Game Board Device with Optical Detection for Automatic Piece Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional game boards are limited in their application range and functionality, primarily being used only when users are gathered, and lack the ability to automatically identify and track game pieces of different types.
Innovation Solution
A game board device equipped with identification labels, optically identifying modules, and a processing module that uses light emitters and receivers to detect and transmit signals corresponding to the presence and type of game pieces, allowing for automatic identification and expansion of the board's application, including wireless communication and compatibility with existing game pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional game board structure is used, then simplicity and ease of manufacture are maintained, but application range and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The game board device integrates multiple functions including automatic piece identification, player detection, game state tracking, and wireless communication capabilities. The control unit serves as a universal controller that manages various game operations, while the communication unit enables both local and remote play, making the board adaptable to diverse gaming scenarios and expanding its application range beyond traditional board games.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate components such as the communication unit that mediates between players and the game board, enabling remote interaction. The control unit acts as an intermediary that processes game piece information and coordinates game logic, allowing the board to function autonomously while maintaining simplicity in individual component design.
2Measurement precision
If automatic identification system is added, then piece type detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual piece identification with an automated optical detection system. Sensors or cameras detect game pieces and transmit information to the control unit, which automatically identifies piece types. This substitution eliminates the need for manual tracking while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through modular sensor integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The game board device performs self-identification of game pieces through its detection systems. The control unit automatically processes detected piece information and updates game state without requiring player intervention or complex external processing, enabling the system to serve itself in tracking game progress.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication capability is integrated, then remote play functionality is enabled, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication unit is designed as a universal module that handles both local and remote communication protocols. It can switch between different communication modes (wireless and wired) and support various game types, enabling remote play functionality while using standardized components that simplify the manufacturing process through economies of scale.
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 the game board device to automatically identify game pieces, expand its application range, and facilitate play with users who are not present, while being easily integrated with existing game pieces without requiring additional design changes, thus enhancing user interaction and market acceptance.
Implementation Method 1
the light receiver of the corresponding optically identifying module is configured to receive light that is emitted from the light emitter of the corresponding optically identifying module and that is reflected by the corresponding identification label
Data Source
AI summary
A game board device is provided for carrying and identifying game pieces that are divided into different piece types. The game board device includes a board, a plurality of optically identifying modules, and a processing module electrically coupled to the optically identifying modules. The optically identifying modules respectively correspond in position to detection regions of the board. Each of the optically identifying modules includes a light emitter that can emit light toward the corresponding detection region and a light receiver that can receive light reflected by the corresponding detection region. When any one of the detection regions is in an unoccupied mode, the corresponding optically identifying module can emit an unoccupied signal. When any one of the detection regions is in an occupied mode, the corresponding optically identifying module enables an identification signal that corresponds to the piece type of the corresponding game piece to be emitted therefrom.