Electronic Bingo Card With Hidden Number Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic bingo games lack innovative features to keep players engaged and attract new players, as they quickly tire of the same game options.
Innovation Solution
An electronic bingo game design where one or more numbers on the bingo card are initially hidden from view, with a random number generator assigning and revealing numbers, allowing players to win additional prizes by forming patterns with both visible and hidden spaces, either in a standalone device or networked system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bingo game rules and mechanics are used, then the game is easy to understand and play, but players quickly tire of the game and lose engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The bingo card is segmented into visible and hidden portions, with the bottom row initially concealed. This segmentation creates multiple phases of gameplay - players first interact with visible numbers, then reveal hidden numbers for additional winning opportunities, thereby increasing gameplay variety without overwhelming complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hidden row of numbers is pre-generated and stored before the game begins, but remains concealed from the player. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare additional winning patterns in advance, enabling players to discover new winning opportunities after revealing the hidden row, thus enhancing gameplay variety while maintaining simple mechanics
2Adaptability or versatility
If all bingo card numbers are visible from the start, then players can immediately see their options, but the game lacks innovation and player engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates and stores the complete set of bingo numbers including the hidden row before gameplay begins. This preliminary action ensures all numbers are predetermined and fair, while the concealment of the hidden row creates anticipation and innovation without compromising game integrity or causing information loss
Solution Approach 2:
A computational intermediary (processor/system) manages the hidden row of numbers, storing them securely and revealing them only at the appropriate game phase. This intermediary preserves the hidden information until the moment of revelation, balancing gameplay innovation with controlled information disclosure
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple winning patterns are programmed, then players can win additional prizes, but the game system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Winning patterns are segmented into two categories: patterns achievable with visible numbers only, and patterns requiring the hidden row. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple winning patterns by evaluating them in distinct phases, increasing winning pattern variety while keeping system complexity manageable through structured evaluation
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic bingo game and method for playing the same is disclosed. A bingo card having a plurality of numbered spaces is presented to a player, in which at least one of the numbered spaces is hidden to the player's view, thereby forming covered and uncovered portions of the bingo card. A random number generator draws bingo numbers until the occurrence of a game ending event, which numbers are compared to the numbered spaces on both the covered and uncovered portions of the bingo card. If the pattern of numbers formed on the uncovered portion of the bingo card forms one or more of a set of designated winning bingo patterns, a first award is paid to the player. The player is then presented with the opportunity to reveal one or more of the covered spaces on the bingo card whereupon a second prize is paid if the pattern of numbers formed on the uncovered spaces forms one or more of a set of designated winning bingo patterns.