GB2339660A - An interactive digital receiver system - Google Patents

Description

1 2339660 AN INTERACTWE DIGITAL RECEIVER SYSTEM

Field of the Invention:

The present invention relates to an interactive digital receiver system and more particularly but not solely to an environment in which Bingo can be interactively played by a consumer using a digital TV receiver.

Background of the Invention:

Bingo has been played traditionally on, a commercial scale by a number of people gathering together in a hall or at home and each player purchasing one or more cards having a random sequence of numbers on each card differing from similar numbers displayed on any other card. There may be for example, 90 bingo numbers on balls or numbered marker discs which are placed together in a number drawing device and a "Caller" picks a marker randomly manually or by an electro/mechanical device, and calls out the number on the marker. The players hear the number called and when the number on a player's card corresponds to the called number the player in question marks the card by crossing out the number on the card. Upon crossing out all numbers on a card the player calls "Bingo" and the game stops.

The winning card is compared with the numbers called both in respect of actual numbers called and quantity of called numbers to determine the value of any prize to be won. The purchase of the cards funds the prizes to be won.

Each card can comprise a plurality of columns of squares each displaying one of a series of randomly selected numbers or one or more blanks, these squares generally forming nine columns in all from a group of numbers 0 to 90.

The first numbered column comprises a random selection of any one, two, three, four or five numbers with any other squares of the column being from the range I to 9, the next column 10 to 19, the next column 20 to 29, the next to 39 and the next 40 to 49 and so on until the last 80 to 90. The particular sequence of numbers marked off in playing a game can vary according to a set 2 game plan from all numbers on a card, to only diagonally displayed numbers, or only numbers in selected columns or rows.

The game is presently played nationally with numbers selected randomly electronically at a central location and transmitted terrestrially using analogue signals, to clubs and halls, locally or nationally, where selected numbers are displayed for all players to see on a large screen. The players again mark the cards they have purchased according,to a set game plan of the type referred to above.

The particular difficulty for the players can be in physically attending the halls and clubs. Also there is very little scope in reaching all those other potential players who do not wish to go to clubs or halls during the evening.

Consequently there are many potential players who would wish to play the game but are unable to do so for any number of reasons, especially when the halls or clubs are closed.

Therefore, the Bingo game playing stations are reaching a restricted audience which can vary from day to day, week to week resulting in severe restrictions on income and prize values.

Objects & Summa1y of the Invention:

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an interactive digital receiver system in which the above mentioned disadvantages are substantially mitigated.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an interactive digital receiving system comprising a digital receiver for receiving one or more digital signals, wherein the receiver is operable to decode and display data representative of a game of Bingo upon receiving a stream of digital Bingo game data transmitted by a service provider and to interact with the display to play the game of Bingo.

According to a more particular aspect of the present invention there is provided an interactive digital receiving system comprising a digital receiver for receiving one or more digital signals from a transmitting station, a decoder 3 for decoding the digital signals, display means for displaying the decoded digital signals, control means for controlling movement of a cursor to select one or more of a series of individual digital signals representing pieces of information and to mark that individual digital signal for indicating required use of that individual signal.

The transmission of data signals for digital television (TV) on a regular basis, can be received in one of three ways, namely by cable, satellite or terrestrially. In each such transmission system TV picture information data, and separate video and sound information data, arrive simultaneously at the television as separate digital data streams. The use of such separate transmission allows the received data signals to contain a vast range of information received simultaneously enabling a far richer and wider environment than under present analogue TV systems currently in use in the UK. However analogue TVs will be usable by appropriate digital converters built into the digital television or as add on set top boxes (STBs).

Present analogue systems make use of well defined channels but with digital TV the channels will be so many that they will be operated separately more as a menu instead.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an interactive digital transmitter/receiving system comprising a service provider transmitter arranged to transmit a stream of digital data including digital data representative of a Bingo game, and a digital receiver being operable to decode and display data representative of a game of Bingo upon receiving a stream of digital Bingo game data transmitted by a service provider transmitter and to interact with the display to play the game of Bingo.

Preferably, any of the systems of the various aspects of the invention described are for interactive digital TV systems. However, the digital receiver may comprise a digital radio receiver having a still frame screen, a mobile telephone, or any other digital data receiving device having a digital receiver and display screen.

4 Conveniently, the systems described in accordance with the present invention are operable by a digital controller remotely from the digital receiver.

The remote controller preferably includes cursor control keys and a select key.

In an alternative system the cursor control keys and select key are conveniently mounted on the digital receiver. It would however be possible to select numbers without using a select key by moving the cursor with the cursor keys to a called number when that number is called. The BINGO Channel data would then automatically instruct the receivef to mark a corresponding number on the game card.

Preferably, the systems operate to display an invitation to play the BINGO game including an invitation to purchase electronic game cards. A further invitation to "join a game" is selectable with the cursor keys whereupon three game cards can be displayed in a portion of the display screen substantially amounting to one quarter to two thirds of the display thereon.

Conveniently more or less game cards can be displayed at any given time.

where more than three game cards are displayed the additional cards are displayed on the top right hand portion of the screen. Conveniently, four or more game cards are equalized automatically between the top left and right hand portions of the screen so that when say four game cards are used they are distributed two on each side of the screen and slightly enlarged in dimensions over the size of a game card where say three cards are illustrated on one or each left or right hand portion of the display.

Accordingly it will be possible for a TV network to transmit in addition to its regular program schedules new channels each specialising in a specific subject matter such as specific areas of encyclopaedic information, books, travel, sciences, and for example, interactive games.

The core concept is of a television channel that offers the viewer/player non-stop Bingo games that they can join in to win prizes. The viewer pays to join the game through the purchase of cards and this funds the prizes.

The viewer sees the bingo card on their screen, a bingo caller calls the numbers as they come up on the screen and the viewer uses the cursor control keys to guide a cursor around the screen and check-off the numbers on their cards.

Unlike normal Bingo, where a game is played until the first player calls Bingo, as described above, a digital TV broadcaster transmits a signal for reception by a digital TV receiver or, set top box attached to an analogue TV receiver. Contained within this signal is; one or more data streams of audio/video data representing The BINGO Channel, which data is stored on the memory of the receiver. The receiver can contain an algorithm that will enable a television to display randomly generated bingo cards.

In addition to the data stream containing The BINGO Channel, a "number drawn" data stream can also be transmitted. This is in effect a virtual bingo caller, where each number, as it is drawn, is individually transmitted, as data, in real-time. The "number drawn" data is monitored and the receiver processes this. The receiver then plays back an audio or video representation of the number being drawn.

In an alternative embodiment the technical constraints of the transmission medium may restrict the transmission of the "number drawn" data to a single, initial burst. In this instance the numbers are all transmitted with a drawn order sequence and from this data the receiver gives the viewer the impression that the numbers are drawn and transmitted in real-time. If the transmission medium, through either costs or technical constraints, prevents the "number drawn" data from being transmitted at all, the number sequence may be generated by the receiver. In this case the receiver gives the viewer the impression that the numbers are drawn and transmitted in real-time.

Upon starting each game the bingo cards are randomly generated by the receiver converting the received data. Thereby, each player will receive a set of bingo cards that are unique to them. The following game card algorithm is 6 included as an example only, the card format may differ between different game play variations.

Each card is a grid nine cells across by three cells down.

Each of the nine columns has its own number range. The first column has only the numbers 1 to 9 placed in it. The second column numbers 10 to 19, the third column numbers 20 to 29 etc. The final ninth column has the number range 80 to 90. % Each row has five number cells and four blank cells, the algorithm makes sure that the blank cells are never placed next to each other, either horizontally or vertically.

Once the grid has been drawn the number cells are filled by picking a random number from that column's range. Once a number has been placed on that card it cannot be used again on that card, (though it is possible to have the same number on a different card in that set of cards or hand).

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Description of the Drawings:

Figure 1 is a representation of a picture seen on a digital responsive TV; Figure 2 is another representation similar to that of Figure I but illustrating a picture sequence after purchase of cards and just prior to starting a new game; Figure 3 is yet another representation similar to that of Figures I and 2 but illustrating a call ball and crossed out numbers on the cards; Figure 4 is a further picture representation illustrating that the player has won, in this instance, two cards; and Figure 5 is a block schematic diagram of one TV system for producing The BINGO Channel on a viewer's TV.

Detailed Description of the Embodiment:

Referring to Figures I to 4 there are disclosed various representations of pictures of a TV display screen which can appear on a digitally operable 7 television in response to digital transmissions of a service provider. One digital television (TV) system comprises a digital TV receiver for receiving one or more digital signals transmitted by a service provider. A TV channel controller serves to control movement of a cursor arranged to be illustrated on a TV screen to select one or more of a series of data signals appearing randomly on screen and to mark that iriformation to indicate the particular use to which the data signal is to represent. I In the particular embodiment to be dv.,scribed below with reference to Figures I to 4 the transmitted data is -received by the digital TV which produces on screen a picture which is divided in half vertically. On the right hand side there is a picture 1 of a woman sneezing which represents a moving video transmission which is conveniently part of an advertisement. Below the picture I in Fig. 1 are the words "Game begins in 20 seconds". Beneath these words is an elongate box 2 extending longitudinally from left to right and having three yellow sub-boxes 3, 4 or 5 also extending from left to right in the longitudinal direction of the box 2.

The first one 3 of the sub-boxes has the wording "Current prize" and when appropriate the value of the prize appears on the right of the sub- box 3.

The wording "Cards left" and the number "8" appear on the left and right of the sub-box 3 respectively, indicating a total of eight cards have been purchased or credited as prizes and are available for playing further games. In the bottom sub-box 5 the wording "Balls left in play" is on the left and on the right a blank is shown.

In the blank area of sub-box 5 there is usually displayed a number representing the total number of "balls" remaining as the numbers are called for any game sequence.

On the bottom left of the display are the words "The BINGO Game" with the word BINGO having a yellow centre and brown/orange outline along the edges of the wording. However, any colouring can be used.

8 A further elongate yellow box 8 extends longitudinally from left to right across the screen substantially in line with box 2. Above box 8 the screen, coloured dark blue, is a blank space 9 other than black background markings and this blank space is utilised as will be explained below when describing the initial operation of the game.

Box 8 has three sub-boxes 10, 11 and 12 containing the wording "Join the next game"; "Purchase Cards"; and "Help and Tips" respectively. Each sub-box 10, 11 and 12 is arranged to be highlighted in turn by a thick edged box (cursor) shown in Figure I as a thickened black line 13 around sub- box 11. The selection of the sub-box to be highlighted will be further described below.

Once a required number of cards has been purchased the cursor 13 can be moved to highlight sub-box 10 to "Join the next crame" or sub-box 12 to obtain "Help and Tips".

When the time remaining to "Join the next game" reaches 0 the game begins and say three purchased bingo cards 14, 15 and 16 appear on the TV screen as shown in Figure 2, on the left hand side thereof in the space 9. The advertising video is replaced by a picture of a ball 17 on the right hand side of the display. Each of the cards on the left hand side have 27 squares, 9 squares extending from left to right, and 3 squares extending top to bottom. If more than three cards are required a further three cards are displayed on the fight hand side of the display. The viewer/player can rely on an audio signal which transmits the numbers called.

A remote controller (see Figure 5) is provided to control selection of the respective numbers on each of the cards displayed. The remote control has at least five additional keys relative to the buttons on a known analogue remote TV controller, four controlling cursor movement in the directions left, right, up or down. The fifth extra key comprises a select key which is pressed when a number is called and the cursor is moved to that number. The cursor keys move the cursor in box 8 or in Figures 2 and 3 move a square shaped cursor 9 corresponding to the outer shape of each square to a called number and to mark that number, with an X for example upon pressing the select key.

Moving the cursor off the card causes the cursor to move to the next adjacent card, unless there is no adjacent card in the direction of cursor travel.

The select key is for crossing out numbers on the cards as they are called. A number can only be crossed if the number has been called and less than a predetermined expiry quantity of subsequent numbers has since been called. For example, if the predetermined expiry quantity is 3 and a number sequence of 34, 65, 12, 76 is called, then with this sequence the number 34 can be crossed when called, or at any point until 76 is called, i.e. the third number after the calling of 34.

As shown in Figure 2 if a player wishes to "Join the next game" square is highlighted by operating the cursor keys and the select key is depressed.

When a new game starts a random sequence of numbers 18 appears inside the ball 17.

However, the pattern of the repetitive game sequence is such that a fixed time interval, of for example I minute, o ccurs between games. The time interval is counted down and the time remaining displayed in the wording "Game begins in 20 seconds" for example, as shown in Figure 1.

Once a game has begun, a player sees a number appear and he has to check that number against the numbers on each of say three cards which have been purchased. The player then operates the cursor control keys to that number and marks it by pressing the select key when an "N' appears over the relevant number. A new number appears in the ball regularly, at 10 or more second intervals, and each number is checked using the same process referred to above. The process continues until one or more cards are completed. A lesser number than 10 seconds between number calls is possible down to say one second. As one proceeds with the game the time period between called numbers can be decreased because of the lesser number of numbers remaining to be checked.

Bingo can be called when either all numbers or a specified pattern of numbers have been crossed from at least one of a player's hand of cards. The calling of Bingo is initiated either by the viewer by telephoning the service provider directly to be advised verbally of his win, or electronically through the modem connection with the service provider when credits in the form of free game cards or money will be allocated. Alternatively, the receiver can detect and call Bingo automatically, when the correct combination of numbers has been marked with an "Y'. In one further alternative embodiment the receiver need not initiate operation of the modem to connect with the service provider because credits of free game cards can be provided by the software in the STB of the receiver.

Usually three game cards are displayed automatically in the space 9 of the screen shown in Figure I although alternatively only one or two game cards can be selected to be displayed for playing a game. In such event the game card(s) is enlarged automatically to cover the space 9.

Alternatively, it is possible to play more than three game cards. Where for example less that six such cards are displayed, three can be displayed on the left hand side of the display and three on the fight hand side of the display in place of any other information which might otherwise appear in alternative displays referred to above. In the case of six or more game cards three or more can appear on each side of the screen. However, the number of cards displayed is restricted by the reduction in size of the playing cards. It is possible for more than nine game cards to be played at any one time with say six different game cards appearing at any one time on each page of a number of pages respectively. The player plays as many cards as he wishes. When he moves the cursor off the screen another pacre of game cards appears.

The viewer purchases a number of cards at any one time and the total number purchased is illustrated initially in sub-box 4 in Figure 1. Accordingly, if say 50 game cards are purchased, 50 is entered in sub-box 4. When the next game begins and say three cards are selected to be played, box 4 will I I automatically display the number of cards remaining, in this case 47, unless a different number of cards is specified to be played.

When the game is joined a ball appears upon the screen in which numbers are randomly changed at a set period, preferably 10-15 seconds.

Each time a number appears a viewer/player reviews the numbers on the card and as appropriate marks it utilising the cursor keys. Upon marking all numbers on a card Bingo is called., Once a number is called and crossed it cannot be used aaain on that card althougb it is possible to have the same number on a different card in that hand. - The system preferably includes means for automatically noting Bingo and communicating with the service provider to decide the winner and prize based upon number of numbers called and the card played. The prize is allocated conveniently by way of a credited number of cards which automatically add to the number of cards left display and/or a monetary award is given by automatic deposit to the winner.

Preferably, once all the numbers of a game are called and the game is finished a new game proceeds within 60 seconds.

The numbers called during a game are randomly generated based upon a broadcast algorithm. The prediction of a win follows a substantially hyperbolic curve so that the odds and prizes are high initially when only a few balls have been called, say less than 15 numbers. Usually, where all numbers on a card must be crossed to win, it will be impossible to win in less than 15 numbers being called. As the number of balls increases the odds drop dramatically and even out when say 25-40 numbers are called when the prizes reduce but remain relatively high. The prizes then decrease further, more rapidly, as more numbers are called.

When "Bingo" is called it is preferred the system does not stop calling the numbers of the game being played, because of the time interval checking a potentially winning game card; therefore the numbers of a game are called in full for each game. The winners will be credited with numbers of free cards, 12 money or other prize. The fact that a winner has been accepted can be transmitted to other players as appropriate so that the viewer/players obtain a general feeling of playing the games against other viewers.

A signal is transn-dtted indicating a new game will be started in say 60 seconds and the time in the wording above box 2 is altered accordingly and count down begins. The player must then decide whether he proposes to continue to play. If so, the player purchases further cards, or uses cards from those credited, for playing the next game as described above.

Figure 5 illustrates a block schematic diagram of an interactive digital transmitter/receiver TV system for use in transmitting and receiving The BINGO Channel.

The various items of circuitry referred to are references to standard digital television techniques which will be well known to the skilled engineer in the field of digital television. Accordingly, the individual detailed circuitry will not be described in detail.

In Figure 5 there is provided storage means '30 for inputting and storing software containing The BINGO Channel data, such as by the insertion of a CD-ROM into an appropriate reader. The data is divided into three separate digital signals and fed into a transmission system 31 where the individual digital signals 32, 33, 34 are transmitted together separately as Digital Video 32, Digital Audio 33 and Bingo Application 34 signals.

A receiver 35 receives the whole data transmission bandwidth including the three digital signals. The received video and audio signals are directed to an audio/video decoder 36 where the two signals are decoded. The Bingo application signal is directed separately into hardware circuitry 37 and outputs an appropriately decoded application signal.

Three decoded signals 38, 39, 40 are applied to a Mixer circuit 41 where the Audio, Video and Bingo Application data signals are mixed as appropriate in dependence upon the particular information to be displayed at any one time 13 with the audio signal providing a vocal transn-dssion of the video display of the numbers called for example, as well as any other audio transmission.

The n-dxed signal is outputted at 42 as a single n-dxed output to the viewer so that the viewer can operate his controller, preferably remote from the TV, to interact at will on his TV screen, as described above, with the digital signals viewed and heard.

in the digital TV transmitted yersions which can implement a "number drawn" data transmission, everyone who is interested nationally is actually playing the same real game of Bingo together at any given time each with their own hand of cards. This is because, just as in real Bingo, the players are all receiving the same numbers as they are called. If the system is such that the receiver generates the drawn numbers then the receiver works in such a manner that the viewer feels that they are receiving the numbers as they are called.

The embodiment of the Bingo game described above is therefore operated on a pay per play basis. This can be effected in one of two formats.

Initially game cards are preferably block bought for a particular session. For example a viewer may choose to buy 6 cards for an advertised amount. When the viewer gives the instruction to purchase the cards the receiver uses the internal modem to dial a commercial server and buy the required number of cards. The second card purchasing format is to utilise "micro-payments" to buy individual cards or blocks of cards using the receiver's electronic transaction service. The amount with either is directly debited from the viewer's account or deducted by using an electronic cash smartcard.

Alternatively, a player may pay by a monthly subscription scheme, or, the service provider, such as BSkyB, funds free play and prizes from the income from advertising appearing on the Bingo game data through the digital video signal which is mixed with the Bingo game data immediately a game is finished and appears as indicated by the lady sneezing in Figure 1.

14 As the game starts, a predetermined "prize to quantity of numbers drawn" table is transmitted to the receiver. As the quantity of numbers drawn increases the prize decreases as indicated in Figures 1 to 4. Each time the prize makes a decrement the receiver may indicate this in a visual or audible manner.

The prize total may initially start as being a large cash prize and decrease through lesser cash prizes, through physical products down to free game cards toward the end of play.

Prizes can be claimed in a multitude of ways, this is primarily governed by the transactional technology employed by the delivery medium. If the purchasing of cards from either smartcard or viewer account is permitted then cash prizes may be credited to the payment method. Product prizes would still require delivery to an address.

Each digital TV receiver contains a modem for making transactions such as subscriptions and home banking. This modem can be used to dial to a special secure number at the end of a session or after a large win. Once connected to the service provider the modem will send the details of the winnings to The BINGO Channel central computer. Winnings will then be dispatched to the viewer via normal postal/banking facilities.

At the end of a session, if the viewer has any winnings, the set top box can be made to disclose a password and a standard call line telephone number.

From the password winning amounts/prizes can be confirmed via the call line operator and dispatched to the viewer via the normal postalfbanking facilities referred to above.

The BINGO Channel application is very cheap to operate and is low on demand either for a digital TV for example or the set top box perhapsutilising a bandwidth of less than 0.5 Mbps. The whole application could use less than graphic images and combines them to give the impression of many more.

The processing involved in generating the cards and operating the application is minimal. Due to the linear nature of the application coding, testing and viewer familiarisation is relatively simple.

The streaming of video and audio for number calling and advertisements transfers the demand of animation and audio reproduction to the receiver's internal video and audio decoder, Streaming is a process that involves the transmission of audio and video as separate signals, as it happens in real-time.

This means that when numbers are called the relevant video or audio is transmitted, separate to The BINGO Chapnel data, to be viewed on the receiver. The part of the receiver hardware that is running The 13INGO Channel does neither care about nor processes the video or audio. It is the combination and the ability to mix The BINGO Channel data and streaming video/audio, that makes The BINGO Channel an ideal digital/interactive TV application.

Therefore, The BINGO Channel is ideally suited to digital broadcasting and along with the picture information, it is possible to broadcast data that the viewer can access to enhance their experience. The receiver used to receive the digital signals is in effect a computer with a modem using the television as a display device. This makes it a very flexible platform with which to offer domestic customers new "information" services. Moreover, The BINGO Channel game can be transmitted continuously so that any person anywhere who can receive the digital TV transmission can play the game at any time.

16

Claims (1)

1. An interactive digital receiving system comprising a digital receiver for receiving one or more digital signals, wherein the receiver is operable to decode and display digital signals representative of a game of Bingo upon receiving a stream of digital Bingo game data transmitted by a service provider, and to interact with the display to play the game of Bingo.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display is arranged to display a Bingo game card.

3. A system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the number of game cards displayed is selectable from a predetermined number of cards.

4. A system as claimed in claim 2 or 3), wherein means are provided to enable the game cards to be purchased from the service provider.

5. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein means are provided to enable the joining of a game to be selectable.

6. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein means are provided whereby a called number may be displayed on the screen thereby enabling one or more crame cards displayed on the screen to be reviewed to determine the presence of that number.

7. A system as claimed in claim 6, wherein a cursor is movable to the location on the game card of the number determined so as to enable the calling of the number to be recorded.

17 8. A system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the receiver is provided with cursor keys and a select key for moving the cursor to mark the number called when present on the game card.

9. A system as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein means are provided whereby when all numbers on a displayed card are recorded as having been called, Bingo is called automatically., 10. A system as claimed in claim 9, comprising a modem for coupling the viewer with the service provider to determine the value of a win upon calling Bingo.

11. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a moving video display.

12. A system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the video display appears in one quarter of the display screen.

13. A system as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein the receiver is a digital television receiver.

14. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a digital audio transmission.

15. A system as claimed in any of claims I to 12, wherein the receiver is a digital radio.

16. A system as claimed in any one of claims I to 12, wherein the receiver is a digital mobile telephone.

18 17. An interactive digital transmitter/receiving system comprising a service provider transmitter arranged to transmit a stream of digital data including digital data representative of a Bingo game, and a digital receiver being operable to decode and display data representative of a game of Bingo upon receiving a stream of digital Bingo game data transmitted by a service provider transmitter and to interact with the display to play the game of Bingo.

18. An interactive digital receiving system comprising a digital receiver for receiving one or more digital signals from a transmitting station, a decoder for decoding the digital signals, display means for displaying the decoded digital signals, control means for controlling movement of a cursor to select one or more of a series of individual digital signals representing pieces of information and to mark that individual digital signal for indicating required use of that individual signal.

19. A system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in, Figures I to 4, or Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings.