System for monitoring the state of bingo grids

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for operating a bingo game. Play cells are organized into a pair of linked M×N grids, where each one of M and N is greater than two. Each one of the play cells bears one of a predetermined set of symbols. At least some of the symbols are selected by a means for randomly selecting different symbols from the set. The symbol selection designates the play cells to be daubed. A predetermined pattern spanning two grids is displayed by a means for displaying the pattern. The pattern is to be formed by combining different sub-patterns formed within each of the linked grids using the daubed play cells.

1 . A system for operating a bingo game played by daubing play cells bearing selected ones of a predetermined set of symbols, the system comprising:
 a pair of linked M×N grids of the play cells, each of M and N being strictly greater than two, each one of the play cells bearing one of the set of symbols;   means for randomly selecting different ones of the set of symbols; and   means for displaying a predetermined pattern spanning two grids, an objective of the game comprising forming the pattern using the daubed play cells belonging to any one of the pair of linked grids, wherein the daubed play cells used in forming the pattern form a different sub-pattern in each one of the pair of linked grids.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a third M×N grid of the play cells, each of the play cells bearing one of the set of symbols, the third grid being linked to the pair of linked grids, wherein the displayed pattern spans three grids, and the game objective comprises forming the pattern using the daubed play cells belonging to any one of the three linked grids. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a third M×N grid of the play cells, each one of the play cells bearing one of the symbols, the third grid being linked to the pair of linked grids, wherein the game objective comprises forming the pattern using the daubed play cells belonging to any one of two of the three linked grids. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the three linked grids are presented as aligned, the game objective comprises forming the pattern using the daubed play cells belonging to any one of two contiguous ones of the three linked grids. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  or  2 , wherein some of the play cells belonging to the linked grids bear an attribute designation, wherein the game objective comprises forming the pattern using the daubed play cells belonging to any one of the linked grids and bearing the attribute designation. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 ,  2 ,  3 , or  5 , further comprising a dauber for daubing each one of the play cells bearing one of the selected symbols, and a grid of at least three tracking cells, each one of the tracking cells for receiving a daub for each one of the daubed play cells aligned with the pattern, whereby a count of those of the daubed play cells belonging to one of the linked grids and aligned with the pattern can be readily tracked to determine whether the game objective is met. 
     
     
         7 . A system for operating a bingo game played by daubing play cells bearing selected ones of a predetermined set of symbols, the system comprising:
 a pair of linked M×N grids of the play cells, each of M and N being strictly greater than two, each one of the play cells bearing one of the set of symbols;   means for randomly selecting different ones of the set of symbols; and   means for displaying a predetermined arithmetic function to be satisfied by a first count of each one of the daubed play cells belonging to a first one of the pair of grids, and a second count of each one of the daubed play cells belonging to a second one of the pair of grids according to an objective of the game, wherein the arithmetic function is selected from a group consisting of:   the first count being a product of the second count and a multiplier, the multiplier being an integer greater than one; and   the first count being greater than the second count by a predetermined spread, the spread being greater than zero.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , further comprising a third M×N grid of the play cells, each one of the play cells bearing one of the set of symbols, the third grid being linked to the pair of grids, wherein the arithmetic function is to be satisfied by the first and second counts, as well as by a third count of those of the daubed play cells belonging to the third grid, wherein the arithmetic function is selected from a group consisting of:
 each one of the first and third counts being a product of the second count and the multiplier; and 
 the first count being greater than the second count by the predetermined spread, and the first count being greater than the second count by a second predetermined spread, the second spread being greater than zero. 
 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 7 , further comprising a third M×N grid of the play cells, each one of the play cells bearing one of the set of symbols, the third grid being linked to the pair of grids, wherein the arithmetic function is to be satisfied by any two of the two counts and a third count of each one of the daubed play cells belonging to the third grid, wherein the arithmetic function is selected from a group consisting of:
 one of the first, second, and third counts being a product of the multiplier and one of the first, second, and third counts; and 
 one of the first, second, and third counts being greater than one of the first, second, and third counts by the predetermined spread. 
 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein some of the play cells belonging to the linked grids bear an attribute designation in addition to one of the set of symbols, the first count comprises a count of each one of the daubed cells belonging to the first grid and bearing the designation, the second count comprises a count of each one of the daubed cells belonging to the second grid and bearing the designation, and the arithmetic function is to be satisfied by the first and second counts. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein some of the play cells belonging to the linked grids bear an attribute designation, the first count comprises a count of each one of the daubed cells belonging to the first grid and bearing the designation, the second count comprises a count of each one of the daubed cells belonging to the second grid and bearing the designation, the third count comprises a count of each one of the daubed cells belonging to the third grid and bearing the designation, and the arithmetic function is to be satisfied by the first, second, and third counts. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 , or  11 , further comprising a dauber for daubing each one of the play cells bearing one of the selected symbols, and a grid of at least three tracking cells for each corresponding one of the grids of play cells, each one of the tracking cells for receiving a daub for each one of the daubed play cells belonging to the corresponding grid of play cells, whereby each one of the counts can be readily tracked to determine whether the game objective is met. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1  or  7 , further comprising:
 a second pair of linked M×N grids of the play cells, each one of the play cells belonging to the grids of the second pair bearing one of the set of symbols; 
 a progress tracker for identifying a most desirable one of the pairs as a function of the game objective and each one of the daubed play cells belonging to any one of the linked grids, the most desirable pair being closer to the game objective; and 
 a feature controller for identifying the most desirable pair. 
 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , further comprising a console for displaying the pairs, wherein the feature controller distinguishes the most desirable pair on the console. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13 , further comprising two consoles, each one of the consoles for displaying a different one of the pairs, wherein the feature controller identifies one of the consoles displaying the most desirable pair and distinguishes the identified console. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the arithmetic function is satisfied when the first count is a product of the second count and a predetermined multiplier, the multiplier being an integer greater than one. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the arithmetic function is satisfied when the first count is greater than the second count by a predetermined spread, the spread being greater than zero. 
     
     
         18 . A system for operating a bingo game played by daubing play cells bearing selected ones of a predetermined set of numbers, the system comprising:
 an M×N grid of the play cells, each of M and N being strictly greater than two, each one of the play cells bearing one of the set of numbers;   means for randomly selecting different ones of the set of numbers; and   means for displaying a predetermined arithmetic function to be satisfied by a count of each one of the daubed play cells belonging to the grid of play cells and a last selected one of the selected numbers borne by any one of the play cells belonging to the grid of play cells according to an objective of the game.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , further comprising a second M×N grid of the play cells, each one of the play cells belonging to the second grid bearing one of the set of numbers, the grids of play cells being linked, wherein the arithmetic function is to be satisfied by a count of each one of the daubed play cells belonging to any one of the two linked grids and a last selected one of the selected numbers borne by any one of the play cells belonging to any one of the two linked grids. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 18 , further comprising a dauber for daubing each one of the play cells bearing one of the selected symbols, and a grid of at least three tracking cells, each one of the tracking cells for receiving a daub for each one of the daubed play cells, whereby a count of the daubed play cells can be readily tracked to determine whether the game objective is met. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the arithmetic function is satisfied when the last selected number borne by one of the play cells belonging to the grid of play cells equals the count. 
     
     
         22 . A method of playing a bingo game on an M×N grid of play cells, each of M and N being strictly greater than two, and each one of the play cells bearing one of a predetermined set of symbols, the method comprising:
 providing the grid of play cells; 
 providing a grid of at least three conversion cells; 
 randomly selecting different ones of the set of symbols; 
 play daubing those of the play cells bearing one of the selected symbols; and 
 conversion daubing a predetermined count of different ones of the conversion cells for each one of the daubed play cells satisfying at least one predetermined criterion, an objective of the game comprising daubing each one of the conversion cells. 
 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising providing a second M×N grid of play cells, each one of the play cells bearing one of the set of symbols, the grids of play cells being linked, wherein the play daubing comprises daubing each one of the play cells belonging to any one of the two grids of play cells and bearing one of the selected symbols, and the conversion daubing comprises daubing a predetermined count of different ones of the conversion cells for each one of the daubed play cells satisfying the criterion and belonging to any one of the two grids of play cells. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 22  or  23 , further comprising assigning an attribute designation to each one of some of the play cells, wherein the attribute designation designates each one of the play cells satisfying the criterion, and whereby each one of the play cells satisfying the criterion can be readily identified. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the attribute designation comprises a first attribute designation and a second attribute designation, and further comprising assigning the first attribute designation to each one of some of the play cells, and assigning a second attribute designation to each one of some of the play cells, and wherein the conversion daubing comprises daubing a first predetermined count of different ones of the conversion cells for each one of the daubed play cells bearing a first one of the two designations, and daubing a second predetermined count of different ones of the conversion cells for each one of the daubed play cells bearing a second one of the two designations, the first count being greater than the second count. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24 , further comprising:
 assigning a second attribute designation to each one of the play cells, the second attribute designation designating those of the cells satisfying a second predetermined criterion; and   providing a second grid of at least three conversion cells, wherein the conversion daubing comprises daubing a first predetermined count of different ones of the conversion cells belonging to a first one of the two grids of conversion cells for each one of the daubed play cells bearing a first one of the two designations, and daubing a second predetermined count of different ones of the conversion cells belonging to a second one of the two grids of conversion cells for each one of the daubed play cells bearing a second one of the two designations.   
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , further comprising providing a first prize when each one of the conversion cells of the first grid of conversion cells are daubed, and providing a second prize when each one of the conversion cells of the second grid of conversion cells are daubed, wherein the first prize is of greater value than the second prize. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 25 ,  26 , or  27 , wherein the second designation is assigned to a greater count of the play cells than the first designation. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 22 ,  23 ,  24 ,  25 , or  26 , further comprising providing a prize when the game objective is met. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the prize is a cash prize. 
     
     
         31 . A card for playing a bingo game by daubing play cells bearing selected ones of a predetermined set of symbols, the card comprising:
 one M×N grid of the play cells, each of M and N being strictly greater than two, each one of the play cells bearing one of the set of symbols, each one of the play cells bearing one of the selected symbols for receiving a play daub; and   one grid of at least three tracking cells, each one of the tracking cells for receiving a tracking daub for each one of the daubed play cells satisfying a predetermined criterion, the tracking daubs indicating a count of those of the daubed play cells satisfying the criterion, an objective of the game comprising daubing each one of the tracking cells.   
     
     
         32 . The card of  claim 31 , further comprising a second M×N grid of the play cells, each one of the play cells of the second grid of play cells bearing one of the set of symbols, each one of the play cells of the second grid of play cells bearing a selected one of the set of symbols for receiving a daub, the two grids of play cells being linked, wherein each one of the tracking cells is for receiving a daub for each one of the daubed play cells belonging to any one of the two linked grids and satisfying the criterion. 
     
     
         33 . The card of  claim 31  or  32 , wherein an attribute designation is assigned to at least some of those of the play cells satisfying the criterion, and whereby at least some of those of the play cells satisfying the criterion can be readily identified. 
     
     
         34 . The card of  claim 33 , further comprising a second grid of at least three tracking cells, wherein a second attribute designation is assigned to at least some of the play cells satisfying the criterion, each one of the tracking cells of a first one of the two grids of tracking cells is for receiving a daub for each of the daubed play cells bearing a first of the two designations, and each one of the tracking cells of a second one of the two grids of tracking cells is for receiving a daub for each of the daubed play cells bearing a second of the two designations. 
     
     
         35 . The card of  claim 34 , wherein the second of the two designations is assigned to a greater count of the play cells than the first of the two designations. 
     
     
         36 . The card of  claim 33 , wherein at least one of peripheral ones of the play cells has a main surface for displaying one of the set of symbols, and a protuberance surface extending outwardly for displaying the attribute designation, whereby readability of the symbols is not hindered by the display of the attribute designation. 
     
     
         37 . A system for operating a bingo game played by daubing play cells bearing selected ones of a predetermined set of symbols, the system comprising:
 a console for electronically displaying a grid of M×N of the play cells, each of M and N being strictly greater than two, each one of the play cells bearing one of the set of symbols;   a symbol selector for periodically and randomly selecting a different one of the set of symbols;   a dauber for daubing each one of the play cells bearing one of the selected symbols; and   a random attribute generator for modifying the displayed grid by randomly assigning an attribute designation to at least one of the play cells, the attribute designation designating each one of the play cells having special attributes in meeting an objective of the game.   
     
     
         38 . The system of  claim 37 , wherein the attribute generator randomly assigns the attribute designation to a predetermined count of the play cells. 
     
     
         39 . The system of  claim 37 , wherein the attribute generator randomly assigns the attribute designation to a random count of the play cells. 
     
     
         40 . The system of  claim 37 , wherein the attribute generator assigns the designation to an increasing count of the play cells. 
     
     
         41 . The system of  claim 37 , wherein the attributor generator identifies each one of the play cells that are yet to be daubed and assigns the attribute designation to at least one of the identified play cells. 
     
     
         42 . The system of  claim 37 ,  38 ,  39 ,  40 , or  41 , further comprising a timer for triggering the attribute generator according to a predetermined schedule. 
     
     
         43 . The system of  claim 37 ,  38 ,  39 ,  40 , or  41 , further comprising a timer for triggering the attribute generator periodically. 
     
     
         44 . A system for operating a bingo game played by daubing play cells bearing selected ones of a predetermined set of symbols, the system comprising:
 two different grids of M×N of the play cells, each of M and N being strictly greater than two, each one of the play cells bearing one of the set of symbols;   a symbol selector for periodically and randomly selecting a different one of the set of symbols;   a dauber for daubing each one of the play cells bearing one of the selected symbols;   a progress tracker for identifying a most desirable one of the two grids as a function of the daubed cells and an objective of the game, the more desirable grid being closer to a game objective; and   a feature controller for identifying the most desirable grid.   
     
     
         45 . The system of  claim 44 , further comprising a first console for displaying the grids, wherein the feature controller distinguishes the most desirable grid on the console. 
     
     
         46 . The system of  claim 44 , further comprising two consoles, each one of the consoles for displaying a different one of the grids, wherein the feature controller identifies one of the consoles displaying the most desirable grid and distinguishes the identified console. 
     
     
         47 . The system of  claim 44  or  46 , wherein the most desirable grid is identified by a sound signal. 
     
     
         48 . The system of  claim 44 , further comprising:
 two bingo cards, each one of the bingo cards displaying a different one of the grids and having a different validation code; and   two code scanners mountable on a table at different ones of two play positions, each one of the scanners for reading the validation code of a different one of the two bingo cards and for providing the read validation code to the feature controller, wherein the feature controller identifies one of the play positions corresponding to the most desirable grid and distinguishes the identified play position.   
     
     
         49 . The system of  claim 1 ,  7 ,  18 ,  37 , or  44 , further comprising a payout controller for providing a prize when the game objective is met. 
     
     
         50 . The system of  claim 49 , wherein the prize is a cash prize. 
     
     
         51 . The system of  claim 1 ,  7 ,  18 ,  37 , or  44 , further comprising a dauber for daubing those of the play cells bearing one of the selected symbols, whereby those of the play cells belonging to any one of the linked grids and bearing one of the selected symbols can be readily tracked to determine whether the game objective is met. 
     
     
         52 . The system of  claim 1 ,  7 ,  18 ,  37 , or  44 , wherein the means for selecting comprises a blower. 
     
     
         53 . The system of  claim 1 ,  7 ,  37 , or  44 , wherein the symbols are numbers. 
     
     
         54 . A system for operating an auxiliary feature of a bingo game, the bingo game played by daubing play cells bearing selected ones of a predetermined set of symbols, the system comprising:
 a pair of linked M×N grids of the play cells, each of M and N being strictly greater than two, each one of the play cells bearing one of the set of symbols; and   means for displaying a predetermined pattern spanning two grids, wherein an incentive prize is awarded upon forming the pattern using the daubed play cells belonging to any one of the pair of linked grids.   
     
     
         55 . The system of  claim 54 , further comprising a third M×N grid of the play cells, each of the play cells bearing one of the set of symbols, the third grid being linked to the pair of linked grids, wherein the displayed pattern spans three grids, and the incentive prize is awarded upon forming the pattern using the daubed play cells belonging to any one of the three linked grids. 
     
     
         56 . The system of  claim 54 , further comprising a third M×N grid of the play cells, each one of the play cells bearing one of the symbols, the third grid being linked to the pair of linked grids, wherein the incentive prize is awarded upon forming the pattern using the daubed play cells belonging to any one of two of the three linked grids. 
     
     
         57 . The system of  claim 56 , wherein the three linked grids are presented as aligned, and the incentive prize is awarded upon forming the pattern using the daubed play cells belonging to any one of two contiguous ones of the three linked grids. 
     
     
         58 . The system of  claim 54  or  55 , wherein some of the play cells belonging to the linked grids bear an attribute designation, wherein the incentive prize is awarded upon forming the pattern using the daubed play cells belonging to any one of the linked grids and bearing the attribute designation. 
     
     
         59 . The system of  claim 54 ,  55 ,  56 , or  57 , further comprising a dauber for daubing each one of the play cells bearing one of the selected symbols, and a grid of at least three tracking cells, each one of the tracking cells for receiving a daub for each one of the daubed play cells aligned with the pattern, whereby a count of those of the daubed play cells belonging to one of the linked grids and aligned with the pattern can be readily tracked to determine whether the incentive prize is earned. 
     
     
         60 . A system for operating an auxiliary feature of a bingo game played by daubing play cells bearing selected ones of a predetermined set of symbols, the system comprising:
 a pair of linked M×N grids of the play cells, each of M and N being strictly greater than two, each one of the play cells bearing one of the set of symbols; and   means for displaying a predetermined arithmetic function to be satisfied by a first count of each one of the daubed play cells belonging to a first one of the pair of grids, and a second count of each one of the daubed play cells belonging to a second one of the pair of grids, wherein an incentive prize is awarded upon satisfaction of the arithmetic function.   
     
     
         61 . The system of  claim 60 , further comprising a third M×N grid of the play cells, each one of the play cells bearing one of the set symbols, the third grid being linked to the pair of grids, wherein the arithmetic function is to be satisfied by the first and second counts, as well as by a third count of each one of the daubed play cells belonging to the third grid. 
     
     
         62 . The system of  claim 60 , further comprising a third M×N grid of the play cells, each one of the play cells bearing one of the set symbols, the third grid being linked to the pair of grids, wherein the arithmetic function is to be satisfied by any two of the two counts and a third count of each one of the daubed play cells belonging to the third grid. 
     
     
         63 . The system of  claim 60 , wherein some of the play cells belonging to the linked grids bear an attribute designation in addition to one of the symbols, the first count comprises a count of those of the daubed cells belonging to the first grid and bearing the designation, the second count comprises a count of those of the daubed cells belonging to the second grid and bearing the designation, and the arithmetic function is to be satisfied by the first and second counts. 
     
     
         64 . The system of  claim 62 , wherein some of the play cells belonging to the linked grids bear an attribute designation, the first count comprises a count of each one of the daubed cells belonging to the first grid and bearing the designation, the second count comprises a count of each one of the daubed cells belonging to the second grid and bearing the designation, the third count comprises a count of each one of the daubed cells belonging to the third grid and bearing the designation, and the arithmetic function is to be satisfied by the first, second, and third counts. 
     
     
         65 . The system of  claim 60 ,  61 ,  62 ,  63 , or  64 , further comprising a dauber for daubing each one of the play cells bearing one of the selected symbols, and a grid of at least three tracking cells for each corresponding one of the grids of play cells, each one of the tracking cells for receiving a daub for each one of the daubed play cells belonging to the corresponding grid of play cells, whereby each one of the counts can be readily tracked to determine whether the game objective is met. 
     
     
         66 . The system of  claim 54  or  60 , further comprising:
 a second pair of linked M×N grids of the play cells, each one of the play cells belonging to the grids of the second pair bearing one of the set of symbols; 
 a progress tracker for identifying a most desirable one of the pairs as a function of the game objective and each one of the daubed play cells belonging to any one of the linked grids, the most desirable pair being closer to satisfaction of the arithmetic function; and 
 a feature controller for identifying the most desirable pair. 
 
     
     
         67 . The system of  claim 66 , further comprising a console for displaying the pairs, wherein the feature controller distinguishes the most desirable pair on the console. 
     
     
         68 . The system of  claim 66 , further comprising two consoles, each one of the consoles for displaying a different one of the pairs, wherein the feature controller identifies one of the consoles displaying the most desirable pair and distinguishes the identified console. 
     
     
         69 . The system of  claim 60 , wherein the arithmetic function is satisfied when the first count is a multiple of the second count. 
     
     
         70 . The system of  claim 60 , wherein the arithmetic function is satisfied when the first count is greater than the second count by a predetermined spread. 
     
     
         71 . A system for operating an auxiliary feature of a bingo game played by daubing play cells bearing selected ones of a predetermined set of numbers, the system comprising:
 an M×N grid of the play cells, each of M and N being strictly greater than two, each one of the play cells bearing one of the set of numbers; and   means for displaying a predetermined arithmetic function to be satisfied by a count of each one of the daubed play cells belonging to the grid of play cells and a last selected one of the selected numbers borne by any one of the play cells belonging to the grid of play cells, wherein an incentive prize is awarded upon satisfaction of the arithmetic function.   
     
     
         72 . The system of  claim 71 , further comprising a second M×N grid of the play cells, each one of the play cells belonging to the second grid bearing one of the set of numbers, the grids of play cells being linked, wherein the arithmetic function is to be satisfied by a count of each one of the daubed play cells belonging to any one of the two linked grids and a last selected one of the selected numbers borne by any one of the play cells belonging to any one of the two linked grids. 
     
     
         73 . The system of  claim 71 , further comprising a dauber for daubing each one of the play cells bearing one of the selected symbols, and a grid of at least three tracking cells, each one of the tracking cells for receiving a daub for each one of the daubed play cells, whereby a count of the daubed play cells can be readily tracked to determine whether the incentive prize is earned. 
     
     
         74 . The system of  claim 71 , wherein the arithmetic function is satisfied when the last selected number borne by one of the play cells belonging to the grid of play cells equals the count. 
     
     
         75 . A method of playing a bingo game having an auxiliary feature on an M×N grid of play cells, each one of M and N being strictly greater than two, and each one of the play cells bearing one of a predetermined set of numbers, the bingo game played by play daubing each one of the play cells bearing a selected one of the set of numbers, the method comprising:
 providing a grid of at least three conversion cells; and 
 conversion daubing a predetermined count of different ones of the conversion cells for each one of the daubed play cells satisfying at least one predetermined criterion, wherein an incentive prize is awarded when each one of the conversion cells is daubed. 
 
     
     
         76 . The method of  claim 75 , further comprising providing a second M×N grid of play cells, each one of the play cells bearing one of the set of symbols, the grids of play cells being linked, wherein the play daubing comprises daubing those of the play cells belonging to any one of the two grids of play cells and bearing one of the selected symbols, and the conversion daubing comprises daubing a predetermined count of different ones of the conversion cells for each one of the daubed play cells satisfying the criterion and belonging to any one of the two grids of play cells. 
     
     
         77 . The method of  claim 75  or  76 , further comprising assigning an attribute designation to each one of some of the play cells, wherein the attribute designation designates each one of the play cells satisfying the criterion, and whereby each one of the play cells satisfying the criterion can be readily identified. 
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 77 , wherein the attribute designation comprises a first attribute designation and a second attribute designation, and further comprising assigning the first attribute designation to each one of some of the play cells, and assigning a second attribute designation to each one of some of the play cells, and wherein the conversion daubing comprises daubing a first predetermined count of different ones of the conversion cells for each one of the daubed play cells bearing a first one of the two designations, and daubing a second predetermined count of different ones of the conversion cells for each one of the daubed play cells bearing a second one of the two designations, the first count being greater than the second count. 
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 77 , further comprising:
 assigning a second attribute designation to each one of the play cells, the second attribute designation designating those of the cells satisfying a second predetermined criterion; and   providing a second grid of at least three conversion cells, wherein the conversion daubing comprises daubing a first predetermined count of different ones of the conversion cells belonging to a first one of the two grids of conversion cells for each one of the daubed play cells bearing a first one of the two designations, and daubing a second predetermined count of different ones of the conversion cells belonging to a second one of the two grids of conversion cells for each one of the daubed play cells bearing a second one of the two designations.   
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 79 , wherein the incentive prize comprises a first incentive prize awarded when each one of the conversion cells of the first grid of conversion cells are daubed, and a second incentive prize awarded when each one of the conversion cells of the second grid of conversion cells are daubed, wherein the first prize is of greater value than the second prize. 
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 78 ,  79 , or  80 , wherein the second designation is assigned to a greater count of the play cells than the first designation. 
     
     
         82 . The method of  claim 75 ,  76 ,  77 ,  78 , or  79 , further comprising providing a prize when the game objective is met. 
     
     
         83 . The method of  claim 82 , wherein the incentive prize is a cash prize. 
     
     
         84 . A system for operating a bingo game having an auxiliary feature, the bingo game played by daubing play cells bearing selected ones of a predetermined set of symbols, the system comprising:
 a console for electronically displaying a grid of M×N of the play cells, each of M and N being strictly greater than two, each one of the play cells bearing one of the set of symbols; and   a random attribute generator for modifying the displayed grid by randomly assigning an attribute designation to at least one of the play cells, the attribute designation designating each one of the play cells satisfying a predetermined criterion, wherein an incentive prize is awarded when a predetermined count of the daubed play cells satisfy the criterion.   
     
     
         85 . The system of  claim 84 , wherein the attribute generator randomly assigns the attribute designation to a predetermined count of the play cells. 
     
     
         86 . The system of  claim 84 , wherein the attribute generator randomly assigns the attribute designation to a random count of the play cells. 
     
     
         87 . The system of  claim 84 , wherein the attribute generator assigns the designation to an increasing count of the play cells. 
     
     
         88 . The system of  claim 84 , wherein the attributor generator identifies each one of the play cells that are yet to be daubed and assigns the attribute designation to at least one of the identified play cells. 
     
     
         89 . The system of  claim 84 ,  85 ,  86 ,  87 , or  88 , further comprising a timer for triggering the attribute generator according to a predetermined schedule. 
     
     
         90 . The system of  claim 84 ,  85 ,  86 ,  87 , or  88 , further comprising a timer for triggering the attribute generator periodically. 
     
     
         91 . The system of  claim 54 ,  60 ,  71 ,  75 , or  84 , wherein the incentive prize is a cash prize. 
     
     
         92 . The system of  claim 54 ,  60 ,  71 ,  75 , or  84 , further comprising a dauber for daubing those of the play cells bearing one of the selected symbols, whereby those of the play cells belonging to any one of the linked grids and bearing one of the selected symbols can be readily tracked to determine whether the incentive prize is earned. 
     
     
         93 . The system of  claim 54 ,  60 ,  75 , or  84 , wherein the symbols are numbers. 
     
     
         94 . The system of  claim 4  or  57 , further comprising a console for displaying the aligned grids. 
     
     
         95 . The system of  claim 1 ,  7 ,  18 ,  54 ,  60 , or  71 , wherein the means for displaying is an electronic screen.