Dynamic gameboard

A dynamic gameboard comprising an electronic control system and a board having a plurality of dynamic board pieces, wherein the electronic control system includes a server, lift control board and a user interface, the server having a first processor, a first memory, and a first communication device, wherein instructions are stored on the first memory to cause the first processor to direct the lift control board to instruct the plurality of dynamic board pieces to move between a first position and a second position, and between the second position and the first position, where the first position is a fully extended up position and the second position is a fully recessed down position; the lift control board having a second processor, a second memory, and a second communication device, and the user interface having a third processor, a third memory, and a third communication device.

BACKGROUND

A physical game generally requires a combination of the mental and physical ability and requires the player to be aware of a goal to be achieved by playing the game. There are several games, such as, a mini golf course, a maze course, an obstacle course, etc., that are currently known which has a plurality of obstacles that a player needs to navigate during play. However, a path and the associated obstacles in these games are static and cannot be changed without manual intervention. Once the game is solved the first few times, players acquire the necessary knowledge to complete the game successively, losing with it interest in the game, which causes the game to lose values in the eyes of the game player and game owners.

SUMMARY

Wherefore, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings and drawbacks associated with the current technology.

The present disclosure relates, generally, to gameboards. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to dynamic gameboards having a plurality of dynamic board pieces adapted to move between an extended position and a recessed position.

The present invention relates to methods and dynamic gameboards comprising an electronic control system and a board having a plurality of dynamic board pieces, wherein the electronic control system includes a server, lift control board and a user interface, the server having a first processor, a first memory, and a first communication device, wherein instructions are stored on the first memory to cause the first processor to direct the lift control board to instruct the plurality of dynamic board pieces to move between a first position and a second position, and between the second position and the first position, where the first position is a fully extended up position and the second position is a fully recessed down position; the lift control board having a second processor, a second memory, and a second communication device, and the user interface having a third processor, a third memory, and a third communication device. According to a further embodiment, the plurality of dynamic board pieces includes a plurality of tiles and a respective lift mechanism that raises and lowers each tile. According to a further embodiment, the tile has a substantially planar top surface and substantially planar side surfaces, and the top surface is shaped as one of a right triangle, an equilateral triangle, a triangle with two interior angles measuring 45 degrees, a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, a trapezoid, and a regular polygon. According to a further embodiment, the lift mechanism includes one of a pneumatic piston, a hydraulic piston, a lead screw, a scissor lift, a linear actuator, rack and pinon, a worm screw, a servo, and a geared servo. According to a further embodiment, the lift mechanism including three lead screws arranged at a periphery of the tile, and a stepper motor functionally connected to the three lead screws via a belt. According to a further embodiment, the lift mechanism including a scissor lift, a servo, and a spring, wherein the spring one of biases the scissor lift in the first position and biases the scissor lift in the second position, and wherein the lift mechanism allows collapse under object weight to the second position. According to a further embodiment, the plurality of tiles is arranged such that when one or more tiles are raised adjacent to one or more tile that is lowered, the raised tiles define a wall and the lowered tiles defines a floor. According to a further embodiment, the dynamic gameboard further comprises sensors that sense movement of an object across the board, wherein the sensors relay data to the second processor and instructions stored in the second memory direct one or more of the plurality of tiles to move in an upward or downward position in response to sensor data. According to a further embodiment, the sensors are embedded in one or more of the plurality of tiles. According to a further embodiment, the second memory stores instructions to direct one or more of the plurality of tiles to continuously move between the first position and the second position. According to a further embodiment, the second memory stores instructions to direct one or more of the plurality of tiles to move to and maintain for a period of time a position that is between the up position and down position. According to a further embodiment, the board supports an adult human weight standing on the board when the tiles are both in the first position and the second position. According to a further embodiment, the tiles are spring biased to the second position.

The present invention further relates to devices and methods for a user to operate a dynamic gameboard, the dynamic gameboard having an electronic control system and board, the board having a plurality of dynamic board pieces, the method comprising connecting to a server via a user interface over a network, the server including a first processor, a first memory, and a first communication device, the user interface including a display; an input device, a third processor, a third memory, and a third communication device, the first communication device adapted to facilitate a communication and data exchange between the server and the user interface and between the server and a lift control board, and the third communication device adapted to facilitate a communication and data exchange between the user interface and the server, the lift control board having a second processor, a second memory, and a second communication device, the second communication device adapted to facilitate a communication and data exchange between the lift control board and the server; the first processor accessing, via the first memory, one or more locations at which a board is available, and sending the one or more locations from the server to the user interface; selecting on the user interface a chosen location via the input device, and sending the location from the user interface to the server; the first processor accessing, via the first memory, one or more maps available to play at the chosen location and sending the one or more maps from the server to the user interface; selecting on the user interface a map among the one or more maps via the input device, and sending a map selection from the user interface to the server; the first processor associating the selected map to a board at the selected location; the first processor sending a file associated to the selected map from the first memory to second processor of the lift control board, and the lift control board storing the map file in the second memory; and after receiving the file associated with the map, the second processor starts a timer, and positions one or more tiles to provide one or more paths to a player to navigate a course to reach a final position from an initial position and to provide obstructions in as raised dynamic board pieces in the path of the player; where a first position of a tile is a fully extended up position and a second position of the tile is a fully recessed down position. According to a further embodiment, the second processor, in communication with the first processor and according to the file associated with the map, moves one or more tiles to a fully recessed position, to a fully extended position, or a position between the fully extended position or the fully recessed position as directed by the map by sending commands to associated actuators of the dynamic board pieces. According to a further embodiment, the second processor changes positions of the one or more tiles of the dynamic board pieces based on a time elapsed since the start of the timer as defined by the selected map. According to a further embodiment, the second processor receives sensor data associated with one of a position of the user or another object on the board, a direction of movement of the user or another object on the board, and a speed of movement of the user or another object, and based on the sensor data changes a position of one or more tiles of the dynamic board pieces to dynamically change a path to be navigated by the user to reach a final position. According to a further embodiment the method further comprises the second processor continuing to monitor the timer and calculate a time duration from an initiation of play, and indicating an end of game upon an elapse of a predetermined time duration, the second processor storing a total time taken by the player to reach the final position for a game and sharing a time duration information with the server, which stores the time duration information in the first memory; and upon completion of the game, the second processor or the first processor indicating and end of the play and moving the board to an off position by the second processor or the first processor moving all the tiles to the second position, and subsequently switching off the board by moving each switch in the lift control board to disable power to associated actuator assemblies. According to a further embodiment, the method further comprises the first processor prompting the user, via the user interface, for making a requisite payment, and upon receiving the requisite payment, first processor sending a signal to switch on the board to receive the file associated with the map and to enable a delivery of power to associated actuator assemblies; and before sharing the map file with the second processor, the first processor communicates with the lift control board and checks if the board is switched on or switched off, and in response to the switched off condition of the board, the first processor sends a signal to the second processor to switch on the board to enable a delivery of power to an actuator assembly of a lift mechanism of each dynamic board piece.

The present invention is further related to methods and dynamic gameboards comprising an electronic control system including a server, lift control board and a user interface; a board having a plurality of dynamic board pieces; wherein the electronic control system includes a server, lift control board and a user interface, the server having a first processor, a first memory, and a first communication device, wherein instructions are stored on the first memory to cause the first processor to direct the lift control board to instruct the plurality of dynamic board pieces to move between a first position and a second position, and between the second position and the first position, where the first position is a fully extended up position and the second position is a fully recessed down position; the lift control board having a second processor, a second memory, and a second communication device, and the user interface having a first processor, a first memory, and a first communication device; the dynamic board piece includes a plurality of tiles and a respective lift mechanism that raises and lowers each tile; the tile has a substantially planar top surface and substantially planar side surfaces, and the top surface is shaped as one of a right triangle, an equilateral triangle, a triangle with two interior angles measuring 45 degrees, a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, a trapezoid, and a regular polygon; the lift mechanism includes one of three lead screws arranged at a periphery of the tile, and a stepper motor functionally connected to the three lead screws via a belt, a scissor lift, a servo, and a spring, wherein the spring one of biases the scissor lift in the first position and the second position, a pneumatic piston, a hydraulic piston, a rack and pinon, a worm screw, and a geared servo; the plurality of tiles is arranged such that when one or more tiles are raised adjacent to one or more tile that is lowered, the raised tiles create a wall and the lowered tiles create a floor; sensors that sense movement of an object across the board, wherein the sensors relay data to the second processor and instructions stored in the second memory direct one or more of the plurality of tiles to move in an upward or downward position in response to sensor data, and the sensors are embedded in one or more of the plurality of tiles; the second memory stores instructions to direct one or more of the plurality of tiles to continuously move between the up position and down position; the second memory stores instructions to direct one or more of the plurality of tiles to move to and maintain for a period of time a position that is between the first position and second position, the period of time being one of between 1 and 5 seconds, 30 seconds and 2 minutes, and greater than 2 minutes; and the board supports a 200 pound adult human standing on the board when the tiles are both in the up position and the down position. In further embodiments, such as dynamic gameboards that are intended to support only non-human objects, such as small robots, the board could be designed to lift and support 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 pounds, for example.

According to a further embodiment, partially raised tiles can create an upward or downward ramped path.

According to a further embodiment one or more of the tiles move dynamically during gameplay creating dynamic movement of dynamic obstacles like flowing waves, spinning windmills, turbulent hurricane areas, and snakes roaming the board may be coded. By raising and lowering adjacent tiles, walls and dynamic obstacles may be made to appear to move across the board in defined, predictable or random directions, at various speeds. These may be time-based movements and take no sensor inputs, or could be responsive to sensor inputs, or both, mimicking motions of familiar, real-life objects increasing dynamic gameplay.

According to a further embodiment, the sensors can detect the map's conclusion (for example, golf ball in hole) and change the board accordingly, and additionally notify the players, through the user interface, for example.

According to a further embodiment, the user interface and interactions allow for two or more players to co-play: that while one player is on the gameboard playing, a second player can also interact (via a user interface) with the obstacles on the gameboard. This allows a second player to be either a teammate, where (in one embodiment) the first user cannot win without this second player's help in moving obstacles, or a competitor, with the second player working to hinder progress of the first player by enabling obstacles.

According to a further embodiment, the game digitally represented on a screen is made physically available in the real-world.

According to a further embodiment, the tiles are told to move to a static position (the map) until the game play timer has expired, with game play lasting 10 to 20 minutes, for example. After those static positions are reached (e.g., the map is achieved), then dynamic actions/game play occurs, in which tiles may be told to move up and down in patterns, generally taking 4-30 seconds between the up and down positions.

According to a further embodiment, the functions of the server and the lift control board may be performed by a single unit, with a same processor, memory, and same communication device. In an exemplary version of such embodiment, the user interface and lift control board could be communicating directly with each other, and all instructions could be stored on the lift control board memory, and a separate server could be omitted.

Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components. The present invention may address one or more of the problems and deficiencies of the current technology discussed above. However, it is contemplated that the invention may prove useful in addressing other problems and deficiencies in a number of technical areas. Therefore, the present invention should not necessarily be construed as limited to addressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussed herein

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will be understood by reference to the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It is to be appreciated that the following detailed description of various embodiments is by way of example only and is not meant to limit, in any way, the scope of the present invention. In the summary above, in the following detailed description, in the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the present invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features, not just those explicitly described. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally. The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also one or more other components. Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility).

The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)-(a second number),” this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 mm means a range whose lower limit is 25 mm, and whose upper limit is 100 mm. The embodiments set forth the below represent the necessary information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention and illustrate the best mode of practicing the invention. In addition, the invention does not require that all the advantageous features and all the advantages need to be incorporated into every embodiment of the invention.

Reference will be made to the figures, showing various embodiments of a gameboard and methods for operating thereof. Referring toFIG. 1, a schematic view of a dynamic gameboard100(hereinafter referred to as a gameboard) suitable for enabling a playing of one or more persons is shown. The gameboard100includes a board102having a plurality of dynamic board pieces104and an electronic control system110to control movements of each of the plurality of dynamic board pieces104. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the dynamic board pieces104are arranged adjacent and abutting each other to define a playing surface112, and are adapted to move in a vertical direction between a fully extended first position, shown inFIG. 2, wherein the dynamic board piece104creates an obstacle wall104a, and a fully recessed second position, where the dynamic board piece104, defines a floor104bof the board102, which facilitates a movement of a player or other object over the playing surface112. Together the dynamic board pieces in the first position—walls104a—and dynamic board pieces in the second position—floor104b—define a path105. The one or more dynamic board pieces104of the plurality of dynamic board pieces104, when disposed in the first position or between the first position or the second position, provides an obstacle104ato the movement of the player and/or other object over the playing surface112. The vertical motion of each dynamic board piece104is controlled by the electronic control system110(explained later). Further, it may be appreciated that each of the plurality of dynamic board pieces104may be similar in structure, assembly, construction, and functionality and for the sake of clarity and brevity, the structure, the construction, the assembly, and the functionality are explained with reference to a single dynamic board piece104.

Referring toFIG. 3, the dynamic board piece104includes a tile114and a lift mechanism116connected to the tile114and adapted to move the tile between the first position and the second position. In certain implementations, the tile114may be removable coupled to the mechanism, and may include a top planar surface118and a plurality of side surfaces120extending substantially vertically and downwardly from the top planar surface118. The top planar surface118defines a surface of the floor when the tile114is disposed in the second position, while the plurality of side surfaces120is adapted define a plurality of walls of the dynamic board piece104when the tile114is disposed in the first position. The top planar surface118and/or the side surfaces may have sensors and/or lights, LED, or other visual displays imbedded within or attached thereto. In an embodiment, the top planar surface118may be shaped as one of a right triangle, an equilateral triangle, a triangle with two interior angles measuring 45 degrees, a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, a trapezoid, and a regular polygon. In certain embodiments, the tile114may include a bottom planar surface (not shown) connected to the lift mechanism116. In some embodiments, the top planar surface118may be coupled to and supported by the lift mechanism116. In such a case, the bottom planar surface may be omitted.

The lift mechanism116may include at least one actuator assembly130coupled to the tile114and adapted to move the tile114between the first position and the second position. In an embodiment, the actuator assembly130may include an actuator132and a linkage assembly134coupled to the tile114and the actuator132for facilitating the movement of the tile114between the first position and the second position. In an embodiment, as shown inFIG. 3, the actuator132may be an motor136, for example, an electric motor, and the linkage assembly134may include a rack and pinion assembly140having a pinion142mounted on a shaft of the motor136and rotates due to a rotation of the shaft, and a rack144is operatively engaged with the pinion142and moves linearly in response to the rotation of pinion142. The rack144may be engaged with the tile114, therefore causes the vertical movement of the tile114.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG. 4, the linkage assembly134may include a lead screw assembly150having at least one lead screw152, for example, three lead screws152, operatively connected to the actuator132, for example the motor136′. In an embodiment, each lead screw152are operatively connected to the motor136′ using a belt156. In certain implementations, the motor136′ may be a stepper motor. Each lead screw152is connected to the tile114and moves linearly in response to a rotational movement of the motor136′ to facilitate the movement of the tile114between the first position and the second position.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 5, the linkage assembly134may include a scissor linkage160connected to the tile114and the actuator132, such as, a servo motor136″ to facilitate a movement of the tile in the vertical direction. In an embodiment, the scissor linkage160may include a scissor lift162and a spring to bias the scissor lift162to a position corresponding to the second position of the tile114. In another embodiment, the scissor linkage160may include a scissor lift162and a spring to bias the scissor lift162to a position corresponding to the first position of the tile114. Although, the actuator132is contemplated as the servo motor136″, it may be appreciated any other actuator, such as, but not limited to, a fluid cylinder may also be utilized for moving the scissor lift162.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the actuator132may include a linear actuator, such as, but not limited to, a pneumatic cylinder164(shown inFIG. 7), a hydraulic cylinder166(shown inFIG. 6), or any other actuator suitable for moving the tile114between the first position and the second position. As shown, the actuator132may be directly connected with the tile114, and in such a case, the linkage assembly134may be omitted. For example, as shown inFIG. 6, a piston168of the hydraulic cylinder166may be coupled to the tile114to enable a reciprocal movement of the tile114in the vertical direction between the first position and the second position. For so doing, the piston168is extended by introducing a hydraulic fluid inside the hydraulic cylinder166to move to tile114in the first position, while the piston168is retracted to move the tile114to the second position. Similar to the hydraulic cylinder166, the pneumatic cylinder164(shown inFIG. 7) a piston170of the pneumatic cylinder164may be coupled to the tile114to enable a reciprocal movement of the tile114in the vertical direction between the first position and the second position. For so doing, the piston170is extended by introducing an air inside the pneumatic cylinder164to move to tile114in the first position, while the piston170is retracted to move the tile114to the second position.

In further embodiments, the tile114may be spring biased by a spring (not shown) in the second position and the actuator132works against the spring bias to move the tile from the second position to the first position. In this embodiment, to move the tile from the first position to the second position, the actuator de-actuates and allows the spring to move the tile to the second position. In further embodiments, the tile may further comprise a brake that holds the tile in a set position between the first and second position, inclusive, without requiring constant force from the actuator.

Further, the movement of the dynamic board piece104may be controlled by controlling each actuator132by the electronic control system110. Referring toFIG. 8, the electronic control system110includes a server200, a lift control board300, and a user interface400for enabling an operator to provide one or more instructions to the server200and/or the lift control board300for controlling movement of one or more dynamic board pieces104of the gameboard100. The user interface may be directly electrically connected to the server200, the lift control board300, and/or the board102, or it may be connected wirelessly and/or through a network, such as a private network, a local area network, the world wide web, and the internet. In one embodiment, the user interface400may be a portable electronic device, such as a cellular phone, smart phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or other portable electronic device. In other embodiments, the user interface may be a desktop computer. As shown, the server200may be located at location remote from the plurality of dynamic board pieces104and the lift control board300, and includes a first processor202, a first memory204, and a first communication device206, adapted to facilitate a communication and data exchange between the server200and the lift control board300and the server200and the user interface400. The first processor202may be a microprocessor and is adapted to fetch one or more instructions stored in the first memory204and command the movement of the one or more tiles114(i.e. the one or more dynamic board pieces104) via the lift control board300, which controls the movements of the one or more tiles114. In an embodiment, the first processor202may also command the movement of one or more tiles114of the one or more dynamic board pieces104based on one or more inputs received from the user interface400. Further, the first processor202is adapted to display, via the user interface400, one or more maps (including, for example, paths, levels, and courses) to the user. The one or more maps include one or more paths, a position of each tile114on the board102, changes in positions of the tiles114based on the time duration elapsed since a start of the play, based on a position of the user and or other objects on the board102, based on predefined tile movement patterns, and/or based on one or more instructions according to which the user plays on the gameboard100.

In an embodiment, the user may select a map, stored in the first memory204, having positions of each tile114of the board102based on one or more inputs received from user via the user interface400. In such a case, the first processor202may command the movement of each tile114and the of position each tile114according to the positions stored in the map. Further, in certain embodiments, the first processor202may dynamically command the positions of the tiles114based on the data stored in the map to provide one or more paths105for the movement of the user and/or other object on the board102, while obstructing other paths105for the movement of the user and/or other object on the board102. In an embodiment, the first processor202may be in communication with a plurality of sensors210of the electronic control system110to detect a position of the user and/or other object on the board102, a direction of the movement of the user and/or other object on the board102, and/or a speed of the movement of the user and/or other object on the board102. The first processor202may command one or more dynamic board pieces104based on the data received from the sensors210to dynamically change the position of the tiles114, and hence dynamically change the path, by commanding the associated lift mechanism116, creating real-time gameplay, for example. In some embodiments the sensors210may be alternatively or additionally spaced from the tiles114, for example, along the walls of the board102, beneath the tiles, or above the tiles spaced from the board102, and the sensors210may detect impact and or pressure on the tiles114, such as when the tiles114are struck by an object.

The first processor202may be operatively connected to the first memory204for storing instructions related to the control of the gameboard100and associated components. The first memory204as illustrated is separate from the first processor202, but those skilled in the art will understand that the first memory204may be integrated into the first processor202, while still being accessible by the first processor202and/or the lift control board300to store information in and retrieve information from the first memory204as necessary during the operation of the gameboard100. In an embodiment, the first memory204may store various maps that can be selected by the user through the user interface400according to the which the user can play on the board102. Further, the first memory204may include various data related to payment and access to the gameboard100. In an embodiment, the first memory204may store information related to the durations of play corresponding to the payment information. Further, the first memory204is adapted to store instantaneous position of each tile114when the play on the board is active. The instantaneous positions of each tile114may be stored for a predetermined time duration. The first memory204may be accessed by the user via the user interface400to scan and view the one or maps.

The user interface400may include a third processor, a display405and one or more input devices404through which the user can enter or select various instructions or information stored in the first memory204to enable a playing of a game on the board102. In an embodiment, the user may enter a payment information, via the one or more input devices404, to enable the user to make a payment for facilitating the user to play the game. In certain implementations, the user interface400, via the display405, may display various maps stored into the first memory204to facilitate the user in accessing various maps and in selecting the map according to which the user wants to play the game. The display405may be an LCD display, a LED display, a handheld device screen, or any other suitable display adapted to show/display the position and the movement of the one or more tiles114and the position and movement of the user on the board102. The user interface400may also be in communication with the first processor202and receive information from the first processor202to display via the display405. To facilitate an access of the first memory204and receive information from the first processor202and/or the first memory204, the user interface400may include a communication device406(hereinafter referred to as a third communication device406) that communicates with the first communication device206.

Moreover, the lift control board300is in communication with the first processor202, the first memory204, via a second communication device305, and each actuator132associated with each tile114and control an activation and a deactivation of each actuator132based on the inputs received from the first processor202. For so doing, the lift control board300may include a second processor302, a second memory304, a second communication device305, and a plurality of on-off switches306to control power provided to each actuator132. It may be appreciated that one on-off switch306may associated with all the actuators132associated with a single tile114. The on-off switches are operated by the second processor302based on the instructions received from the first processor202to control activation and de-activation of the actuators132. In this manner, a vertical position of each tile114is controlled to ensure positioning of each dynamic board piece104in a fully extended position, a fully recessed position, or a partially extended position according to instructions received from the first processor202based on the map selected by the user through the user interface400. Accordingly, the lift control board300facilitates in defining one or more paths105across the board102that the user needs to navigate to reach a final position from an initial position.

Also, the lift control board300is in communication with each actuator132associated to control a direction, speed, and distance of motion of each lift mechanism116, and hence each tile114as per the instructions received from the first processor202. For example, the second processor302may control the motor136,136′,136″ to control or move a direction, speed, and distance of motion of the associated lift mechanism116. In one embodiment, the server200does not need to know an identification number of the various tiles114or motors136,136′,136″. The server200need only send positional data—x and y of a tile114for example and desired first or second position, or some position in between first and second position. When the lift control board300receives that data, the lift control board300translates the data to the identification number of the motor136,136′,136″ (or other lift) and decides how power should be supplied to accomplish the command, such as motor turns, fluid added, just for example. For so doing, in one such embodiment, each motor of the gameboard is assigned an identification number, and the first processor202sends instructions (data) to the second processor302that includes the tile114location and respective desired first or second position, or location between first and second position. The lift control board300then retrieves the assigned identification number of the motors136,136′,136″ from the second memory304, determines the directions of rotation of the motors, and number of rotations of the motors to raise the tiles114or lower the tiles114. In a further embodiment, each motor of the gameboard is assigned an identification number, and the first processor202of the server200sends instructions (data) to the second processor302of the lift control board300that includes the identification numbers of the motors136,136′,136″, directions of rotation of the motors136,136′,136″, and number of rotations of the motors136,136′,136″ to raise the tiles114or lower the tiles114. For controlling the hydraulic or pneumatic actuators164,166(depicted as hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders164,166, which may be two way and/or spring biased cylinders), the second processor302of the lift control board300may increase or decrease pressure/fluid inside the hydraulic cylinder166or the pneumatic cylinder164. In an embodiment, the second processor302of the lift control board300may monitor a total current drawn by the board102and/or a total pressure of fluid drawn by the board102for operating or moving a number of dynamic board pieces104between the first position and the second position. For so doing, in an implementation, the lift control board300may include one or more current sensors and/or one or more pressure sensors. In some implementations, the second processor302of the lift control board300may determine a total number of the dynamic board pieces104that are being operated or moved between the first position and second position and vice versa, and determine the total current or total pressure of the fluid drawn by the board102. The second processor302of the lift control board300restricts the movement of the one or more of the dynamic board pieces104if a value of the total current drawn by the board is above a threshold value or a value of the total pressure of the fluid is above a threshold value.

An exemplary method for operating the gameboard100is explained now. To initiate a play on the gameboard100, the user may access the user interface400and connect to the server200, to access various locations at which the board102is present or accessible, and enters or selects the location, by using the one or more input devices405, at which user wishes to play the board102. Upon receiving the details of the location from the user, the first processor202may show, via the display405, one or more maps available to play corresponding to the location, where the input device405and the display405may both be a touch screen. Subsequently, or otherwise, the user may select a map among the one or more maps displayed by the display405. In an embodiment, in addition to the location, the user may choose/select/or enter dimensions, for example, a length and a width and/or number of tiles, of the board102on which the user wishes to play. In such a case, the first processor202may display, via the display405, one or more maps corresponding to the chosen location and dimensions.

Upon receiving a selection of the map by the user, the first processor202may associate the selected map to the selected board102and may share a file/data associated to the map with the second processor302of the lift control board300. In an embodiment, before sharing the file/data with the second processor of the lift control board300, the first processor202may communicate with the lift control board300and may check if the board102is switched on or switched off. In response to the switched off condition of the board102, the first processor202may send a signal to the second processor302to switch on the board102to enable a delivery of power to the actuator assembly130of the lift mechanism116of each dynamic board piece104. For so doing, in some scenarios, the user may be required to make a payment. To this end, the first processor202may prompt the user, via the user interface400, for making the requisite payment. Upon receiving the requisite payment, first processor202may send a signal to switch on the board102to receive the file associated with the map and to enable a delivery of power to the actuator assemblies130.

After receiving the file/data associated with the map, the second processor302starts a timer, and positions one or more tiles114to provide one or more paths105to a player to navigate the course to reach a final position from an initial position and to provide obstructions in the form of raised dynamic board pieces104in the path105of the player. For so doing, the second processor302, in communication with the first processor202and according to the received file/data, moves one or more tiles114to the fully recessed position, to the fully extended position, or any position between the fully extended position or the fully recessed position as required by the map. The second processor302moves the one or more tiles by sending commands to the associated actuators132. In an embodiment, the commands are generated, by the second processor302, based on the files for the selected map. Further, the second processor302may change the positions of the one or more tiles114of the dynamic board pieces104based on the time elapsed since the start of the timer as defined by the selected map. Further, in an embodiment, the second processor302in communication with the server200may receive data associated with the position of the user, the direction of movement of the user and/or other object, and/or the speed of movement of the user and/or other object, and change the position of one or more tiles114of the dynamic board pieces104to dynamically change a course/path105to be navigated by the player/user to reach the final position. In an embodiment, the second processor302may continue to monitor the timer and calculate a time duration from the initiation of the play, and may indicate an end of the game upon an elapse of a predetermined time duration. In some embodiments, the second processor302may store the total time taken by the player to reach the final position to the initial position for each game and share the information with the server200, which stores the information in the first memory204. Upon completion of the game, the second processor302or the first processor202may indicate the end of the play and move the board to an off position. For so doing, the second processor302or the first processor202may move all the tiles114to the second position (i.e., the fully recessed position), and subsequently switch off the board102. In an embodiment, the board102is switched-off by moving each switch306to disable power or distribute power to the associated actuator assembly130to achieve a fully recessed position. In this manner, the gameboard100facilitates an interactive play of the game.

The first, second, and third memories204,304,404may be non-volatile memories. Although the first, second, and third processors202,302,402are contemplated as microprocessors, it is also possible and contemplated to use other electronic components such as a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, or any other integrated circuit device.