup.

[0080] Specifically, the ball sensing unit 210 may include a transistor unit that senses a magnetic field. In this case, the ball may include a magnetic unit that generates a magnetic field. Here, the magnetic unit may be, but is not limited to, a permanent magnet.

[0081] More specifically, the ball sensing unit 210 can sense a magnetic field generated by a magnetic portion included in a ball in a first cup of at least one first game cup using a transistor unit at a first time point. The ball sensing unit 210 can sense a magnetic field from the first cup at a second time point after the first time point. The ball sensing unit 210 can sense that a ball is located in the first cup if it senses a magnetic field from the first cup for a preset time period (e.g., 3 seconds). On the other hand, the ball sensing unit 210 can sense that a ball is not located in the first cup if it does not sense a magnetic field from the first cup for the preset time period.

[0082] Therefore, the ball sensing unit 210 can accurately distinguish whether the ball is passing around the periphery of the cup and generating a magnetic field, or whether the ball is located inside the cup and generating a magnetic field. In other words, the ball sensing unit 210 can accurately recognize whether the ball is located in the cup.

[0083] According to still other embodiments of the present disclosure, the ball sensing unit 210 can read an electronic tag included in the ball to recognize whether the ball is located in the game cup.

[0084] Specifically, the ball sensing unit 210 may include a reader that outputs an electromagnetic field to read an electronic tag included in the ball. In this case, the ball may include the electronic tag.

[0085] More specifically, the ball sensing unit 210 can output an electromagnetic field to each of at least one first game cup at a first time point using the reading unit. The ball sensing unit 210 can then identify a first cup from among the at least one first game cup whose electronic tag has been read at a second time point after the first time point using the reading unit. The ball sensing unit 210 can determine that a ball is located in the first cup if the reading of the electronic tag is maintained for a preset time. On the other hand, the ball sensing unit 210 can determine that a ball is not located in the first cup if the reading of the electronic tag is not performed for a preset time in the first cup.

[0086] Therefore, the ball sensing unit (210) can accurately recognize whether the ball is located in the cup.

[0087] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the ball sensing unit 210 can utilize a reader to read an electronic tag and identify the player corresponding to the electronic tag, where the electronic tag can store player identification information.

[0088] Therefore, the control unit (100) of the game device (1000) can calculate the game points of each of the multiple players by using the identification information of the electronic tag corresponding to each of the multiple players.

[0089] As described above, the ball sensing unit (210) in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure can sense whether a ball is located in one of the at least one first game cups using any one of the following methods: a method using a change in weight, a method using video data, a method using a change in magnetic field, a method using a magnetic field, and a method using an electronic tag.

[0090] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the ball sensing unit (210) can recognize whether a ball is located in the game cup using at least two of the above-mentioned methods for recognizing whether a ball is located in the game cup.

[0091] For example, the ball sensing unit 210 can determine that the recognized result value is "true" only if the result values ​​recognized by two or more methods are all the same.

[0092] For example, the ball sensing unit (210) can determine whether a ball is located in the game cup by using the first method (e.g., a method using a change in weight) and the second method (e.g., a method using a change in magnetic field) of the above-mentioned methods for determining whether a ball is located in the game cup.

[0093] In this case, the ball sensing unit (210) can determine that the ball is located in the first cup of at least one first game cup using the first method, and can determine that the ball is located in the first cup only when it recognizes that the ball is located in the first cup using the second method.

[0094] Meanwhile, when the ball sensing unit (210) recognizes that a ball is located in a first cup among at least one first game cup using the first method and recognizes that a ball is not located in the first cup using the second method, it can determine that a ball is not located in the first cup.

[0095] Therefore, the ball sensing unit 210 can more accurately sense whether a ball is located in any one of the at least one first game cup. Here, the terms "first method" and "second method" are merely terms used to distinguish between different methods by which the ball sensing unit 210 recognizes whether a ball is located in a game cup, and are not limited to any particular method.

[0096] As another example, the ball sensing unit (210) can determine that the result value is "true" only if the ratio of the result values ​​recognized by two or more methods exceeds a preset ratio (e.g., 50%).

[0097] Therefore, the ball sensing unit 210 can more accurately sense whether the ball is located in any one of the at least one first game cup.

[0098] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the ball sensing unit 210 can adjust the zero point of the ball sensing unit 210 when the round is completed or when sensing data is acquired (i.e., when a ball is recognized as being located in any one of the at least one first game cup).

[0099] When a round is completed or when sensing data is acquired by the ball sensing unit 210, a specific value may change in each of the at least one first game cup. For example, a change in weight may occur when a drink is added to one of the at least one first game cup or when a ball is placed in the cup. In this case, an error may occur in the sensing data due to the change in the at least one first game cup.

[0100] In other words, the ball sensing unit (210) of the present disclosure can adjust or reset the zero point of the ball sensing unit (210) when the round ends, when a ball is detected being thrown, when the act of throwing the ball ends, or when sensing data is acquired (i.e., when a ball is recognized as being located in any one of at least one first game cup) to prevent errors in the sensing data.

[0101] Therefore, the ball sensing unit 210 can more accurately sense whether the ball is located in any one of the at least one first game cup.

[0102] The bounce sensing unit 220 may be provided in the second section of the game table where the ball bounces. The location of the bounce sensing unit 220 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

[0103] The bounce sensing unit 220 can sense whether a ball has bounced in a game cup in a game using a ball. For example, in a beer pong game, the bounce sensing unit 220 can recognize whether a ball has bounced off a game table (specifically, the second section) and entered a cup.

[0104] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the bounce sensing unit (220) can sense vibrations occurring in the second section and recognize whether the ball has bounced on the game table (specifically, the second section).

[0105] Specifically, the bounce sensing unit 220 can sense vibrations occurring in the second section, and if the sensed vibrations exceed a preset magnitude, the bounce sensing unit 220 can determine that the ball has bounced in the second section.

[0106] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the bounce sensing unit (220) can sense the change in weight occurring in the second section and recognize whether the ball has bounced on the game table (specifically, the second section).

[0107] Specifically, the bounce sensing unit 220 can sense a change in weight in the second section, and when the weight of the second section changes, the bounce sensing unit 220 can recognize that the ball has bounced in the second section.

[0108] Meanwhile, the bounce sensing unit 220 can also acquire the amount of weight change occurring in the second section. In this case, the bounce sensing unit 220 can recognize that the ball has bounced in the second section if the amount of weight change occurring in the second section exceeds a preset value.

[0109] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the bounce sensing unit (220) can use the video data to recognize whether the ball has bounced on the game table (specifically, the second section).

[0110] Specifically, the bounce sensing unit 220 may include a camera unit that captures video data, and the bounce sensing unit 220 may use the video data captured by the camera unit to determine that the ball has bounced in the second section.

[0111] More specifically, the bounce sensing unit 220 can acquire an image of the second section from the horizontal direction through the camera unit during a game round, and can determine that the ball has bounced in the second section when a predetermined shape (i.e., the shape of the ball) or a predetermined color (i.e., the color of the ball) is recognized from the image.

[0112] Here, the image of the second section captured horizontally may be an image captured from the side of the game table, or may be an image of the space above the second section captured from a position spaced a predetermined height from the top surface of the second section.

[0113] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the bounce sensing unit (220) can sense whether the ball is in proximity to the second section of the game table and recognize whether the ball has bounced in the second section.

[0114] Specifically, the bounce sensing unit 220 may include an oscillator that generates a high frequency wave to form a magnetic field, and a magnetic field detector that detects changes in the magnetic field. In this case, the ball may include a metal material with a predetermined level of permeability. Here, permeability represents the ratio of the magnetic field B to the induced magnetic field H. In other words, a ball including a metal material may generate changes in the magnetic field formed by the oscillator of the ball sensing unit 210.

[0115] More specifically, the bounce sensing unit 220 can generate a magnetic field on the second section at a first time point when a round of the game begins using the oscillation unit. The bounce sensing unit 220 can also detect a change in the magnetic field at a second time point after the first time point using the magnetic field detection unit. If the bounce sensing unit 220 detects a change in the magnetic field at the second time point, it can determine that the ball has bounced in the second section.

[0116] According to still other embodiments of the present disclosure, the bounce sensing unit 220 can sense the magnetic field generated from the ball and recognize whether the ball has bounced in the second section.

[0117] Specifically, the bound sensing unit 220 may include a transistor unit that senses a magnetic field. In this case, the ball may include a magnetic unit that generates a magnetic field. Here, the magnetic unit may be, but is not limited to, a permanent magnet.

[0118] More specifically, the bounce sensing unit (220) can recognize that the ball has bounced in the second section when it senses the magnetic field generated by the magnetic part included in the ball on the second section at a second time point after the first time point when the game round begins, using the transistor unit.

[0119] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the bounce sensing portion (220) can sense an optical signal and recognize that the ball has bounced in the second section.

[0120] Specifically, the bounce sensing unit 220 may include a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. In this case, the ball sensing unit 210 may irradiate light onto the second section using the light emitting unit. Meanwhile, the ball sensing unit 210 may recognize an optical signal (e.g., optical interference generated when the ball bounces) received when the ball bounces in the second section using the light receiving unit. Here, the light irradiated onto the second section using the light emitting unit may be at least one of infrared light, ultraviolet light, and visible light.

[0121] More specifically, the bounce sensing unit 220 can irradiate light onto the second section using the light emitting unit at a first time point when a round of the game begins, and can recognize that the ball has bounced in the second section when the bounce sensing unit 220 receives the optical signal through the light receiving unit at a second time point after the first time point.

[0122] That is, the bound sensing unit 220 can be, for example, an optical sensor or an infrared sensor, but is not limited thereto.

[0123] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the bounce sensing portion (220) can sense an acoustic signal and recognize that the ball has bounced in the second section.

[0124] Specifically, the bounce sensing unit 220 may include a sound collecting unit. In this case, the ball sensing unit 210 may acquire a sound generated in the second section using the sound collecting unit. The ball sensing unit 210 may recognize that the ball has bounced in the second section when a predetermined sound (i.e., a sound generated by contact between the ball and the table) that may be generated when the ball bounces in the second section is acquired through the sound collecting unit.

[0125] More specifically, the bounce sensing unit 220 can activate the sound collecting unit after the first time point when a round of the game begins, and the bounce sensing unit 220 can recognize whether the ball has bounced in the second section by analyzing the sound collected after the first time point because the sound collecting unit is activated after the first time point.

[0126] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the bounce sensing unit (210) can read an electronic tag included in the ball and recognize whether the ball has bounced in the second section.

[0127] Specifically, the ball sensing unit 220 may include a reader that outputs an electromagnetic field to read an electronic tag included in the ball. In this case, the ball may include an electronic tag.

[0128] More specifically, the bounce sensing unit 220 can output a magnetic field onto the second section at a first time point when a round of the game begins using the reader, and can recognize that the ball has bounced on the second section when the electronic tag is read on the second section at a second time point after the first time point using the reader.

[0129] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the bound sensing unit 220 can utilize a reader to read an electronic tag to identify a player corresponding to the electronic tag, where the electronic tag can store player identification information.

[0130] Meanwhile, the control unit 100 of the game device 1000 can calculate the game points of each player using the sensing data sensed by the sensing unit 200 installed in the game table. Specifically, the game device 1000 can calculate the game points of each player using the identification information of the electronic tag corresponding to each player.

[0131] Furthermore, if the bounce sensing unit (220) acquires sensing data indicating that the ball has bounced in the second section, the control unit (100) of the game device (1000) can assign a weight (for example, apply double the game points) when calculating the game points.

[0132] As described above, the bounce sensing unit 220 in the multiple embodiments of the present disclosure can sense whether the ball has bounced in the second section of the game table using any one of the following methods: a method using vibration, a method using a change in weight, a method using video data, a method using a change in magnetic field, a method using a magnetic field, a method using an optical signal, a method using an acoustic signal, and a method using an electronic tag.

[0133] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the bounce sensing unit (220) can recognize whether the ball has bounced in the first section by using at least two or more of the methods for recognizing whether the ball has bounced in the second section described above.

[0134] For example, the bound sensing unit 220 can determine that the recognized result value is "true" only if the result values ​​recognized by two or more methods are all the same.

[0135] For example, the bounce sensing unit (220) can recognize whether the ball has bounced in the second section by using the first method (e.g., a method using vibration) and the second method (e.g., a method using changes in weight) of the methods for recognizing whether the ball has bounced in the second section described above.

[0136] In this case, the bounce sensing unit (220) can determine that the ball has bounced in the second section only when it recognizes that the ball has bounced in the second section using the first method and recognizes that the ball has bounced in the second section using the second method.

[0137] On the other hand, if the bounce sensing unit (220) recognizes that the ball has bounced in the second section using the first method and recognizes that the ball has not bounced in the second section using the second method, it can determine that the ball has not bounced in the second section.

[0138] Therefore, the bounce sensing unit 220 can more accurately sense whether the ball has bounced in the second section of the game table. Here, the terms "first method" and "second method" are merely used to distinguish between different methods by which the bounce sensing unit 210 recognizes whether the ball has bounced, and are not limited to any particular method.

[0139] As another example, the bound sensing unit 220 can determine that the result value is "true" only if the ratio of the result values ​​recognized by two or more methods exceeds a preset ratio (e.g., 50%).

[0140] Therefore, the bounce sensing unit 220 can more accurately sense whether the ball has bounced in the second section of the game table.

[0141] The guard sensing unit 230 can detect whether a ball has hit the guard unit in a game using a ball. Here, the guard unit may be a partition provided to prevent the ball from being bounced off and flying away. Specifically, the guard unit may have a predetermined height to prevent the ball from escaping outside the game table. In addition, the guard unit has a structure that can be coupled to the game table, and when coupled to the game table, may have a shape that surrounds the first section of the game table.

[0142] For example, the guard portion can prevent the ball from hitting the game table or game cup and flying away in a beer pong game. The guide portion 220 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0143] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit (100) of the game device (1000) can invalidate game points when the ball sensing unit (210) and the guard sensing unit (230) acquire first sensing data indicating that the ball is located in a first cup of at least one first game cup and second sensing data indicating that the ball has hit a guard portion.

[0144] Specifically, if the guard section were not present, the ball that hit the guard section would be considered a ball that would have escaped to the outside of the game table (e.g., a miss ball). Therefore, when the second sensing data is acquired by the guard sensing section 230, the control section 100 can recognize that the ball has hit the guard section. The control section 100 can then recognize the ball as a miss ball and invalidate the game points.

[0145] A method for calculating game points by the control unit (100) of the game device (100) will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0146] The memory 300 can store programs for the operation of the control unit 100 and can also temporarily or permanently store input and output data. The memory 300 can include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), Random Access Memory (RAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 300 can operate under the control of the control unit 100.

[0147] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the memory (300) can store various information related to a game using a ball played on the game device (1000).

[0148] For example, the memory 300 may store information related to a method for calculating points for a game played on the game device 1000, information related to an event related to a game played on the game device 1000, images related to the event, sound effects related to the event, lighting effects related to the event, etc., but is not limited to this.

[0149] Meanwhile, the control unit 100 can calculate the game points of the player using information related to a method for calculating game points stored in the memory 300. The control unit 100 can also determine whether an event has occurred using information related to a game event stored in the memory 300. If the control unit 100 determines that an event has occurred, it can provide the player with event-related images, sound effects, and lighting effects stored in the memory 300. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0150] The display unit 400 can display (output) information processed in the game device 1000. For example, the display unit 400 can display information on an execution screen of an application program executed in the game device 1000, information related to an event, information related to a game result, or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphical User Interface) information related to the execution screen information.

[0151] The display unit 400 may be layered with or integrated with a touch sensor to form a touch screen. The touch screen functions as an input unit 700 that provides an input interface between the game device 1000 and the player, and also provides an output interface between the game device 1000 and the player.

[0152] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the display unit 400 can be located in one area of ​​the game table. The display unit 400 can output a variety of images.

[0153] For example, the display unit 400 can output an event image, and the control unit 100 can control the event image displayed on the display unit based at least in part on the position of the ball thrown on the game table.

[0154] Specifically, the control unit (100) recognizes ball position information based on sensing data sensed by the sensing unit (200) installed on the game table, and can determine at least one of the position where the event image is displayed on the display unit (400) and the duration of the event image based at least in part on the ball position information.

[0155] Here, the event video may be a video corresponding to a preset event that is pre-stored in the memory 300. As another example, the display unit 400 may output an advertisement video that is pre-stored in the memory 300. As yet another example, the display unit 400 may output a video (i.e., a video that guides players through a game) that is pre-stored in the memory 300. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0156] Meanwhile, the memory 300 may store event images corresponding to preset events. In this case, the control unit 100 may calculate game points based on sensing data sensed by the sensing unit 200 installed in the game table. The control unit 100 may then control the display unit 400 to output event images based on the game points. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0157] Furthermore, the memory 300 may store event sounds corresponding to preset events. In this case, the control unit 100 may calculate game points based on sensing data sensed by the sensing unit 200 provided on the game table. The control unit 100 may then control the display unit 500 to output event sounds based on the game points. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0158] The audio unit 500 can output audio data stored in the memory 300. The audio unit 500 can also output sound signals related to functions executed in the game device 1000 (e.g., sounds emitted when a game (round) starts, sounds emitted when a round ends, etc.). The audio unit 500 can include, for example, a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, etc.

[0159] As will be described later, the game device 1000 may include a camera unit. In this case, the display unit 400 can use the image captured by the camera unit as an event image. That is, the control unit 100 can control the camera unit to capture an image of the player. The control unit 100 can then control the display unit 400 to output an event image using the captured image of the player.

[0160] For example, when an event occurs in which a ball lands in one of at least one game cup, the control unit (100) can control the display unit (400) to display a video of the player throwing the ball captured by the camera unit or a video of the player looking happy.

[0161] As another example, when an event occurs in which a ball lands in one of at least one game cup, the control unit (100) can control the display unit (400) to display a video of an opposing player drinking a drink (e.g., beer) from the cup containing the ball.

[0162] As another example, if the ball does not land in one of the at least one game cup, the control unit (100) can control the display unit (400) to display an image of the opposing player (e.g., an image showing the opposing player looking happy) and / or an image of the player who threw the ball (e.g., an image showing the player who threw the ball looking disappointed).

[0163] The throw line illuminator 600 may illuminate a line of light at the throw line, where a player throws the ball, or may illuminate an image containing information about the throw line. The throw line may be located on the floor at a predetermined distance on an extension line connecting the first and second sections of the game table. The throw line location will be described later with reference to FIG. 17.

[0164] The throw line projection unit 600 may project an image including at least one of a preset guide image, a preset event image, and a preset advertisement image together with information regarding the position of the throw line.

[0165] The throw line projection unit 600 can be installed on the bottom or side of the game table, and can be slidable, rotatable, and tiltable when installed on the game table.

[0166] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the slow line illuminating unit (600) can illuminate a plurality of slow lines (specifically, line-shaped light or images including information regarding the position of the slow lines).

[0167] Meanwhile, the game device (1000) may further include a distance measurement sensor for detecting the position of the throwing line where the player throws the ball. That is, the distance information between the player and the game table detected by the distance measurement sensor is transmitted to the control unit (100), and the player may be awarded a score value corresponding to the distance.

[0168] The distance measurement sensor may include, but is not limited to, at least one of an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, and a laser sensor that can sense the distance between the player and the game table.

[0169] Meanwhile, the control unit 100 can calculate game points based on the position of the throw line where the player throws the ball. Specifically, the control unit 100 can assign weights or penalties to game points based on the position of the throw line where the player throws the ball.

[0170] For example, the control unit 100 may award different points to the first and second players even if the first and second players land their balls in the same cup (i.e., cups with the same points, e.g., 10 points). That is, the control unit 100 may determine that the second player who throws the ball from a position on the second throwing line that is relatively far from the game table will be awarded a higher second point (e.g., 20 points) than the first player who throws the ball from a position on the first throwing line that is relatively close to the game table. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0171] Therefore, in further embodiments of the present disclosure, the gaming device (1000) can award a player's game points in a variety of ways, thereby increasing the entertainment value of the game played on the gaming device (1000).

[0172] The slow line irradiation unit (600) will be described later with reference to FIGS.

[0173] The input unit (700) is for receiving information input from a user, and when information is input through the input unit (700), the control unit (100) can control the operation of the game device (1000) in accordance with the input information. The input unit 700 may include mechanical input means (or mechanical keys), such as buttons, switches, and touch input means located on the front, rear, or side of the game device 1000. For example, the touch input means may be a virtual key, soft key, or visual key displayed on a touch screen by software processing, or a touch key located outside the touch screen. The virtual key or visual key may be displayed on the touch screen in various forms, such as graphics, text, icons, videos, or a combination thereof. An example of the input unit 700 that is operated to receive commands for controlling the operation of the game device 1000 may be referred to as a manipulating portion.

[0174] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the input unit (700) may be a touch unit. Here, the touch unit can sense when a player is ready to throw the ball. For example, the touch unit can be configured to have a footboard shape. Specifically, the touch unit can be provided at the position of the throw line. That is, when a player is ready to throw the ball, the player can step on the touch unit provided at the position of the throw line to provide touch input to the game device (1000). However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0175] Meanwhile, the control unit 100 may control the game device 1000 to activate the game when the touch unit senses that the player is ready to throw the ball. Specifically, the control unit 100 may recognize that a round of the game has started when it receives a touch input through the touch unit. Then, the control unit 100 may activate the sensing unit 200 provided on the game table upon recognizing that a round of the game has started. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0176] Furthermore, the touch area may extend away from the throw line toward the game table, and a game may be authenticated as legitimate only if a player throws the ball while touching the touch area (e.g., stepping on the touch area).

[0177] Therefore, when a remote multi-game mode is executed on the game device (1000), players who are far away may be able to verify that each player threw the ball from the correct position and played the game legitimately, without having to directly see and confirm each other's play.

[0178] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the gaming device (1000) may further include a lighting unit that can provide lighting effects to the player to enhance the entertainment value of the game played on the gaming device (1000).

[0179] For example, the lighting unit can be installed on the outermost surface of the top, bottom, or side of the game table of the game device 1000. Furthermore, when the control unit 100 recognizes that an event has occurred (e.g., when a ball lands in one of at least one cup, or when a ball bounces on the game table), the lighting unit can output a lighting effect related to the event stored in the memory 300. In other words, the lighting unit can be turned on or off by the control unit 100.

[0180] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the game device (1000) may further include a camera unit. The camera unit processes image frames, such as still images or videos, acquired by an image sensor when a player plays a game using the game device (1000). Here, the image frames processed by the camera unit may be displayed on the display unit (400) or stored in the memory (300). The image frames processed by the camera unit may also be used by the control unit (100) to generate an event video. The image frames processed by the camera unit may also be used by the control unit (100) to determine whether a player has stepped on or crossed the throwing line when throwing the ball.

[0181] Meanwhile, the camera units provided in the game device 1000 may be arranged in a matrix structure, and multiple pieces of image information with various angles and focal points may be input to the game device 1000 through the camera units arranged in this matrix structure. Also, the camera units may be arranged in a stereo structure to obtain left and right images for creating a stereoscopic image.

[0182] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the game device (1000) may further include a communication unit. The communication unit may include one or more modules that enable communication between the game device (1000) and a communication system or between the game device (1000) and a user terminal (here, a player's terminal, a game device administrator's terminal, etc.). The communication unit may also include one or more modules that connect the game device (1000) to one or more networks.

[0183] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the communication unit of the game device (1000) can transmit information related to the game being executed on the game device (1000) to a user terminal.

[0184] Specifically, the communication unit can transmit the play history of the game executed on the game device (1000) to the user terminal. Here, the play history can include, for example, the number of times the player has played the game, their game record, the number of mistakes, etc. However, it is not limited to this.

[0185] Meanwhile, an application related to the game executed on the game device (1000) may be installed on the user terminal. The application may provide the user with information related to the game received from the communication unit of the game device (1000). The application related to the game executed on the game device (1000) will be described later with reference to FIG. 20.

[0186] However, this is not limited to this, and the user terminal may provide the user with game-related information received from the communication unit of the game device (1000) (e.g., display text) regardless of whether a separate application is installed.

[0187] Therefore, a user of the game device (1000) in the multiple embodiments of the present disclosure can easily check the history of the games he or she has played.

[0188] Furthermore, the communication unit of the game device (1000) can receive information about the game being executed on the game device (1000) from the user terminal.

[0189] For example, the communication unit of the gaming device 1000 can receive customized game rules from a user terminal. The customized game rules can include, but are not limited to, points assigned to each of at least one first game cup, conditions for generating events, etc.

[0190] As another example, the communication unit of the game device 1000 may receive a customized game screen from a user terminal, and in this case, the display unit 400 may output the customized game screen received from the user terminal, but this is not limiting.

[0191] Therefore, the game device (1000) in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure can provide the user with customized game rules or customized game screens, etc., provided by the user, thereby increasing the entertainment element.

[0192] The network in various embodiments of the present disclosure may use a variety of wired communication systems, such as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), x Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL), Rate Adaptive DSL (RADSL), Multi Rate DSL (MDSL), Very High Speed ​​DSL (VDSL), Universal Asymmetric DSL (UADSL), High Bit Rate DSL (HDSL), and Local Area Networks (LANs).

[0193] In addition, the networks presented herein may utilize a variety of wireless communication systems such as CDMA (Code Division Multi Access), TDMA (Time Division Multi Access), FDMA (Frequency Division Multi Access), OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multi Access), SC-FDMA (Single Carrier-FDMA), and other systems.

[0194] The network in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured regardless of the communication mode, such as wired or wireless, and may be configured as various communication networks, such as a short-range communication network (PAN: Personal Area Network), a short-range communication network (WAN: Wide Area Network), etc. In addition, the network may be the well-known World Wide Web (WWW), or may use wireless transmission technologies used for short-range communication, such as infrared data association (IrDA) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0195] The techniques described herein can be used in the above networks as well as other networks.

[0196] The control unit 100 of the game device 1000 can generally control the overall operation of the game device 1000. The control unit 100 can provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user by processing signals, data, information, etc. input or output through the components described above, or by executing application programs stored in the memory 300.

[0197] The control unit (100) can control at least some of the components described with reference to Fig. 1 in order to execute the application program stored in the memory (300). Furthermore, the control unit (100) can operate at least two or more components included in the game device (1000) in combination in order to execute the application program.

[0198] The various embodiments described herein may be implemented, for example, using software, hardware, or a combination thereof in a computer-readable or similar device-readable recording medium and storage medium.

[0199] For hardware implementations, the embodiments described herein may be implemented using at least one of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other electrical units for performing functions. In some cases, the embodiments described herein may be implemented solely by the control unit 100.

[0200] In the case of software implementation, the processes and functions described herein may be implemented in separate software modules. Each of the software modules may perform one or more of the functions and operations described herein. The software code may be created by a software application written in a suitable programming language. The software code may be stored in memory 300 and executed by the control unit 100.

[0201] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a game device according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0202] Referring to Figure 2, the game device (1000) may include a first table module (1100) constituting a first section (1110) in which at least one first game cup (2000) is placed on the game table, and a second table module (1200) constituting a second section (1210) in which the ball bounces and having a structure that can be separated from the first table module (1100).

[0203] The separation structure of the first table module (1100) and the second table module (1200) will be described later with reference to FIGS.

[0204] The game device 1000 may include a pad 1120 provided in a first area 1111 of the first section 1110 to prevent the ball from bouncing. Meanwhile, at least one first game cup may be arranged in a second area 1112 of the first section 1110, excluding the first area 1111.

[0205] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the pad (1120) can be made of a material that absorbs the impact of the ball when it hits the pad (1120) so that the ball does not bounce back.

[0206] For example, the pad (1120) may be made of low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), or a material formed by blending low density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE).

[0207] As another example, the pad (1120) may be made of a material formed of rubber.

[0208] Therefore, the impact-absorbing material of the pad (1120) in the embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent the ball from bouncing off and flying away during gameplay, which can cause delays in the game progress. In other words, the pad portion (1120) in the embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the convenience of game players.

[0209] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the pad (1120) can generate a magnetic attraction between itself and the ball to prevent the ball from bouncing when it hits the pad (1120). Here, the magnetic attraction can be strong enough to prevent the ball from bouncing when it hits the pad (1120). Therefore, the magnetic attraction can prevent the ball moving through the air from being drawn toward the pad (1120). In other words, even if magnetic attraction exists, it only occurs at a predetermined height from the pad (1120), and the trajectory of the ball thrown by the player can be maintained.

[0210] For example, the pad can be made of a permanent magnet, in which case the pad 1120 can include a metallic material that generates a magnetic attraction.

[0211] As another example, the pad 1120 may be made of an electromagnet. In this case, the pad 1120 may be controlled so that a current flows through a coil included in the electromagnet when a game round begins. That is, the pad 1120 may be controlled so that it becomes magnetic when a game round begins. In this case, the ball may include a metal material that generates a magnetic attraction between the ball and the pad 1120. Here, the magnetic attraction may be strong enough to prevent the ball from bouncing off the pad 1120 when it hits the pad 1120.

[0212] Therefore, the pad (1120) in the embodiments of the present disclosure prevents the ball from bouncing off and sticking to the pad (1120), thereby preventing delays in game progress due to the ball bouncing off and flying away during game play. In other words, the pad unit (1120) in the embodiments of the present disclosure can improve convenience for game players.

[0213] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the gaming device 1000 may include at least one through-hole having a second diameter greater than the first diameter of the ball and present in the pad 1120 and the first region 1111 of the first section 1110. The gaming device 1000 may also include a ball collector that collects balls that have passed through the at least one through-hole.

[0214] Therefore, the through-holes in the embodiments of the present disclosure allow the ball to pass through the through-hole without being bounced off and flying away, thereby preventing delays in the progress of the game due to the ball being bounced off and flying away during game play. In other words, the through-holes in the embodiments of the present disclosure can improve convenience for game players.

[0215] The through holes and the ball collecting portion will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0216] The gaming device (1000) may include legs (1400) to allow the gaming table to be placed at a preset height.

[0217] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the legs 1400 may have a height-adjustable structure, and the legs 1400 may have a foldable structure that allows them to fold down toward the bottom of the gaming table.

[0218] Furthermore, the legs (1400) may be provided with casters on the bottom to facilitate the movement of the game table, which allows the user to easily move the game device (1000) without exerting much force.

[0219] Furthermore, the legs (1400) can slide in a direction parallel to the game table to support the game table and adjust the center of gravity of the game table. This allows the legs (1400) to slide in a direction parallel to the game table, so that if there is a specific obstacle at the location where the game table is to be installed, the legs (1400) can slide to prevent the obstacle from coming into contact with the legs (1400), improving convenience when installing the game table.

[0220] As described in detail in the description of Figure 1, the gaming device 1000 may include a display unit 400. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the display unit 400 may be provided on the second table module 1200 (the second section 1210 of the game table). However, the location of the display unit 400 on the gaming device 1000 is not limited to this.

[0221] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a game device according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0222] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the game device (1000) may include a ball sensing unit (210) for sensing whether a ball is located in any one of the at least one first game cup (2000).

[0223] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the ball sensing unit (210) may be provided at the bottom of each of the at least one first game cup (2000) to sense whether a ball is located in any one of the at least one first game cup (2000).

[0224] That is, the ball sensing portion (210) may be provided between the top surface of the first table module (1100) and the bottom surface of each of the at least one first game cup (2000).

[0225] Therefore, the ball sensing unit 210 can recognize whether the ball is located in any one of the at least one first game cup.

[0226] The method by which the ball sensing unit 210 senses whether a ball is positioned in one of the at least one first game cup has been described in detail with reference to FIG. 1, and therefore will not be described in detail again.

[0227] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the gaming device (1000) may include a bounce sensing unit (210) for sensing whether the ball has bounced on the gaming table.

[0228] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the bounce sensing unit (220) may be provided under the top plate placed on the second section of the game table to sense whether the ball has bounced on the second section.

[0229] Therefore, the bounce sensing unit 220 can sense whether the ball has bounced in the second section of the game table.

[0230] The method by which the bounce sensing unit 210 senses whether the ball has bounced in the second section of the game table has been described in detail with reference to FIG. 1, and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0231] The display unit (400) of the game device (1000) can be provided on top of a tabletop that is placed on the second section.

[0232] Therefore, the display unit (400) can provide the player with, for example, event images and the like, thereby increasing the entertainment value of the game played on the game device (1000).

[0233] Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining a first example of a method for recognizing a ball in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining a second example of a method for recognizing a ball in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0234] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the game played on the gaming device 1000 may be a game in which a player throws a ball so that the ball lands in at least one first game cup after bouncing on a game table, or so that the ball lands in at least one first game cup without bouncing on a game table. For example, the game played on the gaming device 1000 may be a game of beer pong.

[0235] First, as shown in Figure 4, the ball (3000) used in the game can bounce on the second table module (1200) (the second section of the game table) of the game device (1000), where the ball (3000) is thrown by the player.

[0236] The bounce sensing unit 220 of the game device 1000 may be provided under the top plate of the second table module 1200, as described in detail in the description of FIG. 3. In this case, the bounce sensing unit 220 can sense vibrations generated in the second table module 1200. Therefore, the bounce sensing unit 220 of the game device 1000 can determine whether the ball 3000 has bounced on the top plate of the second table module 1200 (the second section of the game table) by using the vibrations. However, the method is not limited thereto, and the bounce sensing unit 220 can determine whether the ball 3000 has bounced on the top plate of the second table module 1200 (the second section of the game table) by using various methods described in detail in FIG. 1.

[0237] The method by which the bounce sensing unit 210 senses whether the ball has bounced in the second table module (second section of the game table) has been described in detail in the description of Figure 1, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0238] On the other hand, referring to FIG. 5, the ball (3000) can be positioned in the first cup (2100) of the at least one first game cup (2000).

[0239] As described in detail in the description of FIG. 3, the ball sensing unit 210 of the game device 1000 may be provided below each of the at least one first game cup 2000 to sense whether a ball is located in one of the at least one first game cup 2000. In this case, the ball sensing unit 210 may sense a change in weight occurring in the first cup 2100. Therefore, the ball sensing unit 210 of the game device 1000 may determine whether a ball 3000 is located in the first cup 2100 of the at least one first game cup 2000 by using the change in weight. However, the ball sensing unit 210 may determine whether a ball 3000 is located in one of the at least one first game cup 2000 by using various methods described in detail in FIG. 1.

[0240] The method by which the ball sensing unit 210 senses whether a ball is positioned in one of the at least one first game cup has been described in detail in the description of FIG. 1, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0241] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a ball in several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0242] First, FIG. 6(a) illustrates a ball (3000) according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0243] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the ball (3000) can be thrown (i.e., thrown) by a player towards the game cup.

[0244] The ball 3000 according to several embodiments of the present disclosure may have an internal space, such as a table tennis ball, and may contain a specific substance or device within the internal space.

[0245] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the ball 3000 may be made of a specific material. For example, the ball 3000 may be made of a metallic material having a predetermined magnetic permeability. As another example, the ball 3000 may be made of a magnetic material. That is, the ball 3000 itself may be made of a metallic or magnetic material having a predetermined magnetic permeability. In this case, the ball 3000 may not include a specific material or device in its internal space. However, this is not a limitation.

[0246] FIG. 6(b) shows a cross-sectional view of the ball shown in FIG. 6(a) taken along line AA'.

[0247] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the ball (3000) may include a specific substance or specific device (3100) in its internal space that is used to detect whether the ball has bounced on the game table (specifically, the second table module (1200)) of the game device (1000) or whether it is located in any one of the at least one game cups (2000).

[0248] For example, the ball 3000 may include a magnetic part that generates a magnetic field when the sensing unit 200 of the game device 1000 acquires sensing data using a magnetic field. The magnetic part may be, but is not limited to, a permanent magnet.

[0249] That is, the sensing unit (200) of the game device (1000) can recognize the magnetic field generated by the magnetic part included in the ball (3000) and acquire sensing data.

[0250] As another example, the ball (3000) may include an electronic tag when the sensing unit (200) of the game device (1000) acquires sensing data using the electronic tag.

[0251] That is, the sensing unit 200 of the game device 1000 can read the electronic tag included in the ball 3000 to obtain sensing data. Furthermore, the sensing unit 200 can read the electronic tag included in the ball 3000 to obtain information coded in the electronic tag (e.g., player identification information, etc.).

[0252] As another example, when the sensing unit (200) of the game device (1000) acquires sensing data using a change in a magnetic field, the ball (3000) may include a metal material having a predetermined amount of magnetic permeability that causes the change in the magnetic field.

[0253] 7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining examples of guard portions and through-holes that can be provided in game devices according to multiple embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0254] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the gaming device (1000) may include a guard portion (1500) of a preset height to prevent the ball from escaping outside the gaming table.

[0255] As shown in FIG. 7, the guard portion (1500) may be shaped to surround the first table module (1100) (ie, the first section) of the gaming table.

[0256] Therefore, the guard portion 1500 can prevent the ball from bouncing off the game table or game cup in a beer pong game, for example. In other words, the guard portion 1500 in various embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the convenience of game players.

[0257] Furthermore, the guard part (1500) can have a mesh structure. In this case, the guard part (1500) can absorb the impact when hit by a ball and reduce the repulsive force. In other words, the guard part (1500) can prevent the ball from hitting the guard part (1500), bouncing back, and flying outward.

[0258] Furthermore, the guard unit (1500) can be structured to be connectable to the game table, so that the player can connect or disconnect the guard unit (1500) as needed while playing the game using the game device (1000).

[0259] Furthermore, the guard portion 1500 may be inserted into the game table, in which case the guard portion 1500 may be pulled out from the inserted position in the game table by a physical operation by the user or by a drive portion (not shown) of the game device 1000 (i.e., automatically).

[0260] In other words, the guard unit (1500) can be pulled out to surround the first table module (1100) by the user's physical operation or by power transmission from the drive unit, thereby performing the function of the guard unit (1500) (i.e., the function of preventing a ball from hitting the game table or game cup and bouncing off). Here, the drive unit can operate in accordance with an external signal. For example, the user can use a user terminal to send a specific command signal to the game device (1000) to operate the drive unit. However, this is not limited to this.

[0261] Furthermore, the guard portion (1500) can pivot about the contact portion of the guard portion (1500) that contacts the gaming table by automatic or physical manipulation.

[0262] Specifically, the guard part 1500 may pivot based on the contact point between the game table and the guard part 1500, and may surround the first table module 1100 in an upward direction. In this case, the guard part 1500 may perform the function of the guard part 1500 (i.e., the function of preventing a ball from hitting the game table or game cup and bouncing away). Meanwhile, the guard part 1500 may pivot based on the contact point between the game table and the guard part 1500, and may surround the second table module 1100 in a downward direction. In this case, the guard part 1500 may function as a side part of the game table.

[0263] In other words, the guard portion (1500) can pivot between a guard position (in which it surrounds the first table module (1100) in an upward direction) and a non-guard position (in which it surrounds the first table module (1100) in a downward direction).

[0264] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the gaming device (1000) can include at least one through hole (1130) having a second diameter that exceeds the first diameter of the ball to prevent the ball from escaping outside the gaming table.

[0265] 7, a through hole (1130) can be provided in the first region (1111) of the first section, and the through hole (1130) can penetrate the top plate and pad (1120) of the first table module.

[0266] Therefore, the through-holes 1130 allow balls thrown onto the game table to pass through to the bottom of the game table. Specifically, for example, in a beer pong game, the through-holes 1130 can send balls that do not enter the game cups to the bottom of the game table.

[0267] Meanwhile, the game device (1000) may include a ball collection section (1140).

[0268] 8, the game device 1000 may include a ball collecting unit 1140 that collects balls that have passed through the through-holes 1130. That is, the balls that have passed through the through-holes 1130 may be stored in the ball collecting unit 1140.

[0269] Specifically, the ball collecting unit 1140 may be provided under the game table to collect balls that have passed through the through-holes 1130. More specifically, the ball collecting unit 1140 may be provided in an area under the game table that corresponds to the first area 1111 (i.e., the area where the through-holes are provided).

[0270] Therefore, the ball collecting unit 1140 can easily collect balls used in the game, improving the convenience of the game player.

[0271] Furthermore, the ball collecting unit 1140 may have a structure that allows it to be connected to a game table, so that a player can connect or remove the ball collecting unit 1140 as needed while playing a game using the game device 1000.

[0272] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table module in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0273] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the gaming device (1000) may include a first table module (1100), a second table module (1200), a third table module (1300), and legs (1400) that support the game table.

[0274] 9, the first table module (1100) can constitute a first section (1110) of the game table where at least one first game cup is placed, the second table module (1200) can constitute a second section (1210) of the game table where the ball bounces, and the third table module (1300) can be located in the second section (1210) opposite to the first section (1110) and can constitute a third section (1310) where at least one second game cup is placed.

[0275] For example, the gaming device (1000) in some embodiments of the present disclosure may be a beer pong gaming device.

[0276] In this case, beer cups (i.e., at least one first game cup) of a first team (group of players) can be placed on the first table module (1100), and beer cups (i.e., at least one second game cup) of a second team different from the first team can be placed on the third table module (1300).

[0277] Meanwhile, the first and second teams each have a predetermined number of opportunities to throw the ball per round (i.e., two or three times). When given the opportunity to throw the ball, players on the first and second teams can throw the ball into the opponent's cup.

[0278] That is, a player belonging to the first team can throw a ball toward the beer cup of the second team, and a player belonging to the second team can throw a ball toward the beer cup of the first team. Specifically, a player belonging to the first team can throw a ball from near the first table module (1100) where the beer cup of the first team is placed toward the third table module (1300) where the beer cup of the second team is placed. On the other hand, a player belonging to the second team can throw a ball from near the third table module (1300) where the beer cup of the second team is placed toward the first table module (1100) where the beer cup of the first team is placed.

[0279] Additionally, each player can throw the ball towards the second table module (1200) (the second section of the game table) so that when throwing the ball into the opponent's beer cup, the ball bounces off the second table module (1200).

[0280] Each player can earn game points by throwing the ball and landing it in the opposing team's beer cup. Furthermore, if each player bounces the ball off the second table module (1200) (the second section of the game table) and then lands it in the opposing team's beer cup, the game points can be weighted (for example, doubled).

[0281] The beer pong game executed on the above-described game device (1000) is merely an example given to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and is not limited to this.

[0282] The third table module (1300) of the game device (1000) shown in Fig. 9 may not be present depending on the location or environment in which the game device (1000) is installed. In other words, the third table module (1300) can be separated or removed from the game device (1000).

[0283] On the other hand, if the third table module 1300 is not present in the game device 1000, the game device 1000 can output a throwing line on the floor. Then, players belonging to different teams can throw the ball from the same position (i.e., the throwing line) toward the first game cup located on the first table module 1100. The throwing line output from the game device 1000 will be described later with reference to Figures 16 to 18.

[0284] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the second table module (1200) can have a structure that is separable from the first table module (1100), which will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 10 to 15.

[0285] The following describes a separable structure between the first table module (1100) and the second table module (1200) with reference to Figures 10 to 15. However, this is not limited to this, and if the game device (1000) includes (is provided with) a third table module (1300), the second table module (1200) and the third table module (1300) may have a separable structure between the first table module (1100) and the second table module (1200).

[0286] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the second table module (1200) may have a structure that is separable from the first table module (1100). The fact that the first table module (1100) and the second table module (1200) have a separable structure will be described later with reference to Figures 10 to 15.

[0287] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a coupling structure of a table module in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0288] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the game table of the game device (1000) may be provided with a connecting portion on each of the first table module (1100) and the second table module (1200) that connects the first table module (1100) and the second table module (1200).

[0289] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the coupling portion may include magnetic portions (30-1, 30-2) so that the first table module (1100) and the second table module (1200) are coupled together using magnetic force.

[0290] Specifically, the connecting part may include a first magnetic part provided on a first side of one of the first table module 1100 and the second table module 1200, and a second magnetic part provided on a second side of the other of the first table module 1100 and the second table module 1200. Here, the second side may be in contact with the first side. The first magnetic part may have a first pole, and the second magnetic part may have a second pole to generate a magnetic attraction between the first magnetic part and the second magnetic part.

[0291] The first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion may each be a permanent magnet, but are not limited to this.

[0292] 10, the magnetic portion provided on the first table (1100) can be a first magnetic portion (30-1) having a first pole, and the magnetic portion provided on the second table (1200) can be a second magnetic portion (30-2).

[0293] The first magnetic part 30-1 and the second magnetic part 30-2 may be provided at positions where they come into contact with each other when the first table module 1100 and the second table module 1200 are coupled together. Specifically, the first magnetic part 30-1 may be provided in a first region on a first side surface of the first table module 1100. The second magnetic part 30-2 may be provided in a second region on a second side surface of the second table module 1200, which comes into contact with the first region. The first magnetic part 30-1 and the second magnetic part 30-2 may generate a magnetic attraction force between each other.

[0294] In the multiple embodiments of the present disclosure, the game table of the game device (1000) can be easily separated or combined. Furthermore, the game device (1000) can be manufactured with a simple structure, which shortens the production process of the game device (1000), thereby improving the productivity of the game device (1000).

[0295] Furthermore, in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure, the game table of the game device (1000) has a detachable structure, allowing a user to easily transport the game device (1000). Furthermore, since the game table of the game device (1000) has a detachable structure, the game device (1000) may be easily stored.

[0296] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a coupling structure of a table module in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a coupling structure of a table module in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0297] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the game table of the game device (1000) may be provided with a connecting portion on each of the first table module (1100) and the second table module (1200) that connects the first table module (1100) and the second table module (1200).

[0298] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the connecting portion may include a protrusion and a recess into which the protrusion is inserted and fitted, so that the first table module (1100) and the second table module (1200) can be easily coupled together.

[0299] 11, as shown, the protrusion (40-1) can be provided on the first side of the first table module (1100). The recess (40-2) into which the protrusion (40-2) fits can be provided on the second side of the second table module (1200). However, this is not limited to this, and the protrusion (40-1) can also be provided on the second side of the second table module (1200). In this case, the recess (40-2) can be provided on the first side of the first table module (1100).

[0300] The protrusions (40-1) and recesses (40-2) can be provided at positions where they come into contact with each other when the first table module (1100) and the second table module (1200) are coupled together. Specifically, the protrusions (40-1) can be provided in a first region on a first side surface of the first table module (1100). The recesses (40-2) can be provided in a second region on a second side surface of the second table module (1200) that comes into contact with the first region.

[0301] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first table module (1100) and the second table module (1200) of the game device (1000) can be easily separated or connected by a user by inserting a protrusion into a recess and fitting them together. Furthermore, the game device (1000) can be manufactured with a simple structure, which can shorten the production process of the game device (1000). This can improve the productivity of the game device (1000).

[0302] According to still further embodiments of the present disclosure, the connecting portion may include a protrusion and a recess into which the protrusion is inserted and fitted. The connecting portion may further include a fixing pin and a through hole for fixing the fitted protrusion and recess.

[0303] Specifically, the fixing pin can prevent the protrusion from coming off the recess when the protrusion is inserted into the recess, and the through-hole can be formed in a region of the protrusion and the second table module (1200) so that the fixing pin can be inserted when the protrusion is inserted into the recess.

[0304] Referring to FIG. 12(a), as shown, the connecting portion may include a protrusion (40-1) and a through-hole (40-3) formed in one area of ​​the second table module (1200).

[0305] Specifically, the through-hole 40-3 may be formed in a region of the second table module 1200 and communicate with the recess 40-2. Here, the region of the second table module 1200 may be on a different surface from the recessed surface where the recess 40-2 is formed.

[0306] For example, the through-hole (40-3) can be connected to penetrate through a first side surface of the second table module (1200) and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface (that is, both side surfaces).

[0307] As another example, the through-hole 40-3 may be a hole formed a predetermined length inward from the first side surface of the second table module 1200. In other words, the through-hole 40-3 may not extend from the first side surface to the second side surface opposite the first side surface.

[0308] The through-hole 40-3 may be formed in the protrusion 40-1. Therefore, when a user inserts a fixing pin 40-4 into the through-hole 40-3 formed in each of the second table module 1200 and the protrusion 40-1, the fixing pin 40-4 can prevent the protrusion 40-1 from coming off the recess 40-2.

[0309] The method for connecting the first table module 1100 and the second table module 1200 will be explained in more detail as follows. First, the user can connect the first table module 1100 and the second table module 1200 by inserting the protrusion 40-1 into the recess 40-2. Then, when the user inserts the protrusion 40-1 into the recess 40-2, the user can insert the fixing pin 40-4 into the through hole 40-3.

[0310] Referring to FIG. 12(b), the shape of the connecting portion where the convex portion (40-1) and the concave portion (40-2) are joined and the fixing pin (40-4) is inserted is shown.

[0311] That is, as shown in (b) of Figure 12, the fixing pin (40-4) is inserted into the protrusion (40-1) and the through hole (40-3) formed in one area of ​​the second table module (1200), thereby fixing the protrusion (40-1) to the recess (40-2).

[0312] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the game device (1000) can improve the stability of the connection through the through-hole (40-3) and the fixing pin (40-4).

[0313] Furthermore, in the multiple embodiments of the present disclosure, the game device (1000) has a structure in which the game table can be separated, allowing the user to easily transport the game device (1000). Furthermore, in the multiple embodiments of the present disclosure, the game device (1000) has a structure in which the game table can be separated, allowing the user to easily store the game device (1000).

[0314] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of a coupling structure of a table module in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0315] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the gaming device (1000) may have a structure that allows the game table to slide, in order to facilitate storage or transportation of the gaming device (1000).

[0316] Referring to Figure 13, the game device (1000) may include a table housing (50-1) that forms a space on the bottom surface of the first table module (1100) to accommodate the second table module (1200), and further includes a sliding frame (50-2) formed on the inner surface of the space.

[0317] In this case, the second table module (1200) can move back and forth along the sliding frame (50-2) and can be housed in or drawn out from the table housing (50-1).

[0318] Specifically, the support part 50-3 may be provided at the bottom of the second table module 1200. The support part 50-3 may extend from the side of the second table module 1200 toward the bottom and be supported by the sliding frame 50-2. The support part 50-3 may be slidably coupled to the sliding frame 50-2.

[0319] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, rollers may be provided on the bottom surface of the support part (50-3) that is slidably coupled with the sliding frame (50-2).

[0320] Specifically, when the sliding frame (50-2) and the support part (50-3) slide, the rollers provided on the support part (50-3) can rotate along the upper surface of the sliding frame (50-2) to attenuate the frictional force caused by the sliding.

[0321] Therefore, according to other embodiments of the present disclosure, a user can pull out the second table module (1200) stored in the internal space of the table housing (50-1) without exerting much force. Therefore, a user can also store the second table module (1200) in the internal space of the table housing (50-1) without exerting much force.

[0322] Here, the second table module (1200) moves by sliding and can be housed in or pulled out of the table housing (50-1), allowing the user to quickly set up the game table.

[0323] Meanwhile, when storing the game device (1000), the user can store the second game table (1200) inside the first game table (1100). In this case, the volume of the game device (1000) can be reduced. Therefore, the user may be able to store the game device (1000) more easily.

[0324] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a fifth example of a coupling structure of a table module in accordance with multiple embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0325] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the gaming device (1000) may have a structure that allows it to slide onto a game table to facilitate storage or transportation of the gaming device (1000).

[0326] 14, the game device 1000 may include a guide rail 60-1 that allows the second table module 1200 to slide on top of the first table module 1100. Here, the guide rail 60-1 may be provided in a side area on top of the first table module 1100.

[0327] That is, the second table module (1200) can move back and forth along the guide rail (60-1) and can cover the top of the first table module (1100).

[0328] Specifically, the second table module (1200) may include a support portion (60-2) that is provided at the bottom of the second table module (1200), extends from the side of the second table module (1200) toward the bottom, and is slidably coupled to the guide rail (60-1).

[0329] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, rollers may be provided on the bottom surface of the support portion (60-2) that is slidingly coupled with the guide rail (60-1).

[0330] Specifically, when the guide rail 60-1 and the support part 60-2 are slidably coupled, the rollers on the support part 60-2 can rotate along the upper surface of the guide rail 60-1, thereby reducing the frictional force between the guide rail 60-1 and the support part 60-2 caused by the sliding.

[0331] Therefore, according to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the user can pull out the second table module (1200) housed in the internal space of the table housing (50-1) without exerting much force, and can also position the second table module (1200) on top of the first table module (1100) without exerting much force.

[0332] Here, the second table module (1200) slides and can be stored or pulled out from above the first table module (1100), allowing the user to quickly set up the game table.

[0333] Meanwhile, when storing the game device 1000, the user can place the second game table 1200 on top of the first game table 1100. In this case, the volume of the game device 1000 can be reduced, and therefore the user may be able to store the game device 1000 more easily.

[0334] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a fifth example of a coupling structure of a table module in accordance with multiple embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0335] The game table of the gaming device 1000 in several embodiments of the present disclosure may have a foldable structure, which may make it easier to store or transport the gaming device 1000.

[0336] Referring to FIG. 15, the game device (1000) may include hinges (70-1, 70-2) connected to the first table module (1100) and the second table module (1200), respectively, and a hinge pin (70-3) that fastens the hinges (70-1, 70-2) so that the first table module (1100) and the second table module (1200) can rotate.

[0337] Specifically, a first hinge 70-1 may be coupled to the bottom surface of one of the first table module 1100 and the second table module 1200, and a second hinge 70-2 may be coupled to the bottom surface of the other of the first table module 1100 and the second table module 1200. The first hinge 70-1 and the second hinge 70-2 may be fastened together by a hinge pin 70-3.

[0338] The first hinge (70-1) can be coupled to a first region on the bottom surface of the first table module (1100). Here, the first region can be a region located at one end of the bottom surface of the first table module (1100). The second hinge (70-2) can be coupled to a second region on the bottom surface of the second table module (1100). Here, the second region can be a region located at one end of the bottom surface of the second table module (1200). The first and second regions can be located adjacent to each other when the first table module (1100) and the second table module (1200) are coupled together.

[0339] Here, the first hinge (70-1) and the second hinge (70-2) may be connected to the first table module (1100) and the second table module (1200) respectively via screws, but this is not limitative.

[0340] However, the positions at which the first hinge (70-1) and the second hinge (70-2) are connected are not limited to the above example, and the first hinge (70-1) and the second hinge (70-2) can also be connected to the upper surfaces of the first table module (1100) and the second table module (1200), respectively.

[0341] Meanwhile, the first hinge 70-1 and the second hinge 70-2 can be fastened together by a hinge pin 70-3, in which case the first table module 1100 and the second table module 1200 can rotate around the hinge pin 70-3 and be folded or unfolded.

[0342] Therefore, the game table of the game device (1000) of the present disclosure can have a foldable structure, which allows the user to easily transport the game device (1000).

[0343] Furthermore, when storing the game device (1000), the user can fold the first game table (1100) and the second game table (1200). In this case, the volume of the game device (1000) can be reduced. Therefore, the user may be able to store the game device (1000) easily.

[0344] Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining an example of a throw line in several embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 17 is a diagram for explaining the position of the throw line and a throw line irradiation unit in several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0345] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the game device (1000) may include a throw line illumination unit (600) that illuminates a line of light at the position of the throw line, where the player throws the ball, or illuminates an image containing information related to the position of the throw line onto the throw line.

[0346] Generally, in games where players score points by throwing a ball (e.g., beer pong), the player throws the ball while maintaining a predetermined distance from the target (here, the game cup). In other words, the throw line can refer to a line provided to the player so that the player throwing the ball maintains a predetermined distance from the game cup.

[0347] Referring to FIG. 16, the throw line projection unit 600 of the game device 1000 can project an image 20 containing information about the position of the throw line onto the floor at a preset distance.

[0348] For example, the throwing line projection unit 600 may project an image including at least one of a preset guide image, a preset event image, and a preset advertisement image together with information regarding the position of the throwing line.

[0349] Therefore, the user who operates the game device 1000 can not only provide the game to players through a video containing an advertisement, but also generate revenue through the advertisement. Also, the user who uses the game device 1000 can play the game more easily through a guide video, for example.

[0350] The throw line illuminating unit (600) can illuminate a line of light or an image (20) containing information on the position of the throw line at a position on the floor corresponding to a position separated by a predetermined distance on an extension line connecting the first section (1110) and the second section (1210).

[0351] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, a line of light or an image containing information regarding the position of the throw line can be projected onto the floor at a predetermined distance on the extension line (10) connecting the first section (1110) and the second section (1210) and perpendicular to the extension line.

[0352] In this case, the player may throw the ball without crossing the throwing line included in the video (20).

[0353] Meanwhile, the throw line projection unit 600 can be installed on the bottom or side of the game table, and when installed on the game table, the throw line projection unit 600 can be configured to be able to slide, rotate, and tilt in order to adjust the position where the throw line is projected.

[0354] Specifically, the game device 1000 may include a rail 80-1 provided on the bottom or side of the game table, a moving part slidably coupled to the rail, and a rotating bracket 80-8 rotatably installed on the moving part. The throwing line illuminator 600 may be installed on a tilting bracket 80-9 so that it can tilt on the rotating bracket 80-8.

[0355] The structure of the slow line irradiator 600 that allows it to slide, rotate and tilt will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0356] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the gaming device (1000) can recognize whether a player is over or over a throwing line when throwing a ball.

[0357] For example, the game device (1000) may include a laser unit that is installed on the bottom or side of the game table and that irradiates a laser beam onto the floor surface corresponding to the position of the throw line, and a laser sensing unit that detects the reflected wave of the laser beam and uses the reflected wave to determine whether the player is stepping on or crossing the throw line when throwing the ball.

[0358] As another example, the game device 1000 may include a camera unit provided on the bottom or side of the game table to capture image data relating to the position of the throw line. In this case, the control unit 100 can use the image data captured by the camera unit to determine whether the player is stepping on or crossing the throw line when throwing the ball.

[0359] Meanwhile, if the control unit (100) recognizes that a player has stepped on or crossed the throwing line when throwing the ball (i.e., recognizes a foul) using the reflected wave of the laser beam or the video data, it can impose a penalty on the player.

[0360] For example, if the control unit (100) recognizes that the player has stepped on or crossed the throwing line when throwing the ball, it may invalidate the points for the ball thrown in that turn, but this is not a limitation.

[0361] Meanwhile, when the control unit (100) recognizes that the player has stepped on or crossed the throwing line while throwing the ball using the reflected wave of the laser beam or the video data, it can notify the player of this fact using the display unit (400), audio unit (500), lighting unit, etc.

[0362] For example, if the control unit (100) determines that a player has stepped on or crossed the throwing line while throwing the ball, it may control the display unit (400) to output a video related to a foul. As another example, if the control unit (100) determines that a player has stepped on or crossed the throwing line while throwing the ball, it may control the audio unit (500) to output a sound related to a foul. As yet another example, if the control unit (100) determines that a player has stepped on or crossed the throwing line while throwing the ball, it may control the lighting unit to output a light related to a foul. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0363] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an example of a slow line irradiation unit in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0364] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the throw line illuminator 600 can be mounted on the bottom or side of the game table, and can be configured to slide, rotate, and tilt when mounted on the game table.

[0365] Specifically, referring to (a) of FIG. 18, the game device (1000) may include a rail (80-1), a sliding slot (80-2), a fixed rod (80-3), a sliding support part (80-4), a sliding wheel (80-5), a rail gear (80-6), a rotating bracket (80-8), and a tilting bracket (80-9).

[0366] A pair of rails 80-1 are provided on the bottom or side of the game table of the game device 1000. The rails 80-1 may have a ┗┛-shaped cross section with a sliding slot 80-2 formed in the center. A rail gear 80-6 may be formed on a portion of the top surface of the rails 80-1.

[0367] Meanwhile, a sliding support part 80-4 may be disposed on the rail 80-1. At least four sliding wheels 80-5, two on each side of the sliding support part 80-4, may be rotatably fixed to each other. The sliding support part 80-4 or the sliding wheels 80-5 may be fixed by being coupled with the rail gear 80-6.

[0368] Furthermore, a drive motor for driving the sliding wheel (80-5) can be installed inside the sliding support part (80-4), and the drive motor can be operated by the control part (100) of the game device (1000).

[0369] At least one fixed rod 80-3 may pass through the sliding slot 80-2. The upper end of the fixed rod 80-3 may be fixed to the bottom surface of the sliding support part 80-4, and the moving part 80-7 may be fixed to the bottom surface of the fixed rod 80-3.

[0370] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the slow line irradiator 600 can be moved forward and backward using the sliding support 80-4 that moves along the rail 80-1.

[0371] Referring to FIG. 18(b), the structure shown in FIG. 18(a) is viewed from the bottom.

[0372] As shown in Figure 18(b), a rotating bracket 80-8 may be rotatably installed on the moving part 80-7, which is connected to the sliding support part 80-4 via a fixed rod 80-3. Also, a tilting bracket 80-9 may be installed on the rotating bracket 80-8 to tilt the slow line illuminator 600. The slow line illuminator 600 may be installed on the tilting bracket 80-9.

[0373] That is, the slow line illuminating unit 600 can be tilted by the movement of the tilting bracket 80-9, rotated by the movement of the rotating bracket 80-8, and slidably moved by the movement of the moving unit 80-7 coupled to the sliding support unit 80-4.

[0374] Therefore, the user can adjust the projection position and projection angle of the image containing information relating to the position of the line of light or the throw line.

[0375] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for calculating game points by a control unit of a game device in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0376] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit 100 of the game device 1000 can calculate game points based on the sensing data sensed by the sensing unit 200. The control unit 100 can also recognize whether a preset event has occurred based on the sensing data sensed by the sensing unit 200.

[0377] Referring to FIG. 19, the control unit 100 can obtain first sensing data indicating that a ball is located in a first cup among at least one first game cup through the ball sensing unit 210 (S110).

[0378] In this case, the control unit 100 can recognize whether the second sensing data indicating that the ball has hit the guard portion is acquired through the guard sensing unit 230 (S120).

[0379] When the control unit (100) recognizes that second sensing data indicating that the ball has hit the guard portion has been acquired through the guard sensing unit (230) (S120, Yes), the control unit (100) can invalidate the game points (S130).

[0380] That is, the control unit (100) can determine whether the ball has hit the guard portion installed to prevent the ball from escaping outside the game table depending on whether the second sensing data has been acquired. If the control unit (100) determines that the ball has hit the guard portion and is located in the first cup, it can invalidate the points related to the ball.

[0381] Specifically, if the guard section were not present, the ball that hit the guard section would be considered a ball that would have escaped to the outside of the game table (e.g., a miss ball). Therefore, when the second sensing data is acquired by the guard sensing section 230, the control section 100 can recognize that the ball has hit the guard section. The control section 100 can then recognize the ball as a miss ball and invalidate the game points.

[0382] Meanwhile, if the control unit (100) determines that the second sensing data indicating that the ball has hit the guard section has not been acquired through the guard sensing unit (230) (S120, No), it can determine whether the third sensing data indicating that the ball has bounced in the second section has been acquired through the bounce sensing unit (220) (S140).

[0383] When the control unit (100) recognizes that third sensing data indicating that the ball has bounced in the second section has been acquired through the bounce sensing unit (220) (S140, Yes), it can calculate game points and weight the game points (S150).

[0384] On the other hand, if the control unit (100) determines that the third sensing data indicating that the ball has bounced in the second section has not been acquired through the bounce sensing unit (220) (S140, No), it can calculate the game points without assigning any particular weight to the game points (S160).

[0385] That is, depending on whether the third sensing data is acquired, the control unit (100) can determine whether the ball located in the first cup bounced in the second section and then went into the first cup, or whether the ball went into the first cup without bouncing in the second section. If the control unit (100) determines that the ball bounced in the second section and then went into the first cup, it can weight the points associated with the ball.

[0386] For example, the control unit 100 may determine that if the ball enters the first cup without bouncing in the second section, the points corresponding to the first cup (e.g., 10 points) are to be awarded to the player who threw the ball, but this is not limiting.

[0387] As another example, the control unit 100 may determine that when the ball is recognized to have bounced in the second section and then landed in the first cup, the points of the player who threw the ball are to be twice the points (e.g., 20 points) of the points (e.g., 10 points) corresponding to the first cup, but this is not limiting.

[0388] That is, the control unit (100) of the game device (1000) in the multiple embodiments of the present disclosure can calculate game points based on the sensing data sensed by the sensing unit (200) provided on the game table.

[0389] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit 100 may determine that different game points are awarded depending on the cup in which the ball is positioned.

[0390] For example, the control unit (100) may determine 10 points when the ball is located in the first cup of at least one first game cup, 20 points when the ball is located in the second cup of at least one first game cup, 30 points when the ball is located in the third cup of at least one first game cup, etc.

[0391] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit 100 may determine that the same game points are awarded for all cups in which the ball lies.

[0392] For example, the control unit (100) may determine 10 points when the ball is located in the first cup of at least one first game cup, 10 points when the ball is located in the second game cup of at least one first game cup, 10 points when the ball is located in the third cup of at least one game cup, etc.

[0393] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit 100 of the game device 1000 can calculate game points based on the positions of the throwing lines. Here, the throwing line illuminating unit 600 of the game device 1000 can illuminate multiple throwing lines. The game device 1000 can further include a distance measuring sensor for detecting the positions of the throwing lines along which the player throws the ball.

[0394] Specifically, the control unit 100 can assign weights to game points or penalties to game points based on the position of the throwing line where the player throws the ball.

[0395] For example, the control unit 100 may award different points to the first and second players even if the first and second players land their balls in the same game cup (i.e., game cups with the same points, e.g., 10 points). That is, the control unit 100 may determine that the second player who throws the ball from a position on the second throwing line that is relatively far from the game table will be awarded a higher second point (e.g., 20 points) than the first player who throws the ball from a position on the first throwing line that is relatively close to the game table. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0396] Therefore, in further embodiments of the present disclosure, the gaming device (1000) can award a player's game points in a variety of ways, thereby increasing the entertainment value of the game played on the gaming device (1000).

[0397] Meanwhile, the control unit 100 of the game device 1 (1000) can recognize whether a preset event has occurred based on game points. The control unit 100 can then control the display unit 400 or the audio unit 500 to output video or sound effects corresponding to the preset event. Here, the video or sound effects corresponding to the preset event can be stored in advance in the memory 300 of the game device 1000.

[0398] The predetermined events may include, but are not limited to, a first event in which a ball thrown by a player lands in a predetermined specific cup among at least one game cup, a second event in which points earned by multiple balls thrown by a player exceed a predetermined number of points, and a third event in which at least two balls thrown by a player land in the same cup.

[0399] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the game device (1000) can capture an image of a player throwing a ball through a camera unit, and the control unit (100) can control the display unit (400) to output the image captured by the camera unit to the display unit when it recognizes that a preset event has occurred.

[0400] Therefore, by providing differentiated event images for each player, the entertainment factor of the game played on the game device (1000) can be increased.

[0401] FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an example of an application screen related to a game executed on a game device in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0402] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the communication unit of the game device (1000) can transmit information related to the game being executed on the game device (1000) to a user terminal.

[0403] Specifically, the communication unit can transmit the play history of the game executed on the game device (1000) to the user terminal. Here, the play history can include, for example, the number of times the player has played the game, their game record, the number of mistakes, etc. However, it is not limited to this.

[0404] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the communication unit of the game device (1000) can transmit information related to the game to a game server that manages the information related to the game.

[0405] Although not shown in the figure, the game server can be provided as an integrated unit within the game device (1000). The operator of the game device (1000) can also install the game server inside the game device (1000). For example, one of one or more game devices (1000) can be selected and set as the main game device (1000). The game devices (1000) other than the main game device (1000) can be designated as sub-game devices, and the game server can be installed inside the main game device (1000). However, this is just one example, and the game server can also be located outside the game device (1000) and communicate with other game devices. The main game device can also be connected to the game server installed inside it via a network. Furthermore, the main game device and one or more sub-game devices can be connected via a network.

[0406] Furthermore, the game server in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure can provide applications that can be installed on user terminals. The game server can then receive the play history of each user corresponding to the user terminal from the game device (1000). In this case, the game server can analyze the play history of each user received from the game device (1000) and provide the results of the play history analysis to the user terminal.

[0407] The game server can also provide users with a means to log in to the game device (1000) using a user terminal on which an application is installed, to control the game device (1000), or to control the game being executed on the game device (1000).

[0408] On the other hand, an application related to the game executed on the game device (1000) may be installed on the user terminal. Here, the application can provide the user with information related to the game received from the communication unit of the game device (1000) or the results of analyzing the play history received from the game server.

[0409] For example, the application may include an application screen (90) as shown in FIG.

[0410] Specifically, the application screen 90 may include a game history display area 91 that displays the user's game history, a login information display area 91-1 that displays information about the logged-in user, an advertisement and event display area 92 related to the game device 1000, a hotkey display area 94 that displays hotkeys preset by the user, and an application menu display area 95. However, the above-mentioned components are not essential for implementing the application screen 90, and the application screen 90 may include more or fewer components than the above-mentioned components.

[0411] A user of the game device (1000) according to the present disclosure can easily check his / her own game play history or the results of an analysis of the game play history through an application such as that shown in FIG.

[0412] That is, the game device (1000) in the various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide the user with various information (e.g., play history) and guide the user to intuitively recognize their own gaming ability. Therefore, the game device (1000) can improve the user's satisfaction with or immersion in the game.

[0413] The description of the embodiments set forth herein is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to use or practice the present disclosure. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the embodiments set forth herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0414] The best mode for carrying out the invention has been described above. [Industrial Applicability]

[0415] The present disclosure relates to gaming devices, and more particularly to gaming devices that utilize game balls for play.

Claims

1. A gaming device, a game table including a first section in which at least one first game cup is placed and a second section in which a ball bounces; a throw-line projection unit that projects a line of light or an image onto a specific position to form a throw-line, which is a position where a player should throw the ball, and that can project the throw-line onto a different position for each player; a distance measuring sensor that senses the distance between the player and the game table; and a control unit that receives data of the detected distance between the player and the game table from the distance measurement sensor, and that awards a score value corresponding to the distance to the player; Including, Game device.

2. In claim 1, The position of the throw line is: a position on the floor surface corresponding to a position separated by a predetermined distance on an extension line connecting the first section and the second section, Game device.

3. In claim 2, The slow line irradiating unit is capable of forming a plurality of slow lines by irradiating a plurality of line-shaped lights or a plurality of images. Game device.

4. In claim 1, The distance measurement sensor includes at least one of an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, and a laser sensor. Game device.

5. In claim 1, a rail provided on the bottom or side of the game table; a moving part that is slidably coupled to the rail; and a rotation bracket rotatably mounted on the moving part; further comprising The slow line irradiation unit is Tiltably mounted on the rotating bracket; Game device.

6. In claim 1, The video is The video includes at least one of a preset guide video, a preset event video, and a preset advertisement video. Game device.

7. In claim 1, a laser unit provided on the bottom or side of the game table and configured to project a laser beam onto the floor surface corresponding to the position of the throw line; and a laser sensing unit that senses a reflected wave of the laser beam and uses the reflected wave to recognize whether the player has stepped on or crossed the throwing line when throwing the ball; further comprising: Game device.

8. In claim 1, a camera unit provided on a bottom or side of the game table for acquiring image data relating to the position of the throw line; The control unit uses the video data acquired by the camera unit to recognize whether the player steps on or crosses the throw line when throwing the ball. Game device.

9. In claim 1, a touch unit configured to sense when the player is ready to throw the ball; the control unit further includes a control unit configured to activate a game being played in the game device from the time when it is sensed through the touch unit that the player is ready to throw the ball. Game device.

Images