Modular bingo console system with multi-port communications and manual play mode

Abstract

A modular bingo system (A) includes a separate primary console () and ball console (). The ball console () includes: a bingo ball chamber () into which a plurality of numbered bingo balls are loaded and from which the bingo balls are dispensed in an unpredictable order; a ball tray () into which the operator places dispensed bingo balls; a first switch matrix () that identifies where bingo balls have been placed in the first ball tray (); and, a ball console computer () that monitors the first switch matrix () and transmits data regarding its state. The primary console () receives the data regarding the state of the first switch matrix () from the first ball console () and includes: a main computer () programmed to conduct bingo games; a local display () operatively connected to the main computer (); an adjustable arm () upon which the local display () is supported, the adjustable arm () providing a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement for adjusting the position of the local display (); an UPS () that provides power to the first console (); and, a data router () operatively connected to the main computer (), the data router () providing communications links for the exchange of data between the main computer (), the ball console computer () and an external flashboard ().