WO1990005005A1

WO1990005005A1 - Game arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO1990005005A1
Application number: PCT/GB1989/001337
Authority: WO
Inventors: Geoffrey Anthony Williams
Original assignee: Geoffrey Anthony Williams
Priority date: 1988-11-10
Filing date: 1989-11-10
Publication date: 1990-05-17
Also published as: GB8826296D0; AU4639389A

Abstract

A game arrangement (10) includes a game apparatus such as a pool table (11), a camera (23) arranged to view the game apparatus, control means (15, 17, 24) and a television recording monitor (14); whereby a game played by the player can be recorded and later checked, either by observing a replay from the recorder or automatically to ascertain whether or not a player has achieved an object of the game.

Description

GAME ARRANGEMENT This invention relates to a game arrangement. Game apparatus, such as pool tables are commonly installed in public houses, bars, and other establishments for the entertainment of customers. However, such apparatus is often limited to only a single game or a small range of games. For example, the game of pool is in itself only a single game and there are few variations. An object of the present invention is to provide an additional game which can be played utilising a game apparatus such as a pool table, thus giving variety to the table users. Although described specifically herein in relation to a pool table, the game is equally applicable to a snooker table, billiard table or bar billiard table or any other game apparatus.

According to the present invention there is provided a game arrangement including game apparatus, a television camera disposed to be capable of observing the apparatus, a recording unit associated with the camera, a monitor connected to the recorder and control means associated with the camera/monitor.

The game apparatus can have a coin operated release mechanism. The game can be a table game.

Means can be provided for interconnecting a coin-freed mechanism of the apparatus in accordance with rules of the game to be played on the apparatus.

The observing system and/or the game apparatus can have a display indicating the status of the game and/or indicating directions for a game player to follow.

The controls can include a REPLAY/CHECK button which allows an observer to replay a recording of a game played by a players to ascertain whether or not that player has achieved an object of the game so as to win a prize.

Display means can indicate a prize available to a person completing a game in a particular manner. Such prize can be in cash or kind. In the case of a prize whose value increases there can be an interconnection between the value of the prize and any coin "stake" needed to operate the game apparatus. The game apparatus can include a selector mechanism allowing it to be used in either the tele-game mode or in its normal operating mode. As examples, the game can be for a single pool player (or two or more players playing sequentially) to pot each and every ball of a set of pool balls on the table, each shot taken to result in a potted ball (apart from the opening break shot) . Achievement can be monitored by the television screen and a prize paid out by the machine operator if and when the game is successfully completed. In connection with game apparatus in the form of a dart board, the player can attempt to finish a game (such as 501) in a small number of darts, or complete "round the board" in a low number of darts. The television camera can monitor the board, and a scoring means such as an electric or mechanical scorer, or a blackboard, to ensure that the scoring has been correct. In the case of an electric scoring means, connection can be made between the scoring means and the control apparatus for automatic score checking. The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein the single Figure is a schematic illustration, partially in vertical cross section, showing a preferred game arrangement of the invention. A preferred game arrangement 10 of the invention includes a game apparatus in the form of a table game exemplified by a pool table 11 generally of conventional construction. Above the table 11 is a light canopy 12. Inside the light canopy 12 is arranged a television camera 13 arranged and focussed to observe the entire table 11. Camera 13 is connected to a monitor/recorder unit 14 which in turn is connected to a control panel 15. The table game 11 has a coin acceptance unit 16 which is connected to a separate control panel 17 which includes a logic circuitry indicated at 18. If desired, the control panels 15 and 17 can be combined. However, it should be appreciated that in certain embodiments the observing/replaying system, i.e. that part of the apparatus above the line 19 can be quite separate from the parts of the apparatus below the line 19. A typical game which can be played using the apparatus is a suitable game for playing by a single individual. This can be a game which can be played in a quiet establishment when perhaps a player may wish to practise alone. The game in fact gives a certain degree of impetus to the practising player. The game is based on the rules (displayed on a sheet or comparable notice adjacent the apparatus) that a prize (whose value is displayed) will be paid by the establishment provided that upon setting up the pool balls in the normal manner after the break shot, the player will pot each and every ball without any shot missing a pot. This is a difficult, but not impossible task for a good pool player. The arrangement can also be that each time a player attempts the game and fails the value of a prize to be given rises. The coin mechanism 16 of the game can also be connected up to the value of the prize to ensure that when playing for the prize, the value of the "stake" to be placed in the pool table to play the machine increases with the prize to be given. For example initially the prize may start of at one pound and the normal play fee can be twenty pence. In the event that the value of the prize climbs to five pounds, the cost of playing a game for the prize can be fifty pence and so on. The higher the prize rises, the higher the fee becomes, but the higher becomes the motivation for the player to succeed. There can also be on the coin selection mechanism 16 a selector 20 which allows the pool table 11 to be used in its perfectly normal manner. When a player decides to play the game he will place his coins in the selector 16, press the selector button 20 and the control panel 15 will become operative. He can then press the start button 21 on the panel 15 which also has a replay button 22. If, during the game, the user fails to pot a ball then he has lost, but he may continue to finish the game. However, if the user pots all the balls legitimately and without missing a pot, he then informs the table operator (for example the landlord of a public house) that he has done so and the landlord is then able to operate the replay button 22 and observe the game which has been played. It is expected that the game will be played backwards fairly quickly in order to avoid the observer having to watch for a considerable period of time. Provided that the observer is satisfied that the rules of the game have been complied with and all the balls potted in sequence he awards the prize to the player and resets the game to its original value. If in the observers opinion the game has not been completed correctly, that is to say the player has failed or cheated, he refuses to award the prize.

The control panel 15 can include or be connected to a pay-out or prize unit 24 which can be interconnected with the control of an automatically regulated game (i.e. with no human check) and dispense a prize or the like or tokens or cash. A roll of token tickets 25 is shown as an example.

Very many different games can be played using the same principle. For example, as part of the above game, there can be a timer 23, which measures and records the time taken for the player to complete the task. If the player misses the time limit he can be said to have lost the game. It is also possible that the game could be played without the limitation as to non-potting of a ball, but simply against the clock, that is to say the player has to pot all the balls in as short a time as possible. Again, this will be a game of skill because random firing does not normally sink balls, it is only controlled playing which involves a rapid clearance. In such an event, the landlord might have a game (perhaps separate from the first described game) wherein the fastest table clearance in a given period (for example a week) would be awarded a special prize.

It is envisaged that in some games, either now or in the future a computer-monitored television system might be able to check a game without the use of a human monitor. However, it will be appreciated that the game of the invention can be used in • relation to any game such as snooker, billiards, bar billiards, bagatelle, table skittles or the like and used to provide a new mode of operation over and above existing games.

The game apparatus could be a dart board or comparable "free" game apparatus. In such a case, the monitoring system would itslef have a coin-freed mechanism, timer and the like. Thus, a user wishing to enter the "tele-game" mode could place a coin in the "tele-system" mechanism.

This arrangement could also be applied to the pool table and other variations. This would enable existing pool tables to be used without the actual table mechanism being modified. In darts and perhaps some other games it could be possible to have sensors which sense each game "move", e.g. the arrival of a dart, and automatically monitor the game via a computer instead of or in addition to the television camera.

The control apparatus can include means for monitoring a scoring means of the apparatus, for example electrically. Alternatively, the camera can be arranged to view the scoring means to ensure any scoring has been effected correctly.

The control apparatus can include a storage and display means. This can enable a series of scores and the players identity to be recorded in a "league table". It can be possible for a "highest weekly" (or monthly) score to be rewarded with a prize.

Many other variations are possible within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A game arrangement including game apparatus, a television camera disposed to be capable of observing the apparatus, a recording unit associated with the camera, a monitor connected to the recorder and control means associated with the earnera/monitor.

2. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the game apparatus has a coin operated release mechanism.

3. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the game is a table game.

4. An arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein means is provided interconnecting the coin operated release mechanism of the apparatus and the control means.

5. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim and including a display indicating the status of the game and/or indicating directions for a game player to follow.

6. An arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control means includes a control which allows an observer to replay a recording of a game played by a player to ascertain whether or not that player has achieved an object of the game.

7. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein display means can indicate a prize available to a person completing a game in a particular manner.

8. An arrangement as claimed in claim 7, wherein the prize is in cash or kind.

9. An arrangement as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein a prize is provided whose value increases and there is an interconnection between the value of the prize and a coin "stake" needed to operate the game apparatus.

10. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, and including a selector mechanism allowing it to be used in either the tele-game mode or in its- normal operating mode.

11. An arrangement as claimed in claim 10 wherein the game apparatus is a pool table and the game is for a single pool player (or two or more players playing sequentially) to pot each and every ball of a set of pool balls on the table, each shot taken to result in a potted ball (apart from the opening break shot) , achievement or non-achievement of this end being monitored by the television screen and a prize paid out by the machine operator if and when the game is successfully completed.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control means is connected to scoring means of the game apparatus.

13. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the camera is arranged to monitor the scoring means of the game apparatus.

14. A game arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.