EP2911756A1

EP2911756A1 - Modular playing figure for identification by touchscreens

Info

Publication number: EP2911756A1
Application number: EP13785410.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Johannes Köpcke; Karin Weigelt; Anja Richter; Matthias Förster
Original assignee: T-Touch International Sarl
Current assignee: T-Touch International Sarl
Priority date: 2012-10-26
Filing date: 2013-10-28
Publication date: 2015-09-02
Also published as: US20150286294A1; HK1212941A1; WO2014064288A1; EP2724761A1; JP2016500884A

Abstract

The invention describes a modular playing figure which consists of at least a first and a second module, wherein the first module is a basic object and the second module is an identification means, and the identification means has an electrically conductive layer.

Description

Modular game character for identification by

touch screens

The invention relates to a modular game figure, by

Touch screens can be identified, wherein it consists of a first and second module, and the first module is a base object with at least partially electrically conductive surface, and the second module is an identification means having an electrically conductive layer. Moreover, the invention relates to a system comprising a modular game piece and a

Touch screen, wherein the game character is preferably in contact with the touch screen.

Board games are popular games with which several players play together or against each other. As a rule, a pad serves as a game level on which the players with their game pieces must follow a predetermined route on the field. The route, that is, the moves of the characters can be complicated by tasks to be done, so that a figure only reaches the goal when all tasks have been successfully mastered.

Board games have been modernized over the years and with electronic

Provided components. So z. B. board games that play at defined times of the game play a sound or even complete tunes. Also, the tasks to be performed by the players can be read by a computer integrated in the board game and changed by the players.

In casinos have entered highly complex games that have little in common with the original board game. For example, cameras or other electronic equipment are used to detect the number of dice.

In the prior art are also playing cards made of paper or cardboard

described that can be read using a reader. These Playing cards can be exchanged among players and players can use their cards to compete against each other.

Resistive or capacitive touchscreens were used to make machines easier to use. However, since the touchscreens have found their way into everyday life, they can be used for a variety of applications and find their way into everyday life

Use a high priority. To make an input to a capacitive

Screen (also referred to as a touch screen, touch screen or surface sensor) can be used in addition to the fingers and special styli. The capacitive, touch-sensitive screen detects the position of the stylus that controls the capacitive coupling between line and line

Column electrodes changes. On a capacitive, touch-sensitive

Screen is often input by the finger or a user. Usually, the touch screen is housed in an electrical device. Such devices include, but are not limited to, smartphones, cell phones, displays, tablet PCs, tablet notebooks, touchpad devices, graphics tablets, televisions, PDAs, MP3 players, trackpads, and / or capacitive input devices. Touch screens are also known as touch screens, area sensors or touch screens. An area sensor does not necessarily have to be in front of a display. For example, this can also be designed and used as a touchpad or the like. The touchscreens can detect multiple simultaneous touches. These so-called multi-touch inputs can be used to

In particular, to rotate or scale displayed items. Such is known to the user from everyday use with the smartphone. The surface sensor is preferably designed as a so-called projected capacitive touch technology (PCT technology). Variants of the PCT technique include, for example, "Mutual Capacitance" and "Seif Capacitance," which may be embodied as Mutual Capacitance Touchscreens and Self Capacitance Touchscreens.

In the prior art, such a touch screen comprises in particular an active circuit, the touch controller, which is connected to a structure of electrodes. In a Mutual Capacitance touchscreen, these electrodes are typically split into transmit and receive electrodes. The touch controller preferably controls the electrodes so that between each one or a plurality of transmitting electrodes and one or more receiving electrodes, a signal is transmitted. The purpose of a touch screen described in the prior art is in particular the detection of fingers or special input devices and their position on the surface of the touch screen. For this purpose, the introduction causes z. As a finger that the signal between the electrodes is changed. In general, the signal is reduced because the inserted finger receives part of the signal from the transmitting electrode and thus a lower signal arrives at the receiving electrode.

The entry of the touchscreens into daily life and their universal

Deployment is increasingly being used as an incentive to provide new technologies that increase the usability of the touchscreens. In this respect, there are already games that were known years ago as board games, and are now playable with the help of or on the touch screen. These include not only simple finger-operated games but also more complex games using a character. A player acquires the figure in the trade and can use the touch screen or on the electrical appliance program z. B. unlock new skills of his vehicle (his character).

Further, game figures are disclosed in the prior art that allow a player to play games on the touch screen. Here is the bottom surface of the

Structured game figures in terms of their conductivity, so that only certain, defined sub-areas of the game character floor are electrically conductive. These

Subareas result in a data code interpreted as a whole. If the character is brought into contact by a user with a touchscreen, the

Data code detected by a touchscreen device and identified.

As part of the game with the modular game piece, the player can perform moves on the touchscreen or complete tasks. For this purpose, the player touches the character on the designated coupling surfaces and brings them into contact with the touch screen. The objects described in the prior art, in particular game figures are provided only at these coupling surfaces with an electrically conductive layer. Thus, they can only by one Touchscreen be detected and identified when the player touches these interfaces. That the pawns are only intended for that purpose

Coupling surfaces can be touched to be detected by the touch screen, adversely affects the handling of the characters. This is especially true when the player is a child, as compared to adults, children usually have limited motor skills and smaller hands.

For example, a mother complains about this disadvantage in a customer review of the product "Spin Master - AppMATe's Twin Pack Mater & Finn" by the company Disney on the website of the company Amazon: "The precise attitude at the side windows, without which the Appmate does not work, is but in the long term exhausting and the control much hakeliger, as with two fingers in the digital InApp version. " (see http://www.amazon.de/AppMATes-6019414-Disney-Pixar- Mater / dp / B006YAV6EE / ref = pd_rhf_se_p_t_4_GPCA, as of 1 October 1, 2013). The fact that the game pieces can only be touched on certain electrically conductive coupling surfaces intended for this purpose thus not only reduces the manageability of the game figures for children described in the prior art, but also for other users with limited motor skills, for example for the elderly. This is all the more an undesirable disadvantage, as that the demographic development in the industrialized nations is more and more that also increasingly older people want to participate in modern developments of the game industry and in many family relationships just grandparents and children have fun and time for it, to play together.

A disadvantage of the known in the prior art figures beyond the fixed, non-detachable connection between the playing figure and the structured

Partial surfaces in the figure floor. A change in the design of the structured, electrically conductive partial surfaces in the figure bottom, z. B. to different characters to realize (individualization) or to implement an improvement in copy protection, inevitably leads to a significant change in the

Figure production. In addition, this is a technical change of

Manufacturing process or production machines and processes

necessary. Capacitive information carriers are also known in the state of the art which have a conductive layer on a non-conductive substrate and are characterized in that touch points, coupling surface and interconnect are realized in one plane by an electrically conductive layer. This is a significant disadvantage for the spatial design of a character and a

Restriction of the production process. Certain three-dimensional game figures can not be realized by this restriction (WO 201 1/154524 A1).

The object of the invention was therefore to provide game pieces that do not have the disadvantages of the prior art. The problem is solved by the independent claims. preferred

Embodiments can be found in the subclaims.

It was completely surprising that a modular game figure can be provided which easily and in a few production steps to new

In addition, it can be customized by its design and the design of its surface at any point on the surface to be detected by the touchscreen. Nothing like this is known in the art.

In addition, it is completely surprising that with a modular

built up game character one or more coupling surfaces can be performed in a different layer, for example, the touch points. This surprisingly results in the advantage that, for example, the coupling surface can be embodied in a further dimension, that is, for example, at the head of a playing piece, while the touch structure remains in a layer at the bottom of the playing piece (FIG. 14). Furthermore, it is surprisingly possible due to the modular structure of the character to realize different touch structures by different combinations of the modules. This is a distinct advantage over known solutions (Figures 12 or 13). It was completely surprising that due to the modular structure of the character and in particular the reversible connection of the identification means with the

Basis object completely new and flexible application concepts can be realized. In this sense, the invention describes, for example, but without being limited to applications in which a physically consistent base object thanks to the reversible identification means can change its digital appearance completely flexible and without problems. As an example, but not limited to, for use as a modular toy, a base object may be a dog, a cheetah, a lion, or even a giraffe, through interchangeable identification means.

In this example, the real, outer appearance of the

Base object in no way. Due to the reversible connection, different means of identification can be attached to the base object, whereby the physical appearance of the character does not change, but the digital appearance. If one connects base object 1 with identification means 1 in one example, this combination results in a system with a touch screen digitally a dog. But if you now connect base object 1 with identification means 2, this combination results digitally a cheetah. The individualization of the data code thus digitally allows a completely different assignment of the physical

Basic object to digital content. This argument can be for n + 1

Identification means are continued at the same base object.

In a further related embodiment, it is possible that a base object can be coupled to an identification means which contains different Einkoppelpunkte to different data codes and thus

different combinations and detections on touchscreen devices can trigger. In one example, without being limited thereto, an identification means contains two data codes each having a coupling-in electrode. If the base object is coupled to the first coupling-in electrode of the first data code on the identification means, it triggers a different interaction with a touchscreen device than the coupling of the same base object with the same identification means, but at the coupling-in electrode of the second

Data codes. In a first aspect, the invention relates to a modular game figure for identification by touch screens, comprising at least a first and a second module, wherein a. the first module is a base object with at least partially electrically conductive surface, is electrically conductively connected to a coupling electrode at a contact surface, and b. the second module comprises at least one electrically conductive layer comprising identification means, wherein the electrically conductive layer comprises at least one coupling electrode, wherein the base object and the second module are cohesively, non-positively and / or positively connected with each other in such a way that the coupling electrode at the contact surface of the Base object and the coupling electrode of the second module brought into contact, wherein preferably the electrically conductive elements of the modules are not present in a developable surface. The term "non-developable surfaces" is used in the geometry for those surfaces whose Gaussian curvature is nonzero at at least one point on the surface The opposite of non-developable surfaces are developable surfaces that can be transformed into a plane without internal distortion For better illustration, the two bodies cylinder and ball are described here as an example: The surface of a cylinder can be transformed by unwinding into a plane (rectangle), whereas the unwinding of the surface of a sphere into a plane is not possible preferred

Embodiment, the base object has an electrically conductive surface.

It should be noted that the term "touch screen" in the sense of the invention is used analogously to "touch screen". Game figures according to the invention are preferably objects, things or objects that are suitable with a

Identification means to be provided, and which can be coated with a conductive surface. Preferably, these are figures whose appearance has long been used in the field of board games. Particularly preferred is These are, but are not limited to, game characters such as vehicles, animals, fantasy characters from children's and youth literature, or the toy industry.

The surface of the base object is designed such that it is possible for the user to touch them at any point. The contact is not limited to individual, designated areas. The surface of the

Base object can either be conductive over the entire surface or partially structured such that the user is still possible to touch the base object at any point to allow interaction with touch screen devices. For example, the electrically conductive layer may be in the form of a grid, a line grid or a combination of different electrically connected geometric elements, e.g. Lines, circles, rectangles, without being limited to be designed. In this case, the condition is to be met that the surfaces lying between the elements, which are not coated in an electrically conductive manner, do not exceed the minimum bearing surface of a finger, so that the capacitive coupling can be ensured by the user when touched at any point.

In addition, the base object may preferably also consist entirely of conductive material. It may also be preferred for an electrically conductive layer to be present at least partially in, between and / or on an electrically non-conductive material. As a result, the handling of the game figures compared to the game characters described in the prior art is greatly facilitated and increases the enthusiasm, especially for children and the elderly. In particular, the easier handling of the modular toy character allows children and adults a playful encounter at eye level, as any motor disadvantages of children are compensated by the larger, available touchable surface.

The easier handling of the modular game character also reduces any possible damage to the game by loss of information that may be caused by incomplete contact of the coupling surfaces. This increases the joy of playing and improves the qualitative appearance of the modular constructed game figure compared to such game characters described in the prior art with electrically non-conductive surface.

It was completely surprising that the identification of the means of identification by the touch screen not only less error prone, but faster and also much more accurate than is the case with conventional game characters. This improvement is achieved by the modular structure of the character and in particular by the fact that at least a portion of the tracks and the coupling electrode are not in direct contact with the touchscreen. Furthermore, due to the easier handling of the modular design

The complexity of the tasks to be solved and the games provided on the touch screen can be increased. With the assistance of another finger or the second hand, more than one action can be more easily performed simultaneously by a player, for example, touching the modular

built up game character with the one and the swipe or tapping on the

Touchscreen with the other hand. It was completely surprising that even small children are able to perform complex motor tasks that need to be solved with both hands by using the modular toy. Due to the modular design of the character, it is possible to have a

To make customization of the character without having to make this equipment changes in the manufacturing machinery in the manufacturing process. Thus, a significant advantage of the present invention over the prior art that the modules that make up the character, can be made separately. In the game figures known in the art, therefore, no individualization is possible without considerable effort in the production process. It must be made a completely new character.

Surprisingly, due to the modular construction of the game pieces, different touch structures can be realized by different combinations of the modules. Furthermore, the principle of modular design can be easily applied to other objects, opening up new areas of application and interaction options with touch screens, eg adaptation of packaging for use on the touch screen. Thus objects of daily life can be brought into contact with and interact with a touch screen, which were not previously usable for such a use.

Modular constructed objects may then not only be used for playing, but people with limited motor skills, such as older people, in any way in everyday life be useful. To serve as an example: the operation of various household appliances by controlling a touchscreen interface, the control is not directly done by the tedious typing on the touch screen, but indirectly via a modular object that facilitates the operation or even possible, or the operation of roller shutters,

Garage doors or heating systems.

In addition, another quite surprising advantage is that the modular design of the toy figures allows children and adults an additional gaming experience during assembly of the figures. While non-modular game pieces must be used exactly as they are acquired, the special experience of the game characters in the sense of this invention lies in "creating" the individual figure themselves Surprisingly, by using modular game figures in the game

Meaning of this invention also completely new game concepts and marketing strategies are realized. In one example, but without limitation, a game is launched with x base objects and means of identification. In contrast to conventional games with non-modular game pieces, a new edition of this game can be designed in such a way that z further identification means expand the x base objects. In this way it is possible, for example, to base objects

to equip it with additional features, for example by adding new weapons. Last but not least, in contrast to non-modular objects, modular game figures are more economical and environmentally friendly to implement. While a new edition of non-modular game figures in any case also requires the production of new figures, in the sense of this invention, a new edition can be realized only by means of new means of identification. This saves costs and resources in planning, production, and logistics. The use of materials and energy is therefore minimized for the production of the new edition. It was also completely surprising that the game pieces according to the invention last longer than those of the prior art. Furthermore, use the figures less by the use of the game than the prior art. This also applies, for example, to applied paint or varnish layers. This is particularly advantageous when smaller children use the game characters, which tend to take this part in the mouth.

For the purposes of the invention, an individualization describes a change of an existing object, for example, a game character, for. B. variants of this or generally to provide different characters that are recognized by the touch screen as different. In particular, a designated

Individualization according to the invention, the equipment of a character with specific features that distinguishes it from other (similar) game characters when interacting with a touch screen. With the aid of the invention, it is now possible to produce a base object which is connected to an individualized second module. The base object has an electrically conductive surface which is connected to a coupling electrode at a contact surface. The second module is attached to the contact surface of the base object. The second module is designed as an individualized identification means and has at least one electrically conductive layer which comprises at least one coupling-in electrode. In order for the modular toy with a touch screen, i. a touchscreen, it is preferred if there is a capacitive coupling or a direct electrical conductivity between the two modules, which is in particular made between the coupling electrode of the second module and the coupling electrode at the contact surface of the base object. The

Coupling electrode of the base object provides an operative connection between the electrically conductive layer of the second module and the electrically conductive Surface of the base object ago. The user touches the base object, in particular its surface.

The individualization of the modular game character is done by the

Identification means, which is interchangeable, if the connection technology allows this. The identification means is cohesively, non-positively and / or positively attached to the contact surface of the first module. The compound may advantageously be reversible or irreversible, with a reversible compound being preferred. The skilled person is this

Connection techniques known and he knows which fasteners are subsumed under this. The identification means may be referred to as label or socket in the context of the invention. The expert recognizes from the

Embodiments of the invention that the second module can be designed in different forms and also by different methods with the first module is connectable. A modular game figure according to the invention may be any spatial entity that can be brought into contact with a touch screen. The person skilled in the art knows the physical limits of a touchscreen. For example, it is excluded that the modular game character is designed so that it is 10 m tall and weighs 500 kg, because it can not or only with difficulty brought into contact with these dimensions with a touch screen. It should be noted, however, that the game character of such dimensions may have an area to which the second module is attached and to which a touch screen may be held. Even such a character would then be subsumed under the features of the invention. However, game figures are preferred that are movable and liftable by a user and are moved by the user so that they can be brought into contact with a touch screen.

It is preferred that the base object has an at least partially electrically conductive surface. For this purpose, the base object can be made of an electrically non-conductive material. The material is preferably selected from the group comprising plastic, paper, cardboard, wood, wood-based material, foil, Composite material, glass, ceramics, printed circuit board matehal, textiles, leather or a combination thereof. The material of the base object is in particular an electrically non-conductive substance, which preferably has a low weight. Translucent or opaque materials may be used. Preferred plastics include, in particular, thermoplastics, PVC, PETG, PV, PETX or PE.

It may be preferable that the electrically conductive layer forming the surface of the base object is well conductive. However, it may also be advantageous to use a less well electrically conductive material for the surface of the base object and to use a good to very good electrically conductive material only for the electrically conductive layer of the identification means. As an example of very good electrically conductive materials are called silver-based materials. Good electrically conductive materials include, for example, carbon-based materials, for. B. graphite spray. It is preferred that the first and second modules are capacitively coupled or directly electrically connected to one another. A capacitive transition in the sense of the invention is preferably the transition of the capacitive effect of a

Coupling electrode of a first module to a coupling electrode of a second module, wherein the coupling electrode of a second module, for example, and without being limited to a data point of a capacitive

Identification means is. The transition of the capacitive effect takes place here either by capacitive coupling or by a galvanic coupling.

The first module and the second module may have electrically conductive areas, which in the connection of the first with the second module in such a way

arranged to each other that a capacitive coupling between

Coupling electrode of the base object and the coupling electrode of the second module takes place. A dergestalte arrangement allows the greatest possible freedom in the outer optical design of the modular game character and increases the attractiveness of their use.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous that the modules are electrically directly, for. B. via electrically conductive traces, are connected together and that such a electrical conductivity between the first and the second module consists. It may be advantageous if one or more identification means are attached directly or indirectly to the base object. The identification means can

be attached to different sides of the base object, so that, for example, the modular game figure in different orientations can be brought into contact with a touch screen. It was completely surprising that the detection of the different orientations of the modularized toy figure could be used on the touch screen

trigger different events and positively influence the evolution of a game shown on the touch screen in different ways.

Furthermore, the different identification means may have different, electrically conductive layers and thus also be recognized as different by the touchscreen. As a result, game can be offered for several players with different modular game pieces, each character represents a different game character. Accordingly, it may be preferable if the base object has more than one contact surface for mounting the identification means. The contact surface of the base object can be configured as desired, wherein it only needs to be suitable for fastening the identification means and the coupling between the base object and the identification means must be ensured by means of a coupling electrode. It may also be advantageous if a plurality of identification means are mounted one above the other on the base object and only then are completed. In particular, it is preferred that the identification means are mounted one above the other, so that one lies on top of the other or that the identification means are mounted in such a way that they are arranged side by side on the other

Surface of the character present.

In a preferred embodiment, the coupling electrode as an electrically conductive layer on the contact surface of the base object at least as a partial surface

executed. The contact surface is advantageously arranged at the bottom of the base object, wherein any other position on the base object may be advantageous. The coupling electrode is preferably formed as a structured, electrically conductive partial surface, such as. B. a completely filled circular area, a circular ring, a partially broken circular ring or a completely filled bottom surface of the base object. Advantageously, the coupling electrode can assume any geometric shape or arrangement on the contact surface of the base object. It is advantageous if at least a portion of the contact surface is flat, so that a flat contact with a touch screen can be produced.

Since the coupling electrode is designed in particular to be electrically conductive, it may be preferable for one or more electrically conductive fastening means to be attached to the contact surface of the base object and to be present at least as part of a functional element. The person skilled in the art is the term fastener known and subsumed hereunder in particular means of metal or plastic, which are used in the production of modular game character to fix something. These may be nails, screws, plastic screws, push buttons, rivets or other means that serve the attachment. For the purposes of the invention, the term fastening means can be used synonymously with the term connecting means. It was completely surprising that such a fastener can be used as a coupling electrode, which considerably simplifies the production of the modular game character again. The

Fasteners can also complement or replace the coupling electrode and z. B. of a touch screen, with which the modular character in

Contact is brought to be recognized and used to determine the position and / or orientation of the means of identification.

In a preferred embodiment, the identification means is in particular by means of special injection molding, e.g. In-mold process or

Foil back molding, welding or gluing connected to the base object. A major advantage of the modular game character is their simple

Production from the individual modules and the possibility of individualization.

As a film backing a special form of injection molding is referred to, in which prior to injection of the plastic melt films are inserted into the injection mold. The inserts are printed films that can be reshaped in three dimensions and then trimmed. When preforming the films a distinction between the High Pressure Forming process (HPF) and the Thermoforming process. As a result, precisely printed objects with high degrees of deformation can be provided. It is also possible to inject further substrates, such as fabric, paper, wood veneer or any printed or structured films. This is called in-mold (or in-mold)

designated.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the identification means by

Welding process is attached to the base object. It can e.g.

Ultrasonic welding, induction welding, radiation welding or other suitable for plastics welding processes can be used. The

Ultrasonic welding is a method of joining thermoplastic

Plastics and metallic materials. The necessary heat is achieved by a high-frequency mechanical vibration, which arises between the components by molecular and boundary surface friction. Thus that belongs

Ultrasonic welding to the group of friction welding. The vibrations are transmitted under pressure to the workpieces to be joined, namely the base object and the identification means. They heat up and begin to soften, increasing the damping coefficient. The increase of the damping factor leads to a higher internal friction, which accelerates the temperature increase. In particular, the materials are not heated until melted. The

Connection arises after breaking the oxide layer essentially by a meshing of the materials. The ultrasonic welding of the base object and the identification means is characterized by very low welding times and high

Profitability marked.

Of course, it may also be advantageous to attach the identification means by gluing to the base object. It may also be particularly preferred to use electrically conductive adhesive in order to realize a direct electrical coupling. It is also possible to use a combination of electrically conductive and electrically non-conductive adhesives or to use so-called "z-conductive" systems, in which case the conductivity is transferred in one direction only (the z-axis). A majority of the game figures disclosed in the prior art consists of a plastic, wherein the figures are produced by injection molding. It was therefore completely surprising that the modular game pieces in a preferred embodiment can also be produced in such a method and the identification means can be brought by injection molding in or on the base object. Preferably, the method of film back-injection (also called in-mold labeling) is used for this purpose. The method of film back-injection is well known and is z. B. for the decoration of

Plastic components used. It is surprising that this method can also be used for connecting the identification means to the base object. In this case, the electrically conductive layer of the identification means is printed in particular on suitable plastic films (for example polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.). Subsequently, the film is cut, possibly deformed and manually or automatically with the electrically conductive layer inside in the

Injection mold inserted. In the subsequent injection molding process, the film combines with the melt and is connected after cooling with the base object. The identification means can be connected in the production step of the base object with this, which brings a significant advantage in the production of modular game pieces with it. It may be advantageous to produce the identification means by an additive, semi-additive or subtractive method and / or to attach it to the base object. Furthermore, it is preferred that the identification means is produced by a printing method, preferably a mass printing method. In a preferred

Embodiment is the identification means by a transfer film method, preferably a metal foil transfer method, and more preferably by a

Cold foil transfer process produced. The person skilled in the mass printing method, but also transfer film methods are well known. However, it was extremely surprising that such an identification means produced by the preferred method can be connected to the basic object of the modular game figure and, above all, an active connection can be provided between the first and the second module. This is achieved by the advantageous construction of the modular toy figure. For the purposes of the invention, the

Identification means only as an electrically conductive layer on the base object be present, it may also be advantageous that the identification means consists of an electrically non-conductive substrate or material on which an electrically conductive layer is present at least partially. The

Identification means may advantageously be implemented by additive methods such as

Printing, spraying, stamping, PVD and CVD, electroplating or subtractive methods such as laser structuring, brushing, milling, etc. Also, semi-additive methods, such as e.g. Etching process, be beneficial. In one embodiment, the electrically conductive layer is applied to the substrate by means of a transfer process. Here, in particular, a film transfer method, especially a thermal transfer method is preferred. The person skilled in the art knows such methods. Of course, all other methods for applying an electrically conductive layer can be used.

It is preferred that the electrically conductive surfaces or layers of the

Identification means in the form of partial surfaces, in particular filled circles or filled circular rings are present, wherein partial surfaces are electrically connected by means of line structures, which are also referred to in the context of the invention as a conductor track structure, and wherein at least one partial surface is the coupling-in electrode. The advantageous customization of modular game characters is

in particular achieved by at least one identification means is attached to at least one contact surface of the respective base object. The identification means preferably has structured, electrically conductive layers or surfaces. When the modular toy is brought into contact with a touchscreen, the electrically conductive surfaces of the

Identification means recognized by capacitive coupling and as

Touch events interpreted so that the touch events in their entirety give a data code. The structured, electrically conductive surfaces have specific properties that make it possible to provide different, recognizable and distinguishable data codes. For example, such a data structure may consist of a plurality of completely filled circular areas with a certain diameter, which are arranged via lines (line structures or

Trace structures) are interconnected. The coupling-in electrode of the second module can advantageously be part of the data structure. It however, it is also possible to implement data structures in which the coupling-in electrode is not part of the data structure. The electrically conductive layers or surfaces are preferably electrically coupled to the coupling electrode of the base object. This can happen, in particular, in that the coupling electrode and the electrically conductive surfaces of the identification means are in close contact or contact so that at least part of the electrically conductive surfaces of the identification means, in particular the coupling-in electrode, overlaps as far as possible with the coupling electrode. Advantageously, the

Identification means attached to the contact surface of the base object such that the distance between the electrically conductive coupling electrode and the

Einkoppelelektrode of the identification means is as low as possible. The electrical potential of the surface of the base object is preferably capacitively via the coupling electrode in the electrically conductive surfaces of the identification means, in particular the data structure formed thereby

coupled. If the modular game piece is touched by a user and brought into contact with the touch screen via the identification means, the electrical device having the touch screen can display the game character,

in particular those through the electrically conductive surfaces and the

Track structures formed data structure or data code detect and identify.

It was completely surprising that in addition to the data structure, the orientation and position of the modular game figure on the touch screen can be determined. By a permanent tracking of the character on the touch screen and a rotation of the figure can be determined. This can sometimes be achieved by once recognized figures with their associated data structure by means of the

Touchscreen-containing device and history are tracked, which is possible under certain conditions after partial loss of touch by the user. Thus, a previously not described individualization of each character is achieved in a simple and cost-effective manner. In a further preferred embodiment, the first and / or second module of the modular game figure has at least one further coating. The coating may be used for protection or aesthetic reasons Game figure to be applied. Of course, the expert also

Ink layers known to exert a protective effect, so that the character is on the one hand designed aesthetically and on the other hand is protected from acting forces. In a further aspect, the invention also relates to a system comprising a modular toy character described above and a touch screen or a touch screen-containing device, wherein at least a part of the play figure is in contact with the touch screen. It should be noted that the embodiments described above are modular

built game character are applied analogously to the claimed system. The play figure preferably comprises at least two modules, wherein the first module is a base object and the second module is an identification means. The modules are interconnected by means of cohesive, positive and / or non-positive connection means, specifically in such a way that the coupling electrode is in contact with the contact surface of the base object and the coupling-in electrode of the second module.

The connection between the modules can advantageously be made reversible or irreversible, with a reversible connection being preferred. Due to the preferred connection of both modules, a capacitive coupling of both is achieved since the base object has at least one electrically conductive surface and is capacitively coupled via a coupling electrode to an electrically conductive layer or surface of the identification means. By touching the electrically conductive surface of the base object by a user, a touch input can be achieved on the touch screen via the identification means as soon as both are brought into contact. In practical terms, this means that a detectable input on the touch screen is reached as soon as a user, through a permanent or non-permanent touch, brings the play figure into contact with the touch screen.

An advantageous feature of the modular game character is the

Conductivity. Will instead of a finger a preferred character with a

Touchscreen brought into contact, so causes the at least partially conductive surface of the character preferably the same behavior of the touch screen as when touched by a finger. However, the conductive structure is partially structured. Structured in the sense of the invention means that the electrically conductive layer or surface can be designed differently; it may consist of full-area circles (data points) and interconnect structures, wherein at certain points, in particular the data points, the effect which is comparable to the introduction of a finger should be maximized in order to be as identifiable as possible for the touch controller of the touch screen. Thus, the game character or the data structure generated by the electrically conductive surfaces can be evaluated for a data processing system connected to the touch screen. A person skilled in the art is aware that on a touch screen or a

Area sensor an input can be made by means of one or more fingers (single or multi-touch). The technology of the surface sensors and the principles of the input, for example by which properties of a finger an input takes place, are also known to the person skilled in the art. For example, in addition to the electrical properties of the finger (eg conductivity), the pressure of the input or the resulting bearing surface of the finger, the distance to the surface sensor or inadvertently introduced material (such as soiling) can influence the input. The preferred modular game character achieved by the structuring of the conductive area of the

Identification means the same effect on a touch screen as a finger, namely an input at one through the conductive areas of the

Identification means defined position on the touch screen. Of the

A person skilled in the art could thus carry out the electrically conductive surfaces of the identification means in such a manner without great experimental effort that the

Characteristics of an input can be simulated with a finger and with the electrically conductive surfaces an input can be achieved on a touch screen.

In one example, but not limited to, a preferred one

Identification means interacting with a touch screen with a

Electrode arrangement in the form of a grid, for example, is a suitable

Structuring of the data point a filled circle with a diameter of 1 to 20 mm, preferably 4 to 15 mm and more preferably 6 to 10 mm. There a Touchscreen is suitable to determine the position of fingers, a filled circular area of an identification means is also identifiable by the touch screen in the same way. The touch screen or the touch screen-containing device advantageously can not distinguish whether the input through the

Identification means or by a finger took place.

In this regard, it may be advantageous for a user to permanently or not permanently touch the modular toy figure. A touch screen may not detect all parts of the data structure, that is, the electrically conductive surfaces of the identification means (data points are not detected because of unfavorable angles between wiring patterns within the data structure or due to the material, for example due to poor conductivity). The software that evaluates and interprets the touch events or the determined touch points must then be so tolerant that they can tolerate the disappearance of individual touch points and track the history of whether the character is still on the touch screen. In the case of non-permanent contact, parts of the electrically conductive surfaces may no longer be detectable due to a lack of coupling to the user.

The modular game figure can be used to special

To use applications for touchscreens-containing devices. For example, characters can be considered different characters

different features and abilities are used in game applications. It may be advantageous in this regard if an interaction takes place between at least one figure, a user and / or touch screen or a device containing a touch screen. For example, inputs may be made by the user on the touch screen or only the character may be in contact with the touch screen. There may be different interactions of characters and user touches, e.g. B. Hold the character and scroll with the other hand to select a particular weapon, or tap with his finger to operate a weapon. That is, the game character brought into contact with the touchscreen and the user's touchscreen touches can be combined in a variety of ways to complement each other functionally. Likewise, it is preferred to individualize each other type of three-dimensional object, which is connectable to the identification means, and to make it usable with a touch screen. These may be, for example, packages that contain invisible information that allows access to other information (eg recipes, congratulations, photos, videos, etc.). Of course, that can be used as identification means

The second module used can also be used to provide products with a certificate of authenticity or test that is not visible and therefore difficult to fake. It may be preferred that measurement values are collected by rotation and / or translation of a game character on the touch screen and stored as reference values and these reference values are compared with other measurement values at a later time in order to identify the figure. Here are rotations of 360 ° or less preferred. The values can

advantageously be stored permanently or in a buffer.

This is the expert u. a. known as teaching or learning. Teaching referred to in the context of the invention, the collecting and storing of optional further processed measured values of a figure with z. B. different orientation of the figure on the touch screen, which then later with other readings

be matched to identify a figure. Depending on the application, it may be preferable not to teach the complete rotation, but only one

Section of a 360 ° turn, for example, if in a shooting game only certain launching angles are allowed.

In order to fix the modular game piece on a touch screen or to make optimal contact with this, it may be advantageous to provide the figure additionally with a suction cup and optionally a switching mass between identification means and base object. The switching mass consists of an elastic and / or flexible material and gives the suction cup

Range of motion to ensure its function. Here is the

Suction cup at the upper end connected to the base object and is located at the lower circular end on the identification means or is with this (eg Bonding). The suction cup is a cup-shaped structure of elastic material, which is pressed by a negative pressure to a smooth surface. When attached, the air is forced out of the suction cup and the difference in air volume created by the pull determines the force with which the figure is held on the touch screen. The achievable suction is proportional to the pressure difference and the effective area. When pulled by the user, a primary negative pressure is generated between the suction cup and the identification means, and this bends the underlying surface of the identification means concavely to itself and generates a secondary negative pressure between identification means and

Touchscreen. This pulls the area under the edge of the suction cup firmly against the touch screen and the area between the edge, while slightly upwards, but usually less strong than it would be the case by error, and shallow enough to ensure safe reading through the capacitive To ensure touch screen. If the identification means with the base object by a

Switching mass is connected, then this is preferably compliant to train than the return of suction with which the figure is held on the touch screen. By special mechanisms in or on the base object, of course, a variable suction force can be realized that can be influenced by the user by means of interaction (eg, pressing a button or moving a lever on the figure). The interaction can also be initiated electronically by means of actuators. The achieved properties can be used to facilitate, for example, a fixed positioning of the character, a spielkonzeptbedingte

To be able to carry out an action (for example, sliding a character without lifting) or to prevent the accidental detachment of the figures. In addition, it can also achieve properties that those of magnetic

Mounting methods are similar and thus offer a very economical alternative, as u. a. no magnets in the touch screen must be introduced.

The invention will be illustrated by, but not limited to, the following example. It should be noted that the term "label" is used synonymously with "identification means". Example with the parameters

• Label diameter: 38.1 mm

• Number of data points: 4

• Diameter of one data point (applies to all data points): 7 mm · Grid width: 4 mm

• Minimum distance between two data points (clear distance): 7 mm

The label is circular and the overall diameter is 38.1 mm (1 .5 ") .The data structure is defined by four circular, electrically conductive solid surfaces

Formed (data points), which are connected by lines. One of the data points is placed firmly on the outer edge so that the edge of the data point touches the outer edge of the label.

Within the label area, a grid is defined with a grid width of 4 mm (in each case for x and y direction). The other three data points can only be arranged on the grid. The reference point of a data point is the center point. All resulting possible placements form a basic set to position the data points. This basic quantity is limited by the following additional conditions:

• The distance between the label edge and the center of each one

Positioning data point must not fall below a minimum value, where the minimum value of half the diameter of the data point is: 3.5 mm

• The distance between already placed data points and the too

Placed data point must be a minimum value, where the minimum value is the sum of the diameter of a data point and the clear distance between the two data points: 14 mm For reasons of handling (label has no preferred upper or

Bottom) eliminates a further amount of possible positioning (symmetry).

This results in a number of possible parameters for the parameters selected above

Positioning for the set of four data points from 32 different data structures.

Table 1 shows the dependence of the number of different data structures on the choice of parameters.

Number of Labels By Screen Lens Number of Dia. Width / Distance Between Different Dia. Data One Data [mm] Two Data Codes

/ [mm] points / data points

[mm] / [mm]

1 38.1 3 8 4 8 9

2 38,1 3 6 4 8 21

3 38,1 4 8 4 8 4

4 38.1 4 7 4 8 10

5 38.1 4 7 4 7 32

6 38.1 4 6 4 6 61

7 38.1 4 6 3.5 6 145

8 20 4 4 3 4 8 Table 1: Number of different data codes / structures depending on the selected parameters

The invention will be explained in the following with reference to figures by way of example, but without being limited to these. The figures show the invention only in a few embodiments, the skilled person will be apparent from the figures, as the invention would be additionally designed or to design. Show it:

Fig. 1, 2, 3 views of an exemplary modular object

Fig. 4 connection of identification means and base object

Fig. 5 Modular object and touchscreen, brought into contact with each other

Fig. 6A-D Exemplary structures of the identification means

FIGS. 7A-C are views of an exemplary chip

8A-C are views of an exemplary can

Fig. 9A-D views of an exemplary cube Fig. 10A, B use of a fastener

Fig. 1 1 - Fig. 14 representation of further preferred embodiments

Figures 1, 2 and 3 show views of an exemplary modular object. Views of the modular object from the front (Figure 1) and from below (Figure 2) are shown. In Fig. 1, the first module 1 and the coupling surface 1 .1 is shown. The coupling surface 1 .1 can be touched by a user, for example. The

The lower side of the modular object (FIG. 2) has a contact surface 3 and a coupling electrode 2, which is electrically connected to the coupling surface via a conductor track 1 .1 is connected. The identification means 4 (shown in FIG. 3) can be attached to the

Contact surface 3 are attached, wherein starting from the coupling surface 1 .1, a capacitive coupling of the coupling electrode 2 to the coupling electrode 9 takes place, which via interconnect structures 6 with the data points 5 of

Identification means are connected. The coupling surface 1 .1 is preferably touched by a user.

FIG. 4 shows a connection of identification means and base object. The

Identification means 4 can for example be attached to the underside of the first module (base object) 1. However, it may also be advantageous to attach a plurality of identification means 4 to different contact surfaces of the first module 1 (not shown).

In Fig. 5, a modular object and a touch screen, which are brought into contact, shown. The modular object 7 can cause an input on a touch screen 8, wherein the object 7 is detected and identified by the device having the touch screen.

FIGS. 6A-D show example structures of the identification means. FIG. 6A shows a coupling-in electrode 9 of the identification means, via which a capacitive connection to the coupling electrode of the first module is produced. The coupling-in electrode 9 can be arranged at different positions of the identification means and serves in particular for the capacitive coupling with the

Coupling electrode of the first module. In FIG. 6A, the coupling-in electrode 9 is located at the edge, so that the electrical connection of the coupling electrode to the coupling surface on the base object can be realized in a simpler manner in terms of manufacturing technology. In the case of FIG. 6B, the coupling-in electrode 9 is in the middle. The coupling electrode on the first module (base object) is then preferably also in the middle. The

Identification means in this case are rotationally independent for attachment to the first module, i. upon rotation of the identification means about the

Center point coupling and coupling electrode are still always accurate

each other. In Fig. 6C, the coupling electrode is in the form of a

Conductor 6 before, which has a ring shape. The data points 5 are located on the ring structure 6. The coupling with the coupling electrode of the first module can via the ring 6 or one of the data points 5. When coupling via the ring 6 is advantageous that it is again independent of rotation. In the case of FIG. 6D, the data points 5 are not connected, they are connected to one another directly via the base object, eg with a box as base object, all data points must lie on a circular ring so that they can be coupled in. Each point serves as a coupling-in electrode and data point in one (in the examples AC, only one data point serves as a coupling-in electrode).

Figures 7A-C show views of an exemplary chip (e.g., poker chip). The modular object can be designed in different forms. To the

For example, the modular object may be designed as a chip. The chip,

In particular, the first module 1 of the chip has on the underside in particular a contact surface 3 with a coupling electrode 2. At the contact surface 3 of the first module 1, the identification means 4 is attached. The identification means 4 has electrically conductive layers, in particular partial areas which are designed as data points 5. One of the data points is at the same time the coupling-in electrode 9. The data points 5 are connected to one another via printed conductor structures 6. The chip top is preferably made of electrically conductive material. The

Conductor in Fig. 7B illustrates the connection between more electrically conductive

Surface (coupling surface) and coupling electrode 2 ago. In Figs. 8A-C, views of an exemplary can are shown. Cans are typically made of metal and are electrically conductive. The ring on which the can stands (shown somewhat wider in FIG. 8B) is used as the coupling electrode 2. The coupling-in electrodes 9 are located in FIG. 8C directly on the coupling electrode 2 of the can, which in this case corresponds to the can ring. The ring on the

Identification means 4 connects the coupling-in electrodes 9. The coupling-in electrodes 9 alone are preferably so small that they do not trigger touch events on the touchscreen and at the same time in total are so large that sufficient coupling-in area is available. The ring connects the coupling surfaces, which are connected to the Punktstrukur (data points 5) via interconnect structures 6.

Figures 9A-D show views of an exemplary cube. In Fig. 9A, a normal-looking cube is shown on which identification means are mounted. The Fig. 9B shows a cube as a first module 1 (base object) without identification means, but with coupling electrodes 2 and contact surfaces 3. Figs. 9C, D show the

Front side (FIG. 9C) and rear side (FIG. 9D) of the identification means 4. Data dots 5 and printed conductor structures 6 are applied to the back side of the identification means 4, so that a capacitive coupling to the first module takes place and an input on a touch screen can be achieved ,

In Fig. 10A, B is shown a use of a fastener in a modular object. There is an object sketched from below with a battery compartment 10. Here is a screw (but it would also be possible several) in a plane with the lid. This screw is later on the touch screen and serves

in particular as a coupling electrode 2 for the identification means 4 and provides in

Inside the battery compartment 10 a connection to the coupling surface (not shown) ago. The three other screws shown are preferably used only for attachment. They are embedded deeper, have no contact with the identification means 4 and do not trigger any input on the touch screen. The identification means 4 is designed to match the lid of the battery compartment 10. In the example is the

Rear of the identification means 4 with a structure of data points 5 and interconnect structures 6 shown. This structure is not visible from the outside.

Fig. 1 1 shows a further preferred embodiment of the modular object. The figure consists of two first modules (base objects) and a second module. The upper first module 1 is a conductive or conductive coated base object with coupling surface 1 .1 and coupling electrode (not visible, at the bottom of the module). The middle module (the second base object) consists of a conductive part (black) and an electrically non-conductive part (white). The surface on which the upper first module 1 is mounted, is the coupling surface 1 .1. The coupling electrode (not visible) then couples over to the identification means 4.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show further preferred embodiments. By way of example, the surprising advantage of a modular design is shown that a same identification means by means of another configuration of the first and second module allows different effects for identification. In the case of FIG. 12, by touching the coupling surface 1 .1 via the printed conductor structures 6, they obtain Coupling electrode 2 is a capacitive coupling with a first part of the identification means 4. However, in the case of FIG. 13, a same coupling electrode 2 obtains a capacitive coupling with a second part of the identification means 4.

14 shows the capacitive coupling between a first module comprising a coupling surface 1 .1, a conductor track structure 6 and a coupling electrode 2 to a second module comprising an identification means with data points 5.

Based on the figures, it can be stated that the modular object

can be configured differently and it can be realized in different ways. Different forms can be subsumed under the invention, whereby the principle of the modular object can also be integrated into existing forms (such as cans or chips) in a simple manner.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 first module 1 .1 coupling surface

2 coupling electrode

3 contact surface

4 means of identification

5 data points

6 trace structures

7 modular object

8 touch screen

9 coupling electrode

10 battery compartment

Claims

Patent claims

1. A modular game character for identification through touch screens, comprising at least a first and a second module, the first module being a base object with an at least partially electrically conductive surface which is electrically conductively connected to a coupling electrode on a contact surface, and

the second module is an identification means comprising at least one electrically conductive layer, wherein the electrically conductive layer comprises at least one coupling electrode, the base object and the second module being connected to one another in a materially bonded, force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner in such a way that the coupling electrode is on the contact surface of the Base object and the coupling electrode of the second module are brought into contact

Modularly constructed playing figure according to claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive elements of the modules are not present in a developable surface.

Modularly constructed toy figure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second modules are capacitively coupled or directly electrically connected to one another.

Modularly constructed game figure according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein one or more identification means are attached directly or indirectly to the base object.

Modularly constructed game figure according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling electrode is designed as an electrically conductive layer on the contact surface of the base object at least as a partial surface.

Modularly constructed toy figure according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein one or more electrically conductive fastening means are attached to the contact surface of the base object and can at least partially serve as a coupling electrode.

7. Modularly constructed toy figure according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the identification means is particularly preferred by means of injection molding Film back-injection, in-mold process, welding process, and/or gluing is connected to the base object.

Modularly constructed game figure according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the identification means is produced by an additive, semi-additive or subtractive process and/or is attached to the base object.

9. Modularly constructed game figure according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the identification means is produced by a printing process, preferably a

Mass printing process is produced.

10. Modularly constructed toy figure according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the identification means is carried out by a transfer foil process, preferably a metal foil transfer process and particularly preferably by a

Cold foil transfer process is produced.

1 1. Modularly constructed game figure according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically conductive surfaces of the identification means are in the form of partial areas, in particular filled circles or circular rings, with partial areas being electrically connected by means of line structures and with at least one partial area being the coupling electrode.

12. Modularly constructed toy figure according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second module has at least one further coating.

13. Modularly constructed game figure according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling electrode of the base object and the coupling electrode of the identification means are connected to one another in such a way that there is the greatest possible overlap.

14. System comprising a modularly constructed game figure according to claims 1 to 13 and a touch screen or a touch screen

containing device, with at least part of the game figure being connected to the

Touch screen is present.

15. System according to claim 14, wherein the game character is permanently or non-permanently touched by a user.

16. Use of the game figures according to one of claims 1 to 15 to provide different touch structures by combining different modules with one another.

17. Use of the game characters according to one of claims 1 to 15 as game characters for interaction with a touch screen, at least part of the

Game characters are brought into contact with the touch screen.

18. Use according to one of the preceding claims, wherein measured values are collected by rotation and / or translation of a game figure on the touch screen and stored as reference values and these reference values are compared at a later point in time with other measured values in order to identify the figure.

19. Use according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an interaction takes place between at least one character, a user and/or touch screen or a device containing touch screen.

20. Use according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein one

Presence, permanent or non-permanent touch, identity, orientation, rotation and/or movement of at least one figure by the

Touch screen or a device having a touch screen is detected.