US 5,624,119 A · Multiple variable game equipment and system for generating game faces

Abstract

Game systems, superficially similar to bingo, which employ combinations of multiple variables from different sets (for example colors; symbols such as numbers of letters; and geometric shapes such as circles, diamonds and squares) to increase the number of pattern permutations on individual game faces, in combination with random selection apparatus. Compared to ordinary bingo, the number of players may be greatly increased without resulting in games that are unduly short, and various version controls allow control over the mathematical probabilities of winning. Each game face has a plurality of individual positions organized as columns and rows. Within each column, the individual positions are filled with a random sequence of elements from each of at least two of the sets, and each column has a unique column designation. Random selection apparatus is disclosed, which is particularly useful when employed in combination with the game faces. The random selection apparatus generates a sequence of calls, where each call specifies an element from each of the at least two sets of different entities, for example a color and a number, such that a game player can designate individual positions on a particular game face which have elements that match the specified elements of a particular call. In addition, a call preferably includes a column designation. The random selection apparatus includes a number of random selectors, related to each other in a particular manner. Also disclosed are systems for generating game faces, and overall gaming systems.

Claims54

Dependent claims

Game equipment comprising:

a plurality of game faces, each game face having a plurality of individual positions organized as m rows by n columns, where m is an integer and n is an integer greater than one;
and
within each column of each of said game faces the individual positions are filled with a random sequence of elements from each of at least two sets of different entities.

Random selection apparatus for generating a sequence of calls for use with a plurality of game faces, each game face having a plurality of individual positions organized as m rows by n columns, where m is an integer and n is an integer greater than one, and within each column of each of the game faces the individual positions are filled with a sequence of elements from each of at least two sets of different entities, each call specifying an element from each of the at least two sets of different entities such that a game player can designate individual positions on a particular game face which have elements that match specified elements of a particular call, said random selection apparatus comprising:

at least one selector set including:
a first random selector for randomly selecting a sequence of elements from a first one of said sets without repeating any element until all elements of said first one of said sets are selected;
and
a second random selector organized as individual selector bins corresponding respectively to the elements of said first one of said sets, each of said individual selector bins randomly selecting a sequence of elements from a second one of said sets as that individual selector bin is designated by the selection by said first random selector of a corresponding element from said first one of said sets.

1 more element

A gaming employing a plurality of game faces, each game face having a plurality of individual positions organized as m rows by n columns, where m is an integer and n is an integer greater than one, said gaming apparatus comprising:

a game face generator, including a memory storing elements of at least two sets of predefined entities, and a random position-filling device for, within each column of a game face, filling the individual positions with a random sequence of elements from each of said at least two sets of predefined entities;
and
random selection apparatus for generating a sequence of calls, each call specifying an element from each of said at least two sets of different entities such that a game player can designate individual positions on a particular game face which have elements that match specified elements of a particular call, said random selection apparatus comprising:
at least one selector set including:
a first random selector for randomly selecting a sequence of elements from a first one of said sets without repeating any element until all elements of said first one of said sets selected;
and
a second random selector organized as individual selector bins corresponding respectively to the elements of said first one of said sets, each of said individual selector bins randomly selecting a sequence of elements from a second one of said sets as that individual selector bin is designated by the selection by said first random selector of a corresponding element from said first one of said sets.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multiple variable game equipment and system for generating game faces

Life of this patent

Multiple variable game equipment and system for generating game faces

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims54