U.S. patent application number 10/421964 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-16 for game with moveable play space.
This patent application is currently assigned to Team Smartypants!, Inc.. Invention is credited to Champion, Frank Matthew, Champion, Mario M., Zatopek, Mark Christopher.
Application Number | 20030193142 10/421964 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24897430 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030193142 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Champion, Mario M. ; et
al. |
October 16, 2003 |
Game with moveable play space
Abstract
Provided is a game with moveable play space that allows a player
to modify the play space. Spaces within the play space may be
wildcard spaces that initiate modification. Game play space
modifications include manipulations such as column shuffling,
rotating, and flip-flopping. The selection of which portion of the
game play space to modify may be made by the players of the game,
by the space on which a game piece resides, or by the particular
type of game piece that is moved or used. In some embodiments,
different types of players govern modification to the game play
space. In volumetric games, certain volumetric portions are
exchanged with one another during the modification. Modification of
the game play space is performed along various surfaces within the
volumetric game play space, or within certain individual game
sub-volumes that together integrate to form the entire volumetric
game play space.
Inventors: |
Champion, Mario M.; (Austin,
TX) ; Zatopek, Mark Christopher; (Austin, TX)
; Champion, Frank Matthew; (Austin, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREG GOSHORN, P.C.
2110 SLAUGHTER LANE
SUITE 115-119
AUSTIN
TX
78748
US
|
Assignee: |
Team Smartypants!, Inc.
Austin
TX
|
Family ID: |
24897430 |
Appl. No.: |
10/421964 |
Filed: |
April 23, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10421964 |
Apr 23, 2003 |
|
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09721308 |
Nov 22, 2000 |
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6578848 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/292 ;
273/243; 273/258; 273/283 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 9/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/292 ;
273/243; 273/258; 273/283 |
International
Class: |
A63F 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A game having a portion of a game play space that is
movement-capable, comprising: a game play space comprising a
plurality of tiles in a first arrangement; and a selected portion
of the game play space that is operable to be modified during the
course of a game, thereby changing the first arrangement of the
plurality of tiles within the game play space to a second
arrangement.
2. The game of claim 1, wherein the modification is a rotation.
3. The game board of claim 1, wherein the modification is a
flip-flop.
4. The game board of claim 1, wherein the modification is a column
shuffle.
5. The game board of claim 1, wherein the modification is a
combination of different modifications.
6. The game of claim 1, the game further comprising: a plurality of
game modification types; and a plurality of game player types,
wherein a non-null subset of the plurality of game modification
types is only performed by a non-null subset of the plurality of
game player types.
7. The game of claim 1, wherein each of a plurality of players is
able to perform a modification of the game play space a
predetermined number of times during the course of a game.
8. A computer program product for playing a game, comprising:
logic, stored on a computer-readable memory, for generating a game
play space comprising a plurality of tiles; and logic, stored on
the computer-readable memory, for performing a modification at
least once during the course of a game, wherein a modification is
changing a portion of the plurality of tiles from a first
arrangement to a second arrangement.
9. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the
modification is one of a rotation, a flip-flop, and a column
shift.
10. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the
modification is a combination of modifications.
11. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the at least
two non-null subsets of the plurality of tiles are capable to be
interchanged; and the modification is an interchange of the at
least two non-null subsets of the plurality of tiles.
12. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the
modification is initiated by at least one of a player of the game,
a type of game piece used by the player of the game, a type of game
and a location of the player in the game play space.
13. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the game play
space is a three-dimensional game play space.
14. A method to modify a game play space of a game, the method
comprising: selecting a first portion of a game play space; and
modifying the selected first portion of the game play space during
the course of a game, wherein the modification is initiated by one
of a type of game piece used by a player of the game, a type of
game and a location of the player in the game play space
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the modification is one of a
rotation, a flip-flop and a column shift.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the modification is a
combination of different modifications.
17. The method of claim 14, further comprising: selecting a second
portion of the game play space, wherein the modification is an
interchange between the first portion and the second portion.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the game play space is at least
one of a two-dimensional game play space and a three-dimensional
game play space.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein the selected portion of the
game play space comprises at least two volumes within a
three-dimensional game play space.
20. The method of claim 14, further comprising: defining a number
corresponding to the number of times the player may initiate a
modification during the course of the game.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
09/721,308, filed on Nov. 22, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No.______ and
entitled "Game With Moveable Play Space."
[0002] The following U.S. patent application is hereby incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety and made part of the present
U.S. patent application for all purposes:
[0003] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/696,327, now U.S. Patent
No.______ , entitled "Gridbloc Strategy Game," filed Oct. 25,
2000.
BACKGROUND
[0004] 1. Technical Field
[0005] The present invention relates generally to games; and, more
particularly, it relates to a game having at least a portion of the
game space being moveable.
[0006] 2. Related Art
[0007] There is no game known to the inventors having moveable
and/or rotatable game space portions related to a game that is
played in accordance with the present invention. Further
limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional game
systems will become apparent to one of skill in the art through
comparison of such systems with the present invention as set forth
in the remainder of the present application with reference to the
drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Various aspects of the present invention can be found in a
game board having a portion of a game play space that is
movement-capable. The game board includes a game play space having
spaces of a first arrangement, and a selected portion of the game
play space that is operable to be modified. Upon the modification,
the game play space is changed from the first arrangement to a
second arrangement.
[0009] In certain embodiments of the invention, the portion of the
game play space that is movement-capable includes a game board
having uniform blocks arranged in an 8.times.8 block configuration.
The selected portion of the game play space includes a number of
spaces that are arranged contiguously, and the selected portion of
the game play space is modified. The modification of the selected
portion of the game play space is initiated by any number of things
or events including at least one of a player, a type of game piece
used by the player, a type of the game, or a location of the player
in the game play space. Each of any number of players is able to
modify the selected portion of the game play space from the first
arrangement to the second arrangement at least once during the
course of a game. The spaces include spaces of at least two types
of shapes that are inter-mingled. The game play space is at least
one of a two-dimensional game play space and a three-dimensional
game play space. The selected portion of the game play space that
is operable to be modified includes spaces along a surface of a
three-dimensional game play space. The selected portion of the game
play space that is operable to be modified includes at least two
volumes within a three-dimensional game play space.
[0010] Other aspects of the present invention can be found in a
game having a moveable play space. The game includes a game play
space having a number of spaces, and at least two of the spaces are
capable to be interchanged.
[0011] In certain embodiments of the invention, the game includes a
GridBloc game. A selected portion of the game play space is rotated
a predetermined number of degrees. The at least two of the number
of spaces are capable to be interchanged, and the interchanging is
initiated by any number of things or events including at least one
of a player of the game and a type of game piece used by the player
of the game. The game play space is a three-dimensional game play
space in one embodiment, and the game play space is a
two-dimensional game play space in other embodiments. The
modification of a selected portion of the game play space is any
number of modifications including column shifting and
flip-flopping.
[0012] Other aspects of the present invention can be found in a
method to modify a game play space of a game. The method includes
selecting a portion of a game play space, and modifying the
selected portion of the game play space.
[0013] In certain embodiments of the invention, the game includes a
GridBloc game. The modifying the selected portion of the game play
space is initiated by any number of things or events including a
player of the game and a type of game piece used by the player of
the game. In one embodiment, the game play space is a
two-dimensional game play space; in others, the game play space is
a three-dimensional game play space. The selected portion of the
game play space includes at least two volumes within a
three-dimensional game play space.
[0014] Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of the invention when considered in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] A better understanding of the present invention can be
obtained when the following detailed description of various
exemplary embodiments are considered in conjunction with the
following drawings.
[0016] FIG. 1A is a perspective diagram illustrating an embodiment
of a movement-capable game board built in accordance with the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 1B is a perspective diagram illustrating the
movement-capable game board of the FIG. 1A after the movement
operation shown in the FIG. 1A.
[0018] FIG. 2A is a perspective diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement-capable game board built in accordance
with the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2B is a perspective diagram illustrating the
movement-capable game board of the FIG. 2A after the movement
operation shown in the FIG. 2A.
[0020] FIG. 2C is a perspective diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement-capable game board built in accordance
with the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2D is a perspective diagram illustrating the
movement-capable game board of the FIG. 2C after the movement
operation shown in the FIG. 2C.
[0022] FIG. 2E is a perspective diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement-capable game board built in accordance
with the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 2F is a perspective diagram illustrating the
movement-capable game board of the FIG. 2E after the movement
operation shown in the FIG. 2E.
[0024] FIG. 2G is a perspective diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement-capable game board built in accordance
with the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 2H is a perspective diagram illustrating the
movement-capable game board of the FIG. 2G after the movement
operation shown in the FIG. 2G.
[0026] FIG. 21 is a perspective diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement-capable game board built in accordance
with the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 2J is a perspective diagram illustrating the
movement-capable game board of the FIG. 21 after the movement
operation shown in the FIG. 21.
[0028] FIG. 3A is a perspective diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement-capable game board built in accordance
with the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 3B is a perspective diagram illustrating the
movement-capable game board of the FIG. 3A after the movement
operation shown in the FIG. 3A.
[0030] FIG. 4A is a perspective diagram illustrating an embodiment
of a movement-capable conventional game board built in accordance
with the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 4B is a perspective diagram illustrating an embodiment
of a movement-capable non-conventional game board built in
accordance with the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 5A is a perspective diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement-capable non-conventional game board built
in accordance with the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 5B is a perspective diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement-capable non-conventional game board built
in accordance with the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 6A is a perspective diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement-capable non-conventional game board built
in accordance with the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 6B is a perspective diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement-capable non-conventional game board built
in accordance with the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram illustrating an embodiment
of a three-dimensional game play space that is built in accordance
with the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 8 is a perspective diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a three-dimensional game play space that is built in
accordance with the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram illustrating an
embodiment of a movement/rotation game method performed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement/rotation game method performed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement/rotation game method performed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement/rotation chess game method performed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement/rotation chess game method performed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement/rotation game method performed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement/rotation game method performed in
accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] Various number and types of games are able to benefit from
the present invention. Any one-dimensional, two-dimensional or
volumetric game play space is able to use the present invention.
The operations performed by the present invention allow for a much
greater complexity of any given game by offering, virtually,
innumerable variations of the game using the present invention.
From certain perspectives, the ability to modify the play space of
a game allows for a renewing and refreshing of many traditional
games. The ability to modify the game to generate seemingly new
games from traditionally available games greatly enhances the
competitiveness and strategy required to play such games. The
number of times that the various players can employ modifying the
game space can be governed by the players, or alternatively by a
set of rules applied to each game. A number of games are performed
in succession where the winner is determined as having won the
majority of the games of the total number of games played. If
desired, the abilities of the players to modify the game play space
is modified from game to game. For example, in one situation, one
of the players has an advantage to modify the game play space when
compared to the other player (in a two-player game) or to all of
other players (in a multi-player game). Alternatively, the
abilities of the players to modify the game play space are the same
for each and every game.
[0046] As briefly mentioned, the present invention is operable
within any number of different types of games. Certain portions of
a two-dimensional game board are selected and the tiles, or blocks
of that selected portion, are manipulated to modify the game play
space by one of the players of the game. Alternatively, certain
spaces, tiles, or blocks are predetermined as being wildcard or
active spaces, tiles, or blocks, and when one of those spaces,
tiles, or blocks is occupied, a portion of the game play space is
automatically modified. This option is equally operable in any game
play space as well. Other variations will become more apparent by
the representative examples shown below in the various Figures.
[0047] FIG. 1A is a perspective diagram illustrating an embodiment
of a movement-capable game board 100A built in accordance with the
present invention. The movement-capable game board 100A is a
two-dimensional game board having an indefinite dimension m,n. The
spaces, blocks, or tiles of the movement-capable game board 100A
have a first arrangement that is capable to be modified into a
second arrangement. Within this discussion, the use of spaces,
blocks, or tiles is used. It is understood that the appropriate
application of a space, block, or tile, is with respect to the game
play space being of one, two, three, or other multiple dimensions.
A generic nomenclature for any of the types of blocks, tiles, or
other types of portions of a game play space is spaces. A 3.times.3
portion of the game board 100A is shown having the spaces, tiles,
or blocks of 2,2; 2,3; 2,4; 3,2; 3,3; 3,4; 4,2; 4,3; and 4,4. The
portion of the game board 100A described above is contiguous in
this particular embodiment, but the portion need not be in other
embodiments. The entire 3.times.3 portion is rotated 90 degrees
counter-clockwise (ccw) as shown by the arrow in the FIG. 1A. As
mentioned above, the action that initiates the 90 degree rotation
is any number of operations including initiation by any of the
players of the game, by one of the players occupying a wildcard
tile or block of the movement-capable game board 100A.
[0048] FIG. 1B is a perspective diagram illustrating the
movement-capable game board 100B of the FIG. 1A after the movement
operation shown in the FIG. 1A. After performing the 90 degree
rotation in the FIG. 1A, the spaces, tiles, or blocks of 2,2; 2,3;
2,4; 3,2; 3,3; 3,4; 4,2; 4,3; and 4,4 of the FIG. 1A are moved, so
that the same cross section, when viewed from left to right and top
to bottom, is now shown as being the spaces, tiles, or blocks of
2,4; 3,4; 4,4; 2,3; 3,3; 4,3; 2,2; 3,2; and 4,2.
[0049] FIG. 2A is a perspective diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement-capable game board built 200A in
accordance with the present invention. The movement-capable game
board 200A is a two-dimensional game board having an indefinite
dimension m,n. A 3.times.3 portion of the game board 200A is shown
having the spaces, tiles, or blocks of 2,2; 2,3; 2,4; 3,2; 3,3;
3,4; 4,2; 4,3; and 4,4. Two of the columns of the selected
3.times.3 portion are flip-flopped as shown by the arrow in the
FIG. 2A. Again, as mentioned above, the action that initiates the
flip-flop movement is any number of operations including initiation
by any of the players of the game, by one of the players occupying
a wildcard tile or block of the movement-capable game board
200A.
[0050] FIG. 2B is a perspective diagram illustrating the
movement-capable game board 200B of the FIG. 2A after the movement
operation shown in the FIG. 2A. After performing the flip-flop
movement in the FIG. 2A, the spaces, tiles, or blocks of 2,2; 2,3;
2,4; 3,2; 3,3; 3,4; 4,2; 4,3; and 4,4 of the FIG. 2A are moved, so
that the same cross section, when viewed from left to right and top
to bottom, is now shown as being the spaces, tiles, or blocks of
2,4; 2,3; 2,2; 3,4; 3,3; 3,2; 4,4; 4,3; and 4,2.
[0051] FIG. 2C is a perspective diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement-capable game board 200C built in
accordance with the present invention. The movement-capable game
board 200C is a two-dimensional game board having an indefinite
dimension m,n. A 3.times.3 portion of the game board 200C is shown
having the spaces, tiles, or blocks of 2,2; 2,3; 2,4; 3,2; 3,3;
3,4; 4,2; 4,3; and 4,4. The columns of the selected 3.times.3
portion are column shuffled to the right as shown by the arrow in
the FIG. 2C. Again, as mentioned above, the action that initiates
the column shuffle movement is any number of operations including
initiation by any of the players of the game, by one of the players
occupying a wildcard tile or block of the movement-capable game
board 200C.
[0052] FIG. 2D is a perspective diagram illustrating the
movement-capable game board 200D of the FIG. 2C after the movement
operation shown in the FIG. 2C. After performing the column shuffle
movement in the FIG. 2C, the spaces, tiles, or blocks of 2,2; 2,3;
2,4; 3,2; 3,3; 3,4; 4,2; 4,3; and 4,4 of the FIG. 2C are moved, so
that the same cross section, when viewed from left to right and top
to bottom, is now shown as being the spaces, tiles, or blocks of
2,4; 2,2; 2,3; 3,4; 3,2; 3,3; 4,4; 4,2; and 4,3.
[0053] FIG. 2E is a perspective diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement-capable game board 200E built in
accordance with the present invention. The movement-capable game
board 200E is a two-dimensional game board having an indefinite
dimension m,n. A 3.times.3 portion of the game board 200E is shown
having the spaces, tiles, or blocks of 2,2; 2,3; 2,4; 3,2; 3,3;
3,4; 4,2; 4,3; and 4,4. The outer spaces, tiles, or blocks of the
selected 3.times.3 portion are rotated clockwise (cw) one block as
shown by the arrow in the FIG. 2E. Again, as mentioned above, the
action that initiates the rotation movement is any number of
operations including initiation by any of the players of the game,
by one of the players occupying a wildcard tile or block of the
movement-capable game board 200E.
[0054] FIG. 2F is a perspective diagram illustrating the
movement-capable game board 200F of the FIG. 2E after the movement
operation shown in the FIG. 2E. After performing the rotation
movement in the FIG. 2E, the spaces, tiles, or blocks of 2,2; 2,3;
2,4; 3,2; 3,3; 3,4; 4,2; 4,3; and 4,4 of the FIG. 2F are moved, so
that the same cross section, when viewed from left to right and top
to bottom, is now shown as being the spaces, tiles, or blocks of
3,2; 2,2; 2,3; 4,2; 3,3; 2,4; 4,3; 4,4; and 3,4.
[0055] FIG. 2G is a perspective diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement-capable game board 200G built in
accordance with the present invention. The movement-capable game
board 200G is a two-dimensional game board having an indefinite
dimension m,n. A selected portion of the game board 200G is shown
having two 2.times.2 sub-sets: one sub-set of spaces, tiles, or
blocks of 1,3; 1,4; 2,3; and 2,4 and one sub-set of spaces, tiles,
or blocks of 3,2; 3,3; 4,2; and 4,3. The two sub-sets are swapped
as shown by the arrow in the FIG. 2G. Similarly, as mentioned
above, the action that initiates the swapping movement is any
number of operations including initiation by any of the players of
the game, by one of the players occupying a wildcard tile or block
of the movement-capable game board 200G.
[0056] FIG. 2H is a perspective diagram illustrating the
movement-capable game board 200H of the FIG. 2G after the movement
operation shown in the FIG. 2G. After performing the swapping
movement in the FIG. 2G, the sub-set of spaces, tiles, or blocks of
1,3; 1,4; 2,3; and 2,4 and the sub-set of spaces, tiles, or blocks
of 3,2; 3,3; 4,2; and 4,3 of the FIG. 2G are moved, so that the
same cross section, when viewed from left to right and top to
bottom, is now shown as having the swapped sub-sets of the sub-set
of spaces, tiles, or blocks of 3,2; 3,3; 4,2; and 4,3 and the
sub-set of spaces, tiles, or blocks of 1,3; 1,4; 2,3; and 2,4.
[0057] FIG. 2I is a perspective diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement-capable game board 200I built in
accordance with the present invention. The movement-capable game
board 200I is a two-dimensional game board having an indefinite
dimension m,n. A selected portion of the game board 200I is shown
having two 2.times.2 sub-sets: one sub-set of spaces, tiles, or
blocks of 1,3; 1,4; 2,3; and 2,4 and one sub-set of spaces, tiles,
or blocks of 3,2; 3,3; 4,2; and 4,3. The two sub-sets are swapped
and rotated as shown by the arrow in the FIG. 2I. Similarly, as
mentioned above, the action that initiates the swapping and
rotation movement is any number of operations including initiation
by any of the players of the game, by one of the players occupying
a wildcard tile or block of the movement-capable game board 200I.
In addition, a single space, tile, or block of m,2 is rotated
clockwise (cw) 90 degrees. The walls of m,2 are shifted so that the
walls are adjacent to other portions.
[0058] FIG. 2J is a perspective diagram illustrating the
movement-capable game board 200J of the FIG. 2I after the movement
operation shown in the FIG. 2I. After performing the swapping and
rotating movement in the FIG. 2I, the sub-set of spaces, tiles, or
blocks of 1,3; 1,4; 2,3; and 2,4 and the sub-set of spaces, tiles,
or blocks of 3,2; 3,3; 4,2; and 4,3 of the FIG. 2I are moved, so
that the same cross section, when viewed from left to right and top
to bottom, is now shown as having the swapped sub-sets of the
sub-set of spaces, tiles, or blocks of 4,2; 4,3; 3,2; and 3,3 and
the sub-set of spaces, tiles, or blocks of 2,3; 2,4; 1,3; and 1,4.
The rotating shown above may be viewed as being a flipping along an
axis that is parallel to the layout of the movement-capable game
board 200I; for example, the rotation may be viewed as being along
an axis that is aligned along the paper on which the
movement-capable game board 2001 is being illustrated. If desired,
as shown in some of the other embodiments, any rotation may be
along an axis that may be viewed as extending out of the paper on
which a game play space is being illustrated as well. Moreover, the
single space, tile, or block of m,2 that is rotated clockwise (cw)
90 degrees is shown as having its respective walls rotated so that
the walls are adjacent to other portions of other adjacent spaces,
tiles, or blocks.
[0059] FIG. 3A is a perspective diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement-capable game board 300A built in
accordance with the present invention. The movement-capable game
board 300A is a two-dimensional game board having an indefinite
dimension m,n. An indefinitely sized portion of the game board 300A
is shown having the spaces, tiles, or blocks of 2,2; 2,3; . . . ;
2,y; 3,2; 3,3; . . . ; 3,y; . . . ; x,2; x,3; . . . ; and x,y. The
outer spaces, tiles, or blocks of the selected 3.times.3 portion
are rotated clockwise (cw) 180 degrees as shown by the arrow in the
FIG. 3A. Again, as mentioned above, the action that initiates the
rotation movement is any number of operations including initiation
by any of the players of the game, by one of the players occupying
a wildcard tile or block of the movement-capable game board
300A.
[0060] FIG. 3B is a perspective diagram illustrating the
movement-capable game board of the FIG. 3A after the movement
operation shown in the FIG. 3A. After performing the 180 degree
rotation in the FIG. 3A, the spaces, tiles, or blocks of 2,2; 2,3;
. . . ; 2,y; 3,2; 3,3; . . . ; 3,y; . . . ; x,2; x,3; . . . ; and
x,y of the FIG. 1A are moved, so that the same cross section, when
viewed from left to right and top to bottom, is now shown as being
the spaces, tiles, or blocks of x,y; . . . ; x,3; x,2; . . . ; 3,y;
. . . ; 3,3; 3,2; 2,y; . . . ; 2,3; and 2,2.
[0061] Clearly, the FIGS. 1A-3B are illustrative of the movements
of portions of the game boards that can be performed in accordance
with the present invention. Other movements, including any number
of degree rotations can also be performed. Any other movements can
also be performed. Any sized portion, including non-square or
non-rectangular portions, is also capable to be selected. The
portions shown above are representative of one particular type of
portions that can be selected while practicing the present
invention. Moreover, the movements capable within those selected
portions are any combination of movement where there is movement of
at least two spaces, tiles, or blocks within the entire game play
space.
[0062] FIG. 4A is a perspective diagram illustrating an embodiment
of a movement-capable conventional game board 400A built in
accordance with the present invention. The movement-capable
conventional game board 400A is viewed as being a game board having
uniform blocks arranged in an 8.times.8 block configuration. The
movement-capable conventional game board 400A is a standard
8.times.8 checker or chess board. Any other number of games capable
of being played on the standard 8.times.8 checker or chess board
are also operable in accordance with the present invention. If
desired, the initiation of the movement of a selected portion of
the play space is made only by a particular type of game piece. For
example, in a checkers implementation, perhaps only a king type of
game piece is able to initiate any modification of the game play
space. In a chess implementation, perhaps only a bishop, a knight,
or a rook type of game piece is able to initiate any modification
of the game play space. Alternatively, the present invention is
operable such that different types of game pieces each have an
ability to perform modification of the game play space in different
ways. Other selections of the available types of game pieces is
also able to be performed.
[0063] FIG. 4B is a perspective diagram illustrating an embodiment
of a movement-capable non-conventional game board 400B built in
accordance with the present invention. The movement-capable
non-conventional game board 400B is exemplary of a two-dimensional
(2D) board, having tiles of hexagonal shape. The movement-capable
non-conventional game board 400B is indefinitely scaleable. As
described above in variations of game play spaces above having
substantially square spaces, tiles, or blocks, irrespective of the
sizes of the game play spaces, any number of modifications or any
number of portions of the movement-capable non-conventional game
board 400B is able to be performed while practicing the present
invention.
[0064] FIG. 5A is a perspective diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement-capable non-conventional game board built
in accordance with the present invention. The movement-capable
non-conventional game board 500A is exemplary of a two-dimensional
(2D) board, having tiles of cross-like shape. The movement-capable
non-conventional game board 500A is indefinitely scaleable. As
described above in variations of game play spaces above having
substantially square spaces, tiles, or blocks, irrespective of the
sizes of the game play spaces, any number of modifications or any
number of portions of the movement-capable non-conventional game
board 500A is able to be performed while practicing the present
invention.
[0065] FIG. 5B is a perspective diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement-capable non-conventional game board built
in accordance with the present invention. The movement-capable
non-conventional game board 500B is exemplary of a two-dimensional
(2D) board, having tiles of triagonal shape. The movement-capable
non-conventional game board 500B is indefinitely scaleable. As
described above in variations of game play spaces above having
substantially square spaces, tiles, or blocks, irrespective of the
sizes of the game play spaces, any number of modifications or any
number of portions of the movement-capable non-conventional game
board 500B is able to be performed while practicing the present
invention.
[0066] FIG. 6A is a perspective diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement-capable non-conventional game board built
in accordance with the present invention. The movement-capable
non-conventional game board 600A is exemplary of a two-dimensional
(2D) board, having tiles of rectangular shape. The movement-capable
non-conventional game board 600A is indefinitely scaleable. As
described above in variations of game play spaces above having
substantially square spaces, tiles, or blocks, irrespective of the
sizes of the game play spaces, any number of modifications or any
number of portions of the movement-capable non-conventional game
board 600A is able to be performed while practicing the present
invention.
[0067] FIG. 6B is a perspective diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement-capable non-conventional game board built
in accordance with the present invention. The movement-capable
non-conventional game board 600B is exemplary of a two-dimensional
(2D) board, having tiles of both octagonal and square shapes that
are inter-mingled. More generally, the movement-capable
non-conventional game board 600B is exemplary of a two-dimensional
(2D) board, having tiles, spaces, or blocks of at least two types
of shapes that are inter-mingled. The movement-capable
non-conventional game board 600B is indefinitely scaleable. As
described above in variations of gate play spaces above having
substantially square spaces, tiles, or blocks, irrespective of the
sizes of the game play spaces, any number of modifications or any
number of portions of the movement-capable non-conventional game
board 600B is able to be performed while practicing the present
invention.
[0068] FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram illustrating an embodiment
of a three-dimensional game play space 700 that is built in
accordance with the present invention. The three-dimensional game
play space 700 is a movement-capable, three-dimensional game board
having an indefinite dimension x,y,z. Each of the individual
volumetric blocks within the three-dimensional game play space 700
is an individual tile or block within a single game in some
embodiments of the present invention. Alternatively, each
volumetric blocks within the three-dimensional game play space 700
is an individual tile or block representing an additional,
individual game that is coupled to the other volumetric blocks. For
example, the spaces, tiles, or blocks along and within each of the
individual volumetric blocks of the three-dimensional game play
space 700 are able to be modified in accordance with the present
invention. Moreover, the various volumetric blocks themselves are
able to be interchanged with one another as well. For example, the
volume shown as 1,1,1 is able to be interchanged with any other of
the volumetric blocks within the three-dimensional game play space
700. Movement or modification of the game play space is able to be
performed within a single surface of a volumetric block or among
multiple surfaces within a single volumetric block or among
multiple volumetric blocks.
[0069] FIG. 8 is a perspective diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a three-dimensional game play space 800 that is built
in accordance with the present invention. The three-dimensional
game play space 800 is exemplary of an embodiment of the invention
having multiple surfaces. Various types of surfaces are used in the
three-dimensional game play space 800. A non-planar surface 810, a
non-planar surface 820, and a non-planar surface 830 are all part
of the three-dimensional game play space 800. Multiple other sides
complete this particular implementation of the three-dimensional
game play space 800 to enclose a volume. Some of the sides of a
three-dimensional game play space are planar in certain embodiments
of the invention. If desired, both interior and exterior sides of
the various surfaces of the three-dimensional game play space 800
are used to employ grids having tiles that are used for various
player interaction in accordance with the present invention.
[0070] In addition, an optional volumetric cutout 890 is cut out of
the center of the three-dimensional game play space 800. Such a
cutout not only further limits the various surfaces of the
three-dimensional game play space 800, but it also generates
additional surfaces on which various players interact.
[0071] Moreover, the playing of a game, in accordance with the
present invention, is performed not only among the various surfaces
of the three-dimensional game play space 800, but also within the
interior volume of the three-dimensional game play space 800. For
example, a three-dimensional game volume is employed instead of
solely the two-dimensional surfaces of the three-dimensional game
play space 800.
[0072] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram illustrating an
embodiment of a movement/rotation game method 900 performed in
accordance with the present invention. In a block 910, a game board
portion or volume portion is selected. Then, in a block 920,
movement options are selected for the portion selected in the block
910. If desired in an alternative embodiment, rotation options are
selected for the portion selected in the block 925. In some
embodiments of the inventions, both of the blocks 920 and 925 are
performed in the movement/rotation game method 900. Finally,
playing of the game is performed in a block 930 using simple types
of movements after the selection of the movement and/or rotation is
performed in the block 920 or in the blocks 920 and 925.
[0073] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement/rotation game method 1000 performed in
accordance with the present invention. In a block 1010, a player #1
performs a move and/or rotate operation. Subsequently, in a block
1020, a player #2 performs a move and/or rotate operation. The FIG.
10 is illustrative of an embodiment of the present invention where
only two players play the game, and each player is proffered a
single move and/or rotate operation. If desired, the single use of
the move and/or rotate operation is viewed as being a power move
available to each of the users once during a given round or
game.
[0074] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement/rotation game method 1100 performed in
accordance with the present invention. In a block 1110, a move
and/or rotate operation is performed using a trait #1. Then, in a
block 1120, a move and/or rotate operation is performed using a
trait #2. Then, in a block 1130, a move and/or rotate operation is
performed again using the trait #1 . Then, in a block 1140, a move
and/or rotate operation is performed using a trait #3. Then, in a
block 1150, a move and/or rotate operation is performed using a
trait #4. Then again in a block 1160, a move and/or rotate
operation is performed using the trait #4. After an indefinite
number of move and/or rotate operations have been performed, in a
block 1190, a move and/or rotate operation is performed with a
trait #N. The FIG. 11 is illustrative of an embodiment of the
present invention where single or multiple players play the game,
and the single or multiple players are proffered any number of move
and/or rotate operations, some of the move and/or rotate operations
are of various types.
[0075] FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement/rotation chess game method 1200 performed
in accordance with the present invention. The movement/rotation
chess game method 1200 is operable within the context of a chess
game. In a block 1210, a player moves and/or rotates with a pawn
trait. Subsequently, in a block 1220, a player also moves and/or
rotates with the pawn trait. The movement and/or rotation in the
blocks 1210 and 1220 are performed by the same player in some
embodiments of the inventions; alternatively, the same player again
performs the movement and/or rotation using the pawn trait. After
an indefinite number of movements and/or rotations, in a block
1290, a player also moves and/or rotates with the pawn trait.
Similarly as stated above, the movement and/or rotation in the
block 1290 is performed by the same player in some embodiments of
the inventions; alternatively, the same player again performs the
movement and/or rotation using the pawn trait.
[0076] In other embodiments, the movement/rotation chess game
method 1200 employs various movement and/or rotation traits for
each of the various pieces of the chess game. For example, each of
the various pieces is capable to have different game play space
modification abilities. For example, in one such an embodiment, in
a block 1215, a player also moves and/or rotates with any of the
particular piece's traits. Subsequently, in a block 1225, a player
also moves and/or rotates with any of the particular piece's
traits. The movement and/or rotation in the blocks 1215 and 1225
are performed by the same player in some embodiments of the
inventions; alternatively, the same player again performs the
movement and/or rotation using the various pieces' traits. After an
indefinite number of movements and/or rotations, in a block 1295, a
player also moves and/or rotates with any of the particular piece's
traits. Similarly as stated above, the movement and/or rotation in
the block 1295 is performed by the same player in some embodiments
of the inventions; alternatively, the same player again performs
the movement and/or rotation using any of the particular piece's
traits.
[0077] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement/rotation chess game method 1300 performed
in accordance with the present invention. In a block 1310, a player
moves and/or rotates with a pawn trait. Subsequently, in a block
1320, a player moves and/or rotates with a bishop trait.
Subsequently, in a block 1330, a player moves and/or rotates with a
queen trait. Subsequently, in a block 1340, a player moves and/or
rotates with a rook trait. Subsequently, in a block 1350, a player
moves and/or rotates with a knight trait. Subsequently, in a block
1360, a player moves and/or rotates with a king trait. After an
indefinite number of movements and/or rotations, if desired in a
block 1390, a player moves and/or rotates with any of the
previously-used traits. The movement and/or rotation in all of the
blocks within the movement/rotation chess game method 1300 are
performed by the same player in some embodiments of the inventions;
alternatively, the same player again performs the movement and/or
rotation using the various piece's traits.
[0078] A GridBloc game is operable to be performed using the
present invention. In one embodiment of the GridBloc game, there
are various types of runners including that of a mouse
(R.sub.mouse), a bee (R.sub.bee), a kangaroo (R.sub.kangaroo), a
cheetah (R.sub.cheetah), and a doodlebug or a basicbug
(R.sub.basicbug or a R.sub.doodlebug).
[0079] A runner R.sub.mouse has an ability to pass into a wall. The
runner R.sub.mouse is able to create a "mousehole" into an edging
wall and move through contiguous walls exiting into any other
directly edged tile. The runner R.sub.mouse is unable to enter or
exit through the "end" of a wall. If desired, the number of times
such a special trait may be used is limited to a predetermined
number of times within a given game.
[0080] A runner R.sub.bee has an ability to jump a wall. The runner
R.sub.bee is able to move from any tile to any other tile
regardless of the wall configuration. One example of the movement
of the runner R.sub.bee is when the runner is completely enclosed
by walls. The runner R.sub.bee then invokes its special power and
"flies" free to any other tile. If desired, the number of times
such a special trait may be used is limited to a predetermined
number of times within a given game.
[0081] A runner R.sub.kangaroo has an ability to break down a wall.
The runner R.sub.kangaroo has an ability to knock down a wall,
either temporarily or permanently, and then proceed to a next tile
where it performs a regular move. Again, the number of times this
special trait may be used is limited in certain embodiments of the
invention. If desired, the number of times such a special trait may
be used is limited to a predetermined number of times within a
given game.
[0082] A runner R.sub.cheetah has an ability to move very quickly.
The runner R.sub.cheetah moves several spaces in a single movement
in certain embodiments of the invention. If desired, the total
number of tiles across which the runner R.sub.cheetah is allowed to
move is controlled or fixed to a predetermined number of tiles. It
is variable in other embodiments, such as a function of the total
number of accumulated points that the runner R.sub.cheetah
currently has. If desired, the number of times such a special trait
may be used is limited to a predetermined number of times within a
given game.
[0083] A runner R.sub.basicbug or a R.sub.doodlebug has an ability
to move at the most basic level offered in accordance with the
present invention. For example, in one embodiment in a GridBloc
board having square shaped tiles, the runner R.sub.basicbug or a
R.sub.doodlebug is able only to move one block at a time in a given
turn.
[0084] FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement/rotation game method 1400 performed in
accordance with the present invention. In a block 1410, a player
moves and/or rotates with a basicbug trait. Subsequently, in a
block 1420, a player also moves and/or rotates with the basicbug
trait. After an indefinite number of movements and/or rotations, if
desired in a block 1490, a player also moves and/or rotates with
the basicbug trait. The movement and/or rotation in all of the
blocks within the movement/rotation game method 1400 are performed
by the same player in some embodiments of the inventions;
alternatively, the same player again performs the movement and/or
rotation using the various piece's traits.
[0085] FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram illustrating another
embodiment of a movement/rotation game method 1500 performed in
accordance with the present invention. In a block 1510, a player
moves and/or rotates with a basicbug trait. Subsequently, in a
block 1520, a player also moves and/or rotates with the basicbug
trait. Subsequently, in a block 1530, a player moves and/or rotates
with a mouse trait. Subsequently, in a block 1540, a player moves
and/or rotates with the basicbug trait. Subsequently, in a block
1550, a player moves and/or rotates with a bee trait. Subsequently,
in a block 1560, a player moves and/or rotates with the basicbug
trait. After an indefinite number of movements and/or rotations, if
desired in a block 1590, a player moves and/or rotates with the
basicbug trait. The movement and/or rotation in all of the blocks
within the movement/rotation chess game method 1500 are performed
by the same player in some embodiments of the inventions;
alternatively, the same player again performs the movement and/or
rotation using the various piece's traits.
[0086] A game performed in accordance with the present invention is
employed using any number of techniques. For example, the present
invention is operable to be performed simply using a paper and pen
or pencil. A hand operated implementation of the present invention
is performed in such a manner. More sophisticated implementations
are also performed using technologically advanced platforms such as
computers. In fact, any computer processor that is operable to be
programmed with the functionality to modify at least a portion of
the game play space may be used to perform the game played in
accordance with the present invention.
[0087] Moreover, when desired, any of the various traits and
options of a game that is performed in accordance with the present
invention are predefined. For example, a default setting is used at
certain times, thereby allowing a user to initiate a game very
quickly without having to select each and every permutation
possible. A user is able to store or save certain predefined
settings for these default situations.
[0088] In view of the above detailed description of the present
invention and associated drawings, other modifications and
variations will now become apparent to those skilled in the art. It
should also be apparent that such other modifications and
variations may be effected without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention.
* * * * *