U.S. patent application number 09/734931 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-20 for apparatus for and method of playing games.
Invention is credited to Merari, Naftali.
Application Number | 20020077167 09/734931 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24953631 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020077167 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Merari, Naftali |
June 20, 2002 |
Apparatus for and method of playing games
Abstract
An apparatus for and a method of playing games is provided. In
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, multiple
games (e.g., poker and slots) may be played simultaneously to
enhance user enjoyment. In accordance with a preferred embodiment,
predetermined associations of individual events occurring in the
various games can be made. Upon detection of one or more
predetermined associations during playing of the multiple games a
user can be further rewarded in addition (or in lieu) of any reward
given based on the results of the games individually. In accordance
with a preferred embodiment, users can be permitted to make
parametric requests that effectively specify the parameters that
limit the possible occurrences events that would otherwise result
from playing one or more games. Commercial embodiments of the
invention may include, for example, indicia of slot reel images on
the face of (or above) individual cards of a video poker machine or
even on the modified face of cards in a manual deck of cards.
Inventors: |
Merari, Naftali; (Tel Aviv,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DICKSTEIN SHAPIRO MORIN & OSHINSKY LLP
2101 L STREET NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20037-1526
US
|
Family ID: |
24953631 |
Appl. No.: |
09/734931 |
Filed: |
December 13, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3244 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; A63F 2001/008 20130101; A63F 2001/005
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/13 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for displaying a plurality of casino games for
simultaneous playing by a user, the system comprising: at least one
processor; a program memory, wherein said program memory stores a
program executed by said at least one processor to implement the
steps of: (a) simultaneously initiating and displaying a plurality
of casino games; (b) receiving input directions from a user for
playing the plurality of casino games independently of the end
results of any of the other casino games; (c) determining award
credits based on input directions for at least one of the plurality
of casino games; and (d) completing and displaying end results of
the plurality of casino games.
2. The system for displaying a plurality of casino games as recited
in claim 1, the system further comprising: at least one display
device, coupled to said at least one processor, for effectuating
display of the casino games; and an input device, coupled to said
at least one display and said at least one processor, for inputting
user directions and relaying the input directions to said at least
one processor.
3. The system for displaying a plurality of casino games as recited
in claim 2, wherein said step (a) further comprises the step of
displaying a first one of the plurality of casino games on the same
display device as a second one of the plurality of casino
games.
4. The system for displaying a plurality of casino games as recited
in claim 3, wherein the first casino game is a card game; and
wherein said step (a) further comprises the step of displaying
individual cards of a dealt hand for the card game, and displaying
an event of the second casino game on the individual cards of the
first casino game.
5. The system for displaying a plurality of casino games as recited
in claim 3, wherein said determining award credits step (c) further
comprises the step of detecting an association between an event of
the first casino game with an event of the second casino game.
6. The system for displaying a plurality of casino games as recited
in claim 5, wherein the first casino game is a card game, and the
second casino game is slots; and wherein said determining award
credits step (c) detects an association between events in the first
and second casino games if an image reel in the second casino game
matches the face of at least one card dealt in the first casino
game.
7. The system for displaying a plurality of casino games as recited
in claim 3, wherein the first casino game is blackjack, and the
second casino game is craps.
8. The system for displaying a plurality of casino games as recited
in claim 3, wherein the first casino game is draw poker, and the
second casino game is slots.
9. The system for displaying a plurality of casino games as recited
in claim 8, wherein said receiving input directions step (b)
further comprises the steps of: receiving designation of at least
one card in an initially dealt hand for discarding from the dealt
hand; receiving a hi/lo request corresponding to at least one card
designated for discarding from the dealt hand, wherein, in response
to a hi-request, said at least one processor will generate a draw
card that has a value higher than the card designated for
discarding, and, in response to a lo-request, will generate a draw
card that has a value lower than the card designated for
discarding.
10. A method of playing cards between at least one player and a
dealer in which at least one card is dealt to the player for each
hand played, said at least one player indicating to the dealer that
at least one additional card is to be dealt to the player for a
current hand played, said at least one player providing a request
specifying the parameters for which the at least one additional
card is to be dealt to the player, wherein a high-request specifies
that a player is to receive at least one additional card that is of
a value higher than a first designated value, and a low-request
specifies that a player is to receive at least one additional card
that is of a value lower than a second designated value.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first and second designated
values are based on at least one card in the current hand
played.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first and second designated
values are both equal to a card in the current hand played that is
selected by the player for discarding from the current hand
played.
13. The method of claim 12, the method further comprising the
simulation of individual cards making up the current hand on a
display device of a video poker machine.
14. The method of claim 13, the method further comprising the
simulation of slot machine reels on the display device, and the
simultaneous dealing of an initial hand of poker and an initial
spin of the slot machine reels.
15. A method of playing a card game comprising the steps of: (a)
dealing a plurality of playing cards constituting an initially
dealt hand; (b) determining whether additional cards are to be
dealt; (c) dealing additional cards based on the determination made
in said determining step (b); and (d) providing a first winning
payout based on images displayed with a plurality of playing cards;
and (e) providing a second winning payout based on a currently
dealt hand resulting from said dealing step (a) and said dealing
step (c).
16. The method of playing a card game as recited in claim 15,
wherein the first winning payout provided in step (d) is based on
images displayed on a plurality of playing cards in the initially
dealt hand.
17. The method of playing a card game as recited in claim 15,
wherein the first winning payout provided in step (d) is based on
images displayed on a plurality of playing cards in the currently
dealt hand resulting from step (e).
18. The method of playing a card game as recited in claim 15,
wherein the first winning payout provided in step (d) is based on
images displayed on the face surface of a plurality of the playing
cards dealt.
19. The method of playing a card game as recited in claim 18,
wherein the first winning slots payout provided in step (d) is
based on images of slot machine reels displayed on the face surface
of at least three of the playing cards dealt.
20. The method of playing a card game as recited in claim 15,
wherein said determining step (b) comprises the step of receiving a
designation of at least one card for discarding in the initially
dealt hand; and wherein said dealing step (c) comprises the step of
dealing an additional card for replacement of each card designated
for discard in said determining step (b).
21. The method of playing a card game as recited in claim 20,
wherein the card game is poker, and said providing step (e) further
comprises the step of comparing the currently dealt hand to a
payout schedule based on a variety of possible poker hands.
22. The method of playing a card game as recited in claim 15,
wherein said dealing step (c) comprises the step of dealing an
additional card for addition to the cards in the initially dealt
hand.
23. The method of playing a card game as recited in claim 20,
wherein the card game is blackjack, and said providing step (e)
further comprises the step of comparing the currently dealt hand to
a dealt hand of a house dealer, and providing a second winning
payout if the currently dealt hand is closer to a total of 21 than
the dealt hand of the house dealer.
24. The method of playing a card game as recited in claim 15,
wherein said dealing step (a) is performed by hand by a dealer
using playing cards.
25. The method of playing a card game as recited in claim 15,
wherein said steps (a) through (e) are performed by a computer
processor and the results displayed on a video screen.
26. The method of playing a card game as recited in claim 25,
wherein said dealing step (a) further comprises the step of
displaying above the initially dealt hand a plurality of slot
machine reel images.
27. An article of manufacture for use in conjunction with a video
poker machine, the article of manufacture having stored thereon an
executable program having the processing steps of: (a) displaying a
plurality of playing cards constituting an initially dealt hand on
a display of the video poker machine; (b) displaying slot machine
reel images on the face of respective ones of a plurality of the
cards in the dealt hand; (c) determining whether the reel images on
the plurality of cards is associated with a winning slots payout;
(d) providing a winning slots payout based on the reel images
displayed on the plurality of cards; (e) determining whether any of
the initially dealt cards are designated for discarding; (f)
drawing an additional card to replace each dealt card designated
for discarding; (g) displaying a currently dealt hand consisting of
the initially dealt cards not designated for discarding and the
additional cards drawn in step (f); (h) determining whether the
currently dealt hand is associated with a winning poker payout; and
(i) providing a winning poker payout based on the dealt hand
currently displayed.
28. The article of manufacture as recited in claim 27, wherein the
plurality of playing cards displayed in step (a) is five, and the
plurality of cards having slot machine reel images displayed in
step (b) is three.
29. The article of manufacture as recited in claim 27, wherein said
displaying step (g) further comprises the step of displaying
additional slot machine reel images on a plurality of cards in the
currently dealt hand; and said providing step (i) further comprises
the step of providing a winning slots payout based on the
additional reel images displayed on the currently dealt hand.
30. The article of manufacture as recited in claim 29, wherein said
displaying step (g) further comprises the step of showing multiple
reel images on each individual one of a plurality of cards in the
dealt hand, the multiple reel images respectively corresponding to
ones of multiple payout lines associated with different payout
schedules.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The constant development of games and game systems is
required in order to maintain player/user interest in playing
games. Casino and arcade operators, for example, have a keen
interest in the development in order to maintain or enhance visits
and participation in their respective establishments. Operators
originally relying heavily on dealer tables offering traditional
card games such as poker and blackjack, or mechanical slot
machines, now rely heavily on processor-based video games offering
the same games to cater to the tastes of the players/users.
Continued variation and enhancement of games and game systems is
required to maintain or increase the level of enthusiasm of today's
players/users.
SUMMARY
[0002] An apparatus for and a method of playing games is provided.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,
multiple games (e.g., poker and slots) may be played simultaneously
to enhance user enjoyment. In accordance with a preferred
embodiment, predetermined associations of individual events
occurring in the various games can be made. Upon detection of one
or more predetermined associations during playing of the multiple
games a user can be further rewarded in addition (or in lieu) of
any reward given based on the results of the games individually. In
accordance with a preferred embodiment, users can be permitted to
make parametric requests that effectively specify the parameters
that limit the possible occurrences events that would otherwise
result from playing one or more games.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates a game playing system in accordance with
a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0004] FIG. 2 illustrates process flow for multiple game playing in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0005] FIG. 3-6 illustrate simultaneous playing of slots and a card
game in accordance with a preferred embodiments of the
invention;
[0006] FIG. 7 illustrates process flow for detecting association in
multiple games in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0007] FIG. 8 illustrates process flow for parametric requests in
game playing in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0008] FIGS. 9a and 9b illustrate exemplary implementations of the
invention embodied in up-right structures; and
[0009] FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c depict exemplary payout schedules
that may be used in accordance with a preferred embodiments of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] preferred embodiments and applications of the invention will
now be described. Other embodiments may be realized and structural
or logical changes may be made to the disclosed embodiments without
departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Although the
preferred embodiments disclosed herein have been particularly
described as applied to the playing of casino-type games through
manual or electronic devices, it should be readily apparent that
the invention may be embodied to implement any game and/or game
implementation technology having the same or similar problems.
[0011] The system illustrated in FIG. 1 is composed of a game
server 10 and user interface 15 for implementing the game
operations described below in accordance with preferred embodiments
of the invention. (It should be apparent, however, that many, if
not all, of the game operations may be implemented by hand using
physical devices (e.g., deck of cards), and human intervention
(e.g., house dealer) in accordance with the teachings herein.) In
accordance with a preferred embodiment, game server 10 may include
one or more central processing units (CPUs) symbolically
represented by CPU 100 used to provide processing of input/output
data between game server 10, user interface 15, and/or network 17,
and among the different modules (all connected together via system
bus 109) within game server 10. CPU 100 typically executes one or
more computer programs stored in the one or more memory devices
symbolically represented as memory module 102. A award
determination unit/payout controller 104 is provided to determine
whether an award or payout should be issued to a player/user based
on results of one or more games played. Individual game controllers
(e.g., game 1 controller (106a), game 2 controller (106b), . . .
game n controller (106n)) are provided to control processing of the
individual games played by the user in accordance with the
preferred embodiments described in (or apparent from) the instant
disclosure. User interface 15 provides one or more display devices
150 (e.g., CRT, LCD, or other known displays) and one or more
input/output devices (e.g., touch screen interface, keyboard,
mouse, stylus, push button, lever, or other known input mechanisms)
for facilitating the play of one or more games by a user through
user interface 15. Network 17 may take any wired/wireless form of
known connective technology (e.g., internal LAN, enterprise WAN,
intranet, Internet, Virtual Private Network (VPN), etc.) to allow
game server 10 to provide local/remote information and control data
to/from other locations. In accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the invention, the game server may be implemented in stand-alone
or network devices, as well as serving one or more users over a
collection of remote and disparate networks (e.g., Internet,
intranet, VPN, etc.).
[0012] The game system described above and illustrated in FIG. 1
may be used to effectuate any one or more aspects of the game
operations described in (and apparent from) the specific
embodiments, implementations, and illustrations provided
herein.
[0013] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,
a process (FIG. 2) is implemented (e.g., through use of the system
illustrated in FIG. 1, or by human intervention) for allowing the
simultaneous playing of two or more games (e.g., poker, blackjack,
slots, craps, keno, etc.) by the same user. Initially, if
applicable, initial bets, wagers, or offering of at-risk credits or
value points is made by a user and received (e.g., by payout
controller 104, or a house dealer) (at step 20). Two or more games
(e.g., game 1, game 2, . . . game n) are simultaneously initiated
and displayed (e.g., on display device 150, on dealer card table,
etc.) (at steps 21a, 21b, . . . 21n). The initial results of the
simultaneous running of the games is determined (e.g., by game
controllers 106a, 106b, . . . 106n, by house dealer, etc.) and
displayed (at step 22).
[0014] A determination is then made (e.g., by pertinent game
controller (106a, 10b, . . . 106n) and/or payout controller 104, by
dealer, etc.) as to whether any payouts (or other awards) are to be
given based on the initial results (at step 23). If a payout or
award is to be made, the amount to be paid out (or otherwise
awarded) is determined, and the payout (or other award credit)
issued (e.g., by pertinent game controller (106a, 10b, . . . 106n)
and/or payout controller 104, by dealer, etc.) (at step 24). The
games are then operated in conjunction with any directions (e.g.,
request for cards, designation of discarding, etc.) as made by the
user (e.g., through input device 152, by the player hand signaling
to the dealer, etc.) in accordance with the conventions of the
particular games played (e.g., draw poker, blackjack, slots, etc.)
until the games are completed (at step 25). The end results of the
games are then displayed (at step 26), and a determination and
issuance of payout (or other award credits) made (at steps 27 and
28), in a manner similar to that described above (in connection
with steps 23 and 24).
[0015] As one illustration of the described embodiment, FIG. 3
depicts a display of the simultaneous operation of two
independently operated games: poker and slots. It should be
apparent that the "display" illustrated in FIG. 3 (as well as those
in FIGS. 4-6) is provided as representative of the various display
mechanisms that may be employed in implementation of the
embodiments illustrated herein. (The "display," for example,
represents an electronic embodiment of the invention presented on a
video display (e.g., CRT, LCD, or other video screen), as well as a
manual embodiment using a physical deck of cards (modified in
accordance with the teachings herein) displayed on a card table or
the like.) The cards 30 illustrated in FIG. 3 may represent an
initial poker hand dealt to a user. The slot machine reel images 32
depicted on the face of the cards 30 may represent an initial spin
of a slot machine reel. In accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the invention, once the poker and slot games are initiated and
the initial results displayed (as shown in FIG. 3), a determination
can be made as to whether (and to what extent) a payout is to be
made based on these results. preferably, the determination is made
for each of the games played individually (i.e., independently of
the results of the other games played).
[0016] In the illustrated example, a payout schedule or table
(e.g., like that shown in FIG. 10a) may be consulted to determine
and issue a payout for the row of three "bars" resulting from the
initial spin of the slot reels. The draw poker hand can then be
modified by selecting one or more of the individual cards for
discarding and replacement by one or more additional cards in a
manner well known in the art. A determination can then be made as
to what payout (if any) is to be made for the final draw poker hand
(e.g., using a payout table like that shown in FIG. 10b). In
accordance with a preferred embodiment, the slot machine reel
images can be provided in connection with the initially dealt hand,
an interim or currently dealt hand, a finally dealt hand, or any
combination of hands.
[0017] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,
the simultaneous display of multiple games (e.g., poker and slots)
may be implemented in any number of different arrangements. As
shown in FIG. 4, for example, the slot machine reel images 32 can
be displayed on all five of the individual cards 30 in a dealt
hand, rather than on just three of the cards as shown in FIG. 3.
The slot machine reel images 34 may also be displayed in positions
other than on the cards themselves (e.g., above the individual
cards, as shown in FIG. 5).
[0018] The different game procedures may dictate the use of further
alternative display arrangements. A slot machine game having
multiple reel images 36 displayed simultaneously for each reel to
correspond to different levels of payout can be displayed on the
cards 30 themselves, or in other positions away from the cards
(e.g., as shown in FIG. 6).
[0019] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,
the simultaneous playing of multiple games can be further enhanced
by providing for predetermined associations of individual events
that may result from the simultaneous play of two or more games.
For example, an exemplary embodiment of the invention depicted in
FIG. 7 illustrates the playing of two games such as slots and poker
simultaneously in accordance with a preferred embodiment (as
described above). The two games each have a variety of individual
events that may result. The slots game may produce any number of
slot reel images or combinations of images (e.g., bars,
cherries,7's, diamonds, etc.), and a poker hand can have a variety
of different card face values (e.g.,1, 2, 3, . . . 10, J, Q, IL,
A), suits (e.g., clubs, diamonds, hearts, spades), or combinations
of values and suits. By associating the occurrence of individual
events of both games, users can be issued payout amounts (or other
award credits) for the simultaneous occurrences of the events.
[0020] Accordingly, in the process flow depicted in FIG. 7, initial
bets or wagers are received (at step 71), and the multiple games
(e.g., slots as a first game and poker as a second game) are
simultaneously initiated (at steps 72 and 73). The initial results
of the games can be displayed (e.g., in the manner described above)
(at step 74), and a detection of predetermined association between
events of the first and second games can be determined (e.g., by
payout controller 104, other game processors (106), dealer, etc.)
(at step 75). As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, for example, one the
predetermined associations between events could be the occurrence
of one or more reel image(s) of a "7" on one or more of the slot
machine reel images 32, 34 simultaneously with a poker hand being
dealt with one or more cards with the value "7 ". If one of the
predetermined associations has been detected, a determination and
issuance of a payout (or other award credit) is provided (at step
76) in accordance with the pertinent payout schedule (e.g., like
that shown in FIG. 10c). Whether or not a predetermined association
is detected, the games are subsequently completed and end results
displayed (at step 77), and any final determination and issuance of
a payout is provided in accordance with one or more of the
pertinent payout schedules (e.g., like those depicted in FIGS.
10a-10c). (As should be readily apparent, the predetermined
associations are not limited to matching of numerical values in the
different game events. Any predetermined association between
individual events of two or more games can be used to trigger
payouts in accordance with the invention.)
[0021] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,
a further enhancement of the simultaneous playing of multiple
games, as well as the playing of individual games (e.g., poker,
blackjack, slots, etc.) played alone is provided through permitting
the user to make a parametric request (i.e., specify parameters)
limiting the possible events that may occur during the playing of a
game. Where a card game, for example, allows players to request the
dealing of one or more cards, in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the invention, the user can specify that at least one
of the dealt cards be within a limited range (e.g., limited to face
cards such as J, Q, K, or limited to red suits such as hearts or
diamonds) of all possible card face values and/or suits.
[0022] As an exemplary implementation of this preferred embodiment
of the invention, FIG. 8 depicts the process flow of a card game
(e.g., draw poker, blackjack, etc.) that permits the player/user to
specify parameters for receiving one or more dealt cards. In this
particular example, the cards are initially dealt in a conventional
manner without any parameters specified in accordance with the
traditional rules of the game (e.g., draw poker, blackjack, etc.)
(at step 82). A request for one or more additional cards is
effected (at step 84). In this illustrated embodiment, the request
for additional card(s) may be made with a "hi/lo" request (at step
85) that specifies parameters in terms of card face values on the
additional cards that are to be dealt to the player/user.
[0023] Where a "hi-request" (or other request for high valued
cards) is made (at step 85) by the user, one or more of the cards
to be dealt to the player/user must have a value higher than a
first designated value (at step 86). Where a "lo-request" (or other
request for low valued cards) is made (at step 85), one or more of
the cards to be dealt to the player/user must have a value lower
than a second designated value (at step 87). (Although the first
and second designated values can be assigned any arbitrary values,
in this illustrated embodiment, the two values are derived from one
or more of the cards in the currently dealt hand. In the case of
draw poker, for example, the first and second designated values are
the same as one of the cards designated for discarding from the
initially dealt hand.) Where no "hi/lo" request is made, a random
card (i.e., with no specified parametric limitations) is dealt (at
step 88). Where applicable, further requests for additional cards
can be entertained (at step 89) to allow for repeat of the process
(i.e., steps 84-88).
[0024] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the payouts (or
other award credits) assigned to winning events utilizing the
parametric requests can be decidedly different than the same
winning events achieved without the use of parametric requests. In
the card game exemplary embodiment discussed above, for example, a
payout schedule like that depicted in FIG. 10c can be utilized to
reduce the amounts paid out (or otherwise awarded) to a player/user
electing to enhance the game of poker using parametric requests
(e.g., "hi/lo" requests) relative to the same hand achieved without
the use of a parametric request.
[0025] The embodiments described in (or apparent from) the instant
disclosure may be employed in stand-alone (or network linked)
gaming systems such as the up-right structures 90, 92 illustrated
in FIGS. 9a, 9b, respectively, as well as in table-top or other
structures found in casinos, arcades, and other establishments
containing game playing devices. The embodiments may similarly be
implemented in other known game systems and platforms (e.g.,
personal computer, Internet-based, Nintendo Gameboy, Sony
Playstation, Sega Genesis, PDAs, portable or hand-held electronic
devices, etc.), as well as other gaming formats such as lottery
terminals, scratch-card formats, etc.
[0026] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been
described and illustrated, it should be apparent that many
modifications to the embodiments and implementations of the
invention can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of
the invention. For example, while a draw poker game has been
specifically illustrated herein in conjunction with a game of
slots, the invention may easily be deployed in any form of poker or
other card games (e.g., blackjack) in conjunction with one or more
of a variety of the same or different card/non-card games (e.g.,
poker, blackjack, gin rummy, slots, craps, keno, roulette, etc.).
While the illustrated embodiments have not specified the type of
communication medium (or protocol) used to connect the various
modules (e.g., shown in FIG. 1), it should be apparent that any
known wired/wireless technology may be used to implement the
invention (e.g., Internet, intranets, private bulletin boards,
individual local or wide area networks, proprietary chat rooms,
ICQ, IRC channels, instant messaging systems, WAP, bluetooth, etc.)
using real-time or non-real-time systems alone or in
combination.
[0027] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, one or more user
interfaces (e.g., user interface 15 (FIG. 1)) are provided as part
of (or in conjunction with) the illustrated systems to permit users
to interact with the systems. Individual ones of a plurality of
devices (e.g., network/stand-alone computers, personal digital
assistants (PDAs), WebTV (or other Internet-only) terminals,
set-top boxes, cellular/PCS phones, screenphones, pagers, kiosks,
or other known (wired or wireless) communication devices, etc.) may
similarly be used to execute one or more computer programs (e.g.,
universal Internet browser programs, dedicated interface programs,
etc.) to allow users to interface with the systems in the manner
described.
[0028] The modules described herein, particularly those illustrated
or inherent in the instant disclosure, may be one or more hardware,
software, or hybrid components residing in (or distributed among)
one or more local or remote computer systems. Although the modules
may be shown or described herein as physically separated components
(e.g., game controllers 106a, 106b, . . . 106n), it should be
readily apparent that the modules may be combined or further
separated into a variety of different components, sharing different
resources (including processing units, memory, clock devices,
software routines, etc.) as required for the particular
implementation of the embodiments disclosed herein. Indeed, even a
single general purpose computer (or other processor-controlled
device) executing a program stored on an article of manufacture
(e.g., recording medium) to produce the functionality referred to
herein may be utilized to implement the illustrated embodiments.
User interface devices may be any device used to input and/or
output information. The user interface device may be implemented as
a graphical user interface (GUI) containing a display or the like,
or may be a link to other user input/output devices known in the
art.
[0029] In addition, memory units described herein may be any one or
more of the known storage devices (e.g., Random Access Memory
(RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), hard disk drive (HDD), floppy drive,
zip drive, compact disk-ROM, DVD, bubble memory, redundant array of
independent disks (RAID), etc.), and may also be one or more memory
devices embedded within a CPU, or shared with one or more of the
other components.
[0030] It should be readily apparent that when implementing various
embodiments of the invention using manual devices (e.g., deck of
cards and human house dealer), conventional devices may be required
to be modified to permit the play of various games in the manner
described above. For example, when implementing a simultaneous
playing of a card game (e.g., poker, blackjack, etc.) and a game of
slots, the conventional deck of cards could be modified to include
indicia of slot reel images on the face of the individual cards, as
shown in FIG. 5, using any known printing or graphics
technology.
[0031] The illustrated embodiments have been described herein in
connection with possible payouts (or other award credits) being
made pursuant to events occurring as set forth in schedules such as
those depicted in FIGS. 10a-10c.It should be readily apparent,
however, that the term "payout" as used herein can easily be
construed to refer to a withdrawal (or other debiting of credits)
when used in conjunction with implementations of the invention to
effect reduction of payouts (or awards) or even reduction or
forfeiture of balances/accounts based on resulting specified
individual events or occurrences (e.g., occurrence of slot machine
reel images of three "devils", etc.).
[0032] Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by the
foregoing description or drawings, and only by the claims appended
hereto.
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