U.S. patent application number 09/852239 was filed with the patent office on 2002-01-24 for systems and methods to facilitate games of skill for prizes played via a communication network.
Invention is credited to Jorasch, James A., Walker, Jay S..
Application Number | 20020010013 09/852239 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33494376 |
Filed Date | 2002-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020010013 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker, Jay S. ; et
al. |
January 24, 2002 |
Systems and methods to facilitate games of skill for prizes played
via a communication network
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided to facilitate games of skill
for prizes played via a communication network. According to one
embodiment, a fee is received from a player in exchange for game
play. During game play, a game controller receives a player input
parameter from a remote player device. A game result is then
determined based on the player input parameter and a value, the
value being generated at the game controller without being
communicated to the remote player device prior to the determination
of the game result. A prize may then be awarded to the player based
on the game result.
Inventors: |
Walker, Jay S.; (Ridgefield,
CT) ; Jorasch, James A.; (Stamford, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALKER DIGITAL
FIVE HIGH RIDGE PARK
STAMFORD
CT
06905
US
|
Family ID: |
33494376 |
Appl. No.: |
09/852239 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09852239 |
May 9, 2001 |
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08561668 |
Nov 22, 1995 |
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5768382 |
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09852239 |
May 9, 2001 |
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08624998 |
Mar 29, 1996 |
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5871398 |
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08624998 |
Mar 29, 1996 |
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08497080 |
Jun 30, 1995 |
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08624998 |
Mar 29, 1996 |
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08677544 |
Aug 8, 1996 |
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5970143 |
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08677544 |
Aug 8, 1996 |
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08561668 |
Nov 22, 1995 |
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5768382 |
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08677544 |
Aug 8, 1996 |
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08635576 |
Apr 22, 1996 |
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5779549 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2300/535 20130101;
A63F 2300/8064 20130101; G07F 17/3218 20130101; A63F 2003/086
20130101; A63F 2300/5546 20130101; A63F 13/12 20130101; G07F 17/32
20130101; G07F 17/3251 20130101; A63F 2300/5513 20130101; A63F
2300/558 20130101; G07F 17/3248 20130101; A63F 2300/401 20130101;
A63F 2300/513 20130101; A63F 3/081 20130101; G07F 17/3276 20130101;
A63F 2300/532 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/16 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of facilitating game play at a game controller,
comprising: receiving from a player a fee to play a game of skill;
receiving a player input parameter from a remote player device via
a communication network; determining a game result based on the
player input parameter and the game of skill, wherein the game of
skill inhibits performance of an automated game playing device by
determining the game result in part based on a value that is not
transmitted to the remote player device; and providing a prize to
the player based on the game result.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the remote player device
comprises at least one of: (i) a personal computer, (ii) a portable
computing device, (iii) a personal digital assistant, (iv) a
telephone, (v) a wireless telephone, (vi) a game terminal, (vii) an
interactive television device, and (viii) a kiosk.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the communication network
comprises at least one of: (i) the Internet, (ii) a public network,
(iii) a public switched telephone network, (iv) a proprietary
network, (v) a cable television network, (vi) a wireless network,
and (vii) a local area network.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the fee is received from the
player via a payment identifier.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the payment identifier is
associated with at least one of: (i) a credit card account, (ii) a
debit card account, (iii) a bank account, and (iv) a digital
payment protocol.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the prize comprises payment of at
least one of: (i) a monetary amount, and (ii) an alternate
currency.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the game of skill comprises a
game associated with a physics simulation, and the value comprises
a randomly generated value associated with the physics
simulation.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the player input parameter and
the randomly generated value are input into the physics simulation
to determine the game result.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the physics simulation comprises
at least one of: a golf simulation; a golf putting simulation; an
archery simulation; a moving water simulation; a racing simulation;
a fishing simulation; a baseball simulation; a basketball
simulation; a football simulation; a soccer simulation; a hockey
simulation; a bowling simulation; a billiards simulation; a
throwing simulation; a ring-toss simulation; a shooting simulation;
and a space simulation.
10. A game controller, comprising: a processor; and a storage
device in communication with said processor and storing
instructions adapted to be executed by said processor to: receive
from a player a fee to play a game of skill; receive a player input
parameter from a remote player device via a communication network;
determine a game result based on the player input parameter and the
game of skill, wherein the game of skill inhibits performance of an
automated game playing device by determining the game result in
part based on a value that is not transmitted to the remote player
device; and provide a prize to the player based on the game
result.
11. The game controller of claim 10, wherein said storage device
further stores at least one of: (i) a player database, (ii) a game
play database, and (iii) a game database.
12. The game controller of claim 10, further comprising: a
communication device coupled to said processor and adapted to
communicate with at least one of: (i) a player device, and (ii) a
payment device.
13. A medium storing instructions adapted to be executed by a
processor to perform a method of facilitating game play at a game
controller, said method comprising: receiving from a player a fee
to play a game of skill; receiving a player input parameter from a
remote player device via a communication network; determining a
game result based on the player input parameter and the game of
skill, wherein the game of skill inhibits performance of an
automated game playing device by determining the game result in
part based on a value that is not transmitted to the remote player
device; and providing a prize to the player based on the game
result.
14. A computer-implemented method of facilitating game play at a
game controller, comprising: receiving from a player a fee to play
a game of skill associated with a physics simulation; determining a
value associated with the physics simulation without communicating
the value to a remote player device; receiving a player input
parameter from the remote player device via a communication
network; determining a game result based on (i) the received player
input parameter and (ii) the value associated with the physics
simulation; and providing a prize to the player based on the game
result.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of:
[0002] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/561,668, entitled
"REMOTE AUDITING OF COMPUTER GENERATED OUTCOMES AND AUTHENTICATED
BILLING AND ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM USING CRYPTOGRAPHIC AND OTHER
PROTOCOLS" and filed on Nov. 22, 1995, issued on Jun. 16, 1998 as
U.S. Pat. No. 5,768,382;
[0003] and is a continuation-in-part of: U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 08/624,998, entitled "OFF-LINE REMOTE SYTEM FOR LOTTERIES
AND GAMES OF SKILL" and filed on Mar. 29, 1996, issued on Feb. 16,
1999 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,398, which is a continuation-in-part
of: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/497,080, entitled "OFF-LINE
REMOTE LOTTERY SYSTEM" and filed on Jun. 30, 1995 and abandoned on
Jul. 16, 1998;
[0004] and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 08/677,544, entitled "REMOTE-AUDITING OF COMPUTER
GENERATED OUTCOMES, AUTHENTICATED BILLING AND ACCESS CONTROL, AND
SOFTWARE METERING SYSTEM USING CRYPTOGRAPHIC AND OTHER PROTOCOLS"
and filed on Aug. 8, 1996, issued on Oct. 19, 1999 as U.S. Pat. No.
5,970,143, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/561,668, entitled "REMOTE AUDITING OF
COMPUTER GENERATED OUTCOMES AND AUTHENTICATED BILLING AND ACCESS
CONTROL SYSTEM USING CRYPTOGRAPHIC AND OTHER PROTOCOLS" and filed
on Nov. 22, 1995, issued on Jun. 16, 1998 as U.S. Pat. No.
5,768,382;
[0005] and is a continuation-in-part of: U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 08/635,576, entitled "DATABASE DRIVEN ONLINE DISTRIBUTED
TOURNAMENT SYTEM" and filed on Apr. 22, 1996, issued on Jul. 14,
1998 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,549. The entire contents of these
applications are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0006] The present invention relates to games. In particular, the
present invention relates to systems and methods to facilitate
games of skill for prizes played via a communication network.
BACKGROUND
[0007] Many people enjoy playing games. For example, many people
enjoy playing games of chance, trivia games, puzzle games, and
arcade-style games (e.g., games in which a player collects points
as he or she maneuvers a character across a landscape or through a
maze). One reason a player may enjoy playing a game is that he or
she finds it entertaining to play the game according to a set of
rules associated with the game. For example, a player may enjoy
trying to solve a picture puzzle according to a particular set of
rules. Another reason may be that he or she enjoys achieving a
successful game result (e.g., by completing a crossword puzzle).
The way a game is presented, the complexity of game rules, and the
likelihood of achieving a successful game result can all contribute
to whether or not players will find the game entertaining and
enjoyable.
[0008] Many players especially enjoy playing "online" games, such
as games played by communicating with a game provider via a
communication network. For example, a player may use his or her
Personal Computer (PC) to communicate with an online game provider
through the Internet. With online games, a player can decide when
and where a game will be played. For example, the player may decide
to play a game while at his or her home or office, or even while
traveling. This flexibility is one reason why so many players enjoy
playing online games.
[0009] To increase interest in a game, an online game provider can
arrange for some players to receive prizes. For example, a game
provider may arrange a tournament in which multiple players compete
against each other. In this case, players may be required to
provide entry fees in exchange for participating in the tournament,
and some or all of the entry fees can then be awarded to a player
based on his or her relative performance as compared to other
players (e.g., fifty percent of the entry fees can be awarded to
the best player in a tournament).
[0010] Some online game providers also arrange for players to
receive prizes in non-tournament games, such as online casinos that
arrange for players to receive prizes in games of chance. For
example, players may be allowed to place bets with an online
casino, and prizes may be awarded to players based on game results
that are randomly determined by the online casino. Popular games of
chance include slot machine games, roulette games, and card games
(e.g., blackjack games and poker games).
[0011] However, games of chance for prizes are often regulated, or
even prohibited, by governmental authorities. For example, a
particular country, or region within a country, may completely
prohibit a game provider from collecting payments from players and
awarding prizes to players based on game results that are generated
in a predominantly random manner (i.e., by prohibiting
"gambling").
[0012] To avoid such problems, a game provider may instead arrange
for players to play games of "skill" in which a game result is
determined predominantly a player's performance. For example, many
people enjoy playing computer-based simulated golf games. In this
case, a player provides one or more input parameters (e.g., a speed
and angle associated with a swing of a simulated golf club), and a
trajectory is calculated for a simulated golf ball based on the
input parameters. A game result is then determined, and a
successful game result may indicate, for example, that the
simulated golf ball has come to rest within a predetermined
distance of a simulated golf hole.
[0013] It is known that a game provider can award prizes to players
to who play games of skill. For example, a game provider may award
a five dollar gift certificate to any player who shoots a
hole-in-one during a computer-based simulated golf game. Prizes can
similarly be awarded in other types of games of skill, including
trivia games, word-puzzle games, and arcade-style games. For
example, a game provider may award a prize to any player who scores
at least 5,000 points in a trivia game. Typically, however, players
do not provide payments in exchange for playing games of skill.
Thus, the prizes that are awarded are generally for lower amounts
(e.g., under ten dollars) and/or are less frequent (e.g., to one
player out often thousand) as compared to games of chance.
[0014] A number of other problems may arise when a game provider
arranges for players to play a game of skill. For example, players
may become frustrated if a level of skill required to succeed in a
game is too high. In this case, a player may feel that the game
provider is being unfair because he or she cannot realistically
achieve a successful game result. As a result, players may stop
playing the game--especially if they are required to provide
payment in exchange for playing the game.
[0015] Another problem that can arise when a game provider arranges
for players to play a game of skill is that some players may
dominate game play. Consider, for example, a player who is, or
becomes, an "expert" at a game of skill. Such an expert player may
frequently be able to receive a prize by achieving a particular
game result. If he or she continually plays the game, the game
provider may eventually award a large number of prizes (and provide
payment of a significant total prize amount) to the expert player.
In fact, the game provider may find itself awarding a larger amount
than it receives from players (e.g., especially if the prize
amounts are large or if there are a large number of expert
players). To avoid losing money, the game provider may attempt to
increase the payments that players provide in exchange for game
play. However, the non-expert players, who in effect would now be
subsidizing the expert players, may stop playing the game. Instead
of increasing payments received from players, the game provider may
attempt to the reduce prize amounts that are provided to players.
This, however, may make the game less enjoyable and cause
non-expert players to stop playing the game.
[0016] In addition to the expert player problem, a game provider
may find that some players use automated game playing devices to
unfairly achieve game results. That is, a player may alter a game
program or develop a supplemental program to provide an unfair
advantage during game play. For example, an automated game playing
device may unfairly determine and display supplemental information
to a player, such as a path through a maze that has been calculated
by the automated game playing device. Players who use these types
of automated game playing devices will cause many of the problems
discussed above with respect to expert players (e.g., the game
provider may lose money and/or players who do not use automated
game playing devices may stop playing the game).
[0017] The problems associated with expert players and/or players
who use automated game playing devices may be particularly
prevalent when a game provider awards prizes to players based on
game results. That is, the prizes may encourage expert players more
than non-expert players (who are less likely to win the prizes) as
well as motivate some players to create and/or use automated game
playing devices. Similarly, these problems may be more common with
respect to online games. For example, automated game playing
devices may be more easily created and/or used in an online
environment.
SUMMARY
[0018] To alleviate problems inherent in the prior art, the present
invention introduces systems and methods to facilitate games of
skill for prizes played via a communication network.
[0019] According to one embodiment, a fee is received from a player
to play a game of skill. A player input parameter is received from
a remote player device via a communication network, and a game
result is determined based on the player input parameter and the
game of skill. According to this embodiment, the game of skill
inhibits performance of an automated game playing device by
determining the game result in part based on a value that is not
transmitted to the remote player device. A prize may then be
provided to the player based on the game result.
[0020] According to another embodiment, a fee is received from a
player to play a game of skill associated with a physics
simulation. A value associated with the physics simulation is
determined without communicating the value to a remote player
device, and a player input parameter is received from the remote
player device via a communication network. A game result is then
determined based on (i) the received player input parameter and
(ii) the value associated with the physics simulation. A prize may
then be provided to the player based on the game result.
[0021] One embodiment of the present invention comprises: means for
receiving from a player a fee to play a game of skill; means for
receiving a player input parameter from a remote player device via
a communication network; means for determining a game result based
on the player input parameter and the game of skill, wherein the
game of skill inhibits performance of an automated game playing
device by determining the game result in part based on a value that
is not transmitted to the remote player device; and means for
providing a prize to the player based on the game result.
[0022] Another embodiment comprises: means for receiving from a
player a fee to play a game of skill associated with a physics
simulation; means for determining a value associated with the
physics simulation without communicating the value to a remote
player device; means for receiving a player input parameter from
the remote player device via a communication network; means for
determining a game result based on (i) the received player input
parameter and (ii) the value associated with the physics
simulation; and means for providing a prize to the player based on
the game result.
[0023] With these and other advantages and features of the
invention that will become hereinafter apparent, the invention may
be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed
description of the invention, the appended claims, and the drawings
attached herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1A is a block diagram overview of a game system
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 1B is a block diagram overview of a game system
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a player device according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIGS. 3 through 5 illustrate player devices according to
some embodiments of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a game controller according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a tabular representation of a portion of a player
database according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a tabular representation of a portion of a game
play database according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 9 is a tabular representation of a portion of a game
database according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method for facilitating game
play according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems
and methods to facilitate games of "skill" for prizes that are
played via a communication network. As used herein, the phrase
"game of skill" refers to any game in which a game result is
determined based predominantly on a player's skill (e.g., as
demonstrated by his or her performance) as opposed to chance. Note
that the game result may also be based in part on chance (e.g., a
randomly generated value). Moreover, as used herein, a "prize" may
be any benefit that can be awarded to a player. By way of example,
a prize may be a payment of a monetary amount or an alternate
currency (e.g., a gift certificate).
Game System Overview
[0034] Turning now in detail to the drawings, FIG. 1A is a block
diagram of a game system 100 according to one embodiment of the
present invention. The game system 100 includes a game controller
600 in communication with a number of player devices 200. Note that
although a single game controller 600 is shown in FIG. 1A, any
number of game controllers 600 may be included in the game system
100. Similarly, any number of the other devices described herein
may be included in the game system 100 according to embodiments of
the present invention.
[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, a player device
200 communicates with a remote, Web-based game controller 600
(e.g., a server) via the Internet. Although some embodiments of the
present invention are described with respect to information
exchanged using a Web site, according to other embodiments
information can instead be exchanged, for example, via: a
telephone, an Interactive Voice Response Unit (IVRU), electronic
mail, a WEBTV.RTM. interface, a cable network interface, and/or a
wireless communication system.
[0036] The player device 200 and the game controller 600 may be any
devices capable of performing the various functions described
herein. The player device 200 may be, for example: a PC, a portable
computing device such as a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a
wired or wireless telephone, a one-way or two-way pager, a kiosk
(e.g., a game kiosk located at an airport terminal), an interactive
television device, a game terminal (e.g., a SONY PLAY STATION.RTM.
video game terminal), or any other appropriate storage and/or
communication device.
[0037] Note that the devices shown in FIG. 1A need not be in
constant communication. For example, a player device 200 may only
communicate with the game controller 600 via the Internet when
appropriate (e.g., when attached to a "docking" station or "cradle"
coupled to a player's PC). Note also that a player device 200 and
the game controller 600 may be incorporated in a single device
(e.g., a game kiosk may act as both a player device 200 and the
game controller 600).
[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
player uses a player device 200 to communicate with the game
controller 600. For example, a player may use his or her PC to
access a Web site associated with the game controller 600. The
player may then play a game of skill (e.g., a computer-based golf
game associated with a physics simulation), such as by using a
keyboard or mouse coupled to the PC to provide input parameters to
the game controller 600.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 1A, a player may also attempt to use an
automated game playing device 260 to help him or her during game
play. The automated game playing device 260 may be, for example, a
modified game program or a separate software program that is being
executed on the player device 200. For example, a player may create
an automated game playing device 260 that analyzes information
received by, or stored at, the player device 200 in order to
evaluate a simulated putting green terrain. The automated game
playing device 260 may then calculate an optimal simulated swing
for a player.
[0040] According to one embodiment, the game controller 600 also
arranges for the player to provide a payment in exchange for game
play and/or arranges for the player to receive a payment of one or
more prize amounts. For example, the game controller 600 may
arrange for $1,000 to be paid to a player who correctly answers
twenty trivia questions. A payment device 110 may be used to
arrange for the player to provide and/or receive payments. For
example, the game controller 600 may arrange for a player to
purchase one or more game plays via the payment device 110 (e.g.,
via a credit card account, a debit card account, a banking account,
or an electronic payment protocol). The payment device 110 may
comprise, for example, a third party device (e.g., a credit card
processing device), a check printer, and/or or an Automated
Clearing House (ACH) device (e.g., when arranging to provide a
"direct deposit" payment via a player's bank account).
Detailed Game System
[0041] FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a game system 102 wherein the
game controller 600 communicates with different types of player
devices 200 via one or more communication networks 104. In
particular, the player devices 200 comprise a PC 202, a PDA 204, a
wireless telephone 206, and a television 208.
[0042] The game controller 600 may communicate with these devices,
for example, via the Internet. According to other embodiments, the
communication networks 104 comprise one or more of a Local Area
Network (LAN), a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), a Wide Area
Network (WAN), a proprietary network, a Public Switched Telephone
Network (PSTN), a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) network, a
cable television network, and other types of Internet Protocol (IP)
networks such as an intranet or an extranet. Moreover, as used
herein, communications include those enabled by wired or wireless
technology. Note that the increasing ubiquity of Internet access,
and the rapid growth of game playing online, may make the Internet
a particularly fertile medium to develop a "cash for cash prizes"
player experience.
[0043] Examples of some player devices 200 that may be used in
connection with the game systems 100, 102 will now be described in
detail with respect to FIGS. 2 through 5.
Player Device
[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates a player device 200 that is descriptive
of the devices shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B according to an embodiment
of the present invention. The player device 200 comprises a
processor 210, such as one or more INTEL.RTM. Pentium.RTM.
processors, coupled to a communication device 220 configured to
communicate via a communication network (not shown in FIG. 2). The
communication device 220 may be used to communicate, for example,
with the game controller 600 and/or the payment device 110.
[0045] The processor 210 is also in communication with an input
device 240. The input device 240 may comprise, for example, a
keyboard, a mouse or other pointing device, a microphone, a knob or
a switch (including an electronic representation of a knob or a
switch), an infrared port, a docking station, and/or a touch
screen. Such an input device 240 may be used, for example, by a
player to play a game (e.g., by manipulating a pointer associated
with a computer-based golf game).
[0046] The processor 210 is also in communication with an output
device 250. The output device 240 may comprise, for example, a
display (e.g., a computer monitor), a speaker, and/or a printer.
The output device 250 may be used, for example, to provide game
information to a player.
[0047] The processor 210 is also in communication with a storage
device 230. The storage device 230 may comprise any appropriate
information storage device, including combinations of magnetic
storage devices (e.g., magnetic tape and hard disk drives), optical
storage devices, and/or semiconductor memory devices such as Random
Access Memory (RAM) devices and Read Only Memory (ROM) devices.
[0048] The storage device 230 stores a program 215 for controlling
the processor 210. The processor 210 performs instructions of the
program 215, and thereby operates in accordance with the present
invention. For example, the processor 210 may arrange for a player
to play a game of skill by receiving information from, and/or
transmitting information to, a remote game controller 600.
[0049] As used herein, information may be "received" by or
"transmitted" to, for example: (i) the player device 200 from the
game controller 600; or (ii) a software application or module
within the player device 200 from another software application,
module, or any other source.
[0050] FIG. 3 illustrates a PC 202 displaying game information
according to an embodiment of the present invention. The PC 202
includes a keyboard 242A and a mouse 242B which can be used by a
player to play a game of skill. The PC 202 also includes a computer
display 252A and speakers 252B which can be used, for example, to
provide game information to a player.
[0051] FIG. 4 illustrates a PDA 204 displaying game information
according to another embodiment of the present invention. The PDA
204 includes an input device 244 and an output device 254 (e.g., a
display screen) that may be used by a player to play a game.
Similarly, FIG. 5 illustrates a wireless telephone 206 including an
input device 246 and an output device 256 displaying game
information.
Game Controller
[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates a game controller 600 that is descriptive
of the device shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B according to an embodiment
of the present invention. The game controller 600 comprises a
processor 610, such as one or more INTEL.RTM. Pentium.RTM.
processors, coupled to a communication device 620 configured to
communicate via a communication network (not shown in FIG. 6). The
communication device 620 may be used to communicate, for example,
with one or more player devices 200 and/or the payment device
110.
[0053] The processor 610 is also in communication with a storage
device 630. The storage device 630 may comprise any appropriate
information storage device, including combinations of magnetic
storage devices (e.g., magnetic tape and hard disk drives), optical
storage devices, and/or semiconductor memory devices such as RAM
devices and ROM devices.
[0054] The storage device 630 stores a program 615 for controlling
the processor 610. The processor 410 performs instructions of the
program 415, and thereby operates in accordance with the present
invention. For example, the processor 610 may arrange for a player
to provide payment of a fee in exchange for playing a game of
skill. The processor may also receive a player input parameter from
a remote player device 200 and determine a game result based on the
player input parameter and a value. The value may be, for example,
generated at the game controller 600 without being communicated to
the remote player device 200 prior to the determination of the game
result. The processor 610 may then arrange for the player to
receive a prize based on the game result. Such an approach may
limit a player's ability to unfairly produce a game result using an
automated game playing device (e.g., because the game result is not
based solely based on information available at a remote player
device).
[0055] The program 615 may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled
and/or encrypted format. The program 615 may furthermore include
other program elements, such as an operating system, a database
management system, and/or device drivers used by the processor 410
to interface with peripheral devices.
[0056] As used herein, information may be "received" by or
"transmitted" to, for example: (i) the game controller 600 from the
player device 200; or (ii) a software application or module within
the game controller 600 from another software application, module,
or any other source.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 6, the storage device 630 also stores a
player database 700 (described with respect to FIG. 7), a game play
database 800 (described with respect to FIG. 8), and a game
database 900 (described with respect to FIG. 9). Examples of
databases that may be used in connection with the game systems 100,
102 will now be described in detail with respect to FIGS. 7 through
9. The illustrations and accompanying descriptions of the databases
presented herein are exemplary, and any number of other database
arrangements could be employed besides those suggested by the
figures.
Player Database
[0058] Referring to FIG. 7, a table represents the player database
700 that may be stored at the game controller 600 according to an
embodiment of the present invention. The table includes entries
identifying players who play games of skill via the game system
100, including members of a test group of players and/or the
general public. The table also defines fields 702, 704, 706, 708,
710 for each of the entries. The fields specify: a player
identifier 702, a name 704, contact information 706, a payment
identifier 708, and an account balance 710. The information in the
player database 700 may be created and updated, for example, based
on information received from player when he or she registers with
the game controller 600. The information in the player database 700
may also be based on, for example, information generated as players
play games of skill via the game system 100.
[0059] The player identifier 702 may be, for example, an
alphanumeric code associated with a player who has registered to
use the game system 100. The player identifier 702 may be generated
by, for example, the game controller 600 or the player (e.g., when
the player provides a user name and password). According to one
embodiment, the player identifier 702 is also stored on a remote
player device 200 (e.g., as part of a browser "cookie" file). The
player database 700 also stores the name 704 and contact
information 706 (e.g., a postal address, an electronic mail
address, an IP address, or a telephone number) associated with each
player.
[0060] The payment identifier 708 may comprise, for example, a
credit card, debit card or bank account number (e.g., a checking
account number) or digital payment protocol information. The
payment identifier 708 may be used, for example, by the game
controller 600 to arrange for the player to provide or receive a
payment.
[0061] The account balance 710 represents an amount that has been
provided by the player (e.g. via his or her credit card account) in
exchange for game play and/or an amount that has been (or will be)
provided to the player based on his or her performance (e.g., a
total amount that has been won by the player). The account balance
710 may be increased, for example, when a player provides a fee in
exchange for game play and when a player wins a prize. The account
balance 710 may be decreased, for example, when he or she plays a
game and when payment is provided to the player (e.g., he or she
receives a check representing an amount won during the month).
Game Play Database
[0062] Referring to FIG. 8, a table represents the game play
database 800 that may be stored at the game controller 600
according to an embodiment of the present invention. The table
includes entries identifying games that have been played by players
via the game system 100. The table also defines fields 802, 804,
806 for each of the entries. The fields specify: a game play
identifier 802, a player identifier 804, and a game result 806. The
information in the game play database 800 may be created and
updated, for example, based on information generated as players
play games of skill via the game system 100.
[0063] The game play identifier 802 may be, for example, an
alphanumeric code associated with a game that has been played by a
player. The game play identifier 802 may be generated, for example,
by the game controller 600. The player identifier 804 may be, for
example, an alphanumeric code associated with a player who has
registered to use the game system 100. The player identifier 804
may be based on, or associated with, the player identifier 702
stored in the player database 700.
[0064] The game result 806 may represent an amount that has been,
or will be, provided to a player based on his or her performance in
a game of skill (e.g., a prize awarded to the player based on game
play). According to another embodiment, the game result 806 instead
represents one or more goals achieved by a player, such as a total
score. The game provider may analyze the game results 806 stored in
the game play database 800 to evaluate a game design (e.g., based
on game results 806 generated by a sample group of players and/or
after the game has been released to the general public). The game
provider may, for example, determine that a particular payout
structure will not be (or is not) profitable and/or that game
results 806 are determined predominantly by a player's skill.
Game Database
[0065] Referring to FIG. 9, a table represents the game database
900 that may be stored at the game controller 600 according to an
embodiment of the present invention. The table includes entries
identifying games of skill that may be available via the game
system 100. The table also defines fields 902, 904 for each of the
entries. The fields specify: a game identifier 902 and a total game
result 904. The information in the game database 900 may be created
and updated, for example, based on information generated as players
play games of skill via the game system 100.
[0066] The game identifier 902 may be, for example, an alphanumeric
code associated with a game that may be available via the game
system 100. Note that the game identifier 902 may be associated
with the game play identifier 802 stored in the game play database
800. For example, the game play identifier 802 may comprise the
game identifier 902 concatenated with an identifier associated with
a particular game that was played.
[0067] The total game result 904 represents a total amount that has
been, or will be, paid by a game provider based on players'
performance in the game of skill (e.g., prizes awarded to players
based on game play). According to another embodiment, the total
game result 904 instead represents goals achieved players, such as
an average total score.
Game System Method
[0068] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method for facilitating game
play according to an embodiment of the present invention. The
method may be performed, for example, by the game controller 600 in
connection with a game of skill associated with a physics
simulation, such as a computer-based golf game. Other examples of
games that may be associated with a physics simulation include an
archery game, a moving water game (e.g., a whitewater rapids game),
a racing game, a fishing game, a sports game (e.g., a baseball,
basketball, football, soccer, or hockey game), a bowling game, a
billiards game, a throwing game, a ring-toss game, a shooting game,
or a space game.
[0069] At 1002, the game controller 600 arranges to receive a fee
from a player in exchange for game play. For example, the game
controller 600 may use the payment identifier 1208 stored in the
player database 700 to arrange for the player to provide twenty
dollars in exchange for game play (e.g., for the right to play
forty games or the right to play games for thirty minutes). The
game controller 600 may also update the account balance 1210 stored
in the player database 700.
[0070] At 1004, the game controller 600 receives one or more player
input parameters from a remote player device 200. For example, the
game controller 600 may receive a speed and angle associated with a
swing of a simulated golf club from a player's PC via the
Internet.
[0071] At 1006, the game controller 600 determines a game result
while inhibiting or hampering the use of an automated game playing
device 260. For example, the game controller 600 may calculate a
trajectory for a simulated golf ball based on the player input
parameter received at 1004 and a value that has not been
transmitted to the player device 200, such as a wind speed and
direction. Other examples of values that may used include
atmospheric information, terrain information, and object
information (e.g., an irregularity in a simulated golf ball's
shape).
[0072] According to one embodiment, the value is randomly generated
by the game controller 600. According to another embodiment, the
undisclosed value is not randomly generated. For example, the game
controller 600 may generate the value by receiving actual wind
speed and direction information from a golf course (further
removing the perception that "randomness" or "chance" is associated
with the game result). As another example, the game controller 600
can generate the value by retrieving a pre-stored value from a
database. According to still another embodiment, a multi-player
format is utilized to introduce a value that cannot be determined
by the remote player device 200 and/or an automated game playing
device 260. For example, a first player may select a wind speed and
direction for a second player.
[0073] As a result of the value not being transmitted to the player
device 200, an automated game playing device 260 would be unaware
of, and unable to account for, the value.
[0074] The game provider may want to make sure that the player's
skill in the game is more significant to the determination of a
game result than the real-world forces. The level of skill required
may be associated with proficiency in reading and interpreting the
putting green, estimating the correct force and direction to hit
the golf ball, and hand-eye coordination needed to properly input
the desired force.
[0075] Moreover, the game provider may want to ensure that game
results, and any simulations and values used to produce those game
results (e.g., wind speeds), can be audited and verified by outside
experts (e.g., a physics expert may review a physics
simulation).
[0076] Note that a game based in part on real world probabilities
may effectively limit an expert player's advantage. Consider a
computer-based golf simulation in which a player is awarded a large
prize if he or she shoots a "hole-in-one." In this case, the
likelihood of even an expert player shooting a hole-in-one may be
small enough (e.g., one in a million) so as to prevent expert
players from dominating the game. As described herein, a game
design can also incorporate one or more variable elements to
prevent expert players from completely mastering the game. For
example, a variable, undisclosed wind speed and direction may be
used to further limit an advantage enjoyed by expert players.
[0077] At 1008, the game controller 600 determines if a prize has
been won by the player based on the game result. For example, the
game controller 600 may determine if a simulate golf ball has come
to rest within a predetermined distance of a simulated golf hole.
If the player has won a prize, the game controller 600 arranges for
the player to receive payment of a prize amount at 1010. The game
controller 600 may also update the account balance 710 stored in
the player database 700, the game result 806 stored in the game
play database 800, and/or the total game result 904 stored in the
game database 900.
Additional Embodiments
[0078] The following illustrates various additional embodiments of
the present invention. These do not constitute a definition of all
possible embodiments, and those skilled in the art will understand
that the present invention is applicable to many other embodiments.
Further, although the following embodiments are briefly described
for clarity, those skilled in the art will understand how to make
any changes, if necessary, to the above-described apparatus and
methods to accommodate these and other embodiments and
applications.
[0079] Although most of the embodiments described herein are
associated with a game controller 600 generating an additional
value that is used to determine a game result, such a function may
instead be performed by a player device 200. For example, a first
player may use a first player device 200 to input a wind speed and
direction that is used when determining a game result for a second
player at a second player device 200.
[0080] Similarly, although embodiments of the present invention are
described with respect to games of skill associated a single
player, according to other embodiments the games of skill are
instead associated with multiple players. For example, a set of
players (e.g., members of a family or a "team" of players) may be
play a game of skill as described herein.
[0081] In some of the embodiments described herein, a check may be
mailed to a player based on an amount won during game play.
However, payments can also be provided to the player in other ways.
For example, a game provider may give a player a payment card that
the player uses to collect winning amounts via, for example, an
Automated Teller Machine (ATM) device.
[0082] The present invention has been described in terms of several
embodiments solely for the purpose of illustration. Persons skilled
in the art will recognize from this description that the invention
is not limited to the embodiments described, but may be practiced
with modifications and alterations limited only by the spirit and
scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *