WO2003004119A2

WO2003004119A2 - An assembly of several game computers, a method of comparing game results, a game computer, and a carrier for a computer game

Info

Publication number: WO2003004119A2
Application number: PCT/NL2002/000416
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adrianus Maria Seerden
Original assignee: Lely Enterprises Ag
Priority date: 2001-07-06
Filing date: 2002-06-24
Publication date: 2003-01-16
Also published as: WO2003004119A3; NL1018477C2

Abstract

An assembly for playing a computer game, the assembly being provided with several game computers (1, 2, 3) each suitable for playing the computer game independently of another game computer and each suitable for issuing respectively displaying an achieved game result, and with a central prize distribution system (4) for distributing a prize, the prize distribution system (4) being provided with a receiver device (5; 6, 7) for receiving achieved game results from respective game computers, and with a comparing device (8) for comparing the respective game results, a prize being distributed in dependence of the comparison result. The computer game comprises a program module for automatically converting the achieved game result into a converted chance code which is an indication of the achieved game result, and each game computer (1, 2, 3) is suitable for issuing respectively displaying the converted chance code.

Description

AN ASSEMBLY OF SEVERAL GAME COMPUTERS, A METHOD OF COMPARING GAME RESULTS, A GAME COMPUTER, AND A CARRIER FOR A COMPUTER GAME

The invention relates to an assembly of several game computers, each suitable for playing a computer game according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such an assembly is known. At the introduction of the Gran Turismo® computer games Sony Corporation has organised the GT Time Attack Challenges. Users of the PlayStation® game computers of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. could try to get a fast lap on a certain race-track. The lap obtained could then be sent (by letter or e-mail) to a central prize distribution system constituting part of the assembly. After mutual comparison of the laps received, the users having the fastest laps were requested to produce a memory card on which the fast lap was recorded as a confirmation of the lap obtained, after which a prize was possibly paid out. A disadvantage of this assembly and this way of distributing a prize is that only after checking of the memory card it can be confirmed that a user has indicated the correct lap. A user could give in first instance a lap which he or she has not actually realised. This disadvantage occurs in particular when the prize distribution system is not connected interactively with the game computers, in other words when each game computer is suitable for playing the computer game independently of another game computer. It is noticed that the disadvantage of interactive games is that during playing the computer game there must be an open connection with a telecommunication network, which may be relatively expensive.

It is i.a. an object of the invention to provide an alternative assembly of several game computers which is suitable for verifying the correctness of a game result indicated by the user without an additional check with the user.

To that end the invention provides an assembly for playing a computer game of the above-described type characterized in that the computer game comprises a program module for automatically converting the achieved game result into a converted chance code which is an indication of the achieved game result, and in that each game computer is suitable for issuing respectively displaying the converted chance code. In this manner the game computer is not only able to display the achieved game result in the usual manner, but also (or instead of the usual game result) to display a chance code which is a conversion of the achieved game result. Since the way of conversion - for that purpose the program module may e.g. contain for conversion a certain algorithm or e.g. a correspondence table - is unknown to the user, it is almost impossible for the user to invent a chance code corresponding to a certain achieved game result. It is obvious, of course, that the prize distribution system is suitable for reconverting the chance code into the achieved game result. Therefore, afterwards checking of the indicated chance code is not necessary.

From WO 00/23910 an internet game system for increasing the sale of products is known per se. In this system there is offered for example on a product, e.g. a bottle, a code giving access via the internet to a certain computer game. The system distributes prizes either at random, either in dependence of the achieved playing level. Neither mutual comparison of game results achieved by different players nor conversion of the achieved game result into a converted chance code takes place in this system. A disadvantage of this method is that people are able to destroy the products in order to obtain the codes, without actually paying for the products .^" From EP-A-1034822 a method and a device are known for controlling the education and amusement use of an electronic device having a screen. In the method disclosed therein it is possible to obtain a predetermined score by answering educational questions. When a predetermined score has been attained, the responder, in particular a child, may get access during a ' predetermined period of time to an amusement module, e.g. a game or TV. The threshold, the score to be attained before being amused, may be set by a person, in particular a parent. Besides it is possible for the parent to buy beforehand prizes to a certain amount at a prize distribution system and to communicate codes per prize to the prize distribution system and also to input these codes into the educational device. When a child has obtained a predetermined score said code is displayed, after which the child may claim the prize. In this method neither mutual comparison of achieved results nor conversion of the achieved game result into a converted chance code takes place. Further it is a disadvantage of this method that the parent, especially a parent having a less good memory, has to note the code somewhere. Inventive children may then find this code and claim the prize without having occupied themselves educationally.

An embodiment of an assembly according to the invention is characterized in that the computer game comprises a country code indicating the country in which the computer game has been brought out, and in that the program module is suitable for processing the country code into the converted chance code when converting the achieved game result into the converted chance code. Because a computer game is often first published in a certain country, hereinafter called first performance country, it would be possible for a user originating from an other country where the computer game has not yet been published to buy the computer game in the first performance country and to start already playing on his game computer. In this manner he would be able to get undeservedly a lead over other users in his country, and especially attain a high number of points, credits or the like. On receipt of the chance code the prize distribution system is then able to reject those chance codes whose country code does not correspond with the country in which the competition or challenge has been organised. Accordingly, in an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention the comparing device of the prize distribution system is suitable for comparing the country code of the computer game with the relevant sender indication.

The program module is preferably suitable for displaying the converted chance code on a screen of the respective game computer. For the purpose of realising the sending of the prizes it is advantageous when the program module is also suitable for displaying on the sqreen a request for entering a sender indication of the user of the game computer, and when the program module is suitable for processing the sender indication into the converted chance code when converting the achieved game result into the converted chance code. When after the request the sender indication has been entered, this sender indication can automatically be obtained by the prize distribution system and e.g. automatically be printed on an address sticker or similar. Moreover a sender indication is advantageous when a competition or challenge is hold in several, countries, so that the country code of the game can be compared with the sender indication. However, there are alternative possibilities to enter this sender indication. For example, immediately after the game computer has come into operation an installation program of the game computer may ask the user to enter this sender indication, after which the game computer converts this indication into a computer code by means of a suitable program. When afterwards during playing a computer game the stage has been reached in which a chance code would be issued and/or displayed, the program module which processes the sender indication into the converted chance code only then issues an initial chance code. In a further embodiment of an assembly according to the invention the program module is also suitable for displaying on the screen a request for entering a registration code of the respective game computer, and for processing the registration code into the converted chance code when converting the achieved game result into the converted chance code. Due to this there is obtained an extra reliability and/or comparison possibility regarding the authenticity of the chance codes received by the prize distribution system. The processing of the registration code of the game computer may take place analogously to the processing of the sender indication, as described above.

In a preferred embodiment of an assembly according to the invention the program module is also suitable for displaying on the screen of information about the sending of the converted chance code to the prize distribution system. Due to this it is possible on the one hand to give, additionally to possible information given at the sale of the computer game that a prize can be won, a repetition of this information, and on the other hand a surprise may be given to a player of the computer game who was unaware of the existence of the possibility of obtaining a prize. Then it is especially advantageous when the program module is also suitable for displaying on the screen information about the possibility of winning prizes and/or information about the sort of prizes to be won.

Although the game computer may be suitable for downloading a computer game from a computer game file (e.g. internet), e.g. due to the fact that the game computer comprises a hard disc, a computer chip or similar, the invention is in particular applicable in an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention in which the game computer comprises an entrance opening for receiving a carrier containing the software for the computer game. Such an entrance opening for receiving a carrier, preferably a CD- ROM, a DVD or similar, is known per se.

Although the chance code may be sent by the sender to the prize distribution system by normal mail (snail mail) , in a preferred embodiment of an assembly according to the invention the game computer comprises a modem capable of being connected with a telecommunication network for sending the converted chance code via the telecommunication network to the prize distribution system after having received a command from the user of the game computer. Alternatively the game computer may comprise a modem capable of being connected with a telecommunication network for automatically sending the converted chance code via the telecommunication network to the prize distribution system after having obtained the converted chance code.

In an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention the prize distribution system comprises a first memory for ranging the converted chance codes according to the times of receipt. Thus the order in time may also be used for distributing a prize.

Although it is possible that the prize distribution system mutually compares the converted chance codes directly for distributing a prize, the prize distribution system preferably comprises a computer, which computer can be loaded with a program for re-obtaining the relevant achieved game result from a converted chance code. Said program for the computer of the prize distribution system is especially suitable for re-obtaining the country code of the computer game from a converted chance code. It is also advantageous when the program for the computer of the prize distribution system is suitable for re-obtaining ■ the relevant sender indication from a converted chance code. It may further be desirable that the program for the computer of the prize distribution system is suitable for re-obtaining the registration code of the relevant game computer from a converted chance code. An embodiment of an assembly according to the invention is characterized in that the prize distribution system is suitable for supplying a signal via the telecommunication network to the modem of the relevant game computer, said signal indicating whether or not a prize has been obtained, and in that the game computer is suitable for displaying said signal. Thus a user, when starting up the game computer again, can be informed whether or not a prize has been won.

The program module of the computer game may vary per computer. It is also possible that one computer game comprises various program modules for converting an achieved game result into a converted chance code._h It is then advantageous when there is processed into the converted chance code an indication which program module has been used for conversion, so that the prize distribution system can use this information for re-obtaining the achieved game result from the converted chance code.

The invention also relates to a method of mutually comparing a plurality of game results by a comparing device constituting part of the prize distribution system, said method comprising the steps of receiving the plurality of game results by a receiver device constituting part of the prize distribution system, each game result having been achieved by playing a computer game on several game computers, a relevant achieved game result being generated during playing the computer game on a relevant game computer, in particular being issued respectively displayed to the player, and the relevant achieved game result being sent to the receiver device, of mutually comparing the achieved game results, and of distributing a prize after comparison of the achieved game results, the method further comprising the step of converting the relevant achieved game result into a converted chance code which is an indication of the achieved game result, prior to sending the relevant achieved game result, of sending the converted chance code to the receiver device, of re-obtaining the achieved game result from a converted chance code by a computer constituting part of the prize distribution system, said computer being loaded with a suitable program, and of mutually comparing the re-obtained game results.

Preferred embodiments of a method according to the invention are described in the relevant subclaims .

The invention further relates to a game computer for playing a computer game, the game computer having a registration code and being suitable for issuing and displaying an achieved game result during playing a computer game, characterized in that the game computer is provided with a memory for containing the registration code, said memory only being accessible during playing the computer game. Thus it is prevented that the registration code can be obtained in another manner.

An embodiment of a game computer according to the invention is characterized in that the game computer comprises a modem capable of being connected with a telecommunication network for sending the achieved game result, after having received a command from the user of the game computer respectively automatically via the telecommunication network, to a prize distribution system. This enables the user to postpone sending the game result until he or she has achieved a respectable result.

The invention further relates to a carrier containing software for a computer game, the software being suitable for displaying an achieved game result at a predetermined moment during playing the game, characterized in that the software is suitable for converting the achieved game result into a converted chance code.

Preferred embodiments of a carrier according to the invention are described in the relevant subclaims.

An embodiment of the invention will be elucidated hereinafter with reference to the drawing, in which

Figure 1 is a schematic view of the assembly according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a screen of one of the game computers constituting part of the assembly;

Figure 3 shows a screen of another game computer constituting part of the assembly, and

Figure 4 shows a screen of again another game computer constituting part of the assembly.

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the invention. Said assembly comprises a prize distribution system 4 and in the shown situation three game computers 1, 2, 3 (although any other number would be possible as well) . Each of the game computers 1, 2, 3 is suitable for playing a computer game loaded on a carrier 21, 22, such as e.g. a CD-ROM, a DVD or similar, or a carrier 23, such as a hard disc or a chip. The carriers 21, 22 may be inputted into an entrance opening 19, 20, which is known per se.

According to the invention each of the game computers 1, 2, 3 is suitable for issuing and/or displaying a converted chance code during playing a computer game, as will be elucidated hereinafter.

The prize distribution system 4 is provided with a receiver device 5, 6, 7 for receiving the converted chance codes. The receiver device 5 comprises e.g. a modem capable of being connected with a telecommunication network 16. The receiver device 6, 7 may besides be provided with a receiver for normal mail (snail mail) sent via a snail mail route 27, and e.g. a keyboard 7 by means of which converted chance codes mentioned on the normal mail can be converted into an electronic form.' The data emanating from the modem 5 respectively the keyboard 7 are passed via a transmission line 25 respectively 26 to the relevant module of the prize distribution system 4.

The prize distribution system 4 further comprises a comparing device 8 for mutually comparing the converted chance codes, and possibly for comparing the converted chance codes with prize codes. These prize codes may e.g. be stored respectively be capable of being stored in the memory 24. It is noticed that the prize distribution system 4 is capable of comparing the converted chance codes, or that these converted chance codes are calculated back by a computer of the prize distribution system 4, in the shown situation included in the comparing device 8, to the relevant game result (it being possible also to obtain other codes if desired from the converted chance codes), and that subsequently the re- obtained game results are mutually compared. The computer (the comparing device 8) may then be loaded with a relevant program for re-obtaining the relevant achieved game result from a converted chance code.

The game computers 1, 2 are provided with a modem 17, 18 capable of being connected with the telecommunication network 16. When a converted chance code has been obtained the latter can be sent via the modems 17, 18, automatically or after having received a command from the user of the game computer 1, 2, via the telecommunication network 16 to the prize distribution system 4.

The game computer 3 does not comprise a modem, but after having been displayed on a screen 15, the obtained converted chance code may be written by the user on e.g. a letter and be sent with address data via the normal (snail mail) postal route 27 to the prize distribution system 4. For making it possible to play the game, the game computers 1, 2, 3 are provided with so-called game controllers 29, 31 connected to game controller openings 28, 30, or push buttons or the like. Displaying the converted chance code with the game computers 1, 2 may take place on a screen 13, 14 integrated into one of the game computers 1 , 2 , or on a displaying means capable of being connected to the game computer, such as e.g. a TV or similar. The use of the assembly according to the invention will be elucidated briefly with reference to the computer game patience, but it will be obvious that the invention is also applicable to any other computer game, such as e.g. the PlayStation® or Nintendo® computer games . It is further noticed that a simple conversion algorithm is chosen for converting the achieved game result into a converted chance code. On the one hand, an exact description of such an algorithm is not necessary, as such algorithms are known per se, and on the other hand this is not desirable because a less reliable user of the game computer might use these data from the publication of this application for obtaining a converted chance code indicating an excellent game result, without having played the computer game.

Figure 2 shows the screen of game computer 1 after a round of patience has been played. The computer game may be programmed such that after this one round a converted chance code is displayed. In the present case the converted chance code contains the attained status of the game, data about the achieved score, an indication of the sender respectively the owner of the converted chance code, the registration code of the game computer, and a country code indicating the country in which the computer game has been brought out. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 2 the converted chance code is: 131/NL2224XJ3/31/-42/37/E 131 being the registration code of the game computer, game computer 1 in country code 31 (Netherlands) ;

NL2224XJ3 being the sender indication, in this case constituted by country indication, postal code and house number;

31 being the country code of the computer game (Netherlands)

-42 being the achieved score;

37 being the time within which the score has been achieved, and

E indicating the status of the computer game on which the chance code has been issued, in this case E (abbreviation for End) of the game.

This converted chance code can thus be sent via the modem 17 to the prize distribution system 4.

In the example shown in Figure 3, the screen of game computer 2, the converted chance code is,:

131/NL2221AX94/31/-42/84/E 131 being the registration code of the game computer, game computer 1 in country code 31 (Netherlands) ;

NL2221AX94 being the sender indication, in this case constituted by country indication, postal code and house number;

31 being the country code of the computer game (Netherlands)

-42 being the achieved score;

84 being the time within which the score has been achieved, and

In the example shown in Figure 4, the screen of game computer 3, the converted chance code is:

131/NL2221KV15/41/38/166/E 131 being the registration code of the game computer, game computer 1 in country code 31 (Netherlands) ;

NL2221KV15 being the sender indication, in this case constituted by country indication, postal code and house number;

41 being the country code of the computer game (Switzerland)

38 being the achieved score;

166 being the time within which the score has been achieved, and

As described above the game computers 1, 2 are capable of sending the relevant converted chance code via their modems to the prize distribution system 4. This prize distribution system 4 comprises in the embodiment shown a first memory 9 for ranging the chance codes according to the times (hour plus date) of receipt. In the present case, assuming that the converted chance codes are sent automatically on the same day and no time is lost between the displaying of the converted chance code on the game computer, the sending of the converted chance code and the receipt of the converted chance code, the time code would be for game computer 1 (Figure 2) 10:16, for game computer 2 (Figure 3)

10:15, and for game computer 3 the day and the point of time of receipt of the normal mail. In case we assume that the mail takes two days and is delivered at 1 o'clock in the afternoon and handled immediately, the time code for game computer 3 would be 13:00 (plus two days). Consequently the order in which the converted chance codes are stored in the memory 9 is: game computer 2, game computer 1, game computer

3.

The prize distribution system 4 is capable of ranging the converted chance codes in a second memory 10 according to converted (re-obtained) level of the achieved game result, such as e.g. the achieved status and/or the attained number of points, credits or the like. In the present case the order would then be: game computer 3, game computers 2 and 1 (equal) .

The comparing device 8 may be loaded with a program for selecting a prize winning, converted chance code after comparison of the converted chance codes . Then the program may for example first give priority to the score obtained, and only afterwards judge the point of time of receipt. In the present case the user of game computer 3 would be preferred to the user of game computer 2, while the last preference for awarding a prize would be given to the user of game computer 1. Possibly or alternatively in the present case the playing time may also be taken into account.

However, for being able to make a fair choice which user receives a prize, preferably also the country code of the computer game is taken into account. In the present case the user of game computer 3 has bought the computer game in Switzerland where, as we assume, the computer game has been brought out earlier than in t e Netherlands. This means that the user of game computer 3 has had the opportunity of exercising longer and thus attaining a higher score. Accordingly, for selecting a prize winning, converted chance code, the comparing device 4 may first remove those chance codes whose country codes for the computer game do not correspond with the country code of the game computer and/or of the sender and/or of the country where the match has been held. In the present case the chance code of game computer 3 would thus be considered as non-prize winning, and (when the point of time of receipt of the converted chance code would be more decisive for awarding a prize than the playing time) , the first prize is awarded to the sender of the converted chance code of game computer 2, and a second prize if any to the sender of the converted chance code of game computer 1. The prize distribution system 4 may for example be suitable for issuing a signal 12 that a prize has to be sent as well as for issuing a signal 11 which is sent to the sender respectively the owner of the converted chance code and which indicates that a prize has been won. The prize indication may be sent via the modem 5 and the telecommunication network 16 to the modem of the relevant game computer. Besides the signal 12 may be sent to the post room of the prize distribution system 4 for sending the prize and/or a letter, (or fax message or phone call) with the information that a prize will be sent.

It will be obvious that the above-mentioned converted chance codes may also be displayed on the screens 13, 14 of the game computers 1, 2 themselves. It will be obvious that the game computers 1, 2, 3 may each be provided with a microprocessor 34, 35, 23, e.g. having a memory, which microprocessor does not only control the functioning of the game computer, but is also programmed for issuing and/or displaying at a predetermined moment a converted chance code in conjunction with a program module of the computer game. Said converted chance code may also include data obtained in the game (e.g. a score) . For that purpose there has been included in the carrier 21, 22, 23 a program module, in particular in the software for the computer game or alternatively in separate software present on the carrier, said program module being suitable for displaying the converted chance code at a predetermined moment during playing the game, into which converted chance code e.g. the above-mentioned data have been processed. The program module may further be suitable for giving a command for automatically sending the converted chance code to a prize distribution system 4. Other information, such as information about the possibility of winning prizes (e.g. as a promotional activity) and/or information about the sort of prizes to be won and/or information about entering the sender indication respectively the registration code, may also be displayed on the screen under control of the program module on the carrier.

The method of mutually comparing several game results by the comparing device 8 constituting part of the prize distribution system 4 thus comprises various steps. As a first step, of course, the computer game has to be played. During playing the computer game on a relevant game computer a relevant game result is then achieved, which is usually communicated to the player. Said relevant achieved game result is then automatically converted into a converted chance code which is at least an indication of the achieved game result. The converted chance code is then sent to the receiver device 5, 6, 7 of the prize distribution system 4. The receiver device 5, 6, 7 constituting part of the prize distribution system 4, of course, receives the converted chance codes of several game computers. Each of the converted chance codes is preferably calculated back to the achieved game result by a computer, in particular the comparing device 8, constituting part of the prize distribution system 4, which is loaded with a suitable program, after which the re- obtained game results are mutually compared. After comparison of the achieved game results a prize is distributed to one or more selected senders . In particular there is included in the computer game a country code indicating the country in which the computer game has been brought out, and said country code is processed into the converted chance code. Further there may be displayed on a screen of a game computer, during playing the game, a request to the player for entering a sender indication of the user of the game computer, said indication being processed into the converted chance code.

For the purpose of avoiding unfair competition, during mutually comparing the re-obtained game results, the country code of the computer game is compared with the country code constituting part of the relevant sender indication.

Claims

1. An assembly for playing a computer game, the assembly being provided with several game computers (1, 2, 3) each suitable for playing the computer game independently of another game computer and each suitable for issuing respectively displaying an achieved game result, and with a central prize distribution system (4) for distributing a prize, the prize distribution system (4) being provided with a receiver device (5; 6, 7) for receiving achieved game results from respective game computers, and with a comparing device (8) for comparing the respective game results, a prize being distributed in dependence of the comparison result, characterized in that the computer game comprises a program module for automatically converting the achieved game result into a converted chance code which is an indication of the achieved game result, and in that each game computer (1, 2, 3) is suitable for issuing respectively displaying the converted chance code.

2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the computer game comprises a country code indicating the country in which the computer game has been brought out, and in that the program module is suitable for processing the country code into the converted chance code when converting the achieved game result into the converted chance code.

3. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the program module is suitable for displaying the converted chance code on a screen (13, 14, 15) of the respective game computer (1, 2, 3) .

4. An assembly as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the program module is also suitable for displaying on the screen (13, 14, 15) a request for entering a sender indication of the user of the game computer (1, 2, 3), and in that the program module is suitable for processing the sender indication into the converted chance code when converting the achieved game result into the converted chance code.

5. An assembly as claimed in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the program module is also suitable for displaying on the screen (13, 14, 15) a request for entering a registration code of the respective game computer (1, 2, 3) , and in that the program module is suitable for processing the registration code into the converted chance code when converting the achieved game result into the converted chance code.

6. An assembly as claimed in claim 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the program module is also suitable for displaying on the screen information about sending the converted chance code to the prize distribution system.

7. An assembly as claimed in claim 3, 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that the program module is also suitable for displaying on the screen information about the possibility of winning prizes and/or information about the sort of prizes to be won.

8. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the game computer (1, 2) comprises an entrance opening for receiving a carrier (21, 22) containing the software for the computer game.

9. An assembly as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the carrier (21, 22) is constituted by a CD-ROM, a DVD or similar.

10. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the game computer (1, 2, 3) comprises a hard disc, a computer chip (23) or similar for containing the software for the computer game.

11. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the game computer (1, 2) comprises a modem (17, 18) capable of being connected with a telecommunication network (16) for sending the converted chance code via the telecommunication network (16) to the prize distribution system (4) after having received a command from the user of the game computer (1, 2) .

12. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the game computer (1, 2) comprises a modem (17, 18) capable of being connected with a telecommunication network (16) for automatically sending the converted chance code via the telecommunication network (16) to the prize distribution system (4) after having obtained the converted chance code.

13. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the prize distribution system (4) comprises a first memory (9) for ranging the converted chance codes according to the times of receipt .

14. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the prize distribution system

(4) comprises a computer, which computer can be loaded with a program for re-obtaining the relevant achieved game result from a converted chance code.

15. An assembly as claimed in claim 14 and claim 2, characterized in that the program for the computer of the prize distribution system (4) is suitable for re-obtaining the country code of the computer game from a converted chance code.

16. An assembly as claimed in claim 14 and claim 4, or claim 15 and claim 4, characterized in that the program for the computer of the prize distribution system (4) is suitable for re-obtaining the relevant sender indication from a converted chance code.

17. An assembly as claimed in claim 14 and claim 5, or claim 15 and claim 5, or claim 16 and claim 5, characterized in that the program for the computer of the prize distribution system (4) is suitable for re-obtaining the registration code of the relevant game computer from a converted chance code.

18. An assembly as claimed in claims 15 and 16, characterized in that the comparing device (8) of the prize distribution system (4) is suitable for comparing the country code of the computer game with the relevant sender indication.

19. An assembly as claimed in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the prize distribution system (4) is suitable for supplying a signal (11, 12) via the telecommunication network to the modem of the relevant game computer, said signal indicating whether or not a prize has been obtained, and in that the game computer is suitable for displaying said signal.

20. A method of mutually comparing a plurality of game results by a comparing device constituting part of a prize distribution system, said method comprising the steps of: receiving the plurality of game results by a receiver device constituting part of the prize distribution system, each game result having been achieved by playing a computer game on several game computers, a relevant achieved game result being generated during playing the computer game on a relevant game computer, in particular being issued respectively displayed to the player, and the relevant achieved game result being sent to the receiver device, mutually comparing the achieved game results, and distributing a prize after comparison of the achieved game results, characterized in that the method further comprises the step of: converting the relevant achieved game result into a converted chance code which is an indication of the achieved game result, prior to sending the relevant achieved game result, sending the converted chance code to the receiver device, re-obtaining the achieved game result from a converted chance code by a computer constituting part of the prize distribution system, said computer being loaded with a suitable program, and mutually comparing the re-obtained game results .

21. A method as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that the method comprises the step of including in the computer game a country code indicating the country in which the computer game has been brought out, ^'and the step of processing the country code into the converted chance code.

22. A method as claimed in claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the method comprises the step of displaying on a screen of a game computer a request for entering a sender indication of the user of the game computer, the step of entering a sender indication, and the step of processing the sender indication into the converted chance code.

23. A method as claimed in claims 21 and 22, characterized in that the step of mutually comparing the re- obtained game results comprises the step of comparing the country code of the computer game with the relevant sender indication.

24. A game computer (1, 2) for playing a computer game, the game computer (1, 2, 3) having a registration code and being suitable for issuing and displaying an achieved game result during playing a computer game, characterized in that the game computer (1, 2, 3) is provided with a memory for containing the registration code, said memory only being accessible during playing the computer game.

25. A game computer as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that the game computer (1, 2) comprises a modem (17, 18) capable of being connected with a telecommunication network (16) for sending the achieved game result, after having received a command from the user of the game computer (1, 2) , respectively automatically via the telecommunication network (16) , to a prize distribution system (4) .

26. A carrier (21, 22, 23) containing software for a computer game, the software being suitable for displaying an achieved game result at a predetermined moment during playing the game, characterized in that the software is suitable for converting the achieved game result into a converted chance code.

27. A carrier (21, 22, 23) as claimed in claim 26, characterized in that the software comprises a country code indicating the country in which the computer game has been brought out, and in that the software is suitable for processing the country code into the converted chance code when converting the achieved game result into the converted chance code.

28. A carrier (21, 22, 23) as claimed in claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the software is suitable for giving access to a memory of a game computer for playing the computer game, said memory containing a registration code of the game computer, and in that the software is suitable for processing the registration code into the converted chance code when converting the achieved game result into the converted chance code.

29. A carrier (21, 22, 23) as claimed in any one of claims 26 through 28, characterized in that the software is suitable for displaying information about sending the converted chance code on a screen of the game computer on which the computer game can be played.

30. A carrier (21, 22, 23) as claimed in any one of claims 26 through 29, characterized in that the software is suitable for displaying information about the possibility of winning prizes and/or information about the sort of prizes to be won on a screen of the game computer on which the computer game can be played.

31. A carrier (21, 22, 23) as claimed in any one of claims 26 through 30, characterized in that the software is suitable for displaying a request for entering a sender indication on a screen of the game computer on which the computer game can be played.

32. A carrier (21, 22, 23) as claimed in claim 31, characterized in that the software is suitable for processing the sender indication into the converted chance code when converting the achieved game result into the converted chance code.

33. A carrier (21, 22, 23) as claimed in any one of claims 26 or 32, characterized in that the carrier is constituted by a hard disc, chip, CD-ROM, a DVD or similar.

34. A carrier (21, 22, 23) as claimed in claims 26 through 33, characterized in that the software is suitable for giving a command to a modem of the game computer on which the computer game can be flayed for sending the converted chance code to a prize distribution system (4) .