Abstract: A gaming board for recording numbers, letters and/or other symbols which are selected at random during the game by the game operator is disclosed; the gaming board has the capacity to display and record several symbolic arrays, each of which has been predetermined and inputted by the game player prior to the start of the game; the board also provides for the recording and display of subarrays of a specified shape or character any one of which, if completed as a result of the selection of random numbers which correspond to the predetermined numbers prior to or simultaneous with another player completing the subarray, wins the game; the board further provides for the input by the game player of the randomly selected symbols in such a way as to be recorded on each of the several predetermined arrays.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a playing board having a plurality of positions, each position having a plurality of numerically identified regions. Each position also selectively controls the energization of selected lights associated with the position. Each player position also has a plurality of chips adapted to be received on the numerically identified regions of the board.

Abstract: A board game which comprises a board on which objects can be placed by participating players. An electrically powered sensor/indicator device is mounted to the board, the device incorporating electronic logic circuitry and indicator elements connected to the logic circuitry. A plurality of triggering devices are electrically connected to the logic circuitry. The triggering devices are operable by players of the game and the logic circuitry is actuatable by the triggering devices to electrically operate the indicator elements to signify a player who has first operated one of the triggering devices.

Abstract: A gaming board for matching symbols which are selected at random with symbols stored in the board to form a selected pattern, particularly where the symbols are numbers and the pattern is a plurality of elements of a 5.times.5 array. The gaming board when used for a BINGO game receives a schedule of a gaming session permitting a plurality of independent games, each with a number of win levels and payout places. A load mode is used to randomly input numbers for selectable BINGO cards which are then played during the independent games in a play mode. A set time for loading the BINGO cards into the gaming board is maintained by a counter which, when expired, automatically loads random numbers into those cards which have not been filled. A three tier power conservation and security operation is used to control the power supplies of the gaming board. Initially, the gaming board can only be powered on by connection to a system base station and turns itself off upon command from the system base station.

Abstract: An apparatus for playing a plurality of bingo cards, simultaneously. Sets of numbers, stored on a plurality of bingo cards, are read by a plurality of card readers. Each number called, during the play of bingo, is input manually into storage. A comparison of each called number with the previously stored sets of numbers results in a match or no match. If a match exists, an LED located below the card number lights to indicate the number on the bingo card(s) which matches the number called.

Abstract: An electronic game apparatus has a handicap data memory for storing a plurality of types of handicap data corresponding to piece positions and the number of extra pieces displayed on a display unit, and a game level designation data memory for specifying a game level in accordance with the skill of the challenger. The game level is determined by a move guessing number, representing the number of further challenger moves that the computer can guess, and by the handicap data. When a game level is selected, the corresponding handicap data is read out from the handicap data memory to display the handicap data on a display unit under the control of a control section.

Abstract: A game device for simultaneously playing a plurality of bingo cards. The hittable numbers from a plurality of cards are input by keys for storage and displayed in the same spatial relationship in which they appear on the cards. The patterns of the game to be played are programmed by the player and displayed in their spatial relationship. Random numbers, called by the M.C., are entered and processed. When a bingo or alert is found, lamps indicative of the status are lit. When a card is 1 short of a bingo, each number needed for bingo is displayed. On achieving a bingo, each winning combination is displayed.

Abstract: An electronic card and board game for playing bingo, keno, and the like games, wherein the master game board being operated by the caller generates and transmits random bingo numbers and game patterns, and the player's game board receives and processes the bingo numbers and game patterns, and the player's game board receives and processes the received information in conjunction with locally originated data determining the contents of a multiple bingo card. The multiple bingo card is implemented as a replaceable, removable transparent template bearing imprinted bingo numbers. In working position, the card overlays a dot-matrix display incorporated in the player's game board. The display is controlled by a microprocessor. The microprocessor activates the display dots located beneath the bingo numbers matching those transmitted by the master board via a radio channel. The microprocessor computes bingo numbers on the card using the identification number of the card in accordance with a predefined algorithm.

Abstract: An improved bingo display for use in manual or video electronic games. In the manual version, a bingo card contains permanently written numbers in the N-column and the third row. The remaining sixteen squares define four discrete groups of four squares each and there is a disk secured to and on top of each discrete group. The disks with unique symbols thereon can be rotated by a player so that the numbers or symbols thereon can be positioned in their traditional position or rotated during play so that the number or symbols on one square can be moved to another square and a bingo may be obtained. In the electronic embodiment, numbers in the N-column and third row through the free space are a first color at the start of the game. The remaining sixteen squares of groups of four are of a second color but are continuously changing color in a random pattern. After a predetermined period of time, certain of the sixteen squares take on the first color while others remain the same.

Abstract: An educational game for developing recognition skills regarding items of significance on a map, the map being any generally two dimensional depiction of a system (e.g. geological, astronomical, etc.). A map has a selecting electrode and a plurality of selectable electrodes, each selectable electrode being associated with one and only one item of significance on the map. A player draws a card from a deck of cards. The card bears a code and the name of an item of significance on the map. The code refers to a setting for a multiple pole, single throw switch. The switch is adapted to bring the selectable electrodes individually into an energizing circuit. The player sets the switch according to the code and then attempts to locate the named item of significance by contacting the selecting electrode with the selectable electrode associated with said item. If the player's choice is correct an indicator is energized. Optionally, a push button switch must be depressed before the indicator is energized.

Abstract: Disclosed are two interrelated sets of adult skill-oriented games derived from Vectorial and Mancala-like intelligence. In respect to their structural elements and behavioral dimensions these games evidence numerous improvements over the state of the art. The essential, linking feature common to all games of the invention is the rapid qualitative and quantitative transference of pieces, as defined, within a restricted, vectorial field or matrix with a view toward establishing certain winning formations, values or results. Speed - the Mach Factor - accounts for up to 50% of the total values in the games. Part I of the games of the invention declares what I call Vectorial games and game-systems. This group is divided into three categories: miniature Mancala-like games, pyramidic games and tangramatic games. Part II relates to games which evidence new and improved formats, apparatus and methods for making and playing traditional Mancala type games.

Abstract: Furniture quality game table with multiple plane surfaces on at least three sides of a cubical game board assembly, with end panels journaled for rotation on end standards spanning the board assembly, and with endwise removable locking pins and a handle for locking the board assembly with any one of the game board surfaces in an upper horizontal position, with the handle configured to cover the locking pins from view when engaged. The typical game board assembly is rotatable on a fixed trunnion bar on which a lighting fixture is mounted for back lighting of the game board surfaces. The table includes in its lower portion a storage compartment for game pieces, playing cards and the like.

Abstract: A pocket-sized electronic board game is disclosed. The apparatus for playing the game comprises a casing which serves also as the playing surface, through which project a plurality of push-buttons for actuating the keys in selected positions. A membrane-type key board may alternatively be used. The push-buttons and keys are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns with elongate light sources extending parallel to the rows of columns and between adjacent pairs of row-wise or column-wise keys. The electronic circuit within the casing acts to detect depression of two adjacent keys in any row or column and operates when such detection is made to cause the light source between the two actuated keys to illuminate and remain illuminated until the end of the game so that by depressing pairs of keys in turn players can "claim" sides of the squares constituted by the light sources.

Abstract: This invention provides an electronic maze game apparatus. The basic invention comprises a display board, optical discrete display elements (such as LCDs or LEDs) forming a grid on the display board, and electronic control for the selective display of the optical display elements so that a maze pattern is displayed and made visible on the display board. The maze pattern may be solved by the user directing a position marker through the maze, through control panel inputs. Information defining a multiplicity of maze patterns may be stored in a memory, and any of these patterns may be displayed, as directed by the user.

Abstract: An electronic bingo playing apparatus and method involve the use of a hand held portable computer having a card memory which can store the content information from a plurality of standard bingo cards. This information is entered by a keyboard. Letter/number combinations which are selected during play of the game are also manually entered by the keyboard. The program memory then directs the microprocessor to search the stored cards for a match and any winning patterns of matches. Upon detection of a winning pattern, the portable computer responds with the winning card number, as well as the particular winning pattern.

Abstract: An electronic card and board game in which the players and/or leaders of the game are assisted by a microprocessor in the selection of random numbers for the game, and in monitoring the current status of the game as applicable to one or more playing cards bearing information relevant to the game. This information is presented in two distinct forms; the first form being convenient for human perception, and the second form being convenient for machine reading. The current status of the game is displayed upon a game board display shaped as a traditional game card, e.g. "Bingo" card. The display indicates the conditions of: a complete match, a partial match, or no match between the data read-in from a number of game cards and the data entered via a keyboard of the game board or a pseudo-random number generated.

Abstract: Apparatus for an electronic word game in which is displayed a word selected by the actuation of letter keys by one player. Also displayed is a pictorial illustration of the anatomy of a person on gallows. The selected word is blanked out so as not to be observed by another player, although the other player can observe the number of letters in the selected word. The other player selects successively letters to arrive at the spelling of the selected word. Letter keys are actuated in accordance with the letters selected by the other player. Each incorrect selection of a letter by the other player results in a different part of the anatomy being sequentially lighted, i.e. neck, arms, torso and legs. Should the entire anatomy be lighted, the other player has lost the game. Should all the letters of the selected word be correctly selected, the other player has won the game. A clear key is actuated for the start of a new word selection.

Abstract: A bingo game display including a display unit having a plurality of lights arranged in a matrix form corresponding to a bingo card, and a control unit coupled to the display unit. The control includes a memory storing information corresponding to a plurality of patterns desired to be displayed, and a pattern selector switch for providing an output for application to the memory corresponding to a desired pattern to be displayed. The memory is responsive at least to the output of the pattern selector switch for supplying an output to the lights in accordance with the pattern selected for enabling energization of the lights according to the pattern selected.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical display system is disclosed having four viewing stations. The system includes a rotating mirror and alphanumeric character generators, and is capable of simultaneously displaying different information to each of the viewing stations. The information displayed at each station is not observable at the other stations. Only one single-digit character-generator is required to display a line of information to two viewing stations.

Abstract: An electronic handheld learning aid is disclosed. The learning aid is utilized to teach spelling and alphabetic skills. The learning aid randomly selects a word from memory storage and displays an appropriate number of blank spaces to the operator. The operator attempts to discern the word by entering proposed letters. The operator may also input a word for another operator to attempt to discern. Additional alphabetic format games and learning operations provide training and experience in literary skills. Scoring function and displayed reward phrases provide positive reinforcement of learned skills.

Abstract: A data processing unit for chess with a central unit, with input keys for the central unit and with a start key for the initiation of the program for the calculation of a subsequent move of the game, and with a printing unit, comprising a control unit, a storage device, a power stage and a printer, the central unit being connected via a data collecting cable to the printing unit. The problem of the invention is the automatic continuation of the course of the game with any desired default time. For this purpose, a switching stage which responds to the print command transmitted in the data collecting cable is provided for. A relay is up-circuit from this switching stage, the normally-open contact of this relay being connected to the central unit, in parallel with the start key.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based electronic logic game gives players clues to an event, such as a murder, identifies a group of suspects, and permits each player to ask private questions of the suspects to logically narrow down the possibilities to a single culprit. A keyboard and a visual display provide input and output respectively.

Abstract: This game is unique, in that it will simulate the disasters and excitement of an earthquake, and it is competitive in play. It consists primarily of a board with positions to be played on, and a multiple number of simulated building structures may be placed on four squares that represent cities. It further includes player-operated mechanisms, which will tilt the squares, so as to simulate an earthquake, and the building structures may include pegs, for preventing them from toppling, when the squares are tilted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a game including a set of pieces having different outlines or otherwise differently configured whereby each is engageable into an individual location on a playing surface e.g. by insertion therein. A set of display elements each associated with one of the locations may be activated to indicate visibly when a piece is to be engaged with its associated location. A switch associated with each location is so arranged as to be operable when, and only when, the piece of the correct configuration is engaged in the location. An electrical operating circuit activates the display elements successively in an initial period and then activates only one display element. When the correct piece is engaged with the location corresponding to the activated display element the control circuit responds by deactivating the display element or by adjusting the sound from a sound source.

Abstract: An oil exploration game including a box-shaped game board with an upper playing surface and lower supporting surface with a rotatable cam located between such surfaces and having reremovably mounted game pieces some of which are operatively connected to the rotatable cam and further including information indicia means for recording events associated with the playing of the game.

Abstract: A display panel surface of a control board is divided into a plurality of zones at which manually operable switch devices are mounted to register zone selections by the user. The switch devices carry changeable zone identifying indicia of a type enabling use of the control board by sight handicapped persons.

Abstract: An electronic device comprising a master controller, numeric and alphanumeric displays, a numeric keyboard, control buttons, a pattern-input switch matrix, a card-input assembly and an optional audio module--all in one unit--automatically reads coded numbers on a card, accepts numbers as well as patterns whereupon it indicates by visual and optionally audible means when a win (i.e. "BINGO") occurs. The basic device can easily be adapted so it can be used to play other card games besides BINGO, (e.g. LOTTO).

Abstract: A game apparatus makes use of a tape recorder and a programmed microprocessor to provide a game sequence in accordance with data recorded on a magnetic tape and using message outputs in the form of a voice recording on the same magnetic tape.

Abstract: A game apparatus for enabling players present at remote places from each other to easily play the game through a connected common communication network like a telephone line. The game apparatus has functions for detecting and displaying the moved arrangement of a game piece, for transmitting and receiving the detected signals via the communication network, and for collating the reproductive motion of the one player, performed by watching the displayed moved arrangement of a game piece, with the intended motion carried out by the other player.

Abstract: A display tile for use in a chess game matrix has optical display segments which may be actuated to simultaneously display chess men and the allowed direction of movement of the chess men during the game of chess.

Abstract: A gaming board for recording numbers, letters and/or other symbols which are selected at random during the game by the game operator is disclosed; the gaming board displays a symbolic array which has been predetermined and inputted by the game player prior to the start of the game and further provides for the display of sub-arrays of a specified shape or character which, if completed as a result of the selection of random numbers which correspond to the predetermined numbers prior to or simultaneous with another player completing the sub-array, wins the game; a winning combination indicator means is also disclosed as part of the gaming board. A safety device to prevent variation of the predetermined/inputted array during the game and other features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A poker-Keno-type game which can be played by one or more persons. The game comprises a Keno-like "goose" containing fifty-two balls each bearing the representation of a card in a conventional deck of playing cards. After the balls are mixed or shuffled in the "goose" to assure randomness, a number of balls, corresponding to the number of cards dealt in a poker hand (e.g. five cards), are blown into "rabbit ears" in consecutive order. The results of the poker hand are displayed on at least one game board either in the form of a large board which can be hung so as to be seen in a large room or in the form of a table game. Prior to the initiation of the game, each player uses a slip, if the large board is used, or chips or the like, if a table game is used, in attempting to guess, for example, if one or more of the cards has a value of "9" or better with Aces being high, or a value of "2" through "7" being low.

Abstract: An electronic stock market game having a plurality of display and input positions at which players may trade in stock listed by the game. Each display shows a player, the price at which a stock is selling and gives general and specific information affecting the price of the stocks. A player selects a stock to trade in and keys in his order. A microprocessor executes the order, if possible, and controls the display to indicate the status of all stocks and the players account. The object of the game is to accumulate assets having over a predetermined value.

Abstract: Method and portable processor for storing and comparing sets of personal data relating to personal preferences and personality. First and second portable processing units each include a processor, a memory, an input device, a display device, and a connector. The owner of a portable processor can enter personal data via the input device of the portable processor in response to a questionnaire. The owner of that portable processor may then meet another person having a similar or identical portable processor storing that person's personal data. The two persons can interconnect the two portable processors by means of the connectors. Each portable processor transmits its data to the other and compares its stored data with corresponding data received from the other portable processor. Stored algorithms in each portable processor operate on the compared data to compute a score representing the degree of personal compatibility of the two persons and display the score by means of the respective display devices.

Abstract: Method and portable processor for storing and comparing sets of personal data relating to personal preferences and personality. First and second portable processing units each include a processor, a memory, an input device, a display device, and a connector. The owner of a portable processor can enter personal data via the input device of the portable processor in response to a questionnaire. The owner of that portable processor may then meet another person having a similar or identical portable processor storing that person's personal data. The two persons can interconnect the two portable processors by means of the connectors. Each portable processor transmits its data to the other and compares its stored data with corresponding data received from the other portable processor. Stored algorithms in each portable processor operate on the compared data to compute a score representing the degree of personal compatibility of the two persons and display the score by means of the respective display devices.

Abstract: An electronic multiple game device includes a body member having a main well and battery and circuit housing wells. A game board separably includes a bottom substrate having imprinted interdigitaling branched first and second contacts, an indexed paper program panel overlying the substrate and adapted to be conductively marked at selected areas to provide bridge conductors which, when pressed, complete a circuit between the contacts, a game representing paper panel overlying the program panel and an erasable pencil markable transparent flexible plastic panel overlying the game panel. A transistorized switch circuit which can be preassembled or assembled by the user includes the LED in its output and its input is connected between the contacts, the circuit including a punched PC board or peg board with the circuit component leads engaging proper peg board apertures and locked and interconnected by cup shaped brass plugs engaging the lead occupied apertures.

Abstract: In the game disclosed herein, participants move their tokens, each representing a detective, over an indicia-carrying game board in pursuit of an imaginary thief whose location is not apparent on the board. The indicia on the board defines a multiplicity of locations of several types and possible paths of movement between locations in accordance with certain rules of the game. A value representing the location of the imaginary thief is held in a memory or storage register within a digital computing apparatus. The digital computing apparatus also includes a fixed table of information representing the various playing field locations, together with data representing the character of each location. The value representing the location of the thief is periodically changed, upon player initiation, in a manner determined by a random number generator but in a conformance with predetermined rules of movement.

Abstract: An electronic computer game and method includes a matrix of 25 LED's (light emitting diodes) and two sets of push button switches positioned on opposite sides of the matrix. Each set of push buttons comprises a group of five push buttons corresponding to the five rows of the matrix and a group of five push buttons corresponding to the five columns of the matrix. Each set of push buttons is arranged so that the ten fingers of a player may be placed on the push buttons and any one of the LED's in the matrix may be rapidly selected by either player by simultaneous actuation of one push button in each of his groups. A game selector switch may be moved to select one of a number of games of action, reaction or strategy each of which is controlled by a microprocessor which stores selection of LED's by each player, sets up random patterns on the matrix which are randomly altered, keeps track of each player's score and provides audible and visual signals informing the players of the progress of the game, etc.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a manually movable game object having a finite number of generally planar exterior surfaces upon which the game object may rest. In one embodiment, a game board includes indicia defining positions of placement and movement of the game object as it is rotated about an edge from one planar surface to another. The game object includes an internal microcomputer capable of detecting which one of the planar surfaces is generally parallel with or in contact with the game board or any other suitable supporting surface to identify the discrete positions of movement of the game object. The microcomputer may provide an identifying sensorially perceptible signal identifying the various discrete positions. In addition, the microcomputer includes a storing unit for storing sequential movements of the game object through a finite number of movements.

Abstract: An electronic bingo game is disclosed in which a memory is provided for storing all of the numbers called in a last set until the current set is completed and the next set begun. A claim to a late bingo game can then be easily verified by recalling the numbers from the last set. A preselectable time interval is provided to determine the rate at which the bingo numbers are called. A true random number selection process is provided to select the bingo numbers called. A randomly selected seed number is provided at the start of each set, and the seed number used in each random selection for that set. Additional memory is included for storing the game patterns that will be used in each set, and each pattern will automatically be called up and displayed to the players as each new set is begun.

Abstract: The game is characterized by a complicated and dangerous looking bomb-like housing which is equipped with a four-by-six keyboard under a hinged transparent cover. A pair of alternately flashing red incandescent lamps illuminate the keyboard. When the cover is opened, exposing the keyboard, the lamps may begin to flash or pulsate and the rate of flashing of the lamps may be increased and a fuse sound is produced which starts out at a relatively low pitch and gradually over a preselected time period increases in pitch to the point where it is obvious that an inevitable "blowup" will occur. The object of the game is to prevent the bomb from "exploding". If the bomb does explode, the fuse sound is terminated and a loud "boom" sound is produced which decays slowly and simulates the explosion of a bomb.

Abstract: An electronic bingo system for generally enhancing the operation and playing value of the game, by providing such features as flashing the last number called, providing an exciting light display upon designation of a winner, etc. The game is comprised of a ball table including a matrix of numbered switches for closure upon interference by a numbered ball, a plurality of control switches, a general display for individually illuminating one or more numbers corresponding to each numbered switch of the matrix of switches, circuitry at the table for causing a digital display to indicate the number of the numbered switch upon the at least temporary closure of one of the numbered switches, and circuitry for illuminating the corresponding number in the general display upon at least temporary closure of a predetermined one of the control switches.

Abstract: A portable tray for use in various activities such as study or games is disclosed. The tray includes an accessory bag located beneath the center portion of the tray, with a hinged cover which folds flat with the main portion of the base. Hinged legs are provided on the under side of the tray to provide support during use. The sides of the base are curved outwardly toward the user to increase the adjacent usable tray surface. A detachable light is conveniently mounted on the rear of the tray.

Abstract: An action game comprising a unit for automatically and sequentially dispensing play pieces such as discs to a plurality of player stations. The players each attempt to match indicia, such as cutouts, on the discs dispensed to his or her station with indicia at that station to achieve an objective such as completing a row of discs. The illustrated unit includes a base on which a magazine for one or more stacks of the discs is rotatably mounted. As the magazine rotates, cam surfaces on the base and magazine engage discs from the bottoms of the stacks and cause such discs to be ejected outwardly to the respective player stations. When indicia do not match, the disc is put back in the magazine. The unit includes a mechanism for starting and stopping the rotation.

Abstract: An amusement apparatus is constructed to be hand-held and includes a display of binary indicators on a playing surface. A sequence of a preselected number of pulses actuates the indicators. The number of pulses varies among the indicators until ultimately, one of the indicators remains actuated.

Abstract: An electronic game incorporates logic circuitry which generates and controls the movement of electronic representations of the gameboard playing pieces. A plurality of electronic displays are arranged to represent the playing surface of the gameboard, each display being capable of indicating electronic representations of all the playing pieces. The logic circuit initially causes the displays to indicate electronic representations of the in a position to begin the game. Associated with each display is a switch which initiates transfer of the electronic representations of the playing pieces between the various displays. The arrangement of the switches and displays allows the displays to be viewed through the switches. The circuit moves an electronic representation of any one of the playing pieces between any two of the displays upon the activation of the switches associated with the two displays. The logic circuitry may incorporate a programmable digital microcomputer and memory.

Abstract: A backgammon calculator has a keyboard laid out in the configuration of a backgammon board, with keys for entering men on the points and bar to set up a game position, and further keys in the home and outer boards between the points for amending the game position, for identifying the player which has the next turn or whose position is to be calculated, and for initiating a number of different calculations as to a player's position. The data entered and the results of the calculations are displayed on a digital read-out.

Abstract: An improved system arrangement for distributing and permitting use of an ensemble of program controlled television games includes head end apparatus for impressing an array of game-regulating programs onto an electronic distribution system, e.g., by time division multiplexing into an assigned frequency band on a television program distributing CATV or MATV cable. At any of plural receiver locations connected to the distribution channel, a user desiring a game selects ("tunes") the game frequency band and loads a game program memory (RAM) with the program for the particular game desired. The composite apparatus then functions in the now per se conventional manner to actually implement the selected game in conjunction with a television receiver and player control(s).

Abstract: A game of backgammon played electronically in which movement of men by the players is limited to switch controls exclusively. A memory stores signals representing the number of men of each player at each of the game positions and these signals are used to energize light emitting diodes on a console to display the positions of the men. The memory is updated each time a player moves a man to store signals representing the changed positions. Control circuitry in the console, in accordance with the rules of the game, (1) moves a man of one player from an initial game position to a final game position, (2) moves a man of the other player on the final position to the 0 position of this other player if this other player has only one man on the final position, and (3) prevents the one player from moving a man to the final position if the other player has at least two men on the final position.

Abstract: An electronic bingo playing apparatus and method involve the use of a hand held portable computer having a card memory which can store the content information from a plurality of standard bingo cards. This information is entered by a keyboard. Letter/number combinations which are selected during play of the game are also manually entered by the keyboard. The program memory then directs the microprocessor to search the stored cards for a match and any winning patterns of matches. Upon detection of a winning pattern, the portable computer responds with the winning card number, as well as the particular winning pattern.