[0001] The present invention concerns electronic game devices and in particular an electronic
game device that can be used in instant lottery games or promotional games.
[0002] Paper Lottery Tickets are currently produced by a number of international manufacturers
for lotteries in almost all countries of the world. Many variations of lottery games
exist. Typically "instant win" type of lottery games will utilise a paper ticket that
processed through a highly automated printing machine which creates not only the game
graphics, but which prints on each individual ticket completely unique game play data
usually including a barcode or other unique identifier.
[0003] The unique game play data makes each ticket a potential winner - although since the
games are created and the tickets are printed from a "seeded deck" it is pre-determined
which are winners and which are non-winners. To play the game the purchaser will scratch
off a number of latex patches to reveal if the ticket is a winning ticket and if it
is present the ticket to a ticket vendor. The barcode is read by a barcode scanner
on the lottery terminal to determine which is which so that a winner can be paid his/her
winnings in the corner shop.
[0004] In addition, a unique to each ticket VIRN (Void If Removed Number) is contained under
a latex patch. This number is designed to be a human enterable code, once the barcode
on the ticket is swiped, into the lottery terminal which is used by lotteries as a
secondary security device.
[0005] The instant lottery tickets appeal to consumers because they provide an "instant
Win" and instant payment of the winnings after the ticket is validated as a winner.
However, a paper ticket can typically only contain up to 5 or 6 games on a large ticket
- 4" by 6". If many games are required several tickets need to be purchased. In addition
paper tickets do not offer a dynamic or interactive element to the gaming experience.
[0006] An alternative is needed that provides the same instant win as present tickets but
which can provide for many games and multiple wins and which provides additional attraction
to the player. Accordingly the present invention provides a game device for playing
a game having one or more win levels the win level of the device having been predetermined,
comprising an electronic chip programmed with software for playing one or more games,
the game having one or more winning levels and a printed circuit board for mounting
the chip, the chip having a plurality of ports that can be connected to the circuit
board wherein the ports can be connected to the pcb in a plurality of configurations,
the configuration of the connection of the ports of the chip to the pcb determining
the win level of the game.
[0007] A game device according to the present invention will generally comprise a pcb and
microprocessor chip mounted thereon programmed with software to run the particular
game type and these will generally be incorporated into a case and further include
one or more windows on which characters generated during game play or other information
can be displayed and one or more controls such as a button to start or stop game play.
Additional devices such as a sound generator may also be included. A power source
such as a battery or solar cell or such device will also be included. The components
will usually be housed in a case of dimensions similar to a credit card or the like
but can be incorporated into any type of case such as a novelty or promotional item.
[0008] The chip will be programmed prior to assembly with characters to be generated for
each game, including a winning character or characters if applicable. There can for
example, be only one level of win, i.e. either win or lose or there can be several
different levels of win.
[0009] As with printed lottery type tickets the devices will be "seeded" so that only certain
predetermined devices will be programmed with a winning game or gamess. For example,
10% could be winning games at a first level of prize, 5% at the second level, 1% at
the third and only one device at the highest level. The number of winning games can
be varied as desired depending on the programming applied to the chips. In some promotional
games it may even be arranged so that all games give at least a base level win but
a certain proportion give higher level wins.
[0010] All chips for a particular game type will be programmed with the same software so
that it is not necessary to produce a different chip for each win level which reduces
the cost of production for each game. To obtain different win levels the chips are
bonded to the pcb in different configurations. This is achieved by having a plurality
of ports or pins on the chip and a plurality of connections on the pcb so arranged
that the chip can be connected to the pcb in a number of different configurations.
[0011] Each chip contains substantially identical software for running the game or games
and typically a number of ports/pins can be connected to elements of the device common
to each game whether or not a winning game has been predetermined for that device.
Other ports will be connected in a number of different configurations. The identity
and/or combination of the connected ports determining the win level of a game in accordance
with the software programmed on the chip. The configuration of the ports to be connected
can be programmed into the assembly apparatus. The configuration of the ports can
also be determined by connections made or broken, for example by jumpers, on the pcb.
It is possible to obtain tens, hundreds or thousands of different configurations depending
on the number of pins and connections to the pcb. In another arrangement the ports/pins
on the chip and the connections on the pcb are arranged in a circular fashion so that
the chip or board can be rotated relative to each other so that the angular displacement
prior to the bonding of the chip to the pcb will determine the configuration in which
the chip is bonded to the pcb connections.
[0012] Once connections between the chip and pcb have been made the bonding may be completed
by fixing the chip to the pcb using an adhesive such as epoxy resin or the like so
that the chip cannot be removed. The chip may also be bonded to the gamecard device
so that any attempt to open the device will result in the chip being destroyed and
rendered inoperable. The resin and/or the gamecard device are preferable made opaque
so that it is not possible to determine the configuration by for example exposure
to a strong light source. Additional shielding may also be included in the device
[0013] The chip may also be programmed with an internal security code that is unique to
each winning prize and/or prize level so that a winning game will generate a security
code comprising a plurality of digits, letters or any other symbols that can be checked
against records of codes programmed into the chip held by the game organizer to verify
a winning game. All chips may contain a security codes but the configuration of the
bonding of the chip to the pcb will determine the security code, if any, that is displayed.
Attempts to tamper with the chip or pcb will cause the code not to be displayed. The
security code may be displayed in a separate window or alternate with display of characters
in one or more other windows.
[0014] The device may also incorporates a random number generator. The random number generator
can be used to randomise the sequence in which games are played so that for example
if a game device includes 50 games, one of which is a winning game, the winning game
could occur on any of the 50 game plays rather than the first or any particular order.
More than one winning game may be present on a device. Alternatively or in addition,
the random number generator can control the sequence of the characters as they are
displayed before stopping on the final character for that game. This ensures that
the game plays differently each time and enhances the play appeal.
[0015] The characters can be any combination of digits, letters or other symbols such as
a card suit or pictorial representation of a prize and combinations thereof such as
a digit or letter and a card suit symbol. The characters generated will appear on
a display window or windows provided on the device. Preferably as a game is played
each character generated will appear as a series of random characters before coming
to rest at the predetermined character and will occur either sequentially or simultaneously
for each character position to be generated according to the rules of the game being
played.
[0016] Another feature that can be incorporated in the device is that of a timer or countdown
mechanism which may also include a calendar. The timer can be set to run from production
of the device but since there may be a significant time between production of the
gamecard device and its use, in order to preserve the power source it is preferably
activated on activation of the gamecard device. Preferably, the timer is of the type
which on activation generates a regular series of impulses from which the timing of
events is determined. The timer device can be used to time certain events such as
the number of times the gamecard can be played over a predetermined time period, e.g.
a number of hours, days or weeks. The timing device can be used in conjunction with
a game or series of games played over any period of time but is particularly useful
where a number of games are played over a long period of time. For example, as part
of a promotional campaign the game device can be activated on a particular day or
at a particular time and then permit play of a specified number of games for that
day or week etc and winning combinations of characters can be issued each day for
that days game in a newspaper or online ensuring that the game is being played in
conjunction with the correct winning characters for that day.
[0017] Preferably on activation of the game device the device will reset the chip by momentarily
cutting off power to the chip. This clears the chip of any static electricity that
has built up during assembly and transit/storage that might prevent the chip from
operating and can cause considerable problems which could render sales uneconomic.
[0018] The game device can be provided with an on/off button to activate the device. In
a preferred embodiment activation may in addition, or as an alternative to an on/off
button, comprise a tab or other device associated with the battery or power source.
For example, a tab may be provided that on removal from a battery activates the device.
This ensures that the device is not accidentally activated but also acts as an additional
security measure so that the user can see that the device has not been interfered
with if the tab is intact on purchase. The tab may incorporate a holographic seal
or other security features that will indicate if it has been tampered with.
[0019] The game device can be powered by any suitable power source such as a battery, e.g.
a watch type battery or the like.
[0020] Various security measures in addition to any internal security code that may or may
not be included can be incorporated in or on the game device to ensure the gamecard
correlates with a winning device when presented and also to make apparent if attempts
have been made to tamper with the gamecard or to "read" if a gamecard includes a winning
game. These include incorporation of a temperature sensitive indicator that will change
colour if a temperature above a predetermined limit has been applied to the device.
Such indicators are available as discs that can be affixed to a surface of the device.
To detect attempts to bend or distort the game device one or more areas of the gamecard
may include a lacquer or ink that will crack and or fall off the gamecard if the card
is significantly bent or distorted. Such ink or lacquers may for example be used to
print the game rules on the gamecard or as a stripe or border around the edge of the
gamecard.
The gamecard may also be produced with a unique barcode on the back of each unit.
A conventional VIRN can also be printed on the back and covered with a latex patch.
A range of ink jet or holographic markings can also be encrypted onto the exterior
surface of the card device as an additional precaution to control the use of the device
from manufacture through to return to the game organisers for verification and payment
of a prize.
[0021] In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of producing a game
device for playing a game having one or more win levels in which the win level of
the device being predetermined which method comprises providing a chip programmed
with software to run the game device including said one or more win levels and connecting
a plurality of ports on the chip to a plurality of tracks on the pcb in a set configuration
according to the win level that has been predetermined for the device.
[0022] The devices of the present invention can be produced using conventional assembly
apparatus which makes connections between the chip and pcb under control of a software
programme. The software controlling the assembly apparatus is adapted to permit multiple
configuration of the connections between the pcb and the ports determining win level
so that a predetermined proportion of devices in a given run can be assigned a particular
win level.
[0023] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which:-
Figure 1a - 1c show an example of schematic plan of chip connections to PCB of a game
device of the present invention.
Figure 2, is front elevation of a game card incorporating a device of the present
invention
Figure 3, is a side elevation of the device of Figure 2.
[0024] In the device shown in Figures 1a to 1c a chip 2 having been programmed with all
software necessary for running a chosen game of the type requiring the matching of
three numbers is shown.
[0025] The chip has a number of ports 4 that are connected to the tracks of a PCB 8 having
number of tracks 6 on it.
[0026] The ports on the chip 4 are bonded using thin wire elements onto the PCB to control
the function of the device - e.g. operate the LCD, buttons, connect power, sound etc
[0027] A number of the ports A to F are set aside for determining the prize level. The combinations
in which these ports are bonded to the tracks on the PCB determine which level of
prize the device will show. For example in Fig 1a shows none of the ports A through
F bonded, this results in a non winning combination. Fig 1b shows port A is bounded
to track W to produce a prize winning combination matching 3 numbers e.g. of 11, 11,11.
In Figure 1c port B is bounded to track X to give a prize winning combination of 22,
22, 22. It is not necessary to have one port for each prize level, combinations of
parts can be used. Depending on the number of ports set aside for prize determination
the number of bonding combination that can be used runs into the hundreds, for example
7 ports will allow for 128 different unique combination, 8 ports 256, etc. A device
can include more than one winning combination if a plurality of plays have been programmed
into the device.
[0028] Once the chip is in placed on the PCB and bonded to the required tracks the PCB (and
tracks) are set in resin.
[0029] Alternatively the tracks of the PCB and parts/pins of the chip can be arranged, for
example in a circular arrangement, so that relative rotation of the chip and PCB results
in the ports determining prize level being bonded to different tracks appropriate
for a given prize level.
[0030] Referring to Figures 2 and 3 a rectangular gamecard device of the present invention.
[0031] The device takes the form of a game card formed of front 20 and rear 22 halves between
which the electronic components [PCB, LCD, Chip, and Battery] are sandwiched to have
an approximate thickness of 3mm and a surface area similar to a credit card.
[0032] The PCB and/or chip can also be bonded to either or both halves so that attempts
to separate the two halves will destroy the chip and/or PCB.
[0033] The gamecard device includes a play-push button 24, an On button 26.
[0034] Display windows 28 are spaced along the length of the device. Alternatively a single
display window capable of displaying a plurality of characters can be provided. Typically
the display windows 28 will be a LCD type display and display characters generated
during game play.
[0035] Different play mechanics can be used in the device shown, in this example the figures
in each of the windows have to match each other to produce a winning combination e.g.
77, in each of the three windows. Alternatively the game can be designed to replicate
a number of different play styles, such as:
- Key number match - whereby the player has to match the number produced on the device
to an external number placed for example on a website
- Beat the score - the windows are divided into 2 play areas, the players and the computer.
The players score has to be higher than the computers to win
- Find and win - the windows are divided into a several of sections and the player has
to decide which of the windows as symbol will appear
[0036] A battery activation tab 12 is also shown which is pulled out to allow contact to
be made with an internal battery to activate the device.
[0037] To play game, the player first removed the battery tag 12. The windows 28 display
the number of play on the device in this example PLAY 25. The player then presses
the play button 26 and the characters in the windows 28 appear to spin. The characters
come to rest in the first window then after a small delay characters appear in the
second and third windows. One of two outcomes will occur;
- 1. The characters in the windows 28 do not match one another. In this case the player
has not won. After approx. 2 seconds the windows 28 will display the number of plays
left e.g. PLAY 24, PLAY 23.... The player then presses the play button 24 again for
another set of charcters
- 2. All three characters match resulting in the player winning. The prize will be decided
upon by the promoter at the time of promotion. Depending on which characters match
will determine the prize level, for example match 77 77 77 means the player has won
$10 whereas match 55 55 55 means the player has won a t-shirt. At this point in the
windows 28, the characters flash for a couple of seconds and then the word WIN appear
in the windows, followed by a security code relating to the prize level won for a
further couple of seconds. The window will then revert back to displaying the winning
characters, followed by the word WIN and security code. It will repeat the cycle for
20seconds upon which it will turn itself off. Pressing the On button 26 will re power
the device and the windows will revert back to displaying the above sequence.
[0038] If at any point none of the buttons 24 or 26 are pressed for 20 seconds then the
device will turn itself of to save on the life of the battery. Pressing the On button
26 will re-power the unit and it will return to the same status immediately prier
to tuning it self off.
[0039] The prize amount, numbers of winners of each different prize and the distribution
of devices is determined by the promoter and prizes are distributed according their
game rules and procedures and whatever local legalisation needs to be complied with.
1. An electronic device comprising a case containing:
a printed circuit board (8) having a plurality of tracks (6);
a microprocessor chip (2) programmable with software, the microprocessor chip having
a plurality of ports (4) set aside for connection of none or one of more of the set
aside ports on the chip to at least one of the plurality of tracks on the printed
circuit board in a configuration;
a power source arranged to power the microprocessor chip;
switching means (12, 26) for switching power from the power source to the microprocessor
chip; and
at least one display window (28), each of the at least one display windows being arranged
to display successively a respective plurality of characters output from the microprocessor
chip ending in the at least one respective final character to be displayed;
wherein the configuration in which the none or one or more of the plurality of ports
is or are connected to the tracks of the printed circuit board determines the at least
one final character to be displayed.
2. An electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microprocessor chip (2) is
programmable with an internal security code and is arranged so that a display of a
particular final character causes generation of a security code for display.
3. An electronic device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the configuration of the bonding
of the chip (2) to the printed circuit board (8) determines the security code.
4. An electronic device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising
a random number generator arranged to control a sequence of characters displayed before
ending on the final character.
5. An electronic device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising
a timer or countdown mechanism arranged to determine a number of times the device
can be used over a predetermined time period.
6. An electronic device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the timer or countdown mechanism
is arranged to allow activation of the device on a predetermined day and to permit
use for a predetermined number of times on that day.
7. An electronic device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the switching
means comprises a tab (12) that on removal from a battery activates the device.
8. An electronic device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the tab (12) incorporates a holographic
seal or other security feature arranged to indicate whether the tab has been tampered
with.
9. An electronic device as claimed in any of the preceding claims including security
measures to make apparent attempts to tamper with the device or to determine, before
the device is activated, a final character to be displayed.
10. An electronic device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the security measures include
one of a temperature sensitive indicator and lacquer or ink to indicate tampering
by bending or distorting the device.
11. An electronic device as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the microprocessor
chip bonded to the printed circuit board tracks is set in resin.
12. An electronic device as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the ports (4)
are arranged on the microprocessor chip (2) and connections are arranged on the printed
circuit board (8) in a circular fashion such that rotation of the microprocessor chip
with respect to the printed circuit board determines the configuration in which the
microprocessor chip is bonded to the printed circuit board connections.
13. An electronic game card as claimed in any of the preceding claims further including
a push button (24) to activate and de-activate the device.