Game equipment

Abstract

This game utilizes the faces of convex polyhedra, particularly regular polyhedra, to create a unique game. It provides a novel game tool where different faces are displayed by fitting display pieces into pockets on a display board. [Solution] Each of the N faces of a convex polyhedron displays either a different element of a game or a scene from a story. These faces together constitute one game or one story. N display pieces with the same face display form one set, and the different faces (N pieces) of the convex polyhedron are arranged and displayed on a single display board. The display board is box-shaped and has N open pockets on the top surface. Each set pocket has a different face display. The openings correspond to the face shapes, and the display pieces are inserted to set the display faces horizontally. For a regular hexahedron display piece, square openings and pockets are arranged on the display board corresponding to the square faces. The exposed top surface of the display piece becomes a number table for a number guessing game. The game can be enjoyed using multiple different number tables.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game device using a convex polyhedron, specifically, a game device that forms a single game or a single story by applying different displays to each face of the convex polyhedron and arranging and displaying these faces on a single board.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional game device using a convex polyhedron, the one described in the following literature is known. This is a game device composed of a 14-sided polyhedron consisting of 8 regular hexagons and 6 squares. Any face of the regular hexagons and each square constituting this are made visually distinguishable by color separation, shading, hatching, patterns, characters, numbers, etc. By using this 14-sided polyhedron as a game piece or a game die, for example, complexity can be added to the game.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Disclosure of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in such a conventional game device, the ingenuity for making the most of the 14-sided polyhedron depends on the game content. The 14 faces do not have a single meaning as a whole.

[0005] Therefore, as a result of intensive research, the inventor focused on the fact that it is possible to apply different displays to each face of the polyhedron and express a single game or a single story with the different face displays of these faces, and completed this invention.

[0006] In other words, this invention proposes a new way to use polyhedra by constructing a game or a story using all of the faces of the polyhedron. In particular, since each face of a regular polyhedron is the same shape, when arranging and displaying multiple polyhedra on a display board, it is possible to construct a game or story by holding the polyhedra in openings that are the same or similar in shape to the face shapes, thereby revealing multiple different display faces side by side on the same plane. In short, the purpose of this invention is to allow people to enjoy a variety of games or stories using multiple faces of polyhedra. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 is, The game equipment consists of regular polyhedra with N faces (N=4,6,8,12,20), each face displaying a different face, and the N faces collectively forming one story or one game. A set consists of N such display pieces with the same N faces, and the display board has N pockets to accommodate each of these N pieces. The N display pieces, each displaying a different face, are housed in the N pockets to form the story or one game. This game set includes display pieces and a display board to hold the pieces. The pieces are arranged on the display board to play the game or story. The displayed piece is a regular polyhedron with N faces. It can be a regular tetrahedron, regular hexahedron, regular octahedron, regular dodecahedron, or regular icosahedron. . These display pieces are considered to form a set of N. Regular hexahedron In the case of the display pieces, six identical display pieces constitute one set. Six display pieces will be arranged on the display board. Regular octahedron So, 8 pieces make up one set. Display piece Each of the N faces (N faces) has a different face designation. Each face has its own designated area. For example, each face may have text, diagrams, photographs, or illustrations printed on it. These N faces, as a whole, constitute one game, one puzzle, or one story. For example, several famous scenes (6 or 8) from the Momotaro story can be selected and their illustrations displayed on 6 or 8 faces (it is also possible to use fewer than N faces). The display panel is, for example, box-shaped, with N or more pockets arranged side by side on its top surface. Each pocket is a recess, a space into which a display piece is inserted, and the display piece is fitted and held in place through an opening in the top plate of the box. The pockets are designed so that polyhedral display pieces are fitted into them, and one face of the piece can be seen from above. The number of openings N pockets Each will be provided. The above games include puzzles, and the above stories include fairy tales, myths, and folk tales.

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is, The display panel described above is a box shape having at least a top plate, on which the N pockets are arranged in a row, and each pocket houses one set of N display pieces, each with a different upward-facing display surface. The game equipment is as described in claim 1. The displayed pieces are composed of regular polyhedra with N faces. N can be 4, 6, 8, 12, or 20. A regular polyhedron is a polyhedron in which all faces are congruent regular polygons and the number of faces at each vertex is equal. There are five types: the regular tetrahedron (all faces are equilateral triangles), the regular hexahedron (all 6 faces are squares), the regular octahedron (all faces are equilateral triangles), the regular dodecahedron (12 faces are regular pentagons), and the regular icosahedron (20 faces are equilateral triangles). In this case, regular polyhedra also include truncated and truncated regular polyhedra. Small faces that do not function as display faces are not included because they cannot display game components. The pockets (storage compartments) of the display panel that hold and display the display pieces include openings formed in the top plate of the display panel. The above pocket is open upwards at an opening in the top plate of the display panel, and the display piece is inserted through this opening. At least a portion of the display piece is fitted into this opening, and the upward surface of the display piece becomes visible. The pocket is At least N items They are installed alongside the display panel, Each pocket has one opening. In addition, The shape of the opening is preferably the same as or similar to the face shape of each face of the regular polyhedron. The opening shape of the regular polyhedron is composed of triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, etc. It will be done. When forming multiple openings in the top plate to hold regular polyhedron display pieces, it is preferable that all openings be substantially the same shape and area. This allows the display surfaces of the display pieces to be arranged at the same height. If the heights need to be different, the height of the bottom surface of the opening can be adjusted using base plates of different thicknesses.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 is, The upper plate has N openings arranged side by side that are the same as or similar in shape to the face shape of the regular polyhedron, and the N display pieces are inserted into each of these openings, as described in claim 2. It is a game tool. The above display panel is box-shaped with at least a top plate, and the top plate has an opening that is the same as or similar in shape to the face shape of the above regular polyhedron. At least N are arranged side by side . The display panel can be constructed, for example, as a thin rectangular box, i.e., a box formed from a top plate, a bottom plate, and side plates, with N openings arranged in a row on the top plate. These openings correspond to each face of the polyhedron and are identical or similar in shape to them. The display piece for a regular hexahedron has a square opening, and the display piece for a regular tetrahedron has a triangular opening. For a regular octahedron, in order to maintain the equilateral triangular faces horizontally, its opening is not similar to an equilateral triangle, but it will be a quadrilateral with a larger area than the equilateral triangle.

[0010] Furthermore, the bottom plate of the display panel, located below the opening of the pocket, may have notches or protrusions, for example, on the bottom plate or middle plate, so that when the display piece is inserted, one of its faces is held approximately parallel to the top plate. The display surface of the display piece can be held horizontally. This is because, for example, a part of the display piece is locked into the notch in the bottom plate. In a regular tetrahedron, a hole of similar equilateral triangle shape is formed in the top plate or middle plate, and one face of the equilateral triangle (regular triangular pyramid) is held horizontally. In a regular octahedron, protrusions are formed that contact and support the three inclined surfaces (equal triangles) directly below each vertex of the equilateral triangle.

[0011] The above displayed piece is, for example, composed of a regular hexahedron. The pocket openings of the display panel are square in shape, and the six display pieces inserted into these pocket openings are positioned with their display surfaces facing upwards on the top plate of the display panel. The hexahedron display piece is composed of six square faces. These six faces can display different things, such as showing the solution to a Go or Shogi problem (such as a five-move checkmate) one move at a time on a portion of the Go or Shogi board. In this case, the openings of the pockets formed on the display board are square, and the display pieces (regular hexahedrons) inserted through the openings will rest on the base plate as their bottoms are parallel to their tops. It is also possible to place a base plate of a predetermined thickness on the base plate, and to vary the thickness for each of the six openings. By changing the height of the top surface of the dice-shaped display pieces, they can be arranged in a stepped pattern.

[0012] Each side of the displayed piece may also show a different number table used in a number guessing game. . For example, the number table has 8 frames, and the following sets of numbers are randomly arranged inside the frames. Table A of the numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15), Table B is (2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15), Table C is (4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15), and finally Table D is (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15). These are displayed on 4 faces of a hexahedron. Rules and the like are displayed on the other 2 faces. It is also possible to use 15 frames to show different number tables on 5 faces respectively. This is the case when writing the numbers from 1 to 31. Answer examples and the like can also be displayed on the remaining other faces.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the invention described in claims 1 to Claim 3 a plurality of faces of regular polyhedron can be arranged side by side and displayed on a single display board, and games or stories can be constructed by these plurality of faces. As a result, the conventional games and stories can be enjoyed with a new feeling. Also, hints for creating new games and new stories can be obtained. Also, Since each face, which is a characteristic of a regular polyhedron, is congruent, when holding the display pieces in pockets, the openings can be made the same or similar in shape to the face, and unity and the like in a plurality of board displays can be easily obtained. It is possible to enhance the aesthetic appearance. moreover, By constructing the display board with a box body, the display pieces can be held by the bottom plate and the upper plate, and the display surface can be stably held horizontally. Furthermore, Using 6 faces of a so-called dice-shaped display piece to display a number table for a number guessing game and the like, and enjoying that game. Note that not all 6 faces need to be used, and 4 or 5 faces may be used instead.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a display piece according to Reference Example 1 of this invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing a display board according to Reference Example 1 of this invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing a display piece according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing a display panel according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a plan view showing a display piece according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing the inserted state of the display piece according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing a display piece according to Embodiment 3 of this invention. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing a display panel according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the state in which the display piece according to Embodiment 3 of this invention is inserted into the display panel. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing a display piece according to Embodiment 4 of this invention. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing a display panel according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing a display piece according to Embodiment 5 of this invention. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view showing a display piece according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view showing a display panel according to Reference Example 7 of this invention. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view showing a display panel according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a plan view showing the display surface according to each embodiment of this invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the game equipment according to this invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. [Examples]

[0016] The following uses Figures 1 and 2 to illustrate the present invention. Reference example 1This section describes the game equipment used for the game. Figure 1 shows a rectangular prism (solid or hollow) used as the display piece 11. That is, the piece is a hexahedron, and all six of its outer faces are rectangles, consisting of wide faces (A1, A2), long sides (B1, B2), and short sides (C1, C2). These six faces represent the game elements or scenes from the story. Six display pieces form a set and are used on the display board shown below. Each display face is created by printing, writing, or pasting pre-printed paper. It is also effective in the game or story to change the color of each display face on a single polyhedron in this case.

[0017] Figure 2 shows the display panel 12. It has a relatively thin, hollow rectangular box shape, and six openings are drilled into its top surface (top plate surface). These are large rectangular openings (a1, a2), medium rectangular openings (b1, b2), and small rectangular openings (c1, c2) of different sizes (areas). These three types of openings, large, medium, and small, each have rectangles that are approximately the same size as the wide faces (A1, A2), long sides (B1, B2), and short sides (C1, C2) of the hexahedron 11. In other words, the set of six display pieces (hexahedrons) 11 are inserted into each of the three types of openings with their wide faces, long sides, and short sides as the bottom surfaces, and are placed and stood upright on the base plate. The height of the openings (the distance between the top plate and the base plate) is formed to be lower than the height of the shortest side surface of the display piece. As a result, when the display pieces 12 are fitted into each opening with all faces as the top surface, the top surface of the display piece 12 protrudes from the top plate by a predetermined height. In the above configuration, the opening and the space below it constitute a pocket. Each display piece 12 is inserted into and placed in each pocket, and the entire structure is fitted into place.

[0018] In the display piece 12 with the above configuration, each of its six rectangular faces can display a different image. For example, if the Momotaro story is used as the motif, the first face can display the scene where the peach floats down the river and is found by the old woman, the second face can display the birth of a baby from the peach, the third face can display the departure to defeat the ogres with a dog as a companion, the fourth face can display the addition of a monkey, the fifth face can display the addition of a pheasant, and finally the sixth face can display the defeat of the ogres on Ogre Island. Each of these six faces has an illustration or photograph printed or pasted on it. Since the size of each face is different, the two largest faces can be used for the second and sixth faces. The face to be selected will correspond to the amount of information to be displayed and conveyed. Thus, rectangular prism-shaped display pieces are appropriate for stories, fairy tales, and other narratives where the amount of information varies depending on the story's progression. Furthermore, adding dialogue, short sentences, etc., along with illustrations, paintings, and photographs, can further enhance the enjoyment and effectiveness of the game and story. Naturally, these display pieces can be used to construct games. For example, in a game where players guess the order of Shinkansen station names, the display pieces could feature photos of Korakuen Garden in Okayama and Himeji Castle in Himeji.

[0019] To display the Momotaro story, each side of the display board 12 shows a different scene. To display these simultaneously on the display board 12, six pockets or openings are formed on the top surface of the rectangular box. Each pocket can hold (insert) a polyhedron (three-dimensional object). In this case, when viewing the display board 12 as a whole, six identical display pieces 12 are needed to display the story on a single plane. The six display pieces (each showing a different scene from the Momotaro story) are stored in the pockets so that each side shows a different scene, forming a single story on the top surface of the display board. In this embodiment, the pockets on the display board can be arranged to make effective use of the top surface. It is not necessary to arrange them in chronological order; a random arrangement is also enjoyable. In addition, as the story or the like to be displayed on each face, it is possible to display fairy tales, novels, musical poems, headings (contents lists) of novels, etc., to constitute one concept, idea, or source of enjoyment. The content displayed on the face is not restricted, and coherence such as a story is required. Naturally, if a game can be expressed by face display (6-face display), it is applicable. Although there is a size (area) for each face, it is preferable to increase the amount of information such as key parts due to the difference in size. In addition, when expressing "The Tale of the Heike", "The Tale of Genji", etc. with this game device, for example, it can also be expressed with a plurality of types of polyhedra divided for each volume or each chapter. Furthermore, the display board itself can be extended to form many pockets, and annotations etc. can also be written in characters on the upper surface thereof.

[0020] In the above embodiments, a rectangular parallelepiped, which is a convex polyhedron, is used. Needless to say, for example, other polyhedra can be used. The main point is that one story or one game (including puzzles) can be constructed with different face displays on each face of the polyhedron. Then, prepare the same number of this polyhedron as the number of faces to make one set. Furthermore, in the case of the display board, the same number or more openings (pockets) as the number of the above faces are arranged and provided side by side on the upper surface of the display board. In this case, for each display piece inserted into each pocket, all the faces displayed upward so as to be visible have different face displays. As a result, one game or one story is constructed by each face on which one set of display pieces 12··· is fitted and displayed upward. It becomes possible to enjoy the game, imagine the story, and develop it. Of course, it is also possible to use display pieces that form a set of different stories or games using the same display board.

[0021] Figs. 3 to 6 show Embodiment 2 of this invention, and a regular tetrahedron is illustrated as the convex polyhedron. Fig. 3 shows the display piece 21 of the regular tetrahedron. All faces are equilateral triangles. For example, illustrations of a dog, a monkey, a pheasant, and an illustration of (peach + cherry + plum) are displayed on the four faces respectively. This is a Momotaro quiz as a game that makes the responder recall the Momotaro story from the animals on the first to third faces and guess the peach tree from the illustration of the tree on the fourth face. The tetrahedron display piece 21 is a regular triangular pyramid. The four faces of the four display pieces are displayed horizontally on the display board 22. In this case, four openings 23 are placed on the top plate of the display board (rectangular prism) 22 at predetermined intervals. The space below each opening functions as a pocket. Each opening in each pocket is formed by an equilateral triangle whose area is smaller than each face (equal triangle) of the display piece. As a result, the four display pieces 21 (one set of pieces) fit into the openings, and one of their faces becomes a horizontal plane parallel to the top plate. By making all the openings the same area, the display faces (horizontal planes) of the display pieces can be placed at the same height. Therefore, by making the areas of the four openings different, the height of their surfaces can be changed to provide hints for finding the answer to the game. For example, the dog can be placed at the lowest position, the monkey second lowest, the pheasant third lowest, and the three trees at the highest position. In this way, it is possible to create a timeline in the display of the game or story.

[0022] Figures 7 to 9 show Example 3, in which a regular hexahedron, which is the most balanced (easiest to display) as the display piece, is used. The display piece 31 (Figure 7) is composed of six square faces. When two parallel faces, such as the top and bottom, front and back, or right and left sides, are displayed as the top face, the other face is placed on a base component, for example, as the back face. Figure 8 shows a display panel (rectangular prism) 32 with six openings 33 arranged in two rows on its top surface. The 2 x 3 = 6 openings 33 are square and approximately the same size as each face of the display piece 32. Furthermore, the distance between the bottom plate and the top plate (height of the side plate) is at least the same as or smaller than the length of one side of the display surface. When a display piece 31 is fitted into a pocket, a part of it will protrude from the top plate. In this case, to vary the protrusion height between each piece, a base plate of different thicknesses can be placed on the bottom of the pocket, directly below the opening. This can be used to add a time series, for example, based on the protrusion height. Regarding this display piece 31, it is ideal for displaying the number table in a number guessing game. The difficulty level will vary depending on whether 3, 4, 5, or 6 sides are used in this game.

[0023] Figure 9 shows an example of using four regular hexahedron display pieces 31 on the display board 32. Each of the four pieces has a different number table for the number guessing game displayed on its top surface as shown in the figure. On each face, the eight slots are filled with the respective grouped numbers. This arrangement of numbers can be random or regular. The remaining two pockets are left empty and the regular hexahedron is not used. It is also possible to use all six faces to display the number table for the number guessing game. Using all six faces increases the number of slots for the number table (face 1). Note that although the six pockets are shown in two rows and three columns, it is also possible to arrange them in a single horizontal row, or to make the opening 33 itself rectangular and fit / insert the six display pieces into this single opening (see Figure 15 below). Instead of a number table, display pieces 31, each showing a different picture, illustration, or photograph, can be used. For example, a story framed like a manga can be displayed on each of the six sides. Examples include The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, myths, biblical stories, or even a single episode of Pokémon. Furthermore, it is preferable to arrange the pockets close together on the top plate of the display board 32 so that they can be seen at a glance. In addition, the display piece 31, which is a regular hexahedron, can also display the numbers 1 to 6 (or illustrations or words that represent them) on its six faces. For example, by inserting or adding the characters for Mutsu-zuki, Kisaragi, Yayoi, Uzuki, Satsuki, and Minazuki to a part of the number table of the number guessing game described above, the display piece 31 can also be used as a die.

[0024] Figures 10 and 11 show an embodiment 4 of the game equipment according to this invention. In this embodiment, a regular octahedron is used as the display piece 41 (Figure 10). The eight faces of the regular octahedron are equilateral triangles. Each face is represented by an element or scene from the game or story. The game or story can be presented using all eight faces. That is, in the Momotaro story, the scenes can be assigned in more detail than in the case of a regular tetrahedron or regular hexahedron. This helps in understanding the game or story. The display panel 42 shown in Figure 11 is rectangular in shape, and eight pockets with rectangular openings 43 are arranged in two rows on its top surface. In order to support the equilateral triangular display surface facing upward, the area of ​​the openings 43 needs to be larger than the projection of the display piece 41. In a regular octahedron, when one triangular face is facing upward, the bottom face (equal triangle) is positioned parallel to the top face. Therefore, when the display pieces are fitted into the pockets, they rest on the bottom of the openings, allowing the display pieces to be arranged in a visible manner.

[0025] Figure 12 shows the display piece 51 in the game equipment according to Embodiment 5. The display piece 51 is made up of a regular dodecahedron. The display face is a regular pentagon, and is made up of 12 regular pentagonal faces. That is, when using this display piece 51, the display board (not shown) needs to have 12 openings or pockets. Of course, with 12 face displays, it is possible to construct a more detailed story or game than in the above embodiments. The display board will have pockets with openings of a size and shape that can accommodate the largest outer shell in the projection view of the regular pentahedron.

[0026] Figure 13 shows the display piece 61 according to Example 6. In this example, a regular icosahedron display piece 61 is used. Each face is composed of an equilateral triangle. With 20 faces, a fairly complex story or narrative can be represented. Alternatively, games can be played using simple combinations of numbers as face representations. The same applies to complex games. Furthermore, the display panel (not shown) is box-shaped and forms 20 pockets. The opening of each pocket is wide enough to accommodate a three-dimensional display piece. In addition, auxiliary blocks or the like are placed within the internal space of the display panel's pockets to maintain an upright posture so that the display surface is horizontal.

[0027] Figure 14 shows Reference example 7This is a case where the opening 73 formed in the top plate of the display panel 72 (display box) is a single opening instead of multiple openings. The internal space below the single opening functions as a pocket 74. Partition plates or the like can be provided on the bottom plate to distinguish each pocket. In the illustrated case, it is possible to hold eight display pieces (regular hexahedrons). Six pieces may also be used. Figure 15 shows another example of a display board 82 with a single opening 83. A row of pockets 84 is provided horizontally. This is suitable for games and other applications where the order of the display faces of the display pieces needs to be indicated. The depth of the pocket shall be shorter than the length of one side of the cube. When the cube is fitted into the pocket, the upper end of the cube shall protrude from the top plate of the display panel. Other aspects of the structure and function will be the same as in previous examples.

[0028] Figure 16 shows examples of number tables as face displays for each display piece. (A) is an example where nine numbers are placed in each section by dividing the equilateral triangular face. (B) is an example where the equilateral triangular display face is divided into seven sections. (C) is another example of dividing into seven sections. These can be applied to regular tetrahedrons, regular octahedrons, and regular icosahedrons. (D) shows an example where the display face is square and divided into 16 squares, and (E) shows an example where the square face is divided into 16 equal parts. Applications to regular hexahedrons and other shapes can be considered. (F) is an example of division when multiple numbers are placed on the display face of a regular pentagon, and (G) is an example of similar division of the display face of a regular pentagon into 11 squares. It can be used to represent the faces of a regular dodecahedron. As described above, the face of each display piece can be displayed not only in a regular grid arrangement but also in an irregular grid. [Industrial applicability]

[0029] This invention is useful as a technology for game equipment that uses convex polyhedra as game pieces. [Explanation of symbols]

[0030] 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81 Display pieces, 12,22,32,42,52,62,72,82 display board, a1,a2,b1,b2,c1,c2 opening, 23,33,43,73,83 opening, 74,84 pockets.

Claims

1. A game tool in which a set of display pieces consists of N convex polyhedra composed of N faces (where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 4), and these sets of display pieces are arranged on a display board for display purposes. Each of the N faces of the above display piece is provided with a different face representation, and these N face representations together constitute one game or one story. A game device that displays the game or story described in 1 by inserting the N display pieces into the pockets on the top surface of the display board, with their upward-facing display surfaces facing each other.

2. The game equipment according to claim 1, wherein the display piece is composed of a regular polyhedron, and the pocket has an opening corresponding to the face shape of the regular polyhedron, and at least a portion of the display piece is fitted into each opening so that the upward display surface of the display piece is visible.

3. The game device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the display panel is box-shaped with at least a top plate, and at least N openings identical or similar in shape to the face shape of the regular polyhedron are arranged in parallel on the top plate.

4. The game equipment according to claim 3, wherein the display pieces are made up of regular hexahedrons, the openings of the pockets of the display board are square, and the six display pieces, each inserted through the openings of these pockets, are positioned with their display faces facing upward on the top plate of the display board.

5. The game equipment according to claim 4, wherein each side of the display piece has a different number table used for a number guessing game displayed on it.

Images