Electronic Hockey Game

The present application relates to an invention described in application Ser. No. 504,950, now abandoned, in the electromechanical game and amusement device art area. The invention finds particular application in conjunction with coin-operated, electromechanical hockey games and will be described with particular reference thereto. It is to be appreciated, however, that the present invention is also applicable to hockey, soccer, rugby, football, lacrosse, and other action games and amusement apparatus.

Heretofore, there have been numerous hockey games. Commonly, the hockey games included a generally planar playing surface upon which a plurality of figures representing hockey players were rotatably mounted. Half of the figures were connected by mechanical linkages with control handles at one end of the playing surface and the other half were connected with control handles at the other end. In this manner, each player was able to manipulate half of the figures. Goals were defined at each end of the playing surface. In some instances, the goal included an aperture through the playing surface into which the playing piece fell into a return. Electronic goal sensors sensed the passage of the playing piece through the goal and incremented a corresponding score display. Some prior art hockey games further included a timer for timing the period and providing a display of the time left in each period. Other prior art hockey games provided a cyclic crowd noise which unrelated to the actions on the playing surface and, consequently, sounded artificial and "canned".

These prior art hockey games like other mechanical and electromechanical games and amusements lacked an easily and quickly read instant replay capability. Frequently, action and scoring occurred so fast that the players had difficulty determining just how the scoring had transpired. Further, many of the prior art games have been relatively unrealistic since they provided little audio stimulation. If any crowd noise was provided, it was "mechanical" and did not correspond to the game action.

The present invention contemplates a new and improved mechanical action game with audio responses variably keyed to the action and an instant schematically represented replay display showing each scoring play.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a generally planar playing surface. A plurality of playing figures are mounted adjacent the playing surface for rotational movement. Each of the figures has a figure sensing means for electronically sensing interaction between the figure and a playing piece. A figure control means controls the rotational movement of the figures. A goal sensing means electronically senses the passage of the playing piece into at least one goal area defined on the playing surface. Path means selectively define optically visible paths. The paths extend schematically from at least some of the figures to the goal area and between figures. Each path has a more readily visible state and a less visible state. An instant replay means causes the path between the last figure to contact the playing piece before the playing piece passes into the goal area and the goal area to assume its more readily visible state in response to the playing piece being sensed by the goal sensing means.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the replay means further causes paths between the last, the penultimate, and the antepenultimate figures to contact the playing piece before the score to assume their more readily visible states.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, an audio means is provided for providing preselected variable audio responses to the scoring, saves by the goalie, rapid action, and other preselected sequences of play.

An advantage of the present invention is that it provides an instant schematic representation of a replay to illustrate each successful score.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides variable audio stimulation in coordination with the play on the playing surface.

Still further advantages of the present invention will become apparent to others upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment.

The invention may take form in various parts and arrangements of parts. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting it.

FIG. 1 is a top view of an amusement apparatus in accordance with the present invention including a playing surface and figures in an arrangement particularly adapted for hockey;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the amusement apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view through section 3--3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the amusement apparatus of FIG. 1 in partial section;

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate mechanical linkage for controlling movement of the rotatable figures;

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a figure/playing piece interaction sensor;

FIG. 9 illustrates mechanical linkage for controlling side-to-side movement of the goalie;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the playing surface illustrating a placement of LED schematically represented replay paths; and

FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C are a diagrammatic illustration of control circuitry in accordance with the present invention.

The mechanical action game includes a generally planar playing surface A upon which a plurality of playing figures B are movably mounted. Figure control means C control movement of the figures.

A path means D selectively defines a plurality of optically visible schematic paths between individual figures and goal areas of the playing surface. An electronic control means E selectively causes the path means to define readily visible schematic paths between the goal and the figure which has scored a goal as well as between one or more assisting figures and the scoring figure.

The electronic control circuit is unique in that it also provides variable audio responses such as crowd noise, cheers, boos, and the like in response to the nature and rate of action on the playing surface. Various audio responses may be provided, such as a chorus of "defense, defense" in response to the goalie contacting the playing piece a plurality of times in a relatively short time span, a chorus of cheers in response to scoring a goal, a chorus of boos and Bronx cheers in response to a team scoring on itself, increasing in the level of the crowd noise as the rate of contact between the playing piece and the figures increase, and the like.

With particular reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, the generally planar playing surface A is constructed of a translucent material, such as opaque, white plastic. The playing surface slopes from a central portion generally toward first and second goal means 10 and 12, respectively, disposed at opposite ends of the playing surface. A peripheral wall 14 surrounds the playing surface such that a playing piece 16 is confined thereto.

With particular reference to FIG. 3, the goal means 10 and 12 define apertures 20 and 22, respectively, through the play surface. Goal sensing means, such as contact switches 24 and 26 are closed as the playing piece passes thereby. An arrangement of playing piece carrying tubes 28 convey the playing pieces to an ejection mechanism 30. The ejection mechanism includes a solenoid 32 which selectively propels the playing piece through a tube 34 to the center of the playing surface for a face-off.

The playing surface is housed in a surrounding house 40 in which a coin mechanism 42 is mounted. A clear plastic dome 44 covers the playing surface such that the players cannot physically interact with the playing mechanism.

With particular reference to FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 6, a first plurality or team of FIGS. 50 and a second plurality or team of FIGS. 52. Particularly, each team includes a goalie figure 50a, 52a, a pair of wings 50b, 52b, a center 50c, 52c, and a pair of forwards 50d, 52d. Each figure includes a figure sensing means 54 for sensing contact between the figure and the playing piece. With particular reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the figure sensing means of the preferred embodiment includes a tape strip which has exposed, closely spaced electrical conductive strips 56. More specifically, alternate electrically conductive strips 56a form one side of a switch and intermediate electrically conductive strips 56b form the other contact. When the metal playing piece 16 contacts the figure sensing means, it forms a part of the conductive path closing the switch and providing an indication of a figure/playing piece interaction.

With particular reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the figure control means C includes a plurality of levers 60 which are pivotally mounted for fore and aft movement. The control lever 60 is connected by a flexible linkage 62 with a rack gear 64. The rack gear 64 engages a pin gear 66 which is connected with one of the wing, center or forward figures. In this manner, tipping the control lever forward and aft selectively rotates the associated wing, center, or forward figure. More specifically, control levers 60b control the wings 50b, control levers 60c control the center 50c, and control levers 60d control the forwards 50d.

With particular reference to FIG. 9, a mechanical linkage 68 extending between the goalie control lever and the goal converts forward and aft pivoting movement into side-to-side goalie movement In the preferred embodiment, a goalie lever 60a moves a universal joint 70 forward and aft and with it an associated 90.degree. connecting link 72. The connecting link 72 is slidably connected with an angularly disposed goalie control rod 74 by a universal joint 76. In this manner, forward and aft pivotal movement of the goalie control lever 60a causes the goalie FIG. 50a to be moved side-to-side.

With particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 10, the path means D includes means for defining visible straight paths, in schematic line fashion from above the playing surface between the various figures on each team and the goal area which they are attacking. In the preferred embodiment, the path means includes a plurality of linear arrays of light emitting diodes (LED's). For example, the diode arrays define paths 80a and 80b extending between the forwards 52d and the attacked goal area 12. By illuminating the diodes of one of the paths 80a or 80b, one can indicate in schematic fashion that the associated forward scored the goal. By schematic is meant that the path of lights does not indicate the precise path of travel of the playing piece, but is simply a schematic or diagramatic representation of such path of travel. Such a representation is superior to an exact replay since it is many times actually easier and quicker to visually comprehend a schematic representation than a precise replay.

Similarly, arrays 80c and 80d define a path between the center 52c and the attacked goal to indicate that the center has scored. Similarly, arrays 80c and 80e connect the center and one of the forwards to show an assist and array 80f connects the center with the other forward for showing an assist. Arrays 80g and 80h connect the forwards, also for showing an assist. Analogously, additional arrays of light emitting diodes connect the forward and center with the wings and goalie for indicating assists or goals scored thereby. Optionally, other path means may be provided between the figures and the attacked goal. For example, each linear light emitting diode array could be replaced by a cylinder having a colored strip axially along its surface. By rotating the colored strips toward the playing surface, an optically visible path can be denoted. In yet another option, each linear array could be replaced by an elongated filament light tube or bulb. Each of the path means has a more visible state and a less visible state. In the case of light emitting diodes, the more visible state is when the diodes are illuminated and the less visible state is when the diodes are off. Similarly, with the rotatable cylinders, the more visible state is with the colored strip rotated toward the playing surface and the less visible state is with the color strip rotated away from the playing surface. Preferably, the playing surface and the path means are constructed such that the path is not visible through the playing surface in its less visible state.

With reference to FIGS. 11A, B and C, a three part diagram of the electronic control circuit E is provided. A schematic replay means 100 provides an instant schematic representation of replay of each successful score. Variable audio response means 102 provides a variable audio response to selected action conditions, both nature and rate. A time and score means 104 monitors the playing time and goal sensing means 24 and 26 and provides a visual display thereof. A coin control means 106 provides basic control functions in response to being actuated by receipt of a coin or other start switch.

The schematic replay means 100 includes an encoder 110 which is connected with each of the figure sensing means 54. The encoder produces a digital indication of each figure that contacts the playing piece. Preferably, the first bit of the encoded designation indicates the figures team. A stacking memory means 112 stores a preselected plurality of the encoded figure designations in the order received. In the preferred embodiment, the stacking memory stores three figure designations, i.e. the designation of the last figure, the penultimate figure and the antepenultimate figure to contact the playing piece. Each time another figure contacts the playing piece, a new last figure designation is added, the other designations shift down one notch, and the former antepenultimate designation is dropped.

A score means 114 such as a reader or memory retrieval means is enabled in response to a signal from the goal sensing means 24, 26 to read the designation of the last figure to have contacted the playing piece before the goal and figure designations into a command to the appropriate light emitting diode array or other path means extending between the last contacted figure and the goal. Analogously, an assist means includes a reader means 120 which reads the penultimate contacted figure designation and a reader means 122 which reads the antepenultimate contacted figure designation. The path address memory means 116 determines which light emitting diode arrays form a path between the penultimate and last contacted figures and between the antepenultimate and penultimate contacted figures. More specifically, the last and penultimate contacted figures mark the end points of a line path extending therebetween. From the end points, the path address memory 116 determines the interconnecting line path.

An edit means 124 limits assists to figures on the same team. Specifically, a comparing means 126 compares the team identifying bits of the last and penultimate contacted figure designations. The comparing means 126 enables the path between the penultimate and last figure. Further, when the team designations are the same, the output from the comparing means 126 enables a comparing means 128 which compares the team designations of the last and antepenultimate contacted figures. If the comparing means 128 determines that the last and antepenultimate contacted figures are on the same team, it enables the path address memory 116 to determine the path extending therebetween. An instant replay controller 118 causes the path memory to provide actuating outputs to each LED of the path means in order from the antepenultimate contacted figure, to the penultimate contacted figure, to the last contacted figure, to the goal such that movement of the playing piece is suggested. Further, the diode arrays are actuated twice to provide a first and a second instant replay. During the instant replay, the controller dims house lights above the playing surface, rendering the path means more readily visible. After the instant replays, the controller causes the playing piece ejector 30 to provide another face-off.

The realism of the game is greatly enhanced by variable audio simulation, the intensity and nature of which corresponds to the rate and nature of play action. Such variable audio responses are achieved by audio means 102 connected with the figure sensing means 54, or more specifically, the encoder 110 so as to receive the encoded designations of each figure contacting the playing piece. The audio means is further connected with the goal sensing means 24, 26 for monitoring the action on the playing surface more completely. The audio means 102 includes a board action response means 130 for selecting one of a plurality of preselected audio outputs from an audio means or voice chip 132 in response to corresponding preselected board action. The action response means includes a rate monitoring means 134 which monitors the rate at which contacting figure designations are received. The rate means 134 controls the volume or level of background crowd noise generally in proportion to the rate of figure/playing piece contact. Optionally and preferably, the rate means 132 may also compare the rate of figure contacting with preselected levels such that the voice chip 134 superimposes additional cheers, whistles, and the like on the crowd noise when the action exceeds a preselected level. The response means also includes a decoder 136 for detecting the goalie designations. A rate means 138 monitors the rate at which goalie designations are decoded by the goalie decoder. A comparing means 140 compares the goalie rate from the rate means 138 with a preselected rate. When the goalie rate exceeds the preselected rate, the comparing means 140 causes the voice chip 132 to start a "defense" chant encouraging the goalie. Preferably, the goalie figures of the two teams are designated by the same code varying only by the team indicating bit. The response means 130 further includes a team/goal comparing means 142 for determining whether a team scored upon itself. More specifically, the team/goal comparing means 142 compares the team designation of the last contacted player with the designation of the goal at which the score took place. Optimally, the team/goal comparing means 142 may exclude goalies from comparison such that deflected shots which still score do not produce the round of booing that occurs when a team scores on itself. The voice chip 132 responds to the commands from each of the response means as well as from other portions of the control circuit as described herein below, to cause an electroacoustic transducer 144 to produce a preselected sequence of audio tones, sounds, pauses, and the like.

The timing and scoring means 104 includes a period clock 150 which times the periods of the hockey game. In the preferred embodiment, the period clock times a two minute game, considered a hockey playing period. In the event players elect to play two additional games, or "periods"--real hockey games contain three periods--and the score is tied at such point, the clock automatically times a thirty second sudden death overtime period. The period clock is enabled by the control means 106 at the beginning of a game or period and is disabled by the instant schematic replay means 100 during an instant schematic replay cycle. More specifically, the instant replay control means 118 disables the period clock for preselected pause duration after each goal is scored. The pause duration is selected to coincide with the duration of the instant replay. The period clock controls a visual display on an optical time display means 152. At the end of each period, the period clock indexes a period counter 154. The period counter 154 is connected with an optical period display means 156 for providing an optical display of the period in progress. A score display means 158 provides an optical display of the current score. An overtime determining means includes a comparing means 160 for determining when the score is tied. Further, an end means 162 determines when the third period has been completed and the score is tied. The end means causes an overtime control means 164 to restart the period clock for a thirty second overtime period and causes the voice chip 132 to produce a preselected chain of syllables. Specifically, the voice chip is enabled to produce preselected verbal instructions regarding the play of the overtime period and background crowd noises. A score display zeroing means 166 zeroes the score display at the end of the third period provided the score is not tied or in response to one of the players depressing a new game button. That is, some players may choose to play less than a full three periods. Accordingly, a new game button is provided so that the players may zero the score and return the period indicator to the first period.

The control means 106 includes a hold circuit 170 which is actuated by the closing of a coin-operated switch 42 to produce a high output signal. The high output signal causes a disable means 172 to disable an idle loop means 174. The idle loop means 174 when enabled produces a series of commands to the voice chip 132 such that a predetermined cycle of audio outputs are provided. Specifically, the idle loop causes the voice chip to produce a preselected series of audio outputs which are designed to draw attention to the game and stimulate its use. When a player has placed a coin in the slot, the disable means 172 disables the idle loop as a start-up control 176 is actuated. Once actuated, the start-up control first produces a preselected series of outputs to the voice chip. These outputs cause the voice chip to give instructions to the players. At the end of the instructions, the start-up control produces an output which (1) starts or enables the period clock 150, (2) causes the playing piece ejector 30 to eject the playing piece onto the playing surface, and (3) causes the voice chip 132 to announce the face-off.

For simplicity of illustration, the control circuit has been described with a block diagram illustrating various means, functions, and steps performed by the control circuit. Preferably, the control circuit is implemented with a microprocessor programmed to implement the above-described functions. Various additional functions may, of course, be added. For example, during an instant replay, the response means may include means for translating the player code of the scoring and assisting players and for causing the voice chip 132 to announce the figures who scored and assisted. Further, a plurality of potential responses may be provided to some or all of the situations. A selecting means may be provided for cyclically or randomly selecting one of the possible audio responses to each situation.

While in accordance with the patent statutes, a preferred embodiment and best mode has been presented, the scope of the invention is not limited thereto, but rather is measured by the scope of the attached claims.