[go: up one dir, main page]

WO1999000165A1 - Jeu electronique - Google Patents

Jeu electronique Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1999000165A1
WO1999000165A1 PCT/US1998/011803 US9811803W WO9900165A1 WO 1999000165 A1 WO1999000165 A1 WO 1999000165A1 US 9811803 W US9811803 W US 9811803W WO 9900165 A1 WO9900165 A1 WO 9900165A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
indicators
column
states
state
indicator
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1998/011803
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Avish Jacob Weiner
Michael Ganor
Original Assignee
A.R. Weiner Corporate Ltd.
M.A. Ganor Corporate Ltd.
Friedman, Mark, M.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by A.R. Weiner Corporate Ltd., M.A. Ganor Corporate Ltd., Friedman, Mark, M. filed Critical A.R. Weiner Corporate Ltd.
Priority to AU79555/98A priority Critical patent/AU7955598A/en
Publication of WO1999000165A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999000165A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
    • A63F3/00643—Electric board games; Electric features of board games
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
    • A63F3/00173—Characteristics of game boards, alone or in relation to supporting structures or playing piece
    • A63F3/00261—Details of game boards, e.g. rotatable, slidable or replaceable parts, modular game boards, vertical game boards
    • A63F2003/00406—Details of game boards, e.g. rotatable, slidable or replaceable parts, modular game boards, vertical game boards with a vertical game board
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/24—Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for
    • A63F2009/2448—Output devices
    • A63F2009/247—Output devices audible, e.g. using a loudspeaker
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
    • A63F3/00003—Types of board games
    • A63F3/00094—Ticktacktoe
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
    • A63F3/00003—Types of board games
    • A63F3/00097—Board games with labyrinths, path finding, line forming
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/06—Patience; Other games for self-amusement
    • A63F9/0602—Solitary games adapted for a single player

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electronic game and, more particularly, to an electronic game which mimics and/or modifies a traditional mechanical connect-four game and to methods of playing the electronic game.
  • a prior art connect-four game includes a vertical apparatus having an a seven by seven array of openings or windows.
  • the apparatus is adapted to accept forty-nine beads into the array, and to present the beads via the openings. Being vertical, the insertion of the beads into the apparatus is via the upper end of five columns, wherein the position of any specific bead in the array is determined by the column selected to insert the bead and the number of beads already present in that column. For example, if two beads are already present in the third column, engaging the first (lowest) and second rows, than the third bead inserted via the third column would engage the third row.
  • the traditional connect-four game is designed for two players and is conducted as follows. Each of the players has beads having a different color, say red beads for the first player and green beads for the second player. In each turn of the game, one of the players inserts one of his/her beads into the apparatus, with the aim to create a connect-four situation, and to block the opponent from achieving a connect-four situation.
  • a connect four situation may be defined in various ways. Most commonly it is defined as a continuous line, either vertical, horizontal or diagonal, of four beads having the same color.
  • the player when inserting a bead, the player must consider the existing arrangement of beads in the array, which were inserted by him/her or the other player and to further consider the yet non-engaged positions which are available for additional beads of himself or his opponent.
  • the prior art connect-four game suffers few limitations. First, it requires two players, i.e., it cannot be played solitary. Second, the beads need to be stored appropriately, and should some of the beads get lost, such that the number of beads of a specific color decreases below twenty-five, the game is not playable. Third, the game is restricted to a vertical configuration. And, fourth, as will become apparent from the following description, a non-electronic connect-four game is limited with respect to game versatility as compared with an electronic connect-four game. There is thus a widely recognized need for, and it would be highly advantageous to have, an electronic connect-four game devoid of the above limitations.
  • an electronic game which can be used to replace the traditional mechanical connect-four game and to provide more versatility and complexity to it.
  • the electronic game comprising (a) an electronic game board having an array of indicators, the array of indicators having a first end and a second end, such that columns of indicators are situated substantially perpendicular to the ends, whereas rows of indicators are situated substantially parallel to the ends, each of the indicators being either at a default off state or at one of a first on state and a second on state; and (b) a column selecting mechanism for selecting a specific column of the columns, such that a specific indicator of the specific column, which is the closest off state indicator to the first end, is changed to one of the on states.
  • the game board includes a liquid crystal display.
  • the electronic game further comprising (c) a vertical housing, the housing being for accommodating the board and column selecting mechanism, wherein each of the indicators is formed as a window in the housing, within the housing and behind each of the windows present are a first led of a first color and a second led of a second color, such that when a given indicator acquires one of the on states, one of the leds is activated.
  • the column selecting mechanism includes at least one key.
  • the array is a five by five array.
  • each of the on states shifts its location along the given column a single indicator towards the first end.
  • This may happen either substantially simultaneously or immediately after the given column has acquired a plurality of on states, so that an indicator closest to the second end acquires the off state, or alternatively, it may happen only when the given column is reselected by the column selecting mechanism.
  • each of the on states present in the array shifts its location along its respective column a single indicator towards the first end.
  • a method of playing an electronic game by first and second player comprising the steps of (a) providing (i) an electronic game board having an array of indicators, the array of indicators having a first end and a second end, such that columns of indicators are situated substantially perpendicular to the ends, whereas rows of indicators are situated substantially parallel to the ends, each of the indicators being either at a default off state or at one of a first on state and a second on state, the on states being determined in alternating turns of the game by the first and second players, respectively; and (ii) a column selecting mechanism for selecting a specific column of the columns, such that a specific indicator of the specific column, which is the off state indicator present closest to the first end, is changed to one of the on states; and (b) in alternating turns, via the column selecting mechanism, the first and second players selecting specific columns, such that the specific indicator of a selected column, which is the off state indicator present closest to the first end, is changed to one of the on states, as
  • the first player is an electronic device. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments while changing the default off state, of any specific indicator of a given column, to one or the other of the first and second on states, as appropriate to any of the players, the appropriate on state locomotes along indicators of the given column from the second end to the specific indicator.
  • the array is a five by five array and the number equals four.
  • each of the on states shifts its location along the given column a single indicator towards the first end, so that an indicator closest to the second end acquires the off state.
  • each of the on states present in the array shifts its location along its respective column a single indicator towards the first end.
  • the present invention successfully addresses the shortcomings of the presently known configurations by providing an electronic connect-four game which is more versatile, complex and interesting as compared with the traditional mechanical games of the type.
  • FIGs. 1-13 schematically demonstrate the principles of the electronic game according to the present invention played in a classic connect-four mode
  • FIG. 14 schematically demonstrates the principle of the electronic game according to the present invention played according to one of its new modes.
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the game according to the present invention according to one of its embodiments.
  • the present invention is of an electronic game which can be used to play by two players or solitary. Specifically, the present invention can be used to replace the traditional connect-four game, and to provide new dimensions and interest to that spectacular game.
  • the principles and operation of an electronic game according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and accompanying descriptions.
  • FIG. 1-13 illustrate the basic concept of the electronic game according to he present invention, which is referred to hereinbelow as game 20.
  • Game 20 includes an electronic game board 22.
  • Board 22 has an array (e.g., five by five) of indicators 24.
  • Array of indicators 24 has a first end 26 and a second end 28, such that columns 30 of indicators 24 are situated substantially perpendicular to said ends, whereas rows 32 of indicators 24 are situated substantially parallel to said ends.
  • Board 22 may be any suitable color or black and white liquid crystal display (LCD). Board 22 may be a touch screen. A touch screen may be used as a column selecting mechanism, as further detailed below. Further options for board 22 are described hereinbelow.
  • LCD liquid crystal display
  • a column is defined herein as a line of indicators extending from end to end in a substantially perpendicular fashion, whereas a row is defined herein as a line of indicators which is substantially parallel to the ends.
  • Each of indicators 24 is either at a default “off state (marked as open circles) or at one of a first "on” state (marked as closed light circles) and a second "on” state (marked as closed dark circles). Before playing, all indicators 24 are “off, whereas the "on" states are thereafter determined in alternating turns of the game by a first player and a second player, respectively, according to a set of principles which are described hereinafter.
  • the principles of the game include changing the default "off state, of any specific indicator 24, to one of the first and second "on” states, as appropriate to that player.
  • Changing the state as described is effected by selecting a specific column via a column selecting mechanism, as further detailed hereinbelow.
  • the specific indicator of the specific column which is changed, as described, from “off to "on", is situated adjacent to first end 26, as exemplified in Figures 1, 3 and 9 for the first player and Figure 4 for the second player.
  • the specific indicator is situated adjacent to another specific indicator who has already been acquired one of the "on" states, as exemplified in Figures 5, 1, 11 and 13 for the first player and Figures 2, 6, 8, 10 and 12 for the second player.
  • the rational of the game is to form a continuous line of a number of indicators 24 all having the same "on" state, as appropriate to each of the players. It is further the rational of the game to prevent the other player from forming such a continuous line.
  • the continuous line may be horizontal, vertical or diagonal, and the number of the indicators forming the line is preferably four, as in the prior art connect-four game, which is described in the background section above.
  • the principles and rational of the game according to the present invention as so far described, are similar to the principles and rational of the classic connect-four game described above.
  • the electronic game does not call for two human players, since one of the players may be replaced by an electronic (computing) device implemented in the game. Therefore, the electronic game according to the present invention can also be played solitary.
  • One ordinarily skilled in the art would know how to devise a suitable electronic computing device, suitable for replacing a human player and implement that device in the electronics of the game. Such a device would typically rank all options of a given number of steps ahead, and would play according to the highest rank. Selecting the number of steps ahead and the ranking system and/or inserting some random moves may be used to determine the level of the electronic player, all as well known in the art.
  • This feature adds complexity and interest to the game according to the present invention, since a player has to take into consideration the relative shift in the location of the "on” states of the given column with respect to the rest of the "on” and "off states present on the array at that stage of the game.
  • This feature adds a mode of continuity to the game according to the present invention, since repeating this process mimics a situation wherein the number of rows is unlimited.
  • the electronic game according to the invention may be devised as a portable game-boy or, by providing a suitable software, it can be played using a suitable computer, e.g., a personal computer (PC).
  • a suitable computer e.g., a personal computer (PC).
  • PC personal computer
  • Figure 15 presents a presently preferred embodiment for the construction of the electronic game according to the present invention, which mimics the construction of a prior art connect-four game.
  • game 20 includes a vertical housing 50 formed with a base 51.
  • Each of indicators 24 are formed as windows 52 in housing 50.
  • Behind each of windows 52 present are a first led of a first color (e.g., green) and a second led of a second color (e.g., red), such that when a specific indicator is in one of the "on” states, the appropriate led is activated.
  • a first led of a specific indicator are off, that indicator is in its "off state, whereas when one of the leds is on, that indicator is in one of its "on” states.
  • the first and second leds are combined into a single two color led, as well known in the art.
  • game 20 further includes a control mechanism 54 for operating and playing with the game.
  • a keyboard 56 which includes control keys and playing keys. Collectively, the playing keys form a column selecting mechanism.
  • the control keys include an "on-off key 58 for operating the game, a mode selection key 60 for selecting among the options of a classic game or one of the two modifications to the classic game hereinabove described, a sound key 62 for activating or deactivating sound associated effects that may accompany the visual effects of the game, a players number mode key 64 for selecting between the two players and the solitaire modes of the game.
  • the control keys further include a start key 65 for starting the game following the selection of preferences as described.
  • a score key 67 is also included. Key 67 is used to display the score of each player or the difference in score between the players. For example, if the first player has won six times and lost three times, pressing the score key may result in three green leds operated, etc.
  • additional control keys may be present.
  • the playing keys which constitute the column selecting mechanism in the example of Figure 15 include column selecting keys 66, one for each of the columns, for selecting indicators of choice while playing the game according to the principles hereinabove described. In a preferred embodiment of the invention two sets or alternatively one full set and one partial set (which includes only column selecting keys 66) are provided, such that each of the players has its own control keys or keyboard.
  • the two sets of control keys are arranged on both sides of housing 50, such that the players may face each other while playing the game.
  • windows 52 are selected double sided, such that both players may view the leds from both sides of housing 50.
  • a wining effect when the continuous line of indicators all having the same "on" state is achieved by any of the players, a wining effect is actuated.
  • the wining effect may be visual and/or audial. Should the wining effect selected to be visual, it is preferably associated with the wining player. For example if the player playing red has won the game, a wining associated pattern of red lights may form the wining effect.
  • a random starting player selection mechanism is enacted when the game is started.
  • Starting player selection mechanism serve to select a player which will start the game.
  • Such a player has an inherent advantage over his opponent, and therefore a randomized selection of the starting player is preferred.
  • the players first select their associated "on" states (e.g., red and green) and than, in a random fashion, the selection mechanism indicates which "on" state was selected, the associated player goes first.
  • the game further includes a score recording and displaying device implemented within housing 50.
  • score recording and displaying device is used to score points according to predetermined scoring rules for any of the players and to display the recorded scores. Records may be for a single game and/or a series of games, as well known in the art of electronic games.
  • a method of playing an electronic game includes the following steps.
  • First the players are provided with an electronic game board which has an array of indicators.
  • the array of indicators has a first end and a second end, such that columns of indicators are situated substantially perpendicular to the ends, whereas rows of indicators are situated substantially parallel to the ends.
  • Each of the indicators is either at a default "off state or at one of a first "on” state and a second "on” state.
  • the "on" states are determined in alternating turns of the game by the players.
  • the players are further provided with a column selecting mechanism for selecting a specific column of the columns provided, such that a specific indicator of the specific column, which is the off state indicator closest to the first end at that stage of the game, is changed to one of the on states.
  • the first and second players select specific columns, such that the specific indicator of a selected column, which is the "off state indicator present closest to the first end, is changed to one of the "on” states, as appropriate to any of the players.
  • the selection is performed according to a rational which includes a major aim of forming a continuous line of a number of indicators all having a same "on” state, as appropriate to any of the players, and a secondary aim of preventing the other player from forming a continuous line of that number of indicators all having the same "on” state, as appropriate to the other player.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un jeu électronique (20) qui comprend un panneau de jeu électronique (50) portant une série d'indicateurs (52, 4) et un mécanisme de sélection (66) de colonnes permettant de sélectionner une colonne spécifique parmi d'autres.
PCT/US1998/011803 1997-06-26 1998-06-09 Jeu electronique WO1999000165A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU79555/98A AU7955598A (en) 1997-06-26 1998-06-09 Electronic game

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US88300397A 1997-06-26 1997-06-26
US08/883,003 1997-06-26

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999000165A1 true WO1999000165A1 (fr) 1999-01-07

Family

ID=25381791

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1998/011803 WO1999000165A1 (fr) 1997-06-26 1998-06-09 Jeu electronique

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU7955598A (fr)
WO (1) WO1999000165A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001014028A1 (fr) * 1999-08-19 2001-03-01 Yehouda Harpaz Conception d'un plateau de jeu quadrille
WO2002007832A1 (fr) * 2000-07-25 2002-01-31 Yehouda Harpaz Details de construction d'un panneau avec grille de jeu
EP1174166A3 (fr) * 2000-07-19 2002-04-17 Hasbro International Inc. Dispositif pour jouer un jeu
US8540569B2 (en) 2008-09-05 2013-09-24 Eric Gustav Orlinsky Method and system for multiplayer multifunctional electronic surface gaming apparatus
USD1096955S1 (en) * 2024-04-19 2025-10-07 Lovevery, Inc. Leaf game

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4244635A (en) * 1977-06-06 1981-01-13 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Go board using liquid crystal display or electrochromic display
US5215311A (en) * 1992-02-05 1993-06-01 Schuller Michael P Amusement device

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4244635A (en) * 1977-06-06 1981-01-13 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Go board using liquid crystal display or electrochromic display
US5215311A (en) * 1992-02-05 1993-06-01 Schuller Michael P Amusement device

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
"UNBEATABLE WITH MATADOR, PASSAGE 4 IN LINE.", ANNOUNCEMENT MATADOR TOYS, XX, XX, 1 March 1985 (1985-03-01), XX, pages 22., XP002910475 *

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001014028A1 (fr) * 1999-08-19 2001-03-01 Yehouda Harpaz Conception d'un plateau de jeu quadrille
EP1174166A3 (fr) * 2000-07-19 2002-04-17 Hasbro International Inc. Dispositif pour jouer un jeu
WO2002007832A1 (fr) * 2000-07-25 2002-01-31 Yehouda Harpaz Details de construction d'un panneau avec grille de jeu
US8540569B2 (en) 2008-09-05 2013-09-24 Eric Gustav Orlinsky Method and system for multiplayer multifunctional electronic surface gaming apparatus
USD1096955S1 (en) * 2024-04-19 2025-10-07 Lovevery, Inc. Leaf game

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU7955598A (en) 1999-01-19

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5573245A (en) Puzzle and game board device
EP1804939B1 (fr) Plateau de jeu, pion et systeme pour jouer a des jeux sur plateau
US5540445A (en) Electronic dart device for cricket game
US6422561B1 (en) Word search based board game with directional tiles
WO2000016863A1 (fr) Systeme de jeu et methode afferente
US5314190A (en) Mathematical game
EP0390529B1 (fr) Machine de jeu avec jugement automatique
US4017072A (en) Electrically operated game apparatus
US4601473A (en) Word forming game
GB2297920A (en) Video game system
EP0103571A1 (fr) Jeu electronique portable avec cartouches interchangeables
US6601850B1 (en) Progressing pattern memory game and its associated method of play
WO1999000165A1 (fr) Jeu electronique
WO2000057973A1 (fr) Plateau de grille de jeux - jeux de vie
US5401031A (en) Strategy attack game
JP2003236085A (ja) 遊技機およびコンピュータプログラム
JP2927907B2 (ja) パチンコゲーム機
US7147555B1 (en) Games grid board
US7147556B1 (en) Games grid board
KR200388194Y1 (ko) 19단 학습용 빙고게임도구
WO1981001766A1 (fr) Tableau electronique d'affichage du nombre de points pour le jeu de cribbage
US20250099843A1 (en) Apparatus and method for a board game
JP2005006741A (ja) マルチモニタゲーム機
US5667223A (en) Strategy board game and method of play thereof
GB2229098A (en) Electronic board game

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CU CZ DE DK EE ES FI GB GE GH GM GW HU ID IL IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT UA UG US UZ VN YU ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW SD SZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: CA

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP

Ref document number: 1999505560

Format of ref document f/p: F

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase