Electronic circle game system

Abstract

A scanning game input mechanism that includes a light-emitting mechanism that defines multiple input regions for a game in which there are multiple players. Each of the input regions is a portion of the playing surface in which a corresponding player subset is to provide physical input (such as rolling dice, playing cards, or placing game pieces, and so forth) to affect game state. A scanning mechanism scans objects placed within the input regions, while a communication mechanism communicates information regarding the scanned object. The information might, for example, be communicated to affect an electronic game state maintained in another device or distributed across multiple devices.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]Games have provided a social context in which people can interact and have fun. One type of game that is particularly engaging socially are “circle” games, where players will gather around a central horizontal play area that is visible to all players, and interact with the central horizontal play area and with each other. Such players are often as few as two (as is the case with chess or checkers), but may be as many as a dozen or more. Board games are circle games in which the board serves as the central horizontal play area. However, there are other circle games that have a central play area that is not a board. For instance, many card games can be played directly on the surface of a table or other flat surface. Many circle games involve the players manipulating objects on or proximate the play area. For example, many circle games require the player role dice, start a timer, spin a spinner, play cards, move pieces, and so forth, depending on the game. Many circle g...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a game input mechanism that uses a light-emitting mechanism to define multiple input regions for a game where multiple players are involved. Each player can provide physical input to affect the game state by rolling dice, playing cards, or placing game pieces in the input regions. A scanning mechanism scans the objects placed in the input regions, and a communication mechanism communicates the information about the scanned object to affect the game state. This mechanism allows for more efficient and accurate game play."

Problems solved by technology

The benefit to society in encouraging individuals to come together in circle games is often underestimated and not fully recognized in a society in which people choose more and more to absorb themselves into virtual worlds.

Images