Patent Application
20060084489
The present invention relates generally to the field of matching games, or memory games, and more specifically to a game of finding matching designs wherein each game piece has a bar code that is used to confirm a correct match.
A matching, or memory, game is a game where players try to find matching pairs of game pieces from among multiple pieces that are provided in the game. Such a game is commonly used as an “ice-breaker” at social events. Typically, the host of the social event explains the rules of the game, hands out the game pieces, assists the players as needed, and hands out prizes to the winners. A game that is closely related to the present matching game uses mechanical locks and keys. In this lock-and-key game, the locks are given to the female players and the keys are given to the male players. Each key is able to unlock only one of the locks. When the game begins users attempt to find their matching lock or key by process of trial and error. The present invention is different from lock-and-key games by the process in which possible matches are eliminated, i.e., visually and then by electronic verification. Other matching games require that multiple cards with images on them be turned over two at a time in repeated attempts to find matches. When all the possible matches have been found the game is over. This type of matching game includes simple designs, such as distinct pictures of animals, and is geared toward younger players. There are also unrelated (non-matching) card games that include a barcode reader to identify the type and features of a game piece, such as “a soldier” and the types of weapons available. However, a game that requires the players to find the match to a complex design wherein potential matches can be verified with barcode reader is lacking in the field.
A matching game wherein each player is provided with a game piece that includes a design and the players are instructed to find the match to their game piece. The game requires close scrutiny of multiple designs in order to find a matching pair of designs. The matching game comprises an even number of game pieces, in the preferred embodiment, with each game piece having a front and a back. The front of each game piece has at least one design thereon and the back of each game piece has a barcode thereon. A scanning device is also provided capable of scanning the barcodes and indicating to the players when matching or otherwise associated barcodes have been successively scanned. Each game piece has at least one matching game piece and the matching game piece has a matching barcode and a matching design. In the preferred embodiment, the matching design to a game piece is the same in style and design as the design on the game piece, but different in color or shading.
In an alternative embodiment, the design on the front of each game piece includes at least one hidden attribute that under a specific light, such as florescent “black” light for example, reveals or makes more apparent certain shapes or color schemes that help contrast or match the game piece to the other game pieces.
In a second alternative embodiment, the barcode is replaced by a hidden identifier that is revealed by special lighting stations, that use a specific light, such as florescent “black” light for example, to reveal the hidden identifier and verify correct matches.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a game that requires players to match not easily identifiable designs, wherein the designs may be separated by color or a unique identifier such as an “O” on one card and an “X” on that card's match.
The invention of the present application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, given only by way of example, in which:
In an alternative embodiment, the designs 105 and 115 on the front of each game piece also serve as confirmation codes. In this embodiment, a confirmation device, such as a scanner with image recognition software, is used to scan the designs of the two game pieces and confirm to the players that the game pieces are matching game pieces.
In another alternative embodiment, the only difference between matching designs is a unique identifier, such as an “X” or “O”. In this embodiment, matching designs are the same in shading, however, one of the sections in the first design includes an “X” and a corresponding section in the matching design includes a “O”. Of course, other identifiers can be used such as a series of dashes or dots. In such a case, a key can be provided to show matching identifiers.
In an alternative embodiment, the barcode 210 is placed on the front of the game piece so that both the design and the barcode are provided on the front of the game piece. In this embodiment, the back of the game piece may be left blank so that a one-sided game piece is provided.
In another alternative embodiment, the barcodes on each game piece are replaced by hidden identifiers that can only be read under a specific type of light, such as red light or florescent “black” light, and the barcode scanner is replaced by a light station that includes the specific type of light. In this embodiment, when two players believe they have found their match, the game pieces are held underneath of the specified light and the hidden identifiers are revealed. The revealed identifiers are then used to verify a match.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology of terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
