Patent Application
20110111822
This disclosure relates generally to games of chance and skill designed to amuse and entertain. One variety of such games is the redemption game. A redemption game is one in which a player is rewarded for luck and/or skill and then may redeem points, tickets, tokens, or other items in proportion to a players success. A still further subset of the redemption game involves spinning mechanisms. A spinning mechanism is essentially a form of amusing mechanical random generator. It can be constructed in many ways but typically includes a plurality possible outcomes and a means of indicating one particular outcome over the rest through the use of rotational motion of at least one of the various parts that make up the mechanism.
Redemption games that involve spinning mechanisms range from the very simple such as a wheel containing various prizes where the random outcome indicated by the spinning mechanism is the entire essence of the game to more complex games involving risk and strategy such as the game of roulette, where the player may attempt to predict the outcome of the mechanism, leverage play accordingly, and be rewarded according to both the mechanism's outcome and the player's strategy.
The popularity and success of redemption games involving spinning mechanisms depend on the game's ability to hold a player's attention for more than a minimal period of time. Games that are capable of multiple outcomes, are able to progressively increase the reward to risk ratio, and/or are able to incorporate both mental and motor skills typically have greater success at amusing and entertaining players for greater lengths of time. These techniques can be implemented through innovative and unique game design such as creating multiple levels of play as disclosed in co-owned U.S. application Ser. No. 11/698,733 which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
The existing related art disclose games involving spinning mechanisms where players win value, however, strategy and motor skills required for play are typically minimal. The present disclosure distinguishes over the related art providing heretofore unknown advantages as described in the following summary.
The present disclosure includes an apparatus and method for a game of chance and skill intended to amuse and entertain. The game apparatus comprises at least a first spinning mechanism containing a plurality of zones. Each zone is associated with a game value a player may potentially be awarded. A player may be awarded the game value associated with the zone indicated by the spinning mechanism when it reaches its terminal position. This zone may also be referred to as the zone that the spinning mechanism “lands on.” Upon activating play, a player initiates rotation of the spinning mechanism and thereafter attempts to influence its deceleration so as to increase the probability of landing on a zone associated with a favorable game value. Game value may be accumulated, risked, and/or redeemed according to the game play methodology.
The game play methodology may be controlled by a programmable control unit. Programming may be provided by the manufacturer, distributor, or retail level vendor of entertainment. A single game apparatus may support a single game play methodology or several different game methodologies. Game methodologies may be periodically changed through alternate programming and/or in some embodiments a player may be capable of choosing a preferred game methodology among several concurrently programmed methodologies.
In one embodiment, game play may be time limited. A player may be given a predetermined amount of time to play the game. Within the time allotted, a player may be allowed to initiate the spinning mechanism as many times as possible, accumulating game value each spin. Upon the expiration of the allotted time, game play may be terminated. This embodiment may include zones associated with bonus time. If the spinner mechanism lands on a zone associated with bonus time, the bonus time may be added to the allotted time to extend game play. Upon the expiration of time, game play may be terminated and accumulated game value may be redeemed. According to programming, this embodiment may allow a player to deposit additional credit to continue play or may terminate play and require a player who wishes to continue play to begin anew.
In another embodiment, a player may be limited to a predetermined number of spins. In this embodiment game play may be untimed and played at a more leisurely pace. Upon the expiration of the predetermined number of spins, game play may be terminated and accumulated game value may be redeemed. This embodiment may include zones associated with the award of additional spins. Awarded additional spins may be added to the predetermined allotted number of spins thereby extending the number of spins a player is allotted. As in the previous embodiment, if a player wishes to continue play, the player may be allowed to deposit additional credit and continue or may be required to start anew.
In still another embodiment, a player may be allowed to initiate the spinning mechanism an unlimited number of times under untimed conditions. This unlimited play may continue until the spinner mechanism lands on a zone associated with the end of game play. This zone may state “GAME OVER” or a similar message. The spinning mechanism may have one or more zones that end play. This embodiment may also include zones associated with an award of a free life. If a player is awarded the game value of a free life prior to landing on a zone associated with the end of game play, the free life may allow player to continue play. Upon termination of play a player may redeem earned game value.
In a yet still further embodiment, a player may be allowed to initiate the spinning mechanism an unlimited number of times under untimed conditions so long as credit is deposited prior to each spin. This embodiment may incentivize continued play by increasing redemption rates. “Redemption rate” refers to the ratio of game value to redemption value. When redemption rates are increased a player may receive a greater quantity of redemption value per unit game value.
In some embodiments, a player may be capable of redeeming accumulated game value at any time, whereas in other embodiments this may only be allowed at specific times such as after game play is terminated. If a player chooses to redeem accumulated game value, a player may receive redemption credit in proportion to game value amassed. Redemption credit may be in the form of tickets, tokens, coins, prizes, or any other suitable means. The amount of redemption credit may depend on the game value accumulated and the redemption rate.
As previously mentioned, in some embodiments continued play is encouraged by progressive redemption rates. Redemption rates of numerical value may depend on play statistics such as the magnitude of the accumulated value or the number of spins and/or games initiated by the player. Redemption rates may increase gradually, stepwise, or by a specific algorithm. In exemplary embodiments, redemption rates may increase to provide the marginal play incentive required to offset marginal attention span decreases that naturally occur through the play continuum.
The redemption rates of alphabetic, symbolic, and/or pictorial characters may be static or progressive. Alphabetic characters may be assigned individual redemption rates and/or increased group redemption rates as predetermined collections are attained. Predetermined collections may include spelling designated words or phrases such as “MONSTER” or “MONSTER CLUB.” In some embodiments, add redemption rates may be greater if the alphabetic characters are accumulated in a specific order. Additionally, redemption rates may increase in proportion to the number of characters in the alphabetic collection, thereby incentivizing a player to continue play until the larger collections are attained. (i.e. collecting “MONSTER CLUB” rather than stopping at “MONSTER”).
Like alphabetic characters, symbolic, and pictorial characters may be assigned individual redemption rates and/or increased group redemption rates when complete predetermined collections of are accumulated. Symbolic and/or pictorial collections may consist of all characters that portray a similar characteristic, such as all members of a particular suit of cards and/or all zones displaying a particular variety of fictional monster or other class of items. As with alphabetic characters, particular symbolic and/or pictorial characters may belong to more than one predetermined collection giving the player multiple redemption options. Different characters may be displayed to change the overall theme of the game without departing from the essence of the game play methodology.
Game actions such as losing a spin, gaining an additional and/or credit-free spin, or gaining bonus time may either be utilized immediately or be delayed for future utilization. In some embodiments, such game action may be convertible to game value and redeemed as well.
The game apparatus may also include a second spinning mechanism. When a player may initiate the second spinning mechanism depends on the game methodology. In some embodiments, a zone on the first spinning mechanism may award a player with the ability to initiate the second spinning mechanism. In other embodiments, a player may be required to relinquish a portion of previously accumulated value in exchange for the chance to initiate the second spinning mechanism. The value required to initiate the second spinning mechanism may be a predetermined numerical amount of game value or a predetermined group of alphabetic, symbolic, and/or pictorial characters. The quantity of game value that must be relinquished may also be variable depending of factors such as length of play and/or accumulated game value. In many embodiments, the game value required to initiate second level play will vary indirectly to factors that are indicative of lengthy play. The value required to initiate the second spinner mechanism may be altered via programming by the manufacturer, distributor, or the retail vender of entertainment.
In many implementations, once initiated, the second spinning mechanism operates much the same as the first spinning mechanism. Like the first spinning mechanism, the second spinning mechanism contains a plurality of zones, each assigned a value. However, in most embodiments, the magnitude of the assigned values on the second spinning mechanism are greater than the values on the first spinning mechanism, making the second spinner play much more rewarding. Depending on programming and the particular game methodology, a player may initiate the second spinner when the player has accumulated sufficient value, accumulated all members of a predetermined group of characters, or has been awarded a chance to spin the second spinning mechanism.
In one embodiment, a player may be capable of initiating the second spinner mechanism directly by relinquishing a quantity of credit. The quantity of credit required to bypass first spinner play may either be a fixed predetermined quantity or a variable quantity that varies with factors that indicate lengthy play. In one implementation, the quantity of credit that may be required to bypass first spinner play is set at a magnitude several times higher than first spinner play so as to encourage the player to choose to initiate second spinner play through utilizing first spinner play.
In many embodiments, a player may be allowed to influence the rotational motion of both the first and second spinning mechanism using variable input controls. In said embodiments, the spinning mechanism may rotate in proportion to the player's manipulation of variable input controls. In many embodiments the variable input controls comprise two levers, one lever to increase the rate of rotation and another lever to decrease the rate of rotation.
In other embodiments, the variable input controls may consist of a solitary lever, increasing rotational speed when operated in a first direction and decreasing rotational speed when operated in a second direction. Programming that governs the relative responsiveness of the spinning mechanism to the input control displacement can vary to create an entertaining and challenging feel. Through skillful manipulation of variable input controls, a player may attempt to increase the probability of a more favorable outcome.
Predetermined parameters may also influence spinner mechanism rotation. For example, in one embodiment variable input controls may be prevented from decreasing the rotational speed of the spinning mechanism until the spinning mechanism first reaches a predetermined minimum speed. Other parameters may also be utilized to control the nature of spinner motion without departing from the spirit of the invention.
This disclosure teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.
A primary objective inherent in the above described apparatus and method of use is to provide advantages not taught by the prior art.
Another objective is to provide a redemption style game that utilizes a spinning mechanism in such a way that players are entertained and amused.
A further objective is to provide a redemption style game that utilizes both chance and motor skills in manner that increases player participation.
A still further objective is to provide a redemption style game that provides marginal increases in play incentive so as to maximize play duration.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the presently described apparatus and method of its use.
The accompanying drawings illustrate various exemplary implementations and are part of the specification. The illustrated implementations are proffered for purposes of example not for purpose of limitation. Illustrated elements will be designated by numbers. Once designated an element will be identified by the identical number throughout. Illustrated in the accompanying drawing(s) is at least one of the best mode embodiments of the present invention. In such drawing(s):
The above described drawing figures illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the game apparatus and its method of use in at least one of its preferred, best mode embodiments, which is further defined in detail in the following description. Those having ordinary skill in the art may be able to make alterations and modifications to what is described herein without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, it must be understood that what is illustrated is set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as a limitation in the scope of the present apparatus and method of use.
Described now in detail is the present game apparatus and method.
Both the first and second spinning mechanisms 105, 110 are supported by a housing structure 115. The housing structure 115 provides physical support for the spinning mechanisms 105 and 110 and holds them in an orientation so as to allow a player to view them with ease. In the exemplary embodiment, the first spinning mechanism 105 is situated lower than the average players eye level and slightly reclined for ease of viewing, while the second spinning mechanism 110 is situated higher than eye level and tilted forward. Both spinning mechanisms 105 and 110 are arranged with ease of viewing in mind. However mounted, it is preferred that the player remain the focal point of the arrangement.
Located above the first spinning mechanism 105, in the exemplary embodiment, is a display 115. The display 115 exhibits game value as it is awarded to the player subsequent each spin. In some embodiments, the display 112 exhibits game value in the order that it is acquired. In other embodiments, the acquired characters may be displayed in their relative position in the predetermined collection regardless of the order in which they are accumulated. The display 112 may be mechanical in nature featuring backlit images of the various characters or it may be electronic, capable of displaying the appropriate images.
The housing structure 115 in the illustrated embodiment is rugged so as to comport with a monster/laboratory theme appearance. This appearance is not meant to be limiting. Several themes are possible and the housing structure 115 may be altered accordingly. The housing structure 115 may be constructed from any material capable of providing structural support to the spinning mechanisms 105 and 110. Alternatively, the housing structure 115 may be comprised of a structural unit covered by an aesthetic layer so as to allow the use of a surface material that lends itself to more detailed tooling while satisfying the structural requirements.
The game apparatus 100 also includes a credit acceptor 130. The credit acceptor 130 allows players to deposit value to begin play. The credit acceptor 130 is configured to accept the form of credit utilized by the establishment purveying the entertainment. Examples of forms of value the credit acceptor 130 may be configured to receive are: paper currency; coin currency; tokens; tickets; credit cards; or standard commercial or establishment specific debit cards. Exemplar not offered for purpose of limitation. Once the player deposits value, the credit acceptor 130 communicates the event and the quantity of the deposit to a control unit 410 (See
In the exemplary embodiment of the present game apparatus 100, a redemption dispenser 125 is illustrated similarly mounted and adjacent to credit acceptor 130. The redemption dispenser 125 may dispense redemption credit in proportion to earned game value. Game value will be redeemed as redemption value upon the player's request, provided the player has accumulated game value that may be redeemed. In a similar manner to the value acceptor 130, the redemption dispenser 125 is configured to dispense the form of redemption credit the purveying establishment chooses. Tickets or tokens are among the most common form of redemption credit, however, paper or coin currency, or commercial or specialty debit cards are also possible. The location of the credit acceptor 130 and redemption dispenser 125 are not integral to the invention.
In an alternative embodiment, the pointer 240 may be affixed and the background 200 may rotate or, in a further embodiment, both pointer 240 and background 200 may rotate in like or opposing directions. The spinning mechanism 105 or 110 set forth in
The game apparatus 100 further includes a control panel 300. An exemplary embodiment of the control panel 300 is depicted in
In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
Upon confirmation that the player has achieved the ability to initiate the second spinner 110, the control unit 410 will subtract the predetermined quantity of game value or play credit from player's total or deduct an accumulated game privilege. The quantity and variety of value required to activate second spinner play may depend on the game methodology, previous duration of play, the total quantity of game value achieved or some other progressive factors. Once initiated, the player may influence the rotational motion of the second spinning mechanism 110 using the start and stop levers 310, 320 in a similar manner utilized to initiate first spinner 105 play.
The control panel 300 may further contain a redemption selector 370. In the exemplary embodiment the redemption selector 370 is also a push button style device, however, as mentioned above, alternative style devices may be utilized. The redemption selector 370 is capable of communicating a players desire to redeem accumulated value to the control unit 410. The control unit 410 will subsequently apply the appropriate redemption rate to the player's accumulated game value and instruct the redemption dispenser 125 to dispense the appropriate quantity of redemption credit. In some embodiments activating the redemption selector 370 may only be allowed upon termination of play or may terminate play. In other embodiments, accumulated game value may be redeemed at any time and play may continue according to the particular game methodology.
Other features of the control panel 300 include a pair of bonus round selectors 380 that allow the player to activate various bonus scenarios. Bonus scenarios may be initiated when a player has achieved the predetermined prerequisites. Additionally the control panel 300 displays various game statistics through displays 340, 350, 360. In the exemplary illustration,
Additionally, the control unit 410 is in electronic communication with and the motors that drive the first spinning mechanism 105 and optional second spinning mechanism 110. In one embodiment, the motors may be a stepper motors capable of operating at multiple speeds. When a player manipulates the start lever 320, the control unit 410 may receive an input signal from the start lever 320 and may instruct the motor that drives the appropriate spinning mechanism to activate. Likewise, when a player manipulates the stop lever, the control unit may receive a signal, and in turn, communicate to the appropriate motor to slow or stop.
At this point in the unlimited play methodology, a player may have the choice to continue play 550 or end play and redeem accumulated game value 560. If a player chooses to continue play, the control unit 410 will again determine if the player has sufficient credit to continue 500. If the game apparatus includes an optional second spinning mechanism 110, the player may choose to initiate this mechanism at some point during play 575. When a player may initiate the second spinner mechanism may vary. In some embodiments a player may initiate the second spinning mechanism 110 when awarded the opportunity through landing on a special zone during first spinner play. Other embodiments may allow second spinner play upon accumulating sufficient game value or accumulating all characters in a predetermined group. Whatever the criteria may be, if a player chooses to initiate the second spinning mechanism the control unit 410 will first determine if the criteria has been met. Upon confirming the criteria has been met the control unit 410 will allow the player to initiate the second spinning mechanism 110, determine the zone indicated by its terminal position 590, and display the awarded game value 595. At this point in the unlimited play methodology the player has the choice once again to continue play 550 or redeem value and terminate play 560. Game play is only bounded by the players attention span. Marginal increases in redemption rates may be implemented to maximize play duration.
The enablements described in detail above are considered novel over the prior art of record and are considered critical to the operation of at least one aspect of the apparatus and its method of use and to the achievement of the above described objectives. The words used in this specification to describe the instant embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification: structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word or words describing the element.
The definitions of the words or drawing elements described herein are meant to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements described and its various embodiments or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim.
Changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalents within the scope intended and its various embodiments. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. This disclosure is thus meant to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted, and also what incorporates the essential ideas.
