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WO1996004050A1 - Systeme autonome de bingo - Google Patents

Systeme autonome de bingo Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1996004050A1
WO1996004050A1 PCT/US1994/008702 US9408702W WO9604050A1 WO 1996004050 A1 WO1996004050 A1 WO 1996004050A1 US 9408702 W US9408702 W US 9408702W WO 9604050 A1 WO9604050 A1 WO 9604050A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bingo
cards
self
contained
card
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1994/008702
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Roland E. Beach
Original Assignee
Beach Roland E
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Beach Roland E filed Critical Beach Roland E
Priority to AU74788/94A priority Critical patent/AU7478894A/en
Publication of WO1996004050A1 publication Critical patent/WO1996004050A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
    • A63F3/06—Lottos or bingo games; Systems, apparatus or devices for checking such games
    • A63F3/062—Bingo games, e.g. Bingo card games
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
    • A63F3/06—Lottos or bingo games; Systems, apparatus or devices for checking such games
    • A63F3/0645—Electric lottos or bingo games

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to vending machines and game card dispensers. More particularly, this invention concerns a unique microprocessor based system for playing bingo by means of preprinted normally closed bingo cards which are coded and date/time stamped upon vending for opening and then marking by a player so as to provide better security, accountability and inventory control.
  • Bingo is one of the most popular games of chance. Numerous bingo parlors are in operation in the U.S. and other countries. However, there is more to operating and playing the game of bingo than may be apparent.
  • a game of traditional bingo really begins when the operator decides and announces in advance what prizes will be paid for a given winning bingo pattern during a particular session of play. This requires the operator to estimate or project the revenue taken in based upon the number and price of playing cards sold to the players.
  • the bingo playing cards can be sold individually, but are usually sold in packets with multiple "faces", no two of which are identical in that series to avoid multiple winners. The faces consist of different patterns of numbers openly arranged in an array of rows and columns. In the U.S.
  • these numbers are between 1 and 75 arranged in separate groups in five (5) rows and five (5) columns each with the center space usually being a free space.
  • Other countries such as Canada typically utilize numbers between 1 and 90 arranged in six groups of three (3) rows and nine (9) columns each, with several free spaces in each group.
  • the operator randomly draws or selects numbers and then calls or posts them for comparison by the players against the numbers printed on their cards.
  • the called or posted numbers are typically drawn from a squirrel cage or a ball blower. If there is a match between the printed and called numbers, the players mark their cards accordingly. This continues until a player has marked a winning bingo pattern on his or her card. The operator continues to randomly draw and then call or post such numbers until all the announced winning patterns and prizes for that session go out.
  • the game of traditional bingo has some definite drawbacks.
  • One drawback is that the operator is obligated to pay out the announced winning prizes regardless of the revenue taken in from card sales. This means that the operator can lose money if there is a shortfall in bingo card sales. If the projected revenue from card sales is less than expected, or does not cover the payout, the operator must absorb such loss.
  • Another drawback is that since the game faces are open, this can lead to cheating, etc.
  • bingo has traditionally been rather manually intensive involving cash transactions, there has been little provision for security, accountability, inventory control, etc.
  • pull-tabs Another popular game of chance is pull-tabs.
  • pull-tabs are typically sold in a break-open or scratch-off format wherein one or more rows of symbols are revealed for immediate comparison against predetermined fixed winning patterns and prizes printed directly on the card.
  • the number of winners and amount of payouts are predetermined over a certain, fixed number of pull-tabs, typically a box which comprises a game. This means that the operator knows in advance what his costs, sales revenue, payout and thus profit will be per box of pull-tabs. No guess work or estimate of cards sold is required as in bingo, in which the winners are randomly based on statistical probability or odds. This of course reduces business risk and simplifies the task of a pull tab operator.
  • pull-tabs are typically less restrictive than that pertaining to bingo, but pull-tabs also traditionally have been rather manually intensive involving cash transactions with little provision for security, accountability, inventory control, etc. Also, since pull- tabs do not require marking after opening but only comparison of preprinted symbols against fixed winners, they are not as interactive or stimulating as bingo.
  • pull-tab dispensers have been available heretofore.
  • pull-tab dispensers have been available from Charitable Equipment, Inc. of Fargo, North Dakota, under the name QUICK DRAW.
  • a need has thus arisen for a self-contained bingo system which dispenses bingo cards in a normally closed, break-open format which preserves the interaction of traditional bingo for the player while at the same time reducing manually intensive cash transactions and increasing security, accountability and inventory control for the operator.
  • the present invention comprises a self-contained bingo system which overcomes the foregoing and other difficulties associated with the prior art.
  • a microprocessor based system which combines the features of traditional bingo card and break-open pull-tab games.
  • the system herein includes a secure enclosure which is accessible only by an authorized operator and which does not require any manual attention except for periodic restocking, maintenance, etc.
  • the outside of the enclosure includes a slot for insertion of money into a currency acceptor/validator, push button switches for selecting the number of cards and boxed markers to be purchased, a tray for dispensing same, a display for showing the credit available for such purchases, and another display or flashboard for posting the numbers randomly drawn by the operator for comparison by the players against the numbers on their cards - and marking as necessary.
  • the interior of the secure enclosure includes at least one column of cards, and if desired a column of boxed markers, and associated advancing mechanisms which are responsive to the currency acceptor/validator and operation of the selection switches for vending the number of cards and/or boxed markers desired.
  • Printers are associated with the advancing mechanism for each column of cards for printing certain identifying indicia on each card upon being dispensed.
  • Micro switches are also associated with each advancing mechanism for monitoring each vending cycle and counting the items dispensed, which counts are utilized by the microprocessor controller for record keeping purposes. Except for the actual random selection or drawing of the numbers, which is usually done manually by the operator as in traditional bingo, operation of the system is controlled by the microprocessor controller.
  • a key pad is preferably provided inside the enclosure for manual entry by the operator of certain information such as number of cards and markers loaded, etc., as is another printer for print out and retrieval by the operator of information for accounting, inventory control, etc.
  • a random number generator can be included for automatic orsemi-automatic selection of numbers for posting and then comparison by players against their cards.
  • the self-contained bingo system herein can be configured for dispensing either bingo cards for comparison against randomly drawn and posted numbers, or bingo-like pull-tab cards for comparison against predetermined posted numbers, both types of cards being in a pop-open or break-open format.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a self-contained bingo system incorporating the invention
  • Fig. 2 is an enlarged front view thereof, with the upper and lower dispenser doors and cabinet door closed;
  • Fig. 3 is an enlarged front view thereof, with the upper and lower dispenser doors open;
  • Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken generally along lines 4-4 of Fig. 2 in the direction of the arrows;
  • Figs. 5 and 6 are illustrations of the bingo card dispensing mechanism shown in retracted and extended positions, respectively;
  • Fig. 7 is an illustration (partially cut away) of a package enclosing a boxed bingo marker or dauber of the type which can be dispensed by the system herein;
  • Fig. 8 is a front view of a bingo playing card of the type which can be dispensed by the system herein;
  • Figs. 9 and 10 are back views thereof, shown in closed and open positions, respectively;
  • Fig. 11 is an illustration of the boxed bingo marker dispensing mechanism, shown in retracted position
  • Fig. 12 is an illustration of a flare or scorecard for posting the winning bingo patterns and prizes of the type used with the cards shown in Figs. 8 - 10;
  • Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of the self-contained bingo system herein;
  • Figs. 14 and 15 are enlarged partial rear and side illustrations, respectively, showing the removable support feature of the supply tubes;
  • Fig. 16 is an enlarged partial illustration showing details of the gapping block construction
  • Fig. 17 is a front view of a bingo-like playing card of the pull-tab type which can be dispensed by the system herein;
  • Figs. 18 and 19 are back views thereof, shown in closed and open positions, respectively;
  • Fig. 20 is an illustration of a flare or scorecard for posting the winning patterns and prizes of the type used with the pull-tabs shown in Figs. 17 - 19;
  • Fig. 21 is an enlarged sectional view taken along lines 21-21 of Fig. 16 showing further details of the supply tubes.
  • Fig. 22 is an illustration of a 90 number bingo type card which can also be used in the system herein.
  • the bingo system 10 includes a supply of bingo playing cards 12 and boxed daubers or markers 14, a dispenser 16 for vending the cards and markers, and a flare or score card 18 for displaying the announced winning patterns and prizes.
  • the system 10 is adapted for use with a squirrel cage, bingo ball blower, or other means (not shown) for randomly drawing numbers to be called or posted by the operator for comparison against the numbers on cards 12. Electrical power for operating system 10 is received through a cord 11 plugged into a wall socket as shown in Fig. 1.
  • the system 10 is adapted to reduce manual attention while providing better flexibility, security, accountability, etc. for the operator together with the interactive excitement and satisfaction of playing bingo - but in a break open format - for the players.
  • the dispenser 16 is preferably secured to the top of a free standing cabinet 20 having a hinged front door 22 carried on a hinge 23 and secured by a lock 24.
  • the cabinet 20 is closed on all sides and is inaccessible except by means of the door 22 and lock 24.
  • the dispenser 16 could be mounted on a table, wall or any other type of support which provides the necessary security.
  • the dispenser 16 includes a secure enclosure or housing 28 which is closed on all sides and is only accessible by means of locking front doors 30 and 32.
  • the top front door 30 is supported on a hinge 34 as best seen in Fig. 3, and is secured by a pair of locks 36.
  • the bottom front door 32 is similarly supported on a hinge 38 and secured by a lock 40.
  • an optional marquee 42 can be mounted on the top of enclosure 28 for advertising purposes for example.
  • the doors 30 and 32 include several controls and other features for operating the bingo system 10.
  • the bottom door 32 includes a slot 44 for insertion of money, preferably in the form of paper currency such as 1 , 5, 10 or 20 dollar bills.
  • a currency validator 46 is mounted behind slot 44 on the back of door 32 as best seen in Fig. 3, for receiving the money.
  • the currency validator 46 is of substantially conventional construction and any suitable validator can be used.
  • a validator like the Model IVO available from Coin Bill Validator, Inc. of Deer Park, New York, can be used.
  • a coin acceptor, combination coin/currency validator, or credit debit card reader could be used.
  • a token acceptor could also be used. It will be understood that any suitable means of crediting the system 10 can be used, the particular type or form of which is not critical to practice of the invention.
  • a printer 47 and keypad 49 are also mounted on the inside of the lower door 32 for data entry/retrieval purposes in the microprocessor based system 10, as will be explained below.
  • the printer 47 and keypad 49 are of substantially conventional construction, and any suitable types can be used. If desired, another suitable type of output device such as a display could be substituted for printer 47.
  • the top door 30 of the enclosure 28 includes push button switches 48, 50 and 52 for selecting the cards 12 and/or markers 14, to be purchased and then dispensed into a tray 54 for the player.
  • a display 56 is also provided on the front of the top door for indicating the amount of credit after the insertion of money or credit into slot 44 and/or the amount of credit remaining after purchase of the desired number of cards 12 and/or markers 14.
  • Indicator lights 58, 60 and 62 can also be provided for indicating a malfunction, empty column of cards or markers, etc. within the dispenser 16.
  • a flash board 64 is also provided for displaying or posting the numbers randomly drawn by the operator for comparison against the playing cards 12 purchased and marking as necessary with markers 14 by the player.
  • the flashboard 64 consists of a grid of whole numbers or integers arranged in columns and rows on the plastic back glass 65, each of which numbers can be selectively illuminated by individual LEDs controlled by manual on/off switches 66 within enclosure 28 as best seen in Fig. 3.
  • the numbers on the flash board 64 can be seen by the players, but the called numbers to be illuminated are controlled by an operator having internal access to dispenser 16 for security purposes.
  • a light 68 can also be provided on the inside of the top door 30 for illuminating the interior of dispenser 16 and back lighting the lower portion of the back glass 65.
  • the bingo playing cards 12 are arranged in two columns or stacks inside the dispenser 16.
  • the stack on the left in Fig. 3 corresponds to push button 48, while the stack in the middle corresponds to push button 50.
  • the preferred embodiment includes two such stacks of bingo cards 12, it will be understood that any suitable number could be used as desired.
  • the stacks of bingo cards 12 are separately supported and independently advanced one-by-one for movement along separate paths, but by similar mechanisms, responsive to the associated selector switch.
  • the cards 12 are stacked in removable tubes 70 of generally C-shaped cross section.
  • the tops of the tubes 70 are open to facilitate loading of the cards 12 therein.
  • weights 72 can be added on the top of the card stack within each tube 70 to facilitate feeding, particularly as the stack decreases. For example, weights 72 of about of about 8 to 16 ounces may be used.
  • the lower ends of tubes 70 straddle hat channels 74 on a base 76 extending between the side walls of the enclosure 28. As is best seen in Fig. 21, the front and back sides of the tubes 70 are notched to straddle the respective hat channel 74, while the sides are turned inwardly to form integral flanges 77 on which the tubes rest.
  • Flanges 77 also serve to retain the stack of cards 12 therein when the tubes are being inserted or removed.
  • Fasteners 78 with raised heads are provided on the back of each tube 70 for cooperation with notches 79 on cross pieces 80 of a subframe 82 secured to the base 76, as best seen in Figs. 14 and 15, so that the tubes can easily be removed for reloading or access to other components within the dispenser 16.
  • the provision of readily removable tubes 70 with integral card retention flanges 77 comprise significant features of the present invention. When so positioned, it will thus be appreciated that the lowermost card 12 of the stack in each tube 70 rests directly upon the respective hat channel 74.
  • a printer 84 is mounted immediately beneath an opening 15 in each channel 74 for printing identifying indicia or coded information on each card 12 upon dispensing.
  • the printers 84 are of substantially conventional construction, and any suitable printer can be used.
  • a Model MP 312F-24 printer like that available from Star Micronics of Piscataway, New Jersey can be used.
  • Each printer 84 includes a printhead 85 which can be selectively actuated upward through opening 15 in the respective hat channel 74 relative to each card 12 upon being dispensed, as will be more fully explained below.
  • the provision of card printers 84 comprises a significant feature of the present invention.
  • the lowermost card 12 is advanced by a plate-like pusher 86 which is mounted for longitudinal sliding movement along the top of each hat channel 74.
  • the pusher 86 includes longitudinal side flanges for guiding movement along the respective hat channel 74.
  • the pusher 86 is of a thickness similar to that of cards 12.
  • a transverse channel member 88 is fixed to the rear of each pusher 86.
  • the transverse channel member 88 acts as a guide for a roller 90 which is mounted on one end of a crank arm 92. The other end of the crank arm 92 is secured to the drive shaft of a motor 94.
  • the motor 94 actuates the pusher 86 from a retracted position as shown in Fig. 5 to an extended position as shown in Fig. 6, and then back again to the retracted position in preparation for the next vending cycle.
  • the motor 94 is supported on a bracket 96 extending between a pair of side plates 98 secured to the base 76.
  • the motors 94 are of substantially conventional construction, and any suitable motors can be used.
  • a Model 45 gear motor like that available from Dayton Electric Mfg. Company of Chicago, Illinois, can be used.
  • a spring biased transverse block 100 maintains contact between each pusher 86 and the underlying hat channel 74 for precise advancement of individual cards 12.
  • Block 100 is preferably formed of low friction material such as plastic.
  • a micro switch 102 is provided at the rear of each hat channel 76 for sensing movement of the pusher 86 to from the retracted or "home" position between each dispensing or vending cycle.
  • each hat channel 74 a pair of spring biased transverse gapping blocks 104 are provided in normal engagement with the underlying hat channel.
  • the blocks 104 which provide a wiping action to prevent dispensing more than one card 12 per vending cycle, are supported on a bracket 106 secured between the side plates 98.
  • the blocks 104 are preferably formed of teflon-type plastic.
  • the lower surface of each block is generally rounded with a step or notch 107 being provided across the rear lower edge of each block 104.
  • the height of notch 107 is 1.5 times the thickness of cards 12 so that only one card will be dispensed per cycle. If two cards should become stuck together the top card will catch the corner of notch 107 so that only the bottom card can pass beneath blocks 104. This also comprises a significant feature of the present invention.
  • Another micro switch 108 is also provided at the front of each hat channel 76 for sensing passage of a card 12 and completion of a successful vending cycle.
  • the switch 108 can be located in a notch in the front end of channel 76 as shown, or along side the channel, as desired, so long as its switch arm is tripped as a card is dispensed. If switch 108 is not actuated during the vending cycle, such would indicate either a jam or an empty supply tube 70.
  • Micro switches 102 and 108 are also used in controlling actuation of printers 84 to avoid damage to printheads 85 from pushers 86.
  • each card 12 includes two layers or sheets of material 110 and 112 secured together about their peripheries by means of adhesive 114.
  • Fig. 8 shows the front or "pretty" side;
  • Fig. 9 shows the back side of card 12.
  • Each layer or sheet of material 110 and 112 preferably comprises paper or other suitable material.
  • the layer or sheet 112 includes a normally closed portion 116 bordered on three sides by a line of perforations 118 so that it can be opened to expose the number pattern or face from a bingo series printed on the adjacent inside surface of the other sheet 110, as shown in Fig. 10.
  • bipolar series means a set of card faces without any duplicates; i.e, no two faces having identical numbers in in identical arrangements so that there cannot be multiple winners of the same pattern.
  • Directions 117 are preferably preprinted on the outside surface of the removable portion 116.
  • the inside surface of the removable portion 116 of sheet 112 is preferably candled so that the numbers inside card 12 cannot be read without opening the card.
  • Places 119 are provided on the outside of sheet 110 on the front of card 12 for entry of the player's name, address and any prize amount won.
  • a preprinted serial number or code 120 corresponding to the box or lot from which the cards 12 came, can also be provided.
  • identifying indicia 121 is not preprinted on cards 12, but is only added by printers 84 upon vending each individual card responsive to actuation of the microprocesor based system 10.
  • identifying indicia 121 includes a code corresponding to the machine number, the date (month, day, year), and the time ( hour and minutes) of day.
  • the identifying indicia 121 could also include a security code of some type , such as an image in an unusual font, to deter counterfeiting.
  • the identifying indicia is shown in a particular form, it can take any suitable form. These comprise significant features of the present invention.
  • a scratch-off layer could be substituted for the sheet 112 including portion 116 of card 12.
  • each marker 14 includes a package 130 enclosing a bottle 132 of fluid having a removable cap 134 for exposing the marker tip 136.
  • the stack of markers 14 on the far right in Fig. 3 corresponds to push button switch 52.
  • One such stack of markers 14 is provided in the preferred embodiment, however, it will be understood that any suitable number can be used.
  • the stack of markers 14 is supported and independently advanced one-by-one for dispensing into tray 54 by means of a mechanism similar to that used for advancing cards 12.
  • the markers 114 are stacked in a supply tube 138 of generally C-shaped cross section.
  • the top of tube 138 is open to facilitate loading of the boxed markers 14 therein.
  • the upper and lower ends of tube 138 are similar to the ends of tubes 70, but are dimensioned to accommodate boxed markers 14 instead of cards 12.
  • the lower end of tube 138 is notched to straddle the associated hat channel 140, which is relatively wider than hat channel 74.
  • the sides of the lower end of tube 138 are turned inwardly to form opposing integral flanges similar to flanges 77 for retaining the stack of boxed markers 14 therein when the tube is being inserted or removed from enclosure 16.
  • a spacer 142 is provided on the back of tube 138.
  • Fasteners 144 with raised heads similar to fasteners 78 are provided on spacer 142 for cooperation with an associated pair of vertically spaced apart notches 79 on cross pieces 80 of the frame 82. It will thus be appreciated that tube 138 is also readily removable as are tubes 70.
  • the lowermost boxed marker 12 is advanced by a pusher 146 which is mounted for longitudinal sliding movement along the top of hat channel 140.
  • the pusher 146 includes longitudinal side flanges similar to pushers 86, but with a pair of upstanding side rails 148 for engaging the boxed markers 14.
  • a transverse channel member 150 is secured to the rear of each pusher 146 to serve as a guide for a roller 152 mounted on one end of a crank arm 154, the other end of which is secured to the drive shaft of motor 156 similar to motors 94, which is also is mounted on bracket 96.
  • a spring biased transverse block 158 similar to block 100 maintains firm engagement between the pusher bar 146 and the underlying hat channel 140 for precision advancement of individual boxed markers 14.
  • the side rails 148 pass on opposite sides of block 158 as the marker dispensing mechanism cycles to and from the retracted or "home" position shown in Fig. 11 between vending cycles.
  • a microswitch 162 is provided only at the front of hat channel 140 for sensing passage of a boxed marker 14 during the vending cycle. No gapping block is required to assure individual dispensing of the boxed markers 14 since sticking is not a factor as it can be with the relatively thinner cards 12.
  • bingo system 10 includes markers 16 and associated advancing mechanisms, it will be understood that the system could be configured to dispense only cards 12. Also, the internal flashboard 64 could be eliminated for simplicity.
  • Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of the microprocessor-based bingo system 10 herein. As shown, all of the inputs and outputs pass through the central processing unit (CPU) 164 which is located within enclosure 28.
  • the CPU 164 comprises the hardware and associated software for controlling system 10, and preferably includes an internal clock for generating the date/time portions of the identifying indicia 121 to be printed on cards 12, as well as a battery back-up.
  • the CPU 164 comprises the hardware and associated software for controlling system 10, and preferably includes an internal clock for generating the date/time portions of the identifying indicia 121 to be printed on cards 12, as well as a battery back-up.
  • the CPU 164 comprises the hardware and associated software for controlling system 10, and preferably includes an internal clock for generating the date/time portions of the identifying indicia 121 to be printed on cards 12, as well as a battery back-up.
  • additional information can be input by the operator via keyboard 49 such as number of cards 12 and/or markers 16 initially loaded into system 10, pricing, etc.
  • information stored within the CPU 164 can be printed out from time to time as desired by the operator, such as total sales by day, number of cards 12 sold, number of boxed markers 14 sold, etc.
  • a signal is received by the CPU 164 and then transmitted to actuate the dispensing mechanism for the appropriate column A, B or C.
  • actuation of push button switch 48 causes the CPU 164 to send a signal to the card dispense board 166 which controls operation of the card dispensing mechanisms for columns A and B. If all systems and components are functioning properly, board 166 generates a signal which actuates motor 94 to commence the vending cycle.
  • the CPU 164 also controls the card 168 which tells printer 84 what identifying indicia 121 to print on each card 12 before it is dispensed or vended to the user, after which the printer defaults through the board back to the CPU.
  • controller card BD 300FG-24B from Star Micronics of Piscataway, New Jersey can be used for card 168.
  • the CPU 164 actuates motor 94 through board 166 to commence the vending cycle.
  • Switches 102 and 108 sense whether a card 12 has been dispensed and the vending cycle has been successfully completed. If switch 102 has been activated but switch 108 has not, as would be the case if there is a jam or the tube 70 of cards 12 is empty, after a predetermined number (such as 3) of attempted vending cycles, then the CPU 164 will take that column out of service.
  • Another dispensing board 170 is utilized in connection with column c, corresponding to push button switch 52 for selecting purchase of a boxed marker 14. If desired, the boards 166 and 170 and controller cards 168 could be integrated directly into the main CPU 164.
  • the user then breaks open the removable portion 116 on each card to expose the numbers therein for comparison against the posted or called numbers randomly drawn by the operator. These numbers can be called out by the operator and/or posted on the flashboard 64 of the bingo system 10.
  • printer 84 is responsive to both switches 102 and 108 in the preferred embodiment of system 10 to avoid possible interference and 17
  • actuation could be responsive to only one switch with a suitable time delay.
  • an auxiliary external flashboard 180 as shown in Fig. 1 can be used.
  • the auxiliary flashboard 180 is constructed similarly to the internal flashboard 64, but is adapted for remote location.
  • the auxiliary flashboard 180 includes an array of numbers arranged in rows and columns, each of which can be selectively illuminated by individual LED's controlled by manual on/off switches similar to switches 66 but secured within an enclosure closed by a hinged cover secured by lock 184. Electrical power for the auxiliary scorecard 180 is received through a cord 186 plugged into a wall socket.
  • the auxiliary scorecard 180 can be connected by a line 188 in parallel with the scorecard 64 in dispenser 16.
  • Fig. 12 is an illustration of a "flare" or scorecard 18 with which the system 10 is used.
  • the scorecard 18 includes examples of possible winning bingo patterns which can be announced by the operator, such as vertical, diagonal, four corners, postage stamp, checkerboard, picture frame, four leaf clover, cross, diamond, double bingo/bullseye, coverall or blackout, nine square, top and bottom, or letters such as L, P, I, Z, T, etc.
  • the scorecard 18 also includes several open patterns 194 for the operator to make up winning patterns, if desired.
  • the announced winning patterns and prize amounts are entered directly onto the scorecard by the operator for a particular session during which the players compare the numbers called or posted against the numbers printed on their cards 12 and then mark accordingly for comparison with the possible winning patterns on the scorecard 18.
  • the scorecard 18 includes places 196 for entry of additional information by the operator such as organization, location, control number, machine number " , times when the machine was placed in play and removed from play, signature of the operator, etc.
  • system 10 can be provided with a random number generator 197 or sequencing concept to electronically select the desired number of numbers at random, which numbers would then be called or posted for the players.
  • the bingo system 10 can readily be configured to use bingo-like pull-tab cards 198 so that the operator can continue using the system on those days when bingo is prohibited. Some states restrict bingo to certain days of the week, whereas pull-tabs usually can be sold throughout the week. Conversion of system 10 between bingo and pull-tab use is thus another advantageous feature of the present invention.
  • the pull-tab cards 198 incorporate several components which are substantially similar to components of the bingo cards 12 herein. Such components have been identified with the same reference numerals, but with prime (') notations for differentiation.
  • the bingo-like pull-tab cards 198 include preprinted directly thereon the winning patterns and prizes 200 for each, the numbers of such winners within each group of pull-tabs, and the called or posted numbers 202.
  • the serial number of the group of pull-tab cards 198 is also preferably preprinted directly thereon at place 204.
  • the pull-tab card 198 still requires interaction by the player with a marker 14 and thus still has the feel of traditional bingo, but is not based upon randomly drawn numbers by the operator.
  • printers 84 may or may not be used. Printers 84 are not necessary when using cards 198, but could be used for printing a security code, etc. if desired.
  • a preprinted code such as a bar code, could be provided for reading by the operator to verify winners without opening cards 198, if desired.
  • Fig. 20 shows a flare or scorecard 210 of the type which would be used when the bingo system 10 is configured for dispensing bingo-like pull-tab cards 198.
  • pull-tab cards 198 and scorecard 210 are used, there would be no random drawing of numbers and then calling or posting of them by the operator.
  • the bingo system would operate the same and the players would mark their cards 198 in similar fashion, but upon comparison wit fthe "posted” or “called” numbers and winning patterns and prizes printed directly on the card and/or scorecard 210.
  • the present invention comprises a unique self-contained bingo system incorporating numerous advantages over the prior art.
  • the system herein minimizes manual attention from the operator, and maximizes accountability and security while maintaining game integrity. Other advantages will be evident to those skilled in the art.

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Abstract

Un système autonome de bingo (10) comporte un circuit de commande à microprocesseur (164) qui réagit à un validateur d'argent (46), des touches de sélection (48, 50, 52) et des capteurs (102, 108) qui surveillent la distribution de cartes de jeu (12) de bingo et, si on le souhaite, des marqueurs (16). Des repères d'identification (121) provenant du circuit de commande (164) sont imprimés sur chaque carte (12) au moment de sa distribution pour offrir une sécurité et une transparence améliorées, etc. Ce système (10) est transformable instantanément pour être utilisé avec des cartes de jeu (198) comportant une étiquette à décoller, semblables à celles du bingo.
PCT/US1994/008702 1994-07-29 1994-08-01 Systeme autonome de bingo WO1996004050A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU74788/94A AU7478894A (en) 1994-07-29 1994-08-01 Self-contained bingo system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US282,322 1981-07-10
US28232294A 1994-07-29 1994-07-29

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WO1996004050A1 true WO1996004050A1 (fr) 1996-02-15

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1994/008702 WO1996004050A1 (fr) 1994-07-29 1994-08-01 Systeme autonome de bingo

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AU (1) AU7478894A (fr)
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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3445035A (en) * 1967-08-23 1969-05-20 Harry J Ackerman Card dispenser having a plurality of sources and a plurality of card ejectors
US4526264A (en) * 1984-03-30 1985-07-02 Macnamara Barry A Electrically operated card dispenser
US4833307A (en) * 1987-06-06 1989-05-23 Gonzalez Justiz Clara E Self service dispensing assembly for lottery tickets
US5193815A (en) * 1992-04-22 1993-03-16 Pollard Banknote Limited Instant bingo game and game card therefor
US5290033A (en) * 1992-12-02 1994-03-01 Bittner Harold G Gaming machine and coupons

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3445035A (en) * 1967-08-23 1969-05-20 Harry J Ackerman Card dispenser having a plurality of sources and a plurality of card ejectors
US4526264A (en) * 1984-03-30 1985-07-02 Macnamara Barry A Electrically operated card dispenser
US4833307A (en) * 1987-06-06 1989-05-23 Gonzalez Justiz Clara E Self service dispensing assembly for lottery tickets
US5193815A (en) * 1992-04-22 1993-03-16 Pollard Banknote Limited Instant bingo game and game card therefor
US5290033A (en) * 1992-12-02 1994-03-01 Bittner Harold G Gaming machine and coupons

Also Published As

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