Patent Application
20240378969
The present invention relates to a wagering event, executed at a live card or tile gaming table or in virtual format by execution of software by a processor after player entry of a wager placed at risk. The gaming event may be played by single players against the house in either gaming milieu or can be played against other players.
There are numerous games in which playing cards (real or virtual) are used with their individual or collective ‘points’ (e.g., the count of card values) used to determine outcomes. The most common of these are blackjack, baccarat, cribbage, War, chemin de fer, and the like. Tiles are similarly used as equivalents to cards or used in separate gaming events such as dominos.
In each of these standard playing card games, a defined limited number of playing cards are provided in each round of play, and outcomes are determined according to set comparative information used to interpret hands.
There are a number of tile games (such as dominos and Triominos™ game) in which players are provided with an initial set of tiles, and winning is determined by a first player placing all tiles on the table. If the players are all blocked from placing more tiles, a player with the fewest tiles or points wins. These are referred to as ‘hand elimination’ gaming events.
Solitaire is another example of an elimination game in which the object to end up with all active playing cards transferred from a play area into receiving piles or sets, eliminating all cards from the playing area. This is typically done with the receiving piles collecting cards by both suit and order of the cards.
Another example of an elimination game is “Concentration,” in which cards are distributed face down on a surface, and when identical cards are revealed in the same turn, they are removed and counted as points (without respect to the images or points on them) for the player who matched the cards.
With the exception of the limited success following blackjack and baccarat on electronic gaming machines (EGMs), no other games have a had long, successful presence in electronic formats.
Additional games with different content and play are always sought out for use in the gaming industry.
The present invention relates to a player activity wagering event in which a set of playing cards, which may be a standard playing card deck (i.e., 52 cards, A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen and King of four different suits) or a modified set (with fewer cards, additional cards between 16 and even above 56 cards, and optional specialty cards having specific functions added to the basic 5 cards.
More broadly, the present invention relates to a gaming event, gaming method and a gaming system which includes at least:
the game controller to:
As noted, the technology of the present invention may be executed in a physical form (with playing cards, playing tiles, and other physical elements), but the emphasis in this disclosure will be in its execution as an electronic gaming event.
the present invention relates to a gaming event and a gaming system which includes at least:
the game controller to:
The gaming system and game event may have the first original set of virtual gaming elements comprises a number of virtual gaming elements between 10 and 60, and the randomly selected and displayed virtual images consist of between and including 8-16 virtual gaming elements.
The gaming system and game event may have the randomly selected and displayed virtual images consist of between and including 10-14 virtual gaming elements. The gaming system and game event may have the randomly selected and displayed virtual images consist of exactly 12 virtual gaming elements.
The gaming system and game event may have a value crediting and debiting system that receives player inputted value, and the player inputted value is used to place a wager on concluding events, and the game processor determines and delivers an award for the player at least based upon which category of concluding event has occurred and increments awards and decrements wagers against the value crediting and debiting system. The gaming system and game event may have the gaming processor configured to award relative amounts of awards, from higher amounts to lower amounts according to an order of A, B, C and D. The gaming system and game event may have the gaming processor configured to award relative amounts of awards, from higher amounts to lower amounts according to an order of A, B, C and D, with an added bonus if the some virtual gaming elements remaining on the display screen are specifically preidentified virtual gaming elements.
The gaming system and game event may have the first original set of virtual gaming elements comprises a number of virtual gaming elements between 50 and 56, and the randomly selected and displayed virtual images consist of 12 virtual gaming elements.
A first aspect of the present disclosure is generally directed to execution of an event where a set of playing cards, typically in the form of at least a standard set of playing cards (physical or virtual), is used to provide gaming elements assigning different card values generally ranging from 1 to 12 (generally, because certain specialty gaming elements may have functions, such as an absolute other card eliminator, or a blocking card which cannot be eliminated unless there is at least one other and up to four others of the same specially marked cards), or with specific action functions as explained below. A first fixed number of playing cards in excess of two, and typically from 4 to twelve playing cards is initially displayed on a real or virtual surface. The player executes controls (manually in a physical card event) or by player controls in an electronic version (e.g., buttons, touchscreen, voice recognition, joy stick, etc.) to take action with specific revealed playing cards.
An aspect of the underlying gaming event is to eliminate cards from the playing surface. In its most basic format, cards are typically eliminated and removed by identifying and selecting two specific revealed cards whose point count total equals a specific value, particularly a total value of “12” in the execution of the most preferred game. Specific single cards may also be treated in the execution of the game as 12-point cards which may be eliminated as a single card, or a limited number of functional cards that may be eliminated in combination with any other card.
The method may also be alternatively or jointly executed wherein there are at least two player positions and at least two display systems and at least two player input controls, and wherein in addition to the gaming processor being determining a concluding event has occurred, the gaming processor determines and delivers an award for the player at least based upon which category of concluding event has occurred, the gaming processor also declares a winner as among the at least two players and a separate award is delivered to the winner based on game achievement parameters.
In terms of technical effects, the gaming system, device and game execution achieves a designated game volatility and RTP that complies with regulation for a game feature. In the case of randomly assigned multipliers from secondary events, the RTP can be balanced by using weighted lookup tables, or by using different lookup tables for different outcomes to determine the multiplier.
The gaming system also improves computer usability and enhances the player's understanding and experience. For example, there may be a second screen over the first display screen, on which information such as event status (how many gaming elements have been removed, how many remain until a minimum win goal has been achieved, how many specific specialty gaming elements remain, how many total gaming elements remain in the residual set, and other features that may be instructive or helpful to a gaming player.
In some examples, various described features may be implemented as part of a base game, a bonus game, a feature game, or a combination of these.
Communication between the gaming devices 104A-104X and the server computers 102, and among the gaming devices 104A-104X, may be direct or indirect using one or more communication protocols. As an example, gaming devices 104A-104X and the server computers 102 can communicate over one or more communication networks, such as over the Internet through a web site maintained by a computer on a remote server or over an online data network including commercial online service providers, Internet service providers, private networks (e.g., local area networks known as LANs and enterprise networks), and the like (e.g., wide area networks known as WANs). The communication networks could allow gaming devices 104A-104X to communicate with one another and/or the server computers 102 using a variety of communication-based technologies, such as radio frequency (RF) (e.g., wireless fidelity (WiFi®) and Bluetooth®), cable TV, satellite links and the like.
In some single player implementations, server computers 102 may not be necessary and/or preferred. For example, in one or more implementations, a stand-alone gaming device such as gaming device 104A, gaming device 104B or any of the other gaming devices 104C-104X can implement one or more aspects of the present disclosure. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMs connected to networks implemented with one or more of the different server computers 102 described herein.
The server computers 102 may include a central determination gaming system server 106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server 108, a player tracking system server 110, a progressive system server 112, and/or a casino management system server 114. Gaming devices 104A-104X may include features to enable operation of any or all servers for use by the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gaming establishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may be generated on a central determination gaming system server 106 and then transmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals or remote gaming devices 104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes and display the results to the players.
Gaming device 104A is often of a cabinet construction which may be aligned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operation on a casino floor. The gaming device 104A often includes a main door which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device 104A typically includes a button area or button deck 120 accessible by a player that is configured with input switches or buttons 122, an access channel for a bill validator 124, and/or an access channel for a ticket-out printer 126.
In
In many configurations, the gaming device 104A may have a main display 128 (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gaming display area 118. The main display 128 can be a high-resolution liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma, light emitting diode (LED), or organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel which may be flat or curved as shown, a cathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled video monitor.
In some implementations, the bill validator 124 may also function as a “ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued credit ticket to load credits onto the gaming device 104A (e.g., in a cashless ticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless implementations, the gaming device 104A may also include a “ticket-out” printer 126 for outputting a credit ticket when a “cash out” button is pressed. Cashless TITO systems are used to generate and track unique bar-codes or other indicators printed on tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coins by loading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using a ticket-out printer 126 on the gaming device 104A. The gaming device 104A can have hardware meters for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring the player credit balance. In addition, there can be additional meters that record the total amount of money wagered on the gaming device, total amount of money deposited, total amount of money withdrawn, total amount of winnings on gaming device 104A.
In some implementations, a player tracking card reader 130, a transceiver for wireless communication with a mobile device (e.g., a player's smartphone), a keypad 146, and/or an illuminated display 148 for reading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player tracking information is provided in gaming device 104A. In such implementations, a game controller within the gaming device 104A can communicate with the player tracking system server 110 to send and receive player tracking information.
Gaming device 104A may also include a top gaming content or entertainment display 100. When bonus play is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome or set of outcomes in the primary game.
A candle 138 may be mounted on the top of gaming device 104A and may be activated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons 122) to indicate to operations staff that gaming device 104A has experienced a malfunction or the player requires service. The candle 138 is also often used to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a hand payout of an award may be needed.
There may also be one or more information panels 152 which may be a back-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate general game information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g., $0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game related graphics. In some implementations, the information panel(s) 152 may be implemented as an additional video display.
Gaming devices 104A have traditionally also included a handle 132 typically mounted to the side of main cabinet 116 which may be used to initiate game play.
Many or all the above described components can be controlled by circuitry (e.g., a game controller) housed inside the main cabinet 116 of the gaming device 104A, the details of which are shown in
An alternative example gaming device 104B illustrated in
Example gaming device 104B includes a main cabinet 116 including a main door which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device 104B. The main or service door is typically used by service personnel to refill the ticket-out printer 126 and collect bills and tickets inserted into the bill validator 124. The main or service door may also be accessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, and for general maintenance operations.
Another example gaming device 104C shown is the Helix™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device 104C includes a main display 128A that is in a landscape orientation. Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the main display 128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternatively from side to side. In some implementations, main display 128A is a flat panel display. Main display 128A is typically used for primary game play while secondary display 128B is typically used for bonus game play, to show game features or attraction activities while the game is not in play or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator. In some implementations, example gaming device 104C may also include speakers 142 to output various audio such as game sound, background music, etc.
(43) The game available for play on the gaming device 200 are controlled by a game controller 202 that includes processors 204. Processor 204 represents a general-purpose processor, a specialized processor intended to perform certain functional tasks, or a combination thereof. As an example, processor 204 can be a central processing unit (CPU) that has one or more multi-core processing units and memory mediums (e.g., cache memory) that function as buffers and/or temporary storage for data. Alternatively, processor 204 can be a specialized processor, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), graphics processing unit (GPU), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), digital signal processor (DSP), or another type of hardware accelerator. In another example, processor 204 is a system on chip (SoC) that combines and integrates one or more general-purpose processor and/or one or more specialized processor.
Although
Memory 208 can store one or more game programs 206 that provide program instructions and/or data for carrying out various implementations or variations (e.g., game mechanics) described herein. Stated another way, game program 206 represents an executable program stored in any portion or component of memory 208. In one or more implementations, game program 206 is embodied in the form of source code that includes human-readable statements written in a programming language or machine code that contains numerical instructions recognizable by a suitable execution system, such as a processor 204 in a game controller or other system. Examples of executable programs include: (1) a compiled program that can be translated into machine code in a format that can be loaded into a random access portion of memory 208 and run by processor 204; (2) source code that may be expressed in proper format such as object code that is capable of being loaded into a random access portion of memory 208 and executed by processor 204; and (3) source code that may be interpreted by another executable program to generate instructions in a random access portion of memory 208 to be executed by processor 204.
Alternatively, game programs 206 can be set up to generate one or more game instances based on instructions and/or data that gaming device 200 exchanges with one or more remote gaming devices, such as a central determination gaming system server 106 (not shown in
Gaming devices, such as gaming device 200, are highly regulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming device 200 is operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardware and software architectures are implemented in gaming devices 200 that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting general purpose computers to function as gaming devices 200 is not simple or straightforward because of: (1) the regulatory requirements for gaming devices 200, (2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices 200 operate, (3) security requirements, (4) fault tolerance requirements, and (5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentry enabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantial engineering effort with respect to game design implementation, game mechanics, hardware components, and software.
One regulatory requirement for games running on gaming device 200 generally involves complying with a certain level of randomness. Typically, gaming jurisdictions mandate that gaming devices 200 satisfy a minimum level of randomness without specifying how a gaming device 200 should achieve this level of randomness. To comply,
In
Another regulatory requirement for running games on gaming device 200 includes ensuring a certain level of RTP. Similar to the randomness requirement discussed above, numerous gaming jurisdictions also mandate that gaming device 200 provides a minimum level of RTP (e.g., RTP of at least 75%). A game can use one or more lookup tables (also called weighted tables) as part of a technical solution that satisfies regulatory requirements for randomness and RTP. In particular, a lookup table can integrate game features (e.g., trigger events for special modes or bonus games; newly introduced game elements such as specialty cards, differing shapes of gaming elements to assist in pairing eliminating combinations, or new cards; stop positions for dynamic game elements such as card placement, bonus reels; or gaming elements selections from a ste) with random numbers generated by one or more RNGs, so as to achieve a given level of volatility for a target level of RTP. (In general, volatility refers to the frequency or probability of an event such as a special mode, payout, etc. For example, for a target level of RTP, a higher-volatility game may have a lower payout most of the time with an occasional bonus having a very high payout, while a lower-volatility game has a steadier payout with more frequent bonuses of smaller amounts.) Configuring a lookup table can involve engineering decisions with respect to how RNG outcomes are mapped to game outcomes for a given game feature, while still satisfying regulatory requirements for RTP. Configuring a lookup table can also involve engineering decisions about whether different game features are combined in a given entry of the lookup table or split between different entries (for the respective game features), while still satisfying regulatory requirements for RTP and allowing for varying levels of game volatility.
When a player wishes to play the gaming device 200, he/she can insert cash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or bill validator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gaming device. The credit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of the game and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winning instances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wager and increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to the balance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyalty club card into the card reader 230. During the game, the player views with one or more UIs, the game outcome on one or more of the primary game display 240 and secondary game display 242. Other game and prize information may also be displayed.
For each game instance, a player may make selections, which may affect play of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amount wagered by selecting the amount bet per gaming event line and the number of games and bonuses played. In many games, the player is asked to initiate or select options during course of game play (such as electing different paytables, selecting base numbers of original number of gaming elements displayed, spinning a wheel to begin a bonus round or select various items during a feature game). The player may make these selections using the player-input buttons 236, the primary game display 240 which may be a touch screen, or using some other device which enables a player to input information into the gaming device 200.
During certain game events, the gaming device 200 may display visual and auditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects add to the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to enjoy the playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that are projected by the speakers 220. Visual effects include flashing lights, strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gaming device 200 or from lights behind the information panel 152 (
When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typically by pressing a cash out button to receive a ticket from the ticket printer 222). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted into another machine to establish a credit balance for play.
Additionally, or alternatively, gaming devices 104A-104X and 200 can include or be coupled to one or more wireless transmitters, receivers, and/or transceivers (not shown in
Although
According to some examples, the mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured for stand-alone determination of game outcomes. However, in some alternative implementations the mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured to receive game outcomes from another device, such as the central determination gaming system server 106, one of the EGMs 104, etc.
Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured to accept monetary credits from a credit or debit card, via a wireless interface (e.g., via a wireless payment app), via tickets, via a patron casino account, etc. However, some mobile gaming devices 256 may not be configured to accept monetary credits via a credit or debit card. Some mobile gaming devices 256 may include a ticket reader and/or a ticket printer whereas some mobile gaming devices 256 may not, depending on the particular implementation.
In some implementations, the casino 251 may include one or more kiosks 260 that are configured to facilitate monetary transactions involving the mobile gaming devices 256, which may include cash out and/or cash in transactions. The kiosks 260 may be configured for wired and/or wireless communication with the mobile gaming devices 256. The kiosks 260 may be configured to accept monetary credits from casino patrons 262 and/or to dispense monetary credits to casino patrons 262 via cash, a credit or debit card, via a wireless interface (e.g., via a wireless payment app), via tickets, etc. According to some examples, the kiosks 260 may be configured to accept monetary credits from a casino patron and to provide a corresponding amount of monetary credits to a mobile gaming device 256 for wagering purposes, e.g., via a wireless link such as a near-field communications link. In some such examples, when a casino patron 262 is ready to cash out, the casino patron 262 may select a cash out option provided by a mobile gaming device 256, which may include a real button or a virtual button (e.g., a button provided via a graphical user interface) in some instances. In some such examples, the mobile gaming device 256 may send a “cash out” signal to a kiosk 260 via a wireless link in response to receiving a “cash out” indication from a casino patron. The kiosk 260 may provide monetary credits to the casino patron 262 corresponding to the “cash out” signal, which may be in the form of cash, a credit ticket, a credit transmitted to a financial account corresponding to the casino patron, etc.
In some implementations, a cash-in process and/or a cash-out process may be facilitated by the TITO system server 108. For example, the TITO system server 108 may control, or at least authorize, ticket-in and ticket-out transactions that involve a mobile gaming device 256 and/or a kiosk 260.
Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured for receiving and/or transmitting player loyalty information. For example, some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured for wireless communication with the player tracking system server 110. Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured for receiving and/or transmitting player loyalty information via wireless communication with a patron's player loyalty card, a patron's smartphone, etc.
According to some implementations, a mobile gaming device 256 may be configured to provide safeguards that prevent the mobile gaming device 256 from being used by an unauthorized person. For example, some mobile gaming devices 256 may include one or more biometric sensors and may be configured to receive input via the biometric sensor(s) to verify the identity of an authorized patron. Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured to function only within a predetermined or configurable area, such as a casino gaming area.
In this example, a gaming data center 276 includes various devices that are configured to provide online wagering games via the networks 417. The gaming data center 276 is capable of communication with the networks 417 via the gateway 272. In this example, switches 278 and routers 280 are configured to provide network connectivity for devices of the gaming data center 276, including storage devices 282a, servers 284a and one or more workstations 570a. The servers 284a may, for example, be configured to provide access to a library of games for online game play. In some examples, code for executing at least some of the game may initially be stored on one or more of the storage devices 282a. The code may be subsequently loaded onto a server 284a after selection by a player via an EUD and communication of that selection from the EUD via the networks 417. The server 284a onto which code for the selected game has been loaded may provide the gam according to selections made by a player and indicated via the player's EUD. In other examples, code for executing at least some of the game may initially be stored on one or more of the servers 284a. Although only one gaming data center 276 is shown in
In this example, a financial institution data center 270 is also configured for communication via the networks 417. Here, the financial institution data center 270 includes servers 284b, storage devices 282b, and one or more workstations 286b. According to this example, the financial institution data center 270 is configured to maintain financial accounts, such as checking accounts, savings accounts, loan accounts, etc. In some implementations one or more of the authorized users 274a-274c may maintain at least one financial account with the financial institution that is serviced via the financial institution data center 270.
According to some implementations, the gaming data center 276 may be configured to provide online wagering games in which money may be won or lost. According to some such implementations, one or more of the servers 284a may be configured to monitor player credit balances, which may be expressed in game credits, in currency units, or in any other appropriate manner. In some implementations, the server(s) 284a may be configured to obtain financial credits from and/or provide financial credits to one or more financial institutions, according to a player's “cash in” selections, wagering game results and a player's “cash out” instructions. According to some such implementations, the server(s) 284a may be configured to electronically credit or debit the account of a player that is maintained by a financial institution, e.g., an account that is maintained via the financial institution data center 270. The server(s) 284a may, in some examples, be configured to maintain an audit record of such transactions.
In some alternative implementations, the gaming data center 276 may be configured to provide online wagering games for which credits may not be exchanged for cash or the equivalent. In some such examples, players may purchase game credits for online game play, but may not “cash out” for monetary credit after a gaming session. Moreover, although the financial institution data center 270 and the gaming data center 276 include their own servers and storage devices in this example, in some examples the financial institution data center 270 and/or the gaming data center 276 may use offsite “cloud-based” servers and/or storage devices. In some alternative examples, the financial institution data center 270 and/or the gaming data center 276 may rely entirely on cloud-based servers.
One or more types of devices in the gaming data center 276 (or elsewhere) may be capable of executing middleware, e.g., for data management and/or device communication. Authentication information, player tracking information, etc., including but not limited to information obtained by EUDs 264 and/or other information regarding authorized users of EUDs 264 (including but not limited to the authorized users 274a-274c), may be stored on storage devices 282 and/or servers 284. Other game-related information and/or software, such as information and/or software relating to leaderboards, players currently playing a game, game themes, game-related promotions, game competitions, etc., also may be stored on storage devices 282 and/or servers 284. In some implementations, some such game-related software may be available as “apps” and may be downloadable (e.g., from the gaming data center 276) by authorized users.
In some examples, authorized users and/or entities (such as representatives of gaming regulatory authorities) may obtain gaming-related information via the gaming data center 276. One or more other devices (such EUDs 264 or devices of the gaming data center 276) may act as intermediaries for such data feeds. Such devices may, for example, be capable of applying data filtering algorithms, executing data summary and/or analysis software, etc. In some implementations, data filtering, summary and/or analysis software may be available as “apps” and downloadable by authorized users.
The UI system 302 includes one or more UIs that a player can interact with. The UI system 302 could include one or more game play UIs 304, one or more bonus game play UIs 308, and one or more multiplayer UIs 312, where each UI type includes one or more mechanical UIs and/or graphical UIs (GUIs). In other words, game play UI 304, bonus game play UI 308, and the multiplayer UI 312 may utilize a variety of UI elements, such as mechanical UI elements (e.g., physical “spin” button or mechanical reels) and/or GUI elements (e.g., virtual reels shown on a video display or a virtual button deck) to receive player inputs and/or present game play to a player. Using
The game play UI 304 represents a UI that a player typically interfaces with for a base game. During a game instance of a base game, the game play UI elements 306A-306N (e.g., GUI elements depicting one or more virtual sets of gaming elements to be eliminated) are shown and/or made available to a user. In a subsequent game instance, the UI system 302 could transition out of the base game to one or more bonus games. The bonus game play UI 308 represents a UI that utilizes bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N for a player to interact with and/or view during a bonus game. In one or more implementations, at least some of the game play UI element 306A-306N are similar to the bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N. In other implementations, the game play UI element 306A-306N can differ from the bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N.
Based on the player inputs, the UI system 302 could generate RNG calls to a game processing backend system 314. As an example, the UI system 302 could use one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) to generate the RNG calls. To process the RNG calls, the RNG engine 316 could utilize gaming RNG 318 and/or non-gaming RNGs 319A-319N. Gaming RNG 318 could corresponds to RNG 212 or hardware RNG 244 shown in
The RNG conversion engine 320 processes each RNG outcome from RNG engine 316 and converts the RNG outcome to a UI outcome that is feedback to the UI system 302. With reference to
After generating the UI outcome, the game processing backend system 314 sends the UI outcome to the UI system 302. Examples of UI outcomes are symbols to display on a video screen or other virtual stopping point in game play. In one example, if the UI outcome is for a base game, the UI system 302 updates one or more game play UI elements 306A-306N, such as symbols, playing cards, tiles, images, etc., for the game play UI 304. In another example, if the UI outcome is for a bonus game, the UI system could update one or more bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N (e.g., symbols) for the bonus game play UI 308. In response to updating the appropriate UI, the player may subsequently provide additional player inputs to initiate a subsequent game instance that progresses through the game processing pipeline.
The example game processing architecture 300 shown in
In general, the generated results returned by the backend system 314 can include game-related information (such as display symbols for the respective reels, outcomes) as well as animation effects not related to game parameters. Alternatively, the game play UI 304 (or bonus game play UI 308) can make one or more separate RNG calls to the backend system 314 to determine animation effects. In response, the backend system 314 can use the gaming RNG 318 and/or one or more of the non-gaming RNGs 319A . . . 319N to generate random numbers, which the RNG conversion engine 320 uses (with one or more of the lookup tables 322A . . . 322N) to determine animation effects. The game play UI 304 (or bonus game play UI 308) can perform operations consistent with the animation effects, which are returned from the backend system 314.
The initial game is similar to the game of Solitaire, in that it is played solely by an individual with a standard deck of cards.
A strategic aspect of the game is to add two cards together that add up to 12, then remove these two cards from an initial opening of 12 upturned cards and replacing them from the deck. If you can get through the whole deck removing two cards at a time that add up to 12, you win (with the less card turns the better).
The difficulty in getting through the deck are the picture cards: Ace, King, Queen and Jack, as these take up spaces from the numbered cards, and can only be removed when all four cards of the different suits are among the 12 cards. Only then can they be replaced with four new cards.
Although enjoyable, the initial game may lack sufficient strategy, which has led to the current format and new ideas for the game. We envisage this development to be continuous, however there are basic fundamentals of “12” that we intend to protect under patent, while also allowing for future rule and strategy changes.
Although cards were initially used in the physical sense, the electronic format allows these to be converted to tokens, tablets, badges, symbols, pictures, shapes or any images that suit a particular adaptation of the game.
Adaptations can be arranged so that numerous formats can be overlayed on the rules of “12”, so long as the mathematical computations fit within the “12” framework.
Some adaptation examples that can be used include; calendar months, zodiac signs, sports with teams of around 12 players that may include umpires and coaches (e.g. American football, soccer, cricket, hockey, netball, even basketball with benched players), as well as domino tablets, plain numbers, Roman numerals, as well as most numeric systems from various languages.
The initial app development showed that it was difficult to complete the game and win under the original rules, resulting in the following current changes:
1 or 11: The original “Ace” position has been replaced from a blocking picture card, to now equal 1 or 11, so that two of these now equals 12 and can then be replaced (1+11). Accordingly, instead of having to wait for 4× Aces before replacing them out in the original game, this can now be done in two sets of 2, similar to the 6, where two sets of 2×6=12.
The role of the Closer or the 12th position now replaces the Jack. With a single token value of 12, it retains its role as a blocker, and can only be substituted out of the game if all four are in play. To substitute them however is optional, as more points may be awarded if all four Closers remain at the end of the game, as they close out the game in their “closing role” position. It may be necessary however to substitute all four out during the game to keep the game alive, when there are no other “12” combinations in play. This may reduce available points on completion, however increases the chances of completion.
Similar to the Closer, the Saboteur is a blocker and can only be substituted out when all four are in play. The Saboteur has no numeric value like the Closer, and has the simple role of blocking completion. As with the Closer, more points are available if all four Saboteurs remain in play at the end of the game, however necessity may require substituting them out earlier.
The role of the Overseer is to keep the game even, and offer the player strategic options to stay in the game. Whenever an Overseer is in play, and the player is blocked out of 12 combinations, the Overseer can be flipped allowing the player to swap and replace any one of the remaining 11 positions. One likely variation of the fundamental rules is that an Overseer can only be flipped once, and can be saved until required so that all four Overseers may be in play until a swap is required (this may vary).
The player has to choose what position to swap out when an Overseer is used, based on their risk strategy. For example, rather than simply using an Overseer to swap out a Closer or a Saboteur to return later, a player may choose to swap out a numbered card if there is excess of the same card so that it can return later when its alternative 12 number is in play e.g., 4×10's are in play and only one Saboteur.
Another strategy may be when there are four Closers or Saboteurs among the 11 remaining positions in play. Rather than substituting out the four and increasing the chances of finishing the game, the player may choose to use an Overseer to replace one of them, and risk not completing the next 12 move. The benefit could be however, if the player does finish the game, the replaced position eventually comes back into play and the four positions may be among the last 12, increasing the score value.
The first objective of the game is to continually replace two positions that add up to 12, from the initial 12 in play, without being blocked out until completion.
Following on from this fundamental objective, other objectives may be for a point system or odds return system based on the following:
The following is an example of adaptations of the rules of “12”:
Adapting the storyline of the Chinese Zodiac (2nd column above), within the framework rules, roles and numbered positions of the game of “12” (first column), gives the game further context and direction.
An ancient folk story called the “Great Race” tells that the Jade Emperor decreed that the years on the calendar would be named for each animal in the order they reached him. To get there, the animals would have to cross a river.
The Cat and the Rat were not good at swimming, but they were both quite intelligent. They decided that the best and fastest way to cross the river was to hop on the back of the Ox. The Ox, being kind-hearted and naïve, agreed to carry them both across. As the Ox was about to reach the other side of the river, the Rat pushed the Cat into the water, and then jumped off the Ox and rushed to the Jade Emperor. It was named as the first animal of the zodiac calendar. The Ox had to settle in second place.
The third one to come, was the Tiger. Even though it was strong and powerful, it explained to the Jade Emperor that the currents were pushing him downstream.
Suddenly, from a distance came a thumping sound, and the Rabbit arrived. It explained how it crossed the river: by jumping from one stone to another, in a nimble fashion. Halfway through, it almost lost the race, but it was lucky enough to grab hold of a floating log that later washed him to shore. For that, it became the fourth animal in the zodiac cycle.
In fifth place, was the flying Dragon. The Jade Emperor was wondering why such a swift airborne creature such as the Dragon did not come in first. The Dragon explained that it had to stop by a village and brought rain for all the people, and therefore it was held back. Then, on its way to the finish, it saw the helpless Rabbit clinging onto a log, so it did a good deed and gave a puff of breath to the poor creature so that it could land on the shore. The Jade Emperor was astonished by the Dragon's good nature, and it was named as the fifth animal.
As soon as it had done so, a galloping sound was heard, and the Horse appeared. Hidden on the Horse's hoof was the Snake, whose sudden appearance gave it a fright, thus making it fall back and giving the Snake the sixth spot while the Horse placed seventh.
After a while, the Goat, Monkey and Rooster came to the heavenly gate. With combined efforts, they managed to arrive to the other side. The Rooster found a raft, and the Monkey and the Goat tugged and pulled, trying to get all the weeds out of the way. The Jade Emperor was pleased with their teamwork and decided to name the Goat as the eighth animal, followed by the Monkey and then the Rooster.
The eleventh animal placed in the zodiac cycle was the Dog. Although it should have been the best swimmer and runner, it spent it's time to play in the water. Though his explanation for being late was because it needed a good bath after. For that, it almost did not make it to the finish line.
Right when the Emperor was going to end the race, an “oink” sound was heard: it was the Pig. The Pig felt hungry in the middle of the race, so it stopped, ate something, and then fell asleep. After it awoke, it finished the race in twelfth place and became the last animal to arrive.
The cat eventually drowned and failed to be in the zodiac. It is said that this is the reason cats always hunt rats and also hate water as well.
Adapting the story to the game—The numbers then are aligned with the finishing order of the “Great Race” so that the token number for the picture of the Ox is 2, followed by the Tiger as 3 etc. The Rat and the Dog (both the arch enemy of the Cat), feature on a combined token of 1 and 11.
The Pig, being the last to finish the race, is the Closer with the number 12, while the Cat seeks its revenge as the Saboteur role.
The Jade Emperor plays the role of the Overseer and features on that token (or physical card).
Educational Value—As mentioned, the game 12 can be adapted to many formats to suit many purposes. For example, the calendar year can be used as an educational tool, not only as a teaching aid for “addition” in mathematics, but also reinforcing the calendar months and their order. The moon orbits the earth approximately 13 times in a calendar year so can play the role of the Saboteur, where as the sun can play the role of the Overseer given the calendar year is based on the earth orbiting the sun each year.
Similarly, team sports can be overlayed on the games format and create extra motivation to learn math.
The technology of the present invention further includes a non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising computer readable code executable by one or more processors to: randomly determine, using a first random number generator output, display symbols on a display screen for a game controller executing instructions which cause the game controller to execute a method comprising:
