US20040080107A1 - Laser light projection assembly - Google Patents
Laser light projection assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040080107A1 US20040080107A1 US10/282,435 US28243502A US2004080107A1 US 20040080107 A1 US20040080107 A1 US 20040080107A1 US 28243502 A US28243502 A US 28243502A US 2004080107 A1 US2004080107 A1 US 2004080107A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- laser
- game
- light projection
- projection assembly
- game arena
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
- A63F3/00643—Electric board games; Electric features of board games
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
- A63F3/00173—Characteristics of game boards, alone or in relation to supporting structures or playing piece
- A63F3/00176—Boards having particular shapes, e.g. hexagonal, triangular, circular, irregular
- A63F2003/00208—Circular game board
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
- A63F3/00173—Characteristics of game boards, alone or in relation to supporting structures or playing piece
- A63F3/00261—Details of game boards, e.g. rotatable, slidable or replaceable parts, modular game boards, vertical game boards
- A63F2003/00492—Details of the rim or side edge
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
- A63F3/00173—Characteristics of game boards, alone or in relation to supporting structures or playing piece
- A63F3/00574—Connections between board and playing pieces
- A63F2003/0063—Magnetic
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
- A63F3/00643—Electric board games; Electric features of board games
- A63F2003/00646—Electric board games; Electric features of board games with illumination of playing field or playing piece
- A63F2003/00652—Light-emitting diodes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/24—Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for
- A63F2009/2448—Output devices
- A63F2009/245—Output devices visual
- A63F2009/2451—Output devices visual using illumination, e.g. with lamps
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2250/00—Miscellaneous game characteristics
- A63F2250/28—Miscellaneous game characteristics with a two-dimensional real image
- A63F2250/282—Kinematic effects, e.g. by rapid showing of a plurality of slightly differing images using flipping cards
Abstract
A light projection assembly includes a laser, particularly a diode laser, positioned and mounted for projecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena, and a trigger pivotally connected to a housing for mounting the laser. The trigger is repeatedly and rapidly moved up and down to oscillate the laser in approximately a five degree arc to cause the laser beam to produce the illusion of a continuous animated line on the game arena surface. Mirrors can be positioned on the arena surface to reflect the light emitting from the laser to create a plurality of continuous visible lines of light on the arena surface. A variety of entertaining games can be played in conjunction with the invention.
Description
- The invention relates to an apparatus for generating a coherent visible light beam using a high intensity light source, such as a diode laser. The light source is directed across a surface and rapidly oscillated to give the appearance of a visible continuous linear beam on the surface through the physiological phenomenon known as persistence of vision. The apparatus can be used for playing a variety of games.
- Persistence of vision refers to the tendency of a person to retain an image for a fraction of second after the image has been viewed. The phenomenon forms the basis for animation and film, in which many frames of still pictures are presented to the viewer at a rapid rate to produce the illusion of a moving picture. The present invention utilizes visual persistence to produce what appears to the viewer as a continuous line of light from the rapid oscillation of a noncontinuous laser beam.
- Diode laser pointers are common and relatively inexpensive. However, the beam emitted from a diode laser has a frequency beyond the human visual spectrum, and therefore is only visible on the surface on which its is projected. As such, the diode laser is very useful as a pointer to project a dot or similar point of light to draw an audience's attention to a particular area on the surface of an object. However, the diode laser is not conducive for generating a continuous visible line, which is often desirable and has many useful applications, such as games of amusement and kinetic art.
- For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,182 discloses a board game which utilizes lasers where players selectively divert the path of laser beams. However, U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,182 does not disclose a means for making a diode laser beam appear as a continuous linear beam. Instead, U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,182 recommends using a Helium-Neon or Krypton laser. Such high energy lasers can emit a beam at a frequency within the visual spectrum, and therefore are capable of generating a continuous linear beam that is visible to the human eye. However, high energy gas and solid state lasers are substantially more complicated and expensive than diode lasers.
- In an effort to overcome and eliminate the aforementioned problems, the present invention was conceived.
- Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide a light projection assembly capable of generating a visible continuous line of light on a surface using a relatively inexpensive and simple light source such as a diode laser.
- It is another object of the invention to provide a light projection apparatus that can be used for playing a variety of entertaining games.
- It is yet another object of the invention to provide a light projection apparatus having a surface for projecting a high intensity light beam thereon.
- These and other objectives of the present invention are achieved by providing a light projection assembly comprising a laser positioned and mounted for projecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena. The laser is oscillated at a rate sufficient to cause the laser beam projected onto the game arena surface to produce an illusion of a continuous animated line on the game arena surface.
- According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the laser is a diode laser.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the game arena comprises a floor and a side wall extending upward from the floor for projecting the laser beam thereon.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the game arena surface is positioned horizontally, and the laser is positioned on a horizontal plane above the floor.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the light projection assembly includes a mirror positioned on the floor for reflecting a high intensity coherent light beam emitted from the laser onto the floor.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the mirror is positioned perpendicularly to the game arena surface.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the laser is oscillated in an arc sufficient to project the light beam onto the arena surface and the mirror.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the game arena surface includes a metallic surface for positioning a magnetically attractable object thereon.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the magnetically attractable object comprises a game piece for positioning on the arena surface for use in playing a game in conjunction with the laser.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the magnetically attractable object comprises a mirror for reflecting the laser beam.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the light projection assembly includes a second laser positioned and mounted for projecting a second laser beam onto a surface of a game arena. The second laser is oscillated at a rate sufficient to cause the second laser beam projected onto the game arena surface to produce the illusion of a continuous animated line on the game arena surface.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the light projection assembly includes a battery power source for powering the laser.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the light projection assembly includes an activating switch in communication with the laser for turning the laser on and off.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the oscillating means includes a trigger pivotally connected to a housing, the laser mounted on the trigger whereby repeatedly moving the trigger at a sufficient rate oscillates the laser to cause the laser beam projected onto the game arena surface to produce the illusion of a continuous animated line on the game arena surface.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the trigger is pivotally connected to the housing by a hinge. The hinge permits a range of movement of the trigger of no more than five degrees, whereby moving the trigger oscillates the laser in an arc of five degrees.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the game arena surface is positioned horizontally, and the trigger is positioned in a horizontal plane above the surface.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, repeatedly moving the trigger oscillates the laser in a vertical arc at a sufficient rate to cause the laser beam projected onto the game arena surface to produce the illusion of a continuous animated line on the game arena surface.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the oscillation means includes a motor and gear train connected to the trigger for repeatedly moving the trigger.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the light projection assembly includes an activating switch for turning the motor on and off.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the light projection assembly includes means for controlling the speed at which the motor moves the trigger.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the light projection assembly includes a battery power source for powering the motor and the laser.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the light projection assembly includes a laser positioned and mounted for projecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena, and a trigger pivotally connected to a housing for mounting the laser. Repeatedly moving the trigger at a sufficient rate oscillates the laser to cause the laser beam projected onto the game arena surface to produce the illusion of a continuous animated line on the game arena surface.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the laser is positioned within the housing.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing is connected to the arena.
- An embodiment of the method for playing a game using the light projection assembly of the invention, includes the steps of providing a light projection assembly having a laser positioned and mounted for projecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena. The laser is oscillated at a rate sufficient to cause the laser beam projected onto the game arena surface to produce an illusion of a continuous animated line on the game arena surface. A game piece is positioned on the surface. Players attempt to position at least two mirrors on the surface to reflect the laser beam so as to enclose the game piece by at least three visible continuous lines of light on the surface.
- An embodiment of the method for playing a game using the light projection assembly of the invention, includes the steps of providing a light projection assembly having a laser positioned and mounted for projecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena. The laser is oscillated at a rate sufficient to cause the laser beam projected onto the game arena surface to produce an illusion of a continuous animated line on the game arena surface. A game is positioned on the surface. Attempts are made to position at least two mirrors on the surface to reflect the laser beam onto the surface so that at least two visible continuous lines of light contact the game piece.
- An embodiment of the method for playing a game using the light projection assembly of the invention, includes the steps of providing a light projection assembly having a laser positioned and mounted for projecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena. The laser is oscillated at a rate sufficient to cause the laser beam projected onto the game arena surface to produce an illusion of a continuous animated line on the game arena surface. A game piece is positioned on the surface, a number is randomly determined. Players attempt to position at least one mirror on the surface to reflect the laser beam so as to produce a number of visible continuous lines of light on the surface equal to the randomly determined number and contact the game piece with one of the visible continuous lines of light.
- An embodiment of the method for playing a game using the light projection assembly of the invention, includes the step of randomly determining a number by rolling a die.
- An embodiment of the method for playing a game using the light projection assembly of the invention, includes the steps of providing a light projection assembly having a laser positioned and mounted for projecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena, an activating switch in communication with the laser for turning the laser on and off, and oscillation means for oscillating the laser at a rate sufficient to cause the laser beam projected onto the game arena surface to produce an illusion of a continuous animated line on the game arena surface. A game piece is positioned on the surface with the laser turned off. Players attempt to position at least one mirror on the surface in relation to the laser and the game piece so that a visible continuous line of light reflected off of the mirror and onto the surface contacts the game piece upon activating the laser. The laser is activated to determine if the reflected line of light contacts the game piece.
- Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the invention proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective of a game arena utilizing the light projection assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the game arena and light projection assembly according to the invention;
- FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway plan view showing the light source and oscillation assembly, and control elements according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 4 is a side view of the light source and oscillation assembly shown in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is a rear view of the light source and oscillation assembly shown in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 6 is a front view of the light source and oscillation assembly shown in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 7 is a side elevation of a mirror piece according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the mirror piece shown in FIG. 7;
- FIG. 9 is a side elevation of game piece according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the game piece shown in FIG. 9;
- FIG. 11 is a side cross sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a light projection assembly according to the invention, showing transmission of its light beam to the game arena surface and a reflector positioned on the surface;
- FIG. 12 is a side cross sectional view of the light projection assembly according to
claim 11, showing reflection of the light beam; and - FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of a light projection assembly according to the invention.
- Referring now specifically to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the laser light projection assembly according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and shown generally at
reference numeral 10. The laserlight projection assembly 10 includes alight source 11 positioned within ahousing 12 connected to agame arena 13. As shown in FIG. 1, thelight source 11 projects a high intensity light beam “B” into thearena 13, in which a variety of entertaining games can be played. In addition, thelight projection assembly 10 can be used to create and display kinetic artwork. Thelight source 11 comprises one or more lasers emitting a laser beam at a frequency beyond the visible spectrum, but producing a visible image at the point of contact on a surface. Such lasers include diode and excimer lasers. Thelight source 11 is preferably twodiode lasers housing 12, and connected to thegame arena 13 by anarena connector 14. Preferably, thegame arena 13 is positioned horizontally, however it can also be positioned vertically or at any other angle. Thelasers arena 13 at slight angle and are mounted to atrigger 15 pivotally connected to the housing by ahinge 16. Thetrigger 15 is positioned horizontally, and thehinge 16 is connected to thetrigger 15 directly above thelasers hinge 16 allows thetrigger 15 to move thelasers - As shown in FIGS.3-6, a 3-
volt DC motor 17 andgear train 18 are mounted on a motor and gear mount 19 within thehousing 12. Themotor 17 includes apinion 20 that communicates with thegear train 18. Thegear train 18 is connected to thetrigger 15 proximate the end opposite thelasers rod 21. Themotor 17 andgear train 18 cooperate to rapidly move thetrigger 15 about its pivotal connection at thehinge 16. The rapid up and down movement of thetrigger 15 results in an oscillation of thelasers motor 17 andgear train 18 are turned off and on by an activatingswitch 22. Acontrol dial 23 communicates with themotor 17 to control the speed at which thepinion 20 andgear train 18 move thetrigger 15. Thelight source 11 and themotor 17 are powered by abattery box 24, preferably containing four AA batteries. Alternatively, the motor can be powered by an AC adaptor. - As shown in FIG. 1, the
game arena 13 is preferably circular and provides a flat,level arena floor 25 having a surface on which thelight source 11 can project beams “B” on thefloor 25. In addition, asidewall 26 extends upward from thefloor 25 and provides an additional surface on which to project beams “B”, and maintains the beams “B” within thearena 13. Preferably, thearena floor 25 is made of a material, such as steel, so that magnetically attractable objects, such as mirror pieces 27 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) and game pieces 28 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10), can be easily mounted on thefloor 25 of thearena 13 for use in conjunction with a variety of games of amusement, which are discussed in greater detail below. - As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the
mirror pieces 27 are preferably L-shaped with abase segment 27A, and an upwardly extendingelongate segment 27B. Amirror 27C is affixed on the side ofsegment 27Bopposite base segment 27A. In addition, amagnet 27D is mounted on the upper side ofbase segment 27A, so that a game piece 28 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10), having amagnetic base 28A, can be positioned onbase segment 27A to identify and distinguish themirror pieces 27. In an alternative embodiment, themirror 27C covers approximately half ofsegment 27B and the remaining exposed area of 27B comprises a black-light absorbent material that acts as a shield in games played with thelight projection assembly 10. Thegame pieces 28 are preferably a variety of colors, so that each one can be identified as belonging to a particular player participating in a game. As shown in FIG. 2, fourLED lamps 29 are mounted flush on thefloor 25 to provide low illumination projecting upward from thefloor 25 to help players distinguish the colors of thegame pieces 28. Themagnetic base 28A of thegame pieces 28 allow for the game pieces to be securely positioned on themetallic arena floor 25 or on the top of themirror magnet 27C to designate which player controls or owns aparticular mirror piece 27. - The
diode lasers lasers arena surface 13, an image is formed on the surface that is visible to the human eye. Typically, the visible image is a red dot, however, it can be of any color or shape, depending on the design of thediode lasers - As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the
trigger 15 is positioned abovearena floor 25, and thelasers trigger 15 so that thelasers arena floor 25. Although the following principles apply to bothdiode lasers laser 11A for simplicity. Themotor 17 andgear train 18 are turned on to rapidly oscillate thelaser 11A in approximately a five degree vertical arc in relation to thehorizontal arena floor 25. Thediode laser 11A projects an oscillating beam “B” onto thearena floor 25, producing visible dots at all points where the beam “B” makes contact with thefloor 25 of thearena 13. The high frequency vertical oscillation of thelaser 11A creates the appearance of one continuous line of light “L” on thearena floor 25, as shown in FIG. 13. It is believed that the vertical oscillation of thelaser 11A at high speed causes the beam “B” to appear to the viewer as a continuous line “L” due to the optical phenomenon known as “persistence.” Visual persistence refers to the tendency of a person to retain an image for a fraction of second after the image has been viewed. This phenomenon forms the basis for animation and film, in which many frames of still pictures are presented to the viewer at a rapid rate to produce the illusion of a moving picture. - In addition, the upward oscillation of the
trigger 15 causes beams “B” to strikemirror pieces 27 positioned on thearena floor 25. The beam “B” is reflected off of themirror pieces 27 to form additional distinct lines of continuous visible light “L” on thearena floor 25. Themirror pieces 27 can be arranged in a variety of positions relative to each other to create various laser light designs on thearena floor 25. The light lines “L” are most visible in conditions of low to no light. If thetrigger 15 is held by finger pressure, the oscillation of the beam “B” is stopped and the visible light line “L” is reduced back to merely a dot. The dot can be moved back and forth through all of the reflections by depressing and releasing thetrigger 15 manually. By positioning themirrors 27 at certain points on thearena floor 25, a geometric design can be created and displayed on thefloor 25. The position of themirrors 27 can be changed to alter the design displayed on thefloor 25. As such, thelight projection assembly 10 is capable of generating a variety of aesthetically pleasing kinetic art, limited only by the imagination of the user. - According to one preferred embodiment, the light projection assembly has the following dimensions:
Housing 12: 4{fraction (3/8 )}inches by 4{fraction (1/2 )}inches Arena 13: 18 inches in diameter Trigger 15: moves in a vertical range of {fraction (1/2 )}inch Gear train 18: 1 inch in diameter Pinion 20: {fraction (1/4 )}inch in diameter Base segment 27A: 1{fraction (1/4 )}inch long Elongate segment 27B: 2 inches high - The
light projection assembly 10 described above can be used in a variety of entertaining games. The following are examples of such games. Basic principles that apply to all of the games described below include the following: - Do not look directly into the laser beam “B”. Even very brief exposure can damage the eyes. The laser beam “B” reflects on a
mirror 27 according to the basic principle “the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.” This occurs in both horizontal and vertical planes. - The laser line “L” must terminate on the
wall 26 or target, such as agame piece 28. It cannot end on thefloor 25 of thearena 13. Themirror 27 reflecting a beam “B” segment is called a source. Each playing piece comprises agame piece 28 mounted on a mirror piece 27 (shown in FIG. 1). Themirror 27C is separated into two sections: a reflecting surface and a shield. The shield blocks the shot. The beam “B” cannot be split. It must reflect completely off of a source, a playing piece (game piece 28 on mirror piece 27) or thearena wall 26. Thegame piece 28 is mounted on themirror piece 27 to designate ownership of the playing piece. - A visible line “L” must contact a playing piece to be considered a hit. Playing pieces can be moved to reflect the beam “B”, but the beam “B” cannot project above the
arena wall 26. Themirror 27 of the playing piece must be positioned completely within the out of bounds circle. Maintaining the reflection from thewall 26 at the same height strengthens the beam “B”. Playing pieces may be tilted slightly up or down to direct the height of the beam “B”. A move is over when the playing piece is released. Thelaser 11 can be operated in manual and automatic modes. Depressing thelaser trigger 15 moves thelaser 11 in a small vertical arc, about 5 degrees. Releasing tension on thetrigger 15 returns thelaser 15 to its home position when themotor drive 17 is engaged. - In one preferred method for playing a game using the
light projection assembly 10 according to the invention, the object is to capture an opponent's playing piece by surrounding it with laser beams. The game is designed for 1-4 players. Players determine how many markers they will play to. The first player obtaining this number wins. - Players roll die to determine who goes first. The
game arena 13 is empty at the beginning. - A move consists of: (a) placing a
mirror piece 27 on thearena floor 25 and marking it by positioning one'sown game piece 28 thereon to form a playing piece; (b) moving one of one's own playing pieces already on thearena floor 25; and (c) taking one of one's own pieces off of thearena floor 25. Play continues clockwise around thearena 13. Enclosing an opponent's playing piece in at least three intersecting lines of light “L” entraps the piece. The player entrapping the piece is entitled to take the opponent'sgame piece 28 off of themirror piece 27 and place hisown game piece 28 on themirror piece 27, thereby giving the successful player his opponent's entrapped piece. The player executes a new move with the newly obtained piece. A player may enclose his own pieces without adversely affecting them. The first player to win the selected number of playing pieces wins the game. - In another preferred method for playing a game using the
light projection assembly 10 according to the invention, the object again is to capture opponents' playing pieces. The game is designed for two to four players. Thegame arena 13 is empty in the beginning. Each player starts with ten playing pieces, and places one piece on thearena floor 25 to reflect the beam “B” to a wall. Each player rolls a die. The player rolling the highest number goes first and makes the same number of moves as shown on the rolled die. Subsequent turns consist of the next player rolling the die and making the number of moves indicated. - A move consists of one of the following: (a) adding a new playing piece to the
arena floor 25 at any position; (b) removing one of a player's own pieces from thearena floor 25; or (c) moving one of a player's own pieces on thearena floor 25 to any position. An opposing player's piece is a target. To capture another player's piece, direct two light lines “L” onto the target area. The player directing the second line “L” striking the target wins that particular piece. The winning player takes the captured piece and removes it from thearena 13. Themirror 27 may be used again in play. Players may form alliances, strategize and betray each other to their best benefit. Play continues clockwise around thearena 13. Capturing all but one of a player's playing pieces eliminates the player. The winner has the majority of playing pieces at the end of the game. - In yet another preferred method for playing a game using the
light projection assembly 10 according to the invention, the object is again to capture opponents' pieces. The game is designed for two to four players. Each player is given an equal number of mirrors 27 (i.e., 2 players: 8, 3 players: 5, 4 players: 4). The players position all of their pieces before the game starts. Players roll to see who goes first. The target is an opposing player's playing piece. The object is to strike a target after using the number of reflections indicated by the die. A player can turn any of the pieces to direct the beam “B”, but only the initiating piece can be moved into position. A player can reflect off of an opponent's piece, but cannot move or turn them. A piece that is hit by a light line “L” after the required number of reflections is captured, and the successful player occupies the captured piece by replacing thegame piece 28 currently mounted on themirror 27 with hisown game piece 28. A player's move is over when they release the piece. Play continues clockwise around thearena 13. Capturing all but one of a player's pieces eliminates the player. The winner has the majority of pieces at the end of the game. - In yet another preferred method for playing a game using the
light projection assembly 10 according to the invention the object is to control the most playing pieces. The game is designed for one to four players. Thearena 13 is empty in the beginning, and thelaser 11 is turned off. Players each place one playing piece on thearena floor 25 reflecting the beam “B” to thewall 26. Players roll the die to see who goes first. A move consists of one of the following: (a) adding a new piece to thearena floor 25 at any position; (b) removing one of one's own pieces from thearena 13; (c) moving one of one's own pieces on thearena floor 25 to any position; or (d) activating thelaser 11 and taking a shot. - A player rolls making the number of moves indicated on the die. Play consists of positioning your playing pieces in the direction you think the laser will travel and directing the beam “B.” When a player believes he can hit an opponent's piece, he attempts a shot by turning on the
laser 11 on and reflecting the beam off anymirror 27. As a game variation, reflections can be restricted to a player's own pieces. If a player successfully strikes the target with a reflected laser line “L”, the piece belongs to the successful player. The same player may change the piece and its position to reflect the beam. If this reflected line “L” strikes another opponent's target, the player continues until he misses. Play then passes to the next player. If a player does not strike a target, play immediately passes to the next player. - A light projection assembly and methods of using same is disclosed above. Various embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims.
Claims (34)
1. A light projection assembly comprising:
(a) a laser positioned and mounted for projecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena; and
(b) oscillation means cooperating with said laser for oscillating said laser at a rate sufficient to cause the laser beam projected onto said game arena surface to produce an illusion of a continuous animated line on said game arena surface.
2. A light projection assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said laser comprises a diode laser.
3. A light projection assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said arena comprises a floor and a side wall extending upward from said floor.
4. A light projection assembly according to claim 3 , wherein said floor is positioned horizontally, and said laser is positioned on a horizontal plane above said floor.
5. A light projection assembly according to claim 1 , and further comprising a mirror positioned on said game arena surface for reflecting the laser beam.
6. A light projection assembly according to claim 5 , wherein said mirror is positioned perpendicularly to said game arena surface.
7. A light projection assembly according to claim 5 , wherein said oscillating means oscillates said laser in an arc sufficient to project the laser beam onto said game arena surface and said mirror.
8. A light projection assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said game arena comprises a metallic surface for positioning a magnetically attractable object thereon.
9. A light projection assembly according to claim 8 , wherein said magnetically attractable object comprises a game piece for positioning on said floor for use in playing a game in conjunction with the laser.
10. A light projection assembly according to claim 8 , wherein said magnetically attractable object comprises a mirror for reflecting the laser beam.
11. A light projection assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising a second laser positioned and mounted for projecting a second laser beam onto the surface of said game arena, said oscillation means cooperating with said second laser for oscillating said second laser at a rate sufficient to cause the second laser beam projected onto said game arena surface to produce an illusion of a continuous animated line on said game arena surface.
12. A light projection assembly according to claim 1 , and further comprising a battery power source for powering said laser.
13. A light projection assembly according to claim 1 , and further comprising an activating switch in communication with said laser for turning the laser on and off.
14. A light projection assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said oscillation means comprises a trigger pivotally connected to a housing, said laser mounted on said trigger whereby repeatedly moving said trigger at a sufficient rate oscillates said laser to cause the laser beam to produce the illusion of a continuous animated line on said game arena surface.
15. A light projection assembly according to claim 14 , wherein said trigger is pivotally connected to said housing by a hinge, said hinge permitting a range of movement of said trigger of no more than five degrees, whereby moving said trigger oscillates said laser in an arc of five degrees.
16. A light projection assembly according to claim 14 , wherein the game arena surface is positioned horizontally, and said trigger is positioned in a horizontal plane above the game arena surface.
17. A light projection assembly according to claim 16 , wherein repeatedly moving said trigger at a sufficient rate oscillates the laser in a vertical arc to cause the laser beam to produce the illusion of a continuous animated line on said game arena surface.
18. A light projection assembly according to claim 14 , wherein said oscillation means further comprises a motor and gear train connected to said trigger for repeatedly moving said trigger at a sufficient rate to cause the laser beam to produce the illusion of a continuous animated line on said game arena surface.
19. A light projection assembly according to claim 18 , and further comprising an activating switch for turning the motor on and off.
20. A light projection assembly according to claim 18 , and further comprising means for controlling the speed at which said motor moves said trigger.
21. A light projection assembly according to claim 20 , and further comprising a battery power source for powering said motor and said laser.
22. A light projection assembly comprising:
(a) a laser positioned and mounted for projecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena; and
(b) a trigger pivotally connected to a housing for mounting said laser thereon, whereby repeatedly moving said trigger at a sufficient rate oscillates said laser to cause the laser beam projected onto said game arena surface to produce an illusion of a continuous animated line on said game arena surface.
23. A light projection assembly according to claim 22 , wherein said laser is positioned within said housing.
24. A light projection assembly according to claim 22 , wherein said trigger is pivotally connected to said housing by a hinge, said hinge permitting a range of movement of said trigger of no more than five degrees, whereby moving said trigger oscillates said laser in an arc of five degrees.
25. A light projection assembly according to claim 22 , and further comprising a motor and gear train connected to said trigger for repeatedly moving said trigger at a sufficient rate to cause the laser beam to produce the illusion of a continuous animated line on said game arena surface.
26. A light projection assembly according to claim 22 , wherein said game arena surface is positioned horizontally, and said trigger is positioned in a horizontal plane above said game arena surface.
27. A light projection assembly according to claim 22 , wherein said game arena comprises a floor and a side wall extending upward from said floor.
28. A light projection assembly according to claim 22 , wherein said housing is connected to said game arena.
29. A method for playing a game using a light projection assembly comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a light projection assembly comprising:
(i) a laser positioned and mounted for projecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena, and
(ii) oscillation means cooperating with said laser for oscillating said laser at a rate sufficient to cause the laser beam projected onto said game arena surface to produce an illusion of a continuous animated line on said game arena surface;
(b) positioning a game piece on the game arena surface; and
(c) attempting to position at least two mirrors on the game arena surface to reflect the laser beam so as to enclose the game piece by at continuous animated lines on said game arena surface.
30. A method for playing a game using a light projection assembly comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a light projection assembly comprising:
(i) a laser positioned and mounted for projecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena, and
(ii) oscillation means cooperating with said laser for oscillating said laser at a rate sufficient to cause the laser beam projected onto said game arena surface to produce an illusion of a continuous animated line on said game arena surface;
(b) positioning a game piece on the game arena surface; and
(c) attempting to position at least two mirrors on the game arena surface to reflect the laser beam so that at least two continuous animated lines on said game arena surface contact the game piece.
31. A method for playing a game using a light projection assembly comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a light projection assembly comprising:
(i) a laser positioned and mounted for projecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena, and
(ii) oscillation means cooperating with said laser for oscillating said laser at a rate sufficient to cause the laser beam projected onto said game arena surface to produce an illusion of a continuous animated line on said game arena surface;
(b) positioning a game piece on the game arena surface;
(c) randomly determining a number; and
(d) attempting to position at least one mirror on the game arena surface to reflect the laser beam so as to produce a number of continuous animated lines on the game arena surface equal to the randomly determined number and contact the game piece with one of the continuous animated lines.
32. A method for playing a game according to claim 31 , wherein the step of randomly determining a number comprises rolling a die.
33. A method for playing a game using a light projection assembly comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a light projection assembly comprising:
(i) a laser positioned and mounted for projecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena,
(ii) oscillation means cooperating with said laser for oscillating said laser at a rate sufficient to cause the laser beam projected onto said game arena surface to produce an illusion of a continuous animated line on said game arena surface, and
(iv) an activating switch in communication with the laser for turning the laser on and off;
(b) positioning a game piece on the game arena surface with said laser turned off; and
(c) attempting to position at least one mirror on the game arena surface in relation to said laser and said game piece so that a continuous animated line reflected off of said mirror and onto the surface contacts the game piece upon activating the light source;
34. A method for playing a game using a light projection assembly according to claim 33 , and further comprising the step of activating the laser to determine if the reflected line contacts the game piece.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/282,435 US20040080107A1 (en) | 2002-10-29 | 2002-10-29 | Laser light projection assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/282,435 US20040080107A1 (en) | 2002-10-29 | 2002-10-29 | Laser light projection assembly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040080107A1 true US20040080107A1 (en) | 2004-04-29 |
Family
ID=32107359
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/282,435 Abandoned US20040080107A1 (en) | 2002-10-29 | 2002-10-29 | Laser light projection assembly |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20040080107A1 (en) |
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Legal Events
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |