Interactive Board Game Hardware With Reusable Central Console
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interactive board games require dedicated electronic devices for each game table, leading to high costs and potential interference issues among RFID readers.
Innovation Solution
A gaming hardware device is designed with a central console containing the logic and processing unit, connected to a detachable interactive platform with sensors and antennas, allowing the same console to be reused across different games, while the platform is low-cost and game-specific.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated electronic device is implemented for each game table, then the gaming functionality and RFID reading capability are ensured, but the production cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two segments: a reusable central console containing the expensive electronic components (microprocessor, RFID reader, memory) and a disposable game table containing only the game board and minimal interface. This segmentation allows the costly electronics to be shared across multiple games while the table remains inexpensive and easily replaceable.
Solution Approach 2:
The central console is designed as a universal device that can be connected to multiple different game tables through the interface. The console contains all the gaming logic and processing capabilities, making it a multi-functional unit that serves various game configurations without requiring dedicated electronics for each table.
2Measurement precision
If multiple RFID readers are integrated into the game table, then the position and type of game pieces can be identified, but interference problems occur among readers
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID reader function is extracted from the game table and relocated to the central console. This eliminates the interference problem by having only one RFID reader in the entire system, while still maintaining the ability to identify game pieces through the interface connection between the console and table.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sophisticated electronic components are distributed across multiple game tables, then each table has full functionality, but the overall system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
All sophisticated electronic components (microprocessor unit, RFID reader, memory devices, display) are merged into a single central console. This consolidation reduces the overall system cost by eliminating redundant electronics while maintaining full gaming functionality through the console's connection to the game table interface.
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 cost-effective and interference-free interactive gaming experiences by centralizing sophisticated electronics in a reusable console, reducing production costs and enhancing flexibility in game design.
Implementation Method 1
the controller (101, 303) being configured to detect, with the RFID reader (205), a RFID tag on a game piece (105)
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming hardware device is disclosed having an interactive gaming platform that can be connected to a multi-purpose central console. The electronics for making an interactive board game are divided so that a minimal part is in an interactive platform that includes the game board, while all the logic and processing part is relegated to a central console that can be reused also for other interactive platforms. A game kit having the hardware device and a plurality of game pieces containing a passive RFID TAG readable by the central console as well as a method of controlling a board game kit are also disclosed.