US20080293468A1

US20080293468A1 - Process or method for playing a board game that incorporates at least one digital storage device (DSD) and at least one player.

Info

Publication number: US20080293468A1
Application number: US11/681,289
Authority: US
Inventors: Sean Eric McGeoghegan; James Samuel Stein
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-03-02
Filing date: 2007-03-02
Publication date: 2008-11-27

Abstract

A process or method for playing a board game that incorporates at least one digital storage device, at least one player, playing surface & equipment, and multimedia speaker(s) with the steps of: Digital storage device(s): i.e. MP3 Player, laptop, mobile phone, Tivo, cable box, iPod, etc, access to related website(s) that maintains game content, playing surface & equipment provided, or the use of existing playing surface and equipment, at least one participant, audio cable for connection to multimedia speakers, or, wireless connection to multimedia speakers, age and gender qualified trivia questions, age and gender qualified music, age and gender qualified video, age and gender qualified spoken word, and rules or conditions for playing. The content arrangement and method of play allows any participant to compete against other participants (players) regardless of age, skill, experience, knowledge, or competence. Each player or team must achieve the same desired completion, or victory, associated with conditions or rules of play. Each player or team answers questions selected for them from a “game related” website downloaded to a digital storage device. Downloaded information is organized, categorized, and/or qualified by profiles entered on the “game related” website. Players goal of achieving completion, or victory, by answering questions in a “first response” format or a timed format and advance a game piece on a surface or game board or the measurable increase on a digital gauging device.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of games and more specifically to a process or method for playing a board game that incorporates at least one digital storage device (DSD), at least one player, playing surface and equipment, multimedia speakers, and related website(s). The technology exists to play the game, game surface & equipment can be original or existing, and there are multiple ways to play. Various trivia type games exist currently. Generally, players are asked questions by other players or teams from questions they purchase with the game. i.e. Cards and playing pieces are moved on a board until a goal is attained. One drawback to traditional trivia games is that games tend to be topic specific and/or skill/age related. It would be advantageous to provide for the ability of multiple participants of any age or skill level the chance to compete fairly with all participants. This new method would be dynamic in nature and change from game to game depending on age and skill level of the participants.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE METHOD OR PROCESS

The primary object of the invention is the use of at least one digital storage device (DSD) to play a board game with your family. Another object of the invention is content from a website can be downloaded and played with any Q&A game. Another object of the invention is a wired or wireless connection allows audible information to be played on existing audio systems. A further object of the invention is the content of the game is specific to each participant making it challenging for all players. Yet another object of the invention is the content of the game can be updated regularly. Still yet another object of the invention is the game can combine Trivia, Music, Video, and Spoken Word. Another object of the invention is there are no cards, discs, or other limiting content required. A further object of the invention is any number of players can participate. Yet another object of the invention is the game is interesting and challenging for all participants at any age and gender. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a process or method for playing a board game that incorporates at least one digital storage device (DSD), at least one player, playing surface & equipment, multimedia speaker(s) comprising the steps of: Digital storage device(s): i.e. MP3 Player, laptop, mobile phone, Tivo, cable box, iPod, etc, access to related website(s) that maintains game content, playing surface & equipment provided, or the use of existing playing surface and equipment, at least one participant, audio cable for connection to multimedia speakers, or, wireless connection to multimedia speakers, age and gender qualified trivia questions, age and gender qualified music, age and gender qualified video, age and gender qualified spoken word, and rules or conditions for playing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. Process or Method of playing a multi-participant board game using at least one digital storage device (DSD) in combination with a traditional sit down board surface & pieces. The content and arrangement of the game allows any aged player to compete, at his or her level, against other players with experience or knowledge, above or below, their own. Each player or team is required to achieve the same desired completion, or victory, associated with the conditions or rules, of play. Each player or team answers questions selected for them obtained from downloaded information organized, categorized, or qualified by the profiles entered on the related website(s). The desired completion, or victory, is achieved through a series of questions and answers or a “first to respond” format combined with an advancement of an object on a provided surface; or increasing/decreasing a digital gauging device. Game can be played on any surface or game board in which a clear objective can be distinguished and at least 2 players may compete. Game pieces can be in any form as long as each piece can be distinguished from another or players can identify their individual or team piece. A “game related” website containing information appropriate to any age, gender, skill, experience and knowledge level will create questions based on information and data supplied by participants. Game questions are downloaded to “their” DSD. Multiple protocol variations may exist in order to play a game. Optimally, the DSD is connected to a media system that allows audio play and questions are posed over the system. Game would have a “master” player who is in control of the DSD and is tasked with determining “first response” answers, keeping time and refereeing the game. If no audio available “master” player would also be tasked with asking questions. Additionally, another protocol may be to have each player or team download the game to individual DSD's and turns taken, “master” player would only need to “referee”. Correct answers are rewarded by moving a game piece on the game surface towards a goal or finish. Another variation would be to keep score on each team or player for correct answers. Scores could be kept in any manner chosen by the players. While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for playing a board game using a digital storage device (DSD) where game content is downloaded or transferred from a website or through the internet to a DSD, then used in conjunction with a playing surface or board and at least one player.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the game content downloaded or transferred to the DSD is managed by a website that sorts or qualifies trivia, music, video, and spoken word by age, gender, or other category.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one player enters his or her profile into the website or through the internet and acquires a downloaded or transferred set of questions (game content), specific to the profile entered, onto the DSD.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the loaded DSD is connected to a multimedia speaker, by wired or wireless means, and game content is played aloud to at least one player.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one player answers questions by taking turns or by being the first to respond correctly to a question, then moving a game piece on a playing surface, or board, toward a goal or finish.

6. A method of claim 1 wherein at least 1 DSD is used to play the game.

7. A method of claim 1 wherein multiple DSD's are used to play the game.

8. A method of claim 4 wherein at least one player's own or existing content on the DSD is used to play game.

9. A method of claim 5 wherein loaded DSD is used for game content purposes only and at least one player asks questions.

10. A method of claim 4 wherein loaded DSD is used for game content purposes only and more than one player asks questions.

11. A method of claim 5 wherein questions are answered within an agreed upon time period.

12. A method of claim 4 wherein the loaded DSD is used to play any Q & A game.

13. A method of claim 2 wherein the loaded DSD allows all players to compete equally as profiled by their respective age, gender, or other category as sorted by a website.

14. A method of claim 4 wherein the game content from a DSD is read aloud, in lieu of being played aloud through speakers, to at least one player.

15. A method of claim 5 wherein reaching the goal or finish is simply accomplished by having the most correct answers.