Magnetic Field Sensors for Electronic Tag Game Hit Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic tag games lack realism and accuracy in tracking hits, as they rely on optical signals or projectiles that provide ambiguous evidence of tagging, require manual scoring, and cannot simulate hand-to-hand combat or localize impact points effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system using magnetic field sensors worn by players, which communicate with a controller to detect changes in the local magnetic field caused by projectiles or hand-held devices with magnets, providing real-time feedback through audible, visual, or tactile signals, and allowing for networked gameplay and accurate hit detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical signals or projectiles are used for tag detection, then the game can be played, but the hit detection is ambiguous and requires manual scoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical sensors and projectile-based detection with magnetic field sensors that detect changes in magnetic flux caused by magnetized projectiles. This substitution provides unambiguous electrical signals for hit detection, eliminating the need for manual scoring and improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetized projectiles as intermediaries between the player's weapon and the sensor system. These projectiles carry magnetic fields that interact with the magnetic field sensors worn by players, providing clear detectable signals that enable automatic scoring while maintaining the physical aspect of projectile-based gameplay.
2Reliability
If paintballs are used, then the game is realistic, but they cause discomfort and require cleanup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of paintballs (projectile impact) from their harmful effects (paint spatter and discomfort). By using magnetized projectiles that interact with magnetic sensors, the system retains the realism of physical projectile impact while eliminating the need for paint and the associated cleanup and discomfort issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a functional copy of the paintball experience using magnetic fields. The magnetized projectiles replicate the impact sensation and trajectory of paintballs, while the magnetic field detection system provides reliable hit confirmation without the harmful paint spatter, allowing gameplay in areas where paint would be unacceptable.
3Productivity
If laser tag is used, then electronic tracking is available, but the point of impact cannot be localized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the player's body into multiple sensor zones, each with its own magnetic field sensor. When a magnetized projectile impacts a specific zone, only that sensor detects the change in magnetic flux, enabling precise localization of the impact point on the player's body while maintaining electronic automatic scoring.
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 gameplay realism by providing unambiguous hit detection, automatic scoring, and the ability to simulate hand-to-hand combat, while reducing the need for physical projectiles and improving player interaction and environment engagement.
Implementation Method 1
A system using magnetic field sensors worn by players, which communicate with a controller to detect changes in the local magnetic field caused by projectiles or hand-held devices with magnets
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic field sensors are configured to be worn by the players of the electronic tag game. For example, the sensors may be coupled to a support apparatus such as a wearable suit or may be provided as patches, straps, belts, gloves, or other such items configured to be coupled with a player's body during gameplay.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic tag game includes a system having magnetic field sensors that are to be worn by a player of the electronic tag game. The magnetic field sensors are configured to detect a change in the local magnetic field. The magnetic field sensors may be in operable communication with one another and are configured to send a signal reporting a change in the local magnetic field to a controller which may be communication with electronic device such as a smart phone or the like. The local magnetic field may be altered by one or more devices configured for creating a change in the local magnetic field. For example, a spherical projectile or hand-held object may be provided and include a magnet that is configured to alter the magnetic field around the magnetic field sensors when a player wearing the magnetic field sensor is struck with the projectile.