Storage Charging Device for Game Pieces with Virtual Entity Sync

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current interactive game systems lack a seamless integration of physical game pieces with virtual entities, limiting the dynamic interaction and charging capabilities within an immersive software experience.

Innovation Solution

A storage and charging device equipped with a charging mechanism and communication module that corresponds to a virtual entity within an interactive software experience, allowing for wireless charging and data communication with the game pieces, enabling dynamic interaction and synchronization between physical and virtual elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If game pieces are integrated with interactive software experience, then user engagement and immersion are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteractive experienceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the charging device and storage container into a single integrated unit that corresponds to a virtual entity in the game. This merging eliminates the need for separate charging accessories and simplifies the overall system while providing both physical storage and charging functions through one device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging device serves multiple functions: it stores multiple game pieces, charges them simultaneously, communicates game data to the software experience, and provides power to the pieces. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple game pieces are charged simultaneously, then charging time is reduced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The charging device charges game pieces in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The controller manages charging sessions, allowing pieces to be charged simultaneously during active gameplay periods while reducing or suspending charging during inactive periods, thereby balancing charging speed with energy conservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The communication mechanism provides feedback about the charging status and energy levels of game pieces to the controller. This feedback enables the system to dynamically adjust charging parameters, optimizing the balance between charging multiple pieces efficiently and conserving energy based on actual needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If game pieces communicate with interactive software in real-time, then gameplay dynamics are improved, but data synchronization complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata synchronizationVSAvoidcommunication complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging device acts as an intermediary between the game pieces and the interactive software experience. It consolidates communication from multiple pieces through a single interface, simplifying data synchronization while maintaining real-time updates. The device aggregates and manages data flow, reducing the complexity that would arise from direct individual connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication mechanism is designed to handle multiple functions: data transmission, identification, and status reporting, all through a unified interface. This multi-functional communication approach reduces the number of separate communication channels needed and simplifies the overall data synchronization architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3204131B1Storage and charging device for game pieces
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3204131B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3204131B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3204131B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A storage and charging device for game pieces is described which is associated with an interactive software experience, such that the storage and charging device corresponds to a virtual entity within the interactive software experience. The storage and charging device comprises a charging mechanism and a communication mechanism. The charging mechanism is arranged to charge at least one of the game pieces and the communication mechanism is arranged to communicate with the interactive software experience.