GB2288547A - Dice simulator - Google Patents

Abstract

A dice device comprises an electronic random number generator, for generating at least one random number restricted to values from 1 to 6 when a button 3 is pressed. The values may be displayed as numerals, dots or poker dice images. "Hold" facilities may be provided. <IMAGE>

Description

DICE This invention relates to dice There are many situations where conventional die are impractical or at least inconvenient, for example owing to the requirement mechanically to "throw" the dice or die.

This applies to a situation in which a game might employ a single dice and also to those games where two or more die are utilised possibly in groups.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device providing the function of at least one dice, the device comprising an electronic or computerised random number generator operable in a mode in which it is restricted to producing values from 1 to 6 display means for displaying at least one such generated value and trigger means activated by the user to initiate the generation and display of the value or values.

There may be Drovision for a replaceable or rechargeable power source such as a battery for energising the device.

Alternatively a solar cell arrangement or mains supply might be employed to provide device power. With regard to the trigger means, this might be in the form of a switch, and it might be tactile or non-tactile.

With regard to the display means, in one embodiment it provides for the display of a single value, to emulate a single dice. In another embodiment, there may be provision for generating at least two independent distinct values between 1 and 6 and for displaying them separately, e.g. one along side the other. Typically, there might be up to five such independently generated numbers and corresponding display means, although even more could be envisaged in certain circumstances. The or each individual display means may give a value display which is numeric, or which is in dot form or which is in the form of poker dice or other graphic images. There might be means enabling the device to be switchable between two or all three of these possibilities.The technology of the display means may be any one of several different varieties, including LCD. LED, gas plasma, VFD. electronic array etc.

When there is more than one value generated and displayed, there may be switch means enabling one or more of the displays to be disabled and/or held. Thus, having "thrown" two or more values, one or more of those values may be held fixed by the switch means while the trigger means is actuated again to enable the or each other display means to display yet another value associated with a random number between 1 and 6 inclusive. Alternatively the switch might be employed to disable one or more displays, e.g. providing use of a twin display die as a single display dice.

according to another aspect of the invention, the invention relates to the display of random numbers generated between 1 and 6, with a switch or trigger providing power, when required, to a random number generator system restricted to providing values between 1 and 6: the output from the random number generation system is then displayed to the user. An additional switch might enable the user to turn the comolete device on and off.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example. to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic of the main components of a first embodiment of a five-die device: Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a double die: Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a dice: and Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a flat panel double die Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a five-die electronic device comprising a power source 1 , which provides power through an on/off switch 2 and then a trigger 3 to a circuit board 4 which incorporates a random number generation system, and the means to provide values to each of five displays 6 .Values from the circuit board 4 are fed through a display switch 5 which may enable, disable or hold the value of, its associated display 6.

Figure 2 shows a two-die electronic device comprising a body 7 incorporating a power source 1 in the form of a replaceable or rechargeable battery which provides power to a circuit board 4 mounted within the body 1. The circuit board 4 incorporates circuitry providing a random number generation system having, in this case, two distinct outputs providing respective random numbers. In each case these numbers are restricted to values from 1 to 6 only. 6 button 3 is Provided to energise the generator to regenerate new numbers. These outPuts activate respective displays 6 displaying the values to the operator. In this examole a display switch 5 can be used to turn an individual display 6 off, or to hold that display 6 at its current value.The individual displays shown are numeric LED displays, but as will be found from subsequent figures alternative display technology can be used.

In a variation of this embodiment. there may be one, three, four or even five displays 6, with the random number generation system being designed to generate the corresDonding number of random values for the displays.

Figure 3 shows an alternative form of diceq in this example a single dice where the display 6 is in the form of seven individual light emitting diodes and the values produced by the random number generation svstem are able to activate the diodes individually to light those elements corresponding to the number generated. In this way one can create a display simulating additional conventional dice. s with the earlier embodiment, one can provide for more than one value display 6.

Figure 4 shows a further form of device, in this case a two-die device, utilising flat panel technology and which may have a solar cell 1 by which the device can be Dowered. Flat Danel LCD digital displays 6 are incorporated in this embodiment by way of example.

When in any of these embodiments more than one dice display value is provided, means may additionally be provided ( as in figures 1 and 2), for switching out any of the die selectively and/or for holding the value of any die. For example, having activated the trigger switch to cause the display of a value at each display concerned, one or more of these displays may then be held by means of the display switch(es) and the trigger switch activated again to cause the generation of a further number at the remaining dice or die display. In this manner a device can be designed which can accommodate a variety of different types of game.

In addition, any of the embodiments may have automated or switched means for turning the device, or individual disDlays on or off.

Claims (15)

1. A device providing the function of at least on dice

the device comprising an electronic random number generator operable in a mode in which it is restricted to producing values from 1 to 6, display means for displaying at least one such generated value and trigger means activatable by the user to initiate the generation and display of the value or values.

2. A device according to claim 1. wherein there is provision for a battery to energise the generator.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, and comprising a solar cell for powering the generator.

4. A device according to claim 1 or 2, and comprising a mains electricity supply to power the generator.

5. A device according to claim 1,2,3 or 4. wherein the trigger means is tactile or non-tactile.

6. A device according to any one of the preceding claim. wherein the display means is numeric.

7. A device according t any one of the preceding claims wherein the display means is operable to display a dice dot pattern.

8. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display means is operable to display poker dice or other images.

9. A device according to at least two of claims 5 to 8 and comprising switching means for selectively switching between display image modes.

10. A device according to any of the preceding claims and having a switch to enable or disable the complete device.

11. A device according to any one of the preceding claims and having display means for displaying concurrently at least two, distinct. values generated by the generator.

12. A device according to claim 11. wherein there are switch means for disabling at least one value.

13. A device according to claim 11 or 12 wherein there are switch means for holding at least one displayed value whilst another value or other values is or are regenerated.

14. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display means are based upon LCD. LED.

gas plasma, VFD or array display technology.

15. A dice device substantially as herebefore described with reference to Figure 1. 2, 3 or 4 of the accompanYing drawings.