WO1999059107A1

WO1999059107A1 - Article of use incorporating a generator of random forecasts

Info

Publication number: WO1999059107A1
Application number: PCT/IT1999/000119
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefano Risa; Maurizio Ranghella
Original assignee: Momente', Marco
Priority date: 1998-05-08
Filing date: 1999-05-06
Publication date: 1999-11-18
Also published as: EP1080452A1; AU3846799A

Abstract

Subject matter of this invention is an article of use incorporating a random forecast generator, comprising an electronic element provided with a visual and/or acoustic annunciator (4), with an electronic unit (7) housed in a suitable housing (5) and with a selector push-button (6) electronically interconnected with one another, said electronic unit (7) including a microprogrammed electronic component, while said selector push-button can be moved according to a rotatory movement and/or a translatory movement.

Description

ARTICLE OF USE INCORPORATING A GENERATOR OF RANDOM FORECASTS

This invention relates to an article of use incorporating a generator of random forecasts which, in addition to its specific usual utilization function, is adapted to generate a random forecast in simple and reliable manner, after a possible selection of the forecast type, as well as a visual and/or acoustic annunciation of the so generated forecast. The so-called forecast based games are extremely popular in many countries of the world. This occurs, for instance in Italy, where the remarkable success reached by these games encourages the managing authorities in promoting always new award games, such as the recent and very popular Enalotto. In particular, the most popular award games in Italy, which will be related to hereinafter only by way of illustration, are Lotto, Enalotto, SuperEnalotto, Totocalcio, Totogol, Totip and Tris, and, on the other hand, further award games connected with sport events are already being proposed, such as a game based upon the forecasts in car races of "Formula 1 ". One of the most popular play methods performed by players is a method based upon random forecasts of the concerned events. This method enables the number of players to be noticeably enlarged, since not all of them are perfectly aware of the play rules (reference is made to the different ways aimed at making the so called "system" forecasts in various forecast based games). In this frame, it is known that many players rely upon sets of random forecasts prepared and offered to sale in receiving offices authorized to receiving the bets.

Anyway, the number of pre-compiled or pre-drafted cards with random forecasts is not frequently sufficient to fulfil the requests of the interested players.

Generally, the receiving offices by which a big number of bets are handled are also the receiving offices where it is^* more likely to have a pre-compiled card available for purchase, but this also entails the disadvantage that the players are obliged to wait for long times, due to the noticeable work burden of such receiving offices: this discourages many potential players from participating to many forecast based games.

It is an object of this invention, therefore, to enable any individual player to perform in simple and reliable manner bets based 2 upon random forecasts, by selecting the type of forecast based game and also possibly the type of "system".

It is specific subject-matter of this invention to propose an article of use incorporating a random forecast generator, comprising an electronic element provided with a visual and/or acoustic annunciator, with an electronic unit housed in a suitable housing and with a selector push-button interconnected with one another, said electronic unit including a microprogrammed electronic component, while said selector push-button can be moved according to a rotatory movement and/or a translatory movement.

Also according to this invention, said visual annunciator can be realized as a display, adapted to preferably allow at least a row and at least a column, and even more preferably a 14 row by 2 column matrix to be visualized. Also according to this invention, said visual annunciator can be realized as a LED diode annunciator.

Further according to this invention, said microprogrammed electronic component is a microprocessor or a digital signal processor adapted to generate acoustic signals and to control the visual and/or acoustic annunciator.

Also according to this invention, the translatory movement of the selector push-button can be provided with a longitudinal rest position. Further according to this invention, said electronic unit and/or said display can be switched on by means of an operation of said selector push-button when it is moved from said longitudinal rest position.

Also according to this invention, said microprogrammed electronic component can be adapted to discriminate the duration of the movement of the selector push-button from its rest position, thereby distinguishing preferably between short pressure operations and long pressure operations.

Still according to this invention, each short duration pressure operation can be corresponding, according to an ordered sequence, to a selection of the type of forecast to be generated and a long duration pressure operation can start the generation of a random forecast corresponding to the selected forecast type.

Additionally according to this invention, said electronic unit and/or display can be switched off by a corresponding particular 3 sequence of short and/or long duration pressure operations of said selector push-button.

Further according to this invention, the rotatory movement of said selector push-button can also have two angular stable positions or one angular rest position starting from which it can be rotated in clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction and to which it is elastically urged to return.

Also according to this invention, the operation for switching on the electronic unit and/or the visual and/or acoustic annunciator can be carried out by means of a rotation of the push-button in the same direction or in opposite direction with respect to the rotatory movements carried out to select the forecast type.

Still according to this invention, the operation for switching off the electronic unit and/or the visual and/or acoustic annunciator corresponds to a rotation of the push-button in opposite direction with respect to the rotations carried out to select the forecast type.

Further according to this invention, the operation for switching off the electronic unit and/or the visual and/or acoustic annunciator can be carried out automatically and it can be triggered after a certain time interval in which no action is taken on the push-button.

Preferably, according to this invention, said electronic component generates random forecasts according to a random function with equi-probability results.

Further according to this invention, the concerned article of use can be provided with at least a battery.

Further according to this invention, said visual and/or acoustic annunciator can be housed in the same housing where the electronic unit is housed.

Additionally, the concerned article of use can be further provided with one or more push-buttons in order to select the forecast type.

Also according to this invention, the article of use can be selected among: a ball point pen, a fountain pen, a felt-tip pen, a pencil, a propelling pencil, a key holder, an ashtray, a lighter, a bracelet, a pendant, a note-book, an address book, a telephone set, a radiotelephone, a paper-weight, a wrist watch, a table watch, a slot- machine, a videogame, a computer, an electronic notebook, and like. 4 This invention will be now described with reference to enclosed drawings, wherein the preferred embodiments are shown by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. In the drawings: Figure 1 is front view of a first pen according to this invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of a detail of the pen of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a front view of a second pen according to this invention;

Figure 3a is a cross-section view of the pen of Figure 3 taken along line A-A';

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a first detail of the pen of Figure;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second detail of the pen of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a detail of a third pen according to this invention;

Figure 7 shows a key holder according to this invention; Figure 8 shows an ashtray according to this invention; Figure 9 shows a lighter according to this invention; Figure 10a shows a bracelet according to this invention in open condition;

Figure 10a shows a bracelet according to this invention in closed condition;

Figure 11 shows a pendant according to this invention; Figure 12 shows a note-book or an address book according to this invention;

Figure 13 shows a telephone according to this invention; Figure 14 shows a radiotelephone according to this invention; Figure 15 shows a paper-weight according to this invention; Figure 16 shows a table watch according to this invention;

Figure 17 shows a wrist watch according to this invention; Figure 18 shows a slot-machine or a videogame according to this invention;

Figure 19 shows a calculating machine or videogame or electronic note-book according to this invention;

By referring now to Figure 1 , it can be observed that the concerned article of use can be a pen having a pen body 1 , divided into W πOv 9^y9^y/w591w07^/ PCT/IT99/00119

two portions V and 1" incorporating all components of a ballpoint pen or of a feltpoint pen. In particular, it is adapted to let the writing point, not shown, of the pen to be outwardly extended or retracted through hole 2 by means of a rotatory or trip movement between said two portions 1' and 1" of the pen body 1.

It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that further embodiments of the pen according to this invention can be realized such that the writing point of the pen be always arranged outwardly of said end hole 2 and be protected, when it is not in use, by a suitable cap; in this case, said pen body 1 is preferably manufactured as a single piece. Furthermore, the writing point of the pen can be made as the nib of a fountain pen or the point of a pencil or a propelling pencil.

The concerned pen further comprises an electronic element 3 arranged at its upper end and shown in greater detail in Figure 2, coupled to the pen body 1 , for instance by means of a threaded coupling or by a bayonet joint.

The electronic element 3 is provided with a display 4, with an electronic unit, not shown, housed in a suitable housing 5, and with a selector push-button 6. Display 4 is preferably a liquid crystal display and it enables a maximum array of 14 rows by 2 columns to be visualized.

It should be understood that display 4, the electronic unit and the selector push-button can be spatially spaced from one another, while maintaining their electronic connections, and they can be arranged in different positions with respect to the positions shown in Figures 1 and 2, without so departing from the scope of this invention. The shape of the housing 5 as well as the shape of the electronic unit can also be different with respect to those shown in Figures 1 and 2.

It should also be understood that the number of rows and columns that can be visualized by said display 4 can be any number greater than or equal to one, without so departing from the coverage of this invention. Furthermore, said display 4 can also be realized by means of LED diodes.

Said electronic unit arranged within housing 5 comprises a microprogrammed electronic component, such as a microprocessor or a digital signal processor, realized without package so as to reduce its 6 volume, aimed at generating random forecasts as well as at controlling said display 4.

A battery - not shown - provides power supply to the electronic unit and it can be arranged in the upper portion 1" of the pen body 1 or in housing 5 of the electronic component 3.

A selector push-button 6 enables the above said electronic unit to be switched on and the functions of the same electronic unit to be selected. In particular, said selector push-button 6 is adapted to perform translatory movements and it takes a longitudinal rest position which it is urged to return to, when the force causing its translatory movement ceases and it is preferably directed toward said pen body 1. At each pressure operation of said push-button 6, an electric pulse can be applied to the electronic component of said electronic unit. The above mentioned microprogrammed electronic component is also adapted to discriminate the duration of the displacement of said push-button 6, due to the pressure exerted thereupon, thereby distinguishing between "short duration pressures" and "long duration pressures", according to whether they are applied for a time shorter or longer, respectively, than a pre- established threshold duration value. Each short duration pressure corresponds to the selection of a type of forecast based game, according to an ordered sequence, while each long duration pressure starts generating a forecast. It should be understood, however, that the functions corresponding to the short duration and to the long duration pressure operations of said push-button 6 can be inverted with one another, without so departing from the coverage of this invention.

By way of exemplification, once the "ambo" (set of two numbers) forecast in game "Lotto" has been selected, a subsequent short duration pressure exerted on said push-button could select the forecast "terno" (set of three numbers) and a further short pressure operation could select the forecast "quaterna" (set of four numbers) and a further additional short duration pressure operation could select the forecast "cinquina" (set of five numbers). In similar way, should the generation of "system" or "combination" forecasts be allowed, said short duration pressure operations could select the type of system (for instance, in the case of the game Totocalcio, they could select the number of binary and ternary forecasts). 7 The switch on operation of the electronic unit and/or of the display 4 is also carried out by a short duration pressure on push-button 6 and said display 4 can visualize, upon switching on, the first type of game (and the type of forecast) of said ordered sequence or the last game type (and forecast type) selected before the previous switching off operation of the electronic unit and/or display 4.

The electronic unit and/or the display 4 can be automatically switched off after a certain time interval in which push-button 6 is not operated or in which a particular sequence of short duration and/or long duration pressures is exerted on said push-button 6.

In the preferred embodiment of the concerned article of use, the electronic component is microprogrammed in order that the electronic unit realize the functions described hereinbelow.

Upon being switched on and possibly at the end of a sequence of short duration pressure operations of the selector push-button 6, the display 4 visualizes an indication of the selected type of forecast based game.

When push-button 6 is subjected to a long duration pressure operation, the symbols corresponding to said indication are rapidly replaced, thereby furnishing the effect of a rotating indication, and an acoustic signal is preferably emitted.

When push-button 6 is released, said indication is replaced by a column of rapidly changing symbols corresponding to the game as selected; such variable symbols begin to be successively blocked, preferably with emission of an acoustic signal for each blocked symbol up to the complete visualization of the forecast. In particular, the electronic component is microprogrammed so as to perform any casual or random function with results of equal probability.

The so generated random forecast corresponds to a singular forecast, namely a forecast including one single column of symbols corresponding to the selected game. By way of illustfation, in the case of game so-called Totocalcio, a column is generated consisting of a succession of thirteen symbols selected among signs "1", "x" and "2"; in the case of so-called Totogol game, the generated column will comprise eight numbers selected in the range from "1" to "32"; in the case of the Totip game, the column will comprise fourteen symbols including a sequence of twelve symbols selected among signs "1 ", "x" and "2" 8 followed by two numbers selected in the range of "1" to "16", as it is shown in Figure 1 ; in the case of the Lotto game, the concerned column includes two numbers in the range of "1" to "90".

With a subsequent application of a long duration pressure on push-button 6, the column of symbols will again change and block in rapid cycles, except for the case in which the selected forecast is for Lotto game, in which a further symbol is added to both previously visualized symbols at each long duration pressure application on said push-button 6 until five symbols are visualized. By referring to Figures 3, 3a, 4 and 5, a second embodiment of the article of use according to this invention is shown, particularly a second pen, wherein the electronic element 3 includes a display 4 incorporated in the housing 5 where the electronic unit 7 is arranged.

In Figure 4 a key 8 is shown, which is connected to the electronic component of the electronic unit 7 in order to cooperate with push-button 6.

Figure 5 shows a housing 5 also having a pocket 9 for arrangement of a battery 10.

By referring to Figure 6, a third embodiment of the article of use according to this invention includes further keys 11 for direct selection of the type of forecast based game and/or for selecting the forecast of the type to be generated, thereby enabling a "system" or combination forecast to be generated. In particular, said additional keys 11 connected with the electronic unit 7 cooperate and interact with corresponding push-buttons arranged along the outer surface of the housing pocket.

By way of illustration, when the Totocalcio game is selected, said additional keys 11 can be utilized to select to generate a "system" of forecasts, by selecting the corresponding number of "ternary" forecasts and of "binary" forecasts to form said system. In further embodiment of the article of use according to this invention, the selector push-button 6 is adapted to perform two possible selectable movements: a rotatory movement and a translatory movement. In particular, the rotatory movement of said selector pushbutton 6 can have eight stable angular stop positions: a position for switching off the electronic unit 7 and/or ^"the display 4, as well as seven positions corresponding to the selection of one of the seven forecast based games Lotto, Enalotto, SuperEnalotto, Totocalcio, Totogol, Totip 9 and Tris. Preferably, said push-button 6 advantageously has a octagonal cross-section shape and proper indications of the corresponding selection are provided on each side thereof.

It should be understood that the number of stable angular stop positions of said selector push-button 6 can be any number higher than or equal to two, as a function of the selectable forecast based games, without so departing from the scope of this invention.

The translatory movement of said push-button 6, when it is stopped in an angular stop position other than the switching off position, starts said electronic unit 7 for generating the forecast related to the game corresponding to the position as selected by means of the above said rotatory movement. In particular, said push-button 6 has a longitudinal rest position which it is elastically urged to return to as soon as the application of the force causing the translatory movement preferably directed toward pen body 1 is a ceased.

It should also be understood that the functions corresponding to the rotatory movement and to the translatory movement of said pushbutton 6 can be interchanged with one another, without so departing from the scope of the invention. Also in this embodiment of the article of use further pushbuttons can be additionally provided so as to cooperate with corresponding keys in similar way as in the embodiment of the article of use according to Figure 6.

A further embodiment of the article of use according to this invention is arranged in order to provide a push-button 6 having, in stead of two or more stable angular stop positions, an angular rest position starting from which it can be rotated in clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction and to which it is elastically urged to return as soon as the application of the force which caused the rotatory movement is ceased. Each rotation could correspond to the application of an electric pulse to the electronic component of the electronic unit 7.

Each rotation according to one of the abovesaid two directions corresponds to the selection, according to an ordered sequence, of one type of forecast based game and possibly, to the selection of the forecast type. By way of exemplification, once the forecast "ambo" of the Lotto game has been selected, a subsequent rotation could select the forecast "terno", a further rotation could select the forecast "quatema" and a still 10 further rotation could select the forecast "cinquina". In similar way, in a case in which the generation of "system" or "combination" forecasts is allowed, said rotations could be utilized in order to select the system type (for instance, in the case of Totocalcio, they could be utilized to select the number of binary forecasts or the number of ternary forecasts).

The electronic unit 7 and/or the display 4 can be switched on by carrying out a rotation of the abovesaid push-button 6 in the same direction as or in opposite direction with respect to the direction of the selection rotations and the associated display 4 can visualize, at the switching on operation, the first type of game (and type of forecast) in said ordered sequence or the last type of game (and type of forecast) as selected before the previous switching off operation of the electronic unit 7 and/or the display 4.

The switching off operation of the electronic unit 7 and/or of the display 4 can be correspondent to a rotation of the push-button 6 in opposite direction with respect to the direction of the selection rotations or it can be automatically effected with a certain time delay after the pushbutton 6 is no more urged.

Also in this further embodiment of the article of use, in which said push-button 6 has an angular rest position, further push-buttons can be provided in order to cooperate with corresponding keys in similar way as in the embodiment of the article of use illustrated in Figure 6.

Further embodiments of the article of use according to this invention can be provided with an acoustic annunciator in stead of or in addition to said display 4 in order to furnish acoustic announces by means of a voice synthesizer, for example.

Push-button 6 enables both the electronic unit to be switched on and the functions of the same electronic unit to be selected. In particular, said selector push-button 6 can perform two movements: a rotatory movement and a translatory movement.

In the preferred embodiment of the pen, the rotatory movement of said selector push-button 6 can have eight stable angular stop positions: a position for switching off the electronic unit and/or the display 4, as well as seven positions corresponding to the selection of one of the seven forecast based games Lotto, Enalotto, SuperEnalotto, Totocalcio, Totogol, Totip and Tris. In particular, said push-button 6 advantageously 11 has a octagonal cross-section shape and proper indications of the corresponding selection are provided on each side thereof.

The translatory movement of said push-button 6, when it is stopped in an angular stop position other than the switching off position, starts said electronic unit 7 for generating the forecast related to the game corresponding to the position as selected by means of the above said rotatory movement. In particular, said push-button 6 has a longitudinal rest position which it is elastically urged to return to as soon as the application of the force causing the translatory movement preferably directed toward pen body 1 is a ceased, It should also be understood that the functions corresponding to the rotatory movement and to the translatory movement of said pushbutton 6 can be interchanged with one another, without so departing from the scope of the invention.

In the preferred embodiment of the pen, the electronic component is microprogrammed in order that the electronic unit perform the function as described hereinbelow.

By positioning push-button 6 in a selection position established as a longitudinal rest position, the concerned display 4 is switched on and visualizes an indication related to the type of forecast based game as selected.

When push-button 6 is pressure operated, the symbols corresponding to said indication are rapidly replaced, thereby furnishing the effect of a rotating indication, and an acoustic signal is preferably emitted. When push-button 6 is released, said indication is replaced by a column of rapidly changing symbols corresponding to the game as selected; such variable symbols begin to be successively blocked, preferably with emission of an acoustic signal for each blocked symbol up to the complete visualization of the forecast. In particular, the electronic component is microprogrammed so as to perform any casual or random function with results of equal probability. 12

The so generated random forecast corresponds to a singular forecast, namely a forecast including one single column of symbols corresponding to the selected game. By way of illustration, in the case of game so-called Totocalcio, a column is generated consisting of a succession of thirteen symbols selected among signs "1", "x" and "2"; in the case of so-called Totogol game, the generated column will comprise eight numbers selected in the range from "1" to "32"; in the case of the

Totip game, the column will comprise fourteen symbols including a sequence of twelve symbols selected among signs "1", "x" and "2" followed by two numbers selected in the range of "1" to "16", as it is shown in Figure 1 ; in the case of the Lotto game, the concerned column includes two numbers in the range of "1" to "90".

With a subsequent application of a pressure on push-button 6, the column of symbols will again change and block in rapid cycles, except for the case in which the selected forecast is for Lotto game, in which a further symbol is added to both previously visualized symbols at each pressure application on said push-button 6 until five symbols are visualized.

By referring to Figures 3, 3a, 4 and 5, a second embodiment of the pen according to this invention is shown, wherein the upper electronic element 3 includes a display 4 incorporated in the housing 5 where the electronic unit 7 is arranged.

A third embodiment of the pen according to this invention includes further push-buttons, arranged along the outer surface of the abovesaid housing pocket, in order to enable the type of forecast based game to be directly selected and/or the type of desired forecasts to be selected, thereby enabling "system" or "combination" forecasts to be generated.

Figure 6 illustrates the electronic unit 7 and the display 4, similar to the corresponding items of the pen of Figure 3 according to the third embodiment. In particular, said electronic unit 7 provides additional keys 11 connected with the electronic component of the electronic unit 7, 13 which cooperate and interact with corresponding push-buttons arranged along the outer surface of the housing pocket.

By way of illustration, when the Totocalcio game is selected, said additional keys 11 can be utilized to select to generate a "system" of forecasts, by selecting the corresponding number of "ternary" forecasts and of "binary" forecasts to form said system.

In further embodiment of the pen according to this invention, the selector push-button 6 has, in stead of two or more stable angular stop positions, an angular rest position starting from which it can be rotated in clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction and to which it is elastically urged to return as soon as the application of the force which caused the rotatory movement is ceased. Each rotation could correspond to the application of an electric pulse to the electronic component of the electronic unit 7. Each rotation according to one of the abovesaid two directions corresponds to the selection, according to an ordered sequence, of one type of forecast based game and possibly to the selection of the forecast type. By way of exemplification, once the forecast "ambo" of the Lotto game has been selected, a subsequent rotation could select the forecast "terno", a further rotation could select the forecast "quaterna" and a still further rotation could select the forecast "cinquina". In similar way, in a case in which the generation of "system" or "combination" forecasts is allowed, said rotations could be utilized in order to select the system type (for instance, in the case of Totocalcio, they could be utilized to select the number of binary forecasts or the number of ternary forecasts).

The electronic unit 7 and/or the display 4 can be switched on by carrying out a rotation of the abovesaid push-button 6 in the same direction as or in opposite direction with respect to the direction of the selection rotations and the associated display 4 can visualize, at the switching on operation, the first type of game (and type of forecast) in said ordered sequence or the last type of game (and. type of forecast) as selected before the previous switching off operation of the electronic unit 7 and/or the display 4.

The switching off operation of ,the electronic unit and/or of the display 4 can be correspondent to a rotation of the push-button 6 in opposite direction with respect to the direction of the selection rotations or 14 it can be automatically effected with a certain time delay after the pushbutton 6 is no more urged.

By referring to Figure 7, it can be observed that the concerned article of use can also be realized as a key holder provided with a body 32 and a snap-hook 33. Said key holder 3, further comprises an electronic element, similar to the one shown in Figure 2, which is coupled to body 32.

By referring to Figures 8 and 9, it can be observed that the concerned article of use can also be realized as an ash tray 12 or a lighter 13, respectively.

By referring to Figures 10a and 10b, it can be observed that the concerned article of use can also be realized as a bracelet 14, preferably of circular shape, comprising a first element 15 and a second element 16 hingedly connected with one another and provided with closure means. In particular, Figure 10a shows the bracelet in open condition, while Figure 10b shows the bracelet in closed condition. Display 4 is arranged on the outer surface of the above mentioned first element 15, while push-button 6 is arranged on one of the two side walls of the first element 15.

Those skilled in the art can easily modify said bracelet 14 by providing a protection cover for said display 4 and/or by arranging said display 4 on the outer surface or on the side walls of the first element 15 or the second element 16.

By referring to Figure 11 , it can be observed that the concerned article of use can also be realized as a pendant 17, in which the display 4 is preferably arranged on the rear side of the pendant itself. By referring to Figure 12, it can be observed that the concerned article of use can also be realized as note book or an address book 18, in W wO^j 9^y9^y/5r 910u7^/ PCT/IT99/00119

15 which display 4 and push-button 6 are preferably arranged on the suitably sized cover portion of the notebook or address book 18.

By observing Figure 13, the concerned article of use can also be realized as a telephone device 19, wherein push-button 6 could also operate in cooperation with the keys of keyboard 20 for directly selecting the desired type of forecast based game and/or for selecting the desired type of forecasts to be generated. in similar way, as shown in Figure 14, the concerned article of use can also be realized as a radiotelephone device 21 incorporating a display 4 and a push-button 6. In particular, said display 4 can also be the same display as used in the radiotelephone device 21 and/or push-button 6 could also operate in combination with the keys of the keyboard 20.

Furthermore, by referring to Figure 15, it can be observed that the concerned article of use can also be realized as a paper-weight 22. By observing Figure 16, it can be seen that the concerned article of use can also be realized as a table clock 23 provided with a dial 24 with hands. It appears to be evident that said dial 24 can be replaced by a digital display and/or that the display 4 can also visualize information relating to time and/or date. By referring to Figure 17, the concerned article of use can also be realized as a wrist clock 25 provided with a digital display 26. It appears to be evident that said digital display 26 can be replaced by a hand dial and/or said display 4 can also visualize information relating to time and/or date. By referring now to Figure 18, the concerned article of use can also be realized as a slot-machine or a video-game 27, provided with push-buttons 28 with which said selector push-button 6 could also cooperate in order to perform the direct selection of the type of forecast based game and/or the selection of the type of desired forecasts to be generated. Obviously, said display 4 could also operate as a screen for said video game 27.

Furthermore, by referring to Figure 19, ^'it can be observed that the concerned article of use can also be realized as a calculating device or a video game or an electronic note book 27 provided with a keyboard. In particular, said display 4 could also operate as a display for said calculating device or video game or electronic note book 27. Furthermore, said push-button 6 could also operate in combination with the keys of said 16 keyboard 30 for performing the direct selection of the type of forecast based game and/or for selection of the type of desired forecasts to be generated.

The preferred embodiment of this invention has been hereinbefore explained by way of illustration and not by way of limitation, but it should be understood that those skilled in the art can made variations and/or changes therein without so departing from the scope of this invention, as defined in the annexed claims.

Claims

17CLAIMS

1.- An article of use incorporating a random forecast generator, comprising an electronic element provided with a visual and/or acoustic annunciator (4), with an electronic unit (7) housed in a suitable housing (5) and with a selector push-button (6) electronically interconnected with one another, said electronic unit (7) including a microprogrammed electronic component, while said selector push-button can be moved according to a rotatory movement and/or a translatory movement.

2.- Article of use according to claim 1 , characterized in that said visual annunciator is realized as a display (4).

3.- Article of use according to claim 2, characterized in that said display (4) enables at least a row and at least a column to be visualized.

4.- Article of use according to claim 3, characterized in that said display (4) enables a 14 row by 2 column matrix to be visualized.

5.- Article of use according to claim 1 , characterized in that said visual annunciator is realized as a LED diode annunciator.

6.- Article of use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said microprogrammed electronic component is a microprocessor or a digital signal processor adapted to generate random forecasts and to control the visual and/or acoustic annunciator (4).

7.- Article of use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the translatory movement of the selector push-button (6) is provided with a longitudinal rest position.

8.- Article of use according to claim 7, characterized in that said electronic unit (7) and/or said display (4) are switched on by means of an operation of said selector push-button (6) when it is moved from said longitudinal rest position.

9.- Article of use according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said microprogrammed electronic component is adapted to discriminate the duration of the movement of the selector push^'-button (6) from its rest position.

10.- Article of use according to claim 9, characterized in that said microprogrammed electronic component distinguishes between short pressure operations and long pressure operations. W wO ^ 99^//r591u07 PCT/IT99/00119

18 11.- Article of use according to claim 10, characterized in that each short duration pressure operation corresponds, according to an ordered sequence, to a selection of the type of forecast to be generated and further characterized in that each long duration pressure operation starts the generation of a random forecast corresponding to the selected forecast type.

12.- Article of use according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that said electronic unit (7) and/or said display (4) can be switched off by a corresponding particular sequence of short and/or long duration pressure operations of said selector push-button (6).

13.- Article of use according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the rotatory movement of said selector pushbutton (6) has at least two angular stable positions.

14.- Article of use according to claim 13, characterized in that one of said stable angular positions in the rotatory movement of said selector push-button (6) corresponds to a switching off operation of said electronic unit (7) and/or of said visual and/or acoustic annunciator (4) and the further angular stable positions correspond to a different type of forecast to be generated and further characterized in that the translatory movement of said selector push-button (6) starts the generation of the random forecast corresponding to the stable angular position of said selector push-button (6).

15.- Article of use according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the rotatory movement of said selector push-button (6) has an angular rest position starting from which it can be rotated in clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction and to which it is elastically urged to return.

16.- Article of use according to claim 15, characterized in that each rotation of said selector push-button (6) corresponds, according to an ordered sequence, to a selection of the type of forecast to be generated and further characterized in that the translatory movement of said selector push-button (6) starts the generation of a random forecast corresponding to the selected forecast type.

17.- Article of use according to claim 16, characterized in that the operation for switching on the electronic unit (7) and/or the visual and/or acoustic annunciator (4) is carried out by means of a rotation of W v Ou 9^y9^y/^/591w07^/ PCT/IT99/00119

19 said push-button (6) in the same direction or in opposite direction with respect to the rotatory movements carried out to select the forecast type.

18.- Article of use according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the operation for switching off said electronic unit (7) and/or said visual and/or acoustic annunciator (4) corresponds to a rotation of said push-button (6) in opposite direction with respect to the rotations carried out to select the forecast type.

19.- Article of use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operation for switching off said electronic unit (7) and/or said visual and/or acoustic annunciator (4) is carried out automatically and it is triggered after a certain time interval in which no action is taken on the push-button.

20.- Article of use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said electronic component generates random forecasts according to a random function with equi-probability results.

21.- Article of use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided with at least a battery (10).

22.- Article of use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said visual and/or acoustic annunciator (4) is housed in the same housing (5) where the electronic unit (7) is housed.

23.- Article of use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is further provided with one or more additional push-buttons aimed at selecting the forecast type.

24.- Article of use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said article of use is selected among: a ball point pen, a fountain pen, a felt-tip pen, a pencil, a propelling pencil, a key holder (31), an ashtray (12), a lighter (13), a bracelet (14), a pendant (17), a note-book, an address book (18), a telephone set (19), a radiotelephone (21), a paper-weight (22), a wrist watch (21), a table watch (23), a slot- machine, a videogame (27), a computer, an electronic notebook (29), and like.