AU2017100281A4 - board game piece movement tracking system - Google Patents

Description

Board Game Piece Movement Tracking System 2017100281 09 Mar 2017

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates the tracking of movement of pieces on a board surface of a board game for the purpose of determining the suitability of the next move of a play considering the features of the piece and other properties represented on the board and hence possible moves which are desirable, permitted as well as recording the movement of pieces.

Background

Learning and following the rules for board games is difficult, particularly scoring, working out the best possible moves, checking that other people have move correctly and in turn, including also when a game has a new rule set or children are playing. Remote game play which involves the duplication a physical set of game pieces at two location can be assisted by this system.

The system described below is useful for physical board games where there are movable game pieces placed on a physical board.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention may be better understood with reference to the illustrations of the embodiments of the invention, in which :-

Figure 1 shows a board game communication device.

Figure 2 shows a mobile computing device which can be used to communicate with the 1 internet and using low power RF with other devices. 2017100281 09 Mar 2017

Figure 3 shows a game board with an array of magnetic sensor nodes linked to a board game communication device that collects the physical or data multiplexed sensor information from the nodes and communicates it to one or more mobile computing device and or databases used by a multiplicity or local and or remotely located players and where the mobile computing device display and audio components provide information to the user about aspects of game play as pieces are moved on to or around the board or taken off the board.

Detailed description of the invention, including best method

Referring to figures 1, 2 and 3:- A board game communication device 199 consists of a processor 102 (including memory) with software 103 which can run programs, including but not limited to monitoring inputs, aggregation, storage and communication of measurements from a multiplicity of magnetic field sensors received via an interface port 104 multiplexed by switching of physical lines or data bus such as I2C from a multiplicity of magnetometers 301 to 309 (but not limited to nine ) and communicate these measurements using communication link including Wi-Fi, lower power RF Bluetooth, and Bluetooth low energy (Bluetooth 4) using an antenna 108 or by wire connection 109 such as USB connection to a mobile computing device 299.

The device is powered by a battery 110 including coin battery, rechargeable battery or solar cells.

Components of the device 199 are wired to the processor 102 and other components to each other by the electrical contact wire 111. The processor 102 is connected to motor controller 112. 2 2017100281 09 Mar 2017 A mobile computing device 299 consisting of a processor and radio 200 , software 204, display 202, keyboard 203, antenna 201. Functions described in this disclosure involve information being sent, received or processed may be implemented by the software 204. The processor and radio and antenna shall be able to communicate in but not limited to low power RF such as Bluetooth, and Bluetooth low energy (Bluetooth 4) and Wi-Fi. The Mobile Computing Device 299 also includes a battery. Example mobile computing devices 299 can include but are not limited to iPhone, Android, Smart Watches, Tablets, laptops and the like.

The software 204 may in one embodiment include application software “apps” as commonly available on mobile phone software stores such as itunes or google play. The software 204 can also run in the foreground or back ground.

Functions described in this disclosure involve information being sent, received or processed may be implemented by the software 204. The processor and radio and antenna shall be able to communicate by, but not limited to Wi-Fi, low power RF such as Bluetooth, and Bluetooth low energy (Bluetooth 4) . The Mobile Computing Device 299 also includes a battery. The battery may be re charged from a Solar Cell. Example mobile computing devices 299 can include but are not limited to iPhone, Android, smart watches, tablets, laptops and the like.

The mobile computing device 299 can also be iWatch, smart watch, iPhone, iPod, iPod, tablet, Android, Windows or other operating system based device or other such devices. An individual or group may own a set of these and wish for them to be kept from being lost.

Mobile Computing Device 299 as an application that can run in foreground and background.

The mobile computing device 299 also contains a battery which may also be recharged by connection to a mains power or from a solar cell.

The processor, radio and software on the mobile computing device 299 and the game board device 199 have a communications link which may use Wi-Fi, low power RF 3 communication protocols including Bluetooth low energy (also known as Bluetooth 4 or Bluetooth smart). 2017100281 09 Mar 2017

Referring to Figure 3,

The system consists of a game board 399 with an array of nodes themselves consisting of a magnetometer or similar sensors 301 to 309, which can sense magnetic fields in the vertical “Z” axis (perpendicular to the page ) in order to determine how close the game piece is to each sensor by measuring magnetic fields and hence distance to each sensor using triangulation. Each sensor node 301 to 309, is connected via a multiplexer 310 being an electrical connector or data bus (I2C as one example) to the board game communicator device 199. The multiplexer 310 will regularly switch the sensor values of all nodes, notify the board game communicator device 199 of nodes with sensor values via connection 359 that have changed or allow the board communicator device 199 to select a node of to read the magnetic field as measure by it’s sensor. As an example, only three of the sensor nodes 301, 304 and 307 are shown connected to the multiplexer 310 in figure 3 to simplify the figure, noting that in normal mode of operation all are connected. The sensors 301 to 309 are designed to sense magnetic field generated by a magnet, which in the preferred mode of operation is fixed magnet but may also be an electromagnet. The sensors 301 to 309 may typically be a magnetometer which is senses magnetic fields in at least the one vertical “Z” however they may also be a variety of alternative magnetic field senses including but not limited to hall effect sensors. The sensor information for each sensor node received by the board game communicator device 199 may be communicated by Bluetooth, BLE or Wi-Fi to the mobile computing device 299 for display of raw sensor information indicating which sensor nodes have detected magnetic fields, the distance to each node and based on the known geometrical layout of the nodes and the use of known triangulation techniques based on magnetic field readings from which distances can be inferred , the location of the magnetic source, typically a permanent magnet on the board in the game piece 399, the point of entry of the field from where it is first observed and or first point observed for a length of time long enough to determine that it has been placed at a position, and event when the magnet is removed from the board. The said calculation of the distance to each node and based on the known geometrical layout of the nodes and the use of triangulation techniques and the magnetic field readings may be done by the board game communicator device 199 or the mobile computing device 299. 4 A game piece 350 ( representing a character as one example ) and magnet 351 (typically a rare earth magnet) which is placed on to the game board 300 with the North pole 353 magnetic field on the upper side of the magnet which will have “N” upward facing with magnetic fields extending out indefinitely with weaker and weaker field strength of which just two are shown as an example a stronger 355 and weaker 352. For the purpose of this specification these component will be referred to after this as game piece 399. 2017100281 09 Mar 2017

The game piece 399 is placed initially 312 at location onto the board 300 represents a player’s game piece, where for example, the embedded magnet 351 is in the base of the piece. The magnet will have a North pole facing up vertically radiating a magnetic field in vertical align through the page of figure 3 which is a bird eye view of the board and so also North top of the magnet on which a character may be placed 350, so that magnetic field radiates from magnet to three of more sensors in it’s immediate vicinity. In this case of the magnet’s 351 (part of 399) field 314 measured by sensor node 302 will be the weakest followed by the field 315 by sensor node 301, the second weakest and the field 316 at sensor node 304 the strongest. The previously described magnetic triangulation algorithm yields the position of the game piece magnet 351 and so complete game piece 399 as shown on the board which can then be reported to the mobile computing device 299 from where software in mobile computing device 299 identifies it as a piece that has come on the board for the first time as there was not previously a piece in this position nor was a piece just up lifted that could have been the piece placed here. A code such as the QR code 355 on the piece can be scanned 356 by the mobile computing device or the piece identified by name or other means and the mobile computing device software and or database 357 can transfer 358 and store this information to allow subsequent tracking of the piece 399 for purposes including, 1. Identification of possible best future moves 2. Identification of allowed moves 3. Record the history of moves - for example for layer replay.

The board 399 may indicate or have placed on it opponent game pieces 317, 318 and 319 shown as diamonds and terrain features 320 as some non limiting examples. These may be known to the mobile computing device software 204 and or database 357. A game piece representing a characteristic or a symbol by 3D model 350 may also consisting 5 of a magnet 351 that allows the sensor system to id it. 2017100281 09 Mar 2017

When the user moves 321a game piece 399 from start position 313 to a new location 322, then the system tracks the emergence of the field originally associated with 313 at the new location 322 by magnetic triangulation as previously described. After the emergence ( beginning of detection ) of the field has occurred at location and it has reaches a steady maximum reading for a period of time it is considered to have been put down ( for example at a new position, or replaced in an old position). This may also be referred to as “place down” of a piece and magnet. A piece is considered to have been lifted up if the detection of the game piece 399 and therefore it’s magnet is no longer present at a location for a period of time. This may be referred to as “uplift” of a game piece. This is reported to the mobile computing device 299 where the software in mobile computing device and examines the move 321 to see if it is allowed and also if required to advise alternative moves to consider that may be more optimal.

For example, after initial placement of the game piece 399 at location 313, the user moves the user moves the game piece to 322. At this location 322, there are three enemy game pieces 317,318, 319 which are also game pieces represented with a magnet component and tracked as described for game piece 399. Additionally, there is a terrain item which the magnet 320 and so our game piece 40 proposed to move to 322 cannot overlap. All these piece locations are stored in the database 357 and or software 204 on the mobile computing device 299.

Firstly, the system will warn the user that as there is a terrain item at 320 so that the users game piece 399 from location 313 cannot be placed at that location at 322. The system suggests or the user then moves 323 to 324. The system checks to see if a move is allowed my include checking if it is the player associated with the current turns go and alert if not, and or checking that the distance moved is within range and if the this piece can be moved at this time as some no limiting examples.

Secondly, the system may also advise the user if the move 323 is the best choice at that point in time. For example excluding the impossibility of the move 321 due to 322, because for example a character represented by the game piece as defined in the database or software is not powerful to outnumber the three other opponents characters 317, 318, 319 . This decision 6 is made by the mobile computing device or database looking up and matching characteristic such as strength, weapon, agility, and a while plethora of game characters which are matched to the character via a database or mobile computing device. Instead of the move 321 the system will advise that the move 323 to 324 is more advisable where the piece will not be out number by the only one opponent piece 325. 2017100281 09 Mar 2017

Additionally, the system will track the attempted move 321, and any blocked moves such as 321, proposed moves 323 and the finally confirmed move for historical purposes to allow play back or to allow two remote players to move their piece and if they both have mobile computing device 299 and database with the same information play remotely using physical pieces where the system passes each other players piece location to the other remote player and when the remote player places the opponent physical piece in place it is checked to so in the correct place.

Where two remote users are involved the information about each person’s moves is exchanged over the internet between their two mobile computing device 299

The system will display the information above about allowance of moves, suggestion of possible moves and replay information about the history of play on the mobile computing device 299.

In typical operation the uplift and placing of a piece on the board is to be detected. Once this has been detect a set of rules can be applied to advise if this is an allowable placement, the optimum placement and also to record the placement for playback.

Initially pieces are to be placed on the board and the piece identified by scanning a QR code or entry of ID into the mobile computing device.

At the Beginning there is a need to record pieces as they arrive onto the board and tag what they are. Each game piece’s feature will be recorded by the system to determine how far can be move, when it can be moved, how far can be move, when it can be moved, where these are 7 determined by the features of the game piece itself as well as the features of other game pieces in proximity to it on the board as well features on the board such as barriers sea, mountain forest, bridge that either prevent or allow the piece to move in certain positions. 2017100281 09 Mar 2017

Features include how far a piece can move in distance per move, it’s properties such as strength in attack or defence against other players, it’s abilities relative to features on the board for example the ability to cross over water that may be unique to only certain pieces. A code such as a QR code on the board or piece can be used to upload feature information. A database permitting a lookup for features or name look up for features may be provided.

The mobile computing device holds a database in software 204 or a database 357 accessible by the mobile computing device. The database contains information including the database rules for the game, rules for Individual Pieces, Current location of all pieces and All previous moves of each piece.

When inputs are received from the sensor nodes or at each turn the system calculates and advises on whether the move the player makes is the best, possible moves alternative moves, whether a move is allowable for piece and/or most advisable.

The system is constantly waiting for the detecting of new magnetic fields indicating a game piece is being placed down or the disappearance of a field as a game piece is lifted up. When the events occur for a period of time, typically 3 to 5 seconds then the action is confirmed if the player does not replace the game piece in this time. Alternatively a button on the game communicator device can confirm that the player has confirmed the action.

Then when place down or the lifting of the game piece is detected the mobile computing device or database is consulted to work out if the new position is a legal move for the piece, including that there are no features that block movement as one example.

Assistance with game piece movement may be given for one or more players. When only one 8 player participates by using the game tracker device 199, then the system can only tell the user whether they are making a valid or wise choice for a move or other action which does not involve a consideration of any other pieces and their position. But may include guidance involving the consideration of features of the game board itself. 2017100281 09 Mar 2017

The user may query the system about possible movements in one instance by rotating the piece or moving it around and having the system suggest various possibilities via the mobile computing device either on the display or as an audio output.

The system can also suggest various strategies for multiple moves on the board.

In one mode the player may be able to learn how to play a game through scenarios where the system tells the user to place piece at particular points on the board and then gives the user instructions on the movement of various pieces, continuing along each step of the scenario as it is confirmed that the user has moved each piece as directed.

The system can also sense that a piece has not been moved within a certain time and alert the user.

One game piece tracking device may be shared between many users or each user may have their own registered by the associated with the ID of each device with the mobile computing device.

In addition to the tracking of game pieces, a board may have defined positions for a cards and the tracking of the movement of cards and similar suggestions of moves or reporting of legal or illegal moves according to the defined rules of the game in the database be reported to the user.

The magnetic field sensing may be performed by a one, two or three dimensional magnetometer. 9

Knowing the current position as recorded by the system on uplift and place down of the game piece 399, it is also possible to use the mobile computing device software 204 and database 357 to suggest the next one or more moves knowing the current position as tracked on the board. This has the advantage that when playing a physical game with game pieces 399 on a board 300, that the mobile computing device and associated databases are able to be used to give advice without the need to enter data a second time into the system. 2017100281 09 Mar 2017

The movement of a piece 399 around the board 300 is tracked by having the user identify the piece initially on placement onto the board for example when initial placement 312 and then track the uplift of a piece and place down for example 323 at a new position 324 where the magnetic field is associated at the new position. Typically only one piece at a time may be moved, so that it is possible to connect an uplift to a down placement of a piece 399 however, multiple pieces may be moved if it is possible to resolve the position which piece 399 is arriving at which location based on constraints such as that at least one of the pieces cannot be placed in one of the locations or alternatively the first piece to be placed at a location may be designated to be the acquiring or winner of the move to that position.

Other embodiments

In another embodiment, instead of a one dimensional magnetometer only measuring field in one vertical direction “z” dimension as described above, a three dimensional magnetometer may be employed which attempts to also resolve “x” and “y” magnetic positions to identify the position of the game piece (including a magnet).

In some embodiments any number and configuration of nodes may be used which are conducive with triangulation.

In another alternative embodiments only one sensor held with the game piece as it is placed down and uplifted is employed, including also being attached to the players fingers. The game board is populated with permanent magnets in alternating polarity in a rectangular grid so that when a piece is placed near to the board during uplifting or placement down then it will be placed between four magnets where each group of four magnets create a a unique 10 group of magnetic fields for each area within the grid which is pre recorded by measurement or theoretical calculation and associated with a position on the board so that when the sensor measure a reading the location on the game board can be determined or aternativerly, the magnetic fields can be generated by electromagnets (where electric current is used passed through a wire or coil) instead of permanent magnets which may also be turned on and off in a sequence. This has the advantage that for each combination of permanent magnets repeated on the board then it is possible to determine exactly where the piece is using this method as game piece tracker device will report the values of sensing and so the magnetic fields will be greatest where the excited electromagnetic coils are and as the coil excited is known the position of the board determined. 2017100281 09 Mar 2017

In another alternative the grid may consist of a grid of groups of three magnets.

In one embodiment, where permanent magnets are used, additional electromagnets may be placed for example in the centre of the permanent magnets and excite in sequence to provide a transient magnetic field. The electromagnets may be excited in turn. The group of permanent around electromagnet which when excited gives the maximum magnetic field measurement as detected by the game piece detection device can then be identified.

In one embodiment, the detection of the selection of the placing of a piece in position, initially or after a move and the uplifting of a piece can be detected by a reduction in the measurement of both X and Y magnetic fields from permanent magnets or by the use of a three dimensional magnetometer, a difference in the magnet field in the Z axis. The detection of uplift or placement of a piece may be indicated on the mobile computing device or tracker device by a sound or display.

In one embodiment wires placed in two dimensional grid across the board 300 , X and Y and are individually excited in a sequences that allow the discovery of the X and Y positions where magnetic field is at a maximum as measured by the game piece tracker device. Each wire in the X plane may have a current passed through it in turn and the wire which causes the maximum magnetic field allows determination of the piece’s location in the X position. 11

Each wire in the Y plane may have a current passed through it in turn and the wire which causes the maximum magnetic field allows determination of the piece’s location in the Y position. 2017100281 09 Mar 2017

In one embodiment, the magnetometer used at the sensor nodes may be the free scale MAG3110 or similar with sensitivity 10 uT or less.

In some embodiments, the board game communication device 199 or mobile computing device 299 may combine input from the sensor node with input from electronic dice, spinning wheels, codes on play items such as QR codes that provide input of information into the system, image capture of cards or other inputs required in the playing of a game that provide context and information that may allow this described system to function.

In some embodiments, the permanent magnets 351 can be of slight differing values so that it is possible from magnetic readings, including the total magnetic field to identify different game piece types.

In some embodiments the magnet 351 may be South pole upwards or side ways.

Industrial Applicability

The arrangements described are applicable to any and all industries that develop physical board games. 12

Claims (5)

1. CLAIMS The claims defining the invention are as follows :-

   1. A board game piece movement tracking system consisting of :- one or more game pieces consisting of a character and magnet; a board game communication device consisting of a processor, radio and electrical interface port; a multiplicity of magnetic field sensors arranged in a grid on a game board and connected by electrical wiring via a multiplexer to said electrical interface port of said board game communication device; a mobile computing device consisting of software to track the movement of said game pieces on said game board and issue instructions based on the objective of a game to assist the player; a radio frequency communication link between said board game communication device and said mobile computing device; wherein said board game communication device communicates with said magnetic field sensors by means of said multiplexer reading two or more magnetic fields values, and wherein said board game communication device communicates said two or more magnetic field values to said mobile computing device via said radio frequency communication link, and wherein said mobile computing device triangulates said two or more magnetic field values to locate said one or more game pieces on said game board, and wherein based on the said locations of said game pieces said software in said mobile computing device displays instructions to game players consisting of identification of possible future moves or identification of allowed moves.
2. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein based on the said locations of said game pieces said software in said mobile computing device records the history of said game piece locations during the playing of a game.
3. 3. The system of claim 1 wherein said radio frequency communication link is a Bluetooth low energy radio frequency link or a Wi-Fi radio frequency link.
4. 4. The system of claim 1 wherein said magnetic field sensors are magnetometer sensors configured to measure magnetic fields in two or three dimensions.
5. 5. The system of claim 1 wherein said electrical wiring connecting said magnetic field sensors to a multiplexer and to said electrical interface port of said board game communication device is an I2C protocol bus.