CA1275735C - Computerized bingo-chain game device to facilitate the playing of a bingo-chain game - Google Patents
Computerized bingo-chain game device to facilitate the playing of a bingo-chain gameInfo
- Publication number
- CA1275735C CA1275735C CA000515610A CA515610A CA1275735C CA 1275735 C CA1275735 C CA 1275735C CA 000515610 A CA000515610 A CA 000515610A CA 515610 A CA515610 A CA 515610A CA 1275735 C CA1275735 C CA 1275735C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- bingo
- processor
- storage means
- code
- card
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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
- A63F3/06—Lottos or bingo games; Systems, apparatus or devices for checking such games
- A63F3/0645—Electric lottos or bingo 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
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/24—Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for
- A63F2009/2401—Detail of input, input devices
- A63F2009/2411—Input form cards, tapes, discs
- A63F2009/2419—Optical
- A63F2009/242—Bar codes
-
- 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
- A63F2009/2477—Tone generators, oscillators
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE:
To facilitate the playing of bingo, a computerized bingo-chain game device based on a central processing unit (CPU) is proposed. All of the number matrices of the available bingo punch cards are stored in the CPU, which is a microprocessor/storage unit. A display, constituted by a light emitting diodes (LED) dot matrix, is connected to the microprocessor/storage unit to identify the numbers selected by the player. A keyboard input unit, constituted by a MYLAR film, is connected to the microprocessor/
storage unit so that the player can input every called number into the storage of the microprocessor/storage unit. A plurality of transparent bingo cards, with preset punch codes along one side thereof, are read by a signal reading unit which also retrieves pre-stored data from the microprocessor/storage unit. The signal reading unit, constituted by a plurality of infrared LEDs and photo-coupled receivers, is connected to the microprocessor/storage unit to automatically read the data on the transparent cards, which are inserted into the signal reading unit,and to store the data into the storage of the microprocessor/storage unit. An erasing unit to manually erase the called numbers from the sto-rage of the microprocessor/storage unit after the bingo-chain game is over is also included in the device. The signals on the transparent bingo cards can also be repre-sented by bar codes. Data code and clock code on a single side of a transparent bingo card are read by the signal reading unit and can be pre-stored in the microprocessor/
storage unit. The data codes are verified by a double check sum unit in the microprocessor/storage unit.
To facilitate the playing of bingo, a computerized bingo-chain game device based on a central processing unit (CPU) is proposed. All of the number matrices of the available bingo punch cards are stored in the CPU, which is a microprocessor/storage unit. A display, constituted by a light emitting diodes (LED) dot matrix, is connected to the microprocessor/storage unit to identify the numbers selected by the player. A keyboard input unit, constituted by a MYLAR film, is connected to the microprocessor/
storage unit so that the player can input every called number into the storage of the microprocessor/storage unit. A plurality of transparent bingo cards, with preset punch codes along one side thereof, are read by a signal reading unit which also retrieves pre-stored data from the microprocessor/storage unit. The signal reading unit, constituted by a plurality of infrared LEDs and photo-coupled receivers, is connected to the microprocessor/storage unit to automatically read the data on the transparent cards, which are inserted into the signal reading unit,and to store the data into the storage of the microprocessor/storage unit. An erasing unit to manually erase the called numbers from the sto-rage of the microprocessor/storage unit after the bingo-chain game is over is also included in the device. The signals on the transparent bingo cards can also be repre-sented by bar codes. Data code and clock code on a single side of a transparent bingo card are read by the signal reading unit and can be pre-stored in the microprocessor/
storage unit. The data codes are verified by a double check sum unit in the microprocessor/storage unit.
Description
` " ~27~;'73~i BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
.
Bingo is a popular game, both in U.S.A. and Canada.
Traditionally, bingo games are used by churches to raise funds for charity. ~lmost without any chance to cheat, bingo is fair to all players; accordingly, some state governments have explicitly legalized this game. Players of a traditional bingo game would keep a card with a pre-printed number matrix and would mark the pre-printed numbers of the matrix in accordance with the called numbers.
Players, using their eyes and memory, would mark the pre-printed numbers in selected pattern trac~s.- To scan and mark a plurality of card is very hard and troublesome for the weak and the old players of a traditional bingo game.
In order to assist the players to rapidly scan and mark repeatedly the called numbers in a plurality of cards, many machines which can simulate bingo have been develo~ed.
Uni~ed States patents which intend to automate bingo games include: 2,333,002; 2,760,619; 3,671,041; 4,080j596;
4,365,810; 4,378,940, c~c. But the machines o these references fail to provide players with the appropriate assistance.
-SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates ~o a computerized bingo-cha m g~me device played with the bingo cards. Every transparent bingo card 25 has a set of 24 numbers ranying from 1 to 75, and constituting a S x 5 number matrix with a blank space in the center thereof. Before the beginning of the game, the bingo ` ~L2~
czrds are placed into a signal readin~ device 80 that the bingo card stands in front of a display. When one number of the bingo card is called, the LED kehind the number will light. When every called number is manually inputted, the LEDs at the back of the numbe.s, which are equal to the called nu~bers and located in a plurality of bingo cards, will light simultaneously so as to assist the players. The bingo-chain game device includes: (1) A Z-80A cPu based rnicroprocessor/storage means to store/retrieve the called numbers and the number matrixes of the bingo cards;
.
Bingo is a popular game, both in U.S.A. and Canada.
Traditionally, bingo games are used by churches to raise funds for charity. ~lmost without any chance to cheat, bingo is fair to all players; accordingly, some state governments have explicitly legalized this game. Players of a traditional bingo game would keep a card with a pre-printed number matrix and would mark the pre-printed numbers of the matrix in accordance with the called numbers.
Players, using their eyes and memory, would mark the pre-printed numbers in selected pattern trac~s.- To scan and mark a plurality of card is very hard and troublesome for the weak and the old players of a traditional bingo game.
In order to assist the players to rapidly scan and mark repeatedly the called numbers in a plurality of cards, many machines which can simulate bingo have been develo~ed.
Uni~ed States patents which intend to automate bingo games include: 2,333,002; 2,760,619; 3,671,041; 4,080j596;
4,365,810; 4,378,940, c~c. But the machines o these references fail to provide players with the appropriate assistance.
-SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates ~o a computerized bingo-cha m g~me device played with the bingo cards. Every transparent bingo card 25 has a set of 24 numbers ranying from 1 to 75, and constituting a S x 5 number matrix with a blank space in the center thereof. Before the beginning of the game, the bingo ` ~L2~
czrds are placed into a signal readin~ device 80 that the bingo card stands in front of a display. When one number of the bingo card is called, the LED kehind the number will light. When every called number is manually inputted, the LEDs at the back of the numbe.s, which are equal to the called nu~bers and located in a plurality of bingo cards, will light simultaneously so as to assist the players. The bingo-chain game device includes: (1) A Z-80A cPu based rnicroprocessor/storage means to store/retrieve the called numbers and the number matrixes of the bingo cards;
(2) A display, constituted by a LED dot matriX, to be interconnected with the microprocessor/storage means; (3) A
keyboard input means, constituted by MYLAR (trademark) film, to be interconnected to the microprocessor/storage means; t4) A
transparent bingo card incorporating punch code or data and clock code represented by bar code in a single side of the sald bingo card, wherein the punch code or data and clock code can be read through a signal reading means; (5) A
double check sum means which can chec~ the possi~le reading error of ~he data code and clock code in the bingo cards;
(6) A signal reading means, constituted by infrared LEDs and photo-coupled receivers, to bo intcrconnectcd to the microprocessor/storage means; (7) An erase means which can erase ~he called r.um~e_s from the microprocessor/storage means when the game is over.
The computerized bingo-chain game device further incorporates an interconnection means which is composed of programmable I~O interface ICs and related software;
therefore, every one of the bingo-chain game device can interconnect a plurality of the samc devices frorn both of ~Z7~i~3S
its sides. Each bingo-chain game device is able to transmit signals bi-directionally. Therefore, each can be assigned as the master machine to receive signal and transmit the signal to other slave machines simultaneously.
Thus constructed, the bingo-chain game device has no need for the special communication IC 8251 and its peripheral circuit.
Furthermore, the present invention is free of the def~cts of un~-directional communication of prior art.
Each highly precise signal reading means of the bingo-chain game device includes at least an infrared LED and a photo-coupled receive~ malnly constituted by aDARLINTON's pair where the infrared LED and the photo-coupled receiver are respectively set in the upper frame and lower frame, which are joined together with a V-type rail. Besides the benefit of easy assembly and high preci~ion, the signal reading means also has ~ood resolution and sensitivity.
The signal reading means of the computerized game device are interconnected in parallel and controlled by software.
Therefore, if one of the signal reading means is damaged, the normal operation of the other signal reading means will not be affected.
The bingo card oE tl~e bingo-chain g~me devlce incorporates punch cod~ in a singl~ sid~ of the bingo card, wherein the lengt~ of the punch code can represent a binary 0 or 1 machine code. The signal representative of the pur.ch code provides for the retrieval of data wh~ch is pre-sto ed in the RO~ of the microprocessortstorage means and the Zata is then stored into the RAM of the microprocessor/storage means.
Another embodiment of the bingo cards of the computerized game device incorporates clock code and data code, represented ~L~7~35 by bar codes, on a single side of the bingo card. A
wider bar code in the beginning of the clock code is assigned as the start code. A bingo card of the bingo-chain game device only needs one set of single reading means to operate. Furthermore, it can solve the asyn-chronous problems of clock code and data code resulted from traditional double-sided check. A check means is also included in the computerized game device; therefore, the signal being read can be verified by the double check sum. The clock signal is related to the data signal through a function equation. After the data code and clock code are read, the data code and clock code can be verified by means of the function equation. The checking result can be shown in the LED display.
The computerized bingo-chain game device can further be provided with a means to adjust the brightness of the LED display through a photosensitive resistor and a variable resistor, and with a music generator means which is composed of a melody IC and an audio generating software program, wherein the volume of the music generator means can be adjusted through a variable resistor.
More specifically, according to a first aspect of the present invention,there is provided a computerized bingo-chain game device comprising:
a processor/storage means interconnected with a display for storing and retrieving data from bingo cards;
a keyboard me~ns Eor i.nputtiny data into the processor/storage means, said lceyboard means comprising a MYLAR film;
card keeping means having slots positioned in front of the display;
a signal reading means positioned in a side of the slots of the card keeping means and electrically ~L~75~3~i connected to the processor/storage means;
wherein the processox/storage means includes:
a read onlymemory circuit;
a random access memory circuit; and at least one input/output port for providing interconnections to peripheral components;
wherein a plurality of number matrices and matrix serial numbers are stored in the read only memory circuit, each matrix serial number being representative of a signal code located at a single side of a transparent bingo card having a plurality of numbers thereon, the signal reading means comprising means for automatically reading the code on the bingo card when the same is passed therethrough, the bingo card being kept in front of the display by the card keeping means, the signal reading means comprising means for sending a signal represen-tative of the matrix serial number to the processor/
storage means, the processor/storage means comprising means for retrieving a number matrix relating to the ma-trix serial number from the read only memory circuit, the processor/storage means further comprising means for sending the number matrix to the random access memory circuit for comparing with a called number inputted from the keyboard means, the display comprising means for showing the result of the comparison thereon;
wherein the display includes a-t least one LED
dot matrix connected with the processor/storage means;
and wherein the respective LEDs o:E the LE~ ~ot matr.ix are lit ~or i.lluminat.ing the numberc.; on the blngo card corresponding to called numb~rs i.nE)utted Erom the keyboard means, thereby assisting a pl.ayer during a bingo-chain game;
an erasing means connected to -the processor/
storage means for erasing the called numbers upon com-~2~
pletion of the game; and wherein the signal reading means includes at least one pair of photosensing and receiving means which are respectively set in an upper frame and a lower frame which are joined with a V-type rail to form a gap between the photosensing and receiving means; whereby the data on the bingo cards are read when the bingo cards pass through the gap between the photosensing and receiving means.
- In accordance with a second aspect of the in-vention, there is provided a computerized bingo-chain game device comprising:
a processor/storage means interconnected with a display for storing and retrieving data from bingo cards;
a keyboard means for inputting data into the processor/storage means, said keyboard means comprising a MYLAR film;
card keeping means having slots positioned in front of the display;
a signal reading means positioned in a side of the slots of the card keeping means and electrically connected to the processor/storage means;
wherein the processor/storage means includes:
a read only memory circuit;
a random access memory circuit; and at least one input/output port for providing interconnections to peripheral components;
wherein a plurality of number matrices and matrix serial. numbers are stored in the read only memory circuit, each matri.x serial number being r~presentative of a signal code located at a s.;mgle side of a transparent bingo card having a plurality oE numbers thereon, the signal reading means comprising means for automatically reading - 5a -the code on the bingo card when the same is passed there-through, the bingo card being kept in front of the dis-play by the card keeping means, the signal reading means including means for sending a signal representative of the matrix serial number to the processor/storage means, the processor~storage means comprising means for retrieving a number matrix relating to the matrix serial number from the read only memory circuit, the processor/storage means further comprising means for sending the number matrix to the random access memory circuit for comparing with a called number inputted from the keyboard means, the display comprising means for showing the result of the comparison thereon;
wherein the display includes at least one LED
dot matrix connected with the processor/storage means;
and wherein the respective LEDs of the LED dot matrix are lit for illuminating the numbers on the bingo card corresponding to called numbers inputted from the key-board means, thereby assisting a player during a bingo-chain game;
an erasing means connected to the processor/storage means for erasing the called numbers upon completion of the game; and wherein a code is incorporated in a side of the bingo card to represent the serial number of the bingo card; and wherein the code comprises a number of codes with different lengths to represent binary-based O's or l's and a longer code at the beginn.ing oE the code to represent a. start cod~; thereby prov.idi.ng .Eor the retrieval of the pre-stored number matrix o~ the bingo card from the processor/storage means.
In accordance with a third aspect, the present invention relates to a computerized bingo-chain game device comprising:
- 5b -~Z7~;7~35i a processor/storage means interconnected with a display for storing and retrieving data from bingo`cards;
a keyboard means for inputting data into the processor/storage means, said keyboard means comprising a MYLAR film;
card keeping means having slots positioned in front of the display;
a signalreading means positioned in a side of the slots of the card ]ceeping means and electrically 0 connected to the processor/storage means;
wherein the processor/storage means includes;
a read only memory circuit;
a random access memory circuit; and at least one input/output port for providing 5 interconnections to peripheral components;
wherein a plurality of number matrices and matrix serial numbers are stored in the read only memory cir-cuit, each matrix serial number being representative of a signal code located at a single side of a trans-parent bingo card having a plurality of numbers thereon,the signal reading means comprising means for automati-cally reading the code on the bingo card when the same is passed therethrough, the bingo card being kept in front of the display by the card keeping means, the signal reading means comprising means for sending a signal representative of the matrix serial number to the processor/
storage means, the processor/storage means comprising means for retrievi.ng a number matrix rel.ating to the matrix serlal numbe.r ~rom the .re.rl~ only mc~lo:ry circuit, the processor/storage means furthe~r comprising means for sending the number matrix to the random access memory circuit for comparing with a called number inputted from the keyboard means, the display comprising means for showing the result of the comparison thereon;
~27~i73S
wherein the display includes at least one LED
dot matrix connected with the processor/storage means;
and wherein the respective LEDs of the LED dot matrix are lit for illuminating the numbers on the bingo card corres-ponding to called numbers inputted from the keyboardmeans, thereby assisting a player during a bingo-chain game;
an erasing means connected to the processor/
storage means for erasing the called numbers upon com-pletion of the game; and wherein the bingo card comprises parallel dataand clock codes at one side thereof; and wherein the data code and clock code, represented by binary-based black and white bar codes, respectively, and a wider bar code at the beginning of the clock code are represented by the following function equation:
F(X) = 2 + N . 2 wherein X is a decimal number of the data code, N is the number of " 0's" when the decimal number X is trans-lated into binary; and wherein the processor/storage means comprises means for checking and comparing func-tion values of the data code and clock code to determine erroneous readings by the signal reading means.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the Eollowing non restrlctive descl~iL)ti.on oE preEerred embodiments thereoE, givell in conj~lnctiprl with the accom-~0 panying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRI TION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings:
- 5d -~27S~3~;
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the bingo-chain game of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of the CPU based bingo-chain game;
Figure 3 is a block diagram of the display of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a block diagram of the keyboard input means of the present invention;
Figure 5 is a front elevational view of the bingo card of the present invention;
Figure 5A is a front elevational view of another embodiment of the bingo card of the present nventlon;
Figures 6a-6j are flow charts of the software program of the present invention;
Figure 7I whi.ch is disposed on the same sheet of formal drawings as Figures 3 and 4, is a block diagram of the interconnection be-tween a master machine and slave machines of the bingo-chain game of the present invention;
Figure 8 is a circuit diagram of the display brightness adjustment means of the bingo-chain game of the present invention;
Figure 9 is a circui-t diagram of the signal reading means of the bingo-chain game of the present invention;
Fi.gure 9A is a block d:iag.ram of the signal reading means of the b:ingo-cha:in game o~ the L.~resent invention;
Figure 10 :is a cross-sectional vi.ew of the photo-sensor of the signal reading means oE the present inven-tion;
Figure 11 is a circuit diagram of the sound effect means of the bingo-chain game of the present in-~Z7573~;
vention;
Figure 12 is a circuit diagram showing the interconnection between the master machine and slave machines; and ~igure 13 is a circuit diagram of the keyboard of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODlMENTS
The bingo-chain game 10 of the present invention can be interconnected as shown in Figure 1, which is a perspective view of ten interconnected bingo-chain games. Every bingo---- ~2~5~73~
~ ~ ' ,-;, chain game 10 is composed o~ a display 20, constituted by upper and lower 5 x 5 LED dot matrixes, and a pàir of slot 11. This pair of slots ll constitute the card keeping means to guide the bingo card 30, to be inserted therein, thereby keeping the bingo card in front of the display 20. Two sets of numbers are printed on the upper and lower areas of the bingo card 30, which is made of transparent material. Each area has twenty-four numbers, ranging from 1 to 75, formed by a 5 x 5 matrix with an empty space or word "FREE" on the center of the matrix. The number matrix on the bingo card 30 coincides with the dot matrix of the LED display 20.
Therefore, each LED can light the related num~er on the bingo card 30. Punch code 31 (Figure 5a) or bar code is incorporated in a single side of every bingo card 30.
A photo-sensor 40 of the signal reading means is incor~orated in a singlc side of the slots 11 of the bingo-chain game 10. The signal of bingo card /30 will be automatically read when every bingo ca~d 30 is inserted into thé slots 11. The signal will then be stored into the storage~controlled CPU 50, preferably a Z-80 A processor.
The number matrix representcd by tho inputtcd signal will then be compared with thc callcd numbcxs ln the ncxt stage.
The called numbers are manually inputted by the player through a keyboard 12. The called numbers will also be stored, and will be erased when the game is over. I~the called number, inputted to the bingo-chain game 10, is the same as one o the numbers on the bingo card 30, the LED
behind the number on bin~o card 30 will be lit.
~ very bingo-chain game 10 can be assigned as a master mac~ine or slave mac~ine. Interconnected as shown in Flgure P27573~;
1 and Figure 7, the signal of each machine can bi-directionally communicate. If one called number is inputted, all LED's in different machines which represent the same called number will be lit simultaneously. During play, only one bingo-chain game 10 needs to be assigned as the master machine, to be connected to the keyboard 12 of the input means. Thereafter, one keyboard can make a plurality of bingo-chain games 10 work concurrently.
Shown in Figure 5a is a preferred embodiment of bingo card 30. Two 5 x 5 number matrixes are printed on the upper and lower areas of bingo card 30, which is made of transparent material. Bingo card 30 incorporates a plurality of punch holes 31, separated from each other to represent some signal, along one longitudinal side of the bingo card. The one longitudinal side of the bingo card 30 is made ~of`;a non-transparent material. A serial number 32, printed on the upper right corner of bingo card 30, represents the predetermined number matrix stored in the read only memory (thereafter ROM) shown in Figure 2. The serial number in every bingo card 30 is different from that of another.
Referring to Figure 2, the numbcr matrix, represented by the serial number on bingo card 30, can be retrieved from the erasable programmable read only memory (hereafter EPROM) via the selector IC 74LS138. When bingo card 30 is inserted into slots 11 o~ bingo-chain game 10, photo-sensor 40 of the signal reading means will first read start code 35, then the bingo code represented by punch hole 31. The bingo code is then translated into a decimal number, which should be the same as the serial number 32 printed on the upper right ~2757~5 corner of bingo card 30. The CPU of the bingo-chain game 10 will retrieve the numbers of bingo card 30 from the EPROM
and then store the numbers into a random access memory (hereafter RAM) to complete the reading procedure of the bingo card data. Only one set of photo-sensor 40 is needed for this preferred bingo card 30. Therefore, the manuf~acturing cost is drastically reduced and the asynchronous problems resulting from the traditionaI dual photo-sensors are eliminated. The reading errors are very scarce durin~ inserting bingo card 30 before the game starts. Furthermore, traditional cards are inclined to erroneous readings, due to incorrect position of printing codes or the unclear printing. Previously, it was necessary for the in-process quality control of the traditional cards to key in 24 numbers to check if the code is coincidental to the numbers printed on each card. But for bingo card 30 of the present invention, the photo-sensor 40 will automatically read the punch hole 31 after the bingo card 30 is inserted into the slot 11. Then the number matrix, represented by the serial number 32 on the upper right corner of the bingo card 30, will automatically be retrieved and compared, thereby making it unnecessary to manually key-in number matrix one by one. Moreover, traditional inspection needs more than 24 key in inputs, compared with the only two ~ey in inputs of the present invention.
Therefore, the present invention is more convenient and taster. Furthermore, as the punch operation of the bingo card of the present invention is also fast and accurate, the defective rate of punch operation approaches zero.
~27~i735 Shown in Figure 5b is another embodiment of a bingo card 30A. The circuit design of the microproce~sor/storage means related to bingo card 30A is the same as that shown in Figure 2~ Two 5 x 5 number matrix~s are also printed on the upper and lower areas; respectively, of the bingo card 3~
Bingo card 30A incorporates a bar-type data code 33 and another parallel clock code 34 along one longitudinal side thereof. Concentrating data code 33 and clock code 34 on a single side facilitates the photo sensing operation, so as to eliminate the defect of asynchronous photo sensing due to crooked insertion of a bingo card having two codes incorporated into two different sides of the card.
Furthermore, the present invention provides a double check sum for the bingo card 30A, so'as to assure error-free data readin~ of the CPU 50.
The bingo card 30A is designed with a clock code having 204,signals. The wider bar code 341 on the bottom of the clock code 34 is the start code, which can signal the beginning o~ the reading operation. The number signal of the data code 33 and the clock code 34 can check each other with a function value. A preferred embodiment of the function equation is:
F(X) = 2 ~ N 2 where F~X) is a clock function, X is the decimal number of the data code 33, N is the number of "0" when the decimal X
is translated,into binary. The sum of the clock function is treated as one additional code and is placed at the end of the data code 33. The function e~uation ls prestored into the microprocess,or/storage means. The clock code 34 and ~27573~
data code 33 are read respectively by two sets of photo-sensors 40, when bingo card 30A is inserted. Ciock code 34 and data code 33 are then sent to microprocessor/storage means 50 for checking. The LED relatin~ to the central space (or the word "FREE") of the bingo card 30A will be lit, if the check sum of the 204 signal of the clock code 34 and the function equation match. This is to prove that there is correct reading of the data in the bingo card 30A.
As shown in Figure 2, the control center of the electronie circuit of the bingo-chain game 10 is the CPU 50, i.e. Z-80 A. CPU 50 controls the other components in the electronic circuit and can also store the called numbers and all numbers of bingo card 30 or 30A read by photo-sensors 40. Software programs, represented by the flow charts from Figure 6a to Figure 6j, are stored into the EPROM or the MASK ROM. Part of the software programs can also be stored into the RAM. CPU 50 can select the keyboard 12 sean, the display 20 sean or the data reading of punch code/bar eode in bingo eard 30/30A, via the selector 74LS138. Keyboard 20 20, photo-sensor 40, display 20, sound generator 60 and other peripheral equipment are eonneeted to the mieroproeessor/storage means via two input-output (hereafter I/O) integrated eircuits, hereafter (IC) 8255. Traditional intereonnection among various microprocessor/storage means of the present invention can directly communicate via I/O IC
- 8255, via software. Therefore, the manufacturing eost is drastically reduced. The present invention ean further incorporate a rechargeable battery to maintain the related data for three months if power is interrupted.
~2~i735 Referring to Figure 3 of Figure 8, the display 20 is controlled by the software program represented in the flow charts of Figures 6a-6j. To complete the displaying procedures, the display is scanned by a multiplexor IC, amplified and driven by a driver IC ULN2003 and transmitted via a shift register. If the background is not too bright, ~he LED of the display 20 can light u~ the numbers of the bingo card very clearly. But if the background is too bright, the numbers of the bingo card would not be lit up very clearly. To avoid this defect, a perfect LED
brightness adjustment circuit including a photo sensitive resistor CDS is incorporated into the present invention.
When the background is too bright, the LED input current is increased to raise the brightness of the LED. A variable resistor VR can further be added to the circuit to adjust the LED brightness to the best level.
Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 13, the keyboard input means, connected to bingo-chain game 10, is constituted by a MYLAR film. The keyboard input means is interconnected to the CPU 50 via an I/O IC 8255. The keyboard 12 of the input keyboard means is composed of number keys and function keys - such as erase key, bingo key, new game key... etc. Such functions as selecting bingo game topic, lnputting the called numbers to the microprocessor/storage means, erasing the called numbers from the microprocessor/storage means or starting the game can be done through the input of the number keys and function keys.
Referring to Figure 9a, 9b and 10, the photo-sensor 40 of the signal reading means is shown to be comprised of an infrared LED 41 and a photo-coupled receiver 42, which are .
~ ~ 7 57~ S
respectively set in an upper frame 43 and a lower frame 44, made by tooling. The male V-type jut 441 of the lower frame 44 is intimately fitted into the female V-type rail 431 of the upper frame 43. Therefore, the gap between the right arm 432 and the upper frame 43 and the right arm 442 of the lower frame 44 can be kept very even and stable. The infrared LED 41 and the photo-coupled receiver 42 are stuck into the upper right arm 432 and lower right arm 442, respectively. Therefore, bingo card 30 can pass through the gap between upper right arm 432 and lower right arm 442, and at the same time can precisely coincide with infrared LED 41 and photo-coupled receiver 42. A person skilled in the infrared LED 41 and photo-coupled receiver 42 art can easily appreciate that the construction of the present invention is very excellent, so as to make the bingo card insertion oper~tion fast and correct`.
To increase the sensitivity of the photo sensor 40, a DARLINTON's power amplifying transistor circuit has been included into the photo-coupled receiver 42, as shown in Figure 9. When the bingo card 30/30A passes through the photo sensor 40 in the slot 11 of the bingo-chain game 10, the slgnal in bingo card 30/30~ is easily read.;
To add fun to the game, a music generator means composed of a melody IC and an audio generating software program is included in the circuit. The melody IC is connected to the I/O IC. The sound volume of the music generator means can be adjusted through a variable resistor VR.
In addition to the above description, the present invention also includes interconnection means which can send ~5735 signal bi-directionally through an IC I/O GTPR. The interconnection means can connect a master machine to a plurality of slave machines, affording the latter with the same game functions of the said master machine. There is no limit for the number of the slave machines. It is not necessary for any interface circuit between the interconnection means and the CPU 50. Therefore, unnecessary means can be reduced so as to lower the manufacturing and maintenance cost.
When the present invention is in game operation, the first step is to turn on the power supply. Thereafter all the LEDs in the display 20 will light to le~ the player inspect the status of every LED. Then the display will show "BINGO UP GOOD LUCK" characters. The kind of characters are designed by software program and stored into the bingo-chain game 10. Then player can insert bingo cards 30/30A into every slot 11. If the number matrix, represented by the clock code 34 and data code 33 of the bingo card 30/30A, is correctly read by photo-sensor 40, the LED behind the bingo card 30/30A will be lit. If a reading error occurs, no LED
will li~ht at all. Ater all the bingo cards 30/30A are correctly read, the pla~er can key-in the called numbers through the keyboard 12 and press the enter key. Then, the LED behind the same number of the called number on the bingo cards 30/30A will be lit.
The game will continue until one player completes the traditional bingo pattern, which may be all the numbers on the bingo card or all the numbers without the four corners.
Then the winniny player presses the bingo key, thè bingo 12757;~5 -chain game 10 will play congratulation music and make the LEDs blink.
The present invention can also store a number of character patterns into the EPROM or MASK ROM by software program. To play these new character patterns, the players can read all bingo cards 30/30A and then press the "NEW
GAME" key, a specified number key, and the "ENTER" key.
Thereafter the display 20 will show a specified character pattern. If the special numbers within the specified character pattern are the same as the called number inputted from keyboard 12, the LEDs at the back of the called numbers will light. Otherwise, the LEDs will not light. The player who first completes the specified character pattern will win the game. This special design prevents ch~ating`
during the game.
When the game is over, all the key-in called numbers can be erased after the "NEW GAME" key and the "ERASE" key are pressed. If the called number is incorrect during the game, the incorrect called number can be erased by pressing the same called number again and then pressing the "ERASE"
key. The bingo-chain gamè 10 will then be ready for the next step of the game.
The various preferred embodiments o the present invention described in the above paragraphs are just for illustrating the technologies of the present invention only and are not meant to limit the present invention, as equivalents of the present invention would be obvious to one skilled in the art, in view of the above discussion. The enclosed program listing is a further example implementation of the present invention.
keyboard input means, constituted by MYLAR (trademark) film, to be interconnected to the microprocessor/storage means; t4) A
transparent bingo card incorporating punch code or data and clock code represented by bar code in a single side of the sald bingo card, wherein the punch code or data and clock code can be read through a signal reading means; (5) A
double check sum means which can chec~ the possi~le reading error of ~he data code and clock code in the bingo cards;
(6) A signal reading means, constituted by infrared LEDs and photo-coupled receivers, to bo intcrconnectcd to the microprocessor/storage means; (7) An erase means which can erase ~he called r.um~e_s from the microprocessor/storage means when the game is over.
The computerized bingo-chain game device further incorporates an interconnection means which is composed of programmable I~O interface ICs and related software;
therefore, every one of the bingo-chain game device can interconnect a plurality of the samc devices frorn both of ~Z7~i~3S
its sides. Each bingo-chain game device is able to transmit signals bi-directionally. Therefore, each can be assigned as the master machine to receive signal and transmit the signal to other slave machines simultaneously.
Thus constructed, the bingo-chain game device has no need for the special communication IC 8251 and its peripheral circuit.
Furthermore, the present invention is free of the def~cts of un~-directional communication of prior art.
Each highly precise signal reading means of the bingo-chain game device includes at least an infrared LED and a photo-coupled receive~ malnly constituted by aDARLINTON's pair where the infrared LED and the photo-coupled receiver are respectively set in the upper frame and lower frame, which are joined together with a V-type rail. Besides the benefit of easy assembly and high preci~ion, the signal reading means also has ~ood resolution and sensitivity.
The signal reading means of the computerized game device are interconnected in parallel and controlled by software.
Therefore, if one of the signal reading means is damaged, the normal operation of the other signal reading means will not be affected.
The bingo card oE tl~e bingo-chain g~me devlce incorporates punch cod~ in a singl~ sid~ of the bingo card, wherein the lengt~ of the punch code can represent a binary 0 or 1 machine code. The signal representative of the pur.ch code provides for the retrieval of data wh~ch is pre-sto ed in the RO~ of the microprocessortstorage means and the Zata is then stored into the RAM of the microprocessor/storage means.
Another embodiment of the bingo cards of the computerized game device incorporates clock code and data code, represented ~L~7~35 by bar codes, on a single side of the bingo card. A
wider bar code in the beginning of the clock code is assigned as the start code. A bingo card of the bingo-chain game device only needs one set of single reading means to operate. Furthermore, it can solve the asyn-chronous problems of clock code and data code resulted from traditional double-sided check. A check means is also included in the computerized game device; therefore, the signal being read can be verified by the double check sum. The clock signal is related to the data signal through a function equation. After the data code and clock code are read, the data code and clock code can be verified by means of the function equation. The checking result can be shown in the LED display.
The computerized bingo-chain game device can further be provided with a means to adjust the brightness of the LED display through a photosensitive resistor and a variable resistor, and with a music generator means which is composed of a melody IC and an audio generating software program, wherein the volume of the music generator means can be adjusted through a variable resistor.
More specifically, according to a first aspect of the present invention,there is provided a computerized bingo-chain game device comprising:
a processor/storage means interconnected with a display for storing and retrieving data from bingo cards;
a keyboard me~ns Eor i.nputtiny data into the processor/storage means, said lceyboard means comprising a MYLAR film;
card keeping means having slots positioned in front of the display;
a signal reading means positioned in a side of the slots of the card keeping means and electrically ~L~75~3~i connected to the processor/storage means;
wherein the processox/storage means includes:
a read onlymemory circuit;
a random access memory circuit; and at least one input/output port for providing interconnections to peripheral components;
wherein a plurality of number matrices and matrix serial numbers are stored in the read only memory circuit, each matrix serial number being representative of a signal code located at a single side of a transparent bingo card having a plurality of numbers thereon, the signal reading means comprising means for automatically reading the code on the bingo card when the same is passed therethrough, the bingo card being kept in front of the display by the card keeping means, the signal reading means comprising means for sending a signal represen-tative of the matrix serial number to the processor/
storage means, the processor/storage means comprising means for retrieving a number matrix relating to the ma-trix serial number from the read only memory circuit, the processor/storage means further comprising means for sending the number matrix to the random access memory circuit for comparing with a called number inputted from the keyboard means, the display comprising means for showing the result of the comparison thereon;
wherein the display includes a-t least one LED
dot matrix connected with the processor/storage means;
and wherein the respective LEDs o:E the LE~ ~ot matr.ix are lit ~or i.lluminat.ing the numberc.; on the blngo card corresponding to called numb~rs i.nE)utted Erom the keyboard means, thereby assisting a pl.ayer during a bingo-chain game;
an erasing means connected to -the processor/
storage means for erasing the called numbers upon com-~2~
pletion of the game; and wherein the signal reading means includes at least one pair of photosensing and receiving means which are respectively set in an upper frame and a lower frame which are joined with a V-type rail to form a gap between the photosensing and receiving means; whereby the data on the bingo cards are read when the bingo cards pass through the gap between the photosensing and receiving means.
- In accordance with a second aspect of the in-vention, there is provided a computerized bingo-chain game device comprising:
a processor/storage means interconnected with a display for storing and retrieving data from bingo cards;
a keyboard means for inputting data into the processor/storage means, said keyboard means comprising a MYLAR film;
card keeping means having slots positioned in front of the display;
a signal reading means positioned in a side of the slots of the card keeping means and electrically connected to the processor/storage means;
wherein the processor/storage means includes:
a read only memory circuit;
a random access memory circuit; and at least one input/output port for providing interconnections to peripheral components;
wherein a plurality of number matrices and matrix serial. numbers are stored in the read only memory circuit, each matri.x serial number being r~presentative of a signal code located at a s.;mgle side of a transparent bingo card having a plurality oE numbers thereon, the signal reading means comprising means for automatically reading - 5a -the code on the bingo card when the same is passed there-through, the bingo card being kept in front of the dis-play by the card keeping means, the signal reading means including means for sending a signal representative of the matrix serial number to the processor/storage means, the processor~storage means comprising means for retrieving a number matrix relating to the matrix serial number from the read only memory circuit, the processor/storage means further comprising means for sending the number matrix to the random access memory circuit for comparing with a called number inputted from the keyboard means, the display comprising means for showing the result of the comparison thereon;
wherein the display includes at least one LED
dot matrix connected with the processor/storage means;
and wherein the respective LEDs of the LED dot matrix are lit for illuminating the numbers on the bingo card corresponding to called numbers inputted from the key-board means, thereby assisting a player during a bingo-chain game;
an erasing means connected to the processor/storage means for erasing the called numbers upon completion of the game; and wherein a code is incorporated in a side of the bingo card to represent the serial number of the bingo card; and wherein the code comprises a number of codes with different lengths to represent binary-based O's or l's and a longer code at the beginn.ing oE the code to represent a. start cod~; thereby prov.idi.ng .Eor the retrieval of the pre-stored number matrix o~ the bingo card from the processor/storage means.
In accordance with a third aspect, the present invention relates to a computerized bingo-chain game device comprising:
- 5b -~Z7~;7~35i a processor/storage means interconnected with a display for storing and retrieving data from bingo`cards;
a keyboard means for inputting data into the processor/storage means, said keyboard means comprising a MYLAR film;
card keeping means having slots positioned in front of the display;
a signalreading means positioned in a side of the slots of the card ]ceeping means and electrically 0 connected to the processor/storage means;
wherein the processor/storage means includes;
a read only memory circuit;
a random access memory circuit; and at least one input/output port for providing 5 interconnections to peripheral components;
wherein a plurality of number matrices and matrix serial numbers are stored in the read only memory cir-cuit, each matrix serial number being representative of a signal code located at a single side of a trans-parent bingo card having a plurality of numbers thereon,the signal reading means comprising means for automati-cally reading the code on the bingo card when the same is passed therethrough, the bingo card being kept in front of the display by the card keeping means, the signal reading means comprising means for sending a signal representative of the matrix serial number to the processor/
storage means, the processor/storage means comprising means for retrievi.ng a number matrix rel.ating to the matrix serlal numbe.r ~rom the .re.rl~ only mc~lo:ry circuit, the processor/storage means furthe~r comprising means for sending the number matrix to the random access memory circuit for comparing with a called number inputted from the keyboard means, the display comprising means for showing the result of the comparison thereon;
~27~i73S
wherein the display includes at least one LED
dot matrix connected with the processor/storage means;
and wherein the respective LEDs of the LED dot matrix are lit for illuminating the numbers on the bingo card corres-ponding to called numbers inputted from the keyboardmeans, thereby assisting a player during a bingo-chain game;
an erasing means connected to the processor/
storage means for erasing the called numbers upon com-pletion of the game; and wherein the bingo card comprises parallel dataand clock codes at one side thereof; and wherein the data code and clock code, represented by binary-based black and white bar codes, respectively, and a wider bar code at the beginning of the clock code are represented by the following function equation:
F(X) = 2 + N . 2 wherein X is a decimal number of the data code, N is the number of " 0's" when the decimal number X is trans-lated into binary; and wherein the processor/storage means comprises means for checking and comparing func-tion values of the data code and clock code to determine erroneous readings by the signal reading means.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the Eollowing non restrlctive descl~iL)ti.on oE preEerred embodiments thereoE, givell in conj~lnctiprl with the accom-~0 panying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRI TION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings:
- 5d -~27S~3~;
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the bingo-chain game of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of the CPU based bingo-chain game;
Figure 3 is a block diagram of the display of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a block diagram of the keyboard input means of the present invention;
Figure 5 is a front elevational view of the bingo card of the present invention;
Figure 5A is a front elevational view of another embodiment of the bingo card of the present nventlon;
Figures 6a-6j are flow charts of the software program of the present invention;
Figure 7I whi.ch is disposed on the same sheet of formal drawings as Figures 3 and 4, is a block diagram of the interconnection be-tween a master machine and slave machines of the bingo-chain game of the present invention;
Figure 8 is a circuit diagram of the display brightness adjustment means of the bingo-chain game of the present invention;
Figure 9 is a circui-t diagram of the signal reading means of the bingo-chain game of the present invention;
Fi.gure 9A is a block d:iag.ram of the signal reading means of the b:ingo-cha:in game o~ the L.~resent invention;
Figure 10 :is a cross-sectional vi.ew of the photo-sensor of the signal reading means oE the present inven-tion;
Figure 11 is a circuit diagram of the sound effect means of the bingo-chain game of the present in-~Z7573~;
vention;
Figure 12 is a circuit diagram showing the interconnection between the master machine and slave machines; and ~igure 13 is a circuit diagram of the keyboard of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODlMENTS
The bingo-chain game 10 of the present invention can be interconnected as shown in Figure 1, which is a perspective view of ten interconnected bingo-chain games. Every bingo---- ~2~5~73~
~ ~ ' ,-;, chain game 10 is composed o~ a display 20, constituted by upper and lower 5 x 5 LED dot matrixes, and a pàir of slot 11. This pair of slots ll constitute the card keeping means to guide the bingo card 30, to be inserted therein, thereby keeping the bingo card in front of the display 20. Two sets of numbers are printed on the upper and lower areas of the bingo card 30, which is made of transparent material. Each area has twenty-four numbers, ranging from 1 to 75, formed by a 5 x 5 matrix with an empty space or word "FREE" on the center of the matrix. The number matrix on the bingo card 30 coincides with the dot matrix of the LED display 20.
Therefore, each LED can light the related num~er on the bingo card 30. Punch code 31 (Figure 5a) or bar code is incorporated in a single side of every bingo card 30.
A photo-sensor 40 of the signal reading means is incor~orated in a singlc side of the slots 11 of the bingo-chain game 10. The signal of bingo card /30 will be automatically read when every bingo ca~d 30 is inserted into thé slots 11. The signal will then be stored into the storage~controlled CPU 50, preferably a Z-80 A processor.
The number matrix representcd by tho inputtcd signal will then be compared with thc callcd numbcxs ln the ncxt stage.
The called numbers are manually inputted by the player through a keyboard 12. The called numbers will also be stored, and will be erased when the game is over. I~the called number, inputted to the bingo-chain game 10, is the same as one o the numbers on the bingo card 30, the LED
behind the number on bin~o card 30 will be lit.
~ very bingo-chain game 10 can be assigned as a master mac~ine or slave mac~ine. Interconnected as shown in Flgure P27573~;
1 and Figure 7, the signal of each machine can bi-directionally communicate. If one called number is inputted, all LED's in different machines which represent the same called number will be lit simultaneously. During play, only one bingo-chain game 10 needs to be assigned as the master machine, to be connected to the keyboard 12 of the input means. Thereafter, one keyboard can make a plurality of bingo-chain games 10 work concurrently.
Shown in Figure 5a is a preferred embodiment of bingo card 30. Two 5 x 5 number matrixes are printed on the upper and lower areas of bingo card 30, which is made of transparent material. Bingo card 30 incorporates a plurality of punch holes 31, separated from each other to represent some signal, along one longitudinal side of the bingo card. The one longitudinal side of the bingo card 30 is made ~of`;a non-transparent material. A serial number 32, printed on the upper right corner of bingo card 30, represents the predetermined number matrix stored in the read only memory (thereafter ROM) shown in Figure 2. The serial number in every bingo card 30 is different from that of another.
Referring to Figure 2, the numbcr matrix, represented by the serial number on bingo card 30, can be retrieved from the erasable programmable read only memory (hereafter EPROM) via the selector IC 74LS138. When bingo card 30 is inserted into slots 11 o~ bingo-chain game 10, photo-sensor 40 of the signal reading means will first read start code 35, then the bingo code represented by punch hole 31. The bingo code is then translated into a decimal number, which should be the same as the serial number 32 printed on the upper right ~2757~5 corner of bingo card 30. The CPU of the bingo-chain game 10 will retrieve the numbers of bingo card 30 from the EPROM
and then store the numbers into a random access memory (hereafter RAM) to complete the reading procedure of the bingo card data. Only one set of photo-sensor 40 is needed for this preferred bingo card 30. Therefore, the manuf~acturing cost is drastically reduced and the asynchronous problems resulting from the traditionaI dual photo-sensors are eliminated. The reading errors are very scarce durin~ inserting bingo card 30 before the game starts. Furthermore, traditional cards are inclined to erroneous readings, due to incorrect position of printing codes or the unclear printing. Previously, it was necessary for the in-process quality control of the traditional cards to key in 24 numbers to check if the code is coincidental to the numbers printed on each card. But for bingo card 30 of the present invention, the photo-sensor 40 will automatically read the punch hole 31 after the bingo card 30 is inserted into the slot 11. Then the number matrix, represented by the serial number 32 on the upper right corner of the bingo card 30, will automatically be retrieved and compared, thereby making it unnecessary to manually key-in number matrix one by one. Moreover, traditional inspection needs more than 24 key in inputs, compared with the only two ~ey in inputs of the present invention.
Therefore, the present invention is more convenient and taster. Furthermore, as the punch operation of the bingo card of the present invention is also fast and accurate, the defective rate of punch operation approaches zero.
~27~i735 Shown in Figure 5b is another embodiment of a bingo card 30A. The circuit design of the microproce~sor/storage means related to bingo card 30A is the same as that shown in Figure 2~ Two 5 x 5 number matrix~s are also printed on the upper and lower areas; respectively, of the bingo card 3~
Bingo card 30A incorporates a bar-type data code 33 and another parallel clock code 34 along one longitudinal side thereof. Concentrating data code 33 and clock code 34 on a single side facilitates the photo sensing operation, so as to eliminate the defect of asynchronous photo sensing due to crooked insertion of a bingo card having two codes incorporated into two different sides of the card.
Furthermore, the present invention provides a double check sum for the bingo card 30A, so'as to assure error-free data readin~ of the CPU 50.
The bingo card 30A is designed with a clock code having 204,signals. The wider bar code 341 on the bottom of the clock code 34 is the start code, which can signal the beginning o~ the reading operation. The number signal of the data code 33 and the clock code 34 can check each other with a function value. A preferred embodiment of the function equation is:
F(X) = 2 ~ N 2 where F~X) is a clock function, X is the decimal number of the data code 33, N is the number of "0" when the decimal X
is translated,into binary. The sum of the clock function is treated as one additional code and is placed at the end of the data code 33. The function e~uation ls prestored into the microprocess,or/storage means. The clock code 34 and ~27573~
data code 33 are read respectively by two sets of photo-sensors 40, when bingo card 30A is inserted. Ciock code 34 and data code 33 are then sent to microprocessor/storage means 50 for checking. The LED relatin~ to the central space (or the word "FREE") of the bingo card 30A will be lit, if the check sum of the 204 signal of the clock code 34 and the function equation match. This is to prove that there is correct reading of the data in the bingo card 30A.
As shown in Figure 2, the control center of the electronie circuit of the bingo-chain game 10 is the CPU 50, i.e. Z-80 A. CPU 50 controls the other components in the electronic circuit and can also store the called numbers and all numbers of bingo card 30 or 30A read by photo-sensors 40. Software programs, represented by the flow charts from Figure 6a to Figure 6j, are stored into the EPROM or the MASK ROM. Part of the software programs can also be stored into the RAM. CPU 50 can select the keyboard 12 sean, the display 20 sean or the data reading of punch code/bar eode in bingo eard 30/30A, via the selector 74LS138. Keyboard 20 20, photo-sensor 40, display 20, sound generator 60 and other peripheral equipment are eonneeted to the mieroproeessor/storage means via two input-output (hereafter I/O) integrated eircuits, hereafter (IC) 8255. Traditional intereonnection among various microprocessor/storage means of the present invention can directly communicate via I/O IC
- 8255, via software. Therefore, the manufacturing eost is drastically reduced. The present invention ean further incorporate a rechargeable battery to maintain the related data for three months if power is interrupted.
~2~i735 Referring to Figure 3 of Figure 8, the display 20 is controlled by the software program represented in the flow charts of Figures 6a-6j. To complete the displaying procedures, the display is scanned by a multiplexor IC, amplified and driven by a driver IC ULN2003 and transmitted via a shift register. If the background is not too bright, ~he LED of the display 20 can light u~ the numbers of the bingo card very clearly. But if the background is too bright, the numbers of the bingo card would not be lit up very clearly. To avoid this defect, a perfect LED
brightness adjustment circuit including a photo sensitive resistor CDS is incorporated into the present invention.
When the background is too bright, the LED input current is increased to raise the brightness of the LED. A variable resistor VR can further be added to the circuit to adjust the LED brightness to the best level.
Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 13, the keyboard input means, connected to bingo-chain game 10, is constituted by a MYLAR film. The keyboard input means is interconnected to the CPU 50 via an I/O IC 8255. The keyboard 12 of the input keyboard means is composed of number keys and function keys - such as erase key, bingo key, new game key... etc. Such functions as selecting bingo game topic, lnputting the called numbers to the microprocessor/storage means, erasing the called numbers from the microprocessor/storage means or starting the game can be done through the input of the number keys and function keys.
Referring to Figure 9a, 9b and 10, the photo-sensor 40 of the signal reading means is shown to be comprised of an infrared LED 41 and a photo-coupled receiver 42, which are .
~ ~ 7 57~ S
respectively set in an upper frame 43 and a lower frame 44, made by tooling. The male V-type jut 441 of the lower frame 44 is intimately fitted into the female V-type rail 431 of the upper frame 43. Therefore, the gap between the right arm 432 and the upper frame 43 and the right arm 442 of the lower frame 44 can be kept very even and stable. The infrared LED 41 and the photo-coupled receiver 42 are stuck into the upper right arm 432 and lower right arm 442, respectively. Therefore, bingo card 30 can pass through the gap between upper right arm 432 and lower right arm 442, and at the same time can precisely coincide with infrared LED 41 and photo-coupled receiver 42. A person skilled in the infrared LED 41 and photo-coupled receiver 42 art can easily appreciate that the construction of the present invention is very excellent, so as to make the bingo card insertion oper~tion fast and correct`.
To increase the sensitivity of the photo sensor 40, a DARLINTON's power amplifying transistor circuit has been included into the photo-coupled receiver 42, as shown in Figure 9. When the bingo card 30/30A passes through the photo sensor 40 in the slot 11 of the bingo-chain game 10, the slgnal in bingo card 30/30~ is easily read.;
To add fun to the game, a music generator means composed of a melody IC and an audio generating software program is included in the circuit. The melody IC is connected to the I/O IC. The sound volume of the music generator means can be adjusted through a variable resistor VR.
In addition to the above description, the present invention also includes interconnection means which can send ~5735 signal bi-directionally through an IC I/O GTPR. The interconnection means can connect a master machine to a plurality of slave machines, affording the latter with the same game functions of the said master machine. There is no limit for the number of the slave machines. It is not necessary for any interface circuit between the interconnection means and the CPU 50. Therefore, unnecessary means can be reduced so as to lower the manufacturing and maintenance cost.
When the present invention is in game operation, the first step is to turn on the power supply. Thereafter all the LEDs in the display 20 will light to le~ the player inspect the status of every LED. Then the display will show "BINGO UP GOOD LUCK" characters. The kind of characters are designed by software program and stored into the bingo-chain game 10. Then player can insert bingo cards 30/30A into every slot 11. If the number matrix, represented by the clock code 34 and data code 33 of the bingo card 30/30A, is correctly read by photo-sensor 40, the LED behind the bingo card 30/30A will be lit. If a reading error occurs, no LED
will li~ht at all. Ater all the bingo cards 30/30A are correctly read, the pla~er can key-in the called numbers through the keyboard 12 and press the enter key. Then, the LED behind the same number of the called number on the bingo cards 30/30A will be lit.
The game will continue until one player completes the traditional bingo pattern, which may be all the numbers on the bingo card or all the numbers without the four corners.
Then the winniny player presses the bingo key, thè bingo 12757;~5 -chain game 10 will play congratulation music and make the LEDs blink.
The present invention can also store a number of character patterns into the EPROM or MASK ROM by software program. To play these new character patterns, the players can read all bingo cards 30/30A and then press the "NEW
GAME" key, a specified number key, and the "ENTER" key.
Thereafter the display 20 will show a specified character pattern. If the special numbers within the specified character pattern are the same as the called number inputted from keyboard 12, the LEDs at the back of the called numbers will light. Otherwise, the LEDs will not light. The player who first completes the specified character pattern will win the game. This special design prevents ch~ating`
during the game.
When the game is over, all the key-in called numbers can be erased after the "NEW GAME" key and the "ERASE" key are pressed. If the called number is incorrect during the game, the incorrect called number can be erased by pressing the same called number again and then pressing the "ERASE"
key. The bingo-chain gamè 10 will then be ready for the next step of the game.
The various preferred embodiments o the present invention described in the above paragraphs are just for illustrating the technologies of the present invention only and are not meant to limit the present invention, as equivalents of the present invention would be obvious to one skilled in the art, in view of the above discussion. The enclosed program listing is a further example implementation of the present invention.
Claims (3)
1. A computerized bingo-chain game device comprising:
a processor/storage means interconnected with a display for storing and retrieving data from bingo cards;
a keyboard means for inputting data into the processor/storage means, said keyboard means comprising a MYLAR film;
card keeping means having slots positioned in front of the display;
a signal reading means positioned in a side of the slots of the card keeping means and electrically connected to the processor/storage means;
wherein the processor/storage means includes:
a read only memory circuit;
a random access memory circuit; and at least one input/output port for providing interconnections to peripheral components;
wherein a plurality of number matrices and matrix serial numbers are stored in the read only memory circuit, each matrix serial number being representative of a signal code located at a single side of a transparent bingo card having a plurality of numbers thereon, the signal reading means comprising means for automatically reading the code on the bingo card when the same is passed therethrough, the bingo card being kept in front of the display by the card keeping means, the signal reading means comprising means for sending a signal representative of the matrix serial number to the processor/storage means, the processor/storage means comprising means for retrieving a number matrix relating to the matrix serial number from the read only memory circuit, the processor/
storage means further comprising means for sending the number matrix to the random access memory circuit for comparing with a called number inputted from the key-board means, the display comprising means for showing the result of the comparison thereon;
wherein the display includes at least one LED
dot matrix connected with the processor/storage means; and wherein the respective LEDs of the LED dot matrix are lit for illuminating the numbers on the bingo card corres-ponding to called numbers inputted from the keyboard means, thereby assisting a player during a bingo-chain game;
an erasing means connected to the processor/
storage means for erasing the called numbers upon comple-tion of the game; and wherein the signal reading means includes at least one pair of photosensing and receiving means which are respectively set in an upper frame and a lower frame which are joined with a V-type rail to form a gap between the photosensing and receiving means;
whereby the data on the bingo cards are read when the bingo cards pass through the gap between the photosensing and receiving means.
a processor/storage means interconnected with a display for storing and retrieving data from bingo cards;
a keyboard means for inputting data into the processor/storage means, said keyboard means comprising a MYLAR film;
card keeping means having slots positioned in front of the display;
a signal reading means positioned in a side of the slots of the card keeping means and electrically connected to the processor/storage means;
wherein the processor/storage means includes:
a read only memory circuit;
a random access memory circuit; and at least one input/output port for providing interconnections to peripheral components;
wherein a plurality of number matrices and matrix serial numbers are stored in the read only memory circuit, each matrix serial number being representative of a signal code located at a single side of a transparent bingo card having a plurality of numbers thereon, the signal reading means comprising means for automatically reading the code on the bingo card when the same is passed therethrough, the bingo card being kept in front of the display by the card keeping means, the signal reading means comprising means for sending a signal representative of the matrix serial number to the processor/storage means, the processor/storage means comprising means for retrieving a number matrix relating to the matrix serial number from the read only memory circuit, the processor/
storage means further comprising means for sending the number matrix to the random access memory circuit for comparing with a called number inputted from the key-board means, the display comprising means for showing the result of the comparison thereon;
wherein the display includes at least one LED
dot matrix connected with the processor/storage means; and wherein the respective LEDs of the LED dot matrix are lit for illuminating the numbers on the bingo card corres-ponding to called numbers inputted from the keyboard means, thereby assisting a player during a bingo-chain game;
an erasing means connected to the processor/
storage means for erasing the called numbers upon comple-tion of the game; and wherein the signal reading means includes at least one pair of photosensing and receiving means which are respectively set in an upper frame and a lower frame which are joined with a V-type rail to form a gap between the photosensing and receiving means;
whereby the data on the bingo cards are read when the bingo cards pass through the gap between the photosensing and receiving means.
2. A computerized bingo-chain game device comprising:
a processor/storage means interconnected with a display for storing and retrieving data from bingo cards;
a keyboard means for inputting data into the processor/storage means, said keyboard means comprising a MYLAR film;
card keeping means having slots positioned in front of the display;
a signal reading means positioned in a side of the slots of the card keeping means and electrically connected to the processor/storage means;
wherein the processor/storage means includes:
a read only memory circuit;
a random access memory circuit; and at least one input/output port for providing interconnections to peripheral components;
wherein a plurality of number matrices and matrix serial numbers are stored in the read only memory circuit, each matrix serial number being representative of a signal code located at a single side of a transparent bingo card having a plurality of numbers thereon, the signal reading means comprising means for automatically reading the code on the bingo card when the same is passed therethrough, the bingo card being kept in front of the display by the card keeping means, the signal reading means including means for sending a signal representative of the matrix serial number to the processor/storage means, the processor/storage means comprising means for retrieving a number matrix relating to the matrix serial number from the read only memory circuit, the processor/
storage means further comprising means for sending the number matrix to the random access memory circuit for comparing with a called number inputted from the keyboard means, the display comprising means for showing the result of the comparison thereon;
wherein the display includes at least one LED
dot matrix connected with the processor/storage means;
and wherein the respective LEDs of the LED dot matrix are lit for illuminating the numbers on the bingo card corresponding to called numbers inputted from the keyboard means, thereby assisting a player during a bingo-chain game;
an erasing means connected to the processor/
storage means for erasing the called numbers upon com-pletion of the game; and wherein a code is incorporated in a side of the bingo card to represent the serial number of the bingo card; and wherein the code comprises a number of codes with different lengths to represent binary-based O's or l's and a longer code at the beginning of the code to represent a start code; thereby providing for the retrieval of the pre-stored number matrix of the bingo card from the processor/storage means.
a processor/storage means interconnected with a display for storing and retrieving data from bingo cards;
a keyboard means for inputting data into the processor/storage means, said keyboard means comprising a MYLAR film;
card keeping means having slots positioned in front of the display;
a signal reading means positioned in a side of the slots of the card keeping means and electrically connected to the processor/storage means;
wherein the processor/storage means includes:
a read only memory circuit;
a random access memory circuit; and at least one input/output port for providing interconnections to peripheral components;
wherein a plurality of number matrices and matrix serial numbers are stored in the read only memory circuit, each matrix serial number being representative of a signal code located at a single side of a transparent bingo card having a plurality of numbers thereon, the signal reading means comprising means for automatically reading the code on the bingo card when the same is passed therethrough, the bingo card being kept in front of the display by the card keeping means, the signal reading means including means for sending a signal representative of the matrix serial number to the processor/storage means, the processor/storage means comprising means for retrieving a number matrix relating to the matrix serial number from the read only memory circuit, the processor/
storage means further comprising means for sending the number matrix to the random access memory circuit for comparing with a called number inputted from the keyboard means, the display comprising means for showing the result of the comparison thereon;
wherein the display includes at least one LED
dot matrix connected with the processor/storage means;
and wherein the respective LEDs of the LED dot matrix are lit for illuminating the numbers on the bingo card corresponding to called numbers inputted from the keyboard means, thereby assisting a player during a bingo-chain game;
an erasing means connected to the processor/
storage means for erasing the called numbers upon com-pletion of the game; and wherein a code is incorporated in a side of the bingo card to represent the serial number of the bingo card; and wherein the code comprises a number of codes with different lengths to represent binary-based O's or l's and a longer code at the beginning of the code to represent a start code; thereby providing for the retrieval of the pre-stored number matrix of the bingo card from the processor/storage means.
3. A computerized bingo-chain game device comprising:
a processor/storage means interconnected with a display for storing and retrieving data from bingo cards;
a keyboard means for inputting data into the processor/storage means, said keyboard means comprising a MYLAR film;
card keeping means having slots prositioned in front of the display;
a signal reading means positioned in a side of the slots of the card keeping means and electrically connected to the processor/storage means;
wherein the processor/storage means includes:
a read only memory circuit;
a random access memory circuit; and at least one input/output port for providing interconnections to peripheral components;
wherein a plurality of number matrices and matrix serial numbers are stored in the read only memory circuit, each matrix serial number being representative of a signal code located at a single side of a transparent bingo card having a plurality of numbers thereon, the signal reading means comprising means for automatically reading the code on the bingo card when the same is passed therethrough, the bingo card being kept in front of the display by the card keeping means, the signal reading means comprising means for sending a signal re-presentative of the matrix serial number to the processor/
storage means, the processor/storage means comprising means for retrieving a number matrix relating to the matrix serial number from the read only memory circuit, the processor/storage means further comprising means for sending the number matrix to the random access memory circuit for comparing with a called number inputted from the keyboard means, the display comprising means for showing the result of the comparison thereon;
wherein the display includes at least one LED
dot matrix connected with the processor/storage means;
and wherein the respective LEDs of the LED dot matrix are lit for illuminating the numbers on the bingo card corresponding to called numbers inputted from the key-board means, thereby assisting a player during a bingo-chain game;
an erasing means connected to the processor/
storage means for erasing the called numbers upon comple-tion of the game; and wherein the bingo card comprises parallel data and clock codes at one side thereof; and wherein the data code and clock code, represented by binary-based black and white bar codes, respectively, and a wider bar code at the beginning of the clock code are represented by the following function equation:
F(X) = 2 + N . 2 wherein X is a decimal number of the data code, N is the number of " O's" when the decimal number X is trans-lated into binary; and wherein the processor/storage means comprises means for checking and comparing function values of the data code and clock code to determine erro-neous readings by the signal reading means.
a processor/storage means interconnected with a display for storing and retrieving data from bingo cards;
a keyboard means for inputting data into the processor/storage means, said keyboard means comprising a MYLAR film;
card keeping means having slots prositioned in front of the display;
a signal reading means positioned in a side of the slots of the card keeping means and electrically connected to the processor/storage means;
wherein the processor/storage means includes:
a read only memory circuit;
a random access memory circuit; and at least one input/output port for providing interconnections to peripheral components;
wherein a plurality of number matrices and matrix serial numbers are stored in the read only memory circuit, each matrix serial number being representative of a signal code located at a single side of a transparent bingo card having a plurality of numbers thereon, the signal reading means comprising means for automatically reading the code on the bingo card when the same is passed therethrough, the bingo card being kept in front of the display by the card keeping means, the signal reading means comprising means for sending a signal re-presentative of the matrix serial number to the processor/
storage means, the processor/storage means comprising means for retrieving a number matrix relating to the matrix serial number from the read only memory circuit, the processor/storage means further comprising means for sending the number matrix to the random access memory circuit for comparing with a called number inputted from the keyboard means, the display comprising means for showing the result of the comparison thereon;
wherein the display includes at least one LED
dot matrix connected with the processor/storage means;
and wherein the respective LEDs of the LED dot matrix are lit for illuminating the numbers on the bingo card corresponding to called numbers inputted from the key-board means, thereby assisting a player during a bingo-chain game;
an erasing means connected to the processor/
storage means for erasing the called numbers upon comple-tion of the game; and wherein the bingo card comprises parallel data and clock codes at one side thereof; and wherein the data code and clock code, represented by binary-based black and white bar codes, respectively, and a wider bar code at the beginning of the clock code are represented by the following function equation:
F(X) = 2 + N . 2 wherein X is a decimal number of the data code, N is the number of " O's" when the decimal number X is trans-lated into binary; and wherein the processor/storage means comprises means for checking and comparing function values of the data code and clock code to determine erro-neous readings by the signal reading means.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000515610A CA1275735C (en) | 1986-08-08 | 1986-08-08 | Computerized bingo-chain game device to facilitate the playing of a bingo-chain game |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000515610A CA1275735C (en) | 1986-08-08 | 1986-08-08 | Computerized bingo-chain game device to facilitate the playing of a bingo-chain game |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1275735C true CA1275735C (en) | 1990-10-30 |
Family
ID=4133699
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000515610A Expired - Lifetime CA1275735C (en) | 1986-08-08 | 1986-08-08 | Computerized bingo-chain game device to facilitate the playing of a bingo-chain game |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1275735C (en) |
-
1986
- 1986-08-08 CA CA000515610A patent/CA1275735C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |