Patent Application
20110003626
Lottery games have been previously conducted by providing lottery tickets at retail establishments that provide for either instant outcome determinations or results that are determined by a drawing conducted subsequent to the purchase of the lottery ticket. For example, a player may purchase a ticket at a retail establishment and play the card instantly by scratching off removable material to determine whether a prize has been won. Alternatively, the player may purchase a ticket having a number that is entered into a subsequently conducted drawing. One or more drawings are conducted on subsequent dates to determine winners. Results may be announced, for example, on television or radio.
For the instant ticket example, the game lasts only until the player removes the scratch-off material from the ticket to determine the final outcome. As such, the player has limited interaction in a game experience that is relatively short. For the ticket used in a subsequent drawing, the player must wait until the drawing is conducted to determine the only and final outcome and must learn such results by receiving the television or radio broadcast at the time of transmission (or by recording the broadcast and viewing later). Accordingly, other than waiting for, and then viewing or listening to the drawing broadcast, the player has no interaction with the drawing results in playing the game.
The industry is continually seeking means to enhance the gaming experience for players and increase participation in the games. As players become more sophisticated, they demand a more fulfilling and rewarding experience from a gaming event that is in addition to the chance component of the game. The present invention provides a solution to this increasing demand by combining aspects of a unique game with an increased interactive experience for the players.
Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
The present invention provides a new lottery game system and methodology that create a more interactive experience for the player. The methods and systems are not limited to any particular type of base game, and may be implemented with any manner of known, popular, lottery game, or new games.
In a particular embodiment, a lottery gaming system includes means for a player to place a wager to participate in play of a plurality of base games. The wager entitles the player to a block of credits. A central lottery computer system is configured with the means for the player to place a wager and randomly divides the block of credits between the plurality of base games. The central computer system is also configured to conduct the plurality of base games at a later time established by the lottery authority, and to simulate actual play of the games for the player's benefit at a time that may be designated by the player. Thus, means are configured for the player to interact with the central lottery computer system to simulate play of each of the plurality of base games. A prize is awarded for a winning play of any one of the base games, with the value of the prize being a function of the number of credits that were randomly assigned to the respective base game by the central lottery computer system. Finally, means are provided for displaying to the player the results and prize awards from play of the plurality of base games.
The means for the player to place a wager may take on various forms and systems. For example, in a well-known configuration, lottery terminals are networked with the central lottery computer system at, for example, various types of retail establishments or other authorized lottery locations. The player may fill out a play slip at these locations, which is scanned or otherwise input into the system via the lottery terminal. The player is then issued a game card that entitles the player to subsequently play the plurality of base games.
In an alternative embodiment, the means for a player to place a wager may be an interactive device that is networked with the central lottery computer system whereby the player places their wager electronically, for example via an electronic play slip. The player may then be issued an electronic registration code (i.e., an electronic game card) that enables the player to access the central lottery computer system via a network enabled device for subsequent play of the plurality of base games. The interactive device may be, for example, one of a network of lottery terminals at various retail establishments wherein the player directly interfaces with the central lottery system to place their wager and conduct any manner of other transactions or processes related to the games. In still other embodiments, the interactive device may be a personal network enabled device, such as a PC, PDA, mobile cellular device, or any other of type of device that allows the player to communicate directly with the central lottery system via a network, such as the Internet, a WAN (wide area network), and the like. With any one of these personal devices, the player may be directed to download gaming software (permanent or temporary) to their device that enables the player to perform all functions needed to play the lottery game, from initial wagering to final play of the plurality of base games.
In various embodiments, the means for the player to interact with the central lottery computer system for subsequent play of the base games may be any suitable network enabled device that is in communication with the central lottery computer system. The player may be provided with a registration code (i.e., any type of authorization code or other format) for accessing the central lottery computer system via the network enabled device for play of the plurality of base games at a time selected by the player, or designated by the lottery authority.
The block of credits that are associated with the wager fee may be randomly divided so that each of the plurality of games is assigned at least one credit. For example, each wager fee may be for play of four base games with a block of twenty credits. The twenty credits are randomly distributed amongst the four base games, with at least each of the base games being assigned at least one credit. In an alternative embodiment, the block of credits is randomly divided so that each of the plurality of base games may be assigned from zero to all of the credits in the block of credits. For example, in the embodiment of four base games and twenty credits, one game may be assigned zero credits, one game assigned eight credits, one game assigned ten credits, and one game assigned two credits. It is also possible that a single game will be assigned all twenty credits.
The number of credits randomly assigned to each of the base games determines the prize awarded for a winning play of the respective base game. For example, the prize award may be the number of randomly assigned credits multiplied by a fixed monetary variable “$X.” Thus, for multiple players of the same set of base games, the prizes awarded to the players for winning plays of any of the base games will vary as a function of the random number of credits assigned to the respective base game for each of the players. The central lottery system computer may be configured to display the number of different players playing the same set of base games, and the different prize awards between the players, which may add excitement and additional entertainment value to overall play of the game.
The means for the player to interact with the central lottery computer system may provide the player with interactive participation in a simulation of the actual play of the base games, which were previously conducted by the central lottery computer system. This simulation may provide the player with control of certain features of the base games, such as start time, pace of the game, game events, and so forth, without the player having any actual control or effect on the outcome of the games. For example, the actual games may be conducted by the central lottery system computer any time prior to the player's participation, with the results of the game thus being predetermined by the time the player simulates play of the games. The player may be provided with a window of time in which they can interact with the central lottery system computer for simulated play of the games, or just to learn of the actual outcome of the games without taking part in the simulation. The player may be permitted to play anytime within this window. The player may play the games all at once, or intermittently over the allowed time frame. The player may be permitted to replay the games as many times as they like.
The type of base games may be wide and varied. For example, all of the base games may have the same theme, such as Keno or Bingo. In alternate embodiments, each of the base games has a separate and distinct theme. For example, one game may be a Keno game, another a Bingo game, a third a Poker game, and so forth.
The present systems and methods are particularly suited for Keno lottery games and, in one embodiment, the plurality of base games are Keno games with the player designating a common spot for all of the Keno games. For example, the player may have the option of selecting from a one-spot to a ten-spot for the group of base games. In an alternate Keno embodiment, the player may designate a different specific spot for each of the Keno games.
The player may be able to designate the number of games in the plurality of base games from a range of games. For example, the player may be provided the option to designate any combination of at least two base games from a group of six base games, with the block of credits being randomly divided between the number of games designated by the player. In an alternate embodiment, the number of the base games is established by the lottery authority and does not vary.
In still another further unique embodiment, the central lottery computer system is further configured to generate a random multiplier factor for each of the base games from a range of multiplier factors. The multiplier factor may be an option that requires an additional fee from the player. For example, the game may include four base games with the option to purchase a randomly generated multiplier factor for each game. The multiplier factor may be from one (no multiplication) to a predefined maximum factor (i.e., five multiplication factor).
The present invention also encompasses various embodiments of a lottery game methodology. In one particular embodiment, the method includes receiving a wager from a player to participate in play of a plurality of base games, the wager entitling the player to a block of credits. With a central lottery computer system, the respective block of credits is randomly divided between the plurality of base games for each player such that different players may have a different number of credits assigned to the same base game. Play of the plurality of base games is conducted by the central lottery computer system such that the outcome of the each of the base games is predetermined. Each of the players interacts with the central lottery computer system subsequent to actual play of the plurality of base games by the central lottery computer system to simulate play of each of the base games and to determine the actual results of the base games conducted by the central lottery computer system. The prize awarded for a winning play of any one of the base games is a function of the number of credits that were randomly assigned to the respective base game by the central lottery computer system such that different players may be awarded different prize amounts for the same base game.
The methods may involve the players interacting with the central lottery computer system via a network enabled device in communication with the central lottery computer to place their initial wager and for subsequent simulated play of the plurality of base games.
In conducting the simulated play of the base games, the player may control any combination of initiation, timing, and control of the plurality of base games at a time selected by the player, with the outcome of the base games being predetermined prior to the player's interactive participation.
Various embodiments of the method may require the player to designate the number of games in the plurality of base games from a range of games, with the block of credits being randomly divided between the number of games designated by the player.
In other embodiments, the method may include generating a random multiplier factor for each of the base games from a range of multiplier factors.
A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to various embodiments in the appended figures, in which:
Reference will now be made in detail to examples of the present invention, one or more embodiments of which are illustrated in the figures. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not as a limitation of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described with respect to one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. It is intended that the present application encompass these and other modifications and variations as come within the scope and spirit of the invention.
As discussed above, the game card 10 depicted in
As discussed above, at a time identified by the gaming authority subsequent to the player's wager, simulated play of the plurality of base games are conducted, with the actual outcome of the games being determined by the lottery authority prior to the simulated play. The player interacts with the central lottery computer system for the subsequent play of these games. For example, the player may use the registration code 18 depicted in
A bonus frame 32 may be provided in the screen shot 36 that explains or indicates the results of any bonus function in the game. For example, in the particular game illustrated in the depiction of
A prize table frame 30 may also be provided to explain the prize structure in the plurality of base games. The prize structure is a function of the number of credits randomly generated for the particular game. For example, referring to
As explained above, the block of credits associated with the player's initial wager is randomly divided so that each of the plurality of base games is assigned at least one credit. In the embodiment illustrated in
It should thus readily be appreciated that, because the prize award for any one of the plurality of base games is a function of the randomly assigned credits, multiple players of the same set of base games may be awarded different prizes. The central lottery system computer may be configured to display on the screen shot 26 the number of different players playing the same set of base games, and the different prize awards between the players. This may add an additional degree of excitement value to overall play of the game.
As described above, any combination of simulated actuators 44 may provide the player with a degree of control over a certain aspect of the base games. It should be readily appreciated that any number or configuration of simulated actuators or other control functions may be provided via the player interactive device to give the player a sense of control of certain features of the base games, such as start time, pace of the game, display of game events, and so forth. For example, play of the plurality of base games may be allocated to a certain block of time, as specified in the game card 10 of
As described above, the type of base games that may be implemented with the gaming system and methodology of the present invention may be wide and varied. All of the plurality of base games may have the same theme, such as a Bingo theme as in the games illustrated in
For play of the plurality of base games via a remote network-enabled device, such as the player's personal PC or PDA, the player may be instructed to download and execute game client software from a lottery provider's website, or some other website, for use with the game. With this software, the player then enters the registration code previously provided to the player at the time of their wager, which is subsequently transmitted to a game server connected to the online lottery system. The Lottery system retrieves a record of the player's respective game card that was stored when the player purchased the card, and commences the processes for simulated play of the base games on the player's internet-enabled device. Any manner of information may be transmitted to the device for this purpose. The game server assembles and formats the outcome of the drawings or play of the base games for presentation and simulated play via the player's network enabled device. As described above, the actual outcome of the games is concluded prior to the player's simulated play, and the player does not actually control any aspect of the base games that would affect the outcome of the games. The game software may be formatted to display the results of the base games as if the games were being conducted concurrently in real time as the player views the screens. It is also possible that the actual base game drawings are conducted in real time while the player is viewing the screens. However, the degree of player simulated interaction with the game may be limited in this configuration. By conducting the games and storing the outcome of the games for subsequent presentation to the player, the player is able to select the time they wish to simulate play of the game. As such, although the lottery drawing may have actually occurred hours earlier, the results of the plurality of base games are revealed to the player in a manner that simulates a “live” drawing as the player views the draw results and other information that can be updated as it is reported to the player. In addition, the software may be configured to allow players to replay past drawings in the same way in order to ‘relive” the drawings, particularly if one of the drawings was a winning event.
As described above, the present system and methodology are particularly suited for Keno lottery games as one or more of the plurality of base games. An embodiment of a Keno-themed base game is illustrated in
The play slip 50 includes a number selection section 54 wherein the player designates the particular five spots from the range of numbers 1 through 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the player has selected the numbers 5, 17, 23, 47, and 53. Alternatively, the play slip 50 may provide the player with a quick-pick option, as indicated by the option 55.
The play slip 50 may include any manner of card identifier 20, such as a bar code, serial number, or any other identification indicia or symbol that may be used by the lottery authority for any purpose.
The game card 10 in
The game card 10 in
The game card 10 includes a game play time section 24 that describes to the player the time frame in which subsequent play of the base Keno games may be conducted.
As described above with respect to the game illustrated in
Those skilled in the art are familiar with conventional Keno games, and a description as to how the base Keno games are actually played is not necessary for purposes of the present disclosure.
In response to the player's designations on the play slip 50, the player would be issued a game card reflecting their spot selection and number designations for each of the four Keno games. The games would then be played at a subsequent time via interactive interface with the central lottery computer, as discussed above.
Although not depicted in
Subsequent play of the base Keno games depicted by the play slip and game card 10 of
The lottery terminal units 104 may be configured with any manner of hardware and software functionality to accept a player's game card, and to activate the card with the central lottery system, as discussed above. The lottery terminal units may be located at any business establishment authorized to conduct the lottery game, and particularly to sell the player game cards. The lottery terminal units 104 may also be configured for redeeming a player game card presented after the plurality of base games have been concluded. The terminal units 104 may be utilized in this regard to scan and transmit the card activation number (or other type of card identifier) to the central lottery system, which in turn will verify that the card was registered for play and the results of played games, and authorize payment of any prize award.
As discussed above, in certain embodiments, players may interface directly with the central lottery system without the necessity of a lottery terminal unit 104. For example, the player may purchase a game card from an authorized lottery agent, and subsequently enter the game by accessing the central lottery system directly via a network enabled device (for example, an Internet enabled PC or mobile device) and inputting a registration number (or other type of card identifier) into the system. In still another embodiment, the player may place their wager directly with the central lottery system via their network enabled device and need not separately purchase a game card. In this regard, the lottery network 100 may be configured for interacting with any manner of network enabled device used by players, such as the PC 116a, a mobile network enabled device 116b (such as a PDA or cellular phone), or any other type of remote network enabled device 116c, as depicted in
In one embodiment, the central lottery system is administered by the lottery game provider and includes a host computer 122, which generally includes a central lottery controller 123 for controlling aspects of the lottery or gaming system. It should be readily appreciated that the central lottery controller may include an integrated server, or the host computer 122 may include any manner of periphery server or other hardware structure. The host computer 122 is configured to carry out the gaming functions associated with the unique random credit lottery games described herein.
The central lottery system host computer 122 may be a single networked computer, or a series of interconnected computers having access to the network 110 via a gateway or other known networking system. Generally, the central host computer 122 may include a central controller 123 configured to manage, execute and control the individual terminal units 104, and to interface with the network enabled devices 116 for play of the lottery games, as described herein. The central controller 123 may include a memory for storing gaming procedures and routines, a microprocessor (MP) for executing the stored programs, a random access memory (RAM) and an input/output (I/O) bus. These devices may be multiplexed together via a common bus, or may each be directly connected via dedicated communications lines, depending on the needs of the system 100.
The central controller 123 may be directly or indirectly connected through the I/O bus to any manner of peripheral devices such as storage devices, wireless adaptors, printers, and the like. In addition, a database (DB) may be communicatively connected to the central controller 123 and provide a data repository for the storage and correlation of information gathered from the individual terminal units 104, devices 116 or nodes 120. The information stored within the database may be information relating to individual terminal units 104, such as terminal specific information like a terminal identification code, voting authority code, and location for each ballot received. The database may further include player or game card specific information.
The program memory 202 and random access memory 206 may be implemented as a solid-state memory, an integrated circuit, a magnetically readable memory, and/or optically readable memories. Further, the program memory 202 may be read only memory (ROM) or may be read/write memory such as a hard disk. In the event that a hard disk is used as the program memory, the data bus 210 may comprise multiple address/data buses, which may be of differing types, and there may be a separate I/O circuit between the data buses.
Both memory units 202, 206 can generally be considered as data stores, which may be selectively employed to implement gaming functionality in accordance with aspects of the present gaming system. For example, program memory 202 may be used to store software in the form of computer-readable instructions and executable instructions that are configured to program the controller 200 as a special purpose computing device to perform various algorithmic steps. Memory 206 or other data store may be configured to temporarily or permanently store input and other electronic data received from a user.
It will be understood that the lottery gaming system 100 illustrated in
It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. It is intended that the present invention include such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims.
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/219,573, filed Jun. 23, 2009.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61219573 | Jun 2009 | US |
