Dice surface with border for board or dice games

Abstract

The invention relates to a dice-like surface with a border for board or dice games, consisting of a substantially flat base plate which carries elements for forming the border, wherein the border is designed to laterally limit the surface. The base plate accommodates electrical and / or electronic assemblies for supplying and operating functional elements, wherein the border comprises a plurality of interchangeable wall elements into which the functional elements are at least partially integrated. A detachable, in particular magnetic, connection exists between the base plate and each wall element.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dice surface with a border for board or dice games, consisting of a substantially flat base plate which carries elements for forming the border, wherein the border of the playing surface is designed to limit laterally, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] From DE 8 709 792 U1, a dice tray with a cube-shaped surface is known, wherein the cube surface is delimited by a frame. The frame can hold the dice by means of an edge projecting on both sides. Furthermore, the bottom of the dice tray is lined with a felt material for sound insulation.

[0003] German patent DE 8 625 909 U1 discloses a dice tray with a flat base and raised edges on all sides. The underside of the base has downward-facing protrusions molded near its perimeter, serving as feet. The raised edges prevent the dice from falling off. The dice tray can also be used as a serving tray.

[0004] The dice board according to DE 1 736 960 U also has boundary surfaces designed as a surrounding edge. This surrounding edge is intended to prevent the dice from rolling away. The edge is curved inwards on its upper side to also prevent the dice from jumping out of the dice board surface.

[0005] In summary, the state of the art described above is known to provide a playing surface with a border for use in board or dice games.

[0006] Starting from the essentially flat base of the playing area, the border extends upwards and can be directed at least partially inwards.

[0007] A disadvantage of the known design of such dice boards is that the border is permanently attached to the actual flat playing surface. Even a possible hinged connection of individual vertical boundary surfaces does not change the fact that fundamental configurability of such a playing surface is not possible.

[0008] Based on the foregoing, the object of the invention is therefore to further develop a refined dice surface with a border for board or dice games, consisting of a substantially flat base plate which carries elements for forming the border, in such a way that individual adaptation to the game or the players is possible. Furthermore, the gaming experience should be enhanced by creating new possibilities that deepen or expand the respective game.

[0009] The problem of the invention is solved with a cube surface according to the combination of features according to claim 1, wherein the dependent claims represent at least advantageous embodiments and further developments.

[0010] It is therefore assumed that the surface of a cube has a border for board or dice games.

[0011] The cube's surface consists of a largely flat base plate, which supports elements forming the border. The border is designed to laterally delimit the cube's surface.

[0012] The perimeter comprises a multitude of interchangeable wall elements, into which functional elements are at least partially integrated. A detachable, in particular magnetic, connection is provided between the base plate and each wall element.

[0013] The base plate accommodates electrical and / or electronic assemblies for supplying and operating the functional elements.

[0014] Therefore, a modular system for forming a cube surface with a border is available.

[0015] The various wall elements are interchangeable and can have very different graphic elements, color schemes and / or functionalities.

[0016] Insofar as electrical or electronic functionalities are concerned, the power supply for these functionalities is provided via the aforementioned plug connection and a wiring provided in the base plate, which leads to the connectors.

[0017] In particular, the design of magnetic connectors ensures not only a secure electrical connection between the power supply or control system and the functionalities, but also a mechanically stable locking of the wall elements.

[0018] The wall elements can be designed and installed in such a way that the entire playing area is virtually enclosed. Alternatively, individual wall elements can be used to form a boundary. The wall elements can have different dimensions, particularly different heights.

[0019] Magnetic connectors are preferably used to form the magnetic connection and electrical coupling between the base plate and the respective wall element.

[0020] Connectors are provided to stabilize the wall elements in relation to each other, supporting adjacent wall elements through form and / or force closure.

[0021] In one embodiment, the base plate is designed as a polygon.

[0022] The base plate assemblies can include a microprocessor, but can also be connected to an external microprocessor.

[0023] According to the invention, it is possible to functionalize the wall elements on both sides, with the functionalities and functional elements of the respective sides differing.

[0024] The functionalities may include optoelectronic elements, light-emitting diodes, sensors, image recording devices, sound generators and / or loudspeakers or similar means.

[0025] The functionalities, in turn, are selectable and electronically variable. A processor-controlled operating mode is preferred in this regard.

[0026] In a further development of the invention, the base plate can have sensors for detecting game activities, in particular for detecting dice movements.

[0027] Using a camera setup, it is possible to capture the position of the dice and the number rolled. A processor can then calculate, for example, the sum of the numbers rolled when using multiple dice and display it on a screen.

[0028] The base plate preferably has a symmetrical shape.

[0029] The visible surfaces of the base plate and / or the walls or wall elements can be covered with a textile material.

[0030] Conductive textile materials, in particular conductive woven or knitted fabrics, can be used for electrical wiring and for operating the functionalities.

[0031] To facilitate the transport of the cube faces with their surrounding borders, it is not only possible to detach the wall elements. The base plate itself can also be folded, resulting in a significantly reduced transport and shipping volume.

[0032] In summary, the design assumes a base plate for the cube basin, to which functional wall elements or wall modules can be attached and electrically supplied using magnetic connectors.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the base plate thus forms the quasi-electrotechnical infrastructure for the functionalities used and intended in the cube basin.

[0034] The wall elements can be equipped not only with various functionalities, but also with personalized elements.

[0035] The detachable connection of the wall elements to the base plate is designed so that, depending on the user's wishes, the corresponding wall sides can be fixed facing inwards or outwards.

[0036] The control of the playing area and its functionalities can be implemented via mobile application software that communicates with a corresponding control unit.

[0037] In principle, the base plate and wall elements can be produced in various sizes. The textile covering makes it possible to at least partially conceal the electrical or electronic components located inside, so that players are pleasantly surprised by the functionalities that emerge during gameplay.

[0038] Users can freely choose whether wall elements with or without corresponding functionalities are used and fixed to the base plate.

[0039] Due to the modular expandability of the cube pool with the playing surface and wall elements according to the invention, and the possibility of any configuration through plugging and using magnetic connecting elements, each user can assemble their own individual cube pool step by step. Thanks to the secure electrical connection via the connectors and the already integrated wiring, the user does not require extensive electrical engineering knowledge.

[0040] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and with the aid of figures. Fig. 1. View of the underside of an exemplary base plate of the playing surface; Fig. 2 a view of the top of the base plate in polygonal shape with recesses for connectors and magnets as exemplary connecting elements; Fig. 3 an upside-down view of an exemplary wall element with recesses for plug connections and magnets for making the electrical and mechanical connection with the base plate; Fig. 4 an exemplary, upside-down connector for connecting adjacent wall elements to each other; Fig. 5 A schematic representation of an exemplary wiring system for supplying operating voltage and for data exchange, housed in the base plate; Fig. 6 A schematic representation of a wall module with indicated functionalities in the form of light-emitting diodes and an indicated electrical connection to the magnetic connector and Fig. 7 An exemplary cube pool with different wall modules.

[0041] The cube surface according to the invention and the exemplary embodiment therefore originates from a base plate 1, for example in the form of a polygon.

[0042] The base plate 1 has recesses for connectors 2 and for magnets.

[0043] Furthermore, according to Fig. One space is provided in the base plate for the necessary wiring.

[0044] Several wall elements 3 (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 7) are in their dimensions in relation to the representations according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 adapted to the respective edge surfaces of the hexagon shown there.

[0045] The height of wall elements 3 ensures that the dice used in the dice game cannot leave the playing surface. Furthermore, the height and wall thickness of wall elements 3 are chosen to allow for specific functionalities (see, for example, Fig. 6) Finding space. The dimensions of the wall elements 3 can vary, as the Fig. Figure 7 shows, which also clearly illustrates how the connectors 5 are to be adapted in such a case.

[0046] The wall elements 3 also have recesses 4 for connectors and magnets, which correspond to the connectors and magnets in the base plate.

[0047] Additionally, it is possible to use connectors 5 (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 7) to fix adjacent wall elements 3, in particular at their abutting edge surfaces, and to connect them accordingly in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner. The corresponding support surfaces of the connectors 5 are adapted to the shape and dimensions of the wall elements 3 in a professional manner.

[0048] The Fig. Figure 5 now shows an example of a wiring configuration 6, which provides an electrical connection between and to the connectors 7.

[0049] An interface 8, which can be implemented wired or wirelessly, allows communication with external devices, in particular for operating or controlling the functionalities that are part of the wall elements.

[0050] Such exemplary functionality in the form of LEDs, integrated into a wall element, demonstrates the Fig. 6. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 8 709 792 U1

[0002] DE 8 625 909 U1

[0003] DE 1 736 960 U

[0004]

Claims

[1] Dice surface with border for board or dice games, consisting of a substantially flat base plate (1) which carries elements for forming the border, wherein the border is designed to laterally limit the playing surface, characterized by , that the base plate (1) accommodates electrical and / or electronic assemblies (6) for supplying and operating functional elements (9), wherein the perimeter comprises a plurality of interchangeable wall elements (3) into which the functional elements (9) are at least partially integrated, and a detachable, in particular magnetic, connection is provided between the base plate (1) and the wall elements (3). [2] Cube face according to claim 1, characterized by , that magnetic connectors (7) are provided to form the magnetic connection and electrical coupling between the base plate and the respective wall element (3). [3] Cube face according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that connectors (5) are formed to stabilize the wall elements (3) among themselves, which support adjacent wall elements (3) by form and / or force closure. [4] Cube face according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the base plate (1) is designed as a polygon. [5] Cube face according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the assemblies in the base plate (1) can be connected to an external microprocessor via an interface (8). [6] Cube face according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the wall elements (3) are functionalized on both sides and that the functionalities and functional elements of the respective sides differ. [7] Cube face according to claim 6, characterized by that the functionalities include optoelectronic elements, LEDs, sensors, image recording devices, sound generators and / or loudspeakers or similar means. [8] Cube face according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that the functionalities are selectable and electronically variable. [9] Cube face according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the base plate (1) has sensors for detecting game activities, in particular for detecting dice movements. [10] Cube face according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the visible surfaces of the base plate (1) and / or the wall elements (3) are provided with a textile material. [11] Cube face according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the base plate (1) has a symmetrical shape. [12] Cube face according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that conductive textile materials, in particular conductive woven or knitted fabrics, are used for electrical wiring and for operating the functionalities. [13] Cube surface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the base plate (1) is collapsible, in particular foldable.

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