Foldable Digital Gameboard With Touchscreen Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional physical board games are static, non-interactive, and cumbersome, with complex rules leading to interpretation issues and storage challenges, while digital games lack social interaction and community experience.

Innovation Solution

A foldable digital gameboard device with touchscreen technology and mobile computer, allowing for dynamic gameplay and network connectivity, enabling interactive content for multiple users and facilitating game development and social interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If physical board games use standardized gameboards, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but the games become static and non-interactive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegameboard interactivityVSAvoidgameboard structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static physical gameboard into a dynamic digital display that can change layouts, rules, and game states electronically. The display transitions from fixed printed patterns to programmable visual content that adapts during gameplay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical gameboard components (physical tiles, printed surfaces) with electronic display technology. The digital display substitutes for traditional mechanical gameboard structures, enabling virtual game pieces and dynamic rule presentations without physical manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If physical board games use modular boards, then layout adaptability improves, but setup becomes frustrating and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout flexibilityVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming multiple game layouts and rules into the digital system. Instead of physically assembling modular components during setup, the system instantly loads pre-configured game states, eliminating manual arrangement time while maintaining layout diversity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The digital display dynamically transitions between different game layouts without physical reconfiguration. The system switches between pre-programmed game modes and board configurations electronically, providing layout flexibility instantaneously rather than through manual assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If physical board games include extensive rule sets, then game complexity and strategy increase, but rule interpretation disputes arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegame rule complexityVSAvoidrule interpretation consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by implementing automatic rule enforcement through the digital system. The program monitors game states, validates moves against programmed rules, and provides immediate feedback on rule compliance, eliminating human interpretation errors and ensuring consistent rule application throughout gameplay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces human rule interpretation with automated digital logic. The system substitutes manual rule checking and dispute resolution with programmed algorithms that objectively enforce game rules, ensuring reliability and consistency without human subjectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Volume of stationary object

If physical board games are stored collectively, then storage space is reduced, but games become cumbersome and difficult to organize

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidgame organization

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by consolidating multiple game components into a single digital device. The system combines what would traditionally require separate physical gameboards, rulebooks, and game pieces into one integrated touchscreen device, reducing storage volume while improving accessibility and organization through digital interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9931563B2Devices, systems, and methods for a touchscreen gameboard

Publication Date: 2018.04.03 BG GLOBAL LLC

AI summary

Digital gameboard systems and devices for providing games and interactive content to two or more co-located users are described, as well as methods of using the same. A gameboard device of the present disclosure comprises a housing with a screen extending across the top thereof, and a mobile computer positioned within the housing. At least a portion of the device's screen comprises a touchscreen technology. Additionally, at least a portion of the gameboard device is foldable about at least one axis. Methods of using the devices and systems hereof are also provided, an exemplary method including the steps of downloading content to the aforementioned device, receiving input from at least two co-located users via the screen of the digital gameboard device, and displaying output via the screen of the digital gameboard device to the two or more co-located users in connection with the gaming program.