EP4624006A1

EP4624006A1 - Board game with self-moving game pieces

Info

Publication number: EP4624006A1
Application number: EP24167666.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yen-Cheng KUNG
Original assignee: Freshape SA
Current assignee: Freshape SA
Priority date: 2024-03-28
Filing date: 2024-03-28
Publication date: 2025-10-01
Also published as: CN120714222A

Abstract

The present invention concerns a board game comprising a game board and game pieces that can automatically be displaced on the game layout or for moving game pieces to or away from the game layout. The board of the game comprises magnetic elements that are configured to exert a magnetic force on magnetic elements contained in the game pieces. In some embodiments, the board game is configured to cause game pieces to change their orientation such that they are more easily displaced on the game surface. The board game preferably allows for multiple board games to be played, and preferably enables remote playing.

Description

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to the field of board games, and more specifically to a board game comprising a game board and self-moving game pieces.

Background Art and Problems Solved by the Invention

Computer programs capable of playing chess or other board games at a high level have been developed for several decades already. When playing with a real-world, physical game board, the board typically contains display means to indicate to the human player which piece the computer wishes to move, and the human player then moves the computer's piece according to the displayed instructions. In order to enhance the human player's experience, board games including automatically moving, also called self-moving board pieces have been conceived.
US 7893646 discloses a game system with robotic game pieces, where each piece is a robot including motors and a wireless communication link to a host computer.
TW200838591A discloses a portable robotic board game, which comprises a fetching unit and a control unit. The fetching unit is moveable above the board for picking any one game piece and move it to another position on the board. Due to the visible and voluminous fetching unit, the user experience is negatively affected.
CN211215366U discloses a chess board in which individual chess pieces comprise a display system showing the type of the chess piece and wherein each chess piece can make a vertical movement away from the top of the surface so as to disappear. The individual chess pieces are not moving from one position to another position, and a user cannot remove and displace a chess piece on his or her own, resulting in a diminished user experience.
On the internet, one finds an automated chess board called Phantom as part of a Kickstarter project. From the details one can see that the system is intended to comprise a robotic arm moving below the surface of the board for displacing each piece one after the another. This chess board allows only playing a single board game and is slow due to the fact that only one piece can be moved at a time. A similar system called Grand Kingdom Set is commercialized by Square Off.
In view of the prior art, the present invention seeks to further enhance the experience of a human player of a board game comprising automatically moving game pieces. For example, it is an objective of the invention to provide a single board game system that is capable of playing different games, wherein the user can choose the game to be played. It is a further objective to provide a board game that can move several game pieces simultaneously. It is another objective to provide the possibility of remote playing, where two human players can play from different locations, wherein each or at least one of the players has a physical board game in which the other player's game pieces move automatically according to the other player's instructions. It is also an objective of the invention to provide a game board that lacks any visible robotic system for fetching and displacing game pieces.
Further objectives and problems addressed by the present invention will become apparent from the description of the aspects and embodiments of the invention herein below.

Summary of the Invention

Remarkably, the present invention provides a board game comprising: a game board comprising a game surface, and a plurality of automatically displaceable game pieces, provided to displace and/or to be displaced on said game surface when said board game is played.
In a preferred embodiment, each of said plurality of game pieces comprises a first magnetic element.
In a preferred embodiment, said board game comprises a second magnetic element that is provided movably in said game board and/or below said game surface.
In a preferred embodiment, said first magnetic element and said second magnetic element are independently selected from the group consisting of: permanent magnets, electromagnets, ferromagnetic materials and ferrimagnetic materials so as to enable a magnetic force of attraction between said first magnetic element and said second magnetic element.
In a preferred embodiment, said board game is configured to use and/or exploit said magnetic force of attraction to automatically displace one or more of said game pieces, and/or when automatically displacing one or more of said game pieces.
In an embodiment, the board game is configured to use and/or exploit said magnetic force of attraction to change the orientation of a game piece, for example a game piece that is placed on the game surface and/or layout.
In a preferred embodiment, each game piece of said plurality of game pieces is configured to be present in at least one of two different orientations on said game board and/or on said game surface, a first orientation A of placement and a second orientation B of displacement. Preferably, said second orientation B covers a smaller area on said game surface and/or on said game layout than said first orientation A.
In a preferred embodiment, said second magnetic element is configured to be able to change, and/or to induce the change of, the orientation of one or more game piece of said plurality of game pieces from said first orientation to said second orientation, and/or to displace said game piece on said board.
In a preferred embodiment, said second magnetic element is configured to displace said game piece on said board when said game piece is in the second orientation.
In a preferred embodiment, said second magnetic element is configured to displace a game piece of said plurality of game pieces on said game board so as to cause the displacing game piece to pass between two game pieces that are present in the first orientation A of placement on the game surface of said game board, said two game pieces being preferably on neighbouring fields or positions of the game surface. Preferably, this is facilitated and/or enabled by the displaced game piece being in the second orientation B, in particular during the displacement and/or when being displaced.
In a preferred embodiment, said second magnetic element is configured to induce a rotation of a game piece. For example, the rotation may be conducted when the game piece is in the second orientation (B). In some embodiments, the rotation of the game piece is used when automatically displacing the game piece, for example if helpful for displacing the game piece on the game surface and/or for guiding the game piece between other game pieces that are already on the game surface. For example, the other game pieces may be in orientation A.
In accordance with preferred embodiments, the board game and/or the game board is configured to cause the game piece to displace automatically, wherein automatic displacement may include linear and rotational movements, and movement along straight and curved lines.
In a preferred embodiment, the displacing game piece stays on and/or in contact with the game surface and/or remains on the game layout when it automatically displaces according to the invention.
In a preferred embodiment, said game board comprises two or more second magnetic elements and wherein said board game is configured to automatically displace two or more of said plurality of game pieces simultaneously. Preferably, said two or more of said plurality of game pieces can be automatically and simultaneously displaced to change their respective position on the game surface, to move from the game surface to a box, and/or to move from the box to the game surface, the box being preferably provided on the game board.
In a preferred embodiment, each game piece of said plurality of game pieces has a form that has a thickness or height (z) and a largeness (x), wherein said thickness is smaller than said largeness (z<x), such that said piece has, for example, a flattened or disk-shaped form. Preferably, the form of said piece comprises a top zone, a side zone and a bottom zone. The invention encompasses that game pieces comprise convex, curved and/or rounded forms and/or shapes. For example, the top and/or bottom zone of one or more game pieces may, independently one from the other, be convex and/or concave, such as slightly curved when seen in cross section.
Preferably, a transition and/or transition zone is provided between said bottom zone and said side zone. Preferably said transition and/or transition zone is curved and/or rounded. Preferably, the curved and/or rounded transition facilitates a transition movement from said first to said second orientation.
In a preferred embodiment, said first magnetic element is provided inside and/or at the surface of said game piece. In other embodiments, the first magnetic element may be provided at the outer surface and/or on said game piece.
In a preferred embodiment, said first magnetic element is provided in proximity of the side zone.
In an embodiment, the first magnetic element comprises an annular form and/or a disk- or coin-like form comprising a central opening or hole.
In a preferred embodiment, one or more game piece of said plurality of game pieces comprises a top zone, wherein the role and/or value of the piece is indicated on said top zone. For example, the role and/or value of the piece is graphically represented on said top zone.
In a preferred embodiment, one or more game piece of said plurality of game pieces comprises a top zone, wherein said top zone comprises an electronic display. For example, the electronic display is a passive reflective display.
In other embodiments, for example in case of international chess, the game pieces may but need not be flattened and/or disk-like, but may have the 3D shape as is typical for international chess pieces. In such embodiments, the game piece need not mandatorily but may possibly change its orientation when being displaced in accordance with the invention.
In a preferred embodiment, said game board comprises a space provided below said game surface, wherein said second magnetic element is provided movably under the effect of one or more electric motors and/or actuators in said space.
For example, said one or more electric motors and/or actuators are provided in said space to be able to move said second magnetic element.
In a preferred embodiment, said game board comprises one or more moveable array, said one or more array each comprising two or more second magnetic elements, which are array magnetic elements, wherein said one or more array is preferably suitable and/or configured to displace simultaneously two or more game pieces of said plurality of game pieces. In an embodiment, the board game comprises a plurality of array magnetic elements, for example from 2 up to 200, from 3 up to 100, from 5 up to 70 or up to 50 array magnetic elements. The numbers preferably refer to the total number of array magnetic elements, which may be provided on one or more arrays.
In an embodiment, array magnetic elements may be configured to be able to conduct rotational movements. In an embodiment, all array elements of an array may conduct a rotation in a uniform, synchronized manner together. In another embodiment, one or more array magnetic elements may conduct a rotational movement independently form other magnetic elements of the same array. In an embodiment, the board game is configured to conduct both types, synchronized and independent rotations of array magnetic elements.
In a preferred embodiment, the game board comprises two rails. Preferably, the second magnetic element is provided on a structure, for example a support or bridge, that is guided movably on and/or along said two rails. Preferably, the two rails are provided on two opposed lateral sides in a space provided in said game board and/or below said game surface.
In a preferred embodiment, the board game comprises an individual magnetic element, which is a second magnetic element, wherein said individual magnetic element is provided movably and rotatably in a space provided in said game board and/or below said game surface. In an embodiment, the board game comprises a plurality of individual magnetic elements, for example from 1-200, 2-100, or 3-50 individual magnetic elements.
In accordance with the invention, there may be only one but possibly two or more second magnetic elements, wherein said two or more second magnetic elements may independently be provided as array magnetic elements and/or as individual magnetic elements.
In a preferred embodiment, the board game is configured to play, at the option of a user, any one game selected from two or more different games. For example, said two or more games comprise one or more selected from international chess, Chinese chess, Go, draughts, checkers, Mill, Shogi, Backgammon, Gomoku, Chinese checkers and other board games.
In a preferred embodiment, said game surface comprises one or more removable and/or interchangeable layout map (or mat), which is suitable for being placed on the game board and/or game surface depending on the particular game to be played.
In another embodiment, said game surface comprises a display and/or screen, for example an electronic screen. The screen may be a passive reflective, for example a bistable display, or any other type of display, including active displays, such as a liquid-crystal display (LCD), or a light-emitting diode display (LED, OLED, AMOLED, etc).
Preferably, the map (or mat) and/or the display shows the game plan or game layout of a game that is played on the board game. Exemplary game layouts are shown in Figs 8A-8C.
In a preferred embodiment, the board game is configured for enabling one or two players playing a game on the board to play remotely.
In a preferred embodiment, the board game comprises a box or two or more boxes for storing game pieces. Preferably, said box or boxes are provided on or in said game board. If the board game comprises two (or more) boxes for game pieces, two of said two or more boxes are preferably provided on two opposed sides of the game surface of the game board.
In a preferred embodiment, said box and/or said two or more boxes comprises an opening, said opening being preferably oriented toward said game surface. Preferably, said opening or openings allows for said plurality of game pieces to be placed in said box or boxes through said opening(s).
In a preferred embodiment, the board game is configured to displace one or more game piece of said plurality of game pieces from the game surface to a box (or to one of two boxes if there are two) and/or from inside the box (or from one of the two boxes) to a determined position on the game surface and/or on the game layout. Preferably, game pieces may be moved automatically, preferably through an opening in said one or more boxes.
In a preferred embodiment, the board game is configured to automatically displace one or more game piece of said plurality of game pieces on said game surface, for example for changing the position of said one or more game pieces on said game surface.
The present invention thus provides many innovative and advantageous aspects, such as a board game with self-moving and/or automatically moving game pieces. In some embodiments, the invention allows for remote playing of one or more players. In some embodiments, the invention allows for simultaneous movement of a plurality of game pieces. In some embodiments, the invention allows for a single board game to be used for playing a plurality of board games. A visible system, for example comprising robotic arms, actuators, and/or picker arms is preferably absent, thanks to the arrangement of the displacement assembly inside the game board and/or below the game surface. In particular, a robotic system that is provided visibly on or above the game surface is preferably absent.
Further aspects and preferred embodiments of the invention are defined herein below and in the appended claims. Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to the skilled person from the description of the preferred embodiments given below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the board game according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2A is a schematic perspective view showing the inside of the board of the board game shown in Fig. 1.
Figure 2B is a schematic perspective view illustrating the rotational movement of a magnetic actuator carrying a individual magnetic element.
Figures 3A and 3B are a top-down and a lateral side view, respectively, of a game piece used on the board game according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figures 4A and 4B are transversal and axial sections of the game piece shown in Figs 3A and 3B.
Figure 5 schematically illustrates the change of the orientation of a game piece from a first orientation of placement to a second orientation of displacement, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 schematically illustrates the interaction and/or relative orientation between a magnet in the game board and the game piece comprising a ferromagnetic and/or ferrimagnetic element in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figures 7A-7C schematically illustrate the activation of exemplary second magnet elements in order to move a game piece from a first, neutral position to second, active position, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figures 8A-8C schematically illustrate the game plans or layouts of different games that may be played with the board game according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figures 8D schematically illustrates a superposition of the different game plans shown in Figs 8A-8C, showing relative positions between different games that may be played at the option of the user based on a single overall structure or coordinates underlying the operation of the board game in accordance with an embodiment.
Figure 9 illustrates the concept of using an underlying 2D-system and appropriate game pieces for playing any one selected from Go, Chinese Chess and International chess in the top, middle and bottom row, respectively, based on a single board game according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 10 shows a top views on a game board for illustrating the automatic displacement of a single game piece in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figures 11A-11C are top views on a game board illustrating the automatic and simultaneous displacement of a plurality of game pieces in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the board game of the invention are described, in order to illustrate the invention, without any intention to limit the scope of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The present invention relates to a real-world board game, comprising a 3D, physical and/or material game board and game pieces. The board game of the invention does preferably not concern a game that is only displayed on a screen and/or that is entirely virtual. Therefore, the board game of the invention may be provided in the form of a device.
As shown in Figure 1 , the board game 10 comprises a board or game board 20 and game pieces 40. The game pieces may also be referred to herein as "pieces" or "piece", when used in the singular. The board game is generally played by displacing or moving one or more pieces 40 on the game surface 25. The game surface preferably contains the plan or layout of the game. Alternatively, the game layout may be placed on the game surface 25 by way of a removeable and/or interchangeable game layout mat 26, as will be described elsewhere in this specification. It is also possible that a particular game layout is directly printed or otherwise shown on the game surface 25, and that other game layouts are provided by one or more layout mats 26. Furthermore, the invention encompasses that the game board comprises a screen, preferably a flat screen or display, providing the game surface and/or game layout. Electronic displays that may be used, including passive reflective and/or bistable displays are mentioned elsewhere in this specification.
As is well known, such board games may be played by two or more human individuals, which will be referred to herein as "persons". Alternatively, the board game may be played by a person against a "computer", between two computers, or possibly by more than two players encompassing computers and/or persons. A "computer" generally comprises a data processing entity, for example hardware and/or software for determining moves of one player by calculation and to provide an indication of the game move that was determined.
Persons and/or computers that may be involved in a game and which thus may play against each other may indiscriminately be considered as "players" or "users".
If a player wishes to make a move in a classical board game, the person is generally required to pick up a game piece 41 and to displace it, for example for changing the position of that piece on the game plan, for placing the piece on the game layout from an external position where it is not yet on the layout, or for removing a piece from the game layout to a position outside the layout. In this latter case, the piece is generally no longer involved in a particular game. The person generally uses his or her hand, and thus muscular force, for displacing a piece 41. In many currently available real-world board games, a person may play against a computer, in which case the person usually also displaces the pieces of the computer according to the computer's instructions, said instructions being indicated by way of an output, such as a display or light arrays, for example.
In accordance with the present invention, the board game 10 preferably comprises a plurality of automatically displaceable game pieces 40. "Automatically displaceable", for the purpose of the present specification, is intended to mean that the game piece can move without any involvement of the person, in particular without the need for a person to seize and displace the piece using muscular force. The term "automatically displaceable" is preferably a "self-displacement", meaning that the board game is capable of displacing the pieces by its own. More specifically, the term "automatically displaceable" preferably comprises a system, in which pieces are caused to move under the effect of magnetic forces. Preferably, the game board 20 comprises magnetic elements and an assembly provided below the game surface 25, wherein the assembly is provided to move the magnetic elements, which in turn causes pieces to move on the game surface 25, said pieces also containing a magnetic element.
In this specification, each game piece of said plurality of game pieces comprises one or more magnetic element, which is referred to herein as the first magnetic element. The board game preferably also comprises one or more magnetic element, which is referred to as the second magnetic element. The second magnetic element is preferably provided in the board 20 and/or below the game surface 25. The extent of force of attraction, or possibly of a force of repulsion, may also depend on the orientation and/or positioning of the first and second magnetic elements in the piece and in the board, respectively.
The first and second magnetic element are preferably selected independently from the group consisting of: permanent magnets, electromagnets, ferromagnetic materials, ferrimagnetic materials and possibly other magnetic or magnetizable materials in such a manner so as to enable the occurrence and exploitation of a magnetic force of attraction between said first magnetic element and said second magnetic element.
In a preferred embodiment, the one or more first magnetic element is/are independently selected from ferromagnetic and/or ferrimagnetic materials, and the one or more second magnetic element is/are independently selected from magnets, such as electromagnets, permanent magnets and combined electro-permanent magnets, for example.
Assuming the board game is played by two players, for example a person and a computer, the feature of automatic movement of pieces 40, 41 may apply to the pieces of one or both players. If there are more players involved in a game, the pieces of one, several or all of the players may be displaced automatically. In a typical and exemplary configuration, a person may play against a computer, wherein the person displaces his/her own pieces and the computer displaces its pieces automatically. In another typical and exemplary configuration, two persons play against each other from different spatial locations, wherein the pieces of a player that is absent or remote move automatically in accordance with instructions provided by the absent player. The invention is not limited to these exemplary configurations.
It is thus noted that not all pieces of the board game need necessarily be automatically displaceable. Said plurality of pieces preferably encompasses pieces which are automatically displaceable. The board game may comprise additional and/or other game pieces that are not automatically displaceable and/or which are not part of said plurality of pieces.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the board game 10 comprises boxes 47, in which pieces 40 may be placed when the pieces are not present on the game surface 25, for example when they do not take part in a particular game or when no game is played at all and the pieces are just put away or stored.
Figure 2A shows the game board 20 from which the top cover 23 (Fig. 1) comprising the game surface 25 has been removed. A space 60 can be seen, which here is in the form of a hollow space in the board 20, such that the game board is sort of a box with said space 60 provided inside. The box may comprise sidewalls 31 and a bottom wall defining and/or delimiting said space. In other embodiments, the board game or board lacks lateral walls 31 and/or a bottom wall defining a space specifically, such that said space 60 could also be any not specifically confined or delimited space preferably below or laterally the game surface 25 or the cover 23. For example, the invention envisages that the space be provided by placing the top cover and/or the game surface 25 on pillars, so as to create a space below the game surface and a surface (for example of a table) on which the board comprising the pillars is placed.
The space 60 comprises preferably an arrangement 21, 27, 28, 29, 30 connected with the one or more second magnet component 50, 51, 52, the arrangement being provided for causing the one or more second magnet component to conduct defined movements in said space and preferably below the game surface 25. Generally, the arrangement may comprise a mechanical part or a frame part, such as robotic arms, articulated mechanical structures, rails, on the one hand, and actuators and/or electric motors on the other hand, with said actuators or motors being provided to act on the mechanical part to move said one or more second magnets.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2A, the actuators and/or motors are not shown, and the mechanical structure comprises two lateral rails 21, 22, which are provided laterally inside the box and/or space formed by the board frame. The arrangement is shown to comprise sliders 27, arranged slidably on the rails and/or along axis Y, and a bridging structure 28, such as a further rail or bar, which connects two sliders provided on the first and second rails, respectively.
In an embodiment, an individual or independent magnetic actuator 29 is provided on the bridging structure 28, so as to be able to displace along the bridging structure, along axis X, and also to rotate. Figure 2B illustrates the rotational movement enabled by the independent actuator 29, causing the magnetic element 50 attached thereto to rotate accordingly. Consequently, the game piece that is displaced by the magnetic element 50 may conduct a rotation, and this is preferably valid independently of the orientation A or B of the game piece.
One may envisage a single individual magnetic actuator 29 or several individual or independent magnetic actuator on an single bridging structure 28. Although not shown, the space 60 may comprise more than one individual magnetic actuators 29, for example provided on separate and/or independent bringing structures 28 and/or on the same bridging structure, each bridging structure preferably being connected to two lateral sliders 27.
The arrangement just described allows for the magnetic elements 50, 51, 52 provided and/or connected to the arrangement to be moved inside said space and/or below the game surface.
Fig. 2A further shows a magnetic actuator array 65, which comprises a bridging structure 30 on which a plurality of array magnets 52 is provided. The array magnets 52 may displace uniformly with the bridging structure 30 along axis Y, by way of sliders 27, but preferably may also displace to some extent along axis X, on the bridging structure 30. The array magnets 52 on a bridging structure 30 may thus be provided to move all simultaneously and uniformly, but in some embodiments an array magnet 52 of a given array 65 may also be provided to displace relative to another array magnet 52 of the same array 65, for example along axis X, or a rotational movement, generally within the plane X-Y, similar to what has been described above with respect to independent magnetic actuator 29.
Although only one magnetic actuator array 65 is shown in Fig. 2A, the board game 10 may comprise two or more magnetic actuator arrays.
Furthermore, the board game of the invention may comprise one or both selected from one or more magnetic actuator array 65 and one or more individual or independent magnetic actuator 29.
Although not shown in the figures, the board game 10 of the invention preferably comprises a microprocessor and/or a data processing entity, including hardware and computer instructions in the form of software and/or firmware for moving the game pieces in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The data processing entity preferably controls the movements of the one or more second magnet elements so as to be able to displace game pieces in accordance with the invention, for example as detailed in the embodiments disclosed elsewhere in this specification. The data processing entity may further include communication modules, for example wireless and/or by cable, for receiving information and/or instructions regarding the displacement of game pieces, for example if one of the players is playing from a remote location, that is, the two players are not in front of the same physical game board. The data processing entity, may also comprise hardware and/or software for playing the one or more board games as a "computer", that is, for playing against a human player or against another computer. This hardware and/or software would thus be able to determine a next move that is advantageous and/or to identify moves that are disadvantageous.
Figures 3A, 3B, and 4B illustrate the structure of an exemplary game piece 41, while Figure 4A shows the magnetic element 55 present as part of the game piece 41. In the embodiment shown, the piece 41 comprises a height z and a breadth x. In this embodiment, the game piece is circular when seen from the top, such that there is no distinction, in terms of length in length units, between breath (x) and length (y) of the piece. In other embodiments, one or more game pieces may not comprise a circular outline when seen from a particular side, so that each game piece has not only height (or thickness) and breadth x, but also a length y that may be different from the breadth, corresponding to the maximum extension of the game piece in the three directions of space (X, Y, Z). As one can see from Figs 3A and 3B, the height z is smaller than breadth x, such that the overall game piece appears as a flat, flattened, flat, slabbed, and/or disk-shaped object. It is noted that in many board games, such as Go, Mill, and draughts, the game pieces are actually present as disk-shaped objects.
In a preferred embodiment, the breadth x and/or length y of a game piece is > z, preferably x and/or y are > 1.5z, more preferably ≥ 2z, more preferably ≥ 2.5z, and most preferably ≥ 3z.
Fig. 3A shows a top zone 49 of the piece, on which a representation 35 is imaged. The representation 35 may indicate the value, power, role and/or nature of the game piece 41 in the game. In the case of international chess, for example, the representation 35 might show the two-dimensional symbols of a particular piece, such as a pawn, rook, bishop, knight, etc. As mentioned elsewhere in this specification, the invention also encompasses classical 3D game pieces, for example in the case of international chess. In such embodiments, the height z of the game piece may (but need not) be larger than the extensions along axis x and y as shown in Fig. 2A.
The representation 35 may comprise one or more selected from an image, a logo, text, numbers, symbols, and the like. The representation 35 may be a graphical representation.
In some embodiments, the top zone 49 comprises a display, for example an electronic display, such that the representation 35 on a given piece may be changed, for example depending on the particular game played, the language of the region where the board game is used, and so forth. The display may be an active, light emitting display or a passive, reflective display, for example.
Fig. 4B shows the structure of the piece 41 in more detail. The piece comprises a top part defining a top zone or surface 49, as just mentioned, on which the symbol indicating the role of the piece may be shown. The piece 41 further comprises a bottom part, defining the bottom zone or surface 44 of the piece, as well as a transition zone or surface 45, which defines the transition between the bottom 44 and side 43 zones or surfaces of the piece. A magnetic element 55, in the form of an annular piece or ring, is provided between said bottom and top parts. The outer edge of the component 55 defines part of the side zone 43 of the piece. The zones 43-45 and 49 preferably define the entire outer surface of the piece.
In the embodiment shown, the transition zone 45 is rounded or, when seen in longitudinal section, curved. The bottom zone 44, or at least some lateral, non-central part thereof, is preferably also rounded/curved, but preferably to a minor extent than the transition zone. As will be described with reference to Fig. 5, the rounded/curved zones assist, favour and/or are required for changing the orientation of the piece in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.
In the embodiment shown, the game piece further comprises a magnet or other detectable element 46, which here is provided centrally, on the inner surface of the bottom part. The purpose of the detectable element 46 is to allow the board game to detect, locate, and/or potentially identify the piece, for example when it is present on the game surface 25. If the detectable element is a magnet, the board game, for example the board 20, may comprise Hall-effect sensors.
Before disclosing the change of the orientation of and/or the automatic displacement of a game piece in accordance with embodiments of the invention, it is recalled that the game piece is a 3D object, therefore extending in a space, which can be expressed by the axis of space X, Y, Z. The height h of the piece may be considered as the extension of the piece along axis Z, while the extension of the piece along Y and X may correspond to the length and breadth of the piece, for example. In some embodiments, in particular if the piece has a circular outline when seen from above on the usual or play orientation (as shown in Fig. 3A), the length and breath of the piece may be identical. The piece may, however, have a length that is different from the breadth, or vice versa. Generally, the thickness, breadth and length of the piece may be different.
In a preferred embodiment, each of said plurality of game pieces (41) extends in a space defined by perpendicular axis X, Y, and Z in such a manner that the length of the piece along at least one of said axis (Z) is smaller than the length along one or two of the other axis (X, Y), as has also been specified herein above.
A consequence of the above feature is that it is possible to reduce the dimension of the piece when seen on the X-Y plane of the game surface by changing the orientation of the piece. Preferably, the invention envisages changing the orientation of a game piece such that is occupies less surface on the plane X-Y of the game surface 25.
Figure 5 comprises three panels illustrating the change of the orientation of a piece 41 from a first orientation, orientation A, or an orientation of play, shown in the left panel, to a second orientation, orientation B, or orientation of displacement, in the right panel. Orientation A corresponds to the orientation of the piece when it is normally placed on the game layout and that piece takes actively part in the game. In orientation A, the piece generally occupies a maximum surface in the (2D) plane (X, Y) of the game layout.
In the left panel, the second magnetic element 50 in space 60 below the cover 23 of the game board has not yet been activated. In the middle panel, the magnetic element 50 has just been activated, such that a magnetic force of attraction between the second magnet element 50 and the first magnetic element 55 of the piece is generated, causing the piece to move from the horizontal orientation A to a vertical or verticalized orientation B. It is noted that (i) the choice of the position of the first magnetic element 55 in piece 41, (ii) the particular position of the second magnetic element 50 below cover 23 (relative to the position of the first magnetic element), and (iii) the rounded surfaces of the piece all contribute in determining both, the movement for changing the orientation and the final orientation B of the piece as shown in Fig. 5.
Figure 6 , left panel, shows the second magnetic element 50 having a longitudinal, cuboid, shape, forming preferably a parallelepiped rectangle. Of course, the invention is not limited to such a particular form and envisages other forms, but Fig. 6 illustrates a form of the second magnetic element that is suitable to facilitate the change of the orientation of the game piece in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
The second magnetic element 50 has generally separate parts, defining opposed, north and south poles of the magnetic element, wherein the magnetic element is oriented so as to optimize or maximize magnetic forces exerted on the first magnetic element 55 in the game piece. Typically, one of the two poles will be oriented closer to the game surface or top cover 23, while the opposed pole may be oriented away from the game surface.
In a preferred embodiment, the length L of the second magnetic element is larger than the width W. Therefore, L is > W, preferably L > 1.5 W, even more preferably L > 2 W (Fig. 6).
In the middle and right panels of Fig. 6, perspective and front elevation views of the game piece 41, the second magnetic element 50 and the layer or separation between the former is shown. The layer in between is generally the top cover or wall 23 of the board 20, on which the game surface 25 is shown. The layer may also include an interchangeable layout map 26, as described elsewhere in this specification. The layout map may be a mat or another, preferably flat, thin, or convex sheet or disk on which the layout of the game is reproduced, for example printed or embossed.
Figures 7A , 7B and 7C show different possibilities of the second magnetic element 50 to induce the change of the orientation of the game piece 41. In Fig. 7A, the second magnetic element is a permanent magnet 53, which is provided at the top extremity of a bar 62. A push-pull solenoid 61 is provided to act on the bar and to move the magnet 53 closer to or away to the top cover 23 and/or gaming surface 25. When activated, the push-pull solenoid pushes the magnet closer to the game surface such that the magnetic field of the second magnetic element 53 exerts a magnetic force on the game piece 41 that is sufficient to induce the change of the orientation of the game piece from orientation A (left panel) to orientation B (right panel in Fig. 7A). Instead of a push-pull solenoid for vertically moving the second magnetic element, the invention envisages other devices, such as electric motors, actuators, pneumatic actuators, to mention a few.
In Fig. 7B, the second magnetic component is an electromagnet 54, which is activated by closing an electric circuit, causing the electromagnet to produce a magnetic field suitable to act on the first magnetic element in the game piece and to cause the latter to change its orientation. In this case, the electromagnet need not necessarily be provided movable along the vertical direction as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 7A.
Fig. 7C shows another possibility of causing the game piece to change its orientation by way of magnetic interactions. In this embodiment, the second magnetic element comprises an electro-permanent magnet 56. The orientation of the magnet 56 is such that the activation of the electromagnetic part by closing an electric circuit 58 results in magnetic field forces to exert magnetic attraction on the game piece 41 and cause the game piece to change orientation as shown.
As illustrated by the double-headed arrow in Figs 7A-7C, the change of the orientation from orientation A to orientation B is preferably reversible. Therefore, once the second magnetic element 53, 54 or 56 is disactivated, the game piece changes back from orientation B to orientation A, for example due to the geometric configuration of the game piece, such as the rounded side and transition surfaces described elsewhere.
Generally, in Figs 7A-7B, the panel on the left shows the second magnetic element being disactivated, and the right panel showing the second magnetic element activated. It is noted that for changing from orientation B to orientation A, the second magnetic element may also be activated differently before being disactivated, or may be caused to conduct a predetermined movement in order to facilitate and/or induce the transfer of the game piece from orientation B to orientation A.
Figures 8A, 8B and 8C show the game layouts 73-75 of different board games, with the board game 10 of the present invention being preferably configured to allow players any one of a plurality of games to be played, at the option of the player. Figs 8A-8C show the layouts of Chinese chess 73, Go 74 and international chess 75, respectively. Figure 8D shows an overlay or superimposition of the layouts 73-75, illustrating that these games can be played on the basis of a two-dimensional general plan or on the basis of coordinates that are common or overlapping between these different game layouts. It is also known that different board games can be played with the layout of international chess alone, for example.
In some embodiments, the board game 10 of the invention comprises a plurality of different maps or mats 26 (Fig. 1) with different layouts shown on the different maps, wherein a player can place the map with a particular game layout on the surface or cover 23 of the board 20, in accordance with the particular game a player wishes to play. The presence of different mats that can also be removed from the game surface 26 and/or exchanged with other game layouts makes it possible to offer the player the possibility to select a particular board game out of a plurality of board games that the board game of the invention is preferably configured to play.
Figure 9 further illustrates how the various game plans may be related, in terms of the size of game pieces and/or of the distances between lines and/or fields of the game layout. Top row 81 shows a row in the layout of the game Go. Game pieces 84 have a diameter d indicated by reference numeral 90. The distance between neighbouring lines of the layout is indicated with numeral 92, wherein this distance 92 may be about 1.5xd. The distance 91 between game pieces placed on neighbouring lines of the game layout may be about 0.5xd.
The second row 82 illustrates game layouts of Chinese Chess and also the fields in the layout of international chess, assuming the international chess is played with disk-like or flattened game pieces as disclosed elsewhere in this specification. As can be seen, common lines of the layouts of Chinese chess and Go can be used, if the distance 94 between neighbouring lines of the Chinese chess layout corresponds to about 3d (that is, 2x the distance 92). The distance 93 defines the diameter of the game pieces in this case, which may be about 2xd, such that the distance 90 between game pieces on neighbouring fields/lines correspond about to d.
In the bottom row 83 of Fig. 9, the layout of international chess is shown alone, illustrated with genuine (not disk-like) game pieces, assuming 3D forms of pawn, bishop, etc. In this case, the game pieces, when seen from above, may cover a diameter of about 1.5xd (reference numeral 92), and the breadth of individual fields may be about 3d (reference numeral 94).
In the above embodiments, the distance d (reference numeral 90) is preferably 0.4 mm to 5 cm, more preferably 0.8 mm to about 4 cm, and most preferably 1 cm to about 2.5 cm. Oversized or miniaturized versions of the board game of the invention are not excluded, such that game layouts that largely exceed and/or fall short of these exemplary and preferred 2-dimensions (2D) dimensions.
Figure 10 illustrates the displacement of a single game piece 41 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the top left panel, an extract of a layout of Go is shown, with three game pieces 42 of a player playing with white game pieces are at their positions on the game layout, assuming the "usual" orientation A as previously described. The top right panel contains a dotted line that shows the displacement of a game piece 41 in orientation B (the verticalized orientation) from outside the game layout to a target position on the layout. Thanks to the reduced dimension in at least one direction of the game piece 41 when in orientation B, it can pass between two game pieces 42 that are present in orientation A on neighbouring lines or fields of the game plan. As shown in the bottom left panel in Fig. 10, the game piece 41 has changed its orientation from orientation B to it destined orientation A, due to deactivation of the second magnetic element as described with reference to Figs 7A-7C, for example.
In a preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the game pieces and of the game layout are preferably selected such that an automatically displaced game piece can pass between two game pieces that are present on neighbouring fields and/or lines of the game layout, said two game pieces preferably being in an orientation A, of play, and said displacing game piece 41 being preferably in an orientation B, of displacement.
Although the dotted line in Fig. 10 is straight, the game piece may conduct a curved and/or meandering movement on the game surface. Preferably, the displacing game piece may conduct any change of direction and/or orientation when being displaced on the game surface (or from outside the game layout to a position on the game layout), for example as required for avoiding a collision with game pieces that are already on the game surface. The game piece may also conduct rotational movements, as described, for example, with reference to Fig. 2B, for example for reaching the target position of the displacing game piece, which target position may be on or outside the game layout.
Rotational displacement may also be conducted for positioning the displacing game piece in a rotational position or orientation that facilitates the comprehension of the game piece to one or both players. This applies to both, 3D and disk-like game pieces, for example. For example, in case the game piece comprises a graphical representation on it, e.g. as shown in Fig. 3A, the game piece may be caused to conduct a rotational movement that facilitates the reading or understanding of the graphical representation of a player playing at the game board. Rotational movements may also be conducted for harmonizing the rotational position and/or orientation of the plurality of game pieces that are on the game surface or game layout.
Figures 11A, 11B and 11C illustrate the simultaneous displacement of a plurality of game pieces 42. Furthermore, it is illustrated how the game pieces may be automatically displaced from the game-piece box 47 on a particular, predetermined position on the game layout 73. In this example, the game to be played in Chinese chess, and the role of the game pieces is illustrated by Chinese symbols 68. These symbols may be shown, for example, on the top surface 49 of the game pieces (Fig. 3A). In Fig. 11A, the game pieces 40 are all present in the box 47, which is provided in front of the game layout 73 (the layout of Chinese chess is only partly shown). It is noted that the game pieces in this embodiment are disc-like, and may be stored in the box in a verticalized orientation, corresponding to or being similar as orientation B used for moving the game pieces in accordance with an embodiment. In Fig. 11B, some of the game pieces 42 have been moved from inside to box to a position on or close to the game layout, close to their target position. In this case, the game pieces 42 have the same value as illustrated by the Chinese symbol. This displacement is preferably realized by way of a movable array 65 comprising an array of second magnetic elements, as illustrated in Fig. 2A. In Fig. 11C, the pieces 42 have all simultaneously passed from orientation B to the play orientation A, in that the array magnets have simultaneously been deactivated thereby allowing the game pieces 42 to be at their target position on the layout and in the playing orientation A. It is also noted that in Fig. 11C, two further pieces 72 have already been moved from the box 47 to a position on the game layout. They are still shown in the verticalized orientation A, but in a next step (not shown) would be placed in an orientation of play (B). The pieces 72 may also have been moved by the movable array 65. In subsequent steps (not shown), additional pieces can be moved out of the box 47, until a start configuration of the pieces on the game layout 73 is achieved, for example.
The above illustrated principles of automatically displacing an individual or simultaneous displacement of several game pieces may be used for (i) displacing pieces when a game is played, (ii) for removing the game pieces from the game surface, (iii) and/or for placing the game pieces from a storing location (for example one or two boxes) to a position on the game layout, wherein the position may be a starting position of the game, or any stored position or defined position that a player wishes to start playing with.
While certain of the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and specifically exemplified above, it is not intended that the invention be limited to such embodiments. Various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

A board game (10) comprising:
- a game board (20) comprising a game surface (25), and

- a plurality of automatically displaceable game pieces (40), provided to displace and/or to be displaced on said game surface when said board game is played,

wherein each of said plurality of game pieces (40) comprises a first magnetic element (55),

wherein said board game (10) comprises a second magnetic element (50) that is provided movably in said game board (20) and/or below said game surface (25),
wherein said first magnetic element and said second magnetic elements are independently selected from the group consisting of: permanent magnets, electromagnets, ferromagnetic materials and ferrimagnetic materials so as to enable a magnetic force of attraction between said first magnetic element and said second magnetic element, and

wherein said board game is configured to use said magnetic force of attraction to automatically displace one or more of said plurality of game pieces (40).
The board game of claim 1, wherein each game piece (41) of said plurality of game pieces (40) is configured to be present in at least one of two different orientations on said game board (20) and/or on said game surface (25), a first orientation of placement (A) and a second orientation of displacement (B), and wherein said second orientation covers a smaller area on said game surface (25) than said first orientation.
The board game of claim 2, wherein said one or more second magnetic element (50) is configured to be able to change the orientation of one or more game piece (41, 72) of said plurality of game pieces (40) from said first orientation to said second orientation, and to displace said game piece on said board when said game piece is in the second orientation.
The board game of any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein said second magnetic element (50) is configured to displace a game piece (41) of said plurality of game pieces (40) on said game board so as to cause the displacing game piece (41) to pass between two game pieces that are present in the first orientation of placement on the game surface (25) of said game board, said two game pieces being preferably on neighbouring fields or positions and/or fields of the game surface.
The board game of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said game board (20) comprises two or more second magnetic elements (50) and wherein said board game is configured to automatically displace two or more of said plurality of game pieces (40) simultaneously.
The board game of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each game piece (41) of said plurality of game pieces (40) has a form that has a thickness or height (z) and a largeness (x), wherein said thickness is smaller than said largeness, such that said piece has, for example, a flattened or disk-shaped form, wherein the form of said piece comprises a top zone (49), a side zone (43) and a bottom zone (44), and wherein a transition (45) between said bottom zone and said side zone is curved and/or rounded, preferably in order to facilitate a transition movement from said first to said second orientation.
The board game of claim 6, wherein said first magnetic element (55) is provided inside and/or at the surface of said game piece (41), preferably in proximity of the side zone.
The board game of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more game piece (41) of said plurality of game pieces (40) comprises a top zone (49), wherein the role and/or value of the piece is indicated, for example graphically represented, on said top zone.
The board game of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more game piece (41) of said plurality of game pieces (40) comprises a top zone (49), wherein said top zone comprises an electronic display, for example a passive reflective display.
The board game of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said game board (20) comprises a space (60) provided below said game surface (25), wherein second magnetic element (50) is provided movably under the effect of one or more electric motors and/or actuators in said space.
The board game of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said game board (20) comprises one or more moveable array (65), said one or more array comprising two or more second magnetic elements, which are array magnetic elements (52), wherein said one or more array is suitable to displace simultaneously two or more game pieces of said plurality of game pieces (40).
The board game of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the game board (20) comprises two rails (21, 22) provided on two opposed lateral sides in a space (60) provided in said game board and/or below said game surface (25).
The board game of any one of the preceding claims, comprising an individual magnet component (51), which is a second magnetic element, wherein said individual magnet component is provided movably and rotatably in a space (60) provided in said game board and/or below said game surface (25).
The board game of any one of the preceding claims, which is configured to play, at the option of a user, any one game selected from two or more different games, wherein said two or more games comprise one or more selected from international chess, Chinese chess, Go, draughts, checkers, Mill, Shogi, Backgammon, Gomoku, Chinese checkers and other board games.
The board game of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said game surface (25) comprises one or more removable and/or interchangeable layout map (26), which is suitable for being placed on the game board (20) depending on the particular game to be played, and/or wherein said game surface comprises an electronic display, for example a passive reflective display.
The board game of any one of the preceding claims, which is configured for enabling one or two players playing a game on the board (20) to play remotely from the board (20).
The board game of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a box or more than one boxes (47) for game pieces, wherein said box or boxes are provided on or in said game board (20), and wherein if there are two or more boxes, said two boxes are preferably provided on two opposed sides of the game surface (25) of the game board.
The board game of claim 17, wherein said box and/or or each of said two boxes comprises an opening (48), said opening being preferably oriented toward said game surface (25), and wherein said opening allows for said two or more game pieces (41) to be placed in said box through said opening.
The board game of any one of claims 17 and 18, which is configured to displace one or more game piece (41) of said plurality of game pieces (40) from the game surface (25) to a boxes (47) and/or from inside a box to a determined position on the game surface.