U.S. patent application number 09/798665 was filed with the patent office on 2002-11-14 for gaming device and system related to roulette.
Invention is credited to Visoenik, Martin.
Application Number | 20020169017 09/798665 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25173976 |
Filed Date | 2002-11-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020169017 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Visoenik, Martin |
November 14, 2002 |
Gaming device and system related to roulette
Abstract
An electronic wagering game is set forth using the
characteristics of the numbers of Roulette such as numerical value
as well as even/odd, red/black and the like. The game has a display
and a processor to control the display. The processor is
preprogrammed to control the display to display a matrix of at
least three columns and Y horizontal rows (for example, three rows
defining a 3.times.3 matrix). Means are provided for selecting one
or more characteristics pertaining to a Roulette number for each
coordinate of the matrix such as number, color, even/odd or the
like and for accepting a wager. When play is prompted the processor
randomly selects at least three Roulette numbers defining an
outcome set of numbers, including their characteristics and
compares the characteristics of the outcome set to those of the
matrix to determine matches. If a predetermined pattern of matches
occurs, such as along a pay line, the player is entitled to a
prize.
Inventors: |
Visoenik, Martin; (Lucia,
AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Anderson & Morishita L.L.C.
Suite 127
3311 S. Rainbow
Las Vegas
NV
89146
US
|
Family ID: |
25173976 |
Appl. No.: |
09/798665 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 5/00 20130101; G07F
17/38 20130101; A63F 2009/2442 20130101; A63F 3/0645 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/17 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An electronic wagering game using the characteristics of the
numbers of Roulette, said game comprising: a display; a processor
to control the display, said processor preprogrammed to control the
display to display a matrix of at least 3 columns and Y horizontal
rows; means for selecting at least one characteristic pertaining to
a Roulette number for each coordinate of the matrix; means for
accepting a wager and for prompting play of the game; and said
processor programmed to, in response to prompting of play, randomly
selecting at least three Roulette numbers defining an outcome set
of numbers, compare the characteristics of the outcome set to those
of the matrix to determine matches and if a predetermined pattern
of matches occurs issue a prize.
2. The game of claim 1 wherein said selecting means includes means
for a player to select for each column of the matrix a Roulette
number characteristic other than said number selected from the
group consisting substantially of color, even or odd, high or low,
first, second or third group of twelve numbers or column on a
Roulette layout.
3. The game of claim 1 wherein said processor includes a data
structure storing data corresponding to winning patterns for the
matrix, said processor programmed to compare the positions on the
matrix where said selection set characteristics match the
characteristics of the outcome set to said patterns and if a
winning pattern of matches is obtained, said processor issuing an
award to the player.
4. The game of claim 3 including said matrix including at least one
pay line for the game, said pay line being defined by at least two
adjacent coordinates of the said matrix and said data structure
storing data corresponding to patterns of characteristics matching
along said pay line.
5. The game of claim 4 including said matrix including a plurality
of rows defining horizontal pay lines.
6. The game of claim 4 including said matrix defining at least one
diagonal pay line.
7. An electronic wagering game using the characteristics of the
numbers of Roulette, said game comprising: a display; a processor
to control the display, said processor preprogrammed to control the
display to display a matrix having at least X vertical columns and
Y horizontal rows, X and Y being at least 3; means for selecting
one or more characteristics pertaining to a Roulette number for
each column of the matrix defining one or more selection sets;
means to accept a wager and for prompting play of the game; and
said processor programmed to, in response to prompting of play,
randomly select at least three Roulette numbers and to identify the
Roulette numbers to either side of the randomly selected numbers as
positioned on the Roulette wheel to define an outcome set of at
least nine Roulette numbers, display each number of said outcome
set at a coordinate of the matrix, compare the characteristic of
the outcome set as displayed in the matrix to those of each
selection set to determine matches and if a predetermined pattern
of matches occurs issue a prize.
8. The game of claim 7 wherein said processor includes a data
structure storing data corresponding to winning patterns on the
matrix, said processor comparing the positions on the matrix where
said outcome set characteristics match the characteristics of the
selection set to the patterns and if a winning pattern is obtained,
said processor programmed to issue an award to the player.
9. The game of claim 8 including said matrix defining at least one
pay line for the game, said pay line being defined by at least two
adjacent coordinates of said matrix.
10. The game of claim 7 wherein said selecting means includes means
for a player to define a selection set by selecting for each column
of the matrix a Roulette number secondary characteristic selected
from the group consisting substantially of color, even or odd, high
or low, first, second or third group of twelve numbers or column on
a Roulette layout.
11. The game of claim 7 wherein said selecting means includes means
for a player to define two of said selection sets be selecting for
the first selection set for each column of the matrix a Roulette
number and for the second selection set for each column of the
matrix a Roulette number secondary characteristic selected from the
group consisting substantially of color, even or odd, high or low,
first, second or third group of twelve numbers or column on a
Roulette layout.
12. The game of claim 7 wherein said selecting means includes means
for a player to define a said selection set by selecting for each
column of the matrix at least one of a Roulette number or a
Roulette number secondary characteristic selected from the group
consisting substantially of color, even or odd, high or low, first,
second or third group of twelve numbers or column on a Roulette
layout.
13. An electronic wagering game using the characteristics of the
numbers of Roulette and means for selecting Roulette outcomes, the
game comprising: a display; a processor to control the display,
said processor preprogrammed to control the display to display a
matrix having at least three columns and three rows and at least
one pay line defined by at least two adjacent coordinates of the
matrix; means for selecting for each column two Roulette number
characteristics defining a selection set; means for accepting a
wager and for prompting play; and said processor programmed to, in
response to prompting play, (i) randomly select at least three
Roulette numbers, said randomly selected Roulette numbers and the
numbers to either side as disposed on a Roulette wheel defining an
outcome set of nine Roulette numbers, (ii) display each number of
said outcome set at a coordinate of the matrix, (iii) compare the
Roulette number characteristic of the outcome set as displayed in
the matrix to those of the selection set and (iv) if a
predetermined pattern of matching characteristics occur in the
matrix, issue a prize.
14. The game of claim 13 wherein said selecting means includes
means for a player to define the said selection set as each of a
Roulette number and a Roulette number secondary characteristic
selected form the group consisting substantially of color, even or
odd, high or low, first, second or third group of twelve numbers or
column on a Roulette layout.
15. A method for playing game using the characteristics of the
numbers of Roulette and means for selecting Roulette outcomes, said
method comprising: providing a processor to control a display, said
processor controlling the display to display a matrix having at
least three columns and three rows, at least two adjacent
coordinates of said matrix defining pay line for the game;
displaying said matrix and pay line; selecting for each coordinate
of the matrix at least one Roulette number characteristic, said
selected characteristics defining a selection set; accepting a
wager; and prompting play of the game, said processor, in response
to prompting of play, randomly selecting at least three Roulette
numbers defining an outcome set Roulette numbers, comparing the
characteristics of the outcome set to those of the selection set
and matrix to determine matches and if a predetermined pattern of
matches occurs issuing a prize.
16. The method of claim 15 including selecting for each column of
the matrix a plurality of Roulette number characteristics defining
said selection set.
17. The method of claim 15 including selecting for each column a
Roulette number, said processor for each selected number selecting
the numbers to either side of the selected numbers as presented on
a Roulette wheel to define a selection set including three Roulette
numbers for each column.
18. A system including a plurality of linked electronic wagering
devices each using the characteristics of the numbers of Roulette,
a Roulette layout and of a Roulette wheel, said game comprising:
each device including; (i) a display, (ii) a processor to control
the display, said processor preprogrammed to control the display to
display a matrix of at least X columns and three horizontal rows,
(iii) means for selecting at least one characteristic pertaining to
a Roulette number for each coordinate of the matrix, (iii) means
for accepting a wager; a host processor; a communication link
between said host processor and each device, said host processor
programmed to, in response to prompting of play, randomly select at
least three Roulette numbers defining an outcome set of numbers,
compare the characteristics of the outcome set to those of the
matrix at each device to determine matches and if a predetermined
pattern of matches occurs issue a prize.
19. An electronic gaming device using the numbers of Roulette, said
numbers arranged in the predetermined, serial, ordered positions
around a Roulette wheel and said numbers grouped according to the
layout of said wheel and using the secondary characteristics of a
traditional Roulette wagering layout by having secondary
characteristics of at least (i) odd or even, (ii) red, black or
green (iii) low or high, (iv) first, second or third twelve numbers
and/or (v) first, second or third rows of numbers, said game
comprising: a display; a processor to control the display, said
processor preprogrammed to control the display to display a matrix
having at least three vertical columns and at least three
horizontal rows; means for selecting for each coordinates of the
matrix at least one of a Roulette number and Roulette number
secondary characteristic defining a section set; means for
accepting a wager and for prompting play of the game; and said
processor programmed to, in response to prompting play, randomly
select a preselected number of Roulette numbers defining an outcome
set, compare the characteristics of the outcome set to said
selection sets and issue an award to the player if a predetermined
number of the outcome set characteristics match the characteristics
of the selection set.
20. The device of claim 19 wherein said processor includes a data
structure storing winning patterns for the matrix, said processor
comparing the positions in on the matrix where said outcome number
characteristics match the characteristics of the displayed
selection sets to said patterns and if a winning pattern is
obtained, said processor issuing a reward to the player.
21. The device of claim 19 including said processor programmed to
control the display to display at least two pay lines corresponding
to said rows and said data structure stores winning patterns of
characteristics matching along said pay line.
22. A system for playing a game including a plurality of linked
game device terminals and using a field indicia arranged in a
predetermined, serial, ordered positions, each indicia including at
least one distinguishing characteristic, said game comprising: a
display for each terminal; a processor in communication with each
linked gaming device, said processor programmed to control the
displays to display at each terminal a matrix of at least X columns
and Y horizontal rows; means at each terminal for selecting an X
number of indicia characteristics, said processor assigning said
characteristics to coordinates of said matrix; means at each
terminal for accepting a wager and for prompting play of the game;
and said processor in response to prompting play randomly selecting
a set of outcome indicia, comparing the outcome indicia to the
characteristics for the coordinates of the matrix displayed at each
terminal and issuing an award if a predetermined arrangement of
outcome set indicia characteristics match the indicia
characteristics of said selection sets.
23. The system of claim 22 wherein said processor is programmed to
select for at least one coordinate of said matrix said
characteristic.
24. A system for playing a game including a plurality of linked
game device terminals and using the numbers of Roulette, said
numbers arranged in the predetermined, serial, ordered positions
around a Roulette wheel and said numbers grouped according to the
layout of said wheel and using the secondary characteristics of a
traditional Roulette wagering layout by having secondary
characteristics of at least (i) odd or even, (ii) red, black or
green (iii) low or high, (iv) first, second or third twelve numbers
and/or (v) first, second or third rows of numbers, said game
comprising: a display for each terminal; a processor in
communication with each linked gaming device, said processor
programmed to control the displays to display at each terminal a
matrix of at least X columns and Y horizontal rows; means at each
terminal for a player to select for each coordinates of the matrix
at least one of a Roulette number and Roulette number secondary
characteristic defining a section set; means at each terminal for
accepting a wager and for prompting play of the game; and said
processor programmed to, in response to prompting play, randomly
select a preselected number of Roulette numbers defining an outcome
set, compare the characteristics of the outcome set to those of
each of said selection sets and issue an award to players if a
predetermined number of the outcome set characteristics match the
characteristics of the selection set.
25. The system of claim 24 wherein said Roulette number selecting
means includes means for the player to select for each column of
the matrix a Roulette number characteristic for a selected Roulette
number, said processor programmed to, in response to said
selection, select for the other coordinates of each column Roulette
number characteristics for Roulette numbers related to said
selected number.
26. The system of claim 24 wherein said processor is preprogrammed
to select for each column a characteristic of Roulette numbers
arranged adjacent to the selected number.
27. The system of claim 24 including means for a player to select
for one or more coordinates a Roulette number characteristic, said
processor programmed to select characteristics for the remaining
coordinates.
28. The system of claim 24 wherein said processor is preprogrammed
to select for each column of the matrix a Roulette number as the
outcome set and compare for each column the Roulette number
characteristics of said selected number with the characteristics of
the coordinates of said column.
29. A method for playing game using the characteristics of the
numbers of Roulette and means for selecting Roulette outcomes, said
method comprising: providing a processor to control a display, said
processor controlling the display to display a matrix having at
least three columns and three rows, at least two adjacent
coordinates of said matrix defining pay line for the game;
displaying said matrix and pay line; selecting for each coordinate
of the matrix at least one Roulette number characteristic, said
selected characteristics defining a selection set; accepting a
wager; and prompting play of the game, said processor, in response
to prompting of play, randomly selecting at least three Roulette
numbers defining an outcome set Roulette numbers, comparing the
characteristics of the outcome set to those of the selection set
and matrix to determine matches and if a predetermined pattern of
matches occurs issuing a prize.
30. The method of claim 29 including selecting for each column a
Roulette number and the processor selecting numbers adjacent to the
selected number as arranged on a Roulette wheel and displaying in
each coordinate of the column at least one characteristic of the
selected and adjacent numbers.
31. The method of claim 29 wherein said processor is programmed to
select for at least one coordinate said characteristic.
32. The method of claim 29 including said processor selecting a
Roulette number for each column of the matrix defining an outcome
set Roulette numbers, comparing the characteristics of the outcome
set to those of the selection set and matrix to determine matches
and if a predetermined pattern of matches occurs issuing a
prize.
33. A system for playing a game including a plurality of linked
game device terminals and using the characteristics of Roulette
numbers as arranged in a predetermined, serial, ordered positions,
about a Roulette wheel, said game comprising: a display for each
terminal; a processor in communication with each linked gaming
device, said processor programmed to control the displays to
display at each terminal a matrix of at least 3 columns and 3
horizontal rows; means at each terminal for selecting for each
coordinate of the matrix at least one number characteristics; means
at each terminal for accepting a wager and for prompting play of
the game; and said processor in response to prompting play randomly
selecting a set of outcome Roulette numbers, comparing the
characteristics of the outcome numbers to the characteristics for
the coordinates of the matrix displayed at each terminal and
issuing an award if a predetermined arrangement of outcome set
characteristics match the characteristics of said selection
sets.
34. The system of claim 33 wherein said Roulette number selecting
means includes means for the player to select for each column of
the matrix a Roulette number characteristic for a selected Roulette
number, said processor programmed to, in response to said
selection, select for the other coordinates of each column Roulette
number characteristics for Roulette numbers related to said
selected number.
35. The system of claim 34 wherein said processor is preprogrammed
to select for the other coordinates of each column a characteristic
of Roulette numbers arranged adjacent to the selected number.
36. The system of claim 33 wherein said processor is programmed to
select for at least one coordinate said characteristic.
37. The system of claim 33 including means for a player to select
for one or more coordinates a Roulette number characteristic, said
processor programmed to select characteristics for the remaining
coordinates.
38. The system of claim 33 wherein said processor is preprogrammed
to select for each column of the matrix a Roulette number as the
outcome set and compare for each column the Roulette number
characteristics of said selected number with the characteristics of
the coordinates of said column.
39. A method for playing game using a field indicia arranged in a
predetermined, serial, ordered positions, each indicia including at
least one characteristic and means for selecting outcome indicia,
said method comprising: providing a processor to control a display,
said processor controlling the display to display a matrix having X
columns and Y rows, selecting for coordinates of the matrix at
least one indicia characteristic, said selected characteristics
defining a selection set; accepting a wager; and prompting play of
the game, said processor, in response to prompting of play,
randomly selecting a set of outcome indicia, comparing the
characteristics of the outcome indicia to those of the selection
set and matrix to determine matches and if a predetermined pattern
of matches occurs issuing a prize.
40. The method of claim 39 including selecting for each coordinates
of the matrix at least one indicia characteristic, said selected
characteristics defining a selection set;
41. The method of claim 39 wherein said processor is programmed to
select for at least one coordinate said characteristic.
42. The method of claim 39 including said processor selecting at
least one indicia characteristic for each column of the said matrix
defining a set of outcome indicia, comparing the characteristics of
the outcome indicia to those of the selection set and matrix to
determine matches and if a predetermined pattern of matches occurs
issuing a prize.
43. The method of claim 39 including selecting for each column at
least one indicia characteristic, assigning the selected indicia
characteristics to coordinates of the matrix, said processor
selecting for the other coordinates of the said matrix indicia
characteristics related to said selected indicia to define a
selection set.
44. A method for playing game using a field indicia arranged in a
predetermined, serial, ordered positions, each indicia including at
least one characteristic and means for selecting outcome indicia,
said method comprising: providing a processor to control a display,
said processor controlling the display to display a matrix having X
columns and Y rows, selecting for columns of the matrix at least
one indicia characteristic, said selected characteristics defining
one or more selection sets; accepting a wager; and prompting play
of the game, said processor, in response to prompting of play,
randomly selecting a set of outcome indicia, assigning the outcome
indicia to coordinates of the matrix, comparing the characteristics
of the indicia for the matrix to those of the selection set or sets
to determine matches and if a predetermined pattern of matches
occurs issuing a prize.
45. The method of claim 44 including selecting for each column of
the matrix at least one indicia characteristic, said selected
characteristics defining one or more selection sets.
46. The method of claim 44 wherein said processor is programmed to
select for at least one characteristic of a said selection set.
47. The method of claim 44 wherein said processor is programmed to
in response to prompting of play, randomly selecting a set of at
least an X number of outcome indicia, assigning the X outcome
indicia to coordinates of the matrix, selecting for the other
coordinates of the said matrix indicia related to said outcome
indicia, comparing the characteristics of the indicia for the
matrix to those of the selection set or sets to determine matches
and if a predetermined pattern of matches occurs issuing a
prize.
48. The method of any of the claims 39 wherein said processor
includes a data structure storing data corresponding to winning
patterns for the matrix, said processor programmed to compare the
positions on the matrix where said selection set characteristics
match the characteristics of the outcome set to said patterns and
if a winning pattern of matches is obtained issuing a prize.
49. The method of claim 48 including said matrix including at least
one pay line, said pay line being defined by at least two
coordinates of the said matrix and said data structure storing data
corresponding to patterns of characteristics matching along said
pay line defining a winning pattern for the matrix.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to gaming machines and methods
such as slot machines and linked slot machines as well as the game
of Roulette.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Slot machines are well known in the art. In the past these
machines included one or more mechanical reels having symbols or
indicia printed about the periphery. The player would insert a coin
or token and initiate play by pulling on a handle. The pulling of
the handle would result in spinning of the reels which would slow
to random present indicia at one or more designated pay lines. If
predetermined symbols or symbol combinations are aligned along an
enabled pay line, the player would be issued a prize. If not, the
spin or "hand" would be deemed a losing hand and the wager would be
lost. Modernly, slot machine games are controlled by computer
processors to select and display an outcome, to determine if a
winning or losing outcome has been obtained and to control the
other various aspects of the operation of the machines. Also, too,
modernly the mechanical reels have been replaced by video displays
which are controlled by the processor to display video simulations
of reels. The operation and control of such games are described in
Sunaga, U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,781 and Telnaes, U.S. Pat. No.
4,448,419.
[0003] Another wagering or casino game is the popular game of
Roulette. In a 1961 publication titled, "Scarne's new Complete
Guide to Gambling" by John Scarne, it was estimated that 13
millions of Americans played Roulette. In its table game version, a
table is provided with a layout of the numbers for Roulette of 1-36
and a "0" or a "0" and "00". As is well known, and shown in FIG. 2,
the Roulette layout presents the numbers in order and provides, in
addition to the numerical characteristic of each number, one or
more secondary characteristics of: (i) Red or Black, (ii) even or
odd, (iii) high or low (iv) 1.sup.st, 2.sup.nd, or 3.sup.rd dozen
of numbers and (v) column. Each characteristic can be separately
wagered upon, e.g. that the outcome will be a Red number, or will
be an even number. In addition to wagering on numbers or groups of
numbers, players often wager on these various number group,
secondary characteristic, propositions.
[0004] To play the game, players wager their chips on one or more
numbers an/or propositions and a ball is launched into the spinning
Roulette wheel. The Roulette wheel has numbers corresponding to the
numbers of the layout about its periphery separated by frets. The
ball eventually comes to rest on a number defining the number and
propositions outcome.
[0005] Drawbacks of table or "live" Roulette is that players may
become bored with the game, the number and nature of winning
propositions is limited and there is no mechanism to offer a large
jackpot.
[0006] It has been known to provide an electronic Roulette game
where either a physical or virtual wheel is provided and where
players can make wagers. For example in Rubin, U.S. Pat. No.
5,857,909 issued Jan. 12, 1999 there is disclosed an electronic
Roulette game which provides for number and proposition wagers as
well as sequential event (sequential hands of Roulette) wagering.
In Valdez, U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,999 issued Aug. 10, 1999 three
outcomes are produced by launching three balls into a modified
Roulette wheel. The player makes wagers based upon the anticipated
outcome(s) produced by the three, launched balls.
[0007] The same drawbacks that are noted with respect to live
Roulette apply to electronic Roulette and the games noted
above.
[0008] There is a need for a device and method which provides for
the excitement of both Roulette and slot machines, which can
provide a large jackpots and which provides for more frequent and
varied winning combinations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] There is, therefor, provided according to the present
invention a device and method which includes the familiarity of
Roulette into a slot machine game, which provides the ability to
offer large and varied winning outcomes, which is suitable to
playing with games linked through a local or wide area network (LAN
or WAN) or to be played over the Internet, which is fast-paced and
easy to understand.
[0010] Toward this end there is set forth an electronic gaming
device and method using ordered indicia such as the numbers of
Roulette which are arranged in the predetermined, serial, ordered
positions around a Roulette wheel as is well known.
[0011] Furthermore, and with reference to the indicia, e.g.
Roulette numbers, the numbers also have secondary characteristics
attributed according to the layout of a traditional Roulette layout
and/or wheel of being (i) odd or even, (ii) red, black or green
(iii) low or high, (iv) falling in the first, second or third
twelve numbers and/or (v) falling in first, second or third rows of
numbers. In a first embodiment the game processor is programmed to,
in response to prompting by the player, to permit the player (or
processor) to select on a 1.times.3 matrix secondary Roulette
number characteristics, e.g. 3.sup.rd dozen group of numbers in the
first column on the matrix, the color red for the second column and
odd for the third column on the 1.times.3 matrix. These secondary
characteristics for Roulette numbers include color (red or black),
odd or even, high or low, 1.sup.st, 2.sup.nd or 3.sup.rd dozens of
numbers and columns as presented on a Roulette layout. In response
to prompting by the player, the processor is further programmed to
permit the player (or the processor) to select on a further,
separate 1.times.3 matrix, Roulette numbers, e.g. the number 30 for
the first column, the number 11 for the second column and the
number 3 for the third column. The numbers being numbers presented
on a Roulette wheel.
[0012] The game processor is further programmed to, in response to
prompting by the player, randomly select (or to obtain the results
from a physical Roulette wheel, as is well known in the art) at
least three Roulette numbers defining an outcome set of numbers.
The outcome set of numbers is reported on a 3.times.3 matrix, where
for each column of the matrix the outcome number and the number to
either side of the outcome number as presented on a Roulette wheel,
are used to fill the column coordinates for the matrix. For
example, on a Roulette wheel the numbers are displayed about the
periphery in an ordered fashion as is well known and as shown in
FIG. 1. The processor may select the numbers of: 8, 11 and 35 (or
these numbers may be reported as the results of one or more spins
on a physical Roulette wheel). Using the selected numbers and the
numbers to either side as presented on the wheel reading the
numbers in a clockwise direction) would yield a 3.times.3 matrix of
the following numbers, for example:
1 30 36 12 8 11 35 23 30 3
[0013] The device also includes means for accepting a wager, for
enabling one or more pay lines of the 3.times.3 matrix and for
prompting play of the game.
[0014] The game processor is programmed to, once the selection on a
1.times.3 matrix of secondary Roulette number characteristics (as
described above) and on a further 1.times.3 matrix the Roulette
numbers (as also described above) are completed, in response to
prompting of play, randomly select at least three Roulette numbers
defining an outcome set of numbers, to display the outcome set of
numbers on the middle row of a 3.times.3 matrix, display the
numbers to either side of each number of the outcome set (as
presented on a Roulette wheel) to fill the column coordinates of
the 3.times.3 matrix, compare the characteristics of the outcome
set of numbers as displayed on the 3.times.3 matrix to those of
each of the two 1.times.3 matrices to determine matches and if a
predetermined pattern of matches occurs on the 3.times.3 matrix,
issue a prize. The secondary characteristics of the numbers of the
3.times.3 matrix are compared to the 1.times.3 matrix of the
secondary characteristics and the numbers of the 3.times.3 matrix
are compared to the 1.times.3 matrix of numbers. If, for example,
matches occur along a pay line the player is entitled to a prize.
If, for example, matches occur but are not on any particular pay
line, the player is entitled to a prize for scatters, e.g. matches
in any position on the 3.times.3 matrix.
[0015] In further and additional embodiments of the invention, for
matches in exact order of selected outcome numbers on a certain pay
line entitles the player to a bonus or jackpot.
[0016] In another embodiment, means are provided for the player or
the processor for the game to select for each column of a 3.times.3
matrix a sequence of three Roulette numbers. The selected numbers
and the numbers to either side of the selected number as presented
on the Roulette wheel are used to fill the column coordinates for
the matrix. For example, on a Roulette wheel the numbers are
disposed about the periphery in an ordered fashion as is well known
and as shown in FIG. 1. The player (or processor) may select the
numbers sequence of: 30, 8 and 23 for the first column, the numbers
sequence of 36, 11 and 30 for the second columns and the numbers
sequence of 12, 35 and 3 for the third column to yield a 3.times.3
matrix of the following numbers, for example:
2 30 36 12 8 11 35 23 30 3
[0017] The device also includes means for accepting a wager, for
enabling one or more pay lines of the matrix and for prompting play
of the game. The game processor is programmed to, in response to
prompting of play, randomly select at least three Roulette numbers
(or report the selection of three numbers from a physical Roulette
wheel) defining an outcome set of numbers, compare the
characteristics of the outcome set to those of the 3.times.3 matrix
to determine matches and if a predetermined pattern of matches
occurs issue a prize. The processor compares the outcome set
numbers to those of the 3.times.3 and is controlled to mark or
highlight matches. If, for example, matches occur along a pay line
the player is entitled to a prize. The Roulette numbers are
selected and compared to the numbers of the matrix and if a
predetermined number or pattern of corresponding numbers occur in
the matrix the player wins a prize.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] These and other features and advantages will become
appreciated as the same becomes better understood with reference to
the description claims and drawings wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 the layout of a typical Roulette wheel;
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a typical Roulette wagering layout;
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a system including wagering games
according to the present invention;
[0022] FIGS. 4A-C illustrate the play of the game according to one
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0023] FIGS. 5A-C illustrate play of the game according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION
[0024] Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2 a typical single zero Roulette
wheel 10 is shown. The wheel 10 is rotatable within a frame 12 as
is well known. The wheel 10 has about its periphery in an ordered
fashion (clockwise or counter clockwise) Roulette numbers of "0"
through "36". As can be appreciated, the ordering of the numbers on
the wheel 10 is not in numeric sequence but rather the numbers, as
to their numeric values, are mixed about the periphery.
Furthermore, the numbers each bear at least one secondary
characteristic other than their numerical value. For example, each
number has a secondary characteristic of color with "0" usually
being the color green and the other numbers evenly and
alternatively distributed between the colors red and black as is
also well known. Thus, while not illustrated in FIG. 1, each number
on the wheel 10 would have a color associated with them. As can be
appreciated, the fixed arrangement of the numbers on the wheel 10
provide a fixed ordering of numbers such that any selected number
on the wheel has known clockwise and counter clockwise adjacent
numbers. For example, the number "34" on the wheel 10 has adjacent
numbers of "17" and "6".
[0025] Also as is well known, the game of Roulette has a wagering
layout 14 as shown in FIG. 2. The layout 14 is presented for
players to make wagers on the various Roulette wagering
propositions. The numbers on the layout 14 are presented in
numerical order in three columns 16a-c and in three groups 18a-c of
twelve numbers. These propositions include wagering on the numbers
as well as the various secondary characteristics of those numbers.
These secondary characteristics include: (i) color, e.g. red or
black, (ii) odd or even, (iii) low (numbers 1-18) or high (numbers
19-16), (iv) the columns 16a-c and (v) the groups 18a-c.
[0026] For traditional Roulette, after each player has made their
wager(s), the wheel 10 is spun and a ball is launched into the
wheel. The ball eventually lands on a number which defines the
outcome for the spin. The outcome number and its secondary
characteristics are compared to each player's wagers to determine
if the player has a winning outcome. Players are paid at
pre-determined odds for their wagers based upon the proposition
wagered upon.
[0027] With the description of Roulette in mind, the various
embodiments of the present invention will now be described.
[0028] Turning to FIG. 3, a system 20 including a plurality of
electronic gaming machine devices 22 is shown. Each device 22
includes a housing 24 including a device controlling processor (not
shown) which controls the device 22 and a video display 26. As
shown, the video display 26 is controlled to display a video
representation of a wheel 10 and layout 14 as well as a game matrix
28. The displayed matrix has X vertical columns and preferably
three horizontal rows. In a preferred embodiment and the
embodiments described herein, the matrix 28 has three columns and
three rows.
[0029] Each device 22 processor is in communication with a host
processor unit 30 which controls the play of the game. The
communication may be through a local area network (LAN) wide area
network (WAN) or though the Internet. As shown in FIG. 3, the host
processor unit 30 may include a wheel 10 or a video representation
of a wheel 10. Where the wheel 10 at the host processor unit is a
physical wheel 10, means are provided to spin the wheel 10, launch
Roulette balls and to record and report the outcomes such as with a
suitable sensor. In regards to selecting the outcome, preferably
the unit 30 controls each wheel 10 at each device 22 display 26 to
replicate the selection of thee outcomes so that each player at
each device can observe the outcome.
[0030] In lieu of replicating the selection of the outcome at each
display 26, the unit 30 may include a common display of the wheel
10 for each player at a device 22 to observe such as by arranging
the devices 22 about the common unit 30 and having a Roulette wheel
10 in a position to be seen by players of all devices 22. In an
Internet embodiment of the system 20, the wheel 10 may be displayed
to the player via a television broadcast or by streaming digital
video images (not shown).
[0031] In lieu of replicating the layout 14 at each display 26, a
separate unit (not shown) may include a common layout 14 for each
player at the device 22 to observe such as by arranging the devices
22 about a common unit and having a layout 14 in a position to be
seen by players of all devices 22. In another embodiment the layout
14 may not be displayed at all.
[0032] Each device 22 also includes means for a player of the
device 22 to make a wager (not shown) to enable one or more pay
lines 32a-e shown at the matrix 28. With continuing reference to
FIG. 3, the horizontal rows define first, second and third pay
lines 32a-c and two diagonals define fourth and fifth pay lines
32d-e. It is to be understood that the game matrix 28 could have
more columns and/or rows so as to define more pay lines as desired.
As a player places wagers, pay lines 32a-e are enabled. For
example, the player may only enable the first pay line 32a, several
pay lines such as pay lines 32a, b or all pay lines 32a -e. For
purposes of this description, it will be assumed that the player
has made a wager sufficient to enable all pay lines 32a-e.
[0033] To play the game according to a first embodiment of the
present invention reference is made to FIGS. 3 and 4A-C. According
to this embodiment, the player at each device 22 wagers to enable
the selected pay lines 32a-e. For purposes of explanation, the
player has enabled all five pay lines 32a-e. The player then, using
a touch screen or other data entry means, selects three Roulette
numbers displayed at the display 26 as jackpot numbers 34a-c. For
purposes of this example, the player has selected the numbers "5",
"34" and "12". The jackpot numbers 34a-c as they are selected are
positioned in order in a 1.times.3 matrix over the columns of the
matrix 28 as shown in FIG. 4A. In addition to selecting the jackpot
numbers, the player selects for each column of the matrix 28 a
secondary characteristic 36a-c or result type. The player may use a
touch screen over the displayed layout 14 or other data input means
to make his selections. As shown in FIG. 4A, for purposes of the
example, the player has selected for the first column of the matrix
28 a secondary characteristic of "3.sup.rd12", for the second
column "Red" and for the third column "Odd". The selection of the
secondary characteristics are applied in order for each column and
displayed as a 1.times.3 matrix below each column as illustrated.
At this point there is nothing displayed at the coordinates of the
matrix 28.
[0034] After the player has made their selections, they await the
selection of the outcome. Where the machines are linked as shown on
FIG. 3, a timer for the unit 30 may provide a countdown to each
device 22 before the next spin to enable the players to make their
selections.
[0035] In lieu of the player making the selections of one or both
of the jackpot numbers 34a-c or secondary characteristics, this may
be done by the device 22 or host processor unit computers for the
player.
[0036] Further it should be understood that the devices 22 may be
arranged to be played independently whereby the player would make
their wager and selections and prompt play of the game. According
to this embodiment, the unit 30 and the linking of the devices 22
would not be required.
[0037] To select the outcome, the wheel 10 is spun to either
serially select three Roulette numbers or three balls are launched
to simultaneously select three numbers. Any other means could be
used to select three Roulette numbers. For purposes of the example,
and with reference to FIG. 4B, three Roulette numbers of "15", "8"
and "14" are randomly selected by the wheel 10. In addition to the
selected numbers, the outcome also includes the numbers, with
reference to the arrangement of numbers on a Roulette wheel 10, the
numbers to either side of the selected numbers resulting in an
outcome set of nine Roulette numbers, i.e. the three numbers
selected by the wheel 10 and the numbers to either side of each of
the selected numbers. For the present example, the Roulette wheel
10 has selected the numbers of "15", "8" and "14". These numbers
and the neighboring numbers on the wheel 10 are displayed in the
matrix 28 as shown in FIGS. 4A, B. In addition to the numbers, the
secondary aspect of color may also by shown with the numbers in the
matrix 28 since the color characteristic cannot be derived from the
numerical value of the number. With reference to FIGS. 4A-4C, the
cross hatching shows the numbers that are black, with the others
being red numbers. The outcome set is displayed at each device
display 26 or is displayed in a manner for each player to see.
[0038] After the selection and display of the outcome set, the host
processor unit 30 or each device 22 processor compares the
characteristics of the outcome set to the jackpot numbers 34a-c as
well as the secondary characteristics 36a-c to the secondary
characteristics applied to the matrix 28.
[0039] With reference to FIG. 4B, It can be seen that the outcome
set of numbers (i.e. 15, 32, 19, 8, 30, 23,14, 20 and 31) do not
include any of the jackpot numbers 34a-c. Further, with reference
to the secondary characteristics, there is no winning combination
along any enabled pay line 32a-e. Only coordinate of the matrix 28
having the "32" in the first column matches the secondary
characteristic of "3.sup.rd 12" 18c, for the second column the
numbers "30" and "23" match the secondary characteristic of the
color red and only the number "31" matches the secondary
characteristic of odd for the third column. None of the aforesaid
matching characteristics match along any pay line 32a-e. Thus the
player would lose their wager(s).
[0040] With reference to FIG. 4C another selected outcome set is
shown which produces a winner. As shown, the wheel 10 has selected
the numbers of "24", "1" and "28" resulting in the outcome set of:
24, 5, 16, 1, 33, 20, 28, 7 and 12. In regards to the jackpot
numbers 34a-c, it is seen that the numbers of "5" and "12" appear
in the outcome set and are disposed along pay line 32d. In regards
to the jackpot numbers, the game may be played having the prize
schedule of Table 1 below.
3 TABLE 1 Match Type Prize 3 exact 7000 3 mixed order 1000 3 in any
position 125 2 in any position 15
[0041] Thus, in the example of FIG. 4C, for the jackpot numbers
34a-c, the player would receive a prize of 15 units since he has
obtained two numbers on the matrix.
[0042] As for an award based upon the secondary characteristics,
the player does not receive a prize since the matching
characteristics for each column do not result in a match along any
pay line 32a-e.
[0043] Other example of outcomes for this embodiment of the game
are demonstrated below where "B" refers to black numbers and where
the numbers would be placed in the matrix 28.
4 Outcome 3 7 15B 36 28B 19 11B 12 4B 30
[0044] Pay line 32a is a winner of "28" (in the "3.sup.rd 12"),
"19" (Red) and "11" (Odd).
5 Outcome 4 35B 24B 6B 3 16 27 26B 33B 13B
[0045] Pay line 32d is a winner because "35" is in the 3.sup.rd 12,
"16" is red and "13" is odd.
[0046] As can be appreciated the player could have winning
combinations along several one or pay lines and receive an award
therefor.
[0047] After the outcomes for each device 22 have been resolved,
the timer is initiated for the players of the devices 22 to make
their wagers and selections and at the expiration of the
preselected time, an outcome set is chosen and the outcome set is
resolved against the chosen numbers, secondary characteristics and
the matrices.
[0048] With reference to FIGS. 5A-C a further embodiment of the
present invention is shown. According to this embodiment, after the
player makes a wager to enable selected pay lines 32a-e, the player
selects three numbers from the Roulette wheel 10 such as by a touch
screen at the display 26 or the like or use other data input means
to make his selection. In response to selecting a number the game
processor locates the selected number and the numbers to either
side in the matrix 28. For example, if the player selected the
numbers of "0", "9" and "28" the processor controls the display 26
to display the matrix as shown in FIGS. 5A, B including the
selected numbers as well as the numbers to either side as presented
on the wheel 10.
[0049] At the expiration of the timer, the host processor unit 30
controls the wheel 10 thereof to randomly select three Roulette
numbers, e.g. "26", "15" and "7", representing the outcome set. The
host unit 30 compares the numbers of the matrices at each enabled
device 22 or, in the alternative, transmits the outcome set to the
devices 22 for comparison thereat, to determine if the player has a
winning combination. For example, the outcomes (matches) and prizes
of Table 2 may be used.
6 TABLE 2 Prize Prizes for Matches on a pay line 3 exact order
matches 7000 3 mixed order matches 1000 Prizes for Scattered
Matches (Any position on the matrix) 3 Matches, any position 25 2
Matches, any position 3
[0050] With reference to FIGS. 5A, B it is seen that with an
outcome set of 26, 15 and 7 the player is entitled to a scatters
prize of 3 units since the numbers "26" and "7" appear in the
matrix. If the numbers selected by the player had been "0", "15"
and "29" as shown in FIG. 5C with the outcome set of 35, 15 and 18,
the player would be entitled to an exact order prize (three
matches) since all three numbers are in order along pay line
32e.
[0051] After the prizes have been paid, players make new wagers
within the time allotted and the host unit 30 thereafter selects
and displays the outcome set.
[0052] As can be appreciated, the games according to the prior art
can be played in a linked fashion as suggested in FIG. 3 with a
host processor unit 30 controlling the play of the devices 22
linked thereto. The host processor unit 30 would display the wheel
10 and selection of the outcome sets by controlling the displays 26
at the individual devices 22 to show the selection or by including
a common display or physical wheel 10 to select the outcome
sets.
[0053] Further, the wheel 10 may be adapted to accept three balls
simultaneously for the simultaneous selection of the outcome
sets.
[0054] Also as discussed above, the selection of the number
characteristics for the game matrix may be done by the player or
may be done by the host or device processor as desired.
[0055] The games according to the present invention provide the
player an opportunity to play a slot machine having characteristics
of the numbers of Roulette. Further the games provide the player
with multiple opportunities to win.
[0056] While I have shown and described certain embodiments of the
present invention, it is to be understood that the same is subject
to modification without departing form the spirit and scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *