CA3050303A1

CA3050303A1 - Tabletop gaming system, figurine pedestal, game pieces and related methods

Info

Publication number: CA3050303A1
Application number: CA3050303A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Nicholas Aitken
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-07-22
Filing date: 2019-07-22
Publication date: 2021-01-22

Abstract

A tabletop gaming system includes a figurine and a pedestal. The figurine has a figurine bottom portion. The pedestal has a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion, a power source, one or more processors, one or more memories collectively storing computer-readable instructions including game logic, one or more player-interaction detectors communicatively coupled to the processor, and one or more player-notification generators. The computer-readable instructions when executed, configuring the one or more processors to collectively receive one or more communications from one or more of the player-interaction detectors, the one or more communications being individually or collectively indicative of player-interaction with the figurine, and direct at least one of the player-notification generators to generate a player-notification, in response to a comparison between the received one or more communications and the game logic.

Description

TITLE: TABLETOP GAMING SYSTEM, FIGURINE PEDESTAL, GAME PIECES AND
RELATED METHODS
FIELD
[0001] This application relates to the field of tabletop gaming systems, game pieces, figurine pedestals, and related methods.
INTRODUCTION

[0002] The popularity of tabletop gaming is increasing rapidly. Many tabletop games include players moving figurines over a gameboard.
DRAWINGS

[0003] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tabletop gaming system, with a game piece being placed onto a game space of a gameboard, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0004] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tabletop gaming system of FIG. 1, with the game piece on the game space of the gameboard;

[0005] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an electronic controller, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0006] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pedestal, with an upper portion removed, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0007] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a game piece, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0008] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a game piece, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0009] FIG. 7 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a game piece, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 8 is a front view of a pedestal and a plurality of figurines, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a game piece, with the figurine disconnected from the pedestal, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0012]
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a game piece, with the figurine connected to the pedestal, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0013]
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a game piece, with the figurine disconnected to the pedestal, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0014] FIG.
12 is a cross-sectional view of a game piece, with the figurine disconnected to the pedestal, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0015]
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a game piece, with the figurine disconnected to the pedestal, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0016]
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a game piece, with the figurine disconnected to the pedestal, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0017]
FIGS. 15-16 are cross-sectional views of a game piece being placed onto a gameboard, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0018]
FIGS. 17-18 are cross-sectional views of a game piece being placed onto a gameboard, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0019] FIGS. 19-20 are cross-sectional views of a game piece being placed onto a gameboard, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0020]
FIGS. 21-22 are cross-sectional views of a game piece being placed onto a gameboard, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0021]
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a game piece above a gameboard, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0022]
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a game piece being placed onto a game space of a gameboard, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0023]
FIGS. 25-26 are cross-sectional views of a game piece being placed onto a gameboard, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0024]
FIGS. 27-28 are cross-sectional views of a game piece being placed onto a gameboard, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0025] FIGS. 29-30 are cross-sectional views of a game piece being placed onto a gameboard, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a tabletop gaming system, with a game piece being placed onto a gameboard that has game spaces with different capacitances, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0027] FIGS. 32-34 are cross-sectional views of a gameboard, in accordance with various embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of a game piece in accordance with an embodiment;

[0029] FIGS. 36-39 are perspective views of a pedestal with an upper portion removed, in accordance with various embodiments;

[0030] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a pedestal with an upper portion removed, on a gameboard, emitting a laser beam, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0031] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a pedestal with an upper portion removed, emitting wireless communication signals to a speaker, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a pedestal with an upper portion removed, emitting wireless communication signals to headphones, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0033] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a pedestal with an upper portion removed, emitting wireless communication signals to a computing device, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0034] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a pedestal with an upper portion removed, emitting wireless communication signals to an intermediary device, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0035] FIG. 45 is a partial perspective view of a game piece, where the pedestal has a plurality of player input buttons, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0036] FIGS. 46-47 are partial perspective views of a game piece, where the pedestal has a rotary input and illuminated selection indicators, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0037]
FIGS. 48-49 are partial perspective views of a game piece, where the pedestal has a rotary input and illuminated selection indicators, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0038]
FIG. 50 is a partial perspective view of a game piece, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0039]
FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a pedestal, with an upper portion removed, and a memory card; and

[0040]
FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a pedestal, with an upper portion removed, and a flash drive.
SUMMARY

[0041]
In one aspect, a tabletop gaming system is provided. The system may include a figurine and a pedestal. The figurine may have a figurine bottom portion. The pedestal may have a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion. The pedestal may have a power source, one or more processors electrically connected to the power source, one or more memories collectively storing computer-readable instructions, the computer-readable instructions including game logic, one or more player-interaction detectors communicatively coupled to the processor, and one or more player-notification generators. The computer-readable instructions when executed may configure the one or more processors to collectively:
receive one or more communications from one or more of the player-interaction detectors, the one or more communications being individually or collectively indicative of player-interaction with the figurine, and direct at least one of the player-notification generators to generate a player-notification, in response to a comparison between the received one or more communications and the game logic.

[0042]
In another aspect, a tabletop gaming system is provided. The system may include a figurine and a pedestal. The figurine may have a figurine bottom portion. The pedestal may have a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion. The pedestal may have a power source, and one or more processors electrically connected to the power source.

[0043] In another aspect, a tabletop gaming system is provided. The system may include a figurine and a pedestal. The figurine may have a figurine bottom portion. The pedestal may have a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion. The pedestal may have a power source, and one or more player-interaction detectors.

[0044] In another aspect, a tabletop gaming system is provided. The system may include a figurine and a pedestal. The figurine may have a figurine bottom portion. The pedestal may have a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion. The pedestal may have a power source, and one or more player-notification generators.

[0045] In another aspect, a tabletop gaming system is provided. The system may include a figurine and a pedestal. The figurine may have a figurine bottom portion. The pedestal may have a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion. The pedestal may have one or more processors, and one or more memories collectively storing computer-readable instructions, the computer-readable instructions including game logic.

[0046] In another aspect, a tabletop gaming system is provided. The system may include a figurine and a pedestal. The figurine may have a figurine bottom portion. The pedestal may have a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion, The pedestal may having a wireless communications antenna.

[0047] In another aspect, a tabletop gaming system is provided. The system may include a figurine and a pedestal. The figurine may have a figurine bottom portion. The pedestal may have a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion. The pedestal may have one or more light sources.

[0048] In another aspect, a tabletop gaming system is provided. The system may include a figurine and a pedestal and an identification sensate. The figurine may have a figurine bottom portion. The pedestal may have a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion

[0049] In another aspect, a tabletop gaming system is provided. The system may include a game piece including a figurine, a pedestal, and an RFID tag connected to the game piece. The figurine may have a figurine bottom portion. The pedestal may have a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion. The RFID tag may be connected to the game piece.

[0050]
In another aspect, a pedestal for supporting a figurine in a tabletop gaming system is provided. The pedestal may include a pedestal upper portion connectable to a figurine, a power source, one or more processors electrically connected to the power source, one or more memories collectively storing computer-readable instructions, the computer-readable instructions including game logic, one or more player-interaction detectors communicatively coupled to the processor, and one or more player-notification generators. The computer-readable instructions when executed may configure the one or more processors to collectively:
receive one or more communications from one or more of the player-interaction detectors, the one or more communications being individually or collectively indicative of player-interaction with the figurine, and direct at least one of the player-notification generators to generate a player-notification, in response to a comparison between the received one or more communications and the game logic.

[0051]
In another aspect, a method of generating player-notifications in a gaming system is provided. The method may include one or more player-interaction detectors sensing player-interaction between a pedestal and a gameboard, and activating one or more player-notification generators based on a comparison of the sensed player-interaction and game logic.
DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

[0052]
Numerous embodiments are described in this application, and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any sense. The invention is widely applicable to numerous embodiments, as is readily apparent from the disclosure herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may be practiced with modification and alteration without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Although particular features of the present invention may be described with reference to one or more particular embodiments or figures, it should be understood that such features are not limited to usage in the one or more particular embodiments or figures with reference to which they are described.

[0053] The terms "an embodiment," "embodiment," "embodiments," "the embodiment," "the embodiments," "one or more embodiments," "some embodiments,"
and "one embodiment" mean "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention(s)," unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0054] The terms "including," "comprising" and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless expressly specified otherwise. A listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms "a," "an" and "the" mean "one or more," unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0055] As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be "coupled", "connected", "attached", "joined", "affixed", or "fastened" where the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate parts), so long as a link occurs. As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be "directly coupled", "directly connected", "directly attached", "directly joined", "directly affixed", or "directly fastened" where the parts are connected in physical contact with each other. As used herein, two or more parts are said to be "rigidly coupled", "rigidly connected", "rigidly attached", "rigidly joined", "rigidly affixed", or "rigidly fastened" where the parts are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. None of the terms "coupled", "connected", "attached", "joined", "affixed", and "fastened" distinguish the manner in which two or more parts are joined together.

[0056] Further, although method steps may be described (in the disclosure and / or in the claims) in a sequential order, such methods may be configured to work in alternate orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order.
The steps of methods described herein may be performed in any order that is practical.
Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously.

[0057] As used herein and in the claims, a first element is said to be 'communicatively coupled to' or 'communicatively connected to' or 'connected in communication with' a second element where the first element is configured to send or receive electronic signals (e.g. data) to or from the second element, and the second element is configured to receive or send the electronic signals from or to the first element.
The communication may be wired (e.g. the first and second elements are connected by one or more data cables or traces), or wireless (e.g. at least one of the first and second elements has a wireless transmitter, and at least the other of the first and second elements has a wireless receiver). The electronic signals may be analog or digital. The communication may be one-way or two-way. In some cases, the communication may conform to one or more standard protocols (e.g. SPI, I2C, Bluetooth, or IEEETM
802.11x).

[0058]
As used herein and in the claims, a group of elements are said to 'collectively' perform an act where that act is performed by any one of the elements in the group, or performed cooperatively by two or more (or all) elements in the group.

[0059]
Some elements herein may be identified by a part number, which is composed of a base number followed by an alphabetical or subscript-numerical suffix (e.g.
112a, or 1121). Multiple elements herein may be identified by part numbers that share a base number in common and that differ by their suffixes (e.g. 1121, 1122, and 1123). All elements with a common base number may be referred to collectively or generically using the base number without a suffix (e.g. 112).

[0060]
FIGS. 1-2 show a tabletop gaming system 100. As shown, tabletop gaming system 100 may include a figurine 104 connected to a pedestal 108. In some embodiments, tabletop gaming system 100 may further include a gameboard 112.
In use, a player may manually (i.e. by hand) move their figurine 104 over the gameboard 112 according to the rules of the game. A gameboard 112 may include visual indications that certain events (e.g. draw a card, apply an effect, or trigger an encounter) will occur when a figurine 104 enters a particular space 116 on gameboard 112. However, the occurrence of this event may be spoiled to the users if it is plainly marked on the gameboard 112 or plainly indicated in the rules. It would be exciting for the player to be genuinely surprised by events that occur as the player moves their figurine 104 across gameboard 112. Even where the event is not a surprise and the event is plainly marked, it may add to players' enjoyment if the tabletop gaming system 100 notified the player of the event.
This may reduce players' cognitive load associated with remembering and applying event rules, and thereby make the game more enjoyable and faster to learn, play, and teach to new players.

[0061]
Embodiments herein relate to a tabletop gaming system 100 in which a figurine 104 is connected to an electronic pedestal 108. When connected as shown, figurine 104 and pedestal 108 are together referred to as a game piece 120.
Pedestal 108 may include player-interaction detector(s) that sense player-interaction (e.g.
sense movement of the game piece 120 across gameboard 112) and player-notification generator(s) that generate player-notifications (e.g. sounds, lighting, or haptics) in response to sensed player-interaction according to game logic stored in memory. This allows the pedestal 108 to track conditions for generating an event, and to notify the players of the event when the conditions are met. In some cases, the conditions may be hidden from players so that players can be surprised when the conditions are met. In some cases, pedestal 108 may reduce players' cognitive load associated with remembering and applying event rules, and thereby make the game more enjoyable and faster to learn and teach to new players.

[0062]
The following sections describe the electronic controller, the figure connection to the pedestal, player-interaction detectors, player-notification generators, player inputs, and programming ports. Within each of these sections, there are numerous options described each of which may have advantages, drawbacks, and synergies with the other options in the same or different sections. It is expressly contemplated that embodiments of the tabletop gaming system may include features from only one of the following sections (e.g. a magnetic connection between the figurine and pedestal, but none of the electronic controller, player-interaction detector, player-notification generators, player inputs, or programming port features); features from multiple of the following sections (e.g. two or more sections), or features from each of the following sections.
Electronic Controller

[0063]
Reference is now made to FIGS. 3-4. FIG. 3 shows an example schematic of an electronic controller 124. Electronic controller 124 may be a component of pedestal 108. In the example shown, electronic controller 124 includes a power source 128, one or more processors 132, one or more memories 136, one or more player-interaction detectors 140, one or more player-notification generators 144, one or more player inputs 148, and one or more data ports 150. In some embodiments, electronic controller 124 does not include one or more of: a power source 128, a processor 132, a memory 136, a player-interaction detector 140, a player-notification generator 144, a player input 148, or a data port 150. For example, electronic controller 124 may include no player inputs 148 or no data ports 150 in some embodiments.

[0064]
Power source 128 can be any source of electrical energy suitable for supplying the power needs (if any) of processor(s) 132, memory(ies) 136, player-interaction detector(s) 140, player-notification generator(s) 144, and player input(s) 148. For example, power source 128 may include one or more (or all) of a battery (e.g. alkaline, Ni-Cd, NiMH, lithium-ion, or lithium-polymer), photovoltaic cell, wireless power harvester (e.g. RF energy harvester), or kinetic power harvester. In some embodiments, power source 128 may provide electricity with a voltage between 0.9V and 6V.

[0065]
Processor(s) 132 may be any device that can execute computer readable instructions (also referred to as computer-executable instructions). When executed, the computer readable instructions configure processor(s) 132 to collectively perform the methods, functions, and acts described herein. In some embodiments, a processor 132 may be a microcontroller (e.g. an Atmel TM Microchip Technology TM
or STMicroelectronicsTm brand microcontroller), a microprocessor (e.g. an IntelTM
or AMDTm brand microprocessor), or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) (e.g. an Altera Tm, XilinxTM, or Lattice SemiconductorTM brand FPGA). Electronic controller 124 may include one processor 132 responsible for all processing, or electronic controller 124 may include multiple processors 132 which may cooperate (e.g. multithread code blocks) and/or may operate independently (e.g. separately process different code).

[0066] Memory 136 may be any device that can store computer readable instructions executable by one or more (or all) of processor(s) 132, including volatile and non-volatile memory. Memory 136 may include one or more of random access .memory (RAM, e.g.

SRAM, BRAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, EEPROM, MLAB (memory logic array blocks), M2OK memory, block RAM, and other types of memory (e.g.
embedded memory of FPGA nodes). Memory 136 may be fixed (i.e. non-removable) or removable (e.g. in a memory card). Memory 136 may store computer readable instructions (e.g.
compiled computer code) for execution by processor(s) 132 to perform processing for the functions and methods described herein. Alternatively or in addition, memory 136 may also store game logic. Electronic controller 124 may include one memory 136 that stores all computer readable instructions and game logic, or computer readable instructions and game logic may be stored across multiple memories 136. In some embodiments, memory 136 may be incorporated in a microcontroller or FPGA of processor(s) 132. As part of the game logic or separately from it, memory 136 may store parameters for activating player-notification generators. For example, memory 136 may store parameters that may include one or more of sound clips, images, video clips, vibration patterns, lighting patterns, etc.
Memory may be communicatively coupled to processor(s) 132.

[0067]
Player-interaction detector(s) 140 may be any device that can detect a player interaction (e.g. movement of a game piece 120 (FIG. 1) across gameboard 112 (FIG. 1)).
For example, player-interaction detector(s) 140 may include one or more (or all) of a vibration sensor (e.g. that senses a vibration spike when the game piece is placed on the gameboard), a depressible switch (e.g. that depresses when the game piece is placed on the gameboard), a light sensor (e.g. that is blocked from light when the game piece is placed on the gameboard), a capacitance sensor (e.g. that senses a capacitance of the gameboard), an accelerometer or inertial measurement unit (e.g. that senses a deceleration when the game piece is placed on the gameboard, an NFC tag reader (e.g.
that reads an NEC tag on the gameboard), a magnetism sensor (e.g. that senses a magnetism of the gameboard), or a reflectance sensor (e.g. that senses a reflectance of the gameboard). Alternatively or in addition, player-interaction detector(s) 140 may include one or many wireless radios (e.g. Bluetooth or 802.11x) that connect to an external device (e.g. vibration sensor, depressible switch, light sensor, capacitance sensor, accelerometer or IME, NEC tag reader, magnetism sensor, or reflectance sensor) that can detect a player interaction. Player-interaction detector(s) 140 may detect movement across the gameboard and/or positioning of the game piece on special locations of the gameboard, which the processor 132 may compare to the game logic to determine whether to generate a player-notification (e.g. of an event that is also identified based on the game logic). Player-interaction detectors 140 are described in more detail in the player-interaction detectors section below. Player-interaction detector(s) 140 may be communicatively coupled to processor(s) 132.

[0068] Player-notification generator(s) 144 may include any device that can generate player notifications (e.g. notification of an event determined by processor 132 based on a comparison of sensed player-interaction with the game piece and the game logic). The player-notification generator(s) 144 may generate auditory, haptic, or visual notifications when activated, or may generate wireless communication signals when activated (e.g. the signals may direct an external device, such as a computer tablet or sound device (e.g.
speaker or headphones) to generate an auditory, haptic, and/or visual notification). For example, player-notification generator(s) 144 may include one or more (or all) of a speaker, a vibrator, a light source (e.g. one or many LEDs), a laser (e.g. a semi-conductor laser diode), an electronic visual display (e.g. OLED or e-paper display), or a wireless communication antenna (e.g. a Bluetooth radio). Player-notification generator(s) 144 may be communicatively coupled to processor(s) 132.

[0069] Player input(s) 148 can include any device that allows a player to make selections using their body (e.g. hands or voice). For example, player input 148 may include one or many manual input devices (i.e. input by hand) such as a button (e.g.
depressible button or capacitive button), slider, or rotatable input (e.g.
dial), and/or one or many auditory input device such as a microphone, and/or one or many wireless input devices such as a wireless radio (e.g. Bluetooth or 802.11x) that connect to an external manual input device (e.g. touch screen) or auditory input device. Player input(s) 148 may be communicatively coupled to processor(s) 132

[0070]
Data port 150 may provide a wired or wireless connection to another device (e.g. memory card, flash drive, or external computing device such as a smartphone, tablet computer, or PC). The data port 150 may be any device that allows a wired or wireless data connection, such as for example a USB port, a memory card reader, or a wireless radio. Data port(s) 150 may be communicatively coupled to processor(s) 132.

[0071]
FIGS. 3-4 illustrate examplary hardware configurations of an electronic controller 124. In alternative embodiments, electronic controller 124 contains fewer, additional, or different components. In addition, although aspects of an implementation of electronic controller 124 are described as being stored in memory, one skilled in the art will appreciate that these aspects can also be stored on or read from other types of readable media, such as secondary storage devices, including hard drives, floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, memory cards (e.g. SD cards), flash drives (e.g. thumb drives); a carrier wave from the Internet or other network; or other forms of volatile and non-volatile memory.

[0072]
As used herein, reference to electronic controller 124 performing processing (e.g. comparing conditions to game logic to signals from player-interaction detectors, directing activation of player-notification generators, or receiving player input) means that processor 132 is performing this processing as configured to by execution of computer-readable instructions in memory 136 and/or the hardware configuration of electronic controller 124.
Figurine Connection to Pedestal

[0073]
Reference is now made to FIG. 5. In some embodiments, figurine 104 may be permanently connected to pedestal 108. For example, figurine 104 may not be separable from pedestal 108 without damaging game piece 120. An advantage to a permanent connection is that it can enforce a requirement that the figurine 104 and pedestal 108 remain connected (e.g. as a matching pair), and it may simplify the design, manufacture, and/or cost of game piece 120 as compared to a removable connection (e.g.
in that removable connectors are not required).

[0074]
Figurine 104 may be permanently connected to pedestal 108 in any manner suitable for permanently connecting a figurine to a pedestal. FIG. 5 shows an example in which figurine 104 and pedestal 108 are integrally formed (e.g. at least a portion of figurine 104 is integrally formed with at least a portion of pedestal 108, such as by molding or machining the integrally formed portions of contiguous material). An advantage of this design is that it may reduce the number of parts to be manufactured and it may ensure a consistent relative positioning of figurine 104 on pedestal 108 (e.g. as compared to a welded or adhesive connection in which the position of figurine 104 on pedestal 108 is reliant on manual or machine placement).

[0075]
Figurine 104 has a figurine lower portion 152 and a figurine upper portion 156; and pedestal 108 has a pedestal lower portion 160 and a pedestal upper portion 164.

In the illustrated example, figurine lower portion 152 is integrally formed with pedestal upper portion 164. Figurine 104 has a height 168 extending between figurine lower portion 152 and figurine upper portion 156. As shown, figurine 104 may be oriented so that figurine 104 extends from figurine lower portion 152 away from pedestal upper portion 164 towards figurine upper portion 156.

[0076]
In some embodiments, pedestal upper portion 164 includes a pedestal upper wall 172. As shown, pedestal upper wall 172 may include an upper surface 176.
Upper surface 176 may be planar as shown or non-planar (e.g. concave, convex, or include both concavity and convexity).

[0077] FIG. 6 shows an example of game piece 120, in which figurine 104 is welded (e.g. by plastic or metal weld material) to pedestal 108. An advantage of this design is that it may simplify the design and manufacture of game piece 120 (e.g. as compared to an integral connection between figurine 104 and pedestal 108 which may require compliance with mold draft angles and/or other requirements depending on the manufacturing method).
In the example shown, figurine lower portion 152 is connected to pedestal upper portion 164 by welds 180. Welds 180 may be placed at an interface of figurine lower portion 152 and pedestal upper portion 164 to permanently connect figurine 104 to pedestal 108.

[0078]
FIG. 7 shows an example of game piece 120, in which figurine 104 is adhesively connected to pedestal 108. An advantage of this design is that it may allow greater flexibility in the selection of materials for figurine 104 and pedestal 108 (e.g. as compared to an integral connection between figurine 104 and pedestal 108 where the integrally formed components are of the same material, and as compared to welding the figurine 104 to pedestal 108 where the materials of the figurine 104 and pedestal 108 must be compatible with welding and the weld material). As shown, adhesive 184 may be positioned between figurine lower portion 152 and pedestal upper portion 164.

[0079]
Adhesive 184 may be permanent adhesive or nonpermanent reusable adhesive.

[0080]
A permanent adhesive is one that after the adhesive 184 is set (e.g. cured or dried), breaking the adhesive connection between figurine 104 and pedestal 108 will irreversibly damage the adhesion of adhesive 184 (e.g. new adhesive may be required to reestablish the adhesive connection). An advantage of this design is that it can enforce a requirement that the figurine 104 and pedestal 108 remain connected (e.g. as a matching pair).

[0081] A nonpermanent reusable adhesive is one that after the adhesive 184 is set (e.g. cured or dried, if applicable), breaking the adhesive connection between figurine 104 and pedestal 108 does not irreversibly damage the adhesion of adhesive 184 (e.g. new adhesive is not required to reestablish the adhesive connection). An advantage of this design is that it can allow several figurines 104 to interchangeably share the same pedestal 108, which may reduce the number of pedestals 108 required for a tabletop game ¨ and thereby reduce the cost, size, and weight of the tabletop game. For example, a tabletop game supporting up to 4 players and having dozens of figurines 104 for those 4 players to select from, may require only 4 pedestals 108 if the figurines 104 have a removable connection to the pedestals 108. This is illustrated in FIG. 8, which shows a plurality of figurines 104 for players to select from and removably connect their selected figurine 104 to a pedestal 108.

[0082] Still referring to FIG. 8. In some embodiments, figurine 104 may be removably connected to pedestal 108. For example, figurine 104 may be separable from pedestal 108 and reconnectable to pedestal 108 without damaging the game piece and without replacing adhesive or other connecting matter. An advantage to a removable .. connection is that it can reduce the number of pedestals 108 required for a tabletop game ¨
and thereby reduce the cost, size, and weight of the tabletop game. Further, it can allow a pedestal 108 to be repaired or replaced without having to repair or replace a connected figurine 104, and vice versa.

[0083] FIG. 9 shows an example of game piece 120, in which figurine 104 is removably connectable to pedestal 108 by hook-and-loop fasteners 188 (e.g.
Velcro ). An advantage of this design is that it may provide a simple, removable, and child-friendly connection between figurine 104 and pedestal 108. Hook-and-loop fasteners 188 can provide a reliable connection even where the hook-and-loop panels are not perfectly aligned.

[0084]
FIG. 10 shows an example of game piece 120, in which figurine 104 is removably connectable to pedestal 108 by one or more threaded fasteners 192.
An advantage of this design is that it may provide a simple, removable, and reliable connection that can be disconnected and reconnected numerous times. As shown, fastener 192 may be embedded in one of figurine 104 and pedestal 108, so that the game piece 120 may be assembled by holding figurine 104 and pedestal 108 and rotating one relative to the other.
In the illustrated example, fastener 192 is embedded in figurine lower portion 152.

[0085]
FIG. 11 shows an example of game piece 120, in which figurine 104 is removably connectable to pedestal 108 by a mechanical protrusion-and-recess connection.
An advantage of this design is that it may provide a simple snap-fit connection between figurine 104 and pedestal 108. Further, the protrusion-and-recess connection may have a keyed design that limits the figurine 104 and pedestal 108 in a limited set (e.g. less than 10, less than 7, or only 1) of relative rotational orientations (e.g. rotation about axis 196 (e.g.
vertical axis as shown)). As shown, the mechanical protrusion-and-recess connection may include one or more mechanical-connection-protrusions 204 that are sized and positioned to insert into one or more corresponding mechanical-connection-recesses 208.
Mechanical-connection-protrusions 204 and mechanical-connection-recesses 208 may be provided on figurine lower portion 152 and pedestal upper portion 164 as shown.
Mechanical-connection-protrusions 204 may be sized to form a friction fit or a snap fit when inserted into mechanical-connection-recesses 208 so that the connection is reliably maintained until the player exerts a deliberate separation force (e.g. the connection may require 1 pound or more of separation force to cause separation).

[0086]
FIG. 12 shows an example of game piece 120, in which figurine 104 is removably connectable to pedestal 108 by a magnetic connection. An advantage of this design is that it may provide a simple, reliable connection between figurine 104 and pedestal 108. Further, the elements of the magnetic connection may be hidden from view and physical contact inside the figurine 104 and pedestal 108 so that are protected from fouling (e.g. from dirt) and damage. In some embodiments, the elements of the magnetic connection may be arranged so that they restrict the connection between figurine 104 and pedestal 108 to one or a limited set (e.g. 5 or less) of allowable relative rotational orientations (e.g. rotation about axis 196). As shown, the magnetic connection may include magnetic elements 212. Each element 212 may be a magnet (e.g. permanent magnet, such as a neodymium magnet or ceramic magnet) or a magnetically attractable material (e.g. a ferromagnetic material). The magnetic connection is formed by one or many aligned pairs of elements 212, where each pair includes at least one magnet and either another magnet (with a polarity oriented for attraction) or a magnetically attractable material. In the illustrated example, the magnetic connection includes at least two aligned pairs of elements 212, including magnets 2121 and magnetically attractable material 2122.

[0087] FIG. 13 shows an example of game piece 120, in which figurine 104 is removably connectable to pedestal 108, and in which figurine lower portion 152 includes a wide base 216 (e.g. a substantially planar base) (e.g. characterized by a thickness 218 of less than 10% of the height 168 of figurine 104 and a horizontal width 219 of at least 70%
of the horizontal width 222 of figurine 104). Figurine 104 may include a wide base 216 in combination with any of the removable connections described herein, such as the magnetic connection shown. An advantage of this design is that wide base 216 can provide a stable support for figurine 104 to stand upright when disconnected from pedestal 108.
This can allow figurine 104 to be enjoyed by players even in the absence of pedestal 108 (e.g. for use in games that do not use the features of pedestal 108, or for display in a display case).

[0088] FIG. 14 shows an example of game piece 120, in which figurine 104 is removably connectable to pedestal 108, in which figurine 104 lower portion 152 includes a wide base 216 (e.g. a substantially planar base), and in which pedestal upper portion 164 includes a recess 223 sized to receive figurine base 216 whereby a reliable connection is formed (e.g. a friction fit or snap fit). This can allow players to use their pre-existing tabletop gaming figurines 104, which commonly include a base 216 of standard sizes and shapes. The most common sizes and shapes of base 216 are a 20mm width square base, a 25mm diameter circular base, and a 25mm width (measured perpendicular to a side) hexagonal base. More generally, standard sizes and shapes for bases range from 15mm to 100mm diameter square bases, 20mm to 100mm diameter circular bases, and 20mm to 50mm width (measured perpendicular to a side) hexagonal bases.

[0089] Pedestals 108 may be manufactured and sold separately from figurines 104.
This can allow players to use their own pre-existing figurines with pedestals 108. This can also allow producers of tabletop games to purchase and use pedestals 108 in the games they sell. For example, pedestals 108 may be sold (e.g. as a kit) with component(s) to form a permanent connection (e.g. weld material or permanent adhesive) or removable connection (e.g. hook-and-loop fasteners, threaded fastener, or magnetic connection element(s) (e.g. magnets and/or magnetically attractable material) to figurines 104.
Player-Interaction Detectors

[0090]
Reference is now made to FIGS. 15-16. Player-interaction detector(s) 140 may be any device that can detect a player interaction (e.g. movement of a game piece 120 (FIG. 1) across gameboard 112 (FIG. 1). For example, player-interaction detector(s) 140 may detect movement across the gameboard and/or specific positioning of the game piece on special locations of the gameboard, which the electronic controller 124 may compare to the game logic to determine whether to generate a player-notification (e.g. of an event that is also identified based on the game logic) and the parameters of that player-notification (e.g. sound clip, image, lighting pattern, vibration pattern, etc.).

[0091] As an example, the game logic may prescribe that there is a (predetermined or calculated) percentage chance of an event occurring with each detected movement of the game piece 120. In this example, when electronic controller 124 determines that a movement of game piece 120 has occurred based on signals from one or more player-interaction detector(s) 140, the electronic controller 124 may, in accordance with the game logic, execute a probability function (e.g. using a random number generator) with the percentage chance, and if the probability function returns TRUE then the electronic controller 124 may direct the activation of one or more player-notification generators.

[0092]
FIGS. 15-16 show an example of pedestal 108 including a vibration sensor 1401. For example, vibration sensor 1401 may be a piezoelectric, piezoresistive, or capacitive MEMS sensor. As illustrated by the transition from FIG. 15 to FIG.
16, when a player holding game piece 120 places it back down onto gameboard 112, vibration sensor 1401 may sense vibrations 220 generated at the moment of contact between pedestal lower portion 160 and gameboard 112. Electronic controller 124 may process signals from vibration sensor 1401 in comparison to game logic to determine whether to activate a player-notification generator and the parameters of that activation (e.g. the sound clip to play, the color of lights to shine, the imagery to display, lighting pattern, vibration pattern, etc.).

[0093] FIGS. 17-18 show an example of pedestal 108 including a depressible switch 1402. As shown, depressible switch 1402 may be located interior to pedestal housing 224.
This may mitigate switch 1402 interfering with the stability of game piece 120 on gameboard 112, and may help protect depressible switch 1402 from being fouled by dirt or damaged. As shown, pedestal lower portion 160 may be movable (e.g. translate upwardly towards pedestal upper portion 164) in response to placing game piece 120 onto gameboard 112. For example, depressible switch 1402 may be movable from a first position (FIG. 17) to a second position (FIG. 18) in response to placing game piece 120 onto gameboard 112, and this movement to the second position (i.e. toggling of the switch 1402) may be registered by electronic controller 124.

[0094] In some embodiments, depressible switch 1402 may be biased to the first position (FIG. 17). For example, depressible switch 1402 may include a bias 228 (e.g. a spring, or a flexible or deformable element). In some cases, the biasing force may inhibit depressible switch 1402 from moving to the second position under the weight of game piece 120 alone. Instead, it may require deliberate supplemental player applied force upon game piece 120 against gameboard 112 to overcome the biasing force and move depressible switch 1402 to the second position. This may mitigate depressible switch 1402 falsely signaling the electronic controller 124 that game piece 120 has been moved.
Instead, a player will apply deliberate force to game piece 120 against gameboard 112 to "click" the game piece 120 (i.e. move switch 1402 to the second position) when moving game piece 120 across gameboard 112.

[0095] FIGS. 19-20 show an example of pedestal 108 including a depressible switch 1402 that extends at least partially outside of (e.g. protrudes from) pedestal housing 224.
An advantage of this design is that it may simplify the design and manufacture of pedestal 108 (e.g. as compared to an internal switch as in FIGS. 17-18). In some embodiments, the biasing force (also referred to as toggling force) of depressible switch 1402 may be less than a weight of game piece 120 (or less than a weight of pedestal 108) so that depressible switch 1402 toggles to the second position under its own weight when placed on gameboard 112. As shown in FIG. 20, depressible switch 1402 may be flush with game piece lower end 232 when in the second position so that depressible switch 1402 does not interfere with the stability of game piece 120 when resting under its own weight on gameboard 112.

[0096] FIGS. 21-22 show an example of pedestal 108 including a depressible switch 1402 that can be access (e.g. toggled) via a recess 236 (e.g. a depression or opening) in pedestal lower portion 160. An advantage of this design is that depressible switch 1402 may be toggled only when a corresponding protrusion 238 on gameboard 112 is received in pedestal recess 236. This design may also guide players to the proper positioning of figurine 104 on gameboard 112. The toggling force of depressible switch 1402 may be less than the weight of game piece 120 (or less than the weight of pedestal 108) (e.g. requires no deliberate player force to be toggled) or greater than the weight of game piece 120 (e.g.
requires deliberate supplementary player force to be toggled).

[0097] FIGS. 23-24 show an example of pedestal 108 including an NFC
tag reader 1403. As shown, NFC tag reader 1403 may read an NFC tag 240 on a space 116 of gameboard 112 when the game piece 120 is placed on the space 116 (e.g. when game piece 120 is placed on top of NFC tag 240). An advantage of this design is that it can allow the game logic to specify different reactions (e.g. different activations of player-notification generator(s)) for different spaces 116 because different spaces 116 can have NFC tags 240 that transmit different information (e.g. ID codes) to NFC tag reader 1403. For example, the game logic may include a lookup table that pairs NFC tag information (e.g. ID
code) against player-notification generator activations (e.g. sound clip, light color and pattern, or vibration pattern, etc.).

[0098] In some embodiments, NEC tag 240 may be positioned below an upper layer 244 (e.g. art layer) of gameboard 112. This can allow NFC tag 240 to be hidden from view to the players, so that the activation of player-notification generator(s) by electronic controller 124 based on a comparison of the game logic to the signals from NEC
tag reader 1403 may come as a surprise to players. In alternative embodiments, NEC tag 240 may be positioned on gameboard 112 where it can be seen by players. In some embodiments, NFC tag 240 may be removable and replaceable (e.g. as reusable stickers or overlay tiles) onto gameboard 112, in accordance with the rules of the game for a dynamically variable player experience.

[0099] FIGS. 25-26 show an example of pedestal 108 including a movement sensor 1404 (e.g. accelerometer or inertial measurement unit). As an example, movement sensor 1404 may detect sudden changes in movement (e.g. sharp deceleration) representative of game piece 120 making contact with gameboard 112. Alternatively or in addition, movement sensor 1404 may detect that game piece 120 is oriented exactly upright, consistent with game piece 120 being seated flush on a horizontal gameboard.
Electronic controller 124 may detect movement of game piece 120 across gameboard 112 based on signals from movement sensor 1404 and activate player-notification generator(s) according to the game logic.

[00100] FIGS. 27-28 show an example of pedestal 108 including a reflectance sensor 1405. As an example, reflectance sensor 1405 may sense the reflectance of an upper surface 248, and electronic controller 124 may determine that game piece 120 has moved across gameboard 112 if the reflectance is indicative of gameboard 112. In some cases, different spaces 116 on gameboard 112 may be distinguished by their reflectance. For example, gameboard upper surface 248 may have different reflectance at different at different spaces 116, and the game logic may prescribe different player-notification generator activations depending on gameboard space 116 identified by its reflectance (e.g.
using a lookup table as described above).

[00101] Reflectance sensor 1405 can have any suitable design.
In some embodiments, reflectance sensor 1405 has a light source 252 (e.g. infrared LED) and an optical sensor 256 (e.g. phototransistor). The light source 252 emits light away from the reflectance sensor 1405 and the optical sensor 256 senses reflections of that light off a nearby surface.

[00102] FIGS. 29-30 show an example of pedestal 108 including a capacitance sensor 1406. Capacitance sensor 1406 may sense the capacitance of an adjacent surface, such as the portion (e.g. gameboard space) of gameboard 112 located beneath pedestal 108. For example, when game piece 120 is lifted off gameboard 112, capacitance sensor 1406 may sense a dramatic drop in capacitance, and when game piece 120 is placed onto a space 116 of gameboard 112, capacitance 1406 may sense a sudden rise in capacitance.
Electronic controller 124 may determine that a game piece 120 has moved across gameboard 112 based on changes in sensed capacitance, and may activate player-notification generator(s) 144 according to the game logic.

[00103] Referring to FIGS. 29-31, gameboard 112 may include one or many capacitive elements 260 that allow capacitance sensor 1406 to register a significant (e.g. at least 10 times increase) rise in capacitance when game piece 120 is placed on gameboard 112 over the capacitive element 260 as compared to when game piece 120 is suspended away from gameboard 112. In some embodiments, the entire gameboard 112 may have one large or many smaller capacitive elements 260 with the same capacitance.
FIG. 31 shows an example in which gameboard 112 includes different capacitive elements and 2602 having different capacitances. For example, some or every gameboard space 116 may have a capacitive element 260 of a different capacitance. Some gameboard spaces 116 may have no capacitive element. This can allow electronic controller 124 to differentiate when game piece 120 is on certain gameboard spaces 116 or others, and compare that to the game logic to determine what player-notification generator(s) to active and the parameters of those activations (e.g. by reference to a lookup table, as described above).

[00104] Referring to FIGS. 32-33, capacitive element 260 or NFC tag 240 may be positioned below gameboard upper layer 244 (e.g. a game art layer, also referred to as a graphics layer) where it is not visible to players. An advantage of this design is that the players may be surprised by player-notifications generated by activation of player-notification generators by electronic controller 124 in accordance with a comparison of signals from capacitance sensor 1406 (FIG. 30) or NFC tag reader 1403 (FIG.
23) and the game logic (e.g. which may have a lookup table of capacitance values or NFC
tag information against different player-notification generator activations).
For example, capacitive element 260 or NFC tag 240 may be positioned above a rigid core layer 264 (FIG. 32, e.g. cellulosic fiber based core, such as paperboard, such as chipboard; or plastic or metal core for example) or below a rigid core layer 264 (FIG. 33) - if gameboard 112 has a rigid core, and it may not.

[00105] FIG. 34 shows an alternative embodiment, in which capacitive element 260 or NFC tag 240 is positioned on top of gameboard upper layer 244 where it may be visible to players.

[00106] Referring to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, an electronic controller 124 may include two or more of player-interaction detectors 140 as shown. For example, player-interaction detectors 140 may include both a depressible switch and an NFC tag reader. In this example, the NFC tag reader may only activate when the depressible switch toggles to indicate that the game piece is placed on the gameboard. This may reduce the operating time of the NFC tag reader to conserve power. Alternatively or in addition, electronic controller 124 may compare signals from two or more player-interaction detectors 140 against the game logic (which may be stored in memory(ies) 136) to determine whether to activate player-notification generator(s) 144 and the parameters of that activation. For example, the game logic may include a lookup table of individual or combinations of detector signals against player-notification generator activations.

[00107] Reference is now made to FIG. 35. In some embodiments, a figurine includes a figurine identifying sensate 268 that is sensed by a figurine identification sensor 272 of electronic controller 124 to identify figurine 104. An advantage of this design is that it can allow electronic controller 124 to sense an identity of figurine 104, and to include the figurine ID in comparisons made against the game logic to customize activations of player-notification generator(s) to the particular figurine 104. For example, sensor 272 may be a capacitance sensor, NFC tag reader, pin/pad-connector, circuit reader, and sensate 268 may be a corresponding capacitive element, NFC tag, contact pin/pad, or electronic circuit (e.g. PCB).
Player-Notification Generators

[00108] Player-notification generator(s) 144 may include any device that can generate player notifications (e.g. of an event determined by processor 132 based on a comparison of sensed player-interaction with the game piece and the game logic). The player-notification generator(s) 144 may generate auditory, haptic, or visual notifications when activated, or may generate wireless communication signals when activated (e.g.
the signals may direct an external device, such as a computer tablet or speaker or headphones to generate an auditory, haptic, and/or visual notification).

[00109] FIG. 36 shows an example of pedestal 108 including a speaker 1441 that when activated generates a prescribed sound 276. The sound 276 may be determined by electronic controller 124 in reference to the game logic (e.g. by a comparison of a detected player-interaction and the game logic). In various examples, sound 276 may be a sound clip (e.g. music, or a sound effect ¨ such as an explosion or gunshot), or a verbal message.
Speaker 1441 can be any suitable sound emitting device, such as for example a piezoelectric speaker or an electrodynamic speaker.

[00110] For example, when a player moves their game piece onto a gameboard space 116, the electronic controller 124 may compare signals from player-interaction detectors (e.g. NFC tag reader, reflectance sensor, or capacitance sensor, etc.) against the game logic to determine that the player has triggered a trap (e.g. a tripwire or land mine) and the electronic controller 124 may determine from this comparison to direct speaker 1441 to play an explosion sound effect clip.

[00111] In other examples, electronic controller 124 may determine from the game logic to direct speaker 1441 to play a verbal message (e.g. composed of audible words).
The message may indicate to the players what event has been triggered by their interaction with the game piece over the gameboard 112.

[00112] FIG. 37 shows an example of pedestal 108 including a vibrator 1442 that when activated generates a prescribed vibration 280 (e.g. pattern and intensity). An advantage of haptic player-notifications, such as vibrations, is that they can be readily sensed by the player holding the game piece, even in especially noisy environments (e.g.
gaming convention halls) where sound based notifications may be difficult for players to hear. Vibrator 1442 may be any device suitable for generating vibrations, such as for example an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor (ERM), coin vibration motor (also referred to as a shaftless or pancake vibration motor), surface mount vibration motor (SMD
vibration motor), or linear resonant actuator (LRA) vibration motor.

[00113] For example, when a player moves their game piece onto a gameboard space 116, the electronic controller 124 may compare signals from player-interaction detectors (e.g. NFC tag reader, reflectance sensor, capacitance sensor, etc.) against the game logic to identify the player has located a missing person (e.g. in a detective game) and the electronic controller 124 may determine from this comparison to direct vibrator 1442 to play a heartbeat vibration pattern.

[00114] Another advantage of vibrator 1442 is that it can allow player-notifications to be secretly given to the player holding the game piece. This can create unique possibilities for games where players are playing competitively (e.g. a treasure hunt game, where vibration pattern and intensity indicate proximity to the treasure).

[00115] FIG. 38 shows an example of pedestal 108 including an electronic visual display 1443. An advantage of visual notifications, such as presented on a visual display, is that they can be readily perceived by all players, even in especially noisy environments (e.g. gaming convention halls) where sound based notifications may be difficult for players to hear. Electronic visual display 1443 can be any device suitable for displaying images as an array of pixels, such as for example an OLED display or an e-paper display.
An e-paper display has an advantage of consuming virtually no power except when changing the displayed image. An OLED display may have lower voltage requirements as compared to an e-paper display.

[00116] FIG. 39 shows an example of pedestal 108 include at least one light source 1444. An advantage of using a light source (e.g. LED lights) is that they may reduce the cost and complexity of design and manufacture of pedestal 108 as compared to a design that has an electronic visual display. In some embodiments, pedestal 108 includes several light sources 1444. For example, pedestal 108 may include light sources 1444 that are evenly (or unevenly) distributed around a perimeter of the pedestal 108.

[00117] In the illustrated example, light sources 1444 are shown positioned on an interior of pedestal housing 244. For example, pedestal housing 244 may be at least translucent (i.e. 25%-100% transparency to visible light) so that light emitted by light sources 1444 is visible through pedestal housing 244. In some embodiments, pedestal housing 244 may be translucent (i.e. 25% to 80% transparency to visible light) so that light emitted by light sources 1444 is diffused by pedestal housing 244.

[00118] In some embodiments, light sources 1444 may be capable of emitting two or more colors of light when viewed. The pattern of light (e.g. blinking), intensity (e.g.
brightness/fading), and color may be controlled by the electronic controller 124 in accordance with the game logic (e.g. upon a comparison of the game logic to detected player-interactions).

[00119] FIG. 40 shows an example of pedestal 108 including a laser 1445. An advantage of laser 1445 is that it may be capable of creating a laser beam 284 that clearly points in a direction to notify the player of that direction (which will make sense to the player in the context of the game). Laser 1445 can be any suitable laser that is safe for recreation, such as a semi-conductor laser diode. As shown, laser 1445 may be positioned and oriented to emit laser beam 284 outwardly (e.g. substantially horizontally) from pedestal 108.

[00120] FIGS. 41-43 show examples of pedestal 108 including a wireless communications radio 1446 that when activated can send wireless signals 290 that instruct an external device 288 (e.g. wireless speaker 2881, wireless headphones 2882, computer (e.g. tablet computer, smartphone, or other computing device) 2883) to generate an auditory, haptic, and/or visual notification (e.g. of the types described above). This may offload the electronics to generate these notifications to external device(s) 288 ¨ which may reduce the size and cost of the pedestal 108, and may improve the intensity and quality of the player notifications.

[00121] Wireless communications radio 1446 may be any device suitable for generating wireless communications, such as for example a Bluetooth radio, IEEE
802.11 radio (i.e. WiFi), Zigbee radio, or cellular radio (e.g. 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G). In some embodiments, wireless communications radio 1446 may transmit at 900MHz, 2.4GHz, and/or 5GHz. As shown, wireless communications radio 1446 may include a radio antenna 292.

[00122] FIG. 44 shows an example of pedestal 108 including a wireless communications radio 1446 that when activated can send wireless signals to an external intermediary device 296. Intermediary device 296 may connect by wire and/or wirelessly to one or more external devices 288. In response to wireless signals from wireless radio 1446, intermediate device 296 may direct one or more external devices 288 to generate player-notifications (e.g. auditory, visual, or haptic player-notifications).
For example, electronic controller 124 may, based on a comparison of signals from player-interaction detector(s) against game logic, direct wireless radio 1446 to send wireless signals that identify player-notifications that intermediate device 296 is to have generated, and the parameters of those notifications.

[00123] Alternatively or in addition to electronic controller 124 performing comparisons of signals from player-interaction detector(s) against game logic, electronic controller 124 may wireless communicate (e.g. via wireless communications radio 1446) signals indicative of signals received from player-interaction detector(s) to an intermediate device 296 and/or to external device(s) 288, in which case the intermediate device 296 and/or external device(s) 288 may compare the signals to game logic to determine what player-notifications to generate and the parameters of those activations. An advantage of this design is that it may offload the storage and processing of game logic from electronic controller 124 to an external device 288 or intermediate device 296, which may reduce the cost and complexity of the design and manufacture of pedestal 108, and may reduce the power consumption of pedestal 108.
Player Inputs

[00124] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 45, in some embodiments, pedestal 108 includes one or more player inputs 148. Player inputs 148 can include any device that allows a player to make user selections (e.g. using their body, such as with their hands or voice).
For example, a player input 148 may include a manual input device (i.e.
allowing input by hand) such as a button (e.g. depressible button or capacitive button), a slider, or a rotatable dial; an auditory input device such as a microphone; or a wireless input device such as a wireless radio (e.g. wireless radio 1446 (see FIG. 43) ¨ which may or may not also function as a player-notification generator) that can receive wireless signals from an external manual input device or auditory input device (e.g. 2883 in FIG. 43, which may or may not also function as an external device for generating player-notifications).
Player inputs 148 may be communicatively coupled to processor 132, whereby processor 132 receives signals from player inputs 148.

[00125] Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 45, FIG, 45 shows an example in which pedestal 108 has player buttons 1481. In use, a player may press player buttons 1481 to submit an input to electronic controller 124. In some cases, input from player buttons 1481 may be included in game logic and therefore affect the outcomes of comparisons that electronic controller 124 makes between signals from player-interaction detector(s) 140 and the game logic when determining what player-notification generator(s) 144 to activate and the parameters of those activations. For example, player buttons 1481 may be pressed to select a game difficulty level (e.g. there may be one player button 1481 pressed repeatedly to cycle through difficulty levels, or there may be multiple player buttons 1481 as shown each corresponding to a different difficulty level). Continuing this example, changing from an "EASY" difficulty to a "HARD" difficulty may alter the game logic to provide a greater frequency of negative events that are harmful to the player's success in the game.

[00126] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 46-47, FIGS. 46-47 show an example of pedestal 108 with a rotatable input 1482 (e.g. a rotatable dial). As shown, rotatable input 1482 may allow a player to rotate two portions 3041 and 3042 of game piece 120 relative to each other (e.g. about axis 196¨ e.g. a vertical axis) to signal a user input to electronic controller 124.
For example, figurine 104 and pedestal upper portion 164 may be rotated relative to pedestal lower portion 160. As shown, rotatable input 1482 may include one or many indicators 308 that provide a visual indication to the player of the selection being made when rotating input 1482. For example, rotatable input 1482 may include one or many lights 3081 that illuminate to represent their selection or non-selection, and/or one or more visual indicators 3082 that move into alignment with labels 312.

[00127] FIGS. 48-49 show an alterative embodiment in which rotatable input 1482 is manipulated by rotating a game piece intermediate portion 3043 relative to game piece upper and lower portions 3041 and 3042. As shown, game piece intermediate portion 3043 may be sandwiched (i.e. located) between game piece upper and lower portions 3041 and 3042. In the illustrated example, game piece upper portion 3041 includes pedestal upper portion 164, and game piece lower portion 3042 includes pedestal lower portion 160.

[00128] FIG. 50 show an alternative embodiment in which game piece 120 has no player inputs.

Programming Ports

[00129] Reference is now made to FIG. 51. In some embodiments, electronic controller 124 may be programmable or configurable by way of a data port 150.
For example, electronic controller 124 may be updated with new game logic ¨ such as to improve the game logic for an existing game, or to make electronic controller compatible with a new game. An advantage of this design is that it can allow pedestal 108 to be improved, and to be used with many games ¨ including games that did not exist at the time pedestal 108 was manufactured and purchased by the player.

[00130] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 51, FIG. 51 shows an example in which electronic controller 124 includes a memory card reader 1501 (e.g. micro-SD card reader) for reading a memory card 320. For example, memory card 320 may contain software updates (e.g.
new game logic or other computer readable instructions). In use, memory card 320 may remain connected to pedestal 108 so that the software contained thereon (e.g.
game logic or other computer readable instructions) may be referenced directly from memory card 320 as needed. This can allow memory card 320 to provide a low cost non-volatile, removable memory 136 for electronic controller 124. Alternatively or in addition, some or all of software on memory card 320 may be copied by processor 132 to non-removable volatile or non-volatile memory 136. This may permit a single memory card 320 to be subsequently removed and then used to update additional pedestals 108.

[00131] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 52, alternatively or in addition to a memory card reader, electronic controller 124 may include a wired data-port 1502 (e.g. USB
port) for communicating (e.g. receiving and/or sending) data with an external device 324 (e.g. USB-based peripheral). For example, wired data-port 1502 may be a USB port that processor

132 interacts with to receive data from an external removable memory device 324 (e.g. a USB flash drive). Alternatively or in addition, wired data-port 1502 may be used to connect electronic controller 124 to an external computing device (e.g. smartphone, tablet computer, or PC). For example, wired data-port 1502 may be a USB port (e.g.
type A, type B, type mini-A, type mini-B, type micro-A, type micro-B, or type C) for a corresponding USB
cable connection to a smartphone, tablet computer, or PC. The external device (e.g. USB

flash drive or computing device) may transfer software updates to electronic controller 124, which may be stored in memory 136.
[00132]
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 52-53, alternatively or in addition to a memory card reader, and alternatively or in addition to a wired data-port, electronic controller 124 may include a wireless radio 1446 (that may or may not also function as a player-notification generator and/or player input) for connecting electronic controller 124 to an external device (e.g. an external computing device, such as a smartphone, tablet computer, or PC). This can allow the external device to provide software updates for storage in memory 136.

[00133]
While the above description provides examples of the embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been described above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
Items Item 1: A tabletop gaming system, the system comprising:
a figurine having a figurine bottom portion; and a pedestal having a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion, the pedestal having:
a power source, one or more processors electrically connected to the power source, one or more memories collectively storing computer-readable instructions, the computer-readable instructions including game logic, one or more player-interaction detectors communicatively coupled to the processor, and one or more player-notification generators, wherein the computer-readable instructions when executed, configure the one or more processors to collectively:
receive one or more communications from one or more of the player-interaction detectors, the one or more communications being individually or collectively indicative of player-interaction with the figurine, and direct at least one of the player-notification generators to generate a player-notification, in response to a comparison between the received one or more communications and the game logic.
Item 2: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the player-notification generators collectively generate one or more of auditory, haptic, and visual notifications when activated.
Item 3: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the player-notification generators collectively generate wireless communication signals when activated.
Item 4: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the wireless communication signals instruct the recipient device to generate one or more of auditory, haptic, and visual notifications.
Item 5: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a speaker.
Item 6: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a vibrator.
Item 7: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a light source.
Item 8: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the light source includes a laser.
Item 9: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes an electronic visual display.
Item 10: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the electronic visual display includes an OLED display.
Item 11: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the electronic visual display includes an e-paper display.

Item 12: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a wireless communication antenna.
Item 13: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a Bluetooth radio.
Item 14: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a wireless radio that when activated transmit a wireless signal directing a recipient of the wireless signal to play a sound clip.
Item 15: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the memories collectively store the sound clip.
Item 16: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a vibration sensor.
Item 17: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the vibration sensor includes a piezoelectric vibration sensor.
Item 18: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a depressible switch.
Item 19: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the pedestal has a pedestal bottom portion, and the depressible switch is activated by force applied to the pedestal bottom portion.
Item 20: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a light sensor.
Item 21: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a capacitance sensor.
Item 22: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the pedestal has a pedestal bottom portion, and the capacitance sensor is positioned and oriented to detect capacitance of a surface below the pedestal bottom portion.
Item 23: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, further comprising a gameboard having game spaces with different capacitance.
Item 24: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes an accelerometer.
Item 25: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes an inertial measurement unit.

Item 26: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes an NFC tag reader.
Item 27: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the pedestal has a pedestal bottom portion, and the NFC tag reader is positioned and oriented to detect an NFC tag located below the pedestal bottom portion.
Item 28: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, further comprising a gameboard having one or more NEC tags.
Item 29: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a magnetism sensor.
Item 30: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the pedestal has a pedestal bottom portion, and the magnetism sensor is positioned and oriented to detect magnetism of a surface below the pedestal bottom portion.
Item 31: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, further comprising a gameboard having one or more game spaces with a magnet.
Item 32: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a reflectance sensor.
Item 33: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the pedestal has a pedestal bottom portion, and the reflectance sensor is positioned and oriented to reflectance of a surface below the pedestal bottom portion.
Item 34: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, further comprising a gameboard having an upper surface, the upper surface including at least two game spaces with different reflectance.
Item 35: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the figurine is removably connected to the pedestal.
Item 36: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein:
the pedestal includes a figurine sensor, and the computer readable instructions, when executed, configure the one or more processors to identify the figurine based on signals received from the figurine sensor.
Item 37: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the figurine is magnetically connected to the pedestal.

Item 38: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the figurine is connected to the pedestal by a hook-and-loop fastener.
Item 39: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the pedestal upper portion includes a recess, and the figurine lower portion is received in the recess.
Item 40: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the figurine lower portion includes a substantially planar base.
Item 41: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the pedestal includes one or more player inputs.
Item 42: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein one of the player inputs includes a button.
Item 43: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein one of the player inputs includes a rotatable dial.
Item 44: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the rotatable dial is rotatable between a plurality of player-selected positions, and the pedestal includes at least one indicator that indicates a current player-selected position of the rotatable dial.
Item 45: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the pedestal includes an input communicatively coupled to at least one of the memories for reprogramming the game logic.
Item 46: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the pedestal includes a wireless radio.
Item 47: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the pedestal includes a Bluetooth radio.
Item 48: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the pedestal includes wired data-port.
Item 49: The tabletop gaming system of any preceding item, wherein the pedestal includes a memory card reader.
Item 50: A tabletop gaming system, the system comprising:
a figurine having a figurine bottom portion;
a pedestal having a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion, the pedestal having:
a power source, and one or more processors electrically connected to the power source.
Item 51: A tabletop gaming system, the system comprising:
a figurine having a figurine bottom portion;
a pedestal having a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion, the pedestal having:
a power source, and one or more player-interaction detectors.
Item 52: A tabletop gaming system, the system comprising:
a figurine having a figurine bottom portion;
a pedestal having a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion, the pedestal having:
a power source, and one or more player-notification generators.
Item 53: A tabletop gaming system, the system comprising:
a figurine having a figurine bottom portion;
a pedestal having a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion, the pedestal having:
one or more processors, and one or more memories collectively storing computer-readable instructions, the computer-readable instructions including game logic.
Item 54: A tabletop gaming system, the system comprising:
a figurine having a figurine bottom portion; and a pedestal having a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion, the pedestal having a wireless communications antenna.
Item 55: A tabletop gaming system, the system comprising:
a figurine having a figurine bottom portion; and a pedestal having a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion, the pedestal having one or more light sources.
Item 56: A tabletop gaming system, the system comprising:
a figurine having a figurine bottom portion;
a pedestal having a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion; and an identification sensate.
Item 57: A tabletop gaming system, the system comprising:
a game piece including:
a figurine having a figurine bottom portion;
a pedestal having a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion;
and an RFID tag connected to the game piece.
58. A pedestal for supporting a figurine in a tabletop gaming system, the pedestal comprising:
a pedestal upper portion connectable to a figurine;
a power source;
one or more processors electrically connected to the power source;
one or more memories collectively storing computer-readable instructions, the computer-readable instructions including game logic;
one or more player-interaction detectors communicatively coupled to the processor; and one or more player-notification generators, wherein the computer-readable instructions when executed, configure the one or more processors to collectively:
receive one or more communications from one or more of the player-interaction detectors, the one or more communications being individually or collectively indicative of player-interaction with the figurine, and direct at least one of the player-notification generators to generate a player-notification, in response to a comparison between the received one or more communications and the game logic.
Item 59: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein the player-notification generators collectively generate one or more of auditory, haptic, and visual notifications when activated.
Item 60: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein the player-notification generators collectively generate wireless communication signals when activated.

Item 61: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein the wireless communication signals instruct the recipient device to generate one or more of auditory, haptic, and visual notifications.
Item 62: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a speaker.
Item 63: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a vibrator.
Item 64: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a light source.
Item 65: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein the light source includes a laser.
Item 66: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes an electronic visual display.
Item 67: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein the electronic visual display includes an OLED display.
Item 68: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein the electronic visual display includes an e-paper display.
Item 69: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a wireless communication antenna.
Item 70: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a Bluetooth radio.
Item 71: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a wireless radio that when activated transmit a wireless signal directing a recipient of the wireless signal to play a sound clip.
Item 72: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein the memories collectively store the sound clip.
Item 73: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a vibration sensor.
Item 74: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein the vibration sensor includes a piezoelectric vibration sensor.
Item 75: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a depressible switch.

Item 76: The pedestal of any preceding item, further comprising a pedestal bottom portion, wherein the depressible switch is activated by force applied to the pedestal bottom portion.
Item 77: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a light sensor.
Item 78: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a capacitance sensor.
Item 79: The pedestal of any preceding item, further comprising a pedestal bottom portion, wherein the capacitance sensor is positioned and oriented to detect capacitance of a surface below the pedestal bottom portion.
Item 80: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes an accelerometer.
Item 81: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes an inertial measurement unit.
Item 82: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes an NFC tag reader.
Item 83: The pedestal of any preceding item, further comprising a pedestal bottom portion, wherein the NFC tag reader is positioned and oriented to detect an NFC tag located below the pedestal bottom portion.
Item 84: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a magnetism sensor.
Item 85: The pedestal of any preceding item, further comprising a pedestal bottom portion, wherein the magnetism sensor is positioned and oriented to detect magnetism of a surface below the pedestal bottom portion.
Item 86: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a reflectance sensor.
Item 87: The pedestal of any preceding item, further comprising a pedestal bottom portion, wherein the reflectance sensor is positioned and oriented to reflectance of a surface below the pedestal bottom portion.
Item 88: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein the pedestal upper portion provides a removable connection for a figurine.
Item 89: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein:

the pedestal includes a figurine sensor, and the computer readable instructions, when executed, configure the one or more processors to identify a connected figurine based on signals received from the figurine sensor.
Item 90: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein the pedestal upper portion comprises a magnet.
Item 91: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein the pedestal upper portion comprises a hook-and-loop fastener.
Item 92: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein the pedestal upper portion includes a recess for removably receiving a figurine lower portion.
Item 93: The pedestal of any preceding item, further comprising one or more player inputs.
Item 94: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein one of the player inputs includes a button.
Item 95: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein one of the player inputs includes a rotatable dial.
.. Item 96: The pedestal of any preceding item, wherein the rotatable dial is rotatable between a plurality of player-selected positions, and the pedestal further comprises at least one indicator that indicates a current player-selected position of the rotatable dial.
Item 97: The pedestal of any preceding item, further comprising a data input communicatively coupled to at least one of the memories for reprogramming the game logic.
Item 98: The pedestal of any preceding item, further comprising a wireless radio.
Item 99: The pedestal of any preceding item, further comprising a radio antenna.
Item 100: The pedestal of any preceding item, further comprising a Bluetooth radio.
Item 101: The pedestal of any preceding item, further comprising a wired data-port.
Item 102: The pedestal of any preceding item, further comprising a memory card reader.
Item 103: A method of generating player-notifications in a gaming system, the method comprising:
one or more player-interaction detectors sensing player-interaction between a pedestal and a gameboard; and activating one or more player-notification generators based on a comparison of the sensed player-interaction and game logic.

Item 104: The method of any preceding item, wherein said activation comprises the one or more player-notification generators collectively generating one or more of auditory, haptic, and visual notifications.
Item 105: The method of any preceding item, wherein said activation comprises the one or more player-notification generators collectively generating wireless communication signals when activated.
Item 106: The method of any preceding item, further comprising receiving the wireless communication signals at a recipient device, and in response the recipient device generating one or more of auditory, haptic, and visual notifications.
Item 107: The method of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a speaker, and said activation comprises generating sound from the speaker.
Item 108: The method of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a vibrator, and said activation comprises generating vibration from the vibrator.
Item 109: The method of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a light source, and said activation comprises emitting light from the light source.
Item 110: The method of any preceding item, wherein the light source includes a laser and the light includes a laser beam.
Item 111: The method of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes an electronic visual display, and said activation comprises display an image on the visual display.
Item 112: The method of any preceding item, wherein the electronic visual display includes an OLED display.
Item 113: The method of any preceding item, wherein the electronic visual display includes an e-paper display.
Item 114: The method of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a wireless communication antenna, and said activation comprises the emitting the wireless communication signals from the wireless communication antenna.

Item 115: The method of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a Bluetooth radio, and said activation comprise emitting the wireless communication signals from the Bluetooth radio.
Item 116: The method of any preceding item, wherein the wireless communication signal directs a recipient of the wireless signal to play a sound clip.
Item 117: The method of any preceding item, wherein the pedestal comprises one or more memories storing the sound clip.
Item 118: The method of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a vibration sensor, and said sensing player-interaction comprises the .. vibration sensor sending vibrations.
Item 119: The method of any preceding item, wherein the vibration sensor includes a piezoelectric vibration sensor.
Item 120: The method of any preceding item, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a depressible switch, and said sensing player-interaction comprises sensing activation of the depressible switch.
Item 121: The method of any preceding item, wherein the pedestal has a pedestal bottom portion, and the player interaction comprises an application of force to the pedestal bottom portion which activates the depressible switch.
Item 122: The method of any preceding item, wherein said sensing player-interaction comprises sensing light.
Item 123: The method of any preceding item, wherein said sensing player-interaction comprises sensing capacitance.
Item 124: The method of any preceding item, wherein the pedestal comprises a capacitance sensor, and said sensing player-interaction comprises the capacitance sensor sensing capacitance of a game space of a gameboard below the pedestal.
Item 125: The method of any preceding item, wherein said sensing player-interaction comprises sensing accelerations of the pedestal.
Item 126: The method of any preceding item, wherein said sensing player-interaction comprises reading an NFC tag.

Item 127: The method of any preceding item, wherein the pedestal has an NFC
tag reader and said sensing player-interaction comprises the NFC tag reader reading the NFC tag on a gameboard.
Item 128: The method of any preceding item, wherein said sensing player-interaction comprises sensing magnetism.
Item 129: The method of any preceding item, wherein the pedestal has a magnetism sensor, and said sensing player-interaction comprises the magnetism sensor detecting magnetism of a gameboard.
Item 130: The method of any preceding item, wherein said sensing player-interaction comprises sensing reflectance.
Item 131: The method of any preceding item, wherein the pedestal has a reflectance sensor and said sensing player-interaction comprises the reflectance sensor sensing reflectance of a gameboard below the pedestal.
Item 132: The method of any preceding item, further comprising removably connecting a figurine to the pedestal.
Item 133: The method of any preceding item, further comprising detecting an identity of the figurine connected to the pedestal.
Item 134: The method of any preceding item, wherein said connecting the figurine to the pedestal comprises magnetically connecting the figurine to the pedestal.
Item 135: The method of any preceding item, wherein said connecting the figurine to the pedestal comprises connecting the figurine to the pedestal by a hook-and-loop fastener.
Item 136: The method of any preceding item, wherein said connecting the figurine to the pedestal comprises receiving a portion of the figurine in a recess of the pedestal.
Item 137: The method of any preceding item, further comprising the pedestal receiving one or more player selections.
Item 138: The method of any preceding item, wherein receiving the one or more player selections comprises depressing a button on the pedestal.
Item 139: The method of any preceding item, wherein receiving the one or more player selections comprises rotatable a dial on the pedestal.
Item 140: The method of any preceding item, further comprising reprogramming the game logic by transferring data to an input of the pedestal.

Item 141: The method of any preceding item, wherein said transferring comprises receiving the data at a a wireless radio of the pedestal.
Item 142: The method of any preceding item, wherein said transferring comprises receiving the data at a Bluetooth radio of the pedestal.
Item 143: The method of any preceding item, wherein said transferring comprises receiving the data at a wired data-port of the pedestal.
Item 144: The method of any preceding item, wherein said transferring comprises receiving the data at a memory card reader of the pedestal.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A tabletop gaming system, the system comprising:
a figurine having a figurine bottom portion; and a pedestal having a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion, the pedestal having:
a power source, one or more processors electrically connected to the power source, one or more memories collectively storing computer-readable instructions, the computer-readable instructions including game logic, one or more player-interaction detectors communicatively coupled to the processor, and one or more player-notification generators, wherein the computer-readable instructions when executed, configure the one or more processors to collectively:
receive one or more communications from one or more of the player-interaction detectors, the one or more communications being individually or collectively indicative of player-interaction with the figurine, and direct at least one of the player-notification generators to generate a player-notification, in response to a comparison between the received one or more communications and the game logic.

2. The tabletop gaming system of claim 1, wherein the player-notification generators collectively generate one or more of auditory, haptic, and visual notifications when activated.

3. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the player-notification generators collectively generate wireless communication signals when activated.

4. The tabletop gaming system of claims 3, wherein the wireless communication signals instruct the recipient device to generate one or more of auditory, haptic, and visual notifications.

5. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a speaker.

6. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-5, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a vibrator.

7. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-6, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a light source.

8. The tabletop gaming system of claim 7, wherein the light source includes a laser.

9. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-8, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes an electronic visual display.

10. The tabletop gaming system of claim 9, wherein the electronic visual display includes an OLED display.

11. The tabletop gaming system of claim 9, wherein the electronic visual display includes an e-paper display.

12. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-11, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a wireless communication antenna.

13. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-11, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a Bluetooth radio.

14. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-11, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a wireless radio that when activated transmit a wireless signal directing a recipient of the wireless signal to play a sound clip.

15. The tabletop gaming system of claim 14, wherein the memories collectively store the sound clip.

16. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-15, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a vibration sensor.

17. The tabletop gaming system of claim 16, wherein the vibration sensor includes a piezoelectric vibration sensor.

18. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-17, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a depressible switch.

19. The tabletop gaming system of claim 18, wherein the pedestal has a pedestal bottom portion, and the depressible switch is activated by force applied to the pedestal bottom portion.

20. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-19, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a light sensor.

21. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-20, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a capacitance sensor.

22. The tabletop gaming system of claim 21, wherein the pedestal has a pedestal bottom portion, and the capacitance sensor is positioned and oriented to detect capacitance of a surface below the pedestal bottom portion.

23. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 21-22, further comprising a gameboard having game spaces with different capacitance.

24. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-23, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes an accelerometer.

25. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-24, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes an inertial measurement unit.

26. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-25, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes an NFC tag reader.

27. The tabletop gaming system of claim 26, wherein the pedestal has a pedestal bottom portion, and the NFC tag reader is positioned and oriented to detect an NFC tag located below the pedestal bottom portion.

28. The tabletop gaming system of claims 27, further comprising a gameboard having one or more NFC tags.

29. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-28, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a magnetism sensor.

30. The tabletop gaming system of claim 29, wherein the pedestal has a pedestal bottom portion, and the magnetism sensor is positioned and oriented to detect magnetism of a surface below the pedestal bottom portion.

31. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 29-30, further comprising a gameboard having one or more game spaces with a magnet.

32. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-30, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a reflectance sensor.

33. The tabletop gaming system of claim 32, wherein the pedestal has a pedestal bottom portion, and the reflectance sensor is positioned and oriented to reflectance of a surface below the pedestal bottom portion.

34. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 32-33, further comprising a gameboard having an upper surface, the upper surface including at least two game spaces with different reflectance.

35. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-34, wherein the figurine is removably connected to the pedestal.

36. The tabletop gaming system of claims 35, wherein:
the pedestal includes a figurine sensor, and the computer readable instructions, when executed, configure the one or more processors to identify the figurine based on signals received from the figurine sensor.

37. The tabletop gaming system of claim 35, wherein the figurine is magnetically connected to the pedestal.

38. The tabletop gaming system of claim 35, wherein the figurine is connected to the pedestal by a hook-and-loop fastener.

39. The tabletop gaming system of claim 35, wherein the pedestal upper portion includes a recess, and the figurine lower portion is received in the recess.

40. The tabletop gaming system of claim 39, wherein the figurine lower portion includes a substantially planar base.

41. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-39, wherein the pedestal includes one or more player inputs.

42. The tabletop gaming system of claim 41, wherein one of the player inputs includes a button.

43. The tabletop gaming system of claim 41, wherein one of the player inputs includes a rotatable dial.

44. The tabletop gaming system of claim 43, wherein the rotatable dial is rotatable between a plurality of player-selected positions, and the pedestal includes at least one indicator that indicates a current player-selected position of the rotatable dial.

45. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-44, wherein the pedestal includes an input communicatively coupled to at least one of the memories for reprogramming the game logic.

46. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-45, wherein the pedestal includes a wireless radio.

47. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-45, wherein the pedestal includes a Bluetooth radio.

48. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-47, wherein the pedestal includes wired data-port.

49. The tabletop gaming system of any one of claims 1-47, wherein the pedestal includes a memory card reader.

50. A tabletop gaming system, the system comprising:
a figurine having a figurine bottom portion;
a pedestal having a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion, the pedestal having:
a power source, and one or more processors electrically connected to the power source.

51. A tabletop gaming system, the system comprising:
a figurine having a figurine bottom portion;
a pedestal having a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion, the pedestal having:
a power source, and one or more player-interaction detectors.

52. A tabletop gaming system, the system comprising:
a figurine having a figurine bottom portion;
a pedestal having a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion, the pedestal having:
a power source, and one or more player-notification generators.

53. A tabletop gaming system, the system comprising:
a figurine having a figurine bottom portion;
a pedestal having a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion, the pedestal having:
one or more processors, and one or more memories collectively storing computer-readable instructions, the computer-readable instructions including game logic.

54. A tabletop gaming system, the system comprising:
a figurine having a figurine bottom portion; and a pedestal having a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion, the pedestal having a wireless communications antenna.

55. A tabletop gaming system, the system comprising:
a figurine having a figurine bottom portion; and a pedestal having a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion, the pedestal having one or more light sources.

56. A tabletop gaming system, the system comprising:
a figurine having a figurine bottom portion;
a pedestal having a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion; and an identification sensate.

57. A tabletop gaming system, the system comprising:
a game piece including:
a figurine having a figurine bottom portion;
a pedestal having a pedestal upper portion connected to the figurine bottom portion;
and an RFID tag connected to the game piece.

58. A pedestal for supporting a figurine in a tabletop gaming system, the pedestal comprising:
a pedestal upper portion connectable to a figurine;
a power source;
one or more processors electrically connected to the power source;
one or more memories collectively storing computer-readable instructions, the computer-readable instructions including game logic;
one or more player-interaction detectors communicatively coupled to the processor; and one or more player-notification generators, wherein the computer-readable instructions when executed, configure the one or more processors to collectively:
receive one or more communications from one or more of the player-interaction detectors, the one or more communications being individually or collectively indicative of player-interaction with the figurine, and direct at least one of the player-notification generators to generate a player-notification, in response to a comparison between the received one or more communications and the game logic.

59. The pedestal of claim 58, wherein the player-notification generators collectively generate one or more of auditory, haptic, and visual notifications when activated.

60. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-59, wherein the player-notification generators collectively generate wireless communication signals when activated.

61. The pedestal of claims 60, wherein the wireless communication signals instruct the recipient device to generate one or more of auditory, haptic, and visual notifications.

62. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-61, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a speaker.

63. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-61, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a vibrator.

64. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-63, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a light source.

65. The pedestal of claim 64, wherein the light source includes a laser.

66. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-65, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes an electronic visual display.

67. The pedestal of claim 66, wherein the electronic visual display includes an OLED
display.

68. The pedestal of claim 66, wherein the electronic visual display includes an e-paper display.

69. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-68, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a wireless communication antenna.

70. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-68, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a Bluetooth radio.

71. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-68, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a wireless radio that when activated transmit a wireless signal directing a recipient of the wireless signal to play a sound clip.

72. The pedestal of claim 71, wherein the memories collectively store the sound clip.

73. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-72, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a vibration sensor.

74. The pedestal of claim 73, wherein the vibration sensor includes a piezoelectric vibration sensor.

75. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-74, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a depressible switch.

76. The pedestal of claim 75, further comprising a pedestal bottom portion, wherein the depressible switch is activated by force applied to the pedestal bottom portion.

77. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-76, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a light sensor.

78. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-77, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a capacitance sensor.

79. The pedestal of claim 78, further comprising a pedestal bottom portion, wherein the capacitance sensor is positioned and oriented to detect capacitance of a surface below the pedestal bottom portion.

80. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-79, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes an accelerometer.

81. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-80, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes an inertial measurement unit.

82. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-81, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes an NFC tag reader.

83. The pedestal of claim 82, further comprising a pedestal bottom portion, wherein the NFC tag reader is positioned and oriented to detect an NFC tag located below the pedestal bottom portion.

84. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-83, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a magnetism sensor.

85. The pedestal of claim 84, further comprising a pedestal bottom portion, wherein the magnetism sensor is positioned and oriented to detect magnetism of a surface below the pedestal bottom portion.

86. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-85, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a reflectance sensor.

87. The pedestal of claim 86, further comprising a pedestal bottom portion, wherein the reflectance sensor is positioned and oriented to reflectance of a surface below the pedestal bottom portion.

88. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-87, wherein the pedestal upper portion provides a removable connection for a figurine.

89. The pedestal of claims 88, wherein:
the pedestal includes a figurine sensor, and the computer readable instructions, when executed, configure the one or more processors to identify a connected figurine based on signals received from the figurine sensor.

90. The pedestal of claim 88, wherein the pedestal upper portion comprises a magnet.

91. The pedestal of claim 88, wherein the pedestal upper portion comprises a hook-and-loop fastener.

92. The pedestal of claim 88, wherein the pedestal upper portion includes a recess for removably receiving a figurine lower portion.

93. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-92, further comprising one or more player inputs.

94. The pedestal of claim 93, wherein one of the player inputs includes a button.

95. The pedestal of claim 93, wherein one of the player inputs includes a rotatable dial.

96. The pedestal of claim 95, wherein the rotatable dial is rotatable between a plurality of player-selected positions, and the pedestal further comprises at least one indicator that indicates a current player-selected position of the rotatable dial.

97. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-96, further comprising a data input communicatively coupled to at least one of the memories for reprogramming the game logic.

98. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-97, further comprising a wireless radio.

99. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-97, further comprising a radio antenna.

100. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-97, further comprising a Bluetooth radio.

101. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-100, further comprising a wired data-port.

102. The pedestal of any one of claims 58-100, further comprising a memory card reader.

103. A method of generating player-notifications in a gaming system, the method comprising:
one or more player-interaction detectors sensing player-interaction between a pedestal and a gameboard; and activating one or more player-notification generators based on a comparison of the sensed player-interaction and game logic.

104. The method of claim 103, wherein said activation comprises the one or more player-notification generators collectively generating one or more of auditory, haptic, and visual notifications.

105. The method of any one of claims 103-104, wherein said activation comprises the one or more player-notification generators collectively generating wireless communication signals when activated.

106. The method of claims 105, further comprising receiving the wireless communication signals at a recipient device, and in response the recipient device generating one or more of auditory, haptic, and visual notifications.

107. The method of any one of claims 103-106, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a speaker, and said activation comprises generating sound from the speaker.

108. The method of any one of claims 103-107, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a vibrator, and said activation comprises generating vibration from the vibrator.

109. The method of any one of claims 103-108, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a light source, and said activation comprises emitting light from the light source.

110. The method of claim 109, wherein the light source includes a laser and the light includes a laser beam.

111. The method of any one of claims 103-110, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes an electronic visual display, and said activation comprises display an image on the visual display.

112. The method of claim 111, wherein the electronic visual display includes an OLED
display.

113. The method of claim 111, wherein the electronic visual display includes an e-paper display.

114. The method of any one of claims 105-106, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a wireless communication antenna, and said activation comprises the emitting the wireless communication signals from the wireless communication antenna.

115. The method of any one of claims 105-106, wherein one of the player-notification generators includes a Bluetooth radio, and said activation comprise emitting the wireless communication signals from the Bluetooth radio.

116. The method of any one of claims 105-106, wherein the wireless communication signal directs a recipient of the wireless signal to play a sound clip.

117. The method of claim 116, wherein the pedestal comprises one or more memories storing the sound clip.

118. The method of any one of claims 103-117, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a vibration sensor, and said sensing player-interaction comprises the vibration sensor sending vibrations.

119. The method of claim 118, wherein the vibration sensor includes a piezoelectric vibration sensor.

120. The method of any one of claims 103-119, wherein one of the player-interaction detectors includes a depressible switch, and said sensing player-interaction comprises sensing activation of the depressible switch.

121. The method of claim 120, wherein the pedestal has a pedestal bottom portion, and the player interaction comprises an application of force to the pedestal bottom portion which activates the depressible switch.

122. The method of any one of claims 103-121, wherein said sensing player-interaction comprises sensing light.

123. The method of any one of claims 103-122, wherein said sensing player-interaction comprises sensing capacitance.

124. The method of claim 123, wherein the pedestal comprises a capacitance sensor, and said sensing player-interaction comprises the capacitance sensor sensing capacitance of a game space of a gameboard below the pedestal.

125. The method of any one of claims 103-124, wherein said sensing player-interaction comprises sensing accelerations of the pedestal.

126. The method of any one of claims 103-125, wherein said sensing player-interaction comprises reading an NFC tag.

127. The method of claim 126, wherein the pedestal has an NFC tag reader and said sensing player-interaction comprises the NFC tag reader reading the NFC tag on a gameboard.

128. The method of any one of claims 103-127, wherein said sensing player-interaction comprises sensing magnetism.

129. The method of claim 128, wherein the pedestal has a magnetism sensor, and said sensing player-interaction comprises the magnetism sensor detecting magnetism of a gameboard.

130. The method of any one of claims 103-129, wherein said sensing player-interaction comprises sensing reflectance.

131. The method of claim 130, wherein the pedestal has a reflectance sensor and said sensing player-interaction comprises the reflectance sensor sensing reflectance of a gameboard below the pedestal.

132. The method of any one of claims 103-131, further comprising removably connecting a figurine to the pedestal.

133. The method of claims 132, further comprising detecting an identity of the figurine connected to the pedestal.

134. The method of claim 133, wherein said connecting the figurine to the pedestal comprises magnetically connecting the figurine to the pedestal.

135. The method of claim 133, wherein said connecting the figurine to the pedestal comprises connecting the figurine to the pedestal by a hook-and-loop fastener.

136. The method of claim 133, wherein said connecting the figurine to the pedestal comprises receiving a portion of the figurine in a recess of the pedestal.

137. The method of any one of claims 103-136, further comprising the pedestal receiving one or more player selections.

138. The method of claim 137, wherein receiving the one or more player selections comprises depressing a button on the pedestal.

139. The method of claim 137, wherein receiving the one or more player selections comprises rotatable a dial on the pedestal.

140. The method of any one of claims 103-139, further comprising reprogramming the game logic by transferring data to an input of the pedestal.

141. The method of claim 140, wherein said transferring comprises receiving the data at a a wireless radio of the pedestal.

142. The method of claim 140, wherein said transferring comprises receiving the data at a Bluetooth radio of the pedestal.

143. The method of claim 140, wherein said transferring comprises receiving the data at a wired data-port of the pedestal.

144. The method of claim 140, wherein said transferring comprises receiving the data at a memory card reader of the pedestal.