Tilting Switch Game Timer for Chess
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional timing systems for games, such as chess timers, are not intuitive to use, lack sophisticated features, rely on non-rechargeable batteries, and pose hygiene concerns when shared among players, often disrupting gameplay and causing inconvenience due to battery depletion and complex operation.
Innovation Solution
A timing system incorporating a computing device with a tilt sensor and cradle that allows for intuitive operation via tilting, rechargeable batteries, and hygienic use, enabling players to focus on the game without needing to look at a screen or handle a single shared device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional software-based chess clocks require users to tap the screen of a smartphone in defined regions, then the timer can be operated, but players must shift attention away from the chess board to look at the smartphone screen, which disrupts concentration and wastes valuable time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a physical intermediary device (the timer device with button) that mediates between the player and the software timer. This physical button allows players to operate the timer without looking at the screen, eliminating the need to shift attention from the chess board while still controlling the timer function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the touchscreen interface (requiring visual interaction) with a physical mechanical button system. This substitution allows timer operation through tactile feedback alone, enabling players to control the timer without visual attention on the display device.
2Ease of operation
If players press timer buttons with a chess piece they are holding with significant force, then the timer can be operated, but touchscreen may not register the touch and may be damaged by a sharp impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the timer operation function from the display function by using a separate physical button mechanism. This segmentation allows the button to handle forceful impacts from chess pieces while the touchscreen remains protected for display purposes only.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical button acts as an intermediary that absorbs the mechanical impact from chess pieces. It translates these forceful inputs into timer operations while protecting the underlying touchscreen from damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two players press virtual buttons on a shared smartphone screen, then the timer can be operated by both players, but the device shifts position and may fall off the table
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides separate physical timer devices for each player, segmenting the single shared device into multiple stable units. Each player has their own physical timer that remains stationary on the table, eliminating the problem of device shifting when multiple players interact with it.
4Adaptability or versatility
If players use a single shared smartphone for timing, then the device can be operated by both players, but hygiene concerns and the potential to spread germs and viruses make this undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single shared timer into separate physical timer devices for each player. This segmentation eliminates contact with a shared touchscreen surface, reducing hygiene concerns and the potential for germ transmission while maintaining multi-player functionality.
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
The system provides a user-friendly, battery-efficient, and hygienic way to manage game time, maintaining player concentration and reducing the risk of battery depletion and germ transmission, while allowing operation with a chess piece without damaging the device.
Implementation Method 1
The instructions include controlling the game timer in response to the tilt sensor detecting that the cradle has pivoted between the first pivot position and the second pivot position
Data Source
AI summary
Timing systems configured to be used with a computing device including an electronic display and a tilt sensor. The timing systems include a switch and computer executable instructions. The switch includes a base and a cradle. The cradle is pivotally mounted to the base and configured to support the computing device. The cradle is configured to pivot relative to the base between a first pivot position and a second pivot position. The computer executable instructions are stored on the computing device and include instructions for displaying a game timer on the electronic display of the computing device. The instructions include controlling the game timer in response to the tilt sensor detecting that the cradle has pivoted between the first pivot position and the second pivot position.