Electronic Game Piece with Variable Display for Storage Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing board games with static physical game pieces require frequent purchases and increased storage space to expand game options, as they do not allow for a wide variety of visual changes or personalization.
Innovation Solution
A compact electronic game piece with variable displays and customization options, utilizing LCDs and programmable logic to change appearances, communicate with other pieces, and track game data, reducing the need for multiple physical pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static physical game pieces are used, then the game pieces are simple and inexpensive to manufacture, but the variety of visual distinct game pieces is limited and requires purchasing multiple physical pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an electronic display (LCD or LED) to create visual copies of different game piece appearances on a single physical substrate. Instead of manufacturing multiple distinct physical pieces, the system projects or displays images representing various game piece designs, thereby achieving visual variety without physical multiplication.
Solution Approach 2:
A single game piece device performs multiple functions by displaying different visual appearances for different game pieces. The electronic display can show various images representing different game pieces, and the piece can also function as a counter or tracker, thereby replacing multiple specialized physical pieces with one multi-functional device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple static game pieces are purchased to expand choices, then the variety of game pieces increases, but the storage space and time to locate specific pieces increase
Solution Approach 1:
One physical game piece device serves as a universal container for multiple game piece identities through its electronic display. The display can cycle through or selectively show different visual representations, allowing a single device to replace what would otherwise require multiple physical pieces and their associated storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic display creates virtual copies of game piece appearances on demand. Instead of storing multiple physical copies, the system generates visual copies through the display, eliminating the need for physical storage of multiple distinct pieces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If static game pieces are used, then the game pieces are durable and simple to operate, but the ability to personalize and vary appearances is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The game piece transitions from a static physical object to a dynamic electronic device. The display can change appearances, show different images, and respond to user input or game events, providing personalization and variety while maintaining operational simplicity through automated or button-controlled changes.
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
Enables a vast range of visual variations and personalization of game pieces, minimizing storage needs while enhancing gameplay experience through dynamic displays and interactions.
Implementation Method 1
a variable electronic display device thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A board game with game pieces with video displays thereon, which display character and player specific images and video, which depend upon the progress of the board game and depending upon personal characteristics of particular players of the board game. Communication between the variable game pieces is facilitated.