Magnetic Board Game Actuation for Hidden Simultaneous Piece Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing board games with self-moving pieces often compromise user experience due to visible robotic systems, limited game compatibility, and the inability to move multiple pieces simultaneously or remotely.
Innovation Solution
A board game system utilizing magnetic elements to automatically displace game pieces, allowing simultaneous movement of multiple pieces and enabling remote play, without visible robotic systems, and compatible with various board games.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a robotic arm is used to displace game pieces, then the game pieces can be moved automatically, but the robotic system becomes visible and affects user experience negatively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the robotic displacement mechanism from the visible game board surface and relocates it to an underlying layer. The displacement assembly is positioned below the game surface, allowing automatic piece movement while keeping the visible board appearance clean and unobtrusive, thus resolving the contradiction between automation and visual aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The displacement assembly is nested within the game board structure, with the robotic mechanism housed in an underlying layer beneath the game surface. This nesting approach allows the automated system to be contained within the board's internal structure, making it invisible during gameplay while maintaining full functionality.
2Productivity
If a single robotic arm moves pieces one at a time, then the system is simple, but the game becomes slow and cannot move multiple pieces simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement assembly is segmented into multiple independent robotic arms or displacement units, each capable of moving individual game pieces. This segmentation allows multiple pieces to be moved simultaneously across different areas of the board, dramatically increasing game speed while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple displacement units are combined within a single integrated displacement assembly that operates cooperatively. The control system merges the operation of multiple robotic elements to achieve coordinated simultaneous movement of multiple game pieces, enhancing productivity while managing system complexity through unified control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the board game is designed for a single game, then the system is simple, but it lacks versatility and cannot play different board games
Solution Approach 1:
The game board is designed with universal features including a standardized game surface, interchangeable game piece sets, and a flexible displacement assembly that can accommodate different game rules and configurations. This allows the same physical board to support multiple board games while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through standardized interfaces and modular components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If players are physically present at the same location, then the game is simple to play, but remote playing between different locations is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
A communication system acts as an intermediary between remotely located players and the physical board game. This intermediary transmits player inputs and receives movement information to control the displacement assembly, enabling remote gameplay while keeping the communication infrastructure relatively simple through standard digital communication 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
Enhances user experience by providing seamless, simultaneous piece movement and remote play capabilities while maintaining a compact and versatile game system.
Implementation Method 1
each of said plurality of game pieces comprises a first magnetic element; said board game comprises a second magnetic element that is provided movably in said game board and/or below said game surface; said first magnetic element and said second magnetic element are independently selected from the group consisting of: permanent magnets, electromagnets, ferromagnetic materials and ferrimagnetic materials so as to enable a magnetic force of attraction between said first magnetic element and said second magnetic element
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~5
Figure 6~7A
AI summary
The present invention concerns a board game comprising a game board and game pieces that can automatically be displaced on the game layout or for moving game pieces to or away from the game layout. The board of the game comprises magnetic elements that are configured to exert a magnetic force on magnetic elements contained in the game pieces. In some embodiments, the board game is configured to cause game pieces to change their orientation such that they are more easily displaced on the game surface. The board game preferably allows for multiple board games to be played, and preferably enables remote playing.