Augmented Physical Games via Transparent Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional physical games lack integration with advanced technologies due to cost and complexity, limiting user interaction and experience compared to video games.
Innovation Solution
The use of computing devices, such as mobile phones and tablets, to augment physical games by recognizing gestures and displaying augmentations on a partially transparent display, allowing users to interact with both physical and virtual elements simultaneously, enhancing the gaming experience with minimal additional cost and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional physical games are used, then the tactile experience and simplicity are maintained, but the user interaction and technological integration are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges physical game components with digital computing devices by placing mobile devices within or alongside physical game pieces. This combination allows users to interact with both tactile physical elements and digital interfaces simultaneously, enhancing user interaction capability while distributing system complexity across separate components rather than requiring a completely new complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile computing devices serve multiple functions: they act as both the physical game pieces that users can hold and manipulate tactilely, and as computing devices that run games, process inputs, and display information. This multi-functionality increases adaptability and versatility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If video games are used, then the technological features and interactivity are improved, but the physical experience is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines video game technology with physical game components by integrating mobile devices into tangible game pieces. Users maintain easy physical interaction by holding and manipulating these hybrid pieces, while simultaneously accessing enhanced technological features through the device's screen, camera, sensors, and processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary that bridges the physical and digital domains. It provides a physical form factor that users can easily handle while containing the technological infrastructure for advanced interactivity, effectively mediating between tactile ease of use and technological capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If advanced technology is integrated into physical games, then the user experience is enhanced, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the multi-functionality of mobile computing devices that users already possess. These devices already contain cameras, sensors, screens, and processing power, so no additional specialized hardware is needed. The same device serves as the game piece, input device, display, and processing unit, enhancing gaming experience without proportionally increasing hardware complexity or cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device's existing capabilities serve the game functionality. The device's camera captures physical movements, its sensors detect orientation and touch, its screen displays game information, and its processor runs game logic. This self-service approach allows advanced technology integration without requiring separate specialized components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
Augmented reality and physical game techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an indication is received by a computing device of a location of a physical gaming piece of a game. An augmentation is computed based on the indication by the computing device to be displayed as part of the game. The augmentation is displayed by the computing device on a display device that is at least partially transparent such that a physical portion of the game is viewable through the display device concurrently with the augmentation.