Capacitive Gaming Board Using Electric Field Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digitized board games lack tactile interaction and durability due to reliance on susceptible sensors, isolating older players and removing the essence of traditional game boards and pieces.
Innovation Solution
A gaming apparatus with a generator producing AC power, a conducting surface creating an alternating electric field, and a computing element that interacts with a non-conductive playing element via electrodes and logic circuits to sense orientation and provide interactive gameplay without batteries, using rectifiers to power components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional digitized board games use sensors to detect player interaction, then the games can be played electronically, but the sensors are highly susceptible to damage and require frequent repair and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic sensor system with an electric field-based detection system. The playing element generates an alternating electric field that interacts with the player's body (specifically the hand), and this interaction is detected by measuring changes in the electric field or induced currents, eliminating the need for vulnerable mechanical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from mechanical contact or electronic sensor signals to electric field interactions. By using alternating electric fields at specific frequencies and measuring the resulting electrical responses (currents, voltages, or impedance changes), the system achieves detection without physical contact, thereby improving reliability.
2Extent of automation
If conventional digitized board games replace physical pieces with electronic components, then the games can be played on digital devices, but the basic elements of touch and visualization of the original game board and pieces are removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electric field as an intermediary between the player and the game piece. The alternating electric field acts as a mediator that enables non-contact interaction, allowing players to feel and manipulate the piece through electrical sensations while maintaining the physical presence and tactile feedback of the original game piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the interaction system into distinct functional components: the playing element generates the electric field, the player's body interacts with the field, and the gaming apparatus detects the interaction. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining the essential tactile experience.
3Adaptability or versatility
If playing elements use batteries to power light sources and electronic components, then the playing elements can be self-powered, but the playing elements become complex and require maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the playing element self-powered by using its own structural components (electrodes, conducting surface) to generate and detect electric fields. The element serves its own power needs through the alternating electric field that is inherently part of its design, eliminating the need for separate batteries or power management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the electric field generation system. The same alternating electric field that powers the light sources and enables detection also serves as the primary interaction mechanism with the player. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating power, detection, and interaction functions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances player interaction and durability by eliminating the need for batteries and sensors, making games more engaging and easier to maintain, while maintaining the essence of traditional board games through innovative electric field technology.
Implementation Method 1
a generator receiving power from DC source for generating AC power of fixed frequency
Implementation Method 2
a conducting surface receives the AC power generated from the generator for generating an alternating electric field
Implementation Method 3
rectifiers to convert the AC power into DC power in order to operate the pulse generators, the logic circuits and the light sources
Implementation Method 4
one or more electrodes attached to each surface of said non-conductive casing receives alternating electric field from said conducting surface for transferring the AC power
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming apparatus for interacting with at least one player for playing a game is provided. The gaming apparatus includes a gaming surface and a playing item interacts with the gaming surface through the capacitive coupling. The gaming surface receives power from a battery source and includes a generator for generating AC power, a conducting surface generates alternating electric field, a converter for converting AC power into DC power and a computing element for storing the game instructions. The playing item includes a non-conductive casing positioned on the conducting surface, one or more electrodes connected to at least each side of the non-conductive casing for coupling the electric field with the conducting surface, one or more pulse generators to generate orientation of each surface, a first logic circuit for receiving information of the surface and a second logic circuit sends the information to the converter for decoding and further to the computing element and the computing element further controls the LED based on the orientation of the surface of the playing element.