GB2026872A - Electronic matching game - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic game comprises selection means arranged for each of two players to set up separate display means having two different states of each of a number of display devices, and comparison means to give an indication or indications of their equality and/or their inequality. Overriding means is arranged so that each player can at will, in respect of a number of the said display devices, hold each in a preselected one of its said two different states. The electronic circuitry is so arranged that, if one display is in the form of red or green colours of a first group of "lamps" (light-emitting-diodes devices), then the other player can attempt to set up an identical display of a second group of the "lamps". The comparator is arranged to automatically give audible and/or visible signals according to the result of the comparison. The other player can decrease the statistical difficulty of his task, by pre- setting the state of some of the "lamps" of the second group. Integrated circuits may be employed. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Electronic game This invention relates to an electronic game.

According to the invention, there is provided an electronic game comprising selection means arranged for each player to set up an arbitrary count, display means arranged to separately display each such count in the basic binary code form by utilisation of two different states of each of a number of display devices, and comparison means arranged to compare the counts and to give an indication or indications of their equality and/or their inequality.

Conveniently, each display device comprises a light-emitting device affording the said two different states.

In a preferred arrangement, the said two different states comprise the emission of light respectively of a first colour and of a second colour. However, in an alternative arrangement, the said two different states comprise respectively the emission, and the non-emission, of light.

Conveniently, each display device comprises an electric-lamp(s) device or a light-emitting-diode(s) device.

In a preferred arrangement, each display device comprises a light-emitting-diodes device of the commercially available kind comprising a red-emitting diode and a green-emitting diode electrically connected back-to-back and mounted in a single clear package and having four different states, namely: off, red-emission and green emission (representing respectively the said two different states) according as the device is electrically energised respectively in a first or a second sense, and yellowish-orange emission if the device is electrically pulsed.

Conveniently, the electronic game comprises also overriding means arranged so that each player can at will, in respect of a selected nuimber of the said display devices associated with his said count, hold each in a preselected one of its said two different states.

The arrangement is conveniently one wherein the selection means comprises a common pulse-generator and, for each player, a binary counter arranged to set up his said count by counting pulses from the generator during actuation of a push-button switch, and wherein each display means comprises an operational amplifier arranged to control the relevant said display devices, and wherein the comparison means comprises a comparator arranged to actuate light-emitting and/or sound-emitting devices according to said equality and/or inequality.

The invention may be put into practice in a number of ways, but one specific embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing (Figure 1) which is a circuit diagram of a "colours-match" electronic game arranged for two players, P1 and P2.

Referring to the drawing, the circuit is based upon eleven integrated-circuits, IC1 to Icy 1 inclusive, as follows: IC1 - NE555V Timer IC2 - 7493 4-Bit Binary Counter IC3 - 7404 Hexagonal Inverter IC4 - Quad 741 Type LM348 Operational Amplifiers IC5 - 7493 4-Bit Binary Counter IC6 - 7485 4-Bit Magnitude Comparator IC7 - 7408 Quad 2-lnput AN D Gate IC8 - 741 Operational Amplifier IC9 - 74934-Bit Binary Counter IC10 - 7404 Hexagonal Inverter IC11 - Quad 741 Type LM348 Operational Amplifiers The utilised pin-numbers of these integrated circuits are indicated in the drawing.

(In a modification, these integrated circuits could be combined into a single chip with the appropriate backing).

The circuit utilises separate +5 volt and -5 volt earthed direct-current supplies. These are nominal voltages and for practical purposes two 996 dry-batteries may be used.

Nine light-emitting-diodes devices are used, indicated at L1 - L4 inclusive, L1 - L4 inclusive, and LX. Each of these devices is of the commercially available kind comprising a red-emitting diode and a green-emitting diode electrically connected back-to-back and mounted in a single clear package and having four different states, namely: off, red emission and green emission (representing respectively the said two different states) according as the device is electrically energised respectively in a first or a second sense, and yellowish-orange emission if the device is electrically pulsed. For convenience of description, each such device is hereinafter referred to as an L.E.D.D.

As shown in the drawing, the integrated circuit IC1 has its pin 1 connected to earth. Its pin 8 is connected to the +5 volt supply, and is also connected to its pin 4 which is connected, via a resistance Tri, to its pin 7 which in turn is connected, via a resistance R2, to its pins 6 and 2 and also to one terminal of a capacitance C1 of which the other terminal is connected to earth. Pin 3 of IC1 is connected firstly, via push-button normally open switch PB1 for the first player Pluto pin 14 of the integrated circuit IC2, and, secondly, via push-button normally open switch PB2 for the second player P2, to pin 14 of the integrated circuit IC9.

Integrated circuit IC2 has its pins 3 and 10 connected to earth, its pin 5 connected to the +5 volt supply, and its pin 1 connected to its pin 12. Pins 12, 9, 8 and 11 of IC2 are respectively connected to pins 1,3, 5 and 9 of the integrated circuit IC3.

Integrated circuit IC3 has its pin 7 connected to earth, and its pin 14 connected to the +5 volt supply. Pins 2, 4,6 and 8 of IC3 are respectively connected to pins 3,5, 10 and 12 of integrated circuit IC4.

Integrated circuit IC4 has its pin ii connected to earth, its pin 4 connected to the +5 volt supply, and its pins 2, 6, 9 and 13 connected to a common-point 100 which is connected, firstly via a resistance R4 to the +5 volt supply, and, secondly, via a resistance R5 to earth. Pin 1 of IC4 is connected, via a limiting resistance R6 in series with one of the said light-emitting-diodes devices (L.E.D.D.) Ll,to earth. Similarly, pins 7, 8 and 14 of IC4 are respectively connected to earth, as shown, via a resistance R7, R8 and R9 in series with a L.E.D.D.

L2, L3 and L4.

The operation of the arrangements so far described is as follows: The integrated circuit IC1 is arranged to act as a pulse-generator with a repetition frequency of about 1 KHz, and the integrated circuit IC2 is arranged to act as a binary counter of such pulses when supplied to pin 14 of IC2 whilst the push-button switch PB1 is depressed by the first player P1.

The output of the integrated circuit IC2, i.e. the count of the binary counter, appears in binary form at its pins 12, 9, 8 and 11. The integrated circuit IC2 is arranged to act as a circular counter, i.e. its output re-sets after every sixteen pulses, so that that output always represents in binary form a decimal number within the range 0-15. There are thus 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = 16 possible outputs of IC2, at its pins 12,9,8 and 11.

This binary count is merely inverted by the integrated circuit IC3 (the only purpose of which is to act as a buffer stage, to accommodate the overriding means discussed below), and the count, in inverted binary form, is supplied to pins 3,5, 10 and 12 of the integrated circuit 1C4.

Integrated circuit IC4 affords four separate operational amplifiers, each arranged to drive a corresponding one of the L.E.D.D., L1 -L4 inclusive. The inverted inputs (pins 2,6, 9 and 13) of IC4 are all biassed positive to the potential of the common-point 100, by means of the resistances R4 and R5. The normal inputs (pins 3, 5, 10 and 12) of IC4 carry electrical signals representing, in inverted binary form, the count of integrated circuit IC2 in the form of logical is and logical Os.

Considering the input pins 3 and 2 of IC4 and its corresponding output at its pin 1, if the signal supplied to the pin 3 represents a logical 0, then the positive bias applied to the pin 2 will cause the output at the pin 1 to swing negative: This is arranged to cause the LE.D.D. L1 to turn green in colour, i.e. to emit green light Conversely, if the signal supplied to the pin 3 represents a logical 1, then this will cause the output at the pin 1 to swing positive: This is arranged to cause the L.E.D.D. L1 to turn red in colour, i.e. to emit red light. The other three L.E.D.D.s, L2-L4 respond similarly.

Thus, in summary (and subject to overriding means discussed below), each time the push-button switch PB1 is depressed by the first player P1 and then released, a binary count appears at the output of IC2 and causes a corresponding display by the four L.E.D.D.s, L1 -L4 inclusive, each of which emits either green light or red light representing respectively logical 0 or logical 1. The arbitrary count set up by the first player P1 is thus displayed by utilisation of two different states of each of the four L.E.D.D.s Li-L4 inclusive. The count represents in binary form a decimal number in the range 0-15, and there are sixteen (2 x 2 x 2 x 2) possible combinations of the red and green emissions in the example described which utilises a 4-bit binary count.

The arrangements for the second player P2 are precisely similar, as may be seen from the drawing. Thus, each time the push-button switch PB2 is depressed by the second player P2 and then released, an arbitrary count is set up and is similarly displayed as red, and/or green emissions by the four LE.D.D.s Ill'to L4' inclusive, utilising the integrated circuits IC9, Icy 0 and Icy 1 and the resistances R4' - R9' inclusive.

Continuing with the description of the circuit, the integrated circuit IC6 is arranged to act as a 4-bit comparator which compares the respective counts, A and B, set up by the players P1 and P2 and gives three different output signals respectively according as A = B, A > B or A < B.

Thus, integrated circuit IC6 has its pin 8 connected to earth and its pin 16 connected to the +5 volt supply.

Pins 10, 12, 13 and 15 of IC6 are respectively connected to the output pins 2,4, 6 and 8 of integrated circuit IC3 to supply the count Ato IC6, and pins 9, 11, 14 and 1 of IC6 are similarly respectively connected to the output pins 2,4,6 and 8 of the integrated circuit lCi0 to supply the count B to IC6.

The integrated circuit IC6 is arranged to supply, respectively at its output pins 6, 5 and 7, an electrical signal representing a logical 1, according as A = B, A > B and A < B. The truth table for IC6 is thus: Table I Condition of Counts Logic Output oflC6 A and B at its pins 6 5 7 A=B 1 0 0 A > B 0 1 0 A < B 0 0 1 Integrated circuit IC7 affords two AND gates. Its pins 1 and 2 comprise the two inputs of the first AND gate, of which the output appears at its pin 3. Its pins 4 and 5 comprise the two inputs of the second AND gate, of which the output appears at its pin 6. Its pin 7 is connected to earth, its pin 14 is connected to the +5 volt supply. Its pins 1 and 4 are respectively connected to output pins 6 and 7 of IC6.

The output pin 3 of integrated circuit IC1, at which appear the pulses with a repetition frequency of about 1 KHz, is directly connected to pin 2 of IC7, and is also connected to pin 14 of integrated circuit IC5.

IC5 is arranged to act as a frequency-divider, and has its pin 10 connected to earth, its pin 5 connected to the +5 volt supply, and its pin 1 connected to its pin 12. Its pin 11 supplies pulses at a repetition frequency equal to 1/16 of the repetition frequency of the pulses supplied to its pin 14, and the pin 11 is connected to pin 5 of the integrated circuit IC7. (Pins 9 and 8 of IC5 are available, to respectively supply pulses at a repetition frequency equal to 1/4 and 1/8 of the repetition frequency of the pulses supplied to its pin 14, for possible use in modifications discussed below).

Integrated circuit IC8 provides a single operational amplifier, of which the inputs appear at its pins 2 and 3 and the output appears at its pin 6. Its pin 4 is connected to earth, and its pin 7 is connected to the +5 volt supply. Its pin 3 is connected to a common-point 101 which is connected, firstly, via a resistance R17 to the +5 volt supply, and, secondly, via a resistance R 8 to earth. Its pin 6 is connected, via a limiting resistance R10 in series with the ninth L.E.D.D., LX, to earth.

Pin 5 of IC6 is connected to the anode of a diode D1 of which the cathode is connected to pin 2 of IC8. Pin 6 of IC6 is similarly connected to pin 2 of IC8, via a diode D2.

The output pins 3 and 6 of IC7 are both connected to the base of an NPN-type transistor TR1 of which the emitter is connected, via the energising coil winding of a loudspeaker LS ,to earth. The collector of the transistor TR1 is connected to the +5 volt supply, and is also connected to the base of the transistor via a resistance R3 in series with a variable resistance VR1.

The arrangement is such that audible and/or visual indications of the equality or inequality of the counts A and B are provided, by the L.E.D.D. LX and the loudspeaker LS1, according to the following truth Table: Table II Name given to Condition of Counts Loudspeaker Display by Condition A and B Output LX "Colours Match" A = B 1 KHz sound Green colour A < B 1/16 Red KHzsound colour "All square" A > B No sound Green colour Thus, referring to Table I, if A = B, which is referred to as "colours match" since the displays by the L.E.D.D.s L1-L4 inclusive and by the L.E.D.D.s Li' - L4' inclusive will be of identical form, then a logical 1 signal (a positive potential) will appear at pin 6 of IC6 and will pass, via the diode D2, to input pin 2 of IC8: this signal overcomes the effect of the positive bias applied to pin 3 of IC8 from the common-point 101, and is arranged to cause the output at pin 6 of IC8 to swing negative, causing the L.E.D.D. LX to turn green in colour.

In addition, the logical 1 signal from pin 6 of IC6 is applied to pin 1 of IC7; since the other input of the first AND gate, at pin 2, is supplied with the said 1 KHz pulses from Icy ,these pulses will appear at the output pin 3 of It7, to be amplified by the circuit of the transistor TR1 (the gain of which can be adjusted by means of the variable resistance VR1), whereby a 1 KHz sound will be broadcast by loudspeaker LS1.

Again referring to Table I, if A > B which is referred to (see below) as "all square", then a logical 1 signal (a positive potential) will appear at pin 5 of IC6 and will pass, via the diode Do, to input pin 2 of IC8: accordingly, as above, the L.E.D.D. LX will turn green in colour. In this case, the loudspeaker LS1 will give no sound.

Again referring to Table I, if A < B, then a logical 1 signal (a positive potential) will appear at pin 7 of IC6 and is applied to pin 4 of IC7; since the other input of the second AND gate, at pin 5, is supplied with the said 1/16 KHz pulses, these pulses will appear at the output pin 6 of IC7, whereby a 1/16 KHz sound will be broadcast by the loudspeaker LS1.

The arrangements so far described, may be overridden by either one of the two players P1 and P2, who is allowed (see below) in effect to preselect one, two or three of the digits of the count, A or B respectively, which will be subsequently set up when he has depressed and released his push-button switch, PB1 or PB2 respectively.

The overriding apparatus comprises a two-way four-pole switch SW1 of which the four input terminals are respectively connected to four identical sockets, K1 - K4 inclusive, each adapted to receive any one of three wander (wanda) plugs PL1, PL2 and PL3 which are all connected to earth. The first set of four output terminals of the switch SW1 are respectively connected to pins 10, 12, 13 and 15 of IC6 (and thereby respectively to pins 2, 4, 6 and 8 of IC3), and the second set of four output terminals of the switch SW1 are respectively connected to pins 9, 11, 14 and 1 of IC6 (and thereby respectively to pins 2, 4, 6 and 8 of IC10).

According to the Rules (see below) of the game, if the second player P2 has set up a count B which is displayed by the L.E.D.D.s Li' - L4' inclusive, and if at least one of those L.E.D.D.s is emitting green light as a result, then the first player P1, may set the switch SW1 in its first position (as shown in the drawing) and may, if he wishes, insert at least one of the plugs PL1, PL2 and PL3 into the sockets K1 - K4 inclusive, in such a way as to pre-set and maintain green at least one corresponding one of the L.E.D.D.s L1 - L4 associated with the first player Pi's count A.

Thus, for example, if the first player P1 inserts the plug PL1 into the socket K1, with the switch SW1 in its first position (as shown in the drawing), then earth potential (corresponding to a logical 0) will be applied to pin 10 of IC6 and also to pin 2 of IC3 (and thereby to pin 3 of IC4). This will hold the L.E.D.D. L1 in its green-emitting condition since, due to the action of IC3 as a buffer stage, the output from pin 12 of IC2 to pin 1 of IC3 is overridden. Furthermore, the comparator afforted by IC6 will act as if a logical 0 were constantly applied to its pin 10 by the normal action (as described above) of IC2 as a binary counter.In summary, the plugs PL1, PL2 and PL3 can be used (with the switch SW1 respectively in its first and its second positions) by the players P1 and P2 to pre-select, in part, the count (A or B respectively) which they will subsequently set up.

It will be apparent that many modifications may be made to the arrangements specifically described. In particular, different types or forms of the integrated circuits may be employed, or other circuit arrangements may be utilised instead.

Further, the display devices L1 - L4 inclusive, and Li' - L4' inclusive, may have any convenient form: it is only necessary that each be capable of existing in two different states, and they are preferably but not necessarily in the form of light-emitting devices. In the latter case, the two different states preferably comprise the emission of light respectively of a first colour and of a second colour, but those states may comprise respectively the emission, and the non-emission, of light. Where light-emitting devices are employed, these may be electric lamp(s) devices, or light-emitting-diode(s) devices not necessarily of the preferred kind described above.

The comparison arrangements described, for comparing the counts A and B, may have any convenient form, and are not necessarily arranged to give audible and visible signals as described. As one example, the loudspeaker LS1 may be replaced by a buzzer, and the 1/4 and 1/8 KHz putses available from the integrated circuit IC5 may be utilised in the comparison arrangements.

Whereas the circuit described is arranged for the setting-up, and the comparison, of 4-bit binary numbers, it will be evident that other arrangements could be employed instead. For example, since the arrangements readily lend themselves to expanding the bit display by four bits at a time, 8-bit or 12-bit binary numbers might instead be set-up and compared (giving, see below, respectively 1 in 256 and 1 in 4096 chances of finding a winning combination).

The overriding apparatus may evidently have any other suitable form, not necessarily including a plugs-and-socket arrangement.

Finally, although the apparatus described is suitable for two players, it will be clear that the apparatus might instead be modified for more than two players. Thus, in a simple modification for this purpose, as indicated in the drawing, further push-button normally open switches PBF may be connected in parallel with the push-button switch PB1, and further push-button normally open switches PBG may be connected in parallel with the push-button switch PB2.

Rules of "Colours Match" Game Normally a game for two or more players.

Game with Two Players Both players, P1 and P2, start with 1,000 points. Decide who is to start, e.g. by spinning a coin: suppose the player P1 is to start.

On switching-on the game, as by inserting the batteries, arbitrary counts will be displayed by the player Pi's "lamps" L1 to L4, and also by the player P2's "lamps" Li'to L4'.

The starter, player Pl,then presses his push-button switch PB1. (While this remains depressed, his four "lamps" will be pulsed, and will show a yellowish-orange colour). After release of PB1, a static display of red and green lights (representing the player Pl's count A) will be given by his "lamps", L1 to L4.

The second player, P2, then decides what to do.

If any one of the first player Pl's "lamps" shows green, then the second player P2 may, if he wishes, pre-set and hold the corresponding one of his "lamps" to show the same green colour, by inserting one of the plugs PL1 to PL3 into the relevant socket (K1 to K4), with the switch SW1 turned to its second position (i.e., the position not shown in the accompanying drawing).

This pre-setting and holding can only be done for up to three of the second player P2's "lamps", since there are only three of the plugs PL1 to PL3 provided.

For example, if the first player Pl's "lamps" L1, L2, L3 and L4 show respectively red/green/green/green, then the second player P2 can, if he wishes, set his three corresponding "lamps" L2', L3' and L4.049 green, by plugging into the sockets K2, K3 and K4. Player P2 then presses his push-button switch PB2. If player P2 has set three of his "lamps" green as just mentioned, then only his "lamp" L1 ' is in play: this will show the yellowish-orange colour whilst the push-button switch PB2 remains pressed, and will turn red or green when the switch PB2 is released.If his "lamp" L1 turns red, then there is "colours match" and the second player P2 wins - this match will also be indicated (Table II) by the comparison "lamp" LX turning green and by the loudspeaker LS1 giving a relatively high-pitched (1 KHz) sound. For the second player P2, the odds of finding the winning combination is, for three greens held, 2 - 1. The second player P2 must have made his stake (from his 1,000 points) before starting that play. Thus, if the second player P2 staked 200 points, then, if he wins at odds of 2 - 1, then he receives 400 points, plus his stake of 200 points. If, however, the second player P2's "lamp" Li'turns green then he pays his stake of 200 points into the bank.

The sockets K1 to K4 are then emptied of plugs, and it is the turn of player P2 to set a pattern for player P1.

Player P2 then presses his push-button switch PB2. Suppose his "lamps" L1 ' to L4' show respectively red/red/green/red. With this display pattern only one green is available, and the other player P1 must decide his strategy accordingly. Player P1 can decide to hold one green (his "lamp" L3): if so, the odds are 8 - 1 of finding the winning combination. Alternatively, player P1 may elect not to hold one green, in which case the winning odds are 16 - 1.

Throughout the game, each player in turn may thus decide to hold none, one, two or three of his greens.

The odds applicable to these cases are as follows: Number of Odds Greens Held Three 2-1 Two 4-1 One 8-1 None 16-1 If a player initially sets up four reds, then his opponent has no choice but to play at odds of 16 - 1, adjusting his or her stakes accordingly.

The comparison "lamp" LX gives three different indications: (a) green, with a relatively high-pitched sound from the loudspeaker LSl,when a full "colours match" is achieved; (b) red, with a relatively low-pitched sound from the loudspeaker LS1, in which case the second of the two players loses; and (c) green, with no sound from the loudspeaker, which is called "all square".

The "all square" condition is only available when the odds are 16 - 1 or 8 - 1.A A player may elect to play "all square" with his stakes. What happens is if a full "colours match" is achieved only half the odds are payable.

If the comparison "lamp" LX goes green without the full "colours match" the player gets all stakes back.

The winner is the player with the highest number of points.

Variations Because of the flexibility of the system, a number of variations are available.

Variation 1 Banker plays all.

One player becomes banker, and sets "patterns" for any number of other players to play against. The same rules on odds apply.

Variation 2 "Sixteens" Set "lamps" L1 to L4, to four greens; then any two other players alternately play, using push-button PB2 and looking for a full "colours match". Best of three is the winner.

Variation 3 "Eights" Set "lamps" L1 to L4 to four greens. Hold any one of "lamps" Li'to L4' green, then any other two players alternately play, using push-button PB2 and looking fqr a full "colours match". Best of five is the winner.

Variation 4 "Fours" Set "lamps" L1 to L4 to four greens. Hold any two of "lamps" L2' to L4' green, then any other two players alternately play, using push-button PB2 and looking for a full "colours match". Best of seven is the winner.

Variation 5 "Twos" Set "lamps" L1 to L4tofourgreens. Hold any three of "lamps" Li'to L4' green, then anyothertwo players alternately play, using push-button PB2 and looking for a full "colours match". Best of nine is the winner.

Claims (12)

1. An electronic game comprising selection means arranged for each player to set up an arbitrary count, display means arranged separately to display each such count in the basic binary code form by utilisation of two different states of each of a number of display devices, and comparison means arranged to compare the counts and to give an indication or indications of their equality and/or their inequality.

2. A game according to Claim 1 ,wherein each display device comprises a light-emitting device affording the said two different states.

3. A game according to Claim 2, wherein the said two different states comprise the emission of light respectively of a first colour and of a second colour.

4. A game according to Claim 2, wherein the said two different states comprise respectively the emission, and the non-emission, of light.

5. A game according to Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein each display device comprises an electric-lamp(s) device or a light-emitting-diode(s) device.

6. A game according to Claim 3, wherein each display device comprises a light-emitting-diode device of the kind comprising a red-emitting diode and a green-emitting diode electrically connected back-to-back and mounted in a single clear package and having four different states, namely: off, red emission and green emission (representing respectively the said two different states) according as the device is electrically energised respectively in a first or a second sense, and yellowish-orange emission if the device is electrically pulsed.

7. A game according to any of the preceding Claims, comprising also overriding means arranged so that each player can at will in respect of a selected number of the said display devices associated with his said count, hold each in a preselected one of its said two different states.

8. A game according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the selection means comprises a common pulse-generator and, for each player, a binary counter arranged to set up his said count by counting pulses from the generator during actuation of a push-button switch, and wherein each display means comprises an operational amplifier arranged to control the relevant said display devices, and wherein the comparison means comprises a comparator arranged to actuate light-emitting and/or sound-emitting devices according to said equality and/or inequality.

9. A game according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein the overriding means comprises a plugs-and-sockets arrangement for applying a fixed electric potential to selected inputs of the operational amplifier.

10. A game according to any of the preceding Claims, which utilises integrated circuits.

11. A game according to Claim 10, wherein the integrated circuits are combined into a single chip.

12. An electronic game, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawing.