US3152805A

US3152805A - Electrically operated matrix game

Info

Publication number: US3152805A
Application number: US262434A
Authority: US
Inventors: Laurence C Mcginn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1963-03-04
Filing date: 1963-03-04
Publication date: 1964-10-13
Anticipated expiration: 1981-10-13

Description

Oct. 13, 1964 c. McGlNN 3,152,805

ELECTRICALLY OPERATED MATRIX GAME Filed March 4, 1963 I) 1111111 I I I l IEELH IlEL 2 51. 2 2: 1! 74 g M m w Illll W 3 3 6 I NlllHiliiiillllllll amu 1 'i' 4 6/ lllill 'flllllilli INVENTOR ZAU/PE 'VCE C. McG/A/A ORNEYS United States Patent ice 3,152,805 ELECTRICALLY OPERATED MATRIX GAME Laurence C. McGinn, 2609 Orchard Drive, Broomall, Pa. Filed Mar. 4, 1963, Ser. No. 262,434 2 Claims. (Cl. 273--130) This invention relates to games and more particularly to a game involving the mathematical theory of games.

A purpose of the invention is to provide a game using the mathematical theory of games which can be played in an interesting, enjoyable, and entertaining manner.

A further purpose is to simultaneously and spectacularly present the combined result of the players choices in a game involving horizontal rows and vertical columns.

A further purpose is to utilize an electrical circuit including switches and lights for row and column indicators.

A further purpose of the game is to eliminate the need for separate numbered markers to form a matrix.

A further purpose is to eliminate separate indicators for selecting individual values on a board.

A further purpose is to provide a game which indicates electrically and visually individual selections.

A further purpose is to use one of a prearranged set of matrixes.

A further purpose is to present a game which can be played rapidly.

A further purpose is to provide a game in which a desired handicap may be imposed on either player.

A further purpose is to use a preestablished set of payoif matrixes having any predetermined mathematical bias.

A further purpose is to enable the players to easily and accurately score.

A further purpose is to use a plurality of preestablished numerical arrays so that the players do not determine the game pattern initially.

A further purpose is to provide a game which can be played on other than a horizontal surface.

A further purpose is to provide matrixes with little or no mathematical bias, thus emphasizing the element of chance.

A purpose of the invention is to provide an electrical circuit to visually indicate an individual value on a prearranged matrix.

A further purpose is to enable a player to choose a row or column respectively without revealing his choice to an opposing player. 7

A further purpose is to simultaneously present the choice of each of two opposing players in a matrix which is comprised of a grid of horizontal rows and vertical columns of absolute values.

A further purpose is to light up the result of the individual selections of opposing players.

Further purposes appear in the drawings and in the claims.

In the drawings I have chosen to illustrate a few only of the numerous embodiments in which my invention may appear, selecting the forms shown from the standpoints of convenience in illustration, satisfactory operation and clear demonstration of the principles involved.

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the game of the invention with a matrix partially broken away.

FIGURE 2 is a section taken on the line 2-2 of FIG- URE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a plan view of a matrix of the invention.

3,1523% Patented Get. 13, 1964 FIGURE 4 is a plan view of a plurality of representative alternative matrixes of the invention.

FIGURE 5 is a schematic wiring diagram of the device of the invention.

Describing in illustration but not in limitation and referring to the drawings:

The present invention uses the so-called theory of games involving mathematical probabilities. Broadly speaking, the game consists of an arrangement of numbers in rows and columns in the form of a rectangle, and means for selecting rows or columns.

King US. Patent 2,791,430 shows one embodiment of such a game employing numbered markers placed on the board by the players and indicators in the form of spinners for selecting the rows and columns. Preston 2,953,379 uses sliders on the edge of the board to indicate rows and columns.

In these prior art embodiments, as well as others, the matrix must be created for each game by the use of separate numbered markers which are in one form or another placed on the board. When a player does not properly set up his matrix, he is at a distinct disadvantage during the remainder of the game. This often occurs where there is a disparity in the mathematical background of the players and the game loses much of its interest. This prerequisite of similar mathematical backgrounds has impeded popular acceptance of the game.

A further disadvantage of the prior art embodiments has been the method of selecting squares. Where selectors separated from the board have been used, the players must compare selections, and then go to the board to find the value of their combined choice. This is tedious and time consuming, and causes the play to be slow moving. Where the selectors have been placed right on the board, the first player to make his choice reveals it to the other player, so the game cannot be conducted in the ideal manner where the choices of columns and rows are simultaneously compared.

The present invention eliminates the need for the players to form a matrix and allows the players to select their combined choice in an exciting, rapid, and damatic manner. However, the present game preserves the mathematical probability element by utilizing a set of prearranged matrixes, each of which selectively weights the arrangement in favor of one player or the other, or which balances the chances. Neither of the players has any knowledge of the choice of the other player so that the selection appears instantaneously to both players. A series of selections are thus made until one of the players achieves a prearranged number of points which constitutes the winner.

The arrangement of an individual matrix is prearranged, but a set is supplied with the game so that a handicap on one player can be created where desired. The matrixes can be of a perfectly neutral type of arrangement wherein the rows and columns all balance out and do not offer any advantages or handicaps to either person. On the other hand, one of the matrixes could be Weighted in favor of one of the players. These matrixes could be prepared from an infinite number of arrangements and these arrangements all possess certain advantages to each player in playing the game a certain way.

Referring to the drawings, we see a housing 20 suitably rectangular having a top 21, ends 22, sides 23 and a bottom 24. A rectangular cavity 25 at the top, prefs3 erably square in form, extends to a suitable depth to receive lamps and sockets as later explained.

The cavity 25 is divided by means of partitions 26 into rectangular spaces 27. The spaces 27 form a grid of rows and columns transversely disposed to one another.

Bottom 28 of the cavity 25 has mounted thereon one in each of the spaces 27 a lamp socket 31 and a lamp 32. The sockets are wired to a source of current as shown in FIGURE and as later explained.

The cavity 25 is covered by a transparent matrix 33 which is subdivided into

vertical columns

34, 35 and 36 and into

horizontal rows

37, 38 and 40 by suitable division lines 41. The rows and columns of the matrix form a coordinate grid of squares which match the spaces 27, the lines 41 lying directly over the partitions 26.

Each of the squares of the matrix have absolute numerical values which are arranged in a prescribed and predetermined pattern. Indicators 42 which in one instance can be arrows 43 are placed in each of the spaces to indicate which of the players is to receive the absolute value of that particular space.

In the wiring arrangement as shown in FIGURE 5, a source of current 5t such as a battery having leads 51 and 52 is connected through a series of

switches

53, 54 and 55 controlling the horizontal rows and a series of switches 56, 57 and 58 controlling the vertical columns.

The lead 51 connects through normally open switch 55 through lead 51' to one terminal of lamps 6h, 61 and 62 respectively in row 40.

Lead 51 also connects through normally open switch 54 through lead 51 to one terminal respectively of lamps 63, 64 and 65 of horizontal row 38. Lead 51 also connects through normally open switch 5.3 through lead 51 to one terminal respectively of lamps 66, 67 and 68 of horizontal row 37.

Lead 52 connects through normally open switch 58 through leads 52' to one terminal respectively of lamps 62, 65 and 68 of vertical column 36. Lead 52 also connects, through normally open switch 57 through lead 52 to one terminal respectively of lamps 61, 64 and 67 of vertical column 35. Lead 52 also connects through normally open switch 56 through lead 52 to one terminal respectively of lamps 6t 63 and 66 of vertical column 34. Although the switches described are preferably toggle switches, they may be of any desirable or suitable form such as push button switches or the like.

The matrixes 33 are predetermined so that any balance can be secured between players. For instance, considering the matrix shown in FIGURE 3, the horizontal row 37 has a first value 1 which would go to the player controlling at position 30 in the embodiment shown. The value 3 would go to the player controlling the horizontal rows at position 29 and the third value 2 would go to the player at position 30. Hence, it will be seen that in this particular row each of the players would have a total of 3, but the player at position 30 would have two chances, whereas the player at position 29 would have one chance.

Alternative arrangements of matrixes are shown in FIGURE 4 where for

instance matrixes

71, 72 and 73 are shown. Here the player who scores the absolute value of the particular block is indicated by a shading arrangement where for instance a vertical shading or color on a block 74 could indicate that the value of that block is to go to the player having control of the vertical columns at position 30 and a lack of shading or different color 75 would go to the player having control of the horizontal rows at position 2Q. The particular arrangements of values are infinite in number and the matrixes shown are merely representative. Here, for instance, in horizontal row 37 of matrix 70, player 30 would have a total absolute value of 1, whereas the player at position 29 would have a total of 5 and two out of three chances of scoring.

In operation, one player would operate the buttons or switches at 29 and a second player would operate the buttons or switches at 30. Both players would close one of the switches to partially complete a circuit through one of the rows or columns which he controls. Each player would close one of the switches without indicating his choice, as for instance covering the hand activating the switches by the remaining hand, or by placing a suitable cover, not shown, over the switches. The switches could also, for instance, be placed on the ends 24-, so that the switches are not visible to the opposing player.

For instance, if the player at position 30 controlling the vertical columns closes switch 57 vertical column 35 would be partially energized. However, the lights in column 67 would not go on and player 29 would have no indication of palyer Stls actions. Player 29 would then selectively energize one of his switches, for instance switch 54. This would partially energize horizontal row 33. At the intersection of partially energized vertical column 35 and partially energized horizontal row 38 lamp 64 would be completely energized and would glow visibly illuminating the corresponding matrix square which for instance in the matrix of FIGURE 3 would be the number 2 which would be scored to the player 30 as shown by the arrow. If, on the other hand, matrix were being used, the value 1 would be illuminated and by the color or lack of shading the value would be scored for the player 29.

It will be seen that it is immaterial as to which of the players first partially energizes a row or column since the opposing player has no means of ascertaining what has been selected. The first indication of the individual selections will be at the time one of the blocks or squares of the matrix is illuminated and at this point a score is made.

After a combined choice has been made and a value determined, each player reopens all the switches under his control and proceeds with another selection. A tally is kept of the scores made by each player, and when a player reaches a predetermined number, he is determined the winner.

It will be seen that the game shown and described will be capable of being played quickly so that interest can be constantly maintained between the parties playing. Furthermore, there are no parts which can get lost such as markers or spinners which are used with a plain surface board. Furthermore, the game provides a fascinating interest to two parties since psychologically a party will attempt to anticipate what the opposing party has in mind. For instance, the opposing party may consistently select the same vertical row or column for a great number of times and then arbitrarily change to a different row or column. On the other hand, one of the parties may constantly change so that an infinite and neverending experiences are achieved throughout a game.

In view of my invention and disclosure, variations and modifications to meet individual whim or particular need will doubtless become evident to others skilled in the art, to obtain all or part of the benefits of my invention without copying the structure shown, and I, therefore, claim all such insofar as they fall within the reasonable spirit and scope of my claims.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A game apparatus comprising (a) a matrix having a plurality of spaces formed by horizontal rows and vertical columns,

(1)) numbers within the spaces,

(0) indications within the spaces for separating the numbers into two categories,

(d) a plurality of electric lamps arranged adjacent to the matrix in horizontal rows and vertical columns to correspond to the horizontal rows and vertical columns of the matrix,

(e) switch means whereby each of two players can select and condition all of the electric lamps in a horizontal row and a vertical column respectively, References Cited in the file of this patent and (1) electrical means for combining the respective con- UNITED STATES PATENTS ditioned column and row selections of each of the 2,282,164 Buswen y 5, 1942 players by energizing same to illuminate one of the 5 2,953,379 Preston. P 20, 1960 electric lamps whereby one of the spaces in the 2,994,531 Ebel'weln g- 1, 1961 matrix is designated. FOREIGN PATENTS 2. A game of claim 1, in combination with a plurality of interchangeable matrixes, each of said matrixes having a difierent arrangement of numbers within the spaces. 1

328,749 Great Britain May 8, 1930

Claims

1. A GAME APPARATUS COMPRISING (A) A MATRIX HAVING A PLURALITY OF SPACES FORMED BY HORIZONTAL ROWS AND VERTICAL COLUMNS, (B) NUMBERS WITHIN THE SPACES, (C) INDICATIONS WITHIN THE SPACES FOR SEPARATING THE NUMBERS INTO TWO CATEGORIES, (D) A PLURALITY OF ELECTRIC LAMPS ARRANGED ADJACENT TO THE MATRIX IN HORIZONTAL ROWS AND VERTICAL COLUMNS TO CORRESPOND TO THE HORIZONTAL ROWS AND VERTICAL COLUMNS OF THE MATRIX, (E) SWITCH MEANS WHEREBY EACH OF TWO PLAYERS CAN SELECT AND CONDITION ALL OF THE ELECTRIC LAMPS IN A HORIZONTAL ROW AND A VERTICAL COLUMN RESPECTIVELY, AND (F) ELECTRICAL MEANS FOR COMBINING THE RESPECTIVE CONDITIONED COLUMN AND ROW SELECTIONS OF EACH OF THE PLAYERS BY ENERGIZING SAME TO ILLUMINATE ONE OF THE ELECTRIC LAMPS WHEREBY ONE OF THE SPACES IN THE MATRIX IS DESIGNATED.