Wireless Game Management System for Automated Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual measurement of game piece positions in games like bocce, lawn bowling, and curling is inaccurate and time-consuming, leading to delays and disputes during gameplay.
Innovation Solution
A wireless game management system that uses wireless modules with GPS, magnet, and sensor technologies to determine and transmit the absolute or relative positions of game pieces, enabling automated tracking and status determination, including team moves, scores, and game outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods are used to determine game piece positions, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision and game speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with automated electronic detection systems. Sensors (optical, magnetic, or capacitive) automatically detect game piece positions and transmit data to a processor, eliminating the need for manual measurement while significantly improving measurement precision and game speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication modules as intermediaries between game pieces and the central processor. These modules enable automatic data transmission of position information without direct physical contact or complex wiring, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
2Productivity
If manual position determination is used, then the device complexity is low, but the game speed and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow manual measurement processes with automated sensor-based detection systems that continuously track game piece positions in real-time. This substitution dramatically increases game speed by eliminating manual intervention while the modular architecture keeps system complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the system automatically detects, tracks, and processes game piece positions without requiring manual operation. The sensors and processors work autonomously to determine game status and update scores, significantly improving game speed while maintaining reasonable system complexity through standardized components.
3Loss of time
If automated wireless tracking systems are implemented, then measurement precision and game speed are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual measurement operations with automated wireless sensor systems that continuously and instantly capture game piece positions. This substitution eliminates time loss while the use of off-the-shelf wireless modules and standard processors keeps the added complexity relatively low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal wireless communication protocols and multi-functional sensors that can detect various game pieces using the same hardware platform. This universality reduces overall system complexity by avoiding the need for specialized components for each game type, while still achieving rapid, precise tracking that minimizes time consumption.
4Reliability
If manual measurement is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability and accuracy of game status determination are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces prone-to-error manual measurement with reliable automated sensor detection systems that continuously monitor game piece positions with high precision. The system automatically processes this data to determine game status, eliminating human error while the user interface remains simple and intuitive, preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor game piece positions, the processor automatically analyzes this data against game rules, and the system instantly updates game status and scores. This automated feedback mechanism significantly improves reliability by eliminating manual errors while maintaining operational simplicity through automatic status determination displayed to users.
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 enhances gameplay accuracy and speed by providing real-time, automated position tracking and game status updates, reducing manual intervention and disputes among players and officials.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless module configured to transmit a location signal
Implementation Method 2
Each wireless module may include a GPS receiver to determine an absolute position of the game piece
Implementation Method 3
The wireless module of each game piece may include a magnet that provides the location signal, wherein the wireless game management system may further comprise a plurality of sensors to determine the positions of the game pieces based on the magnetic location signals
Implementation Method 4
The sensors may be hall effect sensors positioned under the field of play
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless game management system includes a plurality of game pieces, each game piece including a wireless module configured to transmit a location signal, and a wireless game management processor configured to determine the absolute or relative positions of at least two game pieces based on the location signals, determine a game status based on the absolute or relative positions of the at least two game pieces, and convey game status information through a user interface associated with the wireless game management processor.