Floor-Based Game Management via Sensor Mat and Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interactive games often limit face-to-face human interaction and are primarily solo experiences due to the reliance on screens, which detract from the user experience and hinder group participation.
Innovation Solution
An interactive floor-based game management system that uses interchangeable overlays with decorative patterns and a detection mat equipped with sensors to facilitate screen-free gameplay, allowing users to input and receive feedback without displays, promoting natural whole-body movement and multi-sensory learning through audio and light feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If screen-based displays are used for interactive games, then game information and feedback are clearly visible, but face-to-face human interaction is limited and users must stare at displays for long periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the screen/display element from the game system entirely, extracting the visual feedback function and replacing it with audio-visual feedback through speakers and floor-based light sources. This allows users to interact without staring at screens while still receiving clear game feedback through alternative sensory channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mat with sensors that mediates between user physical movement and game feedback. The mat detects foot-based input and triggers audio-visual feedback through speakers and light sources, enabling screen-free interaction while maintaining clear communication of game state.
2Measurement precision
If conventional handheld games are used, then game control is precise, but the experience becomes primarily solo and movement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from hand-based 2D controller input to full-body 3D movement input through the detection mat. Users can step on different zones of the mat to control game elements, enabling both precise control through deliberate foot placement and natural whole-body movement, while the system supports multiple users simultaneously for group participation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If movement tracking games with screens are used, then group participation is facilitated, but users still must stare at displays limiting face-to-face interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the screen component from movement tracking games, replacing visual display feedback with audio feedback through speakers and optional floor-based light sources. This enables groups to participate in movement tracking activities while maintaining face-to-face interaction, as users receive game feedback through sound and light rather than screen visualization.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional hardware is added to support multiple games, then game variety increases, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal game system where a single detection mat with sensors can support multiple different games through software configuration. The same hardware platform can host various game types including counting games, music games, and entertainment games by loading different game software, eliminating the need for separate specialized hardware for each game type.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods may provide for determining an identity of an interchangeable overlay adjacent to a detection mat of a floor-based game management apparatus and detecting foot-based user input via an array of sensors distributed across a surface of the detection mat. Additionally, game-related user feedback may be output via one or more speakers of the floor-based game management apparatus based at least in part on the foot-based user input and the identity of the interchangeable overlay. In one example, at least a portion of the game-related user feedback is output via an array of light sources distributed across the surface of the detection mat.