GB2282545A - Game apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A game playing system comprises a number of semi-transparent playing panels (1) for mounting individually to a game playing region (4) of a TV screen (3). The size of the playing panels is smaller than that of the TV screen and each panel (1) carries one of a number of first patterns. A second pattern is displayed in the game playing region (4) such that a win condition arises when the first pattern and second pattern cooperate together to generate a characteristic winning pattern. A set of playing panels (1) for use in the system is provided mounted on a support from which they can be removed. <IMAGE>

Description

GAME APPARATUS This invention relates to a game playing system.

Interactive TV games are known, for example, where a bingo card or number strip is provided to viewers through some other medium, e.g. with newspapers or magazines. In these games, a number or numbers are displayed and the user must check whether or not they correspond with their own numbers to identify whether or not they have won.

GB-A-2166961 proposes positioning a sheet in front of the entire TV screen. This is unsatisfactory in that a broadcast image is degraded and the viewer may have difficulty in ascertaining the nature of the displayed image.

It is desirable that a simpler and more obvious indication that a viewer has won should be provided.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a game playing system comprises a number of semi-transparent playing panels for mounting individually to a game playing region of a TV screen, wherein the playing panels have a size which is smaller than the TV screen, each panel carrying one of a number of first patterns; and means for displaying in the game playing region of the TV screen, a second pattern such that a win condition arises when the first and second patterns cooperate together to generate a characteristic winning pattern.

Preferably, the first patterns define parts of indicia, or represent alphanumeric indicia, or represent pictures.

Preferably, the second pattern defines filling portions which fill in between parts of a first pattern to generate a winning pattern.

The first and second patterns may be in monochrome or colour.

The first and second patterns are preferably formed by alternate coloured and clear areas. Alternatively, the first patterns may be formed in the panel by filters.

The panels may have one of a square and rectangular shape.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, we provide a set of playing panels for use in a system according to the first aspect of the invention, the panels being mounted on a support from which they can be removed.

The panels in the set may have the same first pattern but be adapted for different size TV screens, or have different first patterns.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, a method of controlling a game comprises broadcasting the TV signal which causes an indication of the game playing region to be displayed on a TV screen of a TV tuned to the TV signal, the game playing region being smaller than the TV screen, wherein a player can mount a semi-transparent playing panel to the game playing region, the playing panel carrying one of a number of first patterns, and thereafter broadcasting a TV signal which causes a second pattern to be displayed in the game playing region of the TV screen such that a win condition arises when the first and second patterns cooperate together to generate a characteristic winning pattern.

An example of a system according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a set of playing panels for use in the system of the present invention; Figure 2 is a flow diagram of the operation of a system according to the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic view of the monitor display; Figure 4 illustrates the appearance of a displayed character in use; Figure 5 compares the appearance of a winning and nonwinning acetate when mounted on a monitor; and, Figure 6 is a block diagram of a device for generating a broadcast image in the system.

With reference to Figure 1, a set of playing panels 1 is provided on a ticket 2 supplied to a viewer by, for example, insertion in a newspaper or magazine. In use, the viewer chooses an appropriate sized panel 1 from the selection on the ticket 2 according to the size of a display screen 3 and positions this at a predetermined area 4 on the display screen 3, see Figure 3. The area 4 may be defined by permanent markings on the screen 3, but preferably the markings are produced in the form of a reference mark 6 or marks, a continuous outline or solid block produced as part of a broadcast image from a service provider. The service provider broadcasts from a remote station in a conventional way. The broadcast TV signals are converted for output to the display screen so that a viewer can position their panel 1 correctly simply by laying it over the reference markings 6.

The present invention has a number of advantages over prior art systems, one of these being that in the present invention the panel is small with respect to the display screen area, so that the game can be played without interfering with a program being broadcast, or degrading the images being displayed.

Typically, the procedure in use is as described in the flow diagram of Figure 2. A viewer will extract an appropriate panel 1 from his ticket 2 and in response to instructions from the TV presenter during the programme 10, he will place the panel 1 on the area 4 delimited 11 by the markers 6. The panel 1 is generally acetate and may be self-adherent or be provided with an adhesive which allows the strip to be removed and repositioned if necessary or removed at the end of the game.

A part of the panel 1 is provided with indicia 7 which are formed from coloured and clear sections 8,9. The arrangement of coloured and clear sections of the indicia 7 is unique for each set of acetate panels on a particular ticket 2.

At a given time after the instruction to position the panels has been given by the presenter 12, a varying image will be broadcast 13 and displayed in the area 4. The broadcast image is determined on a random basis with an output of a signal generator 21 being modified by a control signal from a CPU 22 (Figure 6). The CPU control signal is produced so that for a predetermined colour signal being transmitted to a particular section in the displayed image the signal will be randomly switched on or off according to the output of a random number generator 23. In one example, the random number generated may be used to address a look-up table 24 with prestored colours for any display position.

Parts of the broadcast image will be visible through the transparent areas. At a time determined 14, usually by the presenter, the image will cease to vary and a fixed image is broadcast 15 to area 4. In a simple form, a winner is defined as a viewer whose indicia are completed in the same colour for both the coloured and clear sections of the panel when the broadcast image ceases to change.

Figure 4 illustrates a series of instantaneous representations of the appearance of part of the varying image whilst the varying image is being broadcast. In Figures 4a-4d the number of coloured sections 18 and noncoloured sections 19 may vary along with their position within the outline 20 of the image. In this example, when the broadcast stops varying, image 4e is displayed. This fixed image is determined by accessing a look-up table 24 which holds data at each address defining the segments 18 of each indicium in which a colour is to be displayed.

Typically, there will be many addresses defining a corresponding number of winning combinations. The selection of an address may be dependent on an output from the random number generator 23 but typically will be in accordance with a predetermined algorithm defining a probability of there being a winner.

Figure 5a shows the form the image on the viewer's strip could have to produce the winning combination shown in Figure 5b. Figure 5a results in a winning combination if the corresponding broadcast image displays with at least the four clear sections 9 as coloured sections 18. The fixed image may be recorded 16 for checking against winning panels.

If a viewer finds that the colours are properly matched then he must ring in a telephone number advertised on the panel to record his win quoting a unique serial number on the viewer's acetate (Figure 1).

In the example shown the indicia comprise the initials of the broadcasting company. However, other indicia such as numerical or pictorial features may be used. The match is not limited to single colour matches, although this is obviously simpler for the viewer to determine whether or not they have won, than for example, a checker board or rainbow pattern.

The region in which the image is displayed is generally square or rectangular, since this is the most efficient for printing panels. However, other shapes or images could be used.

Claims (26)

1. A game playing system comprising a number of semitransparent playing panels for mounting individually to a game playing region of a TV screen, wherein the playing panels have a size which is smaller than the TV screen, each panel carrying one of a number of first patterns; and means for displaying in the game playing region of the TV screen a second patten such that a win condition arises when the first and second patterns cooperate together to generate a characteristic winning pattern.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the first patterns define parts of indicia.

3. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first patterns represent alphanumeric indicia.

4. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first patterns represent pictures.

5. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the second pattern defines filling portions which fill in between parts of a first pattern to generate a winning pattern.

6. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second patterns are in the same colour.

7. A system according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first and second patterns are preferably formed by alternate coloured and clear areas.

8. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the panels have one of a square shape and rectangular shape.

9. A game playing system as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

10. A set of playing panels for use in a system according to any preceding claim, the panels being mounted on a support from which they can be removed.

11. A set of playing panels according to claim 10, wherein the first patterns define parts of indicia.

12. A set of playing panels according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the panels in the set have the same first pattern but are adapted for different size TV screens.

13. A set of playing panels according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the panels in the set have different first patterns.

14. A set of playing panels according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the first patterns represent alphanumeric indicia.

15. A set of playing panels according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the first patterns represent pictures.

16. A set of playing panels according to any of claims 10 to 15, wherein the panels have one of a square shape and a rectangular shape.

17. A set of playing panels according to any of claims 10 to 16, wherein the first patterns are formed by alternate coloured and clear areas.

18. A set of playing panels is hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

19. A method of controlling a game comprising broadcasting the TV signal which causes an indication of the game playing region to be displayed on a TV screen of a TV tuned to the TV signal, the game playing region being smaller than the TV screen, wherein a player can mount a semitransparent playing panel to the game playing region, the playing panel carrying one of a number of first patterns, and thereafter broadcasting a TV signal which causes a second pattern to be displayed in the game playing region of the TV screen such that a win condition arises when the first and second patterns cooperate together to generate a characteristic winning pattern.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the first patterns define parts of indicia.

21. A method according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the first patterns represent pictures.

22. A method according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the first patterns represent alphanumeric indicia.

23. A method according to any of claims 19 to 22, wherein the second pattern defines filling portions which fill in between parts of a first pattern to generate a winning pattern.

24. A method according to any of claims 19 to 23, wherein the first and second patterns are in the same colour.

25. A method according to any of claims 19 to 23, wherein the first and second patterns are formed by alternate coloured and clear areas.

26. A method of controlling a game as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.