Electronic word game

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for an improved automated version of a word game that incorporates game play methodology into a central controller and communicates game play information to the players through a game console that provides each player with an input pod for communication with the microprocessor. The microprocessor incorporates features including a timer, scoring system, random letter generator and a random element generator so as to increase ease of use and speed up game play. The microprocessor communicates information to the players through a variety of lights that are selectively illuminated as well as a self-contained speaker for communicating audible information to the players.

1 . An electronic game console comprising: 
 a console body having an inner display portion and an outer perimeter portion, the inner display portion having a plurality of illuminating display elements and the outer perimeter portion having a plurality of communication pods; and    a controller operatively connected to the plurality of illuminating display elements and the plurality of communication pods;    wherein the controller includes a game play algorithm and a random element generator such that the controller controls a play mode for the electronic game console and directs the plurality of illuminating display elements to selectively illuminate based on the play mode; and    wherein the communication pods provide a player input to the controller such that the controller can identify a successful player.    
   
   
       2 . The electronic game console of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of communication pods comprise a plurality of illuminating communication pods and wherein the illuminating communication pods are illuminated based upon successful actuation by a player or at the direction of the controller.  
   
   
       3 . The electronic game console of  claim 1 , wherein the controller further comprises a power switch to provide power to the controller when the power switch is in an on position.  
   
   
       4 . The electronic game console of  claim 1 , wherein the controller further comprises a level switch to provide a difficulty input to the controller such that the game play algorithm adjusts a difficulty level of the play mode based on the position of the level switch.  
   
   
       5 . The electronic game console of  claim 1 , wherein each communication pod comprises an illuminating pushbutton operatively connected to the controller for providing the player input.  
   
   
       6 . The electronic game console of  claim 1 , wherein the illuminating display elements comprise a central light that is selectively illuminated by the controller at a start of game play.  
   
   
       7 . The electronic game console of  claim 6 , wherein the illuminating display elements comprise a plurality of illuminated mode displays positioned radially about the central light, each illuminated mode display being selectively illuminated by the controller when a corresponding play mode occurs during the game play algorithm.  
   
   
       8 . The electronic game console of  claim 7 , wherein the play modes are selected from the group comprising: a standard mode, a syllable mode, a point doubler mode, a mid-point mode, a reverse mode, a challenge mode and an exclusionary mode.  
   
   
       9 . The electronic game console of  claim 7 , wherein the illuminating display elements further comprise a boundary light surrounding the plurality of illuminated mode displays, the boundary light being selectively illuminated by the controller during a play portion of the game play algorithm.  
   
   
       10 . The electronic game console of  claim 1 , wherein the controller comprises a microprocessor.  
   
   
       11 . The electronic game console of  claim 10 , wherein the controller further comprises a power source having a battery source or a power cord operatively connected to a power outlet.  
   
   
       12 . The electronic game console of  claim 1 , wherein the random element generator randomly generates a word length, a selected letter and the play mode.  
   
   
       13 . A method for playing an electronic word game comprising: 
 generating a game play mode using a random element generator within a controller, the game play mode determining characteristics of a successful answer;    interfacing with the controller by pressing a player specific pushbutton to indicate when a player has satisfied the characteristic of a successful answer,    recording a score for the successful answer, the score being dependent upon the game play mode selected by the controller;    tracking individual scores for each player with the controller; and    identifying a game winner with the controller when a player achieves a score equal to or greater than a winning score.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the game play mode is selected from the group comprising: a standard mode, a syllable mode, a point doubler mode, a mid-point mode, a reverse mode, a challenge mode and an exclusionary mode.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein identifying the winner comprises audibly identifying the winner using a speaker operatively connected to the controller.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising: 
 selecting a difficulty level of the game play mode prior to beginning game play.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the controller for generating the game play mode comprises a microprocessor.  
   
   
       18 . The method of claim of  claim 13 , wherein the random element generator randomly generates a word length, a selected letter and the game play mode.  
   
   
       19 . An electronic game console comprising: 
 means for randomly generating a game play mode with a controller;    means for interfacing with the controller to indicate when a player has satisfied the characteristic of a successful answer,    means for recording a score for the successful answer, the score being dependent upon the game play mode generated by the controller; and    means for tracking individual scores for each player.    
   
   
       20 . The electronic game console of  claim 19 , further comprising: 
 a means for identifying a game winner when a player achieves a score equal to or greater than a winning score.    
   
   
       21 . An electronic game console comprising: 
 a console body having a display portion, a speaker and an outer perimeter portion, the inner display portion having a display element and the outer perimeter portion having a plurality of communication pods; and    a controller operatively connected to the display portion, the speaker and the plurality of communication pods;    wherein the controller includes a random element generator for selecting a letter, a number and a play mode for a game play round, the letter, number and play mode being communicated though the inner display portion; and    wherein the communication pods provide a player input to the controller such that the controller can identify a successful player for the game play round.    
   
   
       22 . The electronic game console of  claim 21 , wherein the display element comprises an illuminated display light, a liquid crystal display and combinations thereof.