Patent Application
20060035699
1. Field of the Invention
This disclosure relates to computer-based games and, more specifically, to a computer-based system and method for playing a bingo-like game.
2. Description of the Related Art
The game of bingo has for many years been a popular game to play by people of all ages. Bingo's popularity as a gambling game has grown to the point where gambling casinos have set up bingo games in recent years as an added attraction for their players. However, attempts to implement the game of bingo into a slot machine have been few and unsuccessful.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,024 to Helm et al. discloses an amusement arcade machine for playing the game of bingo. As disclosed, the machine comprises a display panel having a fixed matrix of numbers corresponding to row and column positions, a handle, and two spin reels, one reel corresponding to a row position number and one reel corresponding to a column position number. The game is played by causing the machine to spin one or both of the reels in an attempt to match the numbers on the fixed display matrix. However, the game does not use random bingo cards typically found in the game of bingo and relies on the player's skill in attempting to stop the spinning reels at the right time to win the game. Accordingly, it is believed that the machine disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,024 fails to recreate the fun and enjoyment associated with the game of bingo. Further, the disclosed machine cannot be played by more than one player.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a computer-based system and method for playing a bingo-like game.
It is another object of the invention to provide a computer-based system and method for playing a bingo-like game in which a player may utilize one or more display matrices.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a computer-based system and method for playing a bingo-like game in which two or more players may compete against each other.
It is recognized that bingo may be implemented in a more enjoyable manner to provide both multi-user play and to allow users to have greater selection and strategic interaction with the game as well as to compete with other players.
A device for playing a bingo-style game including an input device for receiving user inputs; a display for displaying a graphic user interface (GUI); and a processor. The GUI includes a five column by five row random number display matrix; five display regions, each display region corresponding to each column of the display matrix; and a plurality of user-actuatable icons, including an actuation icon. The processor responds to the user inputs for executing an application program to cause the display of the GUI. The processor includes a first random number generator for generating five sets of random numbers for display by the five column by five row random number display matrix, in which the five sets of random numbers are generated such that the first set includes random numbers ranging from 1 to 15; the second set includes random numbers ranging from 16 to 30; the third set includes random numbers ranging from 31 to 45; the four set includes random numbers ranging from 46 to 60; and the fifth set includes random numbers ranging from 61 to 75; and each set of random numbers is generated without repetition within the respective set. The processor also includes a second random number generator, comparing means, and determining means.
The second random number generator responds to the user inputs corresponding to actuation of the actuation icon by the user for generating a sixth set of random numbers for display by the five display regions. The comparing means compares the sixth set of random numbers displayed in the five display regions with the numbers in the corresponding columns of the display matrix, and, if they match, allows the processor to respond to user inputs corresponding to selected matching numbers, to automatically cover the matching number in the display matrix. The determining means determines whether the display matrix has five numbers covered in a row, five numbers covered in a column, five numbers covered in a diagonal, or all of the numbers are covered, and generates a bingo indication signal for indicating a bingo condition.
In an alternate embodiment,
The features of the disclosed computer-based system and method will become more readily apparent and may be better understood by referring to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:
Referring now in specific detail to the drawings, with like reference numerals identifying similar or identical elements,
The slot machine 1 is also configured with a slot machine activating arm 5 and coin slot 9 as would be typically found in a slot machine. The GUI of the slot machine 1 further includes five separate slot machine wheels (not shown) each having a display window, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, and 7e. Each wheel and window corresponds to a column of the display matrix 3. Therefore, the first wheel and window 7a would correspond to the first column of the display matrix, the second wheel and window 7b corresponds to the second column, and so forth. Modifications to existing five wheel slot machines, for example the Bally Manufacture Corporation's five wheel slot machines model Nos. 1019-1 and 1019-222, are possible but preferably, a custom slot machine design would be used to implement the present invention.
The slot machine 1 also includes a “Free Spin” combination display light and button 13 and an “End Of Game” display light 15. Other combination display light and buttons on the machine include a “Press To Start” button 11, Joker “Select” and “Hold” buttons 25 and 27 respectively, and a “Release My Winnings” button 23. Further, in addition to the five wheel display windows, there is a “Next Spin” window 17, a “Cost” per spin window 19, and a cumulative “Winnings” window 21.
Each wheel corresponding to display windows 7a-7e includes a range of numbered positions which corresponds to the range of numbers within each column. For example, the first wheel corresponds to the first column of the display matrix 3 and includes numbered positions in the range of the first column, that is, positions numbered 1 through 15. Similarly, the second wheel corresponds to the second column and includes positions numbered 16 through 30, the third wheel corresponds to the third column and includes positions numbered 31 through 45, the fourth wheel corresponds to the fourth column in the display matrix and includes positions numbered 46 through 60, and the fifth wheel corresponds to the fifth column and includes positions numbered 61 through 75.
It has been found that a bingo game played on the slot machine in this and similar embodiments can be enhanced when the wheels include special positions in addition to the numbered positions. Examples of special positions which have been found to enhance the game include a “Free Spin” position, as shown in window 7e, which would allow the player an extra spin if displayed, a lose winnings or “Devil” position (not shown) which would immediately eliminate any cumulative winnings, a “Gold Star” position, as shown in window 7c, which would allow the player additional winnings if displayed, a “Lemon” position (not shown) which has a null value, and a “Joker” position, as shown in window 7d, which would allow a player to select any uncovered block within the display matrix column corresponding to the wheel. In a preferred embodiment, the first, third, and fifth wheels would each include positions for three Jokers, one Gold Star, and one Lemon, and the second and fourth wheels would each include positions for two Jokers, one Free Spin, one Devil, and one Gold Star. Accordingly, each wheel would have a total of twenty possible positions. The following Table 1 summarizes the positions on each wheel:
Further, it has been found that increasing the cost per spin as the game is played adds to the excitement of the game. An example increase schedule which has been found to work well is: five dollars for the first through fifth spins, ten dollars for the sixth and seventh spins, and twenty dollars for the eighth, ninth and tenth spins. As discussed below, no more than ten spins are possible. To alert the player of the increasing cost per spin, the cost for the next spin is displayed in the Cost window 19.
With the above in mind, playing bingo on the apparatus of the present invention can now be described. The object of the game is to match and cover all the numbers on the display matrix with a maximum of only 10 spins. There are 13 possible winning combinations: covering a complete row of five blocks (five combinations), covering a complete column of five blocks (five combinations), and covering a diagonal line of five blocks in either direction (two combinations), or completely covering the entire display matrix.
To begin playing the game, a player presses the Press To Start button 11 which causes the machine to activate the display matrix and generate 25 random numbers in each of the blocks of the display as discussed above. After the display matrix displays a new set of randomly chosen numbers and the player decides to play, the player must insert a coin or chip to the coin slot 9. If for any reason the player does not begin to play, the numbers on the screen return to a random flashing mode after approximately 16 seconds.
After inserting a coin or chip, the machine will then “cover” preferably 12 blocks of the display matrix before the first spin. It has been found that providing a player with 12 pre-covered blocks enhances the game playing by increasing the odds in favor of the player. Further, it has been found that it is preferred that the machine, in deciding which of the 25 blocks within the matrix to cover, does not cover more than three blocks in any column or row and not more than two blocks in any diagonal line. Further still, it has been found that the particular pattern shown in
After the display matrix pre-covers 12 blocks, the Next Spin window 17 then lights up with a message “Ready To Play” and the player can now pull the arm 5 to start the game. Pulling the arm 5 causes the five wheels to begin spinning in a known slot machine type manner. Further, the Next Spin window 17 will advance one number and the Cost window 19 is updated to indicate the required amount to be inserted before another spin can be taken. The game has a maximum of 10 spins including any free spins taken. After 10 spins, the game is over and the End of Game light 15 will flash.
After the five wheels spin for a period of time, the machine stops the wheels at a randomly selected position such that one of the twenty possible wheel positions are displayed in each wheel's respective display window 7a-7e. If a selected numbered wheel position matches a number within the wheel's corresponding column in the display matrix, that number in the display matrix column will then be covered. Thus, for example, if the first wheel displays a number which corresponds to a number in the first column of the display matrix, that number in the display matrix is then covered. Similarly, if the second wheel displays a number which corresponds a number to the second column of the display matrix, that number in the second column of the display matrix is covered, and so on for the third through fifth wheels.
If a Free Spin position is displayed, a light in the Free Spin combination display light and button 13 lights up. Preferably, a player is allowed to accumulate two free spins on any pull of the arm. Accordingly, two lights can be used within the Free Spin button 13 to show the availability of up to two free spins. If a player decides to use a free spin, the player merely presses the free spin button instead of inserting a coin or chip and pulls the arm 5 as discussed above.
If a Joker position is displayed by a wheel, the player then has the option to select which of the blocks within the column corresponding to the Joker is to be covered. Specifically, by pressing the Select button 25, the player can select through the available uncovered numbered blocks within the corresponding column until the particular block the player is interested in is covered. The player then presses the Hold button 27 to select the block. For example, if the player received a Joker in the fourth column as shown in
After the spin is complete and the player has selected which block to cover if there is a Joker, the machine then determines whether the player has a bingo combination, that is, whether five blocks either in a row, in a column, or diagonally are now covered. If the player does have a bingo combination, the machine automatically updates the winnings window 21 with the winnings associated with the particular bingo combination.
All prize money won from each spin accumulates and is displayed in the winnings window 21. A player can take their winnings after any spin, ending the game, by pressing the Release My Winnings button 23.
It has been found that the following winnings schedule provides a balance between winning, losing, and investing in each spin: five dollars for each number covered; five dollars for each Gold Star; twenty dollars for each five block row, column, or diagonal combination; fifty dollars for two diagonal combinations; one hundred dollars for filling the display matrix in 10 spins; five hundred dollars for filling the display matrix in 9 spins; one thousand dollars for filling the display matrix in 8 spins; five thousand dollars for filling the display matrix in 7 spins; ten thousand dollars for filling the display matrix in 6 spins; and twenty five thousand dollars for filling the display matrix in 5 spins.
As will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, more than one display matrix can be implemented on a single machine to allow a player to play more than one bingo display. This embodiment would allow further mimicking of the typical game of bingo where a bingo player often plays more than one bingo card to increase the chance of winning.
This embodiment is played in a similar manner as described above. However, instead of 12 pre-covered positions, the display matrix 103 is completely uncovered at the beginning of the game. Further, the maximum number of spins is 16 plus additional free spins not to exceed a total of 20 spins per game. Finally, other special wheel positions, for example a free gift as shown in wheel display window 107e, can be used as is typical in the revision game shows.
The following Table 2 lists the various wheel positions for a preferred embodiment of the two player game.
In the two or more player embodiment, the object of the game is to win the most money. As with the single player embodiment, there are various ways to win money: cover a vertical or horizontal line of blocks in the display matrix, cover a diagonal line of blocks in the display matrix, cover all of the blocks in the display matrix, spin a Gold Star, or spin a Free Gift. Preferably, a player can only win one free gift per round and will only collect on the gift if the player wins the round. Optionally, the value of the gift can be included in a player's cumulative winnings.
Other differences between the one player and the two-player embodiment rules include the following are: when a player spins a Free Spin, the player must use the free spin immediately or lose it; when a player spins a Devil, only wheels displaying matching numbers or a Joker are valid but no money value is received, all other wheel positions are void and the player's accumulated winnings including gifts are erased.
Further, after 16 spins, including free spins, either player can buy additional extra spins at a preferred rate of one-hundred dollars per spin assuming the player has accumulated more than $100.00 and no more than twenty spins in total have not taken place.
The game is played in a series of rounds, preferably three, with each player accumulating winnings. After three rounds, the player with the highest winnings is allowed to keep his winnings and advance to a single player final round. The values for receiving a winning combination change between the rounds. In the first round, the preferred winning schedule is: fifty dollars for each numbered covered, two-hundred and fifty dollars for each line covered (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal) or Gold Star received, and one-thousand dollars for covering the entire display matrix. The cost of an extra spin is one-hundred dollars. In the second round, the preferred winning schedule is: one-hundred dollars for each number covered, five-hundred dollars for each line covered or Gold Star received, and two-thousand dollars for covering the entire display matrix. The cost of an extra spin is two-hundred dollars.
In the third round, the preferred winning schedule is: two hundred dollars for each number covered, one-thousand dollars for each line covered or Gold Star received, and four-thousand dollars for covering the entire display matrix. The cost of an extra spin is three hundred dollars. The fourth and final round is played by the player with the highest accumulated winnings after the three rounds. The winning player plays the final round using the same machine except that before the player plays the game, twelve blocks are covered, preferably in a manner as described above and illustrated in
Alternate variations on the game can be made. For example, one can vary the number of spins, the number of purchasable extra spins, and/or the amount of money awarded for winning combinations. In a preferred alternate final round, the final player can have sixteen spins and purchase four additional spins for a maximum of twenty free spins. In this embodiment, the first extra spin would cost four-hundred dollars, the second free spin would cost six-hundred dollars, the third flip spin would cost one-thousand dollars, and the fourth free spin would cost two-thousand dollars.
As will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, variations of the present method and apparatus can be designed and built without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. For example, various embodiments can be fully incorporated into software and played on a computer or similar device. Alternatively, various embodiments may be implemented as a video game or hand-held video game with the program implemented as an integrated circuit game card, CD-ROM, or other similar video game format.
With reference to
The computing device includes a processor, responsive a user input via the actuation icon 508, for executing an application program to cause a first random number generator of the processor for generating five sets of random numbers for display by the five column by five row random number display matrix 504. The five sets of random numbers are generated such that, unlike the above-described embodiments, each set includes random numbers ranging from 1 to 75. Each set of random numbers is generated without repetition within the respective set and the other sets. In other words, a random number is only capable of being displayed once by the display matrix 504 after receiving the user input via the actuation icon 508.
The processor further includes: a second random number generator, responsive to the user input corresponding to actuation of the actuation icon 508 by the user, for generating a sixth set of random numbers for display by the five display regions 506; a comparator for comparing the sixth set of random numbers displayed in the five display regions 506 with the numbers in the columns of the display matrix 504, and, if they match, allowing the processor to respond to user inputs corresponding to selected matching numbers, to automatically cover the matching number in the display matrix 504 to indicate a match; and determining means for determining whether the display matrix 504 has five numbers matched in a row, five numbers matched in a column, five numbers matched in a diagonal, or all of the numbers have been matched, and, if so, generating a bingo indication signal for indicating a bingo condition to the user.
It is also provided in an alterate embodiment that the processor includes a second random number generator for each display region 506, where each of the second random number generators generates a random number and each generated random number belongs to the sixth set of random numbers. Each of the second random number generators generates a random number such that the sixth set of random numbers does not contain duplicate random numbers. Each of the second random number generators can generate a radom number in the range of 1 to 75.
The processor further includes a timer for clocking a predetermined time period substantially immediately after displaying the sixth set of random numbers. A timing icon 510 displayed by the GUI 500 represents the timer. The timing icon 510 includes a series of stacked bars 512 which count down the predetermined time period by being removed one-by-one starting from the top bar. The user is required to provide the user inputs corresponding to selected matching numbers before the timer clocks the predetermined period of time. The user is also required to select one or more numbers displayed in the display matrix 504 for being covered before the timer clocks the predetermined period of time, in the case where a joker or a super joker is displayed by the one or more display regions 506, as further described below with reference to
The GUI 500 further includes a score icon 514 for indicating the user's score, a spins icon 516 for indicating the current spin, and a free spins icon 518 for indicating how many free spins have been awarded to the user due to the appearance of a FREE SPIN icon in the display regions 506. The GUI 500 further includes icons 520, 522 for turning the sound and animation on and off, respectively.
An exemplary play of this embodiment would now be described in detail with reference to
The user then decides to use the joker in the third display region to match the number 31 in the fourth row, third column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the number 31 displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the number 31 displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by
The user then decides to use the joker in the fifth display region to match the number 24 in the fourth row, fifth column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the number 24 displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the number 24 displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by
The user determines that the number 10 in the first display region matches the random number in the second row, third column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the matched random number displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the matched random number displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by
The user then decides to use the joker in the fifth display region to match the number 22 in the third row, fifth column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the number 22 displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the number 22 displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by
The user determines that the numbers 6 and 29 do not match any numbers in the display matrix 504. The user then decides to use the joker in the third display region to match the number 48 in the third row, third column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the number 48 displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the number 48 displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by
The user then decides to use the joker in the fourth display region to match the number 36 in the second row, fourth column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the number 36 displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the number 36 displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by
The user then decides to use the joker in the fifth display region to match the number 66 in the second row, fifth column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the number 66 displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the number 66 displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by
The user determines that the number 3 in the first display region matches the random number in the fifth row, third column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the matched random number displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the matched random number displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by
The user then decides to use the joker in the fourth display region to match the number 68 in the fourth row, fourth column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the number 68 displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the number 68 displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by
The user then decides to use the joker in the fifth display region to match the number 62 in the fifth row, fifth column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the number 62 displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the number 62 displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by
The user did not realize during the predetermined period of time that the random number displayed by the second display region matches the random number displayed by the fifth row, first column of the display matrix 504. This match would have given the user another bingo-like condition (diagonally) and another 2400 points.
The user determines that the number 25 in the second display region matches the random number in the first row, first column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the matched random number displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the matched random number displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by
The user determines that the numbers 3, 30 and 68 do not match any numbers in the display matrix 504. The user then decides to use the joker in the fourth display region to match the number 35 in the fifth row, fourth column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the number 35 displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the number 35 displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by
Another icon which can be displayed by the display regions 506, and not shown by the figures, is the super joker which is mentioned above. The super joker enables the user to match any number on the display matrix 504. Unlike the joker 524, with the super joker the user is not limited to matching a number in a column corresponding to the display region displaying the joker 524.
An additional feature of the game includes enabling the user to purchase additional spins using his acquired points. For example, if the game has a total of 20 spins, the user is given the option of purchasing the 17th through 20th spin using the points acquired during the previous 16 spins. If the user does not want to purchase any additional spins, the game ends, unless the user has one or more free spins to use.
The disclosed systems may also be configured with input devices simulating a slot machine activating arm and coin slot as would be typically found in a slot machine for playing bingo in the prior art. The display regions 506 can also be configured as wheels which spin upon activation of the activating arm. Further, the input devices may be trackballs or other pointing and GUI devices, and the selectable display regions may include LED or LCD displays, which may be fixed in a housing or mounted on the spinning wheels of a slot machine. Further still, the cherub, gold coin, joker, super joker, free spin and devil icons can be referred as special positions.
The game can be implemented as a set of programmable instructions and game resources (graphics, audio, video, alphanumeric text, etc.) capable of being executed by a general purpose processor or a hard-wired special-purpose processor for playing the game. The set of programmable instructions and game resources can be stored on a computer-readable medium, including optical, magnetic and opto-magnetic media.
Accordingly, while the disclosed computer-based system and method have been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it is understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
