AR Gaming System Using Real-World Object Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current gaming technologies are limited in seamlessly integrating virtual and real-world interactions, failing to effectively bridge the gap between the two environments, which restricts the immersive experience and complexity of games.

Innovation Solution

An augmented reality gaming system that uses computing devices to scan and transform real-world objects into virtual game pieces and terrain, allowing players to interact with both physical and virtual elements in a unified gaming environment, enabling real-world impacts from virtual actions and vice versa.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If board games are used to provide structured play, then game strategy and concentration are improved, but rule complexity and memory demands increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegame strategyVSAvoidrule complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical board game components and manual rule enforcement with an augmented reality system that uses computing devices, cameras, and software to automatically track game pieces, enforce rules, and provide feedback. The AR system substitutes the mechanical rule-book and referee functions with digital algorithms that process game state information in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an augmented reality interface as an intermediary between players and the game world. This AR layer acts as a mediator that visually displays game rules, validates moves, and provides feedback without requiring players to memorize complex rules. The intermediary AR system translates complex rule sets into intuitive visual guidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If virtual and real-world environments are separated, then game rules are easier to enforce, but player immersion and engagement decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverule enforcementVSAvoidplayer immersion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the virtual game environment with the physical real-world space using augmented reality technology. The AR system overlays digital game elements, rules, and feedback directly onto the physical playing area, creating a unified experience where virtual and physical domains coexist and interact. This integration maintains reliable rule enforcement while dramatically enhancing player immersion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a digital augmented reality dimension to the physical playing space. By layering virtual information onto the real world through AR displays, the system creates a multi-dimensional gaming environment that simultaneously provides structured rule enforcement and immersive engagement. The AR dimension acts as an additional layer that connects physical actions to virtual consequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If physical game pieces are used, then tactile interaction and spatial understanding are improved, but integration with virtual game elements is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetactile interactionVSAvoidvirtual integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an augmented reality system as an intermediary that bridges physical game pieces and virtual game elements. The AR interface detects physical piece positions through cameras and sensors, then translates this information into the virtual game world. This intermediary layer enables seamless interaction between tactile physical components and digital game mechanics without requiring direct physical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical connections between physical and virtual game elements with optical and computational systems. Instead of using physical linkages or electromagnetic coupling, the system uses computer vision, image recognition, and software algorithms to detect physical pieces and translate their positions and states into the virtual environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9884254B2Augmented reality gaming systems and methods
Publication Date: 2018.02.06 TRIGGER GLOBAL
  • US9884254B2 patent drawing
  • US9884254B2 patent drawing
  • US9884254B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An augmented reality (AR) game system is disclosed wherein real-world objects are transformed into AR terrain elements and AR events generate real-world impact. The game environment is set up using real-world objects that include everyday objects and game pieces on a field of play. When viewed on the screen of a computing device executing the modules of the game system, the everyday objects are transformed into elements of an AR terrain while the game pieces can be augmented with various controls. Multiple viewing modes, for example, a third person view, a first person view or “POV” view from a selected game piece or a split screen view are contemplated for viewing the field of play. A subset of the augmented controls can be activated by the user to execute AR events some of which can have real-world impact. The AR events are executed based on game rules. Detection mechanisms such as colored detection can be used for detecting positions of game pieces within the field of play.