IL46221A - Structural model game - Google Patents

Description

A Structural Model Game *J3B na pnt?o The adapted for s on making while trying to achieve a defined objective.

The objective of th s model game 1s, 1n general, to assemble a given number of basic units 1n a specified spatia configuration, which configuration when completed determines a secondary unit of higher value, a specified spatial assembly of a given number of secondary units when completed determining a tertiary unit of still higher value and so on.

The term value as used herein 1s subjected to each of several definitions dependent on the embodiment being used and the goals to be achieved. Thus the term value can refer to "point' value" In a game where the goal 1s to achieve a maximum number of points; the term value can refer to "value to the user" when the units represent factors to be taken Into account and necessary for achieving a goal which goal Itself 1s defined as the highest value; or value can refer to a "structured level of predetermined value" as described hereinafter with reference to one of th preferred embodiments of the present Invention.

The objective of one type of structural model game according to the present Invention 1s to assemble from a given number of basic units, a substructure having a defined spatial configuration which substructure when completed constitutes the basis for a higher level of secondary structure and the assembly, distribution or aggregation of a prescribed number of such higher level structures entitles the player to assemble a still higher or tertiary structure.

As a non-1 Imitative example only, 1t can therefore be stated that 1n said embodiment the significance of a substructure of a given level 1s the circumscription of a two or three dimensional domain which enables the "owner" to progress towards achieving a further higher level structure wherein the achievement of each higher level 1s based on the expansion of the domain of the basis level 1n pyramid-Uke form.

According to a broad aspect of the present Invention there 1s provided a model game especially adapted for developing abi lity and concepts In planning and decision making, said game being characterized by the development of at least two dimensional structures assembled from a given number of basic uni ts , wherein the completion of a specified particular spatial disposition of said basic units determines a secondary unit of higher val ue and the completion of a specified particular spatial disposition of at least two of said secondary units determines a tertiary unit of still higher value and wherein at least three basic un1$s must be disposed 1n a specified spatial configuration 1n order to determine a secondary unit, said secondary and/or tertiary units are adapted to superpose said assembled basic units and/or secondary units , and the object of said game 1s to achieve a maximum number of highest values.

This model game may be played by two or more opponents , in which case each opponent has to take Into account the constantly changing conditions 1n the field when planning his own moves and must attempt to achieve a maximum number of highest values while preventing his opponent from doing the same.

When however, the game 1s being used by a single ndividual the player may try to plan the best way for achieving the defined objective while overcoming preprogrammed set-1n obstacles.

The game can be developed In accordance with prescribed rules in two or three dimensions , after defining the basic configuration of the substructures of each level . For example 1n a three dimensional model , a substructure composed of three spatially disposed units describing certain prescribed angles 1n three axes between each of any two units can this three dimensional example one can easily envision a multiplicity of ways using preformed means for the spatial ^ Interconnection between said units like male-female connec-tors or magnetically held 1nterengag1ng units.

In accordance with a more practical embodiment, the game Is played on a preprogrammed board which Inherently sets out n advance the highest level or value which can be achieved based on a preset number of possible programs and available units. The units are moved under prescribed rules on the board 1n an attempt to capture a desired domain or field 1n which said units can form a substructure when achieving by deliberate planned moves a prescribed spatial orientation e.g. a complete square, circle or the like. This achievement entitles the substructure to be crowned or superposed with an overriding un t which signifies a substructure of a higher level. The model game can be now further developed by assembling a prescribed number of such substructures on said preprogrammed board 1n a certain disposition which, upon Its completion, entitles again, the newly formed spatial configuration of such substructures to be crowned (or replaced) with an overriding unit signifying a unit of still a higher level.

While the Invention will now be described In connection with certain preferred embodiments, It will be understood that It 1s not Intended to 11m1t the Invention to these particular embodiments. On the contrary, 1t 1s Intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalent arrangements as may be Included within the scope of the Invention as defined by the appended claims. Nevertheless 1t Is believed that the embodiments of the Invention will be more fully understood from a consideration of the following Illustrative description read 1n conjunction with the accompanying drawings, In which; Fig. 1 Illustrates the model game ncluding a board, two sets of distinct units and value or level Indicators; Fig. 2 Illustrates the game board having program markings depicted thereon; Fig. 3 Illustrates the proposed movement steps of a un t on the board; F1g. 4 llustrates the proposed movement steps of a substructure on the board; and F1g. 5 Illustrates a condition for exchange between two units.

Referring now to F1g. 1 In which there 1s Illustrated a clear and simple example of a possible embodiment of the model game to be played by two players, there Is shown a board 12, two corresponding distinct sets of twenty-one round peg-units 14 and 14', respectively, which constitute a first level; five second level disc or ball Indicators 16 and 16'; and similarly shaped third level ndicators 18 and 18'.

The basic peg-units 14, 14' and the level Indicators 16, 16'; 18,18* are equipped with any known means adapted to hold the same In position on the board 12 and to allow the same to be superposed one on top of the other or others as for example shown 1n F1g. 1. Such means may Include a male-female demountable arrangement or magnetic means whereby the units and level Indicators are held 1n their placed position. Using the male-female arrangement, each of the peg-units 14,14* may be fitted with a short stem adapted to be Inserted Into suitably provided holes In the board 12. Each peg-unit may also be equipped with an oppsitely disposed second stem on which the second and third level Indicators 16,16', 18,18' could be superposed. Preferably, each level Indicator has twice the diameter of Its preceding level or unit.

Turning now also to F1g. 2, 1t can be seen that the board game 12 may be a square divided Into one hundred and twenty one equal partially overlapping programs indicated by numerals 1 to 9· As seen 1n F1g. 1 with relation to program 9 each program Is^-a square set on a 45* angle with relation to the sides of the board within which a superstructure of three layers of twenty-one first level units 14 or 14', five second level ndicators 16 or 16* and one third level Indicator 18 or 18'can be assembled. As shown in Fig. 1, said superstructure 1s a unique symmetrical disposition of the units and level Indicators wherein five symmetrically disposed first level units 14 or 14* constitute a substructure entitling the superposition of a second level indicator 16 or 16' and similarly, five symmetrically disposed second level substructures entitle the achievement of the highest third level superstructure. In the embodiment shown use of a basic unit 14,14* 1n two adjacent substructures Is envisioned.

It should however be realized that while In the present Illustrated one hundred and twenty one cell programmed board and the given number of units and level Indicators the objective of the game 1s to reach said third highest level superstructure, boards of greater capacities and having different programs for disposition of units and greater number of units and Indicators can lead to various other superstrucutres of still higher levels of more Involved and complicated structures.

In accordance with a proposed set of rules for said game there are provided two general possibilities of movement of the units and level ndicators namely movements from the exterior of the board to Its Interior and movement within the Interior of the board. The conditions of movement of the units and Indicators from the exterior to the Interior of the board are different for each level: a first level unit 14,14* can be moved from the exterior of the board and placed on any of the to superpose five first level units once they have been disposed In the prescribed substructure; and finally, a third level 1n^ cator 18,18* can be moved In from the exterior only to superpose five second level substructures once they have been disposed 1n the prescribed manner, thus also superposl tlonlng twenty one first level units.

Referring now to F1g. 3, a first level unit 14, once placed on the board may be maneuvered 1n a horizontal, vertical or diagonal direction on the board, as Indicated by the arrows by a displacement of a unit over a single cell only.

The movement of a second level structure with Its five component basic units 14' and one second level Indicator 16' within the board 1s a process of at least 12 steps which consists essentially of the sequence involving the removal of said second level Indicator from the structure; the transposition of the The mechanism of the game with respect to policies and objectives will now be described.

In general . each player has to choose between two main oHdes 1n order to reach the objective of constructing a complete program as Illustrated for example In Fig. 1. The first policy Is based on a gain of time while the second policy Is based on a gain of space. In the first policy, there are two possible situations that allow each of the opponents to achieve an Initial program without Interfering with the program of the other. These situations are true for the programs 1 and 9 or 3 and 7 when built simultaneously and side by side. However, the case of both sides fulfilling their programs simultaneously s rather rare because of the overlapping of programs and the Inter-dependence of both sides at least at the beginning of the play when the choice of programs by each side 1s still unkown to the opponents. These conditions lead to the result that one side may, by preplanning a program Involving a minimum number of moves, achieve the completion of a program before the other merely by the gain of time achieved through said minimum number of moves.

With regard to the policy based on gain of space, it can be seen In F1g, 2 that the choice of programs 2, 4, 5, 6 and 8 as objectives, leave no room for the opponent to achieve any program. Hence, the adoption of this policy 1f principally based on the achievement of a greater number of levels or substructures 1n relation to the opponent. Within the framework of these two main policies one may develop various subpolldes 1n order to reach a fixed objective. For example, by changing an Initial program Into another during the play; or by sfcateglcally utilizing to the fullest the capacity of movement or maneuvering of the units one may achieve greater flexibility 1n Influencing the game In accordance with various options as they develop; Thus, e.g., as described hereinbefore, a unit possesses a better capacity of movement while 1t Is still positioned outside the board than φ when 1t 1s Inside and therefor 1t may prove an advantage to retain a limited number of units outside the board.

One of the difficult and yet Interesting aspects of the present game resides 1n attempting to predetermine the planned layout of a substructure of an opponent 1n order to nterfere with said planned layout and thus prevent the opponent from Therefore in accordance with another possible aspect of the nvention there are provided specific rules for Interference situations, I.e. when ntentlally or unknowingly one situates a un t or several units In the opponent's field or domain. With reference to F1g. 5, It can be seen that such a situation obstructs both χ sides from achieving a complete substructure of a higher leyel .

While the choice of program 5, being centerally located (see s Fig. 2) provides the greatest maneuverability on the board, said program contains a minimum of four obstacle cells which derive - realized that 1n such a choice obstructing units may often be encountered. In a case where an obstacle or obstacles 1n , ' opponents fields or domains obstruct the further developing of a program substantially equally, exchange between units can be carried out. Such an exchange may take place as shown 1n F1g. 5, only between units of similar levels and with mutual agreement.

The game can come to a conclusion when one of the players has attained a third level structure or when neither party has attained such a structure and It 1s agreed to determine the winner on the basis of the relative value achievements.

While the game 1n Its preferred embodiments will be commonly played with three dimensional unit pieces, 1t will be realized that such pieces could be projected on a two dimensional telescreen* on which screen the game could be played.

It should be mentioned that while in Its preferred most simple form, the basic units and the substructures of the various levels are all of simple basic geometrical shapes and configurations such as round, square, triangular or polygonal units which are assembled Into a first substructure prescribing for example a circle, triangle, square or other symmetrical form this need not be always the case. Asymmetrical forms and configurations of units and substructures could also be used.

Moreover, the units e.g. basic units need not be Identical 1n shape or configuration. Thus symmetrical or asymmetrical structures composed of units of different shapes and configuration can also be assembled In accordance with the present Invention.

Finally, It will be evident to those skilled 1n the art that the Invention Is not limited to the details of the foregoing Illustrative embodiments and that the present Inventio may be embodied In other specific forms without departing from from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and 1t s therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered k all respects as Illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims, rather than tc the foregoing description, 1n which 1t 1s ntended to claim all modifications coming within the scope and spirit of the Invention.

Claims (6)

46221/3 * CLAIMS:

1. A model game especially adapted for developing ability and concepts 1n planning and decision making, said game being characterized by the development of at least two dimensional structures assembled from a given number of basic units, wherein the completion of a specified particular spatial disposition of said basic units determines a secondary unit of higher value and the completion of a specified particular spatial disposition of at least two of said secondary units determines a tertiary unit of still higher value and wherein at least three basic units must be disposed In a specified spatial configuration In order to determine a secondary unit, said secondary and/or tertiary units are adapted to superpose said assembled basic units and/or secondary units, and the object of said game 1s to achieve a maximum number of highest values.

2. The game as claimed 1n claim 1 wherein the spatial disposition of said units describe any symmetric or asymaetrlc Configuration.

3. A competitive model game according to claim 1 comprising at least two distinct sets of basic and optionally higher value units wherein the object of said game 1s to achieve a maximum number of higher values while using one or more of said units to block an opponent from completing a predetermined particular spatial disposition of his units.

4. The game as claimed 1n claim 1 wherein said units are adapted to be disposed on a preprogrammed game board.

5. The game as claimed 1n claim 4 wherein said units are adapted to be maneuvered on said board 1n accordance with preset rules.

6. The game as claimed n claim 1 wherein said basic units The game as claimed 1n claim 7 wherein the assembly, distribution or aggregation of a prescribed number of hlgher^^ level structures 1n a predetermined configuration constitutes the basis for the formation of a still higher level of structure, The game as claimed 1n claim 7 having any prescribed number of structural levels. The game as claimed 1n claim 6 having at least thred structural levels. / . The game as claimed in claim 7 wherein each of said levels Is defined by a further unit. The game as claimed In claim 7 wherein said units are spatially disposed to define said substructures by means of the Interlinking of said individual units. The game as claimed 1n claim 1 wherein at least three basic units must be disposed 1n a specified spatial configuration 1n order to determine a secondary unit, l^. A model game substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the Applicant Wolff, Breg an and Goller