Laser Tag Aiming Unit Stealth Mode and Modular Play Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser tag devices lack features that enhance player experience, such as stealth mode, and require both guns and vests for all players, which may not be desirable in all situations, and fail to provide multiple creative modes of play efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A gaming device comprising an aiming unit and an optional targeting unit, with features like stealth mode, portable and inexpensive design, and various play modes, including different team selections and weapon modes, that allow players to engage in infrared light signal-based gameplay without the need for vests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If colored lights are provided on guns to identify opposing team members, then team identification is improved, but players become detectable when trying to hide in the dark
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by providing colored lights that can be activated or deactivated based on game conditions. The system can switch between visible color modes for team identification and invisible/low-visibility modes for stealth gameplay, allowing the same hardware to serve both identification and concealment functions dynamically
2Reliability
If all players must utilize both guns and vests for all game plays, then game completeness is improved, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the gameplay configuration changeable during different game modes. The system can dynamically adjust whether players use only guns, only vests, or both, based on the selected game mode (e.g., sniper mode, team deathmatch, free-for-all). This allows the same hardware to support multiple gameplay scenarios without requiring mandatory use of all components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the laser tag system so that guns and vests can function independently or together, and can be used in various combinations depending on the game mode. The same gun can be used in sniper mode, team deathmatch, or free-for-all; the same vest can be used in team deathmatch or free-for-all. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for mandatory use of all components while maintaining game completeness
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple creative modes of play are added to enhance player experience, then game interest and challenge are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the laser tag system into separate functional modules: guns with infrared emitters, vests with infrared receivers, and a central controller. Each module can be independently configured and activated for different game modes. This modular segmentation allows multiple creative modes to be implemented by combining different modules in different ways without requiring a completely different system for each mode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by using a single set of hardware components that can be configured differently through software or control parameters. The same gun and vest hardware can support multiple game modes by changing operational parameters (e.g., activation conditions, detection sensitivity, team assignment) rather than requiring different physical hardware for each mode, thereby reducing overall system complexity
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
Enhances player experience by providing stealth capabilities, multiple play modes, and convenience through portable and affordable devices, allowing for strategic gameplay without the need for vests, thereby increasing the game's interest and challenge.
Implementation Method 1
The trigger activates the infrared emitter on the gun to generate an infrared beam or signal. The infrared signal travels toward the infrared receptor of the gun of the other player.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a gaming device for playing a game of laser tag. The gaming device includes a controller configured to control and coordinate functions between various components thereof. The gaming device includes an aiming unit configured to generate infrared light signals and a receiver configured to detect the generated infrared light signals. The gaming device includes a targeting unit configured to generate a vibration when the receiver in the targeting unit detects infrared light signals. The gaming device further includes one or more lights configured to indicate one or more states of the aiming unit and targeting unit. The controller is configured to engage the aiming unit and targeting unit in a stealth mode in which the one or more lights are switched off.