Sensorized Board Game Pieces Using Magnetic Strength Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing board games lack efficient and cost-effective methods for detecting and tracking the location and identity of game pieces in digital and electronic formats, particularly when using electromagnets, which are often deemed too large and costly.
Innovation Solution
Employing a sensorized board with an array of sensors, such as Hall effect sensors, to detect the magnetic fields of game pieces with either permanent magnets or electromagnets, using triangulation and continuous detection to identify and locate pieces, and integrating a graphic overlay board for precise game state determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnets are used to detect game piece locations, then detection capability is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic detection systems with a magnetic field-based detection system using permanent magnets and Hall effect sensors. This substitution achieves the desired detection capability while significantly reducing the size and cost of the system, as permanent magnets are much smaller and cheaper than electromagnets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses permanent magnets embedded in game pieces as a cost-effective alternative to electromagnets. These permanent magnets provide sufficient detection capability without the size and cost penalties of electromagnets, making the system more affordable and compact.
2Measurement precision
If electromagnets are used to detect game piece locations, then detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs permanent magnets instead of electromagnets for game piece identification. Permanent magnets are significantly cheaper to manufacture, requiring no power sources or complex electrical components, thereby reducing the overall manufacturing cost while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces expensive electromagnet-based detection with a simpler magnetic field detection approach using permanent magnets and Hall effect sensors. This substitution reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for power supplies, control circuits, and more complex electromagnetic components.
3Device complexity
If traditional physical board games are used, then simplicity is maintained, but interactivity and dynamic elements are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional board game system that combines traditional physical gameplay with electronic detection and digital integration. The magnetic detection system enables the board to recognize piece locations, while the graphic overlay and sensorized board provide digital feedback, unlocking new interactive capabilities without sacrificing the simplicity of physical gameplay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a graphic overlay board and sensorized detection system as intermediaries between the physical game pieces and the digital game state. This intermediary layer translates physical piece positions into digital information, enabling interactive feedback and dynamic game elements while maintaining the simplicity of physical gameplay.
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 accurate and efficient detection of game piece locations and identities, supporting various board games and interactive environments, while reducing the size and cost of electromagnet systems through energy-efficient designs and wireless charging solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a sensorized board that has an array, grid, or irregular arrangement of sensors that detect magnetic fields (e.g., Hall effect sensors)
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for differentiating and locating game pieces on a sensorized game board via magnets of distinct strength. A central processing unit coordinates with a sensorized physical structure of an amusement device to participate and/or govern gameplay. The device within the amusement device can be used with a graphic board operating as a board game. Playable and movable objects are tracked through sensors enabling progressive storage of positions assumed by the same objects resulting from voluntary user interactions. In an illustrative scenario, multiple identification units are positioned in the amusement device where game pieces are used. The sensorized board senses the presence of a game piece as the game is played. The identification unit produces an output signal read by the computer that identifies the location and type of game piece. The computer uses the location and identity of the game pieces to monitor or participate in gameplay.