(19)
(11) EP 0 615 775 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
22.11.1995 Bulletin 1995/47

(43) Date of publication A2:
21.09.1994 Bulletin 1994/38

(21) Application number: 94301877.0

(22) Date of filing: 16.03.1994
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)5: A63F 1/00, A63F 9/04
(84) Designated Contracting States:
BE DE ES FR GB NL SE

(30) Priority: 16.03.1993 GB 9305341

(71) Applicant: MAYGAY MACHINES LIMITED
Wolverhampton West Midlands WV10 8AW (GB)

(72) Inventors:
  • Claypole, Alan
    Micleover, Derby DE3 5YE (GB)
  • Carter, Brian
    Knipersley, Stoke-on-Trent ST8 6SA (GB)
  • Twist, Anthony
    Stourbridge, West Midlands DY9 8XN (GB)

(74) Representative: Stoner, Gerard Patrick et al
MEWBURN ELLIS York House 23 Kingsway
London WC2B 6HP
London WC2B 6HP (GB)


(56) References cited: : 
   
       


    (54) Game devices and machines


    (57) Game apparatus has a transparent enclosure (1) containing a die (2) having distinct faces (21). The die can be thrown in the enclosure to tumble freely and fall on any one of its faces (21). The floor of the enclosure has a sensing surface (31) having radiation emitters/sensors (A-E) aligned with possible locations of distinguishing spots of the die faces. By reading the die face which lands against the sensing surface (31), the orientation of the die (2) and in particular the value of its displayed upper surface can be identified and displayed electronically. Also disclosed is the use of sloping guide plates (50) to guide the die (2) down into alignment with the sensing surface. Such guides may be used also with other forms of face identification, using e.g. capacitive or inductive face identification.






    Search report