Patent Grant
9177442
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains or may contain material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure in exactly the form it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
Although the present disclosure is applicable to Keno, Lotto, Bingo, Spinning Reel, and Card games, for ease of illustration, the disclosure is described mainly in connection with a Keno game and in particular, gaming devices having video keno games.
Early versions of American Keno used characters on the Keno ticket, rather than the numbers used today. The American game dropped the number of characters to the more familiar eighty. When gambling was legalized Nevada in 1931, the Chinese lottery game was referred to as Horse Race Keno, capturing the idea that the numbers are horses and the player wants the wagered horse to win, place or show. Over time the name has been shortened to simply Keno. Keno is similar to a lottery game. The goal is to choose a winning number or numbers from a plurality of numbers. Most current versions of Keno have eighty numbers including the numbers one to eighty. The player can bet on any number or numbers, up to fifteen numbers, which the player does by marking or picking the selected numbers. Typically, the player can pick 2 to 10 numbers for video keno or 2 to 15 for paper Keno.
In older Keno games the numbers were generated using ping-pong type balls. In more modern Keno, numbers are generated via computers using random number generators. When a number is chosen, the number is shown electronically on Keno boards throughout the casino or on a video monitor of a Keno gaming device.
In live Keno, a number of Keno outlets and Keno monitors are placed in various places around a casino or gaming establishment. The player plays using a ticket and returns a winning ticket to the Keno ticket writer to redeem the win. In video keno, the game keeps track of wins and losses via a credit display as with other types of wagering gaming machines.
Certain variations of Keno have expected returns that are dependent on a number of factors. In general, the highest award for matching all picked numbers increases as the amount of numbers the player plays increases. The frequency of winning depends for example on how few matches are needed to obtain any award. The gaming device manufacturers create a paytable for varying amounts of matches to produce a desired average expected value.
Keno has been embodied in various types of gaming devices. While Keno is relatively popular, a need exists to provide variations of Keno to players to make the play of both the video and casino versions of Keno more enjoyable, fun and exciting.
Some ways gaming device manufacturers have added enjoyment and excitement to gaming devices is through larger payouts or special awards. However, due to the typical 80 number Keno game odds, it is difficult to provide large awards in such Keno games for at least the reasons described below.
One known way to provide large payouts in other wagering games such as slot games has been with progressive gaming. The odds in slot games can be configured to easily accommodate large progressive awards. Progressive games, which have existed at least since the mid-1980's, have become very popular. For instance, known progressive slot machines contain progressive awards that increase every time a player places a wager on a play of a primary game of the slot machine. Progressive awards can involve one or more gaming machines. For example, an individual progressive slot machine can have a self contained progressive award, wherein the jackpot grows with every play of that machine. A linked progressive includes two or more slot machines at the same or different locations connected to a common progressive award, each of which individually contribute to the progressive award. Each machine usually takes a percentage of the player's wager, such as two percent, and adds it to the progressive award. The progressive awards can reach sizeable amounts, such as multi-million dollar jackpots, before a player hits or wins the progressive award.
Such sizeable progressive awards become very attractive to players. As the progressive award grows, so does the game's average expected payout percentage because the game pays out more (by way of the progressive award) while the likelihood of receiving the progressive award remains constant.
Known methods of incorporating progressive awards or other relatively large awards or prizes in a variable wager level game such as Keno suffer from the problem of fixed odds of winning awards. The likelihood of receiving a progressive award or other relatively large award is generally not proportionate to a player's wager level. This encourages certain players to wager at a minimum level because a minimum or maximum wager will give the player the same odds of winning a progressive award or other relatively large award. A partial solution to this problem is to require a player to match a specific or minimum wager level to qualify for the progressive awards or other relatively large award. However, the player may not have an incentive to wager more than the required minimum and up to the maximum allowed by the game.
Keno further complicates the wagering process because a player is typically given a variable number of selections (i.e., in the conventional video keno game, the player can pick from 2 to 10 numbers as mentioned above). This variable number of selections causes the outcome odds to vary radically according to the number of player selections. However, certain casino operators like to offer one or more progressive awards or other relatively large awards in video keno games regardless of the number of player selections. A potential solution to this problem is to only offer such progressive awards or other relatively large awards if a player makes a minimum specific number of selections such as 10 of 10 or 9 of 10. This potential solution makes the progressive awards or other relatively large awards unavailable to a player that may want to select only 4 of 10 numbers to play the Keno game.
A need therefore exists to provide a player an improved ability to win progressive awards or other relatively large awards in games such as Keno, where there is a variable wager level and a variable number of player selections.
The present disclosure provides gaming devices and methods for implementing designated awards such as top awards or jackpots, relatively large awards and progressive awards in games with a variable number of player selections and variable wager levels.
One embodiment provides a gaming device and method providing a selection game where the gaming device supplements a player's selection of one or more symbols with one or more supplemental symbols so that the player is eligible to win a designated award regardless of the number of symbols selected by the player to play the game. In one such embodiment, the gaming device displays a plurality of symbols. The gaming device enables the player to select up to a designated number of the plurality of displayed symbols to form an initial player set. After the player forms the initial player set, the gaming device determines if the player selected a predetermined minimum number of symbols. If the player did not select the predetermined minimum number of symbols, the gaming device's processor randomly selects one or more supplemental symbols from the plurality of displayed symbols for the player. The processor selected supplemental symbol(s) form a supplemental player set. The initial player set and the supplemental player set form a total player set. In such case, the number of symbols in the total player set at least equals the predetermined minimum number of symbols to be eligible for the large designated award such as a progressive award.
In this embodiment, the gaming device processor (or alternatively a separate processor) also randomly selects or draws a predetermined number of symbols from the plurality of displayed symbols to form a processor selected set. The processor compares the total player set to the processor selected set. The player wins the designated award if a predetermined number of symbols in the total player set match the symbols in the processor selected set. If the player does not win the designated award, the processor determines if the player wins any additional awards. The processor determines the additional awards based on a comparison of the initial player set to the processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. The player may win a base award based on the number of matches between the initial player set and the processor selected set. Thus, in one embodiment, the matches needed to win the base award cannot come from the supplemental player set. In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the supplemental selections can be used to determine the base award. In another embodiment, if the player wins the designated award, the player can also win a base award.
Prior to offering a relatively large award to the player regardless of the number of symbols the player selected, the player was not eligible to win the relatively large award without selecting a predetermined minimum number of symbols (such as 10 of 10 symbols). By supplementing the player's symbol selections, the player's odds of winning the relatively large award are greater than zero. Furthermore, the player is no longer required to make unwanted selections to be eligible for the designated award (i.e., relatively large awards such as the top award or a progressive award). Since the supplemental symbols are not used to provide base awards in the main embodiments disclosed herein, the odds of winning the designated award can be adjusted to be proportional to the designated award using the supplemental numbers.
It should be appreciated that the designated award can be any suitable award and the present gaming device and method accommodate providing awards (e.g., a fixed award such as a car or a million dollars, or a jackpot or progressive award) that are typically not suitable or intended to be provided in games, such as Keno, in proportion to the wager placed on such games. It should also be appreciated that the present gaming device and method also contemplates providing multiple designated awards to players such as different designated awards based on different outcomes or different numbers of matches (e.g., a first progressive award for a designated number of matches and a second progressive award for one less than the designated number of matches).
In one embodiment, the gaming machine will implement this feature of the supplemental player set and thus provide the player a chance to win the relatively large award upon the occurrence of a triggering condition or triggering event. One such embodiment includes the triggering condition or event based at least in part on whether the player made a wager at a predetermined level. For example, if the player wagers three or more credits up to the maximum wager level, the player is eligible to receive a supplemental player set and thus can win the designated award. In another example, the predetermined level for the triggering event is a maximum wager amount. In another embodiment, the triggering condition is a side bet made by the player to trigger this feature. In another embodiment, the triggering event or condition is based in part upon the player's status such as maintained by a player tracking system or by a series of recent plays. For instance, the triggering event or condition may occur if the player has achieved a certain status by wagering a predetermined amount of credits over a predetermined time period. Alternatively, the player's status is determined by other suitable events such as whether the player lost a predetermined amount of games or credits, or whether the player won a predetermined amount of games or credits. It should be appreciated that one or more of these types of triggering conditions or events may be implemented in any of the embodiments of the present disclosure.
It should also be appreciated that the base award is variable in certain embodiments because the base award is based on the number of matches created between the initial player set and the processor selected set. Generally, the greater the number of matches, the greater the payout will be. For example, if three matches are created, the gaming machine can pay the player back at a multiple of the player's wager such as 2× the player's wager. Likewise, if four matches are created, the payout may be increased to 4× the player's wager. It should thus be appreciated that the base awards can be determined according to a suitable Keno paytable or other suitable paytables.
In one Keno example embodiment with a progressive award, the gaming device displays eighty numbers for the player to select. The gaming device enables the player to select up to ten numbers from the eighty numbers to form an initial player set. The player must match ten numbers to be eligible for the progressive award. If the player selects six numbers to form the initial player set, the player is missing four numbers. The processor selects four additional numbers from the eighty numbers for the player. The four additional numbers form the supplemental player set. The initial player set and the supplemental player set form the total player set.
The gaming machine processor also randomly selects or draws twenty numbers from the eighty numbers to form a processor selected set. The processor compares the total player set to the processor selected set. The player wins the progressive award if all ten numbers in the total player set match ten of the numbers in the processor selected set. The player does not win the progressive award if the player does not have the ten matches. If the player did not win the progressive award, the processor determines any awards based on a comparison of the initial player set and the processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. This can be a new comparison or can use the previous comparison. The player may win a base award from a Keno paytable based on the number of matches between the initial player set and the processor selected set. The matches needed to win this base award do not come from the supplemental player set in one embodiment.
It should also be appreciated that the base awards would in one embodiment includes standard Keno awards. In this application, the embodiments are described as such that if the designated award is provided to the player, the base award is not provided to the player. It should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the base award may be provided in addition to the designated award.
It should thus be appreciated that the above described embodiment provides odds of winning the designated award (such as the top, progressive or jackpot award) to be consistent regardless the number of player picks. The above described embodiment is accomplished by using a fixed size set of numbers which, if a sufficient quantity (e.g., all) are hit by the draw, causes the designated award to be provided to the player. To establish this fixed sized set of numbers, this above embodiment employs the player's picked numbers to the extent or degree possible. If the player picks fewer numbers than the fixed sized set, the processor fills in the shortfall (e.g., randomly selecting from the unpicked numbers).
It should also be appreciated that in one alternative embodiment, if the player selects more numbers than required for the fixed set, a subset of the player selected numbers is used (i.e., any suitable subset could be used). For instance, if the player selects ten numbers and only nine are needed to win the designated award, the gaming device selects a subset of nine numbers (such as the first nine numbers picked by the player) from the player selected ten numbers to determine the number of matches and if the player wins the designated award. Thus, it should be appreciated that the above described embodiment focuses on the situation of the player picking fewer numbers, and not on the player picking more numbers than needed and the processor using a subset to determine if the designated award should be provided to the player.
It should thus be appreciated that while the preferred approach has the fixed set coming from the player picked number(s) and augmented, if necessary, by the processor, the present disclosure also contemplates any suitable manner for establishing the augmentation or for generation of the entire fixed set selection, whether by the player or by the processor or both. It should thus be appreciated that alternatively the player can pick the supplemental set in any suitable manner.
In other embodiments, the present disclosure accommodates variable wager amounts where the odds of winning the designated award (such as the top award, progressive award, or jackpot award) are proportionate to the player's wager. In one such embodiment, the gaming device displays a plurality of symbols. The gaming device enables the player to select at least one symbol, up to a fixed quantity of symbols, of the plurality of displayed symbols to form a player set. In this embodiment, the size of or number of symbols the player may select in the player set is predetermined regardless of the wager amount. Alternatively, either the player, the gaming device processor, or a combination of both can select the symbols which form the player set.
In this embodiment, the gaming device processor (or alternatively a separate processor) also randomly selects or draws a predetermined number of symbols from the plurality of displayed symbols to form a first processor selected set (i.e., the processor selected set described above). In this embodiment, from either this first processor selected set or the plurality of displayed symbols (i.e., the remaining symbols not included in the first processor selected set), the gaming device processor also selects zero, one or more symbols to form a second processor selected set. The gaming device processor classifies, designates or otherwise categories each symbol in the second processor selected set as a designated symbol. In one such embodiment, the number of designated symbols in the second processor selected set is variable and based on the player's wager level. That is, the number or quantity of symbols in the second processor selected set is kept proportionate to the player's wager level. In one such embodiment, for each drawn symbol from the first processor selected set, the gaming device determines, based on a percentage related to the current wager divided by the total wager, whether to classify that symbol as a designated symbol in the second processor selected set. In another such embodiment, the gaming device classifies a fixed portion of the symbols from the first processor selected set as designated symbols in the second processor selected set, wherein the number of symbols from the first processor selected set which are designated is based on the player's wager. In another such embodiment, the gaming device classifies a fixed portion of the displayed symbols as designated symbols in the second processor selected set, wherein the number of symbols from the total set of displayed symbols which are designated is based on the player's wager
In this embodiment, after all of the sets are created, the processor compares one of the symbols in the player set to the designated symbols in the second processor selected set. The player wins the designated award if a specific one of symbols in the player set matches one of designated symbols in the second processor selected set. That is, to provide the player the designated award, a specific one of the symbols in the player selected set (such as the player's first symbol picked or the player's last symbol picked) must match one of the designated symbols in the second processor selected set. In another embodiment, the player wins the designated award if a specific one of symbols in the player set matches one of the designated symbols in the second processor selected set and zero, one or more symbols in the player selected set match zero, one or more symbols in the first processor selected set. In another embodiment, if a specific one of symbols in the player set matches one of the designated symbols in the second processor selected set (and zero, one or more symbols in the player selected set match zero, one or more symbols in the first processor selected set), the player wins the designated award and a base award. It should be appreciated that although this described embodiment includes a specific one of the symbols in the player selected set matching one of the designated symbols in the second processor selected set, in an alternative embodiment, any elected symbols (i.e., a symbol separate from the symbols in the player selected set) must match one of the designated symbols in the second processor selected set for the player to win the designated award.
In one embodiment, if the player did not win the designated award, the processor compares the symbols in the player set to the symbols in the first processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. The player wins a base award if the comparison between the symbols in the player set and the symbols in the first processor selected set result in a predetermined quantity of matches. In another embodiment, even if the player wins the designated award, the processor compares the symbols in the player set to the symbols in the first processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. In this embodiment, the player wins a base award if the comparison between the symbols in the player set and the symbols in the first processor selected set result in a predetermined quantity of matches.
In accordance with the above embodiment, the player's wager level is associated with the odds of winning the designated award by maintaining a fixed number of symbols in the player selected set and causing the number of designated symbols in the second processor selected set to vary according to a player's wager level. That is, an increase in player's wager level provides more designated symbols in the second processor selected set and thus the player's odds of matching a specific symbol in the player set (such as the player's first picked symbol or the player's second picked symbol) to a designated symbol in the second processor selected set increase. In one example, a first wager of two credits provides two designated symbols in the second processor selected set and a second wager of five credits provides five designated symbols in the second processor selected set. In this example, if in a play of the game, a player selects ten symbols to form the player selected set (regardless of the wager amount) and to win a progressive award a player must match a specific symbol in the player selected set with one designated symbol in the second processor selected set, then a player who wagers five credits (and is provided five designated symbols in the second processor selected set) has a greater probability of winning the progressive award than a player who wagers two credits (and is provided two designated symbols in the second processor selected set).
In another embodiment, the gaming device forms a player selected subset or second player set which includes a variable number of the plurality of symbols of the player selected set (i.e., the displayed symbols the player picked). In this embodiment, the gaming device determines the subset size or the number of symbols in the player selected subset based on the player's wager level. That is, the number of symbols in the player selected subset (or second player set) is proportionate to the player's wager level. In one embodiment, for each credit the player wagers, the gaming device enables the player to select one symbol to include in the player subset. Alternatively, either the player, the gaming device processor, or a combination of both can select the symbols for the player subset. It should be appreciated that the formed player subset may include all or a portion of the symbols in the player selected set.
In this embodiment, the gaming device processor (or alternatively a separate processor) randomly selects or draws a predetermined number of symbols from the plurality of displayed symbols to form a first processor selected set. Before, during, or after the first processor selected set is formed and independent of the player's wager, the gaming device processor classifies, designates or otherwise categories one symbol as a designated symbol. The designated symbol is typically drawn from the first processor selected set (such as the first drawn number in the first processor selected set or the last drawn number in the first processor selected set). The processor compares the symbols in the player subset (or second player set) to the designated symbol to determine if the player wins a designated award. In this embodiment, the player wins the designated award if one symbol in the player subset matches the designated symbol (and zero, one or more symbols in the player selected set match zero, one or more symbols in the first processor selected set). That is, to provide the player the designated award, one of the symbols in the player selected subset must match the specific designated symbol. Alternatively, the player wins the designated award and a base award if one symbol in the player subset matches the designated symbol (and zero, one or more symbols in the player selected set match zero, one or more symbols in the first processor selected set).
In one embodiment, if the player did not win the designated award, the processor compares the symbols in the player set to the symbols in the first processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. The player wins a base award if the comparison between the symbols in the player set and the symbols in the first processor selected set result in a predetermined quantity of matches. In another embodiment, even if the player wins the designated award, the processor compares the symbols in the player set to the symbols in the first processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. In this embodiment, the player wins a base award if the comparison between the symbols in the player set and the symbols in the first processor selected set result in a predetermined quantity of matches.
In accordance with the above embodiment, the player's wager level is associated with the odds of winning the designated award by maintaining a fixed number of designated symbols and causing the number of symbols in the player selected subset to vary according to a player's wager level. That is, an increase in a player's wager level provides more symbols in the player selected subset and thus the player's odds of matching one of the symbols in the player selected subset to the designated symbol increase. In one example, a first wager of two credits provides two symbols in the player selected subset and a second wager of five credits provides five symbols in the player selected subset. In this example, if in a play of the game, to win a progressive award a player must match a specific symbol in the player selected subset with the designated symbol, then a player who wagers five credits (and is provided five symbols in the player selected subset) has a greater probability of winning the progressive award than a player who wagers two credits (and is provided two symbols in the player selected subset).
In further embodiments that accommodate variable wager amounts, the gaming device or method enables the selection of a second set of symbols for both a player and a processor. In this embodiment, the processor initiates game play at a gaming terminal where the gaming device displays a plurality of symbols. The gaming device enables the player to pick a predetermined quantity of the displayed plurality of symbols to form a first player set.
The processor or the player selects one additional symbol from the plurality of displayed symbols (i.e., any of the plurality of displayed symbols or the remaining unselected symbols) or from the first player set to form a second player set.
The processor also randomly generates or draws a predetermined quantity of symbols from the same plurality of displayed symbols to form a first processor selected set. Before, during, or after the first processor selected set is formed, the processor also draws a zero, one or more of the symbols from the first processor selected set to form a second processor selected set based on the player's wager level. The second processor selected set symbol(s) are alternatively determined using algorithms including: fixed odds for each draw, a fixed portion of the draw, or a fixed portion of the selectable numbers.
After the game sets are drawn, the processor marks the symbols from both game sets on a hit or match area. The processor determines if the player wins any awards by comparing the first processor selected set with the first player set and comparing the second processor selected set with the second player set. The player wins a designated award if the processor determines that a predetermined quantity of matching symbols is created. Alternatively, if the predetermined quantity of matching symbols is created, the player wins the designated award and a base award.
If the player did not win the designated award, the processor compares the first player set to the first processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. The player wins the base award if the comparison between the first player set and the first processor selected set produce a predetermined quantity of matches.
In another embodiment that accommodates variable wager amounts, the second processor selected set size is predetermined while the second player set is variable. In this embodiment, the processor initiates game play at a gaming terminal where the gaming device displays a plurality of symbols. The gaming device enables the player to pick a plurality of the displayed plurality of symbols to form a first player set.
The processor or the player also selects additional symbols from the plurality of displayed symbols (i.e., any of the plurality of displayed symbols or the remaining unselected plurality of displayed symbols) or from the first player set to form a second player set. The gaming device determines the quantity of additional symbols for the second player set (i.e., the set size) from the player's wager level. The second player set size is proportionate to the player's wager level. In one embodiment, for each credit the player wagers, the gaming device enables one symbol to be selected for the player set. It should be appreciated that the second player set can also be calculated using various different algorithms.
The processor also randomly generates or draws twenty symbols from the same plurality of displayed symbols to form a first processor selected set. After the first processor selected set is formed, the processor randomly draws one of symbols from the first processor selected set to form a second processor selected set. The quantity of symbols in the second processor selected set is predetermined. In one embodiment, the processor draws the last selected symbol of the first processor selected set to form the second processor selected set.
After the game sets are drawn, the processor marks the symbols from both game sets on a hit or match area. The processor determines if the player wins any awards by comparing the first processor selected set with the first player set and comparing the second processor selected set with the second player set. The player wins a designated award if the processor determines that a predetermined quantity of matching symbols is created between the sets. Alternatively, if the predetermined quantity of matching symbols is created between the sets, the player wins the designated award and a base award.
If the player did not win the designated award, the processor compares the first player set to the first processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. The player wins a base award if the comparison between the first player set and the first processor selected set produce a predetermined quantity of matches. In one embodiment, the base award includes, but is not limited to, a typical Keno award that relates the quantity of player matches to the award amount.
In the various embodiments discussed above, the player's wager level was associated with a variably sized set (whether a player set or a processor selected set). After symbols were accumulated in the various sets, the symbols in the variably sized set were compared against the symbol(s) in a fixed sized set. Since the symbols in both sets originate from the same plurality of symbols, increasing the quantity of symbols in the variably sized set increases the odds for matching the symbol(s) in the fixed sized set. Thus, when a player's wager increases or decreases and the variably sized set respectively increases or decrease in size, the odds of winning the designated award are associated to the player's wager.
Another alternative embodiment combines the previously mentioned concepts of supplementing a player's symbol selections and enabling a player's odds of winning a designated award to be proportionate to the player's wager. In one such embodiment, the gaming device displays a plurality of symbols. The gaming device enables the player to select up to a designated number of the plurality of displayed symbols to form an initial player symbol set. After the player forms the initial player set, the gaming device determines if the player selected a predetermined minimum number of symbols. If the player did not select the predetermined minimum number of symbols, the processor selects one or more supplemental symbols from the plurality of displayed symbols for the player. The processor selected supplemental symbols form a supplemental player set. Together, the initial player set and the supplemental player set form a total player set. The number of symbols in the total player set equals the predetermined minimum number of symbols necessary to be eligible for the designated award.
It should also be appreciated that in one alternative embodiment, if the player selects more numbers than required for the initial player set, a subset of the player selected numbers is used (i.e., any suitable subset could be used).
At some time before or after the total player set is formed, the processor or player selects an additional symbol from the plurality of displayed symbols or from the total player set to form a second player set. The level of the player's wager determines the number of symbols in the second player set. Generally, if a player's wager level increases, the number of symbols in the second player set also increases and thus, the player's odds of winning will increase proportionately with the player's wager.
The processor also randomly selects or draws a predetermined number of symbols from the same plurality of displayed symbols to form a first processor selected set. After the first processor selected set is formed, the processor randomly selects or draws one symbol from the first processor selected set to form a second processor selected set.
The processor determines if the player wins any awards after all of the player sets are selected and all of the processor selected sets are drawn. The player wins a designated award if the processor determines that a predetermined number of matching symbols is created by comparing first processor selected set with the total player set and comparing the second processor selected set with the second player set (i.e., the sum of both comparisons). If the player did not win the designated award, the processor uses the result of the comparison of the initial player set to the first processor selected set to determine any awards. The player wins a base award if the comparison between the initial player set and the first processor selected set produce a predetermined number of matches. The matches needed to win the base award cannot come from the supplemental player set in one embodiment.
With the combined embodiments, the game is able to provide the player with the relatively large awards regardless of number of player selections and keep the odds of winning the designated award such as the top award proportionate to the player's wager.
The present disclosure alternatively includes multiple progressive awards, multiple relatively large awards, or a combination of the two. Individual progressive awards and relatively large awards could have one or more of each type of award associated with their own symbol or draw sets, specially designated symbol, or symbol sets. The different award types could also be associated with a predetermined symbol that must be drawn or a predetermined number player matches.
The apparatus and method disclosed herein thus enables players to be eligible for progressive awards or other relatively large awards regardless of the number of player selections and in various embodiments provides players with odds of winnings that are proportionate to a player's wager level.
Depending on the configuration, the game of the present disclosure can be suitably played as either the primary or secondary game.
Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the Figures.
Referring now to the drawings, one embodiment of the gaming device is illustrated in
In one embodiment, as illustrated in
In one embodiment, as illustrated in
In one embodiment, part or all of the program code and/or operating data described above can be stored in a detachable or removable memory device, including, but not limited to, a suitable cartridge, disk, CD ROM, DVD or USB memory device. A player can use such a removable memory device in a desktop, a laptop personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other computerized platform. The processor and memory device may be collectively referred to herein as a computer or controller.
In one embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the gaming device randomly generates awards and/or other game outcomes based on probability data. That is, each award or other game outcome is associated with a probability and the gaming device generates the award or other game outcome to be provided to the player based on the associated probabilities. In this embodiment, since the gaming device generates outcomes randomly or based upon a probability calculation, there is no certainty that the gaming device will ever provide the player with any specific award or other game outcome. Such random determination could be provided through utilization of a random number generator (RNG) or other suitable randomization process.
In another embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the gaming device employs a predetermined or finite set or pool of awards or other game outcomes. In this embodiment, as each award or other game outcome is provided to the player, the gaming device removes the provided award or other game outcome from the predetermined set or pool. Once removed from the set or pool, the specific provided award or other game outcome cannot be provided to the player again. This type of gaming device provides players with all of the available awards or other game outcomes over the course of the play cycle and guarantees the amount of actual wins and losses. In another embodiment, upon a player initiating game play at the gaming device, the gaming device enrolls in a bingo game. In this embodiment, a bingo server calls the bingo balls that result in a specific game outcome. The resultant game outcome is communicated to the individual gaming device to be provided to a player in the form of game of the present disclosure.
In one embodiment, as illustrated in
The display devices may include, without limitation, a monitor, a television display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD) a display based on light emitting diodes (LED), a display based on a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), a display based on polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs), a display including a projected and/or reflected image or any other suitable electronic device or display mechanism. In one embodiment, as described in more detail below, the display device includes a touch-screen with an associated touch-screen controller. The display devices may be of any suitable configuration, such as a square, a rectangle or an elongated rectangle.
As illustrated in
As seen in
In one embodiment, as shown in
In one embodiment, one input device is a cash out button 38. The player may push the cash out button and cash out to receive a cash payment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to the number of remaining credits. In one embodiment, when the player cashes out, the player receives the coins or tokens in a coin payout tray 40. In one embodiment, when the player cashes out, the player may receive other payout mechanisms such as tickets or credit slips redeemable by a cashier or funding to the player's electronically recordable identification card.
In one embodiment, as mentioned above and seen in
The gaming device may further include a plurality of communication ports for enabling communication of the processor with external peripherals, such as external video sources, expansion buses, game or other displays, an SCSI port or a key pad.
In one embodiment, as seen in
In one embodiment, the gaming machine may include a player or other sensor, such as a camera in communication with the processor (and possibly controlled by the processor) that is selectively positioned to acquire an image of a player actively using the gaming device and/or the surrounding area of the gaming device. In one embodiment, the camera may be configured to selectively acquire still or moving (e.g., video) images and may be configured to acquire the images in either an analog, digital or other suitable format. The display devices may be configured to display the image acquired by the camera as well as display the visible manifestation of the game in split screen or picture-in-picture fashion. For example, the camera may acquire an image of the player and the processor may incorporate that image into the primary and/or secondary game as a game image, symbol or indicia.
In one embodiment, in addition to winning credits in a base or primary game, the gaming device may also give players the opportunity to win credits in a bonus or secondary game or bonus or secondary round. The bonus or secondary game enables the player to obtain a prize or payout in addition to the prize or payout, if any, obtained from the base or primary game. In general, a bonus or secondary game produces a significantly higher level of player excitement than the base or primary game because it provides a greater expectation of winning than the base or primary game and is accompanied with more attractive or unusual features than the base or primary game.
In one embodiment, the bonus or secondary game may be any type of suitable game, either similar to or completely different from the base or primary game. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a program which will automatically begin a bonus round when the player has achieved a triggering event or qualifying condition in the base or primary game. In one embodiment, the triggering event or qualifying condition may be a selected outcome in the primary game or a particular arrangement of one or more indicia on a display device in the primary game. In another embodiment, the triggering event or qualifying condition may be by exceeding a certain amount of game play (number of games, number of credits, amount of time), reaching a specified number of points earned during game play or as a random award.
In one embodiment, once a player has qualified for a bonus game, the player may subsequently enhance his/her bonus game participation through continued play on the base or primary game. Thus, for each bonus qualifying event, such as a bonus symbol, that the player obtains, a given number of bonus game wagering points or credits may be accumulated in a bonus meter programmed to accrue the bonus wagering credits or entries toward eventual participation in a bonus game. The occurrence of multiple such bonus qualifying events in the primary game may result in an arithmetic or geometric increase in the number of bonus wagering credits awarded. In one embodiment, the player may redeem extra bonus wagering credits during the bonus game to extend play of the bonus game.
In one embodiment, no separate entry fee or buy in for a bonus game need be employed. That is, a player may not purchase an entry into a bonus game, rather they must win or earn entry through play of the primary game thus, encouraging play of the primary game. In another embodiment, qualification of the bonus or secondary game could be accomplished through a simple buy in by the player if, for example, the player has been unsuccessful at qualifying through other specified activities.
In one embodiment, as illustrated in
In one embodiment, the game outcome provided to the player is determined by a central server or controller and provided to the player at the gaming device. In this embodiment, each of a plurality of such gaming devices are in communication with the central server or controller. Upon a player initiating game play at one of the gaming devices, the initiated gaming device communicates a game outcome request to the central server or controller.
In one embodiment, the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and randomly generates a game outcome for the primary game based on probability data. In another embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome for the secondary game based on probability data. In another embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome for both the primary game and the secondary game based on probability data. In this embodiment, the central server or controller is capable of storing and utilizing program code or other data similar to the processor and memory device of the gaming device.
In an alternative embodiment, the central server or controller maintains one or more predetermined pools or sets of predetermined game outcomes. In this embodiment, the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and independently selects a predetermined game outcome from a set or pool of game outcomes. The central server or controller flags or marks the selected game outcome as used. Once a game outcome is flagged as used, it is prevented from further selection from the set or pool and cannot be selected by the central controller or server upon another wager. The provided game outcome can include a primary game outcome, a secondary game outcome, primary and secondary game outcomes, or a series of game outcomes such a free games.
The central server or controller communicates the generated or selected game outcome to the initiated gaming device. The gaming device receives the generated or selected game outcome and provides the game outcome to the player. In an alternative embodiment, how the generated or selected game outcome is to be presented or displayed to the player, such as a reel symbol combination of a slot machine or a hand of cards dealt in a card game, is also determined by the central server or controller and communicated to the initiated gaming device to be presented or displayed to the player. Central production or control can assist a gaming establishment or other entity in maintaining appropriate records, controlling gaming, reducing and preventing cheating or electronic or other errors, reducing or eliminating win-loss volatility and the like.
In another embodiment, a predetermined game outcome value is determined for each of a plurality of linked or networked gaming devices based on the results of a bingo or keno game. In this embodiment, each individual gaming device utilizes one or more bingo or keno games to determine the predetermined game outcome value provided to the player for the interactive game played at that gaming device. In one embodiment, the bingo or keno game is displayed to the player. In another embodiment, the bingo or keno game is not displayed to the player, but the results of the bingo or keno game determine the predetermined game outcome value for the interactive game.
In the various bingo embodiments, as each gaming device is enrolled in the bingo game, such as upon an appropriate wager or engaging an input device, the enrolled gaming device is provided or associated with a different bingo card. Each bingo card consists of a matrix or array of elements, wherein each element is designated with a separate indicia, such as a number. It should be appreciated that each different bingo card includes a different combination of elements. For example, if four bingo cards are provided to four enrolled gaming devices, the same element may be present on all four of the bingo cards while another element may solely be present on one of the bingo cards.
In operation of these embodiments, upon providing or associating a different bingo card to each of a plurality of enrolled gaming devices, the central controller randomly selects or draws, one at a time, a plurality of the elements. As each element is selected, a determination is made for each gaming device as to whether the selected element is present on the bingo card provided to that enrolled gaming device. This determination can be made by the central controller, the gaming device, a combination of the two, or in any other suitable manner. If the selected element is present on the bingo card provided to that enrolled gaming device, that selected element on the provided bingo card is marked or flagged. This process of selecting elements and marking any selected elements on the provided bingo cards continues until one or more predetermined patterns are marked on one or more of the provided bingo cards. It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, the gaming device requires the player to engage a daub button (not shown) to initiate the process of the gaming device marking or flagging any selected elements.
After one or more predetermined patterns are marked on one or more of the provided bingo cards, a game outcome is determined for each of the enrolled gaming devices based, at least in part, on the selected elements on the provided bingo cards. As described above, the game outcome determined for each gaming device enrolled in the bingo game is utilized by that gaming device to determine the predetermined game outcome provided to the player. For example, a first gaming device to have selected elements marked in a predetermined pattern is provided a first outcome of win $10 which will be provided to a first player regardless of how the first player plays in a first game and a second gaming device to have selected elements marked in a different predetermined pattern is provided a second outcome of win $2 which will be provided to a second player regardless of how the second player plays a second game. It should be appreciated that as the process of marking selected elements continues until one or more predetermined patterns are marked, this embodiment insures that at least one bingo card will win the bingo game and thus at least one enrolled gaming device will provide a predetermined winning game outcome to a player. It should be appreciated that other suitable methods for selecting or determining one or more predetermined game outcomes may be employed.
In one example of the above-described embodiment, the predetermined game outcome may be based on a supplemental award in addition to any award provided for winning the bingo game as described above. In this embodiment, if one or more elements are marked in supplemental patterns within a designated number of drawn elements, a supplemental or intermittent award or value associated with the marked supplemental pattern is provided to the player as part of the predetermined game outcome. For example, if the four corners of a bingo card are marked within the first twenty selected elements, a supplemental award of $10 is provided to the player as part of the predetermined game outcome. It should be appreciated that in this embodiment, the player of a gaming device may be provided a supplemental or intermittent award regardless of if the enrolled gaming device's provided bingo card wins or does not win the bingo game as described above.
In another embodiment, one or more of the gaming devices are in communication with a central server or controller for monitoring purposes only. That is, each individual gaming device randomly generates the game outcomes to be provided to the player and the central server or controller monitors the activities and events occurring on the plurality of gaming devices. In one embodiment, the gaming network includes a real-time or on-line accounting and gaming information system operably coupled to the central server or controller. The accounting and gaming information system of this embodiment includes a player database for storing player profiles, a player tracking module for tracking players and a credit system for providing automated casino transactions.
A plurality of the gaming devices are capable of being connected together through a data network. In one embodiment, the data network is a local area network (LAN), in which one or more of the gaming devices are substantially proximate to each other and an on-site central server or controller as in, for example, a gaming establishment or a portion of a gaming establishment. In another embodiment, the data network is a wide area network (WAN) in which one or more of the gaming devices are in communication with at least one off-site central server or controller. In this embodiment, the plurality of gaming devices may be located in a different part of the gaming establishment or within a different gaming establishment than the off-site central server or controller. Thus, the WAN may include an off-site central server or controller and an off-site gaming device located within gaming establishments in the same geographic area, such as a city or state. The WAN gaming system may be substantially identical to the LAN gaming system described above, although the number of gaming devices in each system may vary relative to each other.
In another embodiment, the data network is an internet or intranet. In this embodiment, the operation of the gaming device can be viewed at the gaming device with at least one internet browser. In this embodiment, operation of the gaming device and accumulation of credits may be accomplished with only a connection to the central server or controller (the internet/intranet server) through a conventional phone or other data transmission line, digital subscriber line (DSL), T-1 line, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, or other suitable connection. In this embodiment, players may access an internet game page from any location where an internet connection and computer, or other internet facilitator are available. The expansion in the number of computers and number and speed of internet connections in recent years increases opportunities for players to play from an ever-increasing number of remote sites. It should be appreciated that enhanced bandwidth of digital wireless communications may render such technology suitable for some or all communications, particularly if such communications are encrypted. Higher data transmission speeds may be useful for enhancing the sophistication and response of the display and interaction with the player.
In another embodiment, as described above, one or more gaming devices are in communication with a central server or controller. The central server or controller may be any suitable server or computing device which includes at least one processor and a memory or storage device. In alternative embodiments, the central server is a progressive controller or another gaming machine in the gaming system. In one embodiment, the memory device stores different game programs and instructions, executable by a gaming device processor, to control the gaming device. Each executable game program represents a different game or type of game which may be played on one or more of the gaming devices in the gaming system. Such different games may include the same or substantially the same game play with different pay tables. In different embodiments, the executable game program is for a primary game, a secondary game or both. In another embodiment, the game program may be executable as a secondary game to be played simultaneous with the play of a primary game (which may be downloaded to or fixed on the gaming device) or vice versa.
In this embodiment, each gaming device at least includes one or more display devices and/or one or more input devices for interaction with a player. A local processor, such as the above-described gaming device processor or a processor of a local server, is operable with the display device(s) and/or the input device(s) of one or more of the gaming devices.
In operation, the central controller is operable to communicate one or more of the stored game programs to at least one local processor. In different embodiments, the stored game programs are communicated or delivered by embedding the communicated game program in a device or a component (e.g., a chip to be inserted in a gaming device), writing the game=program on a disc or other media, downloading or streaming the game program over a dedicated data network, internet or a telephone line. After the stored game programs are communicated from the central server, the local processor executes the communicated program to facilitate play of the communicated program by a player through the display device(s) and/or input device(s) of the gaming device. That is, when a game program is communicated to a local processor, the local processor changes the game or type of game played at the gaming device.
In another embodiment, a plurality of gaming devices at one or more gaming sites may be networked to a central server in a progressive configuration, as known in the art, wherein a portion of each wager to initiate a base or primary game may be allocated to bonus or secondary event awards. In one embodiment, a host site computer is coupled to a plurality of the central servers at a variety of mutually remote gaming sites for providing a multi-site linked progressive automated gaming system. In one embodiment, a host site computer may serve gaming devices distributed throughout a number of properties at different geographical locations including, for example, different locations within a city or different cities within a state.
In one embodiment, the host site computer is maintained for the overall operation and control of the system. In this embodiment, a host site computer oversees the entire progressive gaming system and is the master for computing all progressive awards. All participating gaming sites report to, and receive information from, the host site computer. Each central server computer is responsible for all data communication between the gaming device hardware and software and the host site computer. In one embodiment, an individual gaming machine may trigger a progressive win, for example through a game play event such as a symbol-driven trigger. In one embodiment, the central server or other central controller determines when a progressive win is triggered. In one embodiment, a central controller and an individual gaming machine work in conjunction with each other to determine when a progressive win is triggered, for example through an individual gaming machine meeting a predetermined requirement established by the central controller.
There are five matches shown in
In known Keno, an equal weight is assigned to each number picked by the player and each number drawn by the Keno game. The number of matches determines the player's award independent of which numbers are matched. The award, if any, depends on the percentage of the player's picks that are also generated randomly by gaming device 10b or the house. For example, the player starts with three credits as seen in credit meter 20 (not shown). The game costs one dollar to play.
One embodiment of the present disclosure with a designated award such as a progressive award is illustrated in the flow chart of
The processor also randomly generates or draws twenty numbers from the eighty numbers to form a processor selected set as indicated by block 210. After the processor selected set is formed, the processor indicates the numbers on a hit or match area by at least an additional marking such as a diagonal line through each of the numbers. The processor compares the total player set to the processor selected set after both sets are formed to determine if any winning conditions occurred as indicated by decision diamond 212. The player wins the progressive award if all ten numbers in the total player set match ten of the numbers in the processor selected set as indicated by block 214. Alternatively, the player wins both the progressive award and a base award.
The player does not win the progressive award if the player does not have the ten matches. If the player does not have the ten matches, the processor compares the initial player set to the processor selected set to determine if any matches exist as indicated by decision diamond 216. The player wins the base award based on a suitable Keno paytable if the comparison between the initial player set and the processor selected set produce a predetermined quantity of matches as indicated by block 218. In one embodiment, the matches needed to win the base award cannot come from the supplemental player set. This embodiment thus enables the player to win a progressive award regardless of the number of initial player selections. It should be appreciated that in this embodiment and the other embodiments discussed herein the numbers of player picks, the number of processor picks, the designated number, and any other numbers may vary.
Another embodiment with a designated award such as a progressive award is illustrated in the flow chart of
However, if the gaming machine determines that the player selected at least ten numbers, the gaming machine determines whether more than ten numbers were selected by the player as indicated by decision diamond 410. If the player selected more than ten numbers, the processor selects or causes the selection of a subset of ten numbers from the initial player set as indicated by block 412. The subset of ten numbers form a subset player set. The subset player set forms the total player set. The numbers in the total player set are used to determine eligibility for the progressive award. Alternatively, the player or the processor can select from the eighty numbers to form the subset player set.
The processor also randomly generates or draws twenty numbers from the eighty numbers to form a processor selected set as indicated by block 414. After the processor selected set is formed, the processor indicates the numbers on a hit or match area by at least an additional marking such as a diagonal line through each of the numbers. The processor compares the total player set to the processor selected set after both sets are formed to determine if any winning conditions occurred as indicated by decision diamond 416. The player wins the progressive award if all ten numbers in the total player set match ten of the numbers in the processor selected set as indicated by block 418. Alternatively, the player wins both the progressive award and a base award.
The player does not win the progressive award if the player does not have the ten matches. If the player does not have the ten matches, the processor compares the initial player set to the processor selected set to determine if any matches exist as indicated by decision diamond 420. The player wins the base award based on a suitable Keno paytable if the comparison between the initial player set and the processor selected set produce a predetermined quantity of matches as indicated by block 422. This embodiment also enables the player to win a progressive award regardless of the number of initial player selections. It should be appreciated that in this embodiment and the other embodiments discussed herein, the numbers of player picks, the number of processor picks, the designated number, and any other numbers may vary.
Referring now to the flow chart in
As indicated by block 706, the gaming device processor (or alternatively a separate processor) randomly selects or draws a predetermined number of symbols from the plurality of displayed symbols to form a first processor selected set. The gaming device processor also selects a second processor selected set from either the plurality of displayed symbols or the first processor selected set as illustrated by block 708. The second processor selected set includes zero, one or more symbols, wherein the quantity of symbols (i.e., the set size) in the second processor selected set is based on the player's wager level. That is, the quantity of symbols in the second processor selected set is proportionate to the player's wager level. The gaming device processor classifies, designates or otherwise categories each symbol in the second processor selected set as a designated symbol.
In one embodiment, when a symbol is drawn for the first processor selected set, the symbol is designated for the second processor selected set based on a probability equal or related to the current wager divided by the maximum wager. In another embodiment, if the wager is n credits, n of the symbols drawn for the first processor selected set are designated for the second processor selected set. In alternative embodiments, the second processor selected set is the first n, the last n, a designated subset of n, or a random subset of n of the symbols drawn. In another embodiment, if the wager is n credits, then a portion of the symbols might be randomly assigned for the second processor selected set. For example, if the wager is n and the game includes 80 symbols, then (4×n) are randomly assigned for the second processor selected set. In one alternative embodiment, the second player set may be formed at the start of the game play. Thus, the choice of symbols drawn for the second processor selected set are non-random, such as the first (4×n) symbols selected for the player set.
After the game sets are drawn, the processor marks the numbers from the game sets on a hit or match area as indicated by block 710. The processor compares the player set to the second processor selected set once all of the sets are created as indicated by block 712. As indicated by block 714, if a specific one of the symbols in the player set matches one of the designated symbols in the second processor selected set, the player is provided the designated award. That is, to provide the player the designated award, a specific one of the symbols in the player selected set (such as the player's first symbol picked or the player's last symbol picked) must match one of the designated symbols in the second processor selected set. In another embodiment, the player wins the designated award if a specific one of symbols in the player set matches one of the designated symbols in the second processor selected set and zero, one or more symbols in the player selected set match zero, one or more symbols in the first processor selected set. In another embodiment, if a specific one of symbols in the player set matches one of the designated symbols in the second processor selected set (and zero, one or more symbols in the player selected set match zero, one or more symbols in the first processor selected set), the player wins the designated award and a base award. It should be appreciated that although this described embodiment includes a specific one of the symbols in the player selected set matching one of the designated symbols in the second processor selected set, in an alternative embodiment, any elected symbols (i.e., a symbol separate from the symbols in the player selected set) must match one of the designated symbols in the second processor selected set for the player to win the designated award.
In accordance with the above embodiment, the player's wager level is associated with the odds of winning the designated award by enabling the size of the second processor selected set to vary according to a player's wager level. An increase in the player's wager level provides more second processor selected symbols and thus the player's odds of matching a specific one of the symbols in the player set increases.
In one embodiment, if the player did not win the designated award, the processor compares the player set to the first processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. The player wins a base award if the comparison between the player set and the first processor selected set produce a predetermined quantity of matches. In another embodiment, even if the player wins the designated award, the processor compares the symbols in the player set to the symbols in the first processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. In this embodiment, the player wins a base award if the comparison between the symbols in the player set and the symbols in the first processor selected set result in a predetermined quantity of matches. In these embodiments, the base award includes, but is not limited to, a typical Keno award that relates the quantity of player matches to the award amount as shown in video screen 18 of
Referring now to the flow chart in
It should be further appreciated that the player subset can also be calculated using various different algorithms. In one embodiment, all of the numbers in the player subset must be from player selections. Other alternative embodiments employ a completely random selection of the plurality of symbols before or after the start of the game play. In another embodiment, the processor creates the player subset from a randomly selected cluster, group or pattern of symbols. Alternatively, the player subset is derived from a suitable sequence or game play such as an interactive selection game where the cluster or pattern avoids the player's symbol selections (i.e., intentionally does not match the player's symbol selections). Another embodiment might designate the player subset from a predetermined set of symbols. It should thus be appreciated that the player set selection may be determined in any suitable manner.
The gaming device processor (or alternatively a separate processor) randomly selects or draws a predetermined number of symbols from the plurality of displayed symbols to form a first processor selected set as illustrated by block 806. Before, during, or after the first processor selected set is formed and independent of the player's wager, as indicated in block 808, the gaming device processor classifies, designates or otherwise categories one symbol as a designated symbol. The designated symbol is typically drawn from the first processor selected set (such as the first drawn number in the first processor selected set or the last drawn number in the first processor selected set).
After the game sets are drawn, the processor marks the numbers from the game sets on a hit or match area as indicated by block 810. The processor determines if the player wins any awards by comparing the player subset to the designated symbol once all of the sets are created as indicated by block 812. According to block 814, the player wins the designated award if the designated symbol matches one of the symbols in the player subset (and zero, one or more symbols in the player selected set match zero, one or more symbols in the first processor selected set). That is, to provide the player the designated award, a specific one of the symbols in the player selected subset (such as the player's first symbol picked or the player's last symbol picked) must match the designated symbol. Alternatively, if the designated symbol matches one of the symbols in the player subset (and zero, one or more symbols in the player selected set match zero, one or more symbols in the first processor selected set), the player wins the designated award and a base award.
In one embodiment, if the player did not win the designated award, the processor compares the player set to the first processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. The player wins a base award if the comparison between the player set and the first processor selected set produce a predetermined quantity of matches. In another embodiment, even if the player wins the designated award, the processor compares the symbols in the player set to the symbols in the first processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. In this embodiment, the player wins a base award if the comparison between the symbols in the player set and the symbols in the first processor selected set result in a predetermined quantity of matches. In these embodiments, the base award includes, but is not limited to, a typical Keno award that relates the quantity of player matches to the award amount as shown in video screen 18 of
Referring now to the flow chart in
As indicated by block 506, the processor or the player selects one additional number from the eighty displayed numbers (i.e., any of the eighty displayed numbers or the remaining unselected eighty numbers) or from the first player set to form a second player set.
The processor also randomly generates or draws twenty selections from the same eighty displayed numbers to form a first processor selected set as illustrated by block 508. After the first processor selected set is formed, the processor also draws a quantity of numbers from the first processor selected set to form a second processor selected set based on the player's wager level, as indicated by block 510. The second processor selected set number or numbers are alternatively determined using algorithms including: fixed odds for each draw, a fixed portion of the draw, or a fixed portion of the selectable numbers.
For fixed odds of each draw, when a number is drawn for the first processor selected set, in one embodiment the number is designated for the second processor selected set based on a probability equal or related to the current wager divided by the maximum wager.
For a fixed portion of the draw, in one embodiment if the wager is n credits, n of the numbers drawn for the first processor selected set are designated for the second processor selected set. The second processor selected set in alternative embodiments can be the first n, the last n, a designated subset of n, or a random subset of n of the numbers drawn.
For a fixed portion of the field, in one embodiment if the wager is n credits, (4×n) of the field of typically eighty numbers might be randomly assigned for the second processor selected set. In one alternative embodiment, the second player set may be formed at the start of the game play. Thus, the choice of numbers drawn for the second processor selected set are non-random, such as the first (4×n) numbers selected for the total player set.
After the game sets are drawn, the processor marks the numbers from both game sets on a hit or match area as indicated by block 512. The processor determines if the player wins any awards by comparing the first processor selected set with the first player set and comparing the second processor selected set with the second player set as indicated by block 514. According to block 516, the player wins the progressive award if the processor determines that a predetermined quantity of matching numbers is created between the sets. Alternatively, if the predetermined quantity of matching numbers is created, the player wins the progressive award and a base award.
If the player did not win the progressive award, the processor compares the first player set to the first processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. The player wins the base award if the comparison between the first player set and the first processor selected set produce a predetermined quantity of matches. In one embodiment, the base award includes, but is not limited to, a typical Keno award that relates the quantity of player matches to the award amount as shown in video screen 18 of
Referring now to the flow chart in
As indicated by block 606, the processor or the player selects additional numbers from the eighty displayed numbers (i.e., any of the eighty displayed numbers or the remaining unselected eighty numbers) or from the first player set to form a second player set. One contemplated method for creating the second player set is to designate the first x numbers in the initial player set as the second player set, where x is a predetermined value in proportion to the player's wager. Thus, if the player's wager level increases, the quantity of numbers in the second player set also increases.
It should be appreciated that the second player set can also be calculated using various different algorithms. In addition to the first x numbers as described above, the last x numbers in the first player set can be designated as the second player set. In one embodiment, the processor selects one number for the second player set for each credit wagered. In another embodiment, all of the numbers in the second player set must be from player selections. Other alternative embodiments employ a completely random selection of the eighty numbers before or after the start of the game play. In another embodiment, the processor creates the second player set from a randomly selected cluster, group or pattern of numbers. Alternatively, the second player set is derived from a suitable sequence or game play such as an interactive selection game where the cluster or pattern avoids the player's number selections (i.e., intentionally does not match the player's number selections). Another embodiment might designate the second player set from a predetermined set of numbers. It should thus be appreciated that the supplemental selection may be determined in any suitable manner.
The processor also randomly generates or draws twenty selections from the same eighty displayed numbers to form a first processor selected set as illustrated by block 608. After the first processor selected set is formed, the processor also randomly draws one number from the first processor selected set to form a second processor selected set, as indicated by block 610. The quantity of numbers in the second processor selected set is predetermined. In one embodiment, the processor draws the last selected number of the first processor selected set to form the second processor selected set.
After the game sets are drawn, the processor marks the numbers from both game sets on a hit or match area as indicated by block 612. The processor determines if the player wins any awards by comparing the first processor selected set with the first player set and comparing the second processor selected set with the second player set as indicated by block 614. According to block 616, the player wins the progressive award if the processor determines that a predetermined quantity of matching numbers is created between the sets. In one such embodiment, the player wins the progressive award if the processor determines that the one designated number in the second processor selected set matches one of the numbers in the player set. Alternatively, if the predetermined quantity of matching numbers is created, the player wins the progressive award and a base award.
If the player did not win the progressive award, the processor compares the first player set to the first processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. The player wins a base award if the comparison between the first player set and the first processor selected set produce a predetermined quantity of matches. In one embodiment, the base award includes, but is not limited to, a typical Keno award that relates the quantity of player matches to the award amount as shown in video screen 18 of
Referring now to the flow chart in
As indicated by block 310, at some time before or after the total player set is formed, the processor or the player selects additional numbers from the eighty displayed numbers (i.e., any of the eighty displayed numbers or the remaining unselected eighty numbers) or from the total player set to form a second player set. One contemplated method for creating the second player set is to designate the first x numbers in the initial player set as the second player set, where x is a predetermined value. In one embodiment, the level of the player's wager determines the quantity of numbers in the second player set. From game to game, if the player's wager level increases, the quantity of numbers in the second player set also increases. In one embodiment, the processor selects one number for the second player set for each credit wagered.
The processor also randomly generates or draws twenty selections from the same eighty displayed numbers to form a first processor selected set as illustrated by block 312. After the first processor selected set is formed, the processor also randomly draws a number from the first processor selected set to form a second processor selected set, as indicated by block 314. The quantity of numbers in the second processor selected set is predetermined. In one embodiment, the processor draws the last selected number of the first processor selected set to form the second processor selected set.
After both game sets are drawn, the processor marks the numbers from both game sets on a hit or match area as indicated by block 316. The processor determines if the player wins any awards by comparing the first processor selected set with the total player set and comparing the second processor selected set with the second player set as indicated by block 318. According to block 320, the player wins the progressive award if the processor determines that a predetermined number of matching symbols is created. If the player did not win the progressive award, the processor compares the initial player set to the first processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. The player wins a base award if the comparison between the initial player set and the processor selected set produce a predetermined number of matches. The matches needed to win the base award cannot come from the supplemental player set in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the base award includes, but is not limited to, a typical Keno award that relates the quantity of player matches to the award amount as shown in video screen 18 of
As indicated in
It should be appreciated that the second player set can also be calculated using various different algorithms. In addition to the first x numbers as described above, the last x numbers in the first player set can be designated as the second player set. In another embodiment, all of the numbers in the second player set must be from player selections. Other alternative embodiments employ a completely random selection of the eighty numbers before or after the start of the game play. In another embodiment, the processor creates the second player set from a randomly selected cluster, group or pattern of numbers. Alternatively, the second player set is derived from a suitable sequence or game play such as an interactive selection game where the cluster or pattern avoids the player's number selections (i.e., intentionally does not match the player's number selections). Another embodiment might designate the second player set from a predetermined set of numbers. It should thus be appreciated that the supplemental selection may be determined in any suitable manner.
In one embodiment, the number in the second processor selected set is created from the first processor selected set as indicated in block 314. The size of the second processor selected set is fixed if the second player set is variable. However, if the second player set has a fixed size, the second processor selected set size is variable. If the second processor selected set size is variable, the second processor selected set number(s) are alternatively determined using algorithms including: fixed odds for each draw, a fixed portion of the draw, or a fixed portion of the selectable numbers.
For fixed odds of each draw, when a number is drawn for the first processor selected set, in one embodiment the number is designated for the second processor selected set based on a probability equal or related to the current wager divided by the maximum wager.
For a fixed portion of the draw, in one embodiment if the wager is n credits, n of the numbers drawn for the first processor selected set are designated for the second processor selected set. The second processor selected set in alternative embodiments can be the first n, the last n, a designated subset of n, or a random subset of n of the numbers drawn.
For a fixed portion of the field, in one embodiment if the wager is n credits, (4×n) of the field of typically eighty numbers might be randomly assigned for the second processor selected set. In one alternative embodiment, the second player set may be formed at the start of the game play. Thus, the choice of numbers drawn for the second processor selected set are non-random, such as the first (4×n) numbers selected for the total player set.
Multiple designated awards such as relatively large or progressive awards can also be implemented using the above mentioned embodiments. In one embodiment, multiple designated awards such as different progressive awards or top awards could be provided based upon a specifically selected number set or drawn processor selected set. In another embodiment, the different designated awards are each associated with a specifically drawn number. Another embodiment associates the different relatively large awards with different matching combinations in the first player set, such as matching five of six selections versus six out of six selections.
After the player picks the initial player set as illustrated in
The processor randomly generates or draws twenty numbers to form the processor selected set as illustrated in
If the player had not won the progressive award, the processor would have compared the initial player set to the processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. The player would have won a base award if this comparison produced a predetermined number of matches. In one embodiment, the base award may be variable because it is based on the number of matches created between the initial player set and the processor selected set. Generally, the greater the number of matches, the greater the payout will be. For example, if three matches are created, the gaming device can pay the player back at a multiple of the player's wager such as 2× the player's wager. Likewise, if four matches are created, the payout may be increased to 4× the player's wager.
After the player picks the initial player set as illustrated in
The processor randomly generates or draws twenty numbers to form the processor selected set as illustrated in
If the player had not won the progressive award, the processor would have compared the initial player set to the processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. The player would have won a base award if this comparison produced a predetermined number of matches. In one embodiment, the base award may be variable because it is based on the number of matches created between the initial player set and the processor selected set. In one embodiment, the base award includes, but is not limited to, a typical Keno award that relates the quantity of player matches to the award amount as shown in video screen 18 of
More specifically,
In this example beginning in
In one embodiment, the processor determines if the player wins the jackpot award by comparing the second processor selected set with a specific number in the player set. The player wins the jackpot award if processor determines that one of the numbers in the second processor selected set matches with a specific number in the player set. In this illustrated embodiment, a specific one of the player's numbers (in this case the player's first picked number of 12) matched one of the numbers in the second processor selected set and thus the player won the jackpot award and a base award. The gaming machine displays the number in the second game set and the specific player number that matches with additional indicators or markings as depicted in
If the player had not won the jackpot award, the processor would have compared the player set to the processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. The player would have won a base award if the comparison between the player set and the processor selected set produced a predetermined number of matches. In one embodiment, the base award includes, but is not limited to, a typical Keno award that relates the quantity of player matches to the award amount as shown in video screen 18 of
In one embodiment,
Beginning in
After the first processor selected set is drawn, the processor draws one second game set number from the first processor selected set. For illustration purposes, the second game set number is the last number drawn for the first processor selected set and is shown in bonus number indicator 80.
The processor determines if the player wins the jackpot award by comparing the second processor selected set with the player set. The player wins the jackpot award if the processor determines that the number in the second game set matches with one of the numbers in the player set. The gaming machine displays the number in the second player set that matches the bonus number with additional markings or illumination (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the player did not have the required match, and thus the player did not win the $1000.00 jackpot award. Alternatively, if the player had the winning match, the player could have won both the jackpot award and a base award.
The player did not win the jackpot award, so the processor also compared the player set to the first processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. The player did not have any matches between the first processor selected set and the player set. The player could have won a base award if the comparison between the player set and the first processor selected set produced a predetermined number of matches. The base award includes, but is not limited to, an award based on a Keno paytable.
More specifically,
In this example beginning in
In one embodiment, the processor determines if the player wins the progressive award by comparing the first processor selected set with the initial player set, and the bonus player number with the second game set. The player wins the progressive award if processor determines that: (1) all of the numbers in the initial player set match with numbers in the processor selected set, and (2) the bonus player number matched with one of the second game set numbers. The gaming machine displays the numbers in the second game set and the bonus player number that match with additional indicators or markings as depicted in
If the player had not won the progressive award, the processor would have compared the initial player set to the first processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. The player would have won a base award if the comparison between the second player set and the processor selected set produced a predetermined number of matches. In one embodiment, the base award includes, but is not limited to, a typical Keno award that relates the quantity of player matches to the award amount as shown in video screen 18 of
In one embodiment,
Beginning in
After the first processor selected set is drawn, the processor draws one bonus number from the first processor selected set. For illustration purposes, the bonus number is the last number drawn for the first processor selected set and is shown in bonus number indicator 80.
The processor determines if the player wins the progressive award by comparing the first processor selected set with the initial player set and comparing the bonus game number with the second player set. The player wins the progressive award if the processor determines that: (1) all of the numbers in the initial player set match with numbers in the first processor selected set, and (2) the bonus number matched with at least one number in the second player set. The gaming machine displays the numbers in the second player set that match the bonus number with additional markings or illumination as depicted in
If the player had not won the progressive award, the processor would have compared the initial player set to the first processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. The player could win a base award if the comparison between the initial player set and the first processor selected set produced a predetermined number of matches. The base award includes, but is not limited to, an award based on a Keno paytable.
More specifically,
In this example beginning in
If the player did not select the required six numbers, processor would have selected one or more supplemental symbols from the eighty numbers for the player. The processor selected supplemental symbols form a supplemental player set. Together, the initial player set and the supplemental player set form a total player set. The quantity of numbers in the total player set must equal the six numbers to be eligible to win the progressive award.
In one embodiment, the processor determines if the player wins the progressive award by comparing the first processor selected set with the total player set, first processor selected set with the second player set, and the bonus set with the bonus comparison number. The player wins the progressive award if processor determines that: (1) all of the numbers in the total player set and the second player set match with numbers in the processor selected set, and (2) one bonus number matched with the bonus comparison number. Gaming machine displays the numbers in the player sets that match the numbers in the processor selected set and bonus set with additional indicators or markings as depicted in
If the player had not won the progressive award, the processor would have compared the second player set to the first processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. The player could have won a base award if the comparison between the second player set and the processor selected set produced a predetermined number of matches. In one embodiment, the matches needed to win the base award cannot come from the supplemental player set.
In one embodiment,
In the example beginning in
Screen 16 also shows that credit meter 64 has been decremented by two credits because the player made a two credit wager for his game selections. Based on the two credit wager, the gaming machine randomly selected two numbers for the second player set from the remaining unselected eighty numbers. Second player set indicator 72 now depicts the player's two randomly selected numbers.
After the first processor selected set is drawn, the processor draws one bonus number from the first processor selected set. For illustration purposes, the bonus number is the last number drawn for the first processor selected set and is shown in bonus number indicator 74. Alternatively, the gaming machine can determine the bonus number using a suitable algorithm such as those discussed above in relation to
The processor determines if the player wins the progressive award by comparing first processor selected set with the total player set and comparing the bonus number with the second player set. The player wins the progressive award if the processor determines that: (1) all of the numbers in the total player set match with numbers in the first processor selected set, and (2) the bonus number matched with at least one number in the second player set. The gaming machine displays the numbers in the second player set that match the bonus number with additional markings or illumination as depicted in
If the player had not won the progressive award, the processor would have compared the initial player set to the first processor selected set to determine if any matches exist. The player could win a base award if the comparison between the initial player set and the first processor selected set produced a predetermined number of matches. In one embodiment, the matches needed to win the base award cannot come from the supplemental player set. The base award includes, but is not limited to, an award based on a Keno paytable.
While the present invention has been described in connection with number matching, any of the embodiments described herein are applicable equally to symbol matching, i.e., using symbols other than or in combination with numbers. The eighty number Keno embodiment described above could instead use eighty different symbols, such as eighty different words. The matching games can use logos, such as sports team logos instead of numbers. In that embodiment, the player can play his or her favorite teams. The symbols can also relate to a theme of the game. For example, in the games described above, the symbols selected by the players could be animals, while the drawn numbers are displayed as bullets. The term symbol therefore includes number and any other suitable or theme related indicia used alternatively or additionally.
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the present embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.
This application is a continuation of, claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/530,285, filed on Sep. 8, 2006, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/715,507, filed on Sep. 9, 2005, the entire contents of each are incorporated by reference herein.
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| English translation of paragraphs [0017], [0019], and [0107] of JPH07-163724A submitted with Third Party Submission in Published Application Under 37 C.F.R. 1.99 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/361,655 (1 page), dated Oct. 19, 2012. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20120129588 A1 | May 2012 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60715507 | Sep 2005 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11530285 | Sep 2006 | US |
| Child | 13361655 | US |
