Multiplayer Bingo Pattern Matching for Award Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing networked bingo games typically award interim prizes only to individual players for matching predetermined patterns, failing to incentivize multiple players to achieve matched patterns simultaneously, which limits the excitement and award availability in multi-player games.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for a multi-player networked bingo game where a game controller connected to client devices compares intermediate patterns across multiple players, awarding prizes when identical patterns are matched between two or more players, and concluding the game when a game-ending pattern is achieved, enhancing the social interaction and award distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If interim prizes are awarded only to individual players for matching predetermined patterns, then the game rules are simple to implement, but the excitement and award availability in multi-player games is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static award system into a dynamic one where award eligibility changes based on real-time player patterns. The game controller continuously monitors and compares patterns across multiple players, dynamically determining award eligibility based on matched patterns rather than fixed predetermined criteria, thereby increasing excitement and award availability while maintaining rule simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the game controller continuously compare player patterns and provide real-time information about award eligibility. The controller monitors the game state, compares patterns between players, and dynamically adjusts award distribution based on the current configuration of matched patterns, creating an interactive and exciting multi-player experience
2Productivity
If the game controller compares intermediate patterns across multiple players to award prizes, then the excitement and award availability increase, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The game controller is designed as a multi-functional device that performs both traditional bingo game management and pattern comparison across multiple players. By integrating these functions into a single controller, the system achieves increased award availability without requiring separate dedicated hardware for pattern comparison, thereby managing device complexity while enhancing game excitement
Solution Approach 2:
The game controller automatically performs pattern comparison and award determination without requiring external intervention or complex external systems. The controller self-manages the entire process of monitoring player patterns, comparing them against each other, and determining award eligibility, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high award availability
3Ease of operation
If the game concludes when a game-ending pattern is achieved, then the game structure is simple, but the duration of play may be shorter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends game duration by implementing continuous useful action through intermediate pattern awards. While the game structure remains simple with a clear ending condition, the continuous monitoring and awarding of intermediate patterns keeps players engaged throughout the game, effectively extending the useful play duration without complicating the basic game structure or ending conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for conducting a multi-player wagered networked bingo game. The system comprises a game controller operatively connected to at least two client devices. The game controller is preferably programmed to operate the networked bingo game and form patterns on a playing pieces associated with each client device. The game controller is preferably programmed to compare a plurality of intermediate patterns on each playing piece associated with each client device to determine if one of the intermediate patterns from the playing piece on at least two different client devices identically matches. The game controller can also be programmed to award an intermediate prize to each client device with the identically matched intermediate pattern and to conclude the networked bingo game when at least one pattern on the playing piece of at least one client device matches a game ending pattern.