Patent Application
20240382828
Various games are now playable electronically. The decreasing size of circuitry and electronics in the modern age now allows for interactive game pieces whereby various games may be played electronically on a single apparatus. However, digital game play is typically presented via a gaming console, or through some sort of centralized computing platform (whether cloud-based or not), whereby players control avatars within a virtual space. Various different games are loaded or run by the console such that gaming is confined to discrete programs made interactive via handheld controls.
Other types of electronic gameplay make use of a touchscreen. Such devices are typically standalone machines whereon a touchscreen enables interactive gameplay by touching animated sequences or events as may be displayed. Many such machines emulate mechanical devices, such as slot machines.
What is needed is a digital game piece assembly having a plurality of display units configured in networked communication to display an overall image or file piecemeal as a mosaic of host images or files whereby a player can assemble an image (or video file) by arranging the plurality of display units into the proper order conformant to the overall image or file uploaded. Further, such display units are contemplated to emulate physical game pieces where a plurality of game pieces are used, such as, for example, in dominoes or mahjong or even playing cards (particularly for games such as solitaire or free cell or other sorting games where a single player reorders the deck under certain constraints to move through an order of operations that solve or impede reordering the pieces).
The present invention relates to a digital game piece assembly, and more particularly to a plurality of display units configured in networked communication to display an overall image or file as a mosaic of individual host images or files. Each of the plurality of display units is configured to display a proportionate part of the overall image or file independent of its position in relation to all other display units participating in the plurality. The present invention, therefore, relates to a digital game piece assembly that enables repeated gameplay with a single set that may be configured and reconfigured to display different images uploadable to the device, or may emulate tile or card games by displaying individual game pieces such as are typical of games like dominoes, mahjong, memory, mine sweeper or even, in some embodiments, playing cards. Additionally, the present digital game piece assembly may serve as an interactive gaming environment wherein gameplay throughout the plurality of display units reveals rooms, territory, or environments, for example, or ordeals or battlefields, or contact spaces with other players, elements, characters, or events, for interaction in roll playing games such as dungeons and dragons and other games moveable through a game space where events arise in the alternative.
The present digital game piece assembly has been devised to enable repeated gameplay for users by enabling display of various representations, pictures, images, or in some embodiments video (collectively, “overall image or file”), across a plurality of display units.
The overall image or file is rendered as a mosaic with each display unit displaying a specific portion of the overall image or file as an individual host image or file. In some embodiments, when assembled into the correct order or arrangement, the overall image or file is completed and correctly displayed.
Each display unit may be the same size, or different sizes, and each display unit is contemplated to be of a size appropriate for wielding by hand. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of display units may be sized appropriate for digitally representing an image or game piece or tile as may be typically associated with a particular game, such as mahjong, dominos, memory, or playing cards for example, or as part of a game space, such as a room, territory, or environment.
Each of the plurality of display units is disposed in networked, wireless communication with each other display unit and/or a charging station. In an embodiment contemplated herein, memory in the plurality of display units is writable when the units are disposed in contact with the charging station. In such an embodiment, users May operationally configure the plurality of display units by operationally communicating with the charging station when the plurality of display units is operatively coupled with the charging station, whereby the overall image or file is uploadable to the plurality of display units by operational communication with the charging station. In such an embodiment, the overall image or file is proportionately written to each unit from memory executable in the charging station. Unique values are assigned to each display unit participating in the plurality, each of which value corresponds to a host image or file displayable or executable upon each said display unit. Thus, once removed from the charging station, each display unit displays its host image or file as a proportion of the overall image or file until returned to the charging station wherein each host image or file may be overwritten by a new host image or file.
In some embodiments, communication with the charging station may be performed wirelessly, as via a handheld or other peripheral device operating over wireless network or via near field communication (“NFC”) or other suitable wireless communication protocol. In other embodiments, operational communication with the charging station may be effectuated port-to-port or via a user interface disposed upon the charging station or connectable to the charging station. It should be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that any, some, or all these means of operationally configuring the plurality of display units is contemplated as a single or as multiple embodiments.
In other embodiments contemplated herein, each of the plurality of display units is contemplated to be disposed in networked communication with each other of the plurality of display units and/or the charging station. In such embodiments, each of the plurality of display units may be configured to display discrete portions of the overall image or file. The overall image or file is sized and proportioned to fit piecemeal, apportioned to each said display unit comprising the plurality as a unique value. As such, each display unit participating in the plurality is configured to mutually exclude values of any other display units participating in the plurality. Each host image or file is therefore unique (in some embodiments used in matching games, a host image or file will be matchable with another host image or file displayed on a separate display unit; however, it is to be understood that each host image or file represents a unique value assigned to the respective display unit). The host image is rendered, mapped, or otherwise configured to memory in each of the display units participating in the plurality for faithful rendition as a corresponding host image or file.
Display units participating in the plurality may be configured to be aware of proximal display units, through wireless communication or via other means of sensation devised to signal proximity and identity of adjacent or nearby other display units participating in the plurality. This feature is termed collectively herein as a “contact perimeter.” The contact perimeter enables determination of relative position and sequence whereby positional and sequential actions may trigger execution of other host images or files.
Display units may aggregate and communicate positions of other display units proximal to them to other proximal display units whereby proximity of display units May be necessary to signal the relative position and identity of all display units participating the plurality. Proximity of display units may key operations, such as when the display units participating in the plurality are positioned correctly to assemble the overall image, another image may be displayed, or another process may be executed to signal the completion of the overall image or file.
The overall image or file may be scrambled upon the display units, or the units themselves may be repositioned and mixed up whereby the overall image or file is jumbled. The display units may be repositioned edge to edge to form the complete overall image or file. In an embodiment, then, the plurality of display units operates like a digital puzzle with each display unit representing a piece of the overall image or file. Different and additional host images or files may be uploaded to memory for display upon the display units.
The display units may be placed edgewise in such capacity as required to render the overall image or file complete. For example, an overall image occupying a square frame may result in the plurality of display units being assembled in a square configuration whereas a rectangular image may result in the plurality of display units being assembled as a rectangle. Other and additional shapes may be included or required, depending on the frame of the overall image and the individual shapes of the display units participating in the plurality. Where game spaces are represented by the host images or files, branched or multi-pathed shapes may be required to represent the overall image or file.
Thus, an overall image or file is written to memory and displayed as a mosaic in individual host images or files upon the plurality of display units. The overall image May be mapped to or partitioned between the number of display units as determined to be participating in the plurality. The overall image or file may then be divided proportionately between the display units participating in the plurality such that each display unit participating in the plurality displays a proportionate section of the overall image or file which, when positioned in the correct order in conjunction with all other display units participating in the plurality, completes the overall image or file for view. Each host image or file may, therefore, be displayed in proportion locked to each display unit's frame, such as for example, in portrait orientation or, where proper for display of the host image in total, landscape orientation. Additional orientations and displays of the host images or files are contemplated herein.
Each display unit participating in the plurality may be assigned a mutually exclusive value. Each value may be associated with a particular ordinate designating a portion of the mapped overall image or file. In some embodiments, upon input of a command entered via the charging station or via a peripheral device disposed in operational communication with the plurality of display units, or by interaction with a particular one of the plurality of display units participating in the plurality, the overall image or file may be reordered among the display units participating in the plurality to render the complete overall image or file appropriately displayed. In such embodiments, each of the plurality of display units is typically positioned into the shape of the frame enclosing the overall image prior to the command being entered. For example, for an overall image or file having a square frame, the display units participating in the plurality may be placed in any order so as to form a square when collectively positioned or arranged. Input of the command then reorders the host images or files to assemble the overall image or file corresponding to the current position of the display units. Thus, a proximity signal sensed between adjacent or proximal display units enables the plurality to spatially locate and identify the relative positions of each of the display units participating in the plurality and rewrite the host images or files to correspond to each relative position comprising the plurality in representation of the overall image. Thus, an unordered image may be ordered immediately when the command is entered.
Similarly, the display units may be placed in a configuration corresponding to the frame of the overall image or file (such as a rectangle or square for example) and the overall image or file may be uploaded or loaded or executed and then displayed in order immediately corresponding to the order of the display units as placed. Then, upon entry of a contrary command, the host images or files may be randomly apportioned between the display units participating in the plurality whereby the overall image becomes immediately scrambled. The user then reassembles the overall image or file as when assembling a puzzle.
In another embodiment contemplated as within scope of this disclosure, the plurality of display units may depict game pieces usable in a game. For example, each of the display units may be used to depict the obverse surface of a domino for use in games that use dominos. Additionally, the plurality of display units may be used in games that use unique or patterned tiles, such as mahjong or memory or mine sweeper or playing cards for example.
Playing cards may be displayed for use in games such as free cell or solitaire or, in some capacities, multi-player games like Texas hold 'em poker. In such an example embodiment where cards are contemplated in gameplay, there will be fifty-two display units participating in the plurality; the overall image or file will correspond to the fifty-two playing cards common to card games, including both the obverse and reverse sides of each card; and the host image or file will correspond to a particular one of the playing cards and its reverse surface, which is assigned as a value to each display unit participating in the plurality.
In such embodiments, game pieces (such as tiles or cards or dominoes) may be randomly assigned across all display units participating in the plurality whereby players may simply select the number of display units used to start the game and then assign the values to the display units among all players at random all at once. This prevents the need to shuffle or preselect pieces at random from a bag or from a common pool disposed upon the tabletop. Instead, a player is assigned a number of tiles and a command is entered for immediate allocation of game pieces displayable as host images or files upon each display unit participating in the plurality.
Additionally, the plurality of display units may be assigned values wherein pairs of host images or files are matched, for example, for use in games like memory. In such matching games, gameplay occurs as players take turns revealing pairs of images sequentially. The player able to match the most pairs wins. Typically, in standard gameplay, cards or pieces are arranged with the reverse surface uppermost. Cards or pieces are then turned over in pairs, and thereafter replaced by players unless the images match. Matched pieces are removed and tallied to a player's score. However, in the present digital game piece assembly, inversion of the display units is not necessary—touching the obverse surface of a display unit, for example, may effectuate revealing of the host image or file executed upon the display unit touched. Thus, the instant digital game piece assembly may enable revealing of host images or files or alternate display between host images or files by touching the display units, or a part or portion of the display units, rather than physically turning the units over. In this embodiment, the image revealed may automatically disappear or be replaced after a selected interval of time has passed.
Similarly, games like mine sweeper are contemplated as within scope of this disclosure. The display units may be arranged into a pattern and may display portions of a field, say, or a game space when touched. Touching a display unit may reveal the location of a threat or signal the position (in conjunction with other revealed territory) of a goal or prize. Picking the wrong tile may instead end the game.
The plurality of display units may also function like an interactive or changeable board or game space for roll playing games, such as dungeons and dragons for example, where players move a piece (or position) through a landscape or environment and encounter barriers, other players, dangers, rewards, events, and outcomes, and interact with circumstances and actions as are uncovered while moving through the game space. Certain other host images or files may be triggered upon the imposition of a change of position or in response to a particular sequence, for example.
Additional and other games relying on graphical representations of individual pieces, for assembly, matching, collection, sorting, sequencing, traveling, or other interaction, are contemplated as within scope of this disclosure wherein a digital game piece assembly can be employed in lieu of actual pieces or environment moveable in time and space.
Thus, has been broadly outlined the more important features of the present digital game piece assembly so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
Objects of the present digital game piece assembly, along with various novel features that characterize the invention are particularly pointed out in the claims forming a part of this disclosure. For better understanding of the digital puzzle, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, refer to the accompanying drawings and description.
The accompanying Figures are here provided to depict example embodiments only, that the metes and bounds of the present invention may be more readily discerned by persons of ordinary skill in the art. As such, the drawings are not meant as limiting examples, but should be interpreted expansively in representation of the novelty and inventive steps the invention comprises whereby the general concept and scope of the claims may be better determined.
The interior of display unit 20 depicted herein is not meant to be limiting or even exemplary and includes features set forth conceptually only. Such interior components may resemble the example shown or may be entirely different. However, some circuitry and means of generating a graphical representation of a host image or file is necessarily required. Obverse surface 22 includes touchscreen 24. While touchscreen 24 is not coextensive with obverse surface 22 in the example embodiment shown, in other embodiments contemplated as within scope of this disclosure, touchscreen 24 is coextensive with obverse surface 22 whereby adjacently positioned display units 20 connect touchscreens in edgewise contact.
In this example embodiment, circuit board 26 may include read/write memory. Wireless transceiver 28, to enable networked communication of the display unit 20 with other display units, charging station 500 of
Means of selective attachment of display unit 20 in edgewise contact with neighboring display units may be included, such as via magnetic members 34 which serve to secure display units in contact by action of magnetic force. Additionally, magnetic members may serve to assist in proximity awareness and relative position in communication with neighboring display units participating in the plurality 100.
Contacts 506, disposed within charging station 500, may contact at least a portion of contact perimeter 800 or transverse or longitudinal edges 102, 104 wherein each of the display units 100 may be charged for use, and wherein data exchange between each of the display units 100 and charging station 500 may be enabled. It should be understood by persons skilled in the art that alternative and contrary situation of display units 100 interior to charging station 500 are contemplated as within scope of this disclosure, whereby power and data transmission between charging station 500 and display units 100 is enabled. In some embodiments contemplated herein, data May be wirelessly communicated between charging station 500 and display units 100.
In this example embodiment, USB-C jack 508 enables wired connection of charging station 500 to a power source or to a peripheral device (not shown). Alternative and other means of powering and transferring power through charging station 500 are contemplated as within scope of this disclosure, including, for example, contact transmission of power and wireless transmission of power.
Charging station 500 may include a transceiver (not shown) enabling wireless communication with an existing peripheral device (See, e.g.,
It should further be understood by persons skilled in the art that charging station 500 may include other or additional means of enabling interaction with a user. Such example embodiments contemplated include, for example, a graphical user interface (“GUI”) (not shown) or other user interface disposed upon or connectable with charging station 500.
As mentioned above, the values assigned each display unit 20 may be assigned at random whereby overall image 52, as displayed in
It should be recognized by persons skilled in the art that, due to communication between the display units 20 that may signal relative position or proximity, merely positioning the display units 20 into a certain order (such as shown) may effectuate loading of a particular game automatically or open a menu automatically for selection of games that use or require the particular layout the plurality 100 is sensed to occupy. Such may be selectable via charging station 500, a peripheral device (not shown), or a particular one of the display units 20 participating in the plurality 100 that is signaled to be a control piece or to serve as an interface with the user.
Other positional and sequence games are contemplated as within scope of this disclosure, the display units 20 configurable to participate in any plurality 100 wherein a game space may operate across the physical positions game pieces occupy wherein values are displayable within a corresponding virtual space the physical positions define.
Each player takes a turn to touch two display units 20 sequentially, revealing two host images or files 50. If the host images or files 50 revealed sequentially match, then a win is assigned to the player. The win may be automatically tabulated on display units assigned to operate as score keepers for each player. The display units 20 matched may change color or display a different host image or file 50 to signal the point made, such as signal which player made the match or execute some other value associable with the moment met in gameplay. Such signals may be positive, negative, neutral, visual, audible, or any combination thereof. A player may set or upload a host image or file 50 that serves as a signal indicative of their win or their opponent's loss.
The peripheral device 700 may be a handheld, tablet, or other computing device running at least one processor and capable of operationally communicating with charging station 500 or plurality 100. It should be noted that, in this example embodiment, a single display unit may serve as the communicating peripheral device 700.
In this example embodiment, peripheral device 700 issued communication to upload an overall image or file to the plurality whereby each display unit 20 participating in the plurality is assigned a value representative of at least a proportion of the overall image or file as an individual host image or file. This value is then executed upon the individual display unit 20 which, in conjunction with the other display units 20 participating in the plurality, comprises the overall image represented across the plurality. It should be noted, in this simplified rendering, while the overall image May represent a picture, video, or other graphical or visual representation, the overall image could correspond to a deck of cards (wherein fifty-two display units comprise the plurality, and each display unit is assigned a value corresponding to an individual card as a host image or file) or other game pieces as required for gameplay of a particular game, as exemplified herein.
Each display unit is disposed in wireless communication or sensation with each other display unit participating in the plurality and is thereby capable of determining a relative position within the plurality as a whole. As such, the value assigned each display unit is likewise positionally determinative. If the relative position of each value assigned to each display unit participating in the plurality is determined to be representative of the overall image or file uploaded into the plurality, or representative of another condition signaling a win or change of gameplay (such as when a value is matched with another value, say) then a win sequence may be triggered; that is, a different or other host image or file may be executed to signal the win to the user. This “win sequence” should be interpreted broadly-a “win sequence” under the meaning implied herein could include the graphical representation of a card, for example, being moved from a first position to a second position where the second position corresponds to a home or correctly sorted position, say. Or the sequence could be to restore a previous host image after a timed interval, for example, such as where touching a display unit reveals a value, but a trigger condition is not subsequently met in sequential gameplay, whereby the display unit restores a previous image (such as the reverse surface of a playing card, for example). This is particularly significant in roll playing games where an interactive landscape is evincible as a gaming environment comprising values assigned to the plurality of display units.
Additional such “win sequences” are contemplated herein that animate gameplay as well as conclude a game. It should be noted that in multi-player games, such as memory, for example, a win sequence as set forth herein may include a matched pair whereby new values assigned to the matched display units display a player's dominion over the win, or a player's score may be shown or represented, say, or another win sequence may be executed to signal possession of the point or win or even loss, as case may be. Thus, as used herein, the term “win sequence” applies to a condition that is triggered by a particular positional or sequential arrangement of display units activated during gameplay.
If the relative positions of the values assigned the display units is not determined to be representative of the overall image or file or a winning or executable condition is not triggered, then the host image or file for each display unit is maintained. Thus, a card will not be revealed, say, until another card is properly sorted; a puzzle will remain jumbled and incongruent; a point will not be registered until a match is sequenced; etc.
Since each value position is relatively determinable, in an example embodiment contemplated herein, a user may enter a “solve command,” or other input signaling termination of the game, whereby the host images or files may be reordered upon the display units participating in the plurality to display the overall image or file or to illustrate completion of the game (such as, for example, an automated sequence illustrative of the game's solution).
Finally, other host images and files 50 may be executed upon command, such as when a win is signaled, for example, the display units participating in the plurality May display an image or sequence of images or animations or other audible or visual signals whereby a congratulatory or other message or meaning is displayed. Additional and other such host images or files 50 may be displayed and/or triggered by an action, command, or outcome incident gameplay.
