Pop-up Score Display for Game Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing game tables for recreational games like air hockey and table soccer lack an efficient and unobtrusive method for displaying scores and time, often using bulky or complex manual/electric components that distract players and interfere with gameplay.
Innovation Solution
A game table with a pop-up score display unit and touch screen control panel, where the display screen is moveable between a hidden and visible position, activated by power button or sensors, to provide clear score and time information without occupying additional game space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a score display system is added to the game table, then score and time information can be displayed, but the display components become bulky and interfere with gameplay
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen is designed to be movable between a retracted position (flush with or below the playing surface) and an extended position (projecting above the surface). This dynamic configuration allows the display to be visible when needed and unobtrusive when not in use, resolving the contradiction between information display and gameplay interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The display unit utilizes the vertical dimension by projecting above the playing surface when extended, rather than expanding horizontally. This vertical deployment allows clear visibility of score information without occupying additional lateral game space, addressing the contradiction between display visibility and space occupation.
2Loss of information
If the display screen is always visible, then score information is easily readable, but it distracts players and interferes with game play
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen transitions between retracted and extended states based on gameplay needs. When retracted, the display minimizes visual distraction and maintains focus on the game. When extended, it provides clear score readability. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between constant visibility and player distraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The display operates periodically rather than continuously, extending to show score information at relevant moments (such as when a goal is scored or at period endings) and retracting during active gameplay. This periodic display pattern provides necessary information while minimizing distraction during critical game moments.
3Device complexity
If manual score tracking is used, then no additional components are needed, but players may mis-remember the score or get distracted from the game
Solution Approach 1:
The display system automatically tracks and displays score and time information without requiring manual intervention from players. The system self-updates based on game events (such as sensor-detecte dgoals), eliminating the reliability issues of human memory while maintaining simple operation. This resolves the contradiction between component simplicity and score accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system provides real-time feedback to players about the current score and time status, ensuring accurate information is always available when needed. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates the errors associated with manual tracking while keeping the system simple and game-focused, addressing the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A game table has a game playing surface and a railing extending around the perimeter of the game playing surface. The railing extends at least slightly above the game playing surface to prevent escape of a game playing piece from the game playing surface and has a top surface. The game table includes a score display unit having a display screen, the display unit being at least partially mounted within the railing. The display screen is moveable between a first flat or hidden position and a second observable display position. At the display position, at least part of the display screen is projected above the top surface of the railing.