Electronic Bidding Units for Bridge Scoring Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bridge game systems face issues with cumbersome bidding boxes, inaccurate and time-consuming scoring processes, limited player feedback on standings, and inefficient communication and movement instructions, leading to disruptions and increased labor costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing electronic remote input/output units at each playing table for bid input, score computation, and communication with a base station, allowing for wireless transmission of data and display of standings, eliminating the need for bidding boxes and paper scoring sheets, and providing real-time player feedback and movement instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bidding boxes with physical bidding cards are used, then bids can be made during the game, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bidding box system with an electronic interface. Players use electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, or dedicated electronic bidding devices) to submit bids wirelessly to the bridge server, eliminating the need for physical bidding cards and boxes. This substitution of mechanical components with electronic systems streamlines the bidding process and reduces the time required to place bids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an electronic copy of the bidding process. Instead of using physical bidding cards that must be manually handled and recorded, the system uses digital representations of bids transmitted electronically. The bridge server maintains an electronic record of all bids, replacing the need for physical score sheets and manual recording by directors.
2Measurement precision
If manual scoring with paper score sheets is used, then scores can be recorded, but the process becomes inaccurate and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual paper-based scoring with an automated electronic scoring system. The bridge server automatically calculates scores based on bid and play information transmitted by players, eliminating manual score sheet completion and director intervention. This automation improves both the accuracy and speed of score calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service scoring where the bridge server automatically computes scores without requiring director intervention. Players submit their play information through electronic devices, and the server autonomously calculates results, updates standings, and notifies players, eliminating the time-consuming manual scoring process.
3Productivity
If directors manually manage communication and movement instructions, then game coordination can be maintained, but labor costs increase and disruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual director communication with an automated electronic notification system. The bridge server sends movement instructions and game information electronically to players' devices, eliminating the need for directors to verbally announce instructions. This reduces director workload and prevents disruptions caused by manual communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback loops where the bridge server continuously notifies players of movement instructions, scoring results, and game status through electronic devices. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual director intervention in communication, improving game management efficiency while reducing labor requirements.
4Measurement precision
If players wait for final standings after game completion, then accurate results can be determined, but player engagement decreases during gameplay
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge server continuously updates and makes standings information available to players in real-time through their electronic devices. Players can access current standings, scoring information, and game status at any time during the game without waiting for completion. This self-service information provision maintains accurate standings while significantly reducing feedback delay and improving player engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
The card playing system or network and method is particularly suitable for playing bridge and other multi-table card games in clubs and tournaments. A remote input/output device or scoring unit is provided at each of a plurality of tables. Each remote unit preferably has a transmitter and receiver for sending and receiving playing information to and from a base station, such as a base computer and/or a connection to the World Wide Web. The base station equipment also has a transmitter and receiver. Bids are input into the scoring units by operating keys or other input means, and the bids and scores are transmitted by means of the network to the base station. The base computer or website equipment computes interim standings of the players and sends that and other information to the scoring units. Transmission preferably is wireless or by means of cables.