Modular Electronic Dice Core with Asymmetrical Interlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic dice systems are limited in adaptability to different types and shapes of dice, requiring specific calibrations and custom electronics for each geometry, leading to inefficiencies in energy use and compatibility issues with various dice configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular core with an electronic board, accelerometer, and radio frequency transmitter, housed in an asymmetrical shape, can be inserted into various dice, allowing for automatic adaptation and efficient tracking and transmission of roll results, using pre-defined look-up tables to interpret the gravity vector for different types and shapes of dice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If custom electronics are designed for each dice geometry, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal electronic board design that can be used across multiple dice geometries (tetrahedron, cube, octahedron, dodecahedron, icosahedron). The board contains an accelerometer and processor that work with pre-defined look-up tables to detect and interpret orientation data for different dice types without requiring custom hardware design for each geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes software parameters (look-up tables containing orientation data and gravity vector interpretations) rather than hardware parameters. By storing pre-calculated orientation information for different dice geometries in the processor memory, the system adapts to different dice types through parameter changes alone, maintaining measurement precision while avoiding hardware complexity.
2Measurement precision
If specific calibrations are performed for each dice type, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs calibration actions in advance by pre-calculating and storing orientation data and gravity vector interpretations in look-up tables within the processor memory. During actual gameplay, the system simply retrieves pre-stored calibration data rather than performing real-time calculations, eliminating the need for users to perform manual calibrations for each dice type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically identifies the dice type and selects the appropriate look-up table from its memory without requiring user input or manual configuration. The processor autonomously matches the detected geometry with stored calibration data, making the calibration process transparent to the user and significantly improving ease of operation.
3Extent of automation
If traditional electronic dice are used, then automation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic board is designed as a universal platform that maintains automatic orientation detection and radio frequency transmission capabilities while adding support for multiple dice geometries. The processor identifies the dice type and uses appropriate look-up tables to maintain automated operation across tetrahedron, cube, octahedron, dodecahedron, and icosahedron dice without requiring manual intervention.
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 seamless tracking and remote transmission of roll results across various dice types and shapes, reducing the need for custom electronics and energy consumption, while allowing for simultaneous rolls and complex result processing.
Implementation Method 1
automatic adaptation and efficient tracking and transmission of roll results, using pre-defined look-up tables to interpret the gravity vector for different types and shapes of dice
Implementation Method 2
radio frequency transmitter, housed in an asymmetrical shape, can be inserted into various dice, allowing for automatic adaptation and efficient tracking and transmission of roll results
Data Source
AI summary
The proposed invention relates to a system for electronic dice, i.e., those devices which are in practice used for board games and parlour games with the support of electronic components. The invention comprises a hardware structure for the tracking and remote transmission of the result of the roll of a die adaptable and usable for various types of dice and, if necessary, transferable between different dice casings heterogeneous in shape, functions and mode of use; said structure being programmable to automatically recognize and adapt to the different shape and type of dice in which it is applied and being conveniently applicable for simultaneous and multiple rolls and for further processing of the results. The solution referred to in the patent is realized through a core containing an electronic board structurally similar to that integrated in common commercial electronic dice and comprises an accelerometer, a Radio Frequency transmitter—preferably but not necessarily of the Bluetooth type—a CPU, a battery and a memory for information management and process control. The fact that the core hosting the electronic board can be inserted inside these dice in the form of polyhedral casings by means of a unique interlocking and, therefore, by means of a single possible orientation, allows to know a priori the relative orientation of the electronic board and, in particular, of the accelerometer with respect to the body of the dice or the host casing. Said relative orientation between the core and the possible host dice being predetermined and known, the invention is able to determine the result of the rolls simply knowing the type of die in which the core is housed (hence the number of faces in the case of regular polyhedra and the values which characterize said faces). For each type of dice (i.e., with the varying of the faces, the varying values represented on said faces and any rules of use), one or more tables or look-up-tables are provided, preloaded in the memory of the electronic board of the core so as to know the result of the relative orientation of the accelerometer gravity vector and therefore of the roll of the die upon the varying of the most varied types and areas of application.