US4410181A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electronic board game
Assignee: Mattel Inc
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Filing: 1981-05-29
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Granted: 1983-10-18
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Expires: 2001-05-29
Abstract
Abstract An electronic board game includes a playing board having a surface upon which a matrix of squares are defined. The board squares are divided into three categories. One category of squares include several groups of six contiguous squares each with each group having a group color. The second category comprises single squares spaced apart and of different colors. The remaining squares define the third category. A handheld controller includes a microprocessor which is programmed to impose a set of game rules. Player tokens are used by each player to mark each player's position on the board. Under microprocessor control and prompting, the actions and conduct of the game are carried forward.
Inventors
- 👤 Douglas E. Lapp
- 👤 Luan G. Tran
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 08:54
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63F; A63F3/00; A63F3/00643
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
An electronic board game in which a group of players compete under game rules by taking turns, said electronic board game comprising: a plurality of player tokens; a playing surface defining a matrix of squares; including a first plurality of squares having means indicating upon the squares thereof membership of said squares in said first plurality of squares and a second, and a third plurality of squares, each of said squares in said first, second and third pluralities of squares being capable of being occupied by a single player token; control means assigning a first game significance to said first plurality of squares which is not altered from game to game and a second game significance to said second plurality of squares which is randomly varied from game to game and a third game significance to said third plurality of squares which is randomly varied for each player turn, said first, second and third game significances of each plurality, each including player individual responses and consequences unique to that plurality.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
170 words
An electronic board game in which a group of players compete under game rules by taking turns, said electronic board game comprising: a plurality of player tokens; a playing surface defining a matrix of squares; including a first plurality of squares having means indicating upon the squares thereof membership of said squares in said first plurality of squares and a second, and a third plurality of squares, each of said squares in said first, second and third pluralities of squares being capable of being occupied by a single player token; control means assigning a first game significance to said first plurality of squares which is not altered from game to game and a second game significance to said second plurality of squares which is randomly varied from game to game and a third game significance to said third plurality of squares which is randomly varied for each player turn, said first, second and third game significances of each plurality, each including player individual responses and consequences unique to that plurality.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
An electronic board game as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first plurality of squares is visually distinct on said board from said second and third pluralities and wherein said control means includes means declaring a player confrontation in the event two player tokens simultaneously occupy a square and means for resolving said conflict in accordance with game rules.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
An electronic board game as set forth in claim 2 wherein said second plurality of squares are visually distinct from said first and third pluralities of squares and wherein said squares of said second plurality are grouped into a plurality of groups each group being further distinct from other groups.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
An electronic board game as set forth in claim 3 wherein said visual distinctions comprise color differences and wherein said control means includes microprocessor computing means having therein memory means causing said computing means to impose a predetermined set of game rules upon said players.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
An electronic board game as set forth in claim 4 wherein said first game significance is an instruction to perform a predetermined task.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
An electronic board game as set forth in claim 5 wherein said second game signficance includes a fixed element not varied from game to game nor turn to turn and a variable element randomly changed from game to game.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
An electronic board game as set forth in claim 6 wherein said fixed element includes property ownership and said variable element includes different percentages of said property ownership for said squares in said groups.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-10-17 | 1987-04-18 | 1987-10-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-10-17 | 1991-04-18 | 1991-10-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-10-17 | 1995-04-18 | 1995-10-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |