GB2105996A - Random selection apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus, for games such as bingo, has a random number selector and first and second display devices (5, 6). The first display device (5) provides a visual record of numbers selected which can be seen by the operator of the apparatus and comprises a vdu screen controlled by an electronic programmed control system (8). The second display device (6) which may be a vdu screen or matrix of lamps, produces a visual display of each number as it is selected so that the number can be seen by many people. Further display devices of this type may be provided remote from the operator. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Random selection apparatus This invention relates to random selection apparatus for use for example in raffles, lotteries, and games such as bingo where a plurality of numbers is successively randomly selected. Such apparatus may find use in clubs, bingo halls and the like.

According to the present invention there is provided random selection apparatus comprising random selection means operable to select successive numbers, a first display means arranged to display to an operator the number selected on each said operation of said random selection means together with a record of numbers selected on preceding said operations, and a second display means arranged to produce a display which can be seen by a plurality of people of said number selected on each said operation of said random selection means, said first display means comprising an electronic visual display unit controlled by an electronic programmed control system.

With this arrangement the apparatus may be simple and convenient to use yet may be capable of versatile operation. In particular, the control system may be programmed to permit operation of the apparatus respectively in a number of different modes as selected for example by operation of control switches on a keyboard of the apparatus.

Thus, for example, the apparatus may be capable of operation selectively in one or more bingo modes, and a raffle or lottery mode.

With regard to the nature of the display on the said first display means, and especially in the case where the machine is operating in a bingo mode, this may comprise a matrix of number squares which provides a record of previously-selected numbers by entry into the pertaining square of each number after selection thereof, together with a separate number square in which each number is temporarily entered on selection thereof. It is also possible to provide a display giving a tally of the number of operations (i.e. the number of numbers selected) during use of the apparatus.

With regard to the said seconddisplay means this may take any suitable form. For example, such display means may comprise a matrix of electrical lamps or the like (e.g. light-emitting diodes) which can be selectively actuated to iliuminate each number as it is selected. Alternatively the second display means may also comprise an electronic visual display unit.

The said first and second display means may be contained within or mounted on a common housing.

For example, the first display means may be positioned on a front side of a housing alongside an operator's keyboard and the second display means may be mounted on a rear side of the housing arranged to face away from an operator towards an audience or other body of people engaged in playing bingo or attending a lottery or raffle. The said control system may be provided inside such housing thereby to define a unit which is wholly or largely self-contained. Alternatively the second display means may be located remote from the said first display means. It is also possible to provide a plurality of said second display means all or only one or some of which are disposed remote from the said first display means. Where one or more remote said second display means are provided these may even be located in one or more different rooms from the said first display means.

The invention will now be described further by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of one form of apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a rear view of the apparatus of Fig. 1; and Fig. 3 is a schematic block circuit diagram of the apparatus.

The apparatus is suitable for use in a club, bingo hall or other establishment where a plurality of people may be engaged in playing bingo or attending a raffle or lottery or the like.

The apparatus comprises a housed unit 1 of "desk-top" dimensions, such unit having a shaped housing 2 with a front side 3 thereto at which a keyboard 4 and an electronic scanning visual display unit 5 (i.e. a cathode ray tube screen) are exposed.

An operator can sit in front of the unit 1 and operate the controls of the keyboard 4 whilst watching the vdu 5. A second vdu 6 is mounted within the housing such that its screen is exposed at a rear side 7 of the housing 2 i.e. away from the operator.

Within the housing 2 the vdu's 5, 6 and the keyboard 4 are connected to an electronic programmed control system 8. This system is of conventional micro-computer format and comprises a microprocessor and associated control, power supply, interface, memory and other components. One such component (or group of components) comprises the usual read-only memory (ROM) or similar which is specially programmed in accordance with the re quirements of the system.

In parallel with the rear vdu 6 there is one or more coaxial cables 9 linking the unit with one or more remotely mounted vdu's 10. These remote vdu's 10 may be of like form to the rear mounted vdu 6.

Alternatively a different arrangement may be used.

For example it is possible to use a large screen projecting vdu system.

In use, the apparatus can be actuated, by operation of an appropriate keyboard control, so as to be capable of playing bingo. In this mode, the operator repeatedly presses a selector button on the keyboard 4. On each operation of this button, a number within a predetermined range (e.g. 1 to 90) is randomly selected by the control system and is displayed on the screen of the front vdu 5 in a box 11 at the bottom left hand corner. At the same time a number is displayed in a box 12 at the bottom right hand corner which number gives a tally of the number of operations of the button (i.e. for the first operation, two for the second and so on). After each release of the button the number disappears from the square 11 and is entered in the appropriate square of a matrix 13 on the screen.That is, where numbers are selected from 1 to 90, the matrix 13 has 90 squares and, for example, if the number 10 is selected this is entered into the 10th square. Initially each number is displayed in the matrix 13 in reverse colouring but this changes when the next number has been selected and entered. It will be appreciated that the control system 8 ensures that the same number is not selected twice.

Whenever a number appears in the square 11, at the same time the same number is prominently displayed, together with the tally number in the square 12, on the screen of the rear vdu 6 and the remote vdu's 10.

With the arrangement so far described the apparatus can be operated in a particularly simple and convenient manner and is capable of providing a prominent display to a plurality of people even in the case where such people are in different rooms.

The apparatus can be readily programmed to provide for operation thereof in a number of different modes. For example, by operation of a keyboard control the apparatus can be prepared for use in playing bingo with numbers selected from the range 1 to 75 rather than 1 to 90 as described above. It is also possible to use the apparatus for a lottery or raffle. In this case, after appropriate actuation of the apparatus the arrangement may be such that repeated operation of a keyboard control effects successive random selection of numbers which are then individually displayed at the bottom of the screen of the operator's vdu 5 and also prominently on the other vdu's 6, 10. A record of previously-selected numbers may appear simply as a list on the operator's screen. After actuation of the apparatus in the lottery or raffle mode and before commencement of number selection provision may be made forthe operator to key into the apparatus, using the keyboard 4, information pertaining for example to the number of raffle tickets sold and the number of the first ticket whereby the apparatus will operate only to select numbers relating to the tickets actually distributed. During keying-in of information an appropriate read-out may appear on the screen to direct the operator and to confirm data entry.

It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above embodiment which are described by way of example.

Claims (12)

1. Random selection apparatus comprising random selection means operable to select successive numbers, a first display means arranged to display to an operator the number selected on each said operation of said random selection means together with a record of numbers selected on preceding said operations, and a second display means arranged to produce a display which can be seen by a plurality of people of said number selected on each said operation of said random selection means, said first display means comprising an electronic visual display unit controlled by an electronic programmed control system.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control system is programmed to permit operation of the apparatus respectively in a number of different modes.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display on the said first display means comprises a matrix of number squares which provides a record of previously-selected numbers by entry into the pertaining square of each number after selection thereof, together with a separate number square in which each number is temporarily entered on selection thereof.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a display is also provided which gives a tally of the number of numbers selected during use of the apparatus.

5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said second display means comprises a matrix of electrical lamps which can be selectively actuated.

6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said second display means comprises an electronic visual display unit.

7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said first and second display means are contained within or mounted on a common housing.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first display means is positioned on a front side of a housing alongside an operator's keyboard and the second display means is mounted on a rear side of the housing arranged to face away from an operator.

9. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said control system is provided inside said housing.

10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said second display means is located remote from the said first display means.

11. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein there is a plurality of said second display means.

12. Apparatus according to claim 1, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.