Dynamic Game Surface Augmentation via Projected Visual Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional interactive games such as bowling and billiards are losing popularity due to increased interest in video games and virtual reality experiences, with attempts to enhance them through lighting and sound effects failing to provide significant user interaction and engagement.
Innovation Solution
A system that projects digital overlays onto game surfaces, tracking game objects and player interactions to provide personalized, dynamic, and interactive feedback, allowing players to select templates and game modes, and record and review their moves for enhanced learning and enjoyment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional games are enhanced with lighting and sound effects, then entertainment value is improved, but user interaction and engagement remain limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates tracking mechanisms that detect player actions and provide real-time visual feedback through projected images on the game surface. The feedback loop connects player movements with dynamic visual responses, creating interactive engagement rather than passive observation of lighting effects
Solution Approach 2:
A projection system serves as an intermediary between the physical game surface and digital entertainment elements. The projector maps virtual images onto the physical game surface, enabling interaction with both physical components and digital overlays simultaneously
2Adaptability or versatility
If video games and virtual reality systems replace traditional games, then game play experience is improved, but accessibility and simplicity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the simplicity of traditional physical games with the entertainment value of video games by projecting digital overlays onto the physical game surface. Players interact with physical components while experiencing enhanced visual feedback, combining the best aspects of both game types
Solution Approach 2:
The projection system provides multiple functions: it displays visual feedback, provides game information, creates thematic atmospheres, and enables new game modes. This multi-functionality allows traditional games to adapt to modern entertainment expectations without requiring complete replacement
3Ease of manufacture
If static images and fixed lighting effects are provided, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but user engagement and repeat playability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static lighting effects to dynamic projected images that change in real-time based on player actions. The projection content adapts to game state, player movements, and interactions, creating engaging and variable experiences that encourage repeat playability
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for visually enhancing a game structure having a game surface and objects that move on the game surface. The system includes a projector that projects digital augmentation content or themed images onto the game surface, with the images including static and animated images. The system includes a tracking mechanism that generates tracking data from the game surface and game objects, with the tracking data defining positions of the game objects relative to the game surface. The system includes a controller that processes the tracking data to determine the positions of the game objects. The controller modifies the augmentation images in response to the determined positions of the game objects. The augmentation images include a video stream made up of a base image that is mapped to the game surface and an object enhancing image mapped to one of the game objects and its current position.