Addressable LED Lighting for Cornhole Scorekeeping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting and scorekeeping systems for outdoor competitive games like cornhole lack optimal nighttime illumination, limited customization, and fail to effectively communicate score changes between distant game sides, especially under varying light conditions, and do not incorporate wireless communication or retrofit existing games.
Innovation Solution
An electronic lighting and scorekeeping system featuring an LED array, programmable microcontroller with radio transceiver, battery, speaker, and user interface for mobile command and control, forming a wireless ad hoc network, with translucent epoxy inlays and acrylic sheets for enhanced light transmission, allowing customizable ambiance and scorekeeping, including audible tone feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If sufficient lighting is provided for nighttime play, then visibility is improved, but ambiance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing lighting only at specific locations where needed for scorekeeping (around the holes and scoring areas) rather than illuminating the entire playing area. This localized approach maintains ambient atmosphere while ensuring visibility of score changes and game elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color changes to convey different game information through colored lights (e.g., different colors for different scores or game states). This allows effective communication of score changes without requiring high intensity lighting, thus preserving ambiance while improving visibility of game status.
2Device complexity
If manual scorekeeping is used, then simplicity is maintained, but accuracy and communication between distant players is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing automatic scorekeeping that tracks and displays scores without requiring manual intervention from players. The system automatically detects game events, updates scores, and communicates changes between distant players, eliminating human error while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical scorekeeping with an electronic system using sensors, microcontrollers, and wireless communication. This substitution automates score tracking and enables reliable communication of score changes between players at distant locations.
3Measurement precision
If electronic scorekeeping is added, then accuracy is improved, but ease of operation is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic scorekeeping system operates autonomously, automatically detecting game events through sensors and updating scores without requiring player intervention. This maintains high accuracy while preserving ease of operation as players simply play the game naturally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the scoring mechanism with the game structure itself, integrating sensors and electronics into the game components. This integration ensures accurate scorekeeping becomes an inherent part of gameplay rather than a separate operation, maintaining ease of use.
4Loss of information
If wireless communication is implemented, then score communication between distant sides is improved, but device complexity is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using a single wireless communication module that handles multiple tasks: score transmission, game event detection, and inter-component communication. This universal approach improves score communication between distant players without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses wireless communication as an intermediary to bridge distant game sides, enabling score and game state information to be transmitted without direct physical connection. This mediator approach solves the distance communication problem while keeping the system architecture relatively simple through standardized wireless protocols.
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
Provides efficient and customizable lighting and scorekeeping for outdoor games, enabling effective communication and user control, adaptable to various light conditions, and retrofittable to existing setups, enhancing gameplay experience and usability in competitive leagues.
Implementation Method 1
an LED (light emitting diode) light array for providing scorekeeping and ambiance to the competitive game
Implementation Method 2
at least one translucent epoxy inlay configured to the first game board, the at least one epoxy inlay for partial transmission of light from the LED light array
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting and scorekeeping system particularly applicable to leisure games is disclosed herein. The system is further applicable to games played to a score of twenty-one. Additionally, the system can be operated and customized locally or remotely with a wireless ad hoc network. Light arrays are programmable and/or addressable and uniquely laid out. One or more epoxy inlays are included for ambiance and partial light transmission. In a preferred embodiment, the system is configured to a cornhole game board.