Patent Application
20200320824
The present invention relates to systems and methods for peer-to-peer gaming. In particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to systems and methods for skill-based peer-to-peer gaming.
Skill-based games are, for example, games that allow users to compete for money or points either in a one-on-one manner or in a multiplayer tournament environment. These games differ from traditional gambling in that the games are based primarily on skill and are less influenced by chance.
Most skill-based games fall into four general categories:
Arcade/Video Games--Arcade games are games that involve quick fingers and quick thinking. These games are basically sped-up puzzle games. Arcade skill-based games include games based on football, basketball, car racing or other sports.
Puzzle Games--Puzzle games are games that rely on logic abilities and require the user to solve certain types of puzzles. While not as fast-paced as arcade games, these games often come with a time limit. Popular puzzle games include games that require modification of objects and their locations to create a particular result.
Word Games--Word games are games that are basically puzzle games using word problems, like rearranging letters to make words.
Trivia Games:--Trivia games are games that test the user's knowledge of trivia in specific categories or in general.
Some skill-based games heavily modify the game play of “regular” casual games such as solitaire or in order to remove as many random events as possible. The analogy is that the influence of chance in a skill-based game should not exceed the influence of chance in any other pro sport competition, such as golf or football. For example, in a skill-based Solitaire competition, the players could be given the same cards in the same order so that the final score can be fairly compared.
Skill-based games have been, and continue to be, offered on internet websites where users are allowed to compete for points and/or money. Like poker sites, skill-based game sites take a rake from peer-to-peer and tournament games, but unlike casino games or games of chance, the outcome of a skill game is predominantly determined by the user's skill level. Moreover, unlike traditional games such as poker, skill-based gaming is not offered in casinos or other closed system markets.
Although present devices are functional, they are not sufficiently accurate or otherwise satisfactory. Accordingly, a system and method are needed to address the shortfalls of present technology and to provide other new and innovative features.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention that are shown in the drawings are summarized below. These and other embodiments are more fully described in the Detailed Description section. It is to be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the forms described in this Summary of the Invention or in the Detailed Description. One skilled in the art can recognize that there are numerous modifications, equivalents and alternative constructions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed herein.
The present invention can provide a system and method for peer-to-peer gaming. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention can include a method for peer-to-peer gaming. For one method, a plurality of game options are provided to a first player through a peer-to-peer gaming system. The first player then makes a game selection from the plurality of game options which is received by the system. In some embodiments, the game options could include skill-based game options. In addition, the method could include providing to the first player a plurality of competitor player options, wherein the plurality of competitor player options includes at least a second player. The first player and the second player could also be provided with an interface to select a wager amount. The wager amount selection, and a corresponding wager, could be received from the first player and the second player. The first and second player could further be provided the game selection for game play. A game result could also be determined based on the first player's and second player's game play. This game result could also be received by the peer-to-peer gaming system. Based on the game result, the method could include providing a credit to a winner determined by the game result. In some embodiments, the wager amount is a monetary wager amount and the credit to the winner would be a monetary credit.
In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention can include a system for peer-to-peer gaming. In one example, the exemplary system could include a plurality of user interfaces, including at least a first user interface and a second user interface. These user interfaces could be connected to a peer-to-peer platform. In addition, the peer-to-peer platform could be connected to a game server, where the game server includes a plurality of game options. For one embodiment, the peer-to-peer platform could be configured to assist a first user at the first user interface in locating a second user at the second user interface. In addition, the peer-to-peer platform could be configured to assist the first user and second user agree upon a wager amount, and compete in one of the plurality of game options. In some embodiments, the first user and the second user compete in one of the plurality of game options for a prize amount wherein the prize amount comprises the wager amounts less a house take.
As previously stated, the above-described embodiments and implementations are for illustration purposes only. Numerous other embodiments, implementations, and details of the invention are easily recognized by those of skill in the art from the following descriptions.
Various objects and advantages and a more complete understanding of the present invention are apparent and more readily appreciated by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings.
Referring now to the drawings and in particular to the network layout in
In
In one exemplary embodiment, the Administration Server 100 could be located in the same location as the Gaming Client 310. In another embodiment, the Administration Server 100 could be located in a remote location. In yet another embodiment, the Administration Server 100 could be located in a central location with the Gaming Client 310 at another location. The type of connection between the server and client, whether wireless or wired, on an Ethernet, etc., will vary depending on the implementation of the system. Those skilled in the art will be aware of many modifications and variations allowed by the present invention.
In
There are many ways that the player could play a game on the Gaming Client 310. In one exemplary embodiment, a game would be deployed on a client using an HTTP/web server and a web browser client. The HTTP/web server could communicate with the Administration Server 100 and the server would serve/distribute the interface to each client using any available browser/Client Side technologies like but not limited to: HTML, JavaScript, DHTML, AJAX, Flash, Shockwave, Java, Active X, Silverlight, or VBscript. In another exemplary embodiment, a customized Client/Server model could be used, where the Administration Server 100 communicates to a server based application (an EXE and/or DLL, etc. . . . ), which would then communicate to a customized user-interface application (an EXE, etc. . . . ). In yet another example, a Server Side application could be produced that would contain both the Server Side functionality and the Client Side functionality, but then also provide Client Side interaction by emulating/replicating the Client Side interface out on to the Gaming Client 310. The Gaming Client 310 will not actually produce the interface. Rather, the client would present a series of images/interfaces that were transferred from the Administration Server 100. This method's process is similar to a traditional terminal/emulator client-server application. In all of these cases, the player always receives a unique and customized interface. The multitude of game distribution methods are required to be able to serve the varying types of games and their methods of game play and interaction. In one embodiment, the Gaming Client 310 will include a universal controller (not shown) that allows the player to play various types of games using the same controller. In another embodiment, each type of Gaming Client 310 will have its own type of game controller options available. The Gaming Client 310 could further be identified by the user of the Gaming Client 310. For example, the Administration Server 100 may know the Gaming Client 310 as a Player Gaming Client or as a Competitor Gaming Client. This list is not exhaustive and those skilled in the art will be aware of many modifications and variations allowed by the present invention.
The Administration Server 100 is an open and flexible gaming platform that can be used for real money wagering in legal gaming jurisdictions like Nevada and Indian reservations. Similar to the Windows operating system, which can act as a base platform and accept and run many different types of applications, an open and flexible gaming platform can act as a base platform for skill-based, and chance-based, games created by various game developers (e.g., card game developers, skill-based game developers, chance-based game developers, etc.). The server can also be dynamically adjusted for localization requirements such as language, currency and legal issues.
In
After the game, paying winnings to the player can be done in a number of ways. Referring again to
For purposes of discussion, the present invention primarily uses examples of systems and methods for skill-based gaming and skill-based games. This is in no way intended as a limitation of the present invention to only skill-based games. In the preferred embodiment, the system can support skill-based games as well as traditional card games or other chance-based games. Even though Poker, in the strictest sense, is not a skill-based game, there are many advantages for setting up the system to be able to run Poker in addition to skill-based games. For example, given that Poker and other card games are well known and accepted in legal gaming jurisdictions, it is beneficial (although not required) for the system to be capable of serving as a platform for Poker style games. Moreover, by presenting a similar setup and feel to the skill-based platform for skill-based and Poker style games, the system seems more familiar to players, making it easier to transition to skill-based gaming.
Referring now to
Referring first to the Player Interface module 270, it is an input-output controller and serves as the interface for the player to interact with the other modules. The module also directs communication from other modules to the client. For example, the module could present, among other things, game options to the player and the game itself.
The second software module shown in
The third software module shown in
The fourth software module shown in
The fifth software module shown in
The sixth software module shown in
The seventh software module shown in
The next software module in
The last module shown in
The examples provided herein are exemplary only. The explanation of these modules and their uses are merely indicative. A person skilled in the art will recognize additional variations and embodiments.
Referring to
Referring to
Note that the embodiments displayed in
In
Gaming options are the parameters for a game. The system uses the gaming options to initiate the game for the player. For example, gaming options may include: a game type, such as Poker, 9-Ball, chess, or a football arcade game; a bet amount for a particular game type, such as $5 or 10 points; a specific competitor to play against, where the competitor may be identified in many ways, including but not limited to: console location, account name, nick name, or record; or even a preset game, complete with bet and game type, such as a game of chess with a $5 jackpot. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list. A person having skill in the art will understand what other gaming options are consistent with the present invention.
In one embodiment, a set of gaming options presented to a player could be referred to as Player Gaming Options, whereas a set of gaming options presented a competitor could be referred to as Competitor Gaming Options. These references are not limiting. Those skilled in the art will understand how to refer to different sets of gaming options.
Before presenting a player with gaming options, the system determines which gaming options are available to the player. Referring to
While determining gaming options, the system may manage risk by modifying the available gaming options based on the possibility for a player acting illegally or in a prohibited way. The system may determine that a number of players are sitting near each other and will limit the ability to play a collaborative game among those players. Further, the system may keep records of past players based on data entered by a player, such as account information or other identifying features, such as a frequent player card, a scanned driver's license, or a scanned credit card. This list of entered data is not exhaustive. Those skilled in the art will understand how to receive identifying information about a player. For example, referring to
After a player is presented with a list of gaming options, the player selects from the list of gaming options to start a game. The steps by which a player selects from the list of gaming options can be varied. The options herein described are merely exemplary; there are other orders in which a player can be presented with, and select from, a list of gaming options.
In an embodiment, a player could first select the player's preferred game type and then be presented with a list of competitors who are also interested in playing that game type. In another embodiment, a player could select a general category, such as a Sports Type Video Game category, and be presented with a list of competitors who are interested in that category of game types. After selecting the game type or game category, a player may be provided the opportunity to challenge another individual player in a heads up one-on-one (peer-to-peer) match where the competitive environment is a skill-based game. The game could be anything from Solitaire to Chess to Football.
In yet another embodiment, a player could select to play a series of games. For example, if a player considered himself or herself well-rounded in many different games, that player could challenge a competitor to a best two out of three where each game is a different skill-based game. A player could also play a best two out of three using the same skill-based game. In yet another embodiment, instead of a series type competition (best two out of three, best three out of five, etc.) the competition could be based on a total number of points between a multiple game competition. For example, if players are playing Pong, each player could agree that the player with the highest point total after two events (rather than just one) is the winner. Many alternatives consistent with the present invention will be realized by those skilled in the art. Variations on how to group players (such as by skill level or experience or participation in an ongoing tournament) could also be used.
In yet another embodiment, the system could provide a player with the ability to play the computer in a game of the player's choice (for a fee, or for free) while the player waits for competitors willing to compete.
In addition to the game and competitor, gaming option selection could include betting ranges. Betting ranges could be pre-selected options by the system, in which case, a player will select a betting range. In the alternative, a player could be allowed to select his or her acceptable betting ranges. The betting ranges may also be determined by external factors, such as house stakes and local laws.
It is not necessary for a player to pick every possible gaming option for each game. In certain embodiments, a player may only pick one gaming option.
In order to participate in a peer-to-peer competitive game, a player needs a game to play and a competitor. Referring again to
In one embodiment, referring to
In an embodiment where players are allowed to select their own acceptable betting ranges, the system would automatically determine what players have betting ranges that overlap so that players are given a list of player gaming options that include options to play competitors who are willing to play for an acceptable amount.
In another embodiment, a player could select a betting range before selecting a game and/or competitor. For example, a player who is willing to risk less could select a lower betting range such as $5-$50 so they know he or she will find competitors willing to play for lower amounts. Conversely, a player who is only interested in playing for larger amounts could select a higher betting range such as $200-500. The betting ranges presented here are exemplary only. One skilled in the art will realize that betting ranges could vary and a betting range could be single value rather than a range of values (e.g., players willing to bet $10, players willing to bet $20, etc.).
The present invention can also allow a player and competitor to negotiate with each other, through the system, to determine how much to bet before playing. The bet could be of any value including a points style bet or a financial bet (e.g., money bet). In the preferred embodiment, a player and competitor will negotiate the bet before playing the game.
In one embodiment, represented in
In another embodiment, a player could negotiate the wager they wish to compete for. In some embodiments, a player would negotiate the money they wish to compete for. In other embodiments, a player could negotiate for points or some other non-monetary value. In this embodiment, the interface will allow a player and competitors to communicate back and forth until they come to an acceptable bet. A player could be limited to betting within the original range they selected, or could be given the ability to negotiate for any amount.
In yet another embodiment, a player could negotiate the amount of points they wish to compete for. This could be used in, among other things, a tournament style of play where all players are originally assigned an equal number of points and the last player standing, or the player with the most points after a certain amount of time, wins. Many points styled tournaments or competitions could be imagined by those skilled in the art consistent with the present invention.
Once the bet has been determined, the agreed upon bet can either be deducted from the players account (this includes either points from a points account or money from a cash account), or money can be deposited into a “Cash In” device as the form of payment for the game. In addition, in some embodiments, the “Cash In” device could accept tickets from “Ticket Out” devices that could have been turned into cash. In another embodiment, the device could accept tokens. The ability to use the “Cash In” device allows for individuals to play the system without having to register or set up an account. Alternatively, by registering or setting up an account, players would have greater flexibility in using the system. Incentives, such as frequent player bonuses, could be established to help promote registration and player loyalty. In addition, registration may be required for certain types of tournaments or games, such as to prevent collusion or in order to track payouts for tax purposes or other legal issues.
Referring again to
The methods in which a game can be rendered to a player via a user interface device can be accomplished in many different ways. Referring to
In another embodiment not shown, the system also transfers competitor identification to the gaming server. The system then connects the competitor gaming client to the gaming server. The types of competitor identification would be the same as player identification.
In another embodiment not shown, the system includes a module to run the game. The gaming client is initially connected to the system during option selection and the system initiates the game by running the game itself. In this way, there is no communication with an external gaming server.
Now referring to
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the player is compensated an amount of the player's winnings less an administrative fee. This fee may be masked so that the player does not ever see the total player winnings so that the player does not know that the winnings are reduced by the administrative fee. This fee could be given to the operator of the game, the business where the game is located, the licensee of the game, the licensor of the system, or another person. This list is not meant to be exhaustive. Those skilled in the art will understand other persons to whom an administrative fee will be paid.
The present invention also includes systems and methods to conduct Skill-based Tournaments. Referring to
A tournament style of play provides players the opportunity to play the games without having to challenge other players to a match and negotiate a fee. Tournament style of play additionally allows for an added dynamic of a “Many vs. Many” environment, which provides many additional options for payouts and Tournament types.
In one exemplary embodiment, players could select tournament play and be presented with a list of available tournaments, such as the following:
From here, a tournament player, such as Player 1, can join any “Table” that is not full of players. For example, Player 1 could pick either “Table” ID 2109 or 2249 in order to play the Car Racing game. In this embodiment, the Car Racing game could be a video type game that looks like a standard car racing video game. In this example, ID 2109 has nine (9) “seats” at an entry fee of $10 per player with eight (8) players already seated and ready to play. Alternatively, if Player 1 wants to play for a higher fee he or she could select ID 2249 at $100 a player.
If Player 1 selects ID 2109, Player 1 will be “seated” for the competition and Player 1's account will be deducted by $10.00. Alternatively, Player 1 could be asked to deposit $10 using the “Cash In” device. Various rules could be used to determine when the precondition for the start of the tournament has been met. In some embodiments, the tournament could begin once nine players are seated. In other embodiments, the tournament could begin at a predetermined time as long at least two (2), or perhaps more, players are seated. Various rules and variations consistent with the present invention could be used. While the collection of funds from a player could be performed at various points in the process, in the preferred embodiment, a player can only hold a seat in the tournament with a complete entry fee.
Once funds have been collected from all players and the precondition for beginning the tournament has been met, the players will be allowed to compete in the “Game” of multiplayer Car Racing. For this embodiment, all nine (9) players in the tournament could be actively competing against each other in an interactive Skill-based gaming environment. Upon completion of the Car Racing game, the winning player or players would receive their winnings. The winnings could be determined by various methods. For example, after the house takes a cut of the pot, a set percentage could be paid to the first place winner, second place player, etc. This could be as simple as the house taking 5%, the second place player receiving back his or her stake, and the first place winner receiving the remainder. Those skilled in the art will realize numerous modifications consistent with the present invention.
After the game finishes, all players could be given the opportunity to start a new multiplayer Car Racing game or to select a different game or the same game but under different conditions. In one embodiment, a rematch process could go on continuously as long as there are a minimum of two (2) players at a “Table” and both players have enough money in their account or with them such that they can enter it into the “Cash In” device.
Numerous tournament types could be implemented on the system in the present invention. Exemplary tournaments are described herein.
In one exemplary embodiment, players are offered an opportunity to play in tournaments where players play a skill-based game, but not in a heads up one-on-one fashion, but as a single player trying to get the best score possible.
Delayed tournaments are tournaments in which all participants need to play the game within a validity period. In one embodiment, the tournament could be limited to a fixed number of players. In another embodiment, the tournament could have no limit on the number of players but could require a certain minimum number of players to have played during a defined time period.
Referring now to
The delayed tournament is not finished yet because this tournament needs five (5) total players. The system presents a player with a set of valid gaming options 1160. So at 9:30 am, the system presents Eric with a Delayed Tournament that needs one more player. Then, the system collects Eric's selection of the tournament 1200, and the system collects his $2 entry fee 1400. The system then initiates a game for Eric 1500. When he finishes the game, the tournament is complete and the winners account is paid right away 1660.
In one embodiment, if no fifth (5th) player joined the game before the 24 hour time limit had elapsed, then all of the players would be refunded their money. In another embodiment, if no fifth (5th) player joined the game, the tournament would simply close and pay out according to the first four (4) players.
This delayed method of tournament game play allows the ability to provide skill-based game play without the need of readily available players to compete against at a specific time. Additionally, this tournament type allows for a defined and concise structure that allow for a varying selection of game options, end times, participants and a layer of strategy when picking tournaments to play.
Players can sit down at a machine, play their game, post a score and check their account later to see if they won or lost that tournament, all on their own schedule. In addition, in one embodiment, rather than using an account, players could still use the “Cash In” and “Ticket Out” device. For example, if a player does not set up an account they could receive a ticket that identifies the player as a specific participant in the tournament. That ticket can then be used to check the tournament status, and once the tournament is complete the ticket can have a monetary value depending on the outcome.
This type of tournament is just a modification of a Delayed Tournament. In a Jackpot Tournament, there is no limit to how many players can play in the tournament, each player adds to the Jackpot, and when the tournament ends, the player with the best score is appointed the winner. Additionally, if there are enough players in a Jackpot tournament, other players could be awarded winnings.
In one embodiment, a player can enter Jackpot Tournaments as many times as he or she wants, paying the entry fee each time. In some embodiments, these types of tournaments many only allow a best score to qualify for winnings. In other embodiments, players would be permitted to collect winnings for multiple scores. Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand modifications and variations consistent with the present invention.
In conclusion, the present invention provides, among other things, a system and method for peer-to-peer gaming. Those skilled in the art can readily recognize that numerous variations and substitutions may be made in the invention, its use and its configuration to achieve substantially the same results as achieved by the embodiments described herein. Accordingly, there is no intention to limit the invention to the disclosed exemplary forms. Many variations, modifications and alternative constructions fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed invention as expressed herein.
The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/982,576, filed on May 17, 2018, entitled “Location Based Restrictions On Networked Gaming; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/444,409, filed on Feb. 28, 2017, entitled “Location Based Restrictions On Networked Gaming,” and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,978,205 on May 22, 2018; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/488,241, filed on Jun. 19, 2009, entitled “Systems And Methods for Peer-To-Peer Gaming,” and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,613,498 on Apr. 4, 2017; which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/074,572, filed Jun. 20, 2008, entitled “Systems And Methods For Peer-To-Peer Gaming”; each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61074572 | Jun 2008 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15982576 | May 2018 | US |
| Child | 16841081 | US | |
| Parent | 15444409 | Feb 2017 | US |
| Child | 15982576 | US | |
| Parent | 12488241 | Jun 2009 | US |
| Child | 15444409 | US |
