Disc Game Apparatus Edge-Hanging Scoring Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing table-level games with sliders lack a challenging scoring mechanism that requires precise positioning of sliders to hang off the edge of the playing surface without falling, limiting player skill development and game engagement.

Innovation Solution

A game apparatus and method where players score points by sliding discs from one end of an elongated playing surface to the other, with the objective of making them hang over the edge without falling, introducing alternating play and unique scoring rules to enhance challenge and strategy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional target designs with areas of varying difficulty are used, then players can score points by placing sliders in specified areas, but the game lacks sufficient challenge and precision requirement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescoring mechanismVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the scoring parameter from area-based placement to edge-based positioning. Instead of scoring by placing sliders in predefined target zones with varying difficulty areas, the game now scores by positioning sliders to hang over the edge of the playing surface. This parameter change increases the precision requirement and challenge level while maintaining ease of operation through the simple hang-off condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the game uses a simple target area placement system, then the game is easy to play, but it limits player skill development and game engagement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegame engagementVSAvoidscoring rules
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic elements to the scoring system by implementing alternating play directions (back and forth across the table) and varying point values for different positioning outcomes. The game transitions from static target zones to dynamic edge-hanging positioning with alternating directions, increasing engagement through skill development opportunities while keeping the physical device simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2234682B1Disc game apparatus and method of playing the same
Publication Date: 2014.09.03 LANY MARK
  • EP2234682B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2234682B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A game apparatus of the type where a projectile, such as a disc is hand propelled across an elongated playing surface from a launch area to a target area and a new method of playing such a game. The method of playing including awarding points to a player for each disc that is successfully slid across the playing surface from the launch area to the target area and positions the disc to hang over the edge of the playing surface without falling off the playing surface.