Glow-in-the-Dark Target Loop with Automated Scoring Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing game sets lack versatility, as they often have fixed targets, restrict play to daylight hours due to lack of illumination, and lack real-time feedback and automation for scoring, limiting their appeal and functionality, especially in small play areas and low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A game set comprising a flying disc and a goal assembly with a target loop made of glow-in-the-dark material, equipped with a score controller that includes vibration sensors and alert systems, allowing play during the day or night, providing real-time feedback and automated scoring through NFC or RFID tag readers, and enabling wireless data transmission for live streaming and competitive play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the target is made with glow-in-the-dark material, then play is enabled during the day or night and in light or dark conditions, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The target incorporates glow-in-the-dark material that changes its luminosity parameter based on light exposure, enabling the game to be played in various lighting conditions. This material property change allows the target to store and emit light, creating visibility in dark environments without requiring active power sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the target loop is divided into multiple smaller scoring portals, then the difficulty and challenge are increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The target loop is segmented into multiple distinct scoring portals within a single continuous structure. This segmentation allows players to aim for different zones with varying point values, increasing strategic depth and difficulty adjustment without requiring multiple separate target components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single target loop structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a unified visual target while containing multiple scoring zones, combines simplicity of form with complexity of function, and allows for both beginner and advanced play levels within the same physical object.
3Extent of automation
If automated scoring with sensors and wireless transmission is added, then real-time feedback and score tracking are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The score controller provides immediate feedback to players through visual and audible signals when a scoring portal is activated. This real-time feedback confirms successful throws, tracks scores automatically, and eliminates manual scorekeeping, enhancing the gaming experience through instantaneous response.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual scorekeeping and target activation mechanisms are replaced with electronic sensors and wireless transmission systems. The score sensors detect portal activation automatically, and wireless transmitters communicate score data to external devices, eliminating the need for manual intervention in score tracking.
4Illumination intensity
If the target loop appears to float in midair when illuminated in darkness, then the visual appeal and challenge are increased, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The glow-in-the-dark material undergoes a phase transition in its luminescent properties, storing energy during daylight exposure and emitting it during darkness. This passive luminescence creates the floating visual effect without requiring continuous energy input, as the material naturally cycles between charged and emitting states.
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 play in various lighting conditions, enhances player skills like hand-eye coordination, provides physical therapy benefits, and allows for customizable difficulty levels and automated scoring, facilitating competitive 'physical virtual' gameplay.
Implementation Method 1
The target loop and flying disc may be made of a glow in the dark material, allowing this game set to be used to play during the day or the night and in the light or dark
Implementation Method 2
a vibration sensor, wherein the vibration sensor is configured to detect the target loop being impacted by the flying disc
Data Source
AI summary
A game set having a flying disc, a goal mount, a target loop configured to attach to the goal mount, the target loop having a loop surface with a solid outer portion that surrounds an open middle portion, the open middle portion having at least one distinct opening, each distinct opening defining a scoring portal, and a score controller having at least one score sensor configured to detect the passage of the flying disk through each scoring portal, a vibration sensor configured to detect the target loop being impacted and wherein the score controller is configured to emit an alert when a sensor is triggered. The score controller may be further comprised of a viewing camera, microphone, game clock, scoreboard, distance verification device, loudspeaker, score buzzer, score indicator light, battery, and wireless transmitter. The score controller may communicate with a game application on a device, enabling “physical virtual” play.