Game System With Marked Play-Pieces Using Segmented Indicia
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tabletop games with machine-readable play-pieces are limited in functionality, as each piece typically represents only single attributes or metadata, lacking the ability to convey commands or compound information, requiring frequent handling and manual updates, which is inconvenient and prone to positional errors.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple machine-readable indicia on each play-piece, allowing them to serve as controllers for game actions, with a reader communicating with a smartphone to manage game states and commands, enabling more complex gameplay scenarios and remote database updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single machine-readable indicium is used on each play-piece, then the game system is simple to operate, but the functionality is limited and requires frequent manual handling
Solution Approach 1:
The indicium on each play-piece is segmented into multiple distinct machine-readable elements, each encoding different types of information (identifier, commands, attributes, metadata). This segmentation allows a single play-piece to convey multiple pieces of information simultaneously, increasing functionality without requiring multiple separate components or frequent handling.
Solution Approach 2:
Each play-piece is designed with multi-functional indicia that can represent various game elements (character identity, current state, available actions, attributes) within a single machine-readable structure. This universal design allows the same physical object to serve multiple game functions, reducing the need for separate play-pieces or frequent manual updates.
2Ease of manufacture
If play-pieces have only static indicia representing character attributes, then manufacturing is simple, but game play requires frequent manual handling and updating
Solution Approach 1:
The machine-readable indicia are pre-encoded with multiple types of information (identifier, commands, attributes, metadata) during manufacturing. This preliminary encoding of all potential game state information eliminates the need for manual updating during play, as the computer system can automatically interpret and update game state based on the pre-encoded data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling and updating of play-piece information with an automated optical/electronic reading system. The machine-readable indicia enable a reader to automatically capture and process game state information, substituting manual human actions with automated electronic processes.
3Ease of operation
If indicia represent only character attributes, then the system is easy to understand, but it cannot convey commands or compound information
Solution Approach 1:
The information capacity is expanded by segmenting the indicium into multiple functional elements, each carrying a specific type of information (identifier, commands, attributes, metadata). This segmentation allows the system to convey complex compound information while maintaining a structured, easily interpretable format that preserves operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds informational dimensions to the play-piece indicia by incorporating multiple layers of data (identifier, commands, attributes, metadata) within a single machine-readable structure. This dimensional expansion of information capacity allows the system to convey complex game state data without increasing physical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A game system uses play-pieces, such as figurines, cards, and maps, each having multiple, machine-readable indicia. A hand-held reader for the indicia communicates with a computer, such as a tablet or smart phone. Players select which indicia to read with the reader, thereby identifying specific figurines, locations, commands, and the like by direct reference to the play-pieces themselves. Certain parameters associated with specific play-pieces are stored in a database of the computer, and may change over time, whether from progress in the game, or from updates made available online.