GB2309392A

GB2309392A - Automated audible game caller

Info

Publication number: GB2309392A
Application number: GB9601427A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Fleming
Original assignee: KORY AMUSEMENT MACHINE SERVICE
Current assignee: KORY AMUSEMENT MACHINE SERVICE
Priority date: 1996-01-24
Filing date: 1996-01-24
Publication date: 1997-07-30
Also published as: GB9601427D0

Abstract

A system for calling random numbers which comprises a random number generator connected to a central processing unit characterized in that a voice memory is provided such that on a number being generated the processor selects the matching number from the voice memory and relays it over an audio system.

Description

AUTOMATED AUDIBLE GAME CALLER This invention relates to an automated audible game caller and in particular relates to an audible caller for games of the "bingo" type.

Games such as bingo (also known as "lotto" and "housey-housey") rely on randomly picked numbers being called out to players each of whom has a ticket with a uniquely selected sub-set of numbers. The first player to check off all the numbers on the ticket (or sometimes all the numbers in a given line on the ticket) is the winner of the game.

In earlier versions of the game, particularly as played in arcades and, for example seaside resorts, the numbers were selected by a pneumatic system randomly offering ping-pong balls each with a unique number on it, and the number then called to the players by a caller. In more modern versions the numbers may be generated by an electronic random number generator and flashed on a screen but, nevertheless, the numbers would usually also be called via a public address system by a caller.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved system whereby the audible calling is automated and the presence of a caller throughout the whole game is rendered unnecessary.

According to the present invention there is provided a system for calling random numbers which comprises a random number generator connected to a central processing unit characterised in that a voice memory is provided such that on a number being generated the processor selects the matching number from the voice memory and relays it over an audio system.

By this means the random number may be spoken over a loud speaker or other PA system by the processor without needing intervention from a human caller. The number may also be shown visually on a video display unit or not as desired.

Completely automating the calling of the bingo numbers leaves the caller free to attend to other duties such as distributing prizes for previous games, restocking prize shelves, and so forth.

The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings the sole figure of which is a block diagram of a circuit in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to the drawing, a random number generator 10, which may be similar to those already provided for the playing of bingo or the like games depending on production of a series of randomly chosen numbers, is connected via a serial link 12 and a suitable communications chip 14 to a central processor 16.

The chip 14 may be an RS232 communications channel/standard modem. Also connected to the central processing unit 16 is a voice memory 18 in the form of a preprogrammed chip. The memory will be programmed with a series of numbers, e.g. 1-90, suitable for the game being played.

An audio public address system represented by 22 is also connected to the central processor 16 via an analogue/digital convector 24.

In operation, a number is generated by the generator 10 and sent via the serial link 12 and the communication channel 14 to the processor 16. The processor selects the corresponding digitally stored audio signal from the voice memory 18 and sends this via the digital analogue converter 24 to the PA system 22 where the number corresponding to that generated by the generator 10 is audible heard by the players of the game.

In addition, if desired, the number may be flashed up on a video display unit. The timing of the generation of the numbers will be, as known conventionally, sufficiently long to enable the players to take in the number and check their ticket before the next number is announced. A record of the numbers called will also be kept to enable winning cards to be checked.

The device of the invention allows the game such as bingo to be played in an automated fashion without the intervention of a human caller.

Claims

1. A system for calling random numbers which comprises a random number generator connected to a central processing unit characterised in that a voice memory is provided such that on a number being generated the processor selects the matching number from the voice memory and relays it over an audio system.

2. A system according to Claim 2, wherein the audio system comprises a loud speaker or public address system.

3. A system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the number is also shown visually on a video display unit.

4. A system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the voice memory comprises a preprogrammed chip which is programmed with a series of numbers suitable for the game being played.

5. A system for calling random numbers, the system being substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawing.