Virtual Card Game System Using Image Recognition for Token Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current toy-to-life systems require physical toys to have communication capabilities with readers, limiting interactive gameplay and user involvement, and there is a need for a more intuitive and stimulating way to link the physical and virtual worlds.
Innovation Solution
A game system that uses an image capturing device and processor to recognize game tokens, allowing users to create virtual playing cards by arranging physical tokens in specific configurations, enabling user-defined digital cards and enhanced gameplay interactions without the need for communication-enabled toys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical toys are equipped with communication capabilities (RFID, NFC) to enable identification and virtual representation, then the system can automatically recognize and link physical objects to digital game elements, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase, and the ease of operation decreases for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual copying through image capture instead of electronic copying via RFID/NFC. The image capturing device captures visual information of the toy, and the processor creates a digital representation based on visual pattern recognition, eliminating the need for embedded communication hardware in the toy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic/electromagnetic communication system (RFID, NFC readers and transponders) with an optical-mechanical system (image capturing device and visual recognition algorithm). This substitution eliminates complex electronic components from the toy while maintaining identification functionality
2Extent of automation
If toys are equipped with special readers and wireless communication components, then automatic identification is achieved, but the ease of operation and user involvement in gameplay decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to manually capture images of toys using their own devices (smartphones, tablets, cameras). The user actively participates in the identification process by taking photos and arranging tokens, transforming a passive automated system into an active user-driven experience that enhances engagement while maintaining simplicity
3Measurement precision
If a special background plate with specific patterns is used for toy detection, then the image capturing device can reliably detect and recognize toys, but the ease of operation and flexibility of gameplay is reduced due to required setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image capturing device universal by removing the requirement for special background plates. The system can detect and recognize toys on any surface by using the toy's inherent visual features (colors, patterns, shapes) for identification, allowing gameplay anywhere without specialized equipment setup
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the background plate requirement from the system. Instead of needing a special patterned surface for detection, the system uses the toy itself as the detection target, separating the identification function from any specific background context and enabling flexible gameplay environments
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
This approach provides a tangible and intuitive user interface for creating virtual playing cards, enhancing interactive gameplay by allowing users to craft and use custom digital cards, with the system controlling their effects and usage within the game, thereby increasing user engagement and reducing frustration.
Implementation Method 1
an image capturing device... operable to capture one or more images of one or more game tokens placed within a field of view
Data Source
AI summary
A game system comprising: a plurality of game tokens, an image capturing device and a processor; the image capturing device being operable to capture one or more images of one or more game tokens placed within a field of view of the image capturing device; wherein the processor is configured to: execute a digital game, the digital game comprising computer executable code configured to cause the processor to implement a virtual card game, the virtual card game including a plurality of virtual playing cards; receive one or more images captured by said image capturing device; recognise one or more game tokens of the plurality of game tokens within the one or more images; responsive to recognising a set of game tokens in the one or more images, create a virtual playing card based on the recognised set.