阅读说明：本技术 游戏单元 (Game unit ) 是由 安诺斯·森诺高·波尔森 安诺斯·斯凯隆德·弗兰森 于 2020-03-19 设计创作，主要内容包括：披露了一种用于游戏系统的游戏单元,该游戏系统包括该游戏单元和多个游戏块,该多个游戏块中的每个游戏块包括磁体并具有标识符。该游戏单元包括：游戏区,该游戏区用于在该游戏单元上布置该多个游戏块中的一个或多个游戏块；控制单元；以及第一磁性单元,该第一磁性单元被配置为生成或更改磁场以磁性地影响布置在该游戏区中的一个或多个游戏块。该第一磁性单元可操作地连接到该控制单元。该控制单元被配置为：检测布置在该游戏区中的游戏块的标识符,并且响应于检测到一个或多个特定标识符而生成控制信号,该控制信号控制该第一磁性单元生成或更改磁场,从而磁性地影响该游戏区中的一个或多个游戏块。(A gaming unit for a gaming system is disclosed, the gaming system including the gaming unit and a plurality of playing pieces, each of the plurality of playing pieces including a magnet and having an identifier. The game unit includes: a playing field for arranging one or more of the plurality of playing pieces on the gaming unit; a control unit; and a first magnetic unit configured to generate or modify a magnetic field to magnetically affect one or more game pieces disposed in the play area. The first magnetic unit is operatively connected to the control unit. The control unit is configured to: an identifier of a playing piece disposed in the playing field is detected, and in response to detecting one or more specific identifiers, a control signal is generated that controls the first magnetic unit to generate or modify a magnetic field to magnetically affect one or more playing pieces in the playing field.)

1. A gaming unit for use in a gaming system, the gaming system comprising the gaming unit and a plurality of playing pieces, each of the plurality of playing pieces comprising a magnet and having an identifier, wherein the gaming unit comprises:

a playing field for arranging one or more of the plurality of playing pieces on the gaming unit;

a control unit; and

a first magnetic unit configured to generate or modify a magnetic field to magnetically influence one or more game pieces arranged in the play area, the first magnetic unit being operatively connected to the control unit,

wherein the control unit is configured to: an identifier of a playing piece disposed in the playing field is detected, and in response to detecting one or more specific identifiers, a control signal is generated that controls the first magnetic unit to generate or modify a magnetic field to magnetically affect one or more playing pieces in the playing field.

2. The play element of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic element is configured to magnetically influence one or more playing pieces in the play area by magnetically repelling the one or more playing pieces.

3. The game unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first magnetic unit is configured to magnetically influence one or more game pieces in the playing field by magnetically attracting the one or more game pieces.

4. The game unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first magnetic unit is configured to physically move one or more playing pieces arranged in the playing field.

5. The gaming unit of claim 4, wherein the control unit is configured to generate a control signal configured to control the first magnetic unit to generate a time-varying magnetic field configured to vibrate one or more game pieces disposed in the playing field.

6. The game unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the game unit further comprises a second magnetic unit operatively connected to the control unit, and wherein the game zone comprises a first sub-zone and a second sub-zone, each configured to receive a game piece of the plurality of game pieces, and wherein the first magnetic unit is configured to generate or modify a magnetic field to magnetically influence a game piece arranged in the first sub-zone, the second magnetic unit is configured to generate or modify a magnetic field to magnetically influence a game piece arranged in the second sub-zone, wherein the control unit is configured to: an identifier of a game piece arranged in the first sub-area and an identifier of a game piece arranged in the second sub-area are detected, and in response to detecting a specific identifier or a specific combination of identifiers, a control signal is generated which controls the first magnetic unit and/or the second magnetic unit to generate or modify a magnetic field to magnetically influence a game piece in the first sub-area and/or the second sub-area.

7. The game unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an access zone is provided above the game zone, and the control unit is further configured to: an identifier of a game piece held in the proximity zone is detected, and in response to the detection, a control signal is generated that controls the first magnetic unit to generate or alter a magnetic field to magnetically affect a game piece held in the proximity zone.

8. The gaming unit of claim 7, wherein in response to detecting the identifier in the proximity zone, the control unit is configured to generate a control signal of a plurality of control signals, whereby the gaming unit can provide different feedback to the user.

9. The gaming unit according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the control unit is configured to generate a control signal configured to control the first magnetic unit to generate a time-varying magnetic field configured to vibrate one or more game pieces held in the proximity zone.

10. The gaming unit of claim 9, wherein the time-varying magnetic field has a center frequency between 0.2 to 7000Hz, 0.3 to 500Hz, or 0.5 to 60 Hz.

11. The game unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the game unit has a first side and a second side, and wherein one of the first side or the second side comprises magnetic and/or mechanical connection means for connecting the game unit with another game unit.

12. The game unit of claim 11, wherein the first side and the second side each comprise magnetic and/or mechanical coupling means for coupling one of the first side or the second side of a game unit with one of the first side or the second side of another game unit.

13. The gaming unit of claim 12, wherein the second side is opposite the first side.

14. The game unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is configured to be in one of a plurality of states, each of the plurality of states corresponding to a particular game, and wherein the control unit is configured to be set to be in a particular state of the plurality of states by detecting a particular identifier of a game piece.

15. A set of playing pieces for use with a gaming unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the set of playing pieces comprises a plurality of playing pieces, each of the plurality of playing pieces comprising a magnet and having an identifier.

16. The set of game pieces of claim 15, wherein each game piece is a card having a bottom surface and a top surface opposite the bottom surface, wherein symbols are disposed on the top surface.

17. A set of game pieces according to claim 15 or 16, wherein a first game piece of the plurality of game pieces comprises a game piece control unit and a display configured to display an image, and wherein the game piece control unit is configured to receive a signal from another unit and in response to the signal is configured to control the display to display a new image.

18. A gaming system comprising a gaming unit according to any of claims 1 to 14 and a set of playing pieces according to any of claims 15 to 16.

19. The game system of claim 18, wherein the set of game pieces is a set of game pieces according to claim 17, wherein the game system further comprises a docking station, and wherein the docking station comprises a docking station control unit configured to detect and/or change an identifier of the first game piece, and wherein the docking station control unit is configured to provide a signal for a first game piece of the plurality of game pieces to control the display to display a new image.

20. The gaming system of claim 19, wherein the docking station control unit is configured to provide a game signal to the control unit of the gaming unit to place the control unit of the gaming unit in a new state corresponding to a new game.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a game unit, a game system and a set of game blocks.

Background

Playing games is an effective way of learning for all people, especially children. An advantage of electronic game units is that they can be reprogrammed for use in a myriad of different games.

Electronic gaming units, such as tablet computers or smart phones, typically include a display (e.g., a touch screen) for receiving input from a user and providing feedback. However, a disadvantage of displays is that they attract the attention of the user, so that they are not aware of their surroundings. This effect is particularly noticeable for young children, making display-based games unsuitable for collective play in schools or daycare centers. In addition, displays are costly, fragile, and may require a large amount of power.

Accordingly, there is a need for an electronic gaming unit/system that encourages group interaction and can provide immediate feedback to the user.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a game element for a game system, the game system comprising the game element and a plurality of game pieces, each of the plurality of game pieces comprising a magnet and having an identifier, wherein the game element comprises:

a playing field for arranging one or more of the plurality of playing pieces on the gaming unit;

a control unit; and

a first magnetic unit configured to generate or modify a magnetic field to magnetically influence one or more game pieces arranged in the play area, the first magnetic unit being operatively connected to the control unit,

wherein the control unit is configured to: an identifier of a playing piece disposed in the playing field is detected, and in response to detecting one or more specific identifiers, a control signal is generated that controls the first magnetic unit to generate or modify a magnetic field to magnetically affect one or more playing pieces in the playing field.

Thus, by using the magnetic unit, the selected playing piece can be actuated in an easy way, thereby providing immediate feedback to the user.

Each playing piece is preferably provided with a permanent magnet. Alternatively, each or some of the playing pieces may be provided with an electromagnet. The identifier may be any type of identifier, such as an RF-based identifier, an optical-based identifier, or a magnetic-based identifier. As an example, each playing piece may be provided with a magnet having a different magnetic strength, thereby allowing the playing piece to be identified by measuring the magnetic strength of the playing piece magnet. The gaming unit may be provided with a sensor configured to detect the identifier, such as an RF-based sensor, an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor. The control unit may be configured to detect an identifier of a game piece by receiving a sensor signal from a sensor operatively connected to the control unit. The gaming unit may include a battery configured to power electronic components of the gaming unit (e.g., the control unit and the first magnetic unit). The playing field may include one or more substantially flat surfaces for supporting playing pieces. The playing field may be configured to receive a single playing piece or a plurality of playing pieces. The gaming unit may include a housing having a bottom and a top opposite the bottom, wherein the playing area is disposed on the top.

In some embodiments, the identifier of each of the plurality of game pieces is an RFID tag, and the gaming unit includes an RFID sensor operatively connected to the control unit, the RFID sensor configured to: the RFID tags of the game pieces arranged in the game zone are read and in response thereto a sensor signal is sent to the control unit indicating the read RFID tags.

The RFID tag may be an active RFID tag or a passive RFID tag (i.e., an RFID tag that does not require a power source in the game piece). The RFID tag is preferably a passive RFID tag.

The first magnetic unit is preferably an electromagnetic unit. This allows the game unit to move/actuate the playing pieces without any movable parts.

Alternatively, the first magnetic unit may comprise a permanent magnet and an actuator configured to rotate and/or move the permanent magnet, whereby the magnetic field of the permanent magnet may be altered.

In some embodiments, the first magnetic unit is configured to magnetically alter one or more playing pieces in the playing area by magnetically repelling the one or more playing pieces and/or magnetically attracting the one or more playing pieces.

In some embodiments, the first magnetic unit is configured to magnetically influence one or more playing pieces in the playing area by magnetically repelling the one or more playing pieces.

In some embodiments, the first magnetic unit is configured to magnetically influence one or more playing pieces in the playing field by magnetically attracting the one or more playing pieces.

In some embodiments, the first magnetic unit is configured to physically move one or more playing pieces disposed in the playing area.

In some embodiments, the control unit is configured to generate a control signal configured to control the first magnetic unit to generate a time-varying magnetic field configured to vibrate one or more game pieces disposed in the playing field.

The one or more particular identifiers may correspond to a subset of the plurality of game pieces. Thus, during the game, the control unit may take action only when the user has arranged a certain playing piece of the subset of playing pieces in the playing field. The control unit may be configured to take action only when an "incorrect" playing piece is arranged in the playing field. Alternatively, the control unit may be configured to take action only when a "correct" playing piece is arranged in the playing field. There is also the possibility of: the control unit takes a first action if a "correct" playing piece is arranged in the playing field and a second action if an incorrect playing piece is arranged in the playing field. The first action may be to control the first magnetic unit to vibrate the playing piece, and the second action may be to control the first magnetic unit to repel the playing piece outside the playing field.

In some embodiments, the game unit further comprises a second magnetic unit operatively connected to the control unit, and wherein the game zone comprises a first sub-zone and a second sub-zone, each configured to receive a game piece of the plurality of game pieces, and wherein the first magnetic unit is configured to generate or modify a magnetic field to magnetically affect a game piece arranged in the first sub-zone, the second magnetic unit is configured to generate or modify a magnetic field to magnetically affect a game piece arranged in the second sub-zone, wherein the control unit is configured to: an identifier of a game piece arranged in the first sub-area and an identifier of a game piece arranged in the second sub-area are detected, and in response to detecting a specific identifier or a specific combination of identifiers, a control signal is generated which controls the first magnetic unit and/or the second magnetic unit to generate or modify a magnetic field to magnetically influence a game piece in the first sub-area and/or the second sub-area.

Thus, more complex feedback may be provided. This also allows more complex games to be played.

The playing area may comprise more sub-areas, for example at least 3, 4 or 5 sub-areas, wherein each sub-area is provided with a magnetic unit. Each sub-zone may be configured to receive a single playing piece. A sub-region may be arranged at a distance from its neighboring sub-region(s), i.e. a sub-region may not be in the vicinity of its neighboring sub-region(s). The centers of each sub-zone may be arranged on a common axis. Alternatively, the sub-regions may be arranged in a two-dimensional matrix structure or in any other structure (e.g. in a circle or triangle).

In some embodiments, the access zone is disposed above the playing zone, and the control unit is further configured to: an identifier of a game piece held in the proximity zone is detected, and in response to the detection, a control signal is generated that controls the first magnetic unit to generate or alter a magnetic field to magnetically affect a game piece held in the proximity zone.

Thus, when the playing piece is held over the playing area, tactile feedback may be provided to the user.

The proximity zone may comprise a plurality of proximity sub-zones, one for each game zone sub-zone, wherein the control unit is configured to detect in which proximity sub-zone a game piece is being held.

In some embodiments, in response to detecting the identifier in the proximity zone, the control unit is configured to generate a control signal of the plurality of control signals, whereby the gaming unit is capable of providing different feedback to the user.

Different feedback to the user may signal that the wrong tile is held in the proximity zone, that the correct tile is held in the proximity zone, or that the correct tile is held in the wrong proximity sub-zone.

In some embodiments, the control unit is configured to generate a control signal configured to control the first magnetic unit to generate a time-varying magnetic field configured to vibrate one or more game pieces held in the proximity zone.

In some embodiments, the time-varying magnetic field has a center frequency between 0.2 to 7000Hz, 0.3 to 500Hz, or 0.5 to 60 Hz.

In some embodiments, the gaming unit has a first side and a second side, and wherein one of the first side or the second side comprises a magnetic coupling means and/or a mechanical coupling means for coupling the gaming unit with another gaming unit.

Thus, by allowing multiple gaming units to be combined, more complex games can be played. The process of connecting the gaming units may also be incorporated into a particular game.

The connected gaming units may be configured to exchange data before the start of the game and/or during the game.

In some embodiments, the first side and the second side each comprise magnetic and/or mechanical coupling means for coupling one of the first side or the second side of a gaming unit with one of the first side or the second side of another gaming unit.

Thus, more than two game units can be connected.

In some embodiments, the second side is opposite the first side.

Thus, all gaming units may be identical and connected to form a large combined gaming unit of any size.

In some embodiments, the control unit is configured to be in one of a plurality of states, each of the plurality of states corresponding to a particular game, and wherein the control unit is configured to be set to be in a particular state of the plurality of states by detecting a particular identifier of a game piece.

In some embodiments, the gaming unit further comprises a speaker operatively connected to the control unit, whereby audio feedback may be provided to the user.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a set of playing pieces for use with a game unit as disclosed in relation to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the set of playing pieces comprises a plurality of playing pieces, each of the plurality of playing pieces comprising a magnet and having an identifier.

The playing pieces may have any shape. By way of example, some or all of the game pieces may be a graphic, such as a graphic having the shape of a car, character, animal, or the like.

In some embodiments, each tile is a card (tile) having a bottom surface and a top surface opposite the bottom surface, wherein a symbol is disposed on the top surface.

In some embodiments, a first tile of the plurality of tiles comprises a tile control unit and a display configured to display an image, and wherein the tile control unit is configured to receive a signal from another unit and in response to the signal is configured to control the display to display a new image.

Thus, by providing a display for a game piece, the functionality of the game piece may be changed after the game is provided to the user. This may allow the playing pieces to be used for new games.

The signal may be transmitted by the game unit, the docking station, the mobile terminal, i.e. the further unit may be the game unit, the docking station, the mobile terminal. The first playing piece may comprise a receiver operatively connected to the playing piece control unit and configured to receive the signal. The first playing piece may further comprise a transmitter for allowing the playing piece control unit to transmit a confirmation signal to the other unit. The display may be a low power consumption display, such as a reflective display. The first game piece may further comprise a power source for powering the display and the control unit.

The control unit may be further configured to change the identifier of the game piece in response to the signal. This enables the system to provide new functionality for the game pieces without requiring communication with the game unit, such as changing a registry/database accessible by the game unit.

The tile control unit may be provided with new images from other units, e.g. the new images may be embedded in the signal. The set of game pieces may comprise a plurality of game pieces provided with a display and a game piece control unit, for example, each of the plurality of game pieces may comprise a display and a game piece control unit.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a gaming system comprising a gaming unit as disclosed in relation to the first aspect of the invention and a set of playing pieces as disclosed in relation to the second aspect of the invention.

In some embodiments, the gaming system further comprises a docking station, and wherein the docking station comprises a docking station control unit configured to detect and/or change an identifier of the first game piece, and wherein the docking station control unit is configured to provide a signal for the first game piece to control the display to display a new image.

If the identifier of the first tile is changed, the first tile may be provided with the new functionality directly. However, if the docking station detects the identifier of the first playing piece and then updates a database accessible to the gaming unit, the first playing piece may also be provided with a new function, wherein the database maps the identifier to the function of the first playing piece. The docking station may be further configured to recharge a power source of the first game piece. The docking station may be configured to be used with a plurality of game pieces simultaneously, for example at least 3, 5, 10 or 20 game pieces.

The different aspects of the invention, including the game unit, the set of game pieces and the game system as described above and below, may each yield one or more of the benefits and advantages described in connection with at least one of the aspects described above and each have one or more preferred embodiments corresponding to the preferred embodiments described in connection with at least one of the aspects described above and/or disclosed in the dependent claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that embodiments described in connection with one of the aspects described herein may apply equally to the other aspects.

Drawings

The above and/or additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be further elucidated by the following illustrative and non-limitative detailed description of an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a game unit according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a game unit according to an embodiment.

Fig. 3 shows a diagram of a gaming system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a game piece according to an embodiment.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a docking station according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, how the invention may be practiced.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a gaming unit 100 according to an embodiment. The gaming unit 100 is a gaming unit for a gaming system that includes the gaming unit 100 and a plurality of playing pieces, each of which includes a magnet and has an identifier. The game unit 100 comprises a game zone 101 for arranging one or more of the plurality of game pieces on the game unit 100, a control unit 102 and a first magnetic unit 103. The first magnetic unit 103 is configured to generate or modify a magnetic field to magnetically influence one or more game pieces arranged in the game zone 101, the first magnetic unit 103 being operatively connected to the control unit 102. The control unit 102 is configured to: an identifier of a game piece arranged in the game zone 101 is detected and in response to detecting one or more specific identifiers a control signal is generated which controls the first magnetic unit 103 to generate or modify a magnetic field to magnetically influence one or more game pieces in the game zone 101.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a gaming unit 100 according to an embodiment. The gaming unit 100 is a gaming unit for a gaming system that includes the gaming unit 100 and a plurality of playing pieces, each of which includes a magnet and has an identifier. The game unit 100 comprises a game zone 101 for arranging one or more of the plurality of game pieces on the game unit 100, a control unit 102, a first magnetic unit 103, a second magnetic unit 104, a third magnetic unit 105, a fourth magnetic unit 106, a fifth magnetic unit 107 and a battery 146. Each magnetic unit 103 to 107 is an electromagnetic unit comprising a coil 140 to 144 and an electrical switching device 130 to 134. The coils 140 to 144 may be wound on a core made of a magnetic material. Alternatively, an air core may be used. As shown, the coils 140-144 may be electrically connected to a battery 146 via electrical switching devices 130-134. The electrical switching devices 130-134 are operatively connected to the control unit 102 and configured to operate in response to control signals generated by the control unit 102. The playing area 101 comprises a first sub-area 110, a second sub-area 111, a third sub-area 112, a fourth sub-area 113 and a fifth sub-area 114, each sub-area 110 to 114 being configured to receive a playing piece of the plurality of playing pieces. The game unit further comprises: a first sensor 150 configured to detect an identifier of a game piece arranged in the first sub-zone 110, a second sensor 152 configured to detect an identifier of a game piece arranged in the second sub-zone 111, a third sensor 152 configured to detect an identifier of a game piece arranged in the third sub-zone 113, a fourth sensor 153 configured to detect an identifier of a game piece arranged in the fourth sub-zone 113, and a fifth sensor 154 configured to detect an identifier of a game piece arranged in the fifth sub-zone 114. Each sensor 150 to 154 is operatively connected to the control unit 102 and is configured to provide a sensor signal to the control unit 102. Each sensor 150 to 154 may be operatively connected to the control unit 102 via a common multiplexer. The control unit 102 is configured to detect the identifiers of the game pieces arranged in the sub-areas 110 to 114 and further detect in which sub-area a game piece is arranged. The sensors 150 to 154 may be RFID sensors. In other embodiments, the game unit may comprise only a single sensor configured to determine an identifier of a game piece arranged in one of the sub-sections 110 to 114, wherein the control unit is configured to detect in which sub-section a game piece is arranged by analyzing a sensor signal received from the single sensor (e.g. by analyzing a signal strength), or by using another sensor signal provided e.g. by another sensor or by the magnetic units 103 to 107, e.g. the magnetic units may be used to detect the presence of a magnetic game piece arranged in the sub-section. In response to detecting a specific identifier in a specific sub-zone or a specific combination of identifiers in a plurality of specific sub-zones, the control unit 102 is configured to generate one or more control signals that control one or more of the magnetic units 103 to 107 to generate or modify a magnetic field to magnetically influence a game piece arranged in one or more of the sub-zones 110 to 114. The control signal is sent to the electrical switching apparatus 130. The electrical switching apparatus may be a simple electrical switch or a more complex switching apparatus (e.g., a signal generator) capable of reversing the direction of current flowing through the coils 140-144 so that the magnetic polarities can be switched. The electrical switching devices 130 to 134 are arranged close to the coils 140 to 144, however they may also be arranged remote from the coils 130 to 134, for example close to the battery 146 or the control unit 102. The control unit 102 and the electrical switching apparatuses 130 to 134 may also be combined into a combined unit. The access zone 180 may be arranged above the game zone 101, and wherein the control unit 102 is further configured to: an identifier of a game piece held in the proximity zone (by a user's hand) is detected, and in response to the detection, a control signal is generated that controls the first magnetic unit to generate or alter a magnetic field to magnetically influence the game piece held in the proximity zone. The access zone 180 may further comprise a plurality of access sub-zones 181 to 185, one for each playing area sub-zone 110 to 114, wherein the control unit 102 is configured to detect in which access sub-zone 181 to 185 a playing piece is being held, for example using the sensors 150 to 154.

FIG. 3 shows a gaming system 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. The gaming system 200 comprises a gaming unit 100 and a plurality of game blocks 190 to 195. Each of the plurality of playing pieces 190 through 195 includes a magnet and has an identifier. The gaming unit 100 functionally corresponds to the gaming unit disclosed in relation to fig. 2. In this embodiment, the sub-sections 110 to 114 are concave and have a shape that matches the external shape of the playing pieces. Each of the game pieces 190 to 195 is a card having a bottom surface and a top surface opposite to the bottom surface, wherein symbols are arranged on the top surface, i.e., the top surface is printed with symbols. The control unit 102 is configured to be in one of a plurality of states, each of which corresponds to a particular game, and wherein the control unit 102 is configured to be set to be in a particular state of the plurality of states by detecting a particular identifier of a game piece. Thus, a user may select a particular game by arranging a particular game piece in one of the sub-sections 110 to 114. Only some of the game pieces may be able to set the control unit 102 in a particular state. Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a game that may be played by gaming system 200. The game is a spelling game. The game is selected by placing game pieces 192 in sub-section 110. When a game piece 192 is arranged in the first sub-area 110, the sensor 150 reads the identifier of the game piece 192 and sends a sensor signal to the control unit 102, whereby the control unit 102 is set in a state corresponding to the spelling game "hat". The game block 192 is provided with a hat symbol on its top surface. The purpose of this game is to spell out the word "hat". The plurality of playing pieces includes a set of playing pieces 190 wherein the symbols on the top surface are letters. The user starts the game by arranging a first game piece 193 having a specific letter in the second sub-area 111. In this particular example, the first game piece has the letter "h" printed on its top surface. The user has therefore selected the correct first letter. If the control unit 102 is configured in the game to provide feedback to the user when the correct first playing piece is selected, the control unit may send a control signal to the switching device 131 of the second electromagnetic unit 104, which control signal controls the switching device 131 to supply current from the battery 146 to the coil 141, so that the playing piece 193 may move slightly. However, the control unit may also be configured to provide feedback only when an incorrect playing piece is arranged in the second sub-zone 111, for example by magnetically repelling an incorrect playing piece out of the second sub-zone. There is also the possibility of: the control unit 102 is configured to provide a first type of feedback if a correct playing piece is selected and a second type of feedback if an incorrect playing piece is selected, e.g. the correct playing piece may be vibrated slightly using magnetic forces, while incorrect playing pieces may be magnetically repelled from the sub-zone. Once the user has completed the game by correctly arranging the three game pieces 193 to 195 in the correct sub-zones 111 to 113, the control unit 102 may be configured to provide feedback to the user, for example by magnetically vibrating the three game pieces 193 to 195 slightly. The plurality of game pieces 190 to 195 further shown includes a set of game pieces 191 in which the symbols on the top surface are numbers. The set of game blocks 191 may be used to play a mathematical game. However, other groupings of game pieces, for example with animal images, product images, etc., may be used. Thus, the possible games that may be played through gaming system 200 are essentially endless. The game unit may also comprise more than 5 sub-areas, for example 10, 20, 50 or 100. Further, there is a possibility that: gaming system 200 includes more gaming units that may be communicatively coupled to each other.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a game block 400 according to an embodiment. The game piece comprises a magnet 405, an identifier 404, a game piece control unit 402 and a display 401 configured to display an image, and wherein the game piece control unit 402 is configured to receive a signal from another unit, for example using a transmitter/receiver 403, and in response to the signal is configured to control the display 401 to display a new image.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a docking station 500 according to an embodiment. The docking station 500 comprises a docking station control unit 510 configured to detect and/or change the identifier of the game pieces 501 to 504. The docking station control unit 510 is further configured to provide a signal for the game pieces 501 to 504 for controlling the display of the game pieces 501 to 504 to display a new image. The docking station 500 may be further configured to provide power to a power source for the game pieces.

Although some embodiments have been described and shown in detail, the invention is not limited thereto but may be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject matter defined in the following claims. In particular, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims or described in different embodiments does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.