Generalized electronic game tool for board and parlor games

Abstract

A generalized game device may be used as any or all of a game timing device, a game management device (e.g., scoring), and a game randomization device. Internal memory includes programming that allows user inputs of selectable parameters, such as time allowed and number of dice to be simulated. In one embodiment, the device is a “game tool” that features a display and various controls for setting the selectable parameters. The device includes an input/output arrangement to enable network connectivity with at least one peer device, so that timing operations of the peer devices are synchronized. In a second embodiment, the device is a “game tool hub” that is better suited for games requiring a “Master of Ceremonies.” Any of a number of game tools may be connected to the game tool hub, such as simple lock-in buttons and a “Master of Ceremonies” keypad.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A game timing device for use with any of a plurality of games comprising: 
 a housing;    memory having programming specific to implementing game monitoring that includes game time tracking, said programming being configured to enable variations in user selectable parameters, said memory being dedicated to said housing;    a microprocessor embedded in said housing, said microprocessor being operatively associated with said memory to execute said programming;    at least one control cooperative with said microprocessor and said programming to enable user inputs for dynamically setting said user selectable parameters; and    an input/output arrangement configured for network connectivity with at least one peer game timing device, said input/output arrangement being cooperative with said programming and said microprocessor to implement a handshaking protocol in which timing operations executed by said microprocessor are synchronized with timing operations of each said peer game timing device currently active within said network connectivity.    
     
     
         2 . The game timing device of  claim 1  further comprising a display at an exterior of said housing and cooperative with said microprocessor to visually display times indicative of said game time tracking.  
     
     
         3 . The game timing device of  claim 2  further comprising a timer within said housing, said timer being responsive to said microprocessor and being coupled to said display such that said display receives drive signals that are specific to said game time tracking.  
     
     
         4 . The game timing device of  claim 3  wherein said programming and microprocessor enable said game time tracking to include start, stop, pause and reset capabilities for count continuity in presenting game times via said display.  
     
     
         5 . The game timing device of  claim 4  wherein said at least one control includes a plurality of user-manipulable electronic members connected to enable control with respect to generating start signals, stop signals, pause signals and reset signals.  
     
     
         6 . The game timing device of  claim 5  wherein said user-manipulable electronic members are operatively associated with said microprocessor and said programming to enable input of settings for said user selectable parameters, including parameters relating to time-expiration warnings.  
     
     
         7 . The game timing device of  claim 6  further comprising at least one indicator that is time-triggered on a basis of said settings related to said time-expiration warnings.  
     
     
         8 . The game timing device of  claim 6  wherein said memory is non-volatile memory which stores said settings for said user selectable parameters in response to a command signal to store said settings.  
     
     
         9 . The game timing device of  claim 3  wherein said drive signals are generated to enable sub-second display of said times.  
     
     
         10 . The game timing device of  claim 1  wherein said input/output arrangement includes a port configured for connection to a central hub to which each said peer game timing device is responsive in a master/slave relationship.  
     
     
         11 . The game timing device of  claim 1  further comprising at least one audio indicator that is responsive to said programming and said microprocessor to provide audible time warnings.  
     
     
         12 . A game device for tracking scoring within any of a plurality of games comprising: 
 a free-standing housing;    at least one display exposed at an exterior of said housing for dynamically exhibiting player scores;    a microprocessor contained within said housing for processing data on a basis of generalized game-play programming and user inputs that are specific to participation in a particular game type; and    a plurality of input/output ports for connection to input devices that include electronic player input devices for use on a per player basis, each said electronic player input device being configured to transmit player input signals to one of said input/output ports in response to manipulations by a player, said microprocessor being accessed to sense and report at least a first received said player input signal of a plurality of competitive player input signals from said electronic player input devices;    wherein said generalized game-playing programming is repeatedly adjustable to adapt to any of a variety of game types on a basis of said user inputs and is cooperative with said microprocessor to control presentation of said player scores via said display.    
     
     
         13 . The game device of  claim 12  wherein a plurality of said input/output ports are connected to play push controls which generate and transmit said competitive player input signals.  
     
     
         14 . The game device of  claim 13  wherein one of said input/output ports is connected to a master of ceremonies input device for providing said user inputs.  
     
     
         15 . The game device of  claim 12  wherein said display is configured to present a separate current score for each of a plurality of players in which each player has a dedicated said electronic player input device.  
     
     
         16 . The game device of  claim 12  wherein said microprocessor has computational capability to dynamically calculate and update said player scores during participation in accordance with one of said game types.  
     
     
         17 . The game device of  claim 12  further comprising an audible or visible indicator on said housing to automatically indicate a reception of said player input signals.  
     
     
         18 . A game device for use with any of a plurality of games comprising: 
 a housing;    a display for presenting random multi-digit numerical values, said display being attached to said housing;    memory having programming for simulating number randomization representative of a series of dice rolls, said programming being configured to enable variations representative of user selectable parameters, said memory being contained within said housing;    a microprocessor embedded within said housing, said microprocessor being operatively associated with said memory to execute said programming and to control said display to present numerical values indicative of said simulating;    at least one control cooperative with said microprocessor and said programming to enable user inputs for dynamically setting said user selectable parameters; and    an input/output arrangement configured for network connectivity with at least one peer game device, said input/output arrangement being cooperative with said microprocessor to implement a handshaking protocol to enable game monitoring and game scoring after said network connectivity is established.    
     
     
         19 . The game device of  claim 18  wherein said user selectable parameters which may be dynamically set include number of dice to be rolled and number of sides on each die.  
     
     
         20 . The game device of  claim 19  wherein said programming implements a random number generator which executes to determine a random number within a range determined by said user selectable parameters.  
     
     
         21 . The game device of  claim 20  wherein said random number generator is responsive to manipulation of a ROLL control connected to said housing, said random number generator having an output that is influenced by duration of said manipulation of said ROLL control.  
     
     
         22 . The game device of  claim 18  wherein said programming includes a rules base for a plurality of specific dice games, wherein said monitoring and scoring is executed on the basis of said rules base when one of said specific dice games is selected for play.  
     
     
         23 . The game device of  claim 18  wherein said microprocessor is responsive to hold and re-roll functions for said multi-digit numerical values presented on said display.  
     
     
         24 . The game device of  claim 18  wherein said programming provides a timing function that can be executed without interruption by activation of a dice roll function.