Computer game

Abstract

A computer game includes a display having a plurality of cells each capable of holding an object. Twelve objects are displayed and divided between three rows, wherein three objects are positioned within a first row, four objects are positioned within a second row and five objects are positioned within a third row, etc. Controller is provided for selecting and deleting the objects. The game is played by two players, each alternating to delete and select any number of playing elements positioned in any one row. The player who deletes the last playing element is either declared a winner or a loser.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priory from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/673,439 filed Apr. 21, 2005. This application is, also, closely related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ entitled “Board Game and Method of Play”, filed concurrently herewith. The disclosure of this co-pending application is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to a computer game and, more particularly, this invention relates to a computer game and method of play wherein objects which are displayed in a grid are manipulated by a player.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Computer games are being played by children and adults alike in a variety of methods. U.S. Pat. No. 6,460,852 to Tallian, U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,441 to Golad and U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 2005/00430075 to Lin et al all disclose one type of computer game wherein objects are displayed in a grid and are manipulated by a cursor. U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,441 to Golad further discloses that the game can be displayed on a touch-sensitive screen.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,483 to Collins et al teaches an interactive apparatus for use with a computer, comprising a transceiver for two-way wireless communication with a plaything, the transceiver having terminals for connection to the computer, and a control device for causing the computer to send and receive information to and from the plaything via the transceiver to enable the plaything to provide interactive fantasy simulation of the behavior of a corresponding real-world object.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,460,851 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,397 disclose yet another type of computer game, wherein a computer or a similar central processing device is interconnected with the physical structure of an amusement device.

However, as it is generally known, computer game enthusiasts are continuously looking for new challenges as they excel in presently available computer games.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for playing a computer game which includes providing a playing grid including a plurality of cells formed by a first predetermined number of rows and a second predetermined number of columns. Each of the plurality of cells capable of holding an object having a shape associated therewith. Then, arranging the plurality of objects in a predetermined pattern within the playing grid. Next, providing a control means for selecting and deleting any number of displayed objects positioned within any single row. Selecting a game playing order between at least two players. Next, having a player selected first to start such computer game select and delete any number of objects positioned in any single row using the control means. Then, having a next player in the game playing order select and delete any number of objects being left displayed within the playing grid and positioned in any single row using the control means. Alternating selection and deletion of the objects left displayed within the playing grid by such at least two players until only a single object is left displayed within the playing grid and wherein each player can only delete any number of objects still displayed in any single row. Finally, declaring one of a winner and a loser between such at least two players who deletes the single object left displayed.

According to another embodiment, the invention provides a computer game. Such computer game includes a display and a playing grid associated therewith. The playing grid includes a plurality of cells formed by a first predetermined number of rows and a second predetermined number of columns. Each of the plurality of cells is capable of holding an object having a shape associated therewith. A plurality of objects are arranged in a predetermined pattern within the playing grid and are displayed on the display. A controller includes a processing unit and manually operable input devices for selecting and deleting any number of objects displayed within any single row. The game is played by such at least two players alternating to select and delete any number of objects still displayed within any single row until only a single object is displayed within the playing grid.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a computer game for use with a computer or an electronic device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer game which involves manipulations of displayed objects.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a computer game which is entertaining.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a computer game which is educational.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a computer game which can be played by several players.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a computer game which can be played by one player against a computer or a processing device.

In addition to the several objects and advantages of the present invention which have been described with some degree of specificity above, various other objects and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing Figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the computer game device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the computer game device of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the computer game device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention, it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.

Reference is now made, to FIGS. 1-3, wherein there is shown a computer game, generally designated 10. In particular reference to FIG. 1, the computer game 10 includes a display 12 having a playing grid 18 with a plurality of cells 20 formed by a first predetermined number of rows 22 which are defined by horizontal grid lines 24 and a second predetermined number of columns 26 which are defined by vertical grid lines 28. Each cell 20 is capable of holding an object 30 having a shape associated therewith. It will be appreciated that horizontal grid lines 24 and vertical grid lines 28 may be selectively displayed on the display 12 based on the preference of players of such game 10.

In the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the computer game 10 includes three rows 22, referenced for the sake of clarity with numerals 22a, 22b and 22c, and twelve objects 30, referenced for the sake of clarity with numerals 30a, 30b and 30c, wherein three objects 30a are positioned within a first row 22a, the next four playing elements 30b are positioned within a second row 22b and the remaining five objects 30c are positioned within a third row 22c.

Preferably, each row 22a, 22b and 22c is distinctly defined by way of horizontal grid lines 24 being displayed within the playing grid 18. Furthermore, each row 22a, 22b and 22c is distinctly defined within the playing grid 18, preferably by a distinct color. Accordingly, each set of objects 30 positioned in each row 22a, 22b and 22c includes a color which is identical to the distinct color of each row 22a, 22b and 22c.

Objects 30 may have an identical shape or, alternatively, a set of objects 30 positioned within each row 22 has a distinct shape. By way of example, each of the three objects 30a which are positioned within first row 22a may have a circular shape, each of the next four objects 30b which are positioned within the second row 22b may have a triangular shape and each of the five objects 30c which are positioned within the third row 22c may have a square shape. It will be appreciated that shapes of objects 30 may be interchangeable between various rows 22 and that other shapes may be employed in the computer game 10 of the present invention. Furthermore, the objects 30 may be displayed as having three-dimensional shapes.

The computer game 10 is played by at least two players. After the plurality of objects 30 are displayed on the display 12 and arranged in a predetermined pattern within the playing grid 18, the game playing order is selected between such at least two players and the player selected first to start such computer game 10 selects and deletes any number of objects 30 positioned in any single row 22. Then, next player in the playing order selects and deletes any number of objects 30 still displayed within the playing grid 18 and positioned in any single row 22. The players alternate selecting and deleting any number of objects 30 still displayed within the playing grid 18 until only a single object 30 is displayed within the playing grid 18. According to the rules, each player can only delete any number of objects 30 still displayed in any single row 22. The game 10 is ended by declaring one of a winner and a loser between such players who either deletes any number of objects 30 prior to the single object 30 still displayed within the playing grid 18 or who deletes such last object 30.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the display 12 is mounted in a housing 14 and the computer game 10 further includes a control means, generally designated 40, for selecting and deleting any number of objects 30 displayed within any single row 22. Such control means 40 at least includes a central processing unit (CPU) 42, a mass storage device 44 for storing various data and a computer program and a memory 46 for running the computer program. Such CPU 42 and storage device 44 are mounted in the housing 14. Control means 40 further includes a plurality of input means 50, such as switches, buttons, knobs, throttles, keypads, joysticks, and various combinations thereof, mounted on the exterior surface of the housing 14 and in close spatial relationship to the display 12. The CPU 42 is responsive to input signals from such input means 50 to enable playing the computer game 10. The control means 40 may further include a cursor means 52 operable by a portion of such input means 50 and by the CPU 42 for selecting and deleting such objects 30. It will be appreciated that such embodiment provides a dedicated portable device for playing the computer game 10.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the display 12 is provided as a touch-sensitive screen 12 enabling reduction in the number of input means 50 required for playing such computer game 10 and elimination of the cursor means 52.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the display 12, the CPU 42, the storage device 44 and the memory 46 are provided by a computer 60. The control means 40 may then include a keyboard 56 and mouse 58 connected to the computer 60 in one of a wired and wireless arrangement.

According to still another embodiment of the invention, the control means 40 may include a game controller console 70 which is connected to computer 60 in one of a wired and wireless arrangement. In a wireless arrangement, controller console 70 includes a transceiver 72 and an antenna means 74 for communicating with such computer 60.

Although the present invention has been shown in terms of the dedicated hardware for playing the computer game of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be easily applied to other electronic devices. For example, the computer game may be played on mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Or it may be played in combination with a television set.

Furthermore, the program and software necessary to play such computer game 10 may reside remotely and be accessed by any well known methods. Advantageously, the players may also play the computer game 10 from independent remote physical locations.

Additionally, a mode may be selected wherein one player is playing against a computer or other processing means.

It will be understood that the number of rows and the number of objects which are greater than the presently preferred combination of three rows and twelve objects increase the complexity and difficulty of playing the computer game of the present invention. Thus, the computer game may be played at a predetermined number of defined skill levels. For example, the players start playing the game at a first level with the presently preferred combination of three rows and twelve objects and than switch to a second level by adding a fourth row and six more objects after a predetermined number of games played at the first level or when one player wins a predetermined number of games at such first level. Similarly, the game can continue by adding another row and more objects. Alternatively, additional objects may be added to each row. A combination of only two rows and number of objects which is less than twelve may be advantageous for use by younger children, particularly for educational purposes.

Thus, the present invention has been described in such full, clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same. It will be understood that variations, modifications, equivalents and substitutions for components of the specifically described embodiments of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of playing a computer game, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a playing grid including a plurality of cells formed by a first predetermined number of rows and a second predetermined number of columns, each of said plurality of cells capable of holding an object having a shape associated therewith;

(b) displaying a plurality of said objects arranged in a predetermined pattern within said playing grid;

(c) providing a control means for selecting and deleting any number of said displayed objects positioned within any single row;

(d) selecting a game playing order between at least two players;

(e) having a player selected first to start such computer game select and delete any number of said objects positioned in any single row using said control means;

(f) having a next player in said game playing order select and delete any number of said objects being left displayed within said playing grid and positioned in any single row using said control means;

(g) alternating selection and deletion of said objects being left displayed within said playing grid by such at least two players until only a single object is left displayed within said playing grid and wherein each player can only delete any number of said object being left displayed in any one single row; and

(h) declaring one of a winner and a loser between such at least two players who deletes said single object left displayed in step (g).

2. The method, according to claim 1, wherein each row is distinctly defined within said playing grid.

3. The method, according to claim 2, wherein said each row includes a distinct color.

4. The method, according to claim 3, wherein a set of objects displayed within said each row includes a color which is identical to said distinct color of said each row.

5. The method, according to claim 1, wherein said computer game includes twelve objects divided among three rows.

6. The method, according to claim 5, wherein each row is defined by a distinct color and a set of said objects displayed in said each row includes a color which is substantially identical to said distinct color of said each row.

7. The method, according to claim 1, wherein one of such at least two players is a computer.

8. In combination with a computer software, a computer game comprising:

(a) a display;

(b) a playing grid associated with said display, said playing grid including a plurality of cells formed by a first predetermined number of rows and a second predetermined number of columns, each of said plurality of cells capable of holding an object having a shape associated therewith, wherein a plurality of said objects are arranged in a predetermined pattern within said playing grid and are displayed on said display; and

(c) a control means connected to said display, said control means including a processing means and manually operable input means for selecting and deleting any number of said objects displayed within any single row, wherein such at least two players alternate selecting and deleting any number of said objects being left displayed within any single row until only a single object is left displayed within said playing grid.

9. The computer game, according to claim 8, wherein said display includes a touch-sensitive screen.

10. The computer game, according to claim 8, wherein said display is disposed within a television set.

11. The computer game, according to claim 8, wherein said manually operable input means includes at least one of a switch, button, knob, throttle, keypad and joystick.

12. The computer game, according to claim 8, wherein said computer game further includes a housing containing said display and said processing means and wherein said manually operable input means are mounted on an exterior surface of said housing.

13. The computer game, according to claim 8, wherein said control means further includes a cursor means.

14. In combination with computer software, a computer game comprising:

(a) a computer having at least a display and a processing means disposed therein;

(b) a playing grid associated with said display, said playing grid including a plurality of cells formed by a first predetermined number of rows and a second predetermined number of columns, each of said plurality of cells capable of holding an object having a shape associated therewith, wherein a plurality of said objects are arranged in a predetermined pattern within said playing grid and are displayed on said display; and

(c) a manually operable input means connected to said computer for selecting and deleting any number of said objects displayed within any single row, wherein such at least two players alternate selecting and deleting any number of said objects being left displayed within any single row until only a single object is left displayed within said playing grid.

15. The computer game, according to claim 14, wherein said manually operable input means includes at least one of a keyboard and a mouse.

16. The computer game, according to claim 14, wherein said manually operable input means includes a game controller console and said manually operable input means is mounted on an exterior surface thereof and a connection means for connecting said game controller console to said computer in one of a wired and wireless arrangement.

17. The computer game, according to claim 16, wherein said connection means includes a transceiver and an antenna coupled to said game controller for connecting it to said computer in said wireless arrangement.