WO1997034671A1

WO1997034671A1 - A game

Info

Publication number: WO1997034671A1
Application number: PCT/NZ1997/000032
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony Neyland; Martin Neyland
Original assignee: Anthony Neyland; Martin Neyland
Priority date: 1996-03-18
Filing date: 1997-03-18
Publication date: 1997-09-25
Also published as: AU2181997A

Abstract

Several embodiments of a guessing game are disclosed. In one embodiment, a card with a picture on it is randomly selected from several such cards. The picture is concealed in such a way that it can be uncovered a portion at a time by doors (6a to 6f). Players of the game take turns at guessing the identity of the picture as each portion is uncovered. Successful guesses are rewarded with points related to the amount of picture uncovered at the time of guessing. Clues may be given. Players may move tokens around a numbered path on a board according to the number of points they get. Other embodiments use different media items in place of, or as well as, the cards such as sound tracks, computer images, video segments.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a game. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a game wherein players guess the identity of a media item. The term "media item" as used throughout this specification, and in the claims and abstract, includes within its scope an image or series of images, whether still or moving, an animation, a sound, segment of sound track, or portion of a video.

Many games include or comprise answering a series of questions, the questions being from a clearly defined category. A well known game of this general type is TRIVIAL PURSUIT™. A disadvantage of such games is that to win a player must have a significant general knowledge, or a considerable knowledge of a particular field.

Other known games include those where an image is partially obscured, and the players are required simply to guess the identity of the image. Such games are rather limited, in that the proportion of the image which is visible does not change as the game progresses, or as players make their guess.

It is an object of the invention to provide a game which overcomes the limitations or disadvantages noted above, or at least which provides the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first broad aspect of the invention there is provided a method of playing a game, the method comprising the steps of:

(i) gathering together one or more players; ret ev ng a me a tem om a data base of media items n a manner whereby said one or more players are unable to determine the identity of the media item retrieved;

(iii) selecting a said player;

(iv) revealing a section of the media item to the selected player;

(v) allowing the selected player to endeavour to guess the identity of the media item;

(vi) if the identity of the media item is not guessed then repeat step (iii), reveal an additional section of the media item, and allow the newly selected player to endeavour to guess the identity of the media item;

(vii) repeat step (vi) until a said player has guessed the identity of the media item, until the media item is fully revealed and the one or more players have had a pre-determined number of opportunities to guess the media item's identity, or until a predetermined time period has elapsed;

(viii) if a said player guesses the identity of the media item a pre¬ determined number of points are allocated to that player, said pre¬ determined number of points being proportional to the number of sections of the media item which were revealed at the stage at which the identity of the media item was guessed.

The term "player" as used throughout this specification, and in the claims and abstract, is intended to refer to both an individual or a team. n a vantage o e presen nvent on over e pr or ar s e of successfully identifying the media item increases as the game continues, and thus there is an improvement in player satisfaction, and more difficult to identify media items can be included in the database.

Preferably the method of playing a game includes repeating step (i) to (viii) until a pre-determined time period has elapsed, or until a first said player has been allocated a total number of points corresponding to or exceeding the number of points set at the outset of the game as being necessary to win.

Desirably the number of points allocated to the player guessing the identity of the media item is inversely proportional to the number of sections of the media item which have been revealed at the time the identity of the media item was guessed.

Conveniently the method may include provision of a clue as each section of the media item is revealed. The clue may be in the form of written information, a sound, or a still or moving visual image.

Conveniently, each media item retrieved is randomly selected from the data base of media items.

Desirably the media item database contains more than one type of media item. "Type" in this context it is intended to refer to the nature of the media item, be it an image, series of images, still or moving, an animation, a sound, a segment of a sound track, or a video.

Preferably each said player in turn is selected as step (iii) is repeated, with a previously selected said player only being selected again once all of the other said players have had a turn. esira y eac me a tem n t e ata ase re ates to a part cu ar su ect matter category. Optionally a said player may select the subject matter category from which a said media item is randomly retrieved in accordance with step (ii).

Preferably where the media item is of a type which may be visually displayed, the display of the said media item is divided into a plurality of segments, such that one or more segments comprise each section to be revealed. Advantageously each section may comprise a plurality of segments distributed uniformly throughout the total number of segments making up the display.

Optionally the game may include a game board, and the method of playing the game includes advancing around the game board from a starting point to a finishing point, advancement being achieved with the allocation of points according to step (viii).

In a second broad aspect of the invention the method of the first broad aspect is embodied in an algorithm.

In a third broad aspect of the invention there is provided a medium carrying a computer programme embodying the algorithm of the second broad aspect to instruct the carrying out of the steps according to the first broad aspect of the invention.

Preferably the medium is a compact disc or digital video disc carrying information as read only memory.

According to a fourth broad aspect of the invention there is provided an image displaying device for use in carrying out the method of the first broad aspect, the device comprising a base portion for mounting an image, and an image concealer to concea t e mage, the image concea er e ng sect one , each section of the image concealer being movable to reveal a portion of the image.

Preferably each section of the image concealer is pivotally attached to the base portion thereby allowing each section to pivot to reveal a pre¬ determined portion of the image.

In a fifth broad aspect of the invention there is provided a method of playing a game using the device of the fourth broad aspect in connection with the method of the first broad aspect, the method of this aspect comprising the steps of:

(a) mounting an image not known to players on the base portion of the image displaying device, and placing the image concealer over the image to conceal its identity, each section being identified by equivalent identification means on a section selection means;

(b) randomly selecting a section using the section means, and when selected, allowing a said player to cause the selected section to be moved to reveal a portion of the image;

(c) allowing the said player to attempt to guess the image to score points;

(d) repeating steps (b) and (c) until a said player guesses the image or until all sections of the image are revealed and all turns are taken;

(e) awarding points cumulatively to the score of the said player making the correct guess; and (f) repeating steps (a) - (e) until a said player satisfies the criteria agreed to by the players.

Preferably the player who guesses the image is entitled to attempt to answer a question on a topic related to the image, and if answered correctly, to secure additional points.

As an additional feature relevant to all aspects of the invention, once the media item has been identified some related information may be provided to add an educational aspect to the game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure ^■ : Shows an image on a card according to preferred aspect of the invention;

Figure 2: shows the reverse side of the card of figure 1;

Figure 3 : shows a perspective view of an image displaying device in which the card of figure 1 is mounted;

Figure 4: shows a plan view of an image displaying device according to figure 3;

Figure 5: shows a plan view of the image displaying device of figure 3 with the sections of the image concealer open to reveal the image; gure 6: s ows t e ottom v ew o t e mage sp ay ev ce o igure

3 through which the reverse side of the card of figure 1 may be viewed;

Figure 7: shows a section selection device according to a preferred aspect of the invention;

Figure 8: Shows a game board layout according to a preferred aspect of the invention; and

Figure 9: shows an algorithm according to a preferred aspect of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to figure 1, an image 1 to be guessed according to the rules of the game and as agreed between the players in the game, is displayed on a card 2 according to a preferred aspect of the invention. The reverse side of the card 2 with the solution or the identity of the image 1 on the card 2 and other information is illustrated particularly in figure 2.

T e image 1 which is displayed on one side of the card 2, which is optionally hexagonal, covers the card 2 such that sections of the image 1 spread substantially over its whole surface area. A clue 3 eluding to the identity of the image 1 is optionally included in at lease one section of the image 1. The shape of the card 2 corresponds with the image display device 5 as illustrated in figures 3-6.

Referring again to figure 2, the reverse side 4 of the card 2 is provided with a bonus question and answer, and displays the identity or solution of the image 1. The bonus question is offered for an extra point, if answered correctly, when a player successfully identifies the image 1, and maybe directed to a more obscure or esoteric question relating to the image 1. Optionally, there may be provided a brief biography or background information relevant to the subject of the image 1. thereby injecting an educational aspect to the game.

The game includes a set of different images on different cards, each card being categorised by subject matter, or by some other mechanism.

Referring specifically to figures 3 - 6, an image display device or card holder

5 according to one preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.

Figure 3 illustrates in perspective view a hexagonal card holder 5. The cardholder 5 preferably incoφorates six equal sized sections 6(a), 6(b), 6(c), 6(d), 6(e), 6(f) each of which conceals a section of the image 1 when the card 2 is mounted in the card holder 5 and the sections 6(a) - 6(f) are closed.

The sections 6(a)-6(f) are preferably pivotally attached to the base 7 of the card holder 5 by way of pivot points 8. Each section 6(a) - 6(f) is provided with a handle 9 to assist with opening, or pivoting, about the corresponding pivot 8.

As shown in figure 5, to mount a card 2 in the cardholder 5 the sections 6(a)-6(f) are pivoted about the edge of the base 7 and opened to allow a card 2 be placed or mounted against it. The sections 6(a)-6(f) are then closed to conceal the image 1 on the card 2, as shown in figure 4.

It will be appreciated that other forms of image concealing devices may be used such as, for example, a magnetised base plate to which an image on some media is magnetically attracted, onto which magnetised image concea er sect ons are p ace or su sequent remova as approp ate u ng the game.

Further, where the game is played by way of a computer programme or the like the card holder 5 and the card 2 may be "virtual". That is they may be computer generated as an image on a video display unit. Similarly, when the game is played in the format of, for example, a television game show, the card holder 5 may be in the form of an enlarged video display or the like. Clearly where the media item is in the form of a sound, or segment of a sound track, a card holder of the type described above is unnecessary.

Instead the card holder takes the form of an audio player.

The card holder 5 and sections 6(a)-6(f) may be shaped as a hexagon, squares, rectangles, strips, or indeed almost any other variant. As an alternative progressive focusing of the image may be used to reveal the image.

Referring now to figure 7, a section selection device, for example, a dice 10, according to one preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. Each side of the dice 10 relates to and is identified with a corresponding section

6(a)-6(f) of the image concealer of the card holder 5. Each section 6(a)-6(f) and corresponding side of the dice 10 can be identified by way of colour, although it will be appreciated that such identification may alternatively be by way of number, letter or the like.

It will also be appreciated that the precise nature of the section selection dev, ^;s not essential, and may take the form of a roulette type wheel, electronic random selection device, or the like.

Referring to figure 8, a board 1 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. Each player or team of players, is allocated a counter or mar er an commences a game at the start box on the board 1 1. The board 1 1 is made up of a track of for example fifty one steps which represent the number of points required for a player, or team of players to accumulate to win the game.

Scoring in the game is achieved by way of a player or team correctly guessing the image in play and being awarded points in inverse proportion to the number of sections of the image revealed at the time the image is guessed.

In operation the game commences with a person inserting a card 2 into of the image holder 5 without the remaining players or team of players seeing the image 1 illustrated on it. The sections 6(a)-6(f) are then pivoted shut to conceal the identity of the image 1. The first player to have a chance at guessing the identity of the image 1 is selected. That player then selects a section 6(a)-6(f) using the section selection device 10. The sections 6(a)-6(f) selected is then opened to reveal a portion of the image 1. There may also fee -a crae on that portion revealed which may assist the player with identifying the image 1. If the player, or team of players, correctly guesses the image points are awarded to them. The player, or team of players, is next given the opportunity to answer a bonus question which appears on the reverse side 4 of the card 2 which if correctly answered, attracts additional points. The player, or team of players, then moves their counter or marker along the board 11 in an amount corresponding to the points awarded.

If the player, or team of players, incorrectly guesses the identity of the image 1 , their turn ends, and the round continues with the next player in sequence having the opportunity to randomly select a section 6(a)-6(f) using the section selection device 10. Once another section 6(a)-6(f) is selected, that player or team has the opportunity to guess the identity of the image 1. t e mage s not ent ie correct y once a o t e por ons o e mage

I have been revealed each player, or team of players, is allowed one final guess, preferably starting from the player or team to the left of the player or team who incorrectly guessed the identity of the image when the last section was removed.

The game is preferably won when a player or team of players reaches a pre¬ determined number of points, for example fifty one as shown on the board

I I in figure 8.

Figure 9 illustrates a flow chart of an algorithm according to an aspect of the invention. The processing steps of the algorithm may be employed in a computer software programme to allow a computer to perform the processing steps to run a game according to the invention.

The processing steps are established to perform the tasks of:

(a) retrieving a media item at random from a data base of media items images;

(b) allowing a player to select and display or hear, if appropriate, a section of the media item concealed;

(c) allowing the player to endeavour to guess the identity of the media item;

(d) if the identity of the media item is not guessed, to repeat steps (b) and (c) until a player guesses the media item or until the media item is fully revealed and the last opportunity to guess the identity has been taken; (e) determining the number of points to be added cumulatively to the score of the player correctly identifying the media item;

(f) repeating steps (a) to (e) until the game is complete.

In a preferred form the method of the invention is adapted to a game show format to provide entertainment for an audience, the audience being live, in a television studio, or television viewers. Because of the availability of sophisticated electronic and computer controlled display equipment in such environments the television game show format is particularly suited to use of media items which are not in the form of a single image, such as, for example, moving images, sound clips, animations and the like. It is also particularly suited to different methods of revealing the media item, such as progressive focusing, display of selected proportions of the pixels of a video screen, or staggered segments of film or video. It is also particularly suited to use of media combinations, being both aural and visual in format.

Clues may be given by a game show host or may be displayed visually or given aurally by playing a sound, section of music soundtrack or the like.

In game show format rather than play the game utilising a game boards, points typically representing a monetary value, are displayed adjacent to each player or team on a counter display device.

With the completion of each round, as the media item is identified, a short news reel or information segment relating to the media item revealed in that round can be played. This provides a point of interest and an educational element to the game.

Preferably the media items relate to a range of categories, with the winner of the previous round being able to select the category for the next round. The e a , an cou n u e r , , buildings, objects, songs, speeches etc.

The forgoing description refers to preferred embodiments. It will be appreciated that the invention is not so limited, and that improvements and/or modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments described without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

A :

A method of playing a game, the method comprising the steps of:

(i) gathering together one or more players;

(ii) retrieving a media item from a data base of media items in a manner whereby said one or more players are unable to determine the identity of the media item retrieved;

(iii) selecting a said player;

(iv) revealing a section of the media item to the selected player;

(vii) repeat step (vi) until a said player has guessed the identity of the media item, until the media item is fully revealed and the one or more players have had a pre-determined number of opportunities to guess the media items identity, or until a predetermined time period has elapsed;

(viii) if a said player guesses the identity of the media item a pre- determined number of points are allocated to that player, said pre-determined number of points being proportional to the num er o sect ons o t e me a tem w c were revea e a the stage at which the identity of the media item was guessed.

A method according to claim 1 wherein the method further includes repeating step (i) to (viii) until a pre-determined time period has elapsed, or until a first said player has been allocated a total number of points corresponding to or exceeding the number of points set at the outset of the game as being necessary to win.

3 A method according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the number of points allocated to the player guessing the identity of the media item is inversely proportional to the number of sections of the media item which have been revealed at the time the identity of the media item was guessed.

4 A method according to claim 1 wherein the method further includes provision of a clue as each section of the media item is revealed.

5 A method according to claim 4 wherein the clue is in the form of written information, a sound, or a still or moving visual image.

6 A method according to claim 1 wherein each media item retrieved is randomly selected from the data base of media items.

7 A method according to claim 6 wherein the media item database contains more than one type of media item.

8 A method according to claim 1 wherein each said player in turn is selected as step (iii) is repeated, with a previously selected said player only being selected again once all of the other said players have had a turn. A method according to claim 1 wherein each media item in the data base relates to a particular subject matter category.

A method according to claim 9 wherein a said player may select the subject matter category from which a said media item is randomly retrieved in accordance with step (ii).

A method of claim 1 in which the media item is of a type which can be visually displayed, the display of the said media item being divided into a plurality of segments, such that one or more segments comprise each section to be revealed.

A method according to claim 11 wherein each section comprises a plurality of segments distributed uniformly throughout the total number of segments making up the display.

A method according to claim 1 wherein the game played by the method includes a game board, and the method of playing the game includes advancing around the game board from a starting point to a finishing point, advancement being achieved with the allocation of points according to step (viii).

An algorithm embodying the method of claim 1.

A medium carrying a computer programme embodying the algorithm of claim 14 to instruct the carrying out of the steps according to the method of claim 1.

A medium according to claim 15 in the form of a compact disc or digital video disc carrying information as read only memory. n mage sp ay ng ev ce or use n carr claim 1 , the device comprising a base portion for mounting an image, and an image concealer to conceal the image, the image concealer being sectioned, each section of the image concealer being movable to reveal a portion of the image.

An image displaying device according to claim 17 wherein each section of the image concealer is pivotally attached to the base portion thereby allowing each section to pivot to reveal a pre-determined portion of the image.

A method of playing a game using the device of claim 17 in connection with the method of claim 1 , the method of this claim aspect comprising the steps of:

(a) mounting an image not known to players on the base portion of the image displaying device, and place the image concealer over the image to conceal its identity, each section being identified by equivalent identification means on a section selection means;

(b) randomly selecting a section using the section selection means, and when selected, allowing a said player to cause the selected section to be moved to reveal a portion of the image;

(c) allowing the said player to attempt to guess the image to score points;

(d) repeating steps (b) and (c) until a said player guesses the image or until all sections of the image are revealed and all turns are taken; (e) awarding points cumulatively to the score of the said player making the correct guess; and

(f) repeating steps (a) - (e) until a said player satisfies the criteria agreed to by the players.

A method according to claim 19 wherein the player who guesses the image is entitled to attempt to answer a question on a topic related to the image, and if answered correctly, to secure additional points.

A method according to claim 1 substantially as herein described or exemplified.

An algorithm according to claim 14 substantially as herein described or exemplified.

A medium according to claim 15 substantially as herein described or exemplified.

An image displayed device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A method according to claim 19 substantially as herein described or exemplified.