GB2459306A

GB2459306A - Three-dimensional game playing board with apertures

Info

Publication number: GB2459306A
Application number: GB0807159A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark David Oliver
Original assignee: Sionica Ltd
Current assignee: Sionica Ltd
Priority date: 2008-04-19
Filing date: 2008-04-19
Publication date: 2009-10-21
Anticipated expiration: 2028-04-19
Also published as: GB2459306B; WO2009127800A1; GB0807159D0; US20090261528A1

Abstract

Game apparatus 101 comprises a three-dimensional playing surface 102 bearing a grid of playing areas 103. First areas 105 indicate that a playing piece 104 moved within those areas remains available for active play, and second areas 106 indicate that a playing piece 104 moved within those areas ceases to be available for active play. The first areas 105 may support pieces 104 upon the playing surface, with the second areas 106 comprising apertures allowing pieces 104 to be passed through the surface. The playing surface 102 may be a five sided cube with each side including a second playing area 106, e.g. as a central aperture. The cube may comprise a reversible net foldable to provide two cubic playing surfaces (see fig. 5), and the apparatus may include a base (401, fig. 4) which receives and supports the cube. Each first playing area 105 may indicate a question, start position or movement instruction (see fig. 3). The apparatus may include move selection means, e.g. a die 107, and playing pieces 104 may be magnetically attracted to the playing surface 102. The apparatus may be represented graphically as a computer game (see fig. 10). A method of indicating game progression by passing playing pieces through a three-dimensional playing plane to indicate their ceasing to be available for active play is also claimed.

Description

I

Game Apparatus

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application represents the first application for a patent directed toward the invention and the subject matter.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a game, in particular a game in which individual playing elements are moved around a three-dimensional playing plane during active play.

Background of the Invention

Game playing is a traditional pastime. The board game format often provides a playing plane as a visual focus for game play, with play activities relating to players or teams taking turns to progress play towards conclusion of the game. Elements for game play may be presented by a set of physical components or as computer-generated graphical displays.

Brief Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for a game in which individual playing elements are moved around a playing plane during active play, said apparatus configured to present: a three- dimensional playing plane and a grid of subdivision areas of said three-dimensional playing plane, said grid of subdivision areas comprising: subdivision areas of a first type indicating that an individual playing element when moved within a subdivision area of said first type remains available for active play, and subdivision areas of a second type indicating that an individual playing element when moved within a subdivision area of said second type ceases to be available for active play.

In an embodiment, subdivision areas of said first type each present a surface allowing an individual playing element to be supported upon said three-dimensional playing plane, and subdivision areas of said second type present an aperture allowing an individual playing element to be passed through said three-dimensional playing plane.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable medium having computer-readable instructions executable by a computer such that, when executing said instructions, a computer will perform the steps of: producing output signals to generate a graphical display of a three-dimensional playing plane and a grid of subdivision areas of said three-dimensional playing plane, producing output signals to generate a graphical display of a plurality of individual playing elements for moving around said three-dimensional pfaying plane when in active play, and producing output signals to generate a graphical display of a number of available moves for an individual playing element; said grid of subdivision areas comprising: subdivision areas of a first type that present a surface allowing an individual playing element to be supported upon said three-dimensional playing plane, indicating that an individual playing element when moved within a subdivision area of said first type remains available for active play, and subdivision areas of a second type that present an aperture allowing an individual playing element to be passed through said three-dimensional playing plane, indicating that an individual playing element when moved within a subdivision area of said second type ceases to be available for active play.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of indicating progression of play of a game in which individual playing elements are moved around a playing plane during active play, comprising the step of: passing an individual playing element through a three-dimensional playing plane to indicate that said individual playing element ceases to be available for active play.

Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawings Figure 1 shows apparatus providing a playing plane for a game; Figure 2 shows subdivision areas of a playing plane; Figure 3 shows features of a side of a three-dimensional playing plane; Figure 4 shows individual playing elements supported upon a three-dimensional playing plane; Figure 5 shows a net that is foldable between a storage configuration and a three-dimensional play configuration; Figure 6 shows a base for supporting the net of Figure 5 when in the three-dimensional playing configuration; Figure 7 shows the underside of the base of Figure 6; Figure 8 shows the net of Figure 5, in the three-dimensional playing configuration, located within the base of Figure 6; Figure 9 shows the three-dimensional playing plane provided by the net of Figure 5 being removed from the base of Figure 6; and Figure 10 shows an alternative arrangement of game apparatus comprising a data processing device and a visual display unit.

Description of the Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention Figure 1 Apparatus 101 providing a playing plane for a game is illustrated in Figure 1. Apparatus 101 presents a three-dimensional playing plane 102 and a grid of subdivision areas 103 of three-dimensional playing plane 102.

During active play, individual playing elements, such as individual playing elements 104, are moved around the three-dimensional playing plane 102. The grid of subdivision areas 103 comprises subdivision areas of a first type 105 indicating that an individual playing element when moved within a subdivision area of the first type remains available for active play. The grid of subdivision areas 103 also comprises subdivision areas of a second type 106 indicating that an individual playing when moved within a subdivision area of the second type ceases to be available for active play.

In this example, an available move selecting means is provided to indicate one of a plurality of selectable numbers for indicating a number of available moves for an individual playing element. In an embodiment, the available move selecting means is a die 107 although another type of apparatus may be used. Rules may determine whether all available moves must be taken in a turn and whether all available moves must be made using a single individual playing element.

Figure 2 Subdivision areas of a playing plane of an embodiment are illustrated in Figure 2.Ssubdivision areas of the first type, such as subdivision area 201, present a surface allowing an individual playing element 104 to be supported upon the three-dimensional playing plane 102. Subdivision areas of the second type, such as subdivision area 202, present an aperture allowing an individual playing element 104 to be passed through the three-dimensional playing plane 102. Thus, a subdivision area of the second type may be considered to be an exit point'.

According to the shown embodiment, the three-dimensional playing plane 102 is effectively wrapped around a geometric shape. In this way, it provides a continuous playing surface that extends around the corners of the geometric shape. As indicated by arrow 205, during active play, an individual playing element 104 may be passed from the external side of the geometric shape through the three-dimensional playing plane into an interior space within the geometric shape.

In a preferred embodiment, the three-dimensional playing surface 102 presents five sides of a cube and each of the five sides presents a subdivision area of the second type. Each of the five sides displays a seven by seven grid of subdivision areas with a subdivision area of the second type being central within a side. It is to be appreciated however that the exact number, arrangement and shape of sides of the geometric shape and subdivision areas of the first and second types may vary between applications.

In this illustrated embodiment, each of the subdivision areas has a square shape. The game apparatus presents a plurality of individual playing elements 104 for moving around three-dimensional playing plane 102 when in active play. The individual playing elements of the shown example have a cube shape to mirror that of the playing plane, however, the individual playing elements may have an alternative shape. Preferably a plurality of individual playing elements are presented for each player, with each players individual playing elements being distinguished from other players through colouration or configuration for example. The number of players that may be accommodated during play and the number of playing elements that may be allocated to each player may also vary between applications.

Rules for play may determine whether a player may select one or more of a plurality of individual playing elements for use during a turn. Similarly, rules for play may determine that any side presented by the three-dimensional playing plane may be used during a turn.

Figure 3 Figure 3 illustrates features of a side 301 of a three-dimensional playing plane. In an embodiment each of the subdivision areas of the first type indicates one of a question category, a start position, an individual playing element movement instructions. For example, subdivision area 302 indicates a starting position for an individual playing element. Rules may determine whether a player may select one of a plurality of presented starting positions.

During play, each player takes turns to move one of their individual playing elements that are available for active play. The individual playing elements may be moved in accordance with rules. In an application, rules state that individual playing elements may be moved in one of a first direction (such as up and down) or a second normal direction (such as left and right) only.

Subdivision area 303 indicates an individual playing element movement instruction to the effect that an individual playing element when moved within that subdivision area may thereafter move in any of the directions indicated by that instruction. Thus, an individual playing element movement instruction may provide for a change of direction of available movement for the individual playing element. An individual playing element movement instruction may provide for a player to again activate the available move selecting means.

Subdivision area 304 indicates a question category. When an individual playing element is moved within such a subdivision area, the relevant player is asked a question. In accordance with rules in an embodiment, if the player answers the question correctly, the player may continue their turn and again activate the available move selecting means. However, if the player answers the question incorrectly, that players turn is over and play passes to the next player. In this way, players take turns to progress their individual playing elements towards a subdivision area of the second type, such as subdivision area 305, in order to lose that individual playing element. Players aim to lose all of their individual playing elements during play of the game and the winner of the game is the first player to lose all of their playing pieces.

In an embodiment, each side of the three-dimensional playing plane has an associated plurality of subdivision areas of the first type that indicate.a question category from a plurality of question categories provided. For example, where the playing plane comprises five sides, five different question categories may be presented. Thus subdivision area 304 indicates a question category A whilst subdivision area 306 indicates a second question category B. Question categories may include the subject areas of: man made, entertainment, sport and leisure, word play puzzle, and natural world, It is to be appreciated that the number and nature of question categories may vary between applications.

In a preferred embodiment each associated plurality of subdivision areas has a unique question category weighting and as such has an greater number of subdivision areas indicating that question category than the other sides. In this way, where a player has a plurality of individual playing elements available for active play, the player can choose which one to move on the basis of a preferred question category. The player hence has the opportunity to manipulate their own play to exploit a unique question category weighting for their own benefit.

In an embodiment, rules dictate that an individual playing element may not pass through a subdivision area that is occupied by an opponent's individual playing element. A player may use this rule to influence subsequent play. For example, a player may seek to strategically move their individual playing elements to accommodate subdivision areas of the first type that are positioned around a subdivision area of the second type. In this way, a player may hinder an opponent from taking the most direct path towards a subdivision area of the second type and in effect force that opponent to adopt a less efficient route.

Hence, the game apparatus may comprise a display of a set of questions and corresponding answers. For this purpose, a set of cards, The game apparatus may further comprise timing means 308. The timing means may take the form of a sand timer. Rules may provide that a predetermined duration is allocated for a player to give an answer to a question. This may serve to improve the flow of play.

Figure 4 In a preferred embodiment, the three-dimensional playing plane is provided by a laminate, the individual playing elements are physical components. As shown in Figure 4, each individual playing element is configured to be supported upon said three-dimensional playing plane by means of a magnetic attraction between the laminate and the individual playing element. In an embodiment, the laminate comprises a cardboard substrate with a flexible iron covering. At least one portion of an individual playing element comprises material that is magnetically attractive towards the flexible iron.

It is to be understood, the three-dimensional playing plane 102 can support the individual playing elements 104 at a height H above a support surface 401.

Figure 5 As shown in Figure 5, a net may be provided that is foldable between a storage configuration and a three-dimensional play configuration.

In this example, net 501 is foldable to provide five sides of a cube. In an embodiment, the net is reversible so as to present a first selectable three- dimensional playing plane, indicated at 502, and a second selectable three-dimensional playing plane on the reverse side, as indicated at 503. The first and second selectable three-dimensional playing planes may allow selection of a first or second difficulty level or a first or second theme, for example.

Figure 6 Figure 6 shows a base 601 for supporting net 501 when in the three-dimensional playing configuration. In this example, base 601 comprises a first part 602 that is configured to receive a three-dimensional playing plane.

It is to be appreciated that in some embodiments the three-dimensional playing configuration of the net may not be provided with means to enable the three-dimensional playing configuration to be self-supporting. Thus, first part 602 may therefore present a recess 603 configured to receive the net when in the three-dimensional playing configuration and to maintain the three-dimensional playing configuration. Surrounding the recess is an upstanding edge 604, which in this example is continuous but in other applications may comprise a plurality of discrete upstanding portions.

Figure 7 Figure 7 shows the underside 701 of base 601. In this example, base 601 comprises a second part 702 rotatably connected to the first part 602 such that when the second part is located upon a support surface, the first part is rotatable as indicated by arrow 803.

The base may be fabricated from one or more of: wood, plastic, metal.

In an embodiment, the second part is rotatably connected to the first part by means of an arrangement including ball bearings, such as may be found in a lazy susan'. However, alternative arrangements allowing the first part to rotate relative to the second part may be utilised. Preferably the first part is rotatable through 360°, to facilitate play.

Figure 8 Figure 8 shows net 501 located within base 601, in play by first player 801 and second player 802. First player 802 is shown contemplating their next move. Net 501 may be rotated in the directions indicated by arrow 803, in order to facilitate viewing of all sides, and in turn subdivision areas available for receiving an individual playing element.

Figure 9 As previously described, as play progresses towards conclusion of the game, players lose individual playing elements until a player no longer has any individual playing elements available for active play and may then be declared winner.

As shown in Figure 9, the three-dimensional playing plane 102 provided by net 501 may be removed from base 601, typically by lifting it upwardly as indicated by arrow 901, to reveal individual playing elements received inside the three-dimensional playing plane. In an embodiment, a receptacle (not shown) is specifically provided for receiving playing pieces.

A method is thus provided of indicating progression of play of a game that comprises the step of passing an individual playing element through a three-dimensional playing plane to indicate that the individual playing element ceases to be available for active play.

Figure 10 As illustrated in Figure 10, the game apparatus may comprise a data processing device 1001 configured to receive input signals and to generate output signals, and a visual display unit 1002. As an alternative to the shown arrangement, in which these two devices are separate, the game apparatus may comprise a Nintendo DS TM or a laptop for example. Hence, it is to be appreciated that a computer-readable medium having computer-readable instructions executable by a computer may be provided. Thus, when executing the instructions, a computer will perform several steps in order to provide an output presenting playing components of the game. For example, a step would produce output signals to generate a graphical display of a three-dimensional playing plane and a grid of subdivision areas of said three-dimensional playing plane as described above. Another step would produce output signals to generate a graphical display of a plurality of individual playing elements for moving around said three-dimensional playing plane when in active play. A further step would produce output signals to generate a graphical display of a number of available moves for an individual playing element. By such steps, appropriate procedures can be undertaken to display game progression. A computerised version of the game can also provide a method of indicating progression of play of the game that comprises the step of passing an individual playing element through a three-dimensional playing plane to indicate that the individual playing element ceases to be available for active play.

The game apparatus may comprise a display of a set of questions and corresponding answers, and this may be provided by a graphical display, such as a pop-up window. The game apparatus may also provide timing means and again this may be effected graphically.

In an application, provisions may be made to allow content for a set of question to be generated prior to play. Such provisions may allow for one or more players to shape the nature and/or relative frequency of the content of questions generated for a particular play of the game.

In an embodiment, a system to accrue points during play may also be employed. For example, a correct answer given for a question results in the awarding of points. In an application this award is additional to the award of the allowing the player to again activate the available move selecting means. In an embodiment, a player may be allowed to select a bonus category in which a different amount of points are awarded when a question in the bonus category is answered correctly than when a question in another category is answered correctly. This feature allows for players to introduce further tactical aspects of play. In an embodiment, bonus points may be awarded at one or more stages of play, and bonus points may be randomly generated.

Rules may also provide for points to be awarded when a player loses an individual playing element. The amount of points awarded for losing an individual playing element may increase incrementally with each individual playing element lost. Addition points may be awarded to the first player to lose all of their individual playing elements.

It is thus to be appreciated that features as described may be utilised to add a degree of variation between applications or plays of an application.

Claims

Claims 1. Apparatus for a game in which individual playing elements are moved around a playing plane during active play, said apparatus configured to present: a three-dimensional playing plane and a grid of subdivision areas of said three-dimensional playing plane, said grid of subdivision areas comprising: subdivision areas of a first type indicating that an individual playing element when moved within a subdivision area of said first type remains available for active play, and subdivision areas of a second type indicating that an individual playing element when moved within a subdivision area of said second type ceases to be available for active play.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein subdivision areas of said first type each present a surface allowing an individual playing element to be supported upon said three-dimensional playing plane, and subdivision areas of said second type present an aperture allowing an individual playing element to be passed through said three-dimensional playing plane.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said three-dimensional playing surface presents five sides of a cube and each of said five sides presents a subdivision area of said second type.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each of said subdivision areas of said first type indicates one of: a question category, a start position, an individual playing element movement instruction.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each of said five sides has an associated plurality of subdivision areas of said first type that indicate a question category of a plurality of question categories, and each said associated plurality of subdivision areas of said first type has a unique question category weighting.
6. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each of said five sides displays a 7 by 7 grid of subdivision areas.
7. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said subdivision area of said second type is central within a side.
8. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said subdivision areas have a square shape.
9. Apparatus according to claim 3, configured to present a plurality of individual playing elements for moving around said three-dimensional playing plane when in active play.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said individual playing elements have a cube shape.
11. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of individual playing elements are presented for each player.
12. Apparatus according to claim 2, configured to present available move selecting means to indicate one of a plurality of selectable numbers for indicating a number of available moves for an individual playing element.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said available move selecting means comprises a die.
14. Apparatus according to claims 3 and 9, wherein said three-dimensional playing plane is provided by a lamina, said individual playing elements are physical components, and each individual playing element is configured to be supported upon said three-dimensional playing plane by means of a magnetic attraction between said lamina and said individual playing element.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said five sides of a cube are provided by a net that is foldable between a storage configuration and a three-dimensional play configuration.
16. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the net is reversible so as to present first and second selectable three-dimensional playing planes.
17. Apparatus according to c(aim 15, further comprising a base for supporting said net when in said three-dimensional play configuration.
18. Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said base comprises a first part configured to receive and maintain said net when in said three-dimensional play configuration.
19. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said first part presents a recess configured to receive said net when in said three-dimensional play configuration.
20. Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said base comprises a second part rotatably connected to said first part, such that when said second part is located upon a support surface, said first part is rotatable.
21. Apparatus according to any of claims ito 13, comprising a data processing device configured to receive input signals and to generate output signals, and a visual display unit.
22. A computer-readable medium having computer-readable instructions executable by a computer such that, when executing said instructions, a computer will perform the steps of: producing output signals to generate a graphical display of a three- dimensional playing plane and a grid of subdivision areas of said three-dimensional playing plane, producing output signals to generate a graphical display of a plurality of individual playing elements for moving around said three-dimensional playing plane when in active play, and producing output signals to generate a graphical display of a number of available moves for an individual playing element; said grid of subdivision areas comprising: subdivision areas of a first type that present a surface allowing an individual playing element to be supported upon said three-dimensional playing plane, indicating that an individual playing element when moved within a subdivision area of said first type remains available for active play, and subdivision areas of a second type that present an aperture allowing an individual playing element to be passed through said three-dimensional playing plane, indicating that an individual playing element when moved within a subdivision area of said second type ceases to be available for active play.
23. A method of indicating progression of play of a game in which individual playing elements are moved around a playing plane during active play, comprising the step of: passing an individual playing element through a three-dimensional playing plane to indicate that said individual playing element ceases to be available for active play.
24. Apparatus for a game, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.
25. A method of indicating progression of play of a game, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: Claims 1. Game apparatus for a game in which individual playing elements are moved around a playing plane during active play, said apparatus configured to present: a three-dimensional playing plane and a grid of subdivision areas of said three-dimensional playing plane; said grid of subdivision areas comprising: subdivision areas of a first type indicating that an individual playing element when moved within a subdivision area of said first type remains .. : available for active play, and subdivision areas of a second type indicating that an individual playing element when moved within a subdivision area of said second type ceases to be available for active play; a plurality of playing elements for moving around said three-dimensional *:*. playing plane when in active play, and a base; each of said plurality of playing elements is configured to be supported upon said three-dimensional playing plane by means of a magnetic attraction between said three-dimensional playing plane and said individual playing element, and said base comprises a first part for supporting said three-dimensional playing plane and a second part for resting on a support surface, said second part rotatably connected to said first part, whereby said game apparatus is configured such that: when said second part of said base is located upon a support surface and said three-dimensional playing plane is located upon said first part of said base, said three-dimensional playing plane is rotatable relative to the support surface.2. Game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein subdivision areas of said first type each present a surface allowing an individual playing element to be supported upon said three-dimensional playing plane, and subdivision areas of said second type present an aperture allowing an individual playing element to be passed through said three-dimensional playing plane.3. Game apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said S..... : three-dimensional playing surface presents five sides of a cube and each of S... * Isaid five sides presents a subdivision area of said second type. I. * * S. * S.4. Game apparatus according to any of claims ito 3, wherein each of said subdivision areas of said first type indicates one of: a question category, a start position, an individual playing element movement instruction.5. Game apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each of said five sides has an associated plurality of subdivision areas of said first type that indicate a question category of a plurality of question categories, and each said associated plurality of subdivision areas of said first type has a unique question category weighting.6. Game apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each of said five sides displays a 7 by 7 grid of subdivision areas.7. Game apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said subdivision area of said second type is central within a side.8. Game apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said subdivision areas have a square shape.9. Game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said individual playing elements have a cube shape.10. Game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of individual playing elements are presented for each player. * S S ** S S...11. Game apparatus according to claim 1, configured to present *. : available move selecting means to indicate one of a plurality of selectable * *.numbers for indicating a number of available moves for an individual playing element.12. Game apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said available move selecting means comprises a die.13. Game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said three-dimensional playing plane is provided by a laminate.14. Game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said three-dimensional playing plane is provided by a net that is foldable between a storage configuration and a three-dimensional play configuration.15. Game apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the net is reversible so as to present first and second selectable three-dimensional playing planes.16. Game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first part presents a recess configured to receive said three-dimensional playing plane.17. Game apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said recess is surrounded by a continuous upstanding edge.18. Game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second part S...: of said base is rotatably connected to said first part by means of an S... * Sarrangement including ball bearings.S * . *S** 19. Game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said base is **, 15 fabricated from one or more of: wood, plastic, metal.20. Game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said base is rotatable through 3600, 21. Game apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said laminate comprises a cardboard substrate with a flexible iron covering.22. Game apparatus, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.