U.S. patent application number 10/198969 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-26 for method of playing a table card game with an electronic multiplier bonus feature and apparatus for playing the game.
This patent application is currently assigned to Shuffle Master, Inc.. Invention is credited to Dunn, R. Brooke.
Application Number | 20020195773 10/198969 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27014857 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020195773 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dunn, R. Brooke |
December 26, 2002 |
Method of playing a table card game with an electronic multiplier
bonus feature and apparatus for playing the game
Abstract
A method of playing a casino table card game with a bonus event
has a player placing a first wager on a casino table card game;
providing a hand of cards to the player; determining if the hand of
cards provided to a player is within a definition of specific
triggering events; if the hand is determined to be within the
definition of specific triggering events, allowing the player to
enter a bonus game; the player enters at least one bonus game where
a random symbol is displayed on a visual display device associated
with the casino table, the random symbols identifying an award of
an absolute amount of value or a factor that is used to increase a
base amount; and resolving all wagers and awards for the player. An
apparatus for implementing the method is also shown.
Inventors: |
Dunn, R. Brooke; (Henderson,
NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Shuffle Master, Inc.
1106 Palms Airport Drive
Las Vegas
NV
89119
US
|
Assignee: |
Shuffle Master, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
27014857 |
Appl. No.: |
10/198969 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10198969 |
Jul 19, 2002 |
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09967461 |
Sep 28, 2001 |
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09967461 |
Sep 28, 2001 |
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09394748 |
Sep 13, 1999 |
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6471208 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/274 ;
273/292 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3244 20130101;
G07F 17/34 20130101; G07F 17/3267 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3262 20130101; G07F 17/3293 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/274 ;
273/292 |
International
Class: |
A63F 001/00; A63F
003/08 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A method of playing a casino table card game with a multiple
segment bonus event comprising: a player placing a first wager to
participate in a casino table game; providing game elements to the
player; determining if the game elements provided to a player is
within a definition of specific triggering events; if the game
elements are determined to be within the definition of specific
triggering events, allowing the player to enter a multiple segment
bonus game; the player enters a first segment of the bonus game
where a plurality of randomly selected game symbols are displayed
on a visual display device associated with the casino table, the
symbols selected from the group consisting of one or more of: an
absolute amount, a factor; a maximum payout symbol, a maximum
payout factor, extra round(s), a factor plus an extra round(s), an
absolute amount plus an extra round(s), a move at least one space
in a predetermined direction symbol, a whammy and combinations
thereof; randomly selecting a displayed symbol, and when the symbol
includes a factor, applying the factor to one or more of: the first
wager, a separate side bet wager, payout on the casino table card
game or a combination thereof; a player optionally participating in
a second bonus segment; and when the player participates in the
second bonus segment, the second bonus segment displays at least
three distinct game symbols from at least one symbol group type on
the visual display device, the game symbols displayed in the second
bonus segment selected from the following symbol group types
consisting of one or more of: an absolute amount, at least three
factors; a maximum payout symbol, a maximum payout factor, extra
round(s), a factor plus an extra round(s), an absolute amount plus
an extra round(s), a move at least one space on the visual display
device in a predetermined direction to another symbol, a whammy and
combinations thereof; randomly selecting a displayed game symbol,
and when the symbol is a factor, applying the factor to one or more
of the first casino game wager, a separate side bet wager, a payout
on the casino table card game, a payout on the first bonus segment
or a combination thereof; and resolving all wagers and awards for
the player.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the bonus game randomly assigns a
multiplying factor to be applied to a separate side bet wager to
determine a bonus award.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the player must place a side bet
wager for the player's hand to be determined within the definition
of a specific triggering event.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the casino table game comprises a
game of twenty-one.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the casino table game is a card
game, and the specific triggering event is a single hand of cards
with at least a specific rank.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the casino table game is a card
game, and the specific triggering event is a sequence of hands with
at least specific ranks.
7. The method of claim 4 wherein the specific triggering event
comprises a blackjack.
8. The method of claim 2 wherein the casino table game comprises a
game of twenty-one.
9. The method of claim 3 wherein the casino table game comprises a
game of twenty-one.
10. The method of claim 8 wherein the specific triggering event
comprises a blackjack.
11. The method of claim 2 wherein the factor is applied in a manner
selected from the group consisting of a) a wager placed to
participate in said casino table card game, b) an amount won in
play of the first casino table card game, c) an amount wagered to
participate in a bonus game, and d) an amount won in play of the
first casino table card game, less said wager placed to participate
in said game.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one bonus game where
a random symbol is displayed on a visual display device associated
with the casino table comprises at least two bonus segments.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein a second bonus game of said
bonus game is substantially similar to the first bonus game
segment.
14. The method of claim 12 and further comprising a third bonus
game, and the third bonus game is substantially similar to the
first and second bonus games.
15. The method of claim 1 wherein during play of the one bonus game
where a random symbol is displayed on a visual display device
associated with the casino table, at least one factor area is
highlighted on the visual display device.
16. The method of claim 1 wherein during play of the one bonus game
where a multiplicity of frames are displayed on a visual display
device associated with the casino table, and frames are
alternatively highlighted and not highlighted on the visual display
device.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein at least some of the random
symbols identify factors.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein a factor is randomly determined
in the first bonus game, values of factors times the amount wagered
are changed on the visual display device during play of the bonus
game, but before final selection of a random factor and display of
an awarded payout amount.
19. The method of claim 16 wherein the change between highlighting
and not highlighting is stopped, with a highlighting feature
identifying at least one factor.
20. An apparatus for playing a live casino table game with a bonus
game comprising: a casino table with player locations; a processor
operatively connected to the table; a video display device
associated with the table for displaying video information to
players at the table, the video display device including the
ability to simultaneously display multiple game symbols; the
computer containing a program to display a collection of game
symbols on the video display device in at least two separate bonus
game segments, wherein in a second bonus segment at least three
distinct symbols are simultaneously displayed; the game symbols
being related to identifying an award in the bonus game, the
symbols selected from the following group types consisting of one
or more of: an absolute amount, a factor, at least one extra bonus
event, a maximum payout, a whammy, at least one extra bonus event
and a factor, at least one extra bonus event and an absolute
amount, a move at least one space in a predetermined direction, and
combinations thereof, wherein a dealer or players have a dealer or
player controlled element to initiate display on the display device
of an award that is randomly selected by the processor.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein a multiplicity of frames is
used to identify the award and to increase the base amount and the
frames are displayed on the visual display device associated with
the casino table, and the frames are alternatively highlighted and
not highlighted on the visual display device.
22. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein a separate wagering area is
on the table to identify side bet wagers for players to enter a
bonus game.
23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein placing of a side bet wager
on the table is indicated at each player position by a visible
indicator other than the presence of a token, coinage or chip.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the visible indicator is
activated by a sensor for placement of a wager.
25. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein a spin button is present that
is engaged to alter a display on the visual display device.
26. A method of playing a casino table card game with a multiple
segment bonus event comprising: a player placing a first wager on a
casino table game and an optional wager to participate in a side
bet game; providing a plurality of game elements to the player;
determining if the game elements provided to a player is within a
definition of specific triggering events; if the game elements are
determined to be within the definition of specific triggering
events and the optional wager has been placed, allowing the player
to enter a multiple segment bonus game comprising at least two
distinct bonus events; and when the player's arrangement of game
elements are within the definition of a specific triggering event,
the player enters a first bonus event wherein a plurality of
randomly selected symbols are displayed in a display device in each
bonus event; randomly selecting a symbol; a player optionally
participating in a second bonus event wherein a plurality at least
three distinct randomly selected symbols are displayed on the
display device; randomly selecting a symbol; and resolving all
wagers and awards for the player.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the player who has placed the
optional wager has the option of participating in a second distinct
bonus event.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein all winnings from a first
distinct bonus event are placed at risk when the player chooses to
participate in a second distinct bonus event.
29. A method of displaying dynamic game awards in a live game of
chance, the method including: providing a gaming table with a
changeable display and bet sensing apparatus; providing a computer
programmed with game outcomes and associated odds and a random
number generator for randomly selecting game outcomes;
electronically sensing at least one bet; and displaying dynamic
payout information showing possible absolute payout amounts for a
given wager, the absolute payout amounts calculated using an amount
of a sensed bet.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein the dynamic payout information
comprises a pay table.
31. The method of claim 29, wherein the dynamic payout information
comprises a plurality of possible payout amounts.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the displayed payout amounts
are a product of an amount wagered times a plurality of possible
payout multipliers.
33. The method of claim 29, wherein the dynamic payout information
displays payouts on a side bet game.
34. The method of claim 29, wherein the dynamic payout information
displays payouts on a live game of chance base game.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/967,461 filed Sep. 28, 2001
entitled: METHOD OF PLAYING A GAME, APPARATUS FOR PLAYING A GAME
AND GAME WITH MULTIPLIER BONUS FEATURE which in turn is a
continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 9/394,748 filed Sep. 13, 1999 entitled: METHOD OF PLAYING A
GAME, APPARATUS FOR PLAYING A GAME AND GAME WITH MULTIPLIER BONUS
FEATURE now U.S. Pat. No. ______.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is directed to novel gaming devices,
novel gaming processes and novel games and game apparatus
associated with card table games. In some casino games,
predetermined events at the table (such as achieving a blackjack)
trigger bonus segments and bonus events. A processor driven system
is used to support the bonus feature.
[0004] 2. Background of the Art
[0005] Games of chance have been enjoyed by people for thousands of
years and have enjoyed increased and widespread popularity in
recent times. As with most forms of entertainment, players enjoy
playing a wide variety of casino games and enjoy learning to play
new games. Playing new games adds to the excitement of "gaming." As
is well known in the art and as used herein, the term "gaming" and
"gaming devices" are used to indicate that some form of wagering is
involved, and that players must make wagers of value, whether
actual currency or some equivalent of value, e.g., token or credit.
Table games are those gaming systems where players at a physical
table engage in the play of a wagering game, usually with a dealer
(directly involved in the play of a wagering game) or a house
representative (not involved in actual play, but directing the play
of a wagering game). Cards, either a standard playing card deck,
multiple standard decks, modified decks, video representations of
cards, or specialty decks are generally used in the play of casino
table games such as casino table card games. Table games may also
be equipped with electronic equipment to record betting, control
progressive meters, etc.
[0006] A particularly popular casino table game is twenty-one or
Blackjack. As outlined in U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,492 (LeVasseur),
conventional twenty-one is played in most casinos and involves a
game of chance between a dealer and one or more players using a
standard deck or multiple decks of playing cards. The object is for
the player to achieve a count of his hand closer to 21 than the
count of the hand of the dealer. If the count of the player's hand
goes over 21 then the player loses regardless of the final count of
the dealer's hand.
[0007] At least one standard deck of playing cards is used to play
the game. The game is most commonly dealt as a multiple deck game
but is also dealt as a single deck and double deck game. Each card
counts as its face value, except aces, which have a value of one or
eleven as is most beneficial to the count of the hand. Each player
initially receives two cards. The dealer also receives two cards.
One of the dealer's cards usually is dealt face down and the other
of the dealer's cards is dealt face up. In some forms of the game,
all player cards are dealt face up and players are not permitted to
touch their cards.
[0008] A player may draw additional cards (take "hits") in order to
try and beat the ultimate count of the dealer's hand or to remain
in play when a dealer exceeds a count of twenty-one (known as
"busting" or "breaking"). If the player's card count exceeds 21,
the player "busts." Similarly, if the dealer's card count exceeds
21, the dealer busts. The player may "stand" on any count of 21 or
less. When a player busts, he loses his wager regardless of whether
or not the dealer busts. After all of the players have taken hits
or stood on their hand, the dealer "stands" or "hits" based on
pre-established rules for the game. Typically, if the dealer has a
card count of less than 17, the dealer must take a hit. If the
dealer has a card count of 17 or more, the dealer stands.
[0009] After the dealer's final hand has been established, the
numerical count of the dealer's hand is compared to the numerical
count of the player's hand. If the dealer busts, the player wins
regardless of the numerical count of his hand. If neither the
player nor the dealer have busted, the closest hand to numerical
count of 21, without going over, wins; tie hands are a "push."
[0010] As used in the preceding description and in this disclosure,
the terms "conventional twenty-one" and "the conventional manner of
play of twenty-one" mean the game of twenty-one as described herein
and also including any of the known variations of the game of
twenty-one. There are many such variations, such as removal of
specific value cards, addition of wild cards, bonuses for
consecutive blackjacks, bonuses for suited blackjacks, automatic
wins with at least six cards in a players' hand, wins for
`five-card straights` in a player's cards, progressive payouts on
side bets for strings of certain ranks of cards, i.e., 2's, 3's,
7's and the like.
[0011] Twenty-one has remained remarkably popular and unchanged
over the years. Because of its popularity, the fast speed of play,
and the need to reduce or eliminate card counting by players,
twenty-one is usually played with multiple decks of cards that are
frequently shuffled.
[0012] Other casino table card games include Let It Ride.RTM. stud
poker (as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,081, a playing card
wagering game method which involves each player placing a three
part bet. Cards are dealt by the dealer, two face down to the
dealer and three face down to each player. Players inspect or
"sweat" their cards and the dealer gives each player the choice of
withdrawing or leaving at risk a first part of the bet. Each player
decides and the dealer then turns over one of the cards and again
gives each player the choice of withdrawing or leaving the second
part of the bet. The players decide, their cards are shown, and all
remaining bets, which were not withdrawn, are resolved.); Caribbean
Stud.RTM. poker (as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,86,553, a card
game in which a player and a dealer are each dealt five cards. If
the dealer has a poker hand having a value less than an Ace-King
combination or better, the player automatically wins. If the dealer
has a poker hand having a value of an Ace-King combination or
better, then the higher of the player's or the dealer's hand wins.
If the player wins, he receives a bonus payment depending on the
poker rank of his hand.); and Pai Gow poker (as described in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,275,411 in association with a unique card shuffling and
dealing system). Although both Let It Ride.RTM. stud poker and
Caribbean Stud.RTM. poker have the potential for the award of
bonuses, these bonuses are directly dependent upon the occurrence
of hands of very high rank to a player.
[0013] Another popular game of chance is the slot machine.
Conventionally, a slot machine is configured for a player to wager
something of value, e.g., currency, house token, established credit
or other representation of currency or credit. After the wager has
been made, the player activates the slot machine to cause a random
event to occur. The player wagers that particular random events
will occur that will return value to the player. A standard device
causes a plurality of reels to spin and ultimately stop, displaying
a random combination of some form of indicia, for example, numbers
or symbols. If this display contains one of a preselected plurality
of winning combinations, the machine releases money into a payout
chute or increments a credit meter by the amount won by the player.
For example, if a player initially wagered two coins of a specific
denomination and that player achieved a payout, that player may
receive the same number or multiples of the wager amount in coins
of the same denomination as wagered.
[0014] There are many different formats for generating the random
display of events that can occur to determine payouts in wagering
devices. The standard or original format was the use of three reels
with symbols distributed over the face of the wheel. When the three
reels were spun, they would eventually each stop in turn,
displaying a combination of three symbols (e.g., with three reels
and the use of a single payout line as a row in the middle of the
area where the symbols are displayed.) By appropriately
distributing and varying the symbols on each of the reels, the
random occurrence of predetermined winning combinations can be
provided in mathematically predetermined probabilities. By clearly
providing for specific probabilities for each of the preselected
winning outcomes, precise odds that control the amount of the
payout for any particular combination and the percentage return on
wagers for the house can be readily controlled.
[0015] Other formats of gaming apparatus that have developed in a
progression from the pure slot machine with three reels have
dramatically increased with the development of video gaming
apparatus. Rather than have only mechanical elements such as wheels
or reels that turn and stop to randomly display symbols, video
gaming apparatus and the rapidly increasing sophistication in
hardware and software have enabled an explosion of new and exciting
gaming apparatus. The earlier video apparatus merely imitated or
simulated the mechanical slot games in the belief that players
would want to play only the same games. Early video games therefore
were simulated slot machines. The use of video gaming apparatus to
play new games such as draw poker and Keno broke the ground for the
realization that there were many untapped formats for gaming
apparatus.
[0016] Now casinos may have hundreds of different types of gaming
apparatus with an equal number of significant differences in play.
The apparatus may vary from traditional three reel slot machines
with a single payout line, reel slot machines with bonus features
(such as Wheel of Fortune.RTM.) video simulations of three reel
video slot machines, to five reel, five column simulated slot
machines with a choice of twenty or more distinct pay lines,
including randomly placed lines, scatter pays, or single image
payouts.
[0017] In addition to the variation in formats for the play of
games, bonus plays, bonus awards, and progressive jackpots have
been introduced to gaming machines with great success. The bonuses
may be associated with the play of games that are quite distinct
from the play of the original game, such as the video display of a
horse race with "bets" on the individual horses randomly assigned
to players that qualify for a bonus, the spinning of a wheel with
fixed amounts of a variety of bonus payout amounts on the wheel (or
simulation thereof), or attempting to select a random card that is
of higher value than a card exposed on behalf of a virtual
dealer.
[0018] Examples of such gaming apparatus with a distinct bonus
feature includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,823,874; 5,848,932; 5,836,041;
U.K. Patent Nos. 2 201 821 A; 2 202 984 A; and 2 072 395A; and
German Patent DE 40 14 477 A1. Each of these patents differs in
fairly subtle ways as to the manner in which the bonus round is
played. British patent 2 201 821 A and DE 37 00 861 A1 describe a
gaming apparatus in which after a winning outcome is first achieved
in a reel-type gaming segment, a second segment is engaged to
determine the amount of money or extra games awarded. The second
segment gaming play involves a spinning wheel with awards listed
thereon (e.g., the number of coins or number of extra plays) and a
spinning arrow that will point to segments of the wheel with the
values of the awards thereon. A player will press a stop button and
the arrow will point to one of the values. The specification
indicates both that there is a level of skill possibly involved in
the stopping of the wheel and the arrow(s), and also that an
associated computer operates the random selection of the rotatable
numbers and determines the results in the additional winning game,
which indicates some level of random selection in the second gaming
segment.
[0019] U.K. Patent No. 2 202 984 A describes a slot machine in
which when a player has not won a prize in the basic game (that in
itself is a randomly determined event), there is the possibility of
winning a prize in a complementary game of chance, such as a
lottery where numbered balls are removed from a rotating drum
device.
[0020] U.K. Patent No. 2 072 395 A describes a gaming or amusement
machine having a spinning reel device and a video screen on which a
video game may be displayed. Play on the video game may be an award
for winning events on the reels.
[0021] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,823,874 and 5,848,932 describe a gaming
device comprising: a first, standard gaming unit for displaying a
randomly selected combination of indicia, said displayed indicia
selected from the group consisting of reels, indicia of reels,
indicia of playing cards, and combinations thereof; means for
generating at least one signal corresponding to at least one select
display of indicia by said first, standard gaming unit; means for
providing at least one discernible indicia of a mechanical bonus
indicator, said discernible indicia indicating at least one of a
plurality of possible bonuses, wherein said providing means is
operatively connected to said first, standard gaming unit and
becomes actuable in response to said signal. In effect, the second
gaming event simulates a mechanical bonus indicator such as a
roulette wheel or wheel with a pointing element.
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,696 makes an advance in combined gaming
technology by providing a video display in conjunction with a
physical casino table card game as a separate game. A side game
with potential wagering is provided along with an underlying game.
The side game may include the use of symbols or cards or card
figures, and may be played live, on video gaming apparatus, or with
a combination of live play and various display means, including,
but not limited to, cathode ray tubes (monitors), light-emitting
diodes (LED's), Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD's), plasma displays
and other video gaming displays. A method of playing both an
underlying game and a side bet game has the steps of: a) playing an
underlying game in which at least two cards are received and at
least two cards are kept by a player at the end of an underlying
game and at least one wager is placed by the player on the
underlying game, b) a player placing a wager on a side bet game, c)
providing to the view of the player at least two randomly generated
cards which become a part of the side bet game, d) comparing the at
least two cards kept at the end of the underlying game to the at
least two randomly generated cards which become part of the side
bet game, and e) determining a level of correspondence between the
at least two cards kept at the end of the underlying game and the
at least two randomly generated cards which become part of the side
bet game. Wagers may be placed at any time before, during or after
play of the underlying game.
[0023] To increase the excitement and entertainment of the player
and to offer new games to the player, side bet games have been
developed, both for live gaming and for video gaming. In some
situations, awards for the side bet games may be independent of the
rank of the dealt hand in the primary game. A common feature in
some poker games is the addition of a progressive jackpot, as
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,861,041; 5,377,973; 5,584,485; and
5,626,341 and specifically to games of Twenty-One in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,288,077; 5,364,105; and 5,577,731. These patents generally show
that a progressive, and possibly much higher value jackpot, may be
won by a player by making a separate and independent wager at the
beginning of the primary game (before cards are dealt). This
separate wager is won if predetermined arrangements of cards, such
as certain poker hands of rated value (usually at least three-of
a-kind, straight, flush, full house, four-of a-kind, straight flush
and royal flush), are achieved in the play of the hand. The highest
progressive jackpot value is usually won when the player obtains a
royal flush, either with the cards in a specific order (e.g., A K Q
J 10, also referred to as a "positional win") or in a random order
(e.g., with the cards A K Q J 10 appearing in any arrangement or
order). With the separate bet being placed, the jackpot or special
award for the player achieving a rated (higher value) hand is paid
in addition to awards won in the play of the primary game. This
separate wager, however, is still won only when the player exhibits
a hand with a relatively high poker value. A predetermined
arrangement of cards which is independent of play in the underlying
game could be, for example, a rank of a poker hand achieved in the
play of a hand of Twenty-One, four aces in a Twenty-One game, or a
Twenty-One point count total achieved in a poker hand. An example
of a predetermined arrangement of cards which is dependent upon
play of the underlying game could be, for example, specific ranks
of poker hands (e.g., four-of a-kind or straight flush) achieved
during play of an underlying poker game.
[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,998 describes a complex system of
blackjack play using an adjunct computing system for playing a card
game involving a dealer and at least one player. The method
includes the step of establishing a predetermined player jackpot
tally event wherein said predetermined player jackpot tally event
is a predetermined outcome of a player's card hand. The method
includes establishing a predetermined dealer bust event wherein
said predetermined dealer bust event is a predetermined outcome of
a dealer's card hand; providing a player jackpot tally event status
display for each player comprising a numeric LED readout visible to
all players and the dealer and providing a dealer bust event status
display. The display includes a numeric LED readout visible to all
players and the dealer. The method further includes starting a
round of play by dealing a card hand to each player and to the
dealer; determining whether a player jackpot tally event has
occurred for each player and determining whether a dealer bust
event has occurred for the dealer. The player's player jackpot
tally event is incremented if said player's card hand is a
predetermined player jackpot tally event. The method includes the
step of incrementing said dealer bust event display if said
dealer's card hand is a predetermined dealer bust event; continuing
another round of play and incrementing each player jackpot tally
event display and dealer bust event display as recited above. While
continuous rounds are played, players are rewarded when their
player jackpot tally event display has exceeded a predetermined
player jackpot tally event threshold. All players are rewarded if
said dealer bust event display has exceeded a predetermined dealer
bust event threshold. The player jackpot tally event display is
zeroed when the associated player's card hand does not increment
the player's said jackpot tally event display. The method also
includes zeroing said dealer jackpot tally event display when the
dealer's card hand did not increment said dealer bust event
display.
[0025] U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,270 describes an apparatus for playing a
game consisting of an auxiliary prize game played along with a
principal casino game played by a dealer and a plurality of players
seated at a plurality of player positions at a casino gaming table.
The players possess a number of gaming symbols as a result of
playing said principal casino game. The apparatus includes an input
device generating a game state signal in response to a dealer
command input and a random selector generating at random a value
representing a set of said player positions. The set of player
positions consists of at least one of none, some and all of said
player positions; and a selection indicator indicating based on
said value and in response to said state signal ones of said player
positions having been selected. Players enjoy an extra random
component in the determination of winnings in the auxiliary prize
game.
[0026] There are currently a number of commercially available
blackjack games with side bet opportunities. One such game is
called Wheel of Madness.TM.. The player makes a mandatory bet on
the blackjack game, and optionally places a bonus bet on the
occurrence of a blackjack. If the player obtains a blackjack, the
bonus wheel is activated. A random number generator is used to
select the bonus outcome, and a processor sends a signal to a
device that stops the wheel at the randomly selected position. A
pointer points to one of the absolute amounts displayed on the
wheel, identifying the payout amount.
[0027] Another example of a game with side bet opportunities is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,418. The base game is five card
poker. The apparatus includes an auxiliary wheel with absolute
payout amounts on the face of the wheel. A number of preselected
hand combinations qualifies the player to spin the wheel. A
prerequisite to participating in the bonus event is first placing a
side bet on the occurrence of a qualifying event. Some of the areas
on the wheel are blank, signifying a loss. If the player wins,
there is an option to double the amount won or lose the entire
amount. Each area on the wheel is also coded with an indication of
win/loss, such as black/red, odd/even, win/lose. If, after the
wheel is spun the wheel lands on a "win" designation, the amount
won in the first bonus spin is doubled. In the second bonus round
of the game, there are only two distinct symbols types that are
used to evaluate the outcome. That is, a win symbol or a loss
symbol. A win corresponds to a multiplier of 2, and a loss
corresponds to a multiplier of zero.
[0028] In a game recently introduced by Mikohn Gaming in Las Vegas,
Nev., a live casino blackjack game is equipped with a Monopoly.RTM.
side bet apparatus and feature. The side bet feature is a video
display bearing a visual representation of a Monopoly.RTM. game
board. If the player has made the optional side bet and receives a
blackjack, a video representation of a train moves around the
outside of the board, slowly reducing its speed until the front of
the train stops at one of the board locations, designating the
selected location. Each location bears a payout multiplier. The
amount wagered on the side bet game times the randomly selected
multiplier defines the bonus payout. The bonus game offers only one
bonus round.
[0029] Since it is desirable to offer players games that they have
not played before, it would be desirable to provide new games with
new additional opportunities to receive winning payouts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0030] The present invention is a live casino game equipped with a
separate bonus gaming apparatus capable of determining outcomes of
an auxiliary side bet game. In one example of the invention, the
live casino game is blackjack, and the separate gaming apparatus
comprises a video gaming apparatus with a processor, a random
number generator, and a video bonus display.
[0031] In the broadest form of the invention, the casino table card
game includes an auxiliary, bonus-effecting gaming process and
gaming apparatus. The base casino table card game provides a method
in which after a player provides at least an initial wager, a
predetermined event or events provide an outcome or series of
outcomes that are considered to determine if a defining event
occurs, such as a predetermined arrangement of cards, predetermined
order of cards, predetermined number of consecutive wins or losses,
a dealer hand matching a player hand in rank, suit or rank and
suit, or predetermined combinations of cards in a single hand
(e.g., blackjack, same suited blackjack, split aces double
blackjack, split tens double blackjack or blackjack and twenty's,
for example) occurs. In one form of the invention, the player
optionally places a bet to participate in a bonus game. Upon the
occurrence of a defining event, and if the player makes the
optional bonus wager, the player participates in the bonus event.
The amount wagered in the bonus event may be equal to the original
wager in the base game, or unequal, and is preferably a separate
wager on the occurrence of the defining event (e.g., a side bet or
bonus bet). The bonus event comprises at least two gaming segments,
more than two gaming segments, or a series of at least two related
gaming play segments that are substantively different from the base
game. The bonus event is a random event controlled and played on a
game processor (e.g., computer, hardware, software, an independent
random number generator, and the like or gaming machine controller,
for example), while the first gaming segment is played with
physical cards at a casino table or on an automated video gaming
table, with dice, chips, wheels, reels or other wagering
instrumentality at a casino table. At least one of the bonus gaming
segments comprises a display of multiple panels, such as frames
within one or more video displays (e.g., monitors, screens, panels,
etc.) that each display multiple game symbols, such as
multiplication factors, absolute payout amounts or other game
symbols. Displayed payout amounts may be absolute payouts or
payouts resulting from randomly selected multipliers that are not
displayed to the player. The symbols, amounts or factors within
each frame change over time during bonus game play, either randomly
or in sequence. If the bonus segment of the game is a multiple
bonus segment game, at least three distinct and different symbols,
from one or more symbol group types including absolute amounts,
factors or other special game symbols appear within at least some
of the frames in subsequent bonus segments. Certain symbols may
also appear at a different frequency during subsequent bonus
segments. For example, a variety of multipliers appear in a first
bonus sequence at a predetermined frequency. In the second bonus
round, the higher or larger multipliers occur at a higher
frequency, but symbols designating a loss also appear. At least one
highlighting feature, such as increased or decreased light
intensity of the frames optionally occurs during the time when the
symbols or factors are changing. The random selection may also
occur without any highlighting so that their selection has no
visual imagery except for the conclusion.
[0032] A player may activate a "stop" button to halt both the
changing of symbols, payout amounts or factors within a frame and
stop the highlighting feature so that at least one frame is
highlighted. In a preferred form of the invention, a random number
generator generates outcomes, and the player activated "stop"
button does not determine game outcomes. Alternatively, the game
controller may allot an amount of time to press the button, and
automatically stop the display when the time is expired. The
highlighted frame presents a multiplication factor, amounts or
other bonus symbol that is applied to the side wager, the base game
wager or the amount awarded from the occurrence of the
predetermined event in the first play segment. The result of the
multiplication of the predetermined amount (e.g., the initial
wager, the side bet amount, a bonus win amount or the amount
awarded) may then preferably be carried forward into at least one
more (and even additional) gaming segment(s) that optionally
includes a displayed multiplier. In one form of the game, the
multipliers randomly selected, (from a preferred group of whole
numbers between zero and 50.times. the amount wagered), but only
the possible absolute payout amounts are displayed. Such a display
technique is referred to as a "dynamic pay table" or a "dynamic
payout amount" and will be described in further detail below.
[0033] The first segment of the gaming device of the present
invention is a casino table game. The game may be any casino game,
ranging from card games, to dice games, to wheel games, to games
that utilize chips, tiles or any known gaming instrumentality. If
the game is a casino card game, it can be blackjack or a variation,
variants of poker specifically or generally referenced above, but
also Casino War.TM., match card games, Three Card Poker.TM.,
baccarat, and the like. The first segment preferably awards payouts
for specific predetermined events or wins that occur in the play of
the game. Preferably, the occurrence of a minimum number of a
single predefined event(s) occurring in the play of the game
triggers the bonus event. For example, the roll of a combined value
of 7 or snake eyes in a dice game could trigger the bonus event.
The predetermined event(s) may or may not be wins in the actual
game. For example, in the game of blackjack, a preferred
predetermined event is the occurrence of a player blackjack (2 card
twenty-one). The use of scanning technology (electronic recognition
of bets, card rank and suit, player identity, and the like) on the
table to keep track of events is also very useful in identifying
specific events or series of events that are intended to result in
triggering a bonus event.
[0034] Such a bonusing event and device could easily be
incorporated into an electronic gaming table such as the device
described in Sines et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,069 entitled
Automatic System for Playing Live Casino Table Games Having
Tabletop Changeable Playing Card Displays and Monitoring Security
Features, the content which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Or, the device could be used in connection with one or more of the
secure table systems such as the device described in Mikohn Gaming,
Inc.'s U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,267,671 and 5,586,936. The content of the
two above-identified specifications are also incorporated by
reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 shows a display panel with a first format for
providing an indication of bonus indicia.
[0036] FIG. 2 shows a display panel with a second format for
providing an indication of bonus indicia.
[0037] FIG. 3 shows a casino table with player positions and a
bonus display screen associated with the casino table.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] The various embodiments of the present invention are
designed to provide added excitement to a casino table game and to
increase the enjoyment to players. The underlying concept in the
practice of the invention comprises a game, gaming process and
gaming apparatus to implement the game. The game comprises a player
entering a first base casino game, such as roulette, craps or a
card game. Since casino card games are by far the most popular live
casino game in many areas of the country, the device and method
will be described with reference to a casino card game. It is to be
understood that it is within the scope of the invention to
incorporate the side bet apparatus and method of the present
invention into virtually any live casino game of chance.
[0039] In the context of a casino card game, players usually enter
first base gaming segment by placing one or more wagers on a
randomly occurring event or events, such as the attainment of a
single unique player's hand or a sequence of events in a card game
(e.g., either 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 card stud, draw poker, wild card
poker, Pai Gow poker, blackjack or variants thereon). The normal
wager may be placed on the table to participate in the live casino
game. If a side bet is used in entering the play of the chance to
engage in a bonus event, this may be done by separate positioning
of a wager on the table. The dealer may collect the side bet or the
table apparatus sensing the side bet wager and the dealer or
apparatus collecting the sensed side bet wager (e.g., with a drop
box automatically collecting inserted coins or tokens, accessing
credit directly, inserting currency or credit cards to establish a
line of credit, physically placing the bet on the table and having
the dealer sweep the bets after the bet is electronically
registered or physically marked, or diminishing existing credit
evidenced in the apparatus, as on a credit display).
[0040] The first segment game is preferably blackjack, and
preferably blackjack played with physical cards, although a video
simulation table game of blackjack may also be used. In a preferred
form of the game, players optionally place a second side bet on the
occurrence of a predetermined event in the first segment to qualify
for play in a subsequent multiple segment bonus game. The base game
may be a house banked game, or a player banked game. Player banked
games allow the player banking the game to collect all player
losses, but also require the player to award payouts. The house
takes a rake that is usually a flat fee, a fee per unit time or a
percentage of wagers placed. In a player banked game, players take
turns banking each round of play. Players who do not wish to bank
the round may pass. Players who choose to bank a game can represent
themselves, or represent an organization that banks such games. The
house provides a dealer to administer the game. California card
rooms currently operate player banked versions of many casino table
games, including blackjack, Let it Ride.RTM. Stud Poker and Three
Card Poker.RTM., to name a few examples.
[0041] In the play of the bonus game of the present invention,
players may be awarded a fixed number of bonus plays or specific
numbers of bonus plays or rounds depending upon the particular
predetermined events that occur. These bonus numbers of plays may
be awarded by providing player(s) symbols on the video display that
are associated with the bonus event and/or by special signaling
(one or more lights or screen displayed symbols) at specific player
positions. One preferred specialty symbol includes a "whammy," in
the form of an animated devil that serves as a symbol for the bonus
feature. In one form of the game, the "whammy" designates a loss in
a particular bonus segment or the entire bonus round. This should
not be considered a "factor" in the definitions of the present
invention, but should be considered a loss or end-game event. In
one example of the invention, the number of bonus play events in
the bonus segment of the game is variable, and is within the
control of the players. Assignee's co-pending application describes
a method of providing second screen multiplier features in a video
wagering game. The subject matter of that co-pending application,
"Method of Scoring a Video Wagering Game," Ser. No. 08/820,438,
filed Mar. 12, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,711 is herein
incorporated by reference.
[0042] As previously noted, certain designated events in each game
may trigger bonus play. The player is then awarded a predetermined
number (e.g., two, three or more) of "opportunities" to participate
in the bonus segment. Although in the example provided above the
triggering event is a single winning event (for example, obtaining
a blackjack), it is not necessary to award the player a payout in
the first segment to qualify the player to participate in the
second segment of the game. It is also not necessary to provide
only one triggering event. For example, in a blackjack base game,
the triggering event might be one or more of: a blackjack, a suited
blackjack, consecutive blackjacks, consecutive 21's, specific
numbers of consecutive losses (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 consecutive
losses), consecutively dealt cards such as three sevens or an event
unrelated to the game, such as the random selection of a player
present at the table at a specified time, or any other specific
event that is defined in drafting rules for the play of the base
game to trigger bonus play. When the base game is poker, examples
of the specific triggering event or events include five-card
straight in a player's hand, full houses or better (these events
could also be used in a blackjack game).
[0043] The advantage of card and/or bet sensing in the play of the
base game can be appreciated as a facilitating apparatus in the
play of the bonus aspects of the game. By programming a processor
as to the bonus triggering events, these events may be
automatically identified by an apparatus, rather than requiring the
dealer or the player to accurately account for events (e.g., three
consecutive blackjacks or six consecutive losses coupled with a
corresponding bet). The processor associated with the reading of
cards to individual hands [e.g., done by scanning cards as they
leave a shoe, scanning cards as the shuffling apparatus deals
hands, scanning cards within the shuffling or hand creating
apparatus (as described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 09/957,665, filed Sep. 20, 2001, and titled, Card Shuffler With
Sequential Card Feeding Module And Method Of Delivering Groups Of
Cards), scanning or optically sensing cards on the table surface
may also be used to signal the occurrence of the predetermined
triggering event, control the play of the bonus event, verify
qualification to participate in the bonus event (e.g.--verify the
presence of a side bet in a predetermined location), determine the
amount involved in the bonus play (e.g., by weighing chips,
optically scanning chips to determine how many chips have been
wagered, calculating extra award amounts entered into bonus play,
or the like, as known in the art and as improved upon), calculate
awards, signal displays to publicize bonus events, control sound
and visual displays, and the like.
[0044] After providing a conclusion to an event in the play of the
first gaming segment, the play of that hand or consecutive hands
are examined to determine if a defining event has occurred. A
defining event, defined event, or predefined event means in the
practice of the present invention that a predetermined random event
has occurred that is recognized as a predetermined defined event,
as described above. At least some portion (including all) of either
or both the initial wager, a side wager and/or any amount awarded
to the player for the occurrence of the defining event may then be
carried forth into the play of the first bonus segment, the second
segment (and optionally subsequent segments) of the game. In one
preferred embodiment, the defining event is the occurrence of, for
example, a blackjack. The entrance into the bonus segment is
compulsory when the rules of the game so dictate and is optional in
another example of the invention. The play of the bonus segment
requires the play of at least two distinct rounds of play, and
preferably includes the option to engage in multiple rounds of
bonus play after the first bonus segment. When the bonus segment of
the game includes at least two bonus rounds, it is desirable that
all of the distinct rounds of play require that the amount of wager
in the bonus play is multiplied (factored) by one or more award
factors or multipliers determined in the play of each bonus play
segment. In a preferred form of the invention, upon placing an
optional side wager, and upon the occurrence of a defining event,
the player participates in a first round of bonus play. At the
conclusion of the round, the player has the option to return to the
first segment of play or put the amount won in the first bonus
round at risk in a second bonus round. In one form of the game, a
minimum first round bonus award is 1.times. the amount wagered. In
the second round, it is possible to lose the bonus award carried
forward from the first bonus round.
[0045] According to the invention, in the second or subsequent
bonus game segments, at least three distinct symbols are displayed
on the screen at any given time. Most preferably, a large number
(such as 18, for example) of game symbols are simultaneously
displayed. The symbols may be selected from a number of symbol
group types. One preferred symbol group type is a multiplier.
Another preferred symbol group type is an absolute payout amount.
The absolute payout amount can be a randomly selected payout
amount, or the product of a randomly selected multiplier and an
amount wagered. Other symbol types include special game symbols,
such as a whammy (designating a loss), an extra spin or spins
symbol, an absolute amount plus an extra spin or spins, a
multiplier plus an extra spin or spins, a skip a defined number of
frames to a new game symbol, or other game symbol.
[0046] According to the invention, when three distinct symbols are
displayed, the symbols may all be of the same symbol group type or
of different types. In one example of the invention, all displayed
game symbols in the first bonus spin are of one type (absolute
payout amounts that are the product of available game multipliers
and the amount wagered), and all displayed game symbols in the
second bonus spin are of two different types--absolute payout
amounts that are the product of available game multipliers and an
amount wagered on the bonus event, and whammies (which are not to
be considered a factor). Many other symbol combinations are
possible, and the invention is not intended to be limited to the
particular symbol combinations described in the examples.
[0047] It is preferred that a side bet be made to effect or allow
entry into bonus play prior to or at the same time of making a bet
in the base game to allow bonus events to be awarded, and for the
size of the side bet to be used as the monetary basis for award of
multiples in the bonus play. For example, a one-dollar side bet may
be placed, and when the bonus event occurs, the sum of the randomly
determined multipliers (times the initial side bet) in separate
bonus rounds will be awarded, or even the factor of the multiples
(times the initial side bet) will be awarded. Again, if the initial
side bet wager were one or five dollars, with two bonus spins, the
award for a first factor of 5 and a second factor of 50 would be 50
dollars for a one-dollar side bet and 250 dollars for a five dollar
side bet wager (when the factors are additive) and 250 dollars and
1250 dollars if the factors are to be factored (5.times.50) against
the initial side bet wager. In this example of the invention, side
bets are swept, the payouts do not include the amounts wagered. In
other forms of the invention, the bets stay on the table and are
returned to the player along with a payout. In the example
described above, the payouts would have been $55 and $255 had the
bets stayed on the table. The determination of whether or not to
sweep the bets is typically set by the house. The first distinct
round of bonus play preferably comprises the use of a panel or
display of multiple possible factors, game outcomes or other game
symbols. The generic term used in the practice of the present
invention for any mechanism capable of displaying the group of
factors that may be selected in play of this at least distinct
round of play in the bonus feature is a bonus display. A bonus
display is any display device (mechanical, electromechanical,
electronic, video, flat panel, plasma, liquid crystal display,
etc.) that displays multiple panels or multiple display areas, at
least some if not all of the panels being capable of displaying
alternating (though not necessarily in a specific pattern, although
that is an option) factors, absolute payout amounts equal to a
randomly selected factor times a wager amount (or other amount) and
other game symbols. By alternating factors it is meant that the
same value is not displayed continuously within at least some
frames. For example, the factor in a given panel may randomly
alternate between factors such as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
15, 20, 25, 50, 75, 100 (or respective absolute payout amounts for
simplicity) and the like during the course of the bonus round.
[0048] Individual factors or absolute payout amounts may reappear
in the group from which the factors are selected, and the selection
from the group of numbers and/or game symbols such as whammies,
designating a loss, (which may be as small as two numbers in the
group, preferably three or more numbers in the group) may be random
from within the group or in an unvarying sequence. For example, a
particular frame might display, 2, 10, 2, 4, 2, 8, 15, a whammy and
then 2 in a particular bonus round. In one example of the
invention, whammies only appear in a second bonus round, so that
the player cannot lose his bet in the first round of the bonus
segment. In another example of the invention, whammies appear in
each bonus round. At the same time that factors within at least
some of the frames are alternating, a highlighting function is
preferably also being enacted. A highlighting function is any
visual event that focuses visual attention onto specific frames
(less than all frames, preferably one or more frames). In a less
preferred embodiment, a pointer such as a virtual arrow or line
points to the highlighted frame.
[0049] More preferably the individual frame undergoes a change in
lighting intensity or color or framing color as the highlighting
feature. For example, the frame may increase the intensity of
illumination within the frame, decrease the intensity of
illumination within the frame, change colors within the frame,
change background patterns within the frame, change the edging
color, edging intensity, edging pattern or edging shape of the
frame, change the size of the frame, or any other visually
observable change that will indicate to the player that a selection
process is operating. The player may then actuate the computer to
randomly select a position for stopping the highlighting and thus
highlighting a specific factor in that frame. Although the stop
actuation gives the impression of control over the selection, by
law the selection must be based on random selection rather than
true skill. The factor will then be applied to one of 1) the amount
wagered on the base game in the first game segment, 2) the amount
wagered on the bonus segment, 3) the amount won in the first game
segment, or 4) another predetermined amount, to determine the
amount that the player is then entitled to carry hold and/or carry
forth into an optional or compulsory second bonus play feature of
the additional gaming segment.
[0050] The second bonus play feature may be the same, relatively
the same or different from the first bonus play feature in the
second gaming segment, except that at least three distinct game
symbols are displayed at each given point in time in the second
and/or subsequent bonus segments. Either the initial wager on the
base game, the initial wager on the bonus game, the initial amount
won in the play of the first gaming segment, the initial wager plus
the amount won in the play of the first gaming segment, the amount
won by play in the first bonus play of the second gaming segment or
the initial wager and the amount won in the play of the first bonus
play in the second gaming segment, or combinations thereof, are
wagered in the play of the second bonus play in the second bonus
segment. In one preferred form of the invention, the amount won in
the first bonus round is either collected or put at risk in a
second bonus round, at the option of the player. Upon determination
of a game symbol such as a factor in the play of the second bonus
play in the second gaming segment, that second determined factor is
preferably applied against the amount won (and put at risk) in the
first bonus round of the second segment of play. It is to be
understood that the factor itself need not be displayed. In one
form of the invention, the factor is randomly selected and
multiplied by the amount wagered and the absolute amounts are
displayed, with or without other game symbols, such as a whammy
(designating a loss) or other suitable symbol. The result of that
application of the factor in the second bonus play of the second
gaming segment will either determine the absolute amount that the
player is then entitled to or is put at risk in additional game
segments. Preferably, the second bonus round allows for higher
payout multiples, but also includes game symbols that indicate a
loss in the entire second segment, or in the second bonus round of
the second segment. The potential for higher payouts and the risk
of loss heightens the excitement of the bonus game to the
player.
[0051] According to the invention, the bonus display is capable of
displaying dynamic payout amounts. For purposes of this disclosure,
a "dynamic payout amount" is defined as an absolute payout that is
displayed and is paid in proportion to an amount wagered.
[0052] If two players placed different side bet amounts on a bonus
game, according to the dynamic payout display of the present
invention, different absolute payout amounts would be displayed and
available for winning by the two players.
[0053] For example, player #1 places a $2.00 side bet, and player
#2 places a $10.00 side bet. The bets are electronically sensed and
the information is collected by the game computer. The group of
available multipliers from which the processor randomly selects a
multiplier is the same for both players. However, the absolute
payout amounts that are displayed for player #2 are five times
higher than for player #1. In one example of the invention, a
single player plays out his hand, and his dynamic pay table is
displayed on a common display apparatus. When the play is complete,
the next player plays, and his or her dynamic pay table is
displayed.
[0054] In another form of the dynamic payout display of the present
invention, a typical pay table is displayed on the video display
except that absolute payout amounts in relation to the bet placed
are displayed, rather than payout odds. In the game of LET IT
RIDE.RTM. stud poker (a 5 card stud poker game as described in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,288,081, whose disclosure is herein incorporated by
reference), a typical payout schedule is shown in the attached
Table 1 below:
1TABLE 1 Player #1 Player #2 Hands Odds Amount Amount Royal Flush
1000:1 1000 2000 Straight Flush 200:1 200 400 Four of a Kind 50:1
50 100 Full House 11:1 11 22 Flush 8:1 8 16 Straight 5:1 5 10 Three
of a Kind 3:1 3 6 Two Pairs 2:1 2 4 Pair of 10's or Better 1:1 1
2
[0055] Player #1 bets a $1.00 side wager, and the absolute payouts
corresponding to his $1.00 side bet are displayed rather than the
odds. Player #2 places a $2.00 side bet, and the absolute payout
amounts corresponding to his $2.00 side bet are displayed rather
than the odds.
[0056] Providing a dynamic pay table (in the case of a card game,
dice game or other live game of chance) with a predetermined
hierarchy of game outcomes, or a dynamic game display (in the case
of a symbol display from which one or more outcomes are randomly
selected and displayed) has a number of advantages.
[0057] Displaying higher amounts when the amount of the bet is
greater heightens player excitement over the possibility of winning
larger payouts. Games that require the dealer to dispense payouts
would benefit from providing the dealer the absolute payout
amounts. Such a display cuts down or eliminates payout calculation
errors, and can prevent dealer cheating, because the gaming table
apparatus will capture information about the dealer identity, the
winning hand and the calculated payout amounts.
[0058] An essential requirement for providing a dynamic pay table
is either providing multi-denomination electronic bet sensing
apparatus and/or an electronic dealer input module (not shown) to
enter the amount of the bet.
[0059] In one example of the invention, player bets must be equal
in the first bonus round, but need not be equal with each
subsequent round of play. For example, two players participate in a
blackjack game. A two-segment bonus game is provided. The players
both place a $1.00 side bet and qualify to place the bonus game.
Player #1 wins $5.00 and player #2 wins $20.00. Both players have
the option of cashing out or advancing to the next bonus spin. The
game computer is aware of the amounts won in the first bonus round
(in one example, a randomly selected multiplier times the amount
bet), so denominational bet sensing is not necessary. At the
conclusion of the second round of play, player #1 loses the bonus
round (he gets a Whammy), and player #2 wins $160.00
(8.times.$20.00). The payouts here are at odds of eight for one,
but odds may also be provided as 8-to-1, in which the payout would
have been $168.00. The basis and amount of he odds are at the
discretion of the programmer and the house. It is only necessary to
use equipment that senses the presence of a bet in this example of
the invention. In other forms of the invention, the amount of the
bet is sensed (for example, using video equipment and software to
interpret the image) and the dynamic display changes in response to
the amounts wagered.
[0060] This mathematic treatment can alternatively be exemplified
by consideration of specific additive award treatments. In this
example, the player makes a 5 unit initial wager and a 5 unit side
bet wager. The player may win, for example, a total of 10 units (2
for 1 on the base game) and the game outcome might also be a
triggering event. The triggering event in the base game segment is
an event that compels or allows the player to participate in a
bonus play second gaming segment. Preferably the player places a
separate wager to participate in the bonus event. Among the options
in the design of the game are carrying forth the initial wager (5
units) and retaining the amount won (10 units), carrying forth only
the amount won (10 units), putting at risk only a separate side bet
wager (5 units), carrying forth the amount won less the amount
wagered (10 units) and combinations thereof. By way of example
only, a predetermined fixed amount of five units is wagered in the
second gaming segment Upon play of the first bonus feature or bonus
play in the second gaming segment, a factor of 8 is randomly
selected from a group of random factors. In one example, the
factors range between 1.times. and 20.times. the amount wagered.
The player thus has 10 units retained (the amount won in the first
gaming segment, but not wagered in the second gaming segment) and
40 units (8.times.5=40) in play in the second gaming segment. The
player then advances to a second segment of bonus play in the
second gaming segment. In one preferred form of the game, the
advancement into the second bonus segment is optional. That is, the
amount won in the first bonus segment may be collected, or put at
risk at the option of the player. In another example, the second
bonus round is compulsory. Again, there may or may not be an option
on what amount may be wagered on this second segment, the choices
now being all or part of the amount won in the first gaming segment
less the amount wagered (10 units), the amount still controlled
from play of the first bonus play of the second gaming segment (40
units) or the total of all (55 units) or part of a combination of
the two groups of units.
[0061] For example only here, it will be assumed that the player
may wager only the total amount resulting from the first bonus play
in the second gaming segment (40 units). A randomly selected
multiplier is then preferably determined in the second bonus play
of the second gaming segment (although selection of a sum certain
payout amount to be added or subtracted from the wager may also be
used). After the second multiplier is determined, that multiplier
is factored against the amount wagered in the play of the second
bonus feature in the second gaming segment. The available factors
from which the determined factor is randomly selected may be
displayed on a bonus screen, or absolute payout amounts equal to
the amount wagered, times each factor may be displayed. In another
form of the invention, absolute payouts that are not multiples of
an amount wagered are displayed.
[0062] In the second bonus round, there are preferably additional
game symbols displayed such as at least one of a whammy
(designating a partial or total loss of the bonus event), an extra
spin symbol, a skip to an adjacent frame symbol, a "big bucks"
symbol (designating a maximum payout amount) or other game symbol,
as described in my co-pending application Ser. No. 09/394,748 filed
Sep. 13, 1999, for Method Of Playing A Game, Apparatus For Playing
A Game And Game With Multiplier Bonus Feature, issued as U.S. Pat.
No. ______. The disclosure of the above application is herein
incorporated by reference.
[0063] Table 2 lists all possible game payout amounts for the first
bonus game ($1.00 bonus bet) segment in one example of the
invention. In this example, payout multipliers are randomly
selected, but only absolute payout amounts are displayed.
2TABLE 2 Payout Displayed Payout Multiple Weight Amount
(Multiplier) (Probability) ($1.00 Side Bet) 50 1 50 20 5 20 15 10
15 10 15 10 9 15 9 8 15 8 7 15 7 6 13 6 5 8 5 4 3 4 3 0 3 2 0 2 1 0
1 100
[0064] In one form of the invention, a side bet of a fixed amount
(e.g. one dollar) is made, and absolute amounts (equal to the
possible multipliers times the amount wagered) are displayed on the
display screen. In this example, it is only necessary to sense the
presence of the bet. In other forms of the game, players may bet
unequal amounts. The apparatus would then require more
sophisticated denomination bet sensing equipment. Preferably
multiple possible outcomes are simultaneously displayed. In one
example of the invention, all possible outcomes are simultaneously
displayed. In a preferred form of the invention, fewer than all
possible outcomes are simultaneously displayed. Preferably, the
probability of earning a greater payout is higher in the second
round of play than in the first round of play, as shown in Table
1.
[0065] A unique feature of the present invention is found in the
display of subsequent rounds of bonus play. When the bonus wager
amount is fixed, all players will observe the same absolute payout
amounts in the first round of play. However, the payout in the
first round determines the amount the player puts at risk in the
second bonus round. For example, two players place a one dollar
side bet, and both players obtain a blackjack--(a preferred
triggering event) to enter the bonus round. The dealer activates
the bonus event for Player #1. Multiple outcomes (all multiples of
the amount wagered times a multiplier) are displayed. The player
hits the "stop" button, causing a randomly selected outcome to be
selected and highlighted on the screen.
[0066] In this example, the player lands on the number "5", which
is 5.times. the amount wagered. The player is given the option to
cash out or "Press Your Luck". The bonus game controller retains
the knowledge of the outcome in round one, defining the amount put
at risk in round 2. The player decides to put the $5.00 at risk and
hits the "stop" button again. This time, the possible multipliers
and other game symbols displayed are selected from Table 3
below:
3TABLE 3 Payout Multiple (Multiplier/Symbol Weight Displayed
Whammy) (Probability) Payout Amounts 20 1 100 15 1 75 10 1 50 9 5
45 8 5 40 7 5 35 6 17 30 5 50 25 4 50 20 3 178 15 2 307 10 1 1 5 0
(Whammy) 379 0 1000
[0067] Preferably, the probability of at least some of the larger
multipliers being selected are higher than in value of the
multipliers in the first round (Table 1). However, whammies are
also part of this pay table, compensating for the higher payouts
for wins.
[0068] In this example, only total absolute amounts and other game
symbols are displayed, but a multiplier or other game symbol from
Table 2 is randomly selected. The absolute amounts are displayed to
increase player excitement when the amount put at risk is
large.
[0069] The second player bets one dollar, and randomly selects
1.times. in bonus round #1. The possible absolute payout amounts
displayed in this second round are 1/5 the size of the payouts for
player #1, because the amount put at risk in the second segment of
the bonus round for player #2 is 1/5 the size of the amount put at
risk by the first player.
[0070] Returning back to the original example, if a factor of 15 is
randomly selected (as by the same or substantially same or
different mechanism used in the play of the first bonus play of the
second gaming segment), that factor is applied against the amount
wagered, in this example, 40 units, and a continuing bonus amount
of (15.times.40=600) is now controlled by the player. The player,
under this example now has 10 retained units plus 600 units in his
control. Where there are only two bonus plays in the second gaming
segment, the player will then have 610 units added to the credit
amount registered on the machine or have 610 units paid out.
[0071] In one preferred format of play, the player earns a number
of bonus rounds corresponding to the number of bonus rounds
predetermined in the rules of the game to be provided for specific
events. For example, if the player has placed a $1.00 side bet
wager on every hand, he may be awarded one bonus spin for a single
blackjack and two bonus spins for two consecutive blackjacks (and
it may be a game play rule that after a first blackjack, the side
bet wager must remain constant in the next hand played). There is
therefore the potential for multiple bonus opportunities, such as a
third or more bonus plays, in the second gaming segment. There are
numerous options available in the design of the game for the amount
of the wager in the third bonus play and subsequent rounds in the
second gaming segment, however, the play and factoring of that
amount are generally within the description provided above for play
of the second bonus play of the second gaming segment. At the
conclusion of a third and last bonus play in the second gaming
segment, the total amount returned to the player will be returned
as credits or paid out as units (coins or tokens). In the practice
of the present invention, a triggering event is a particular event
that is predetermined or preselected to initiate a bonus event by
its mere occurrence, whether or not that event is a winning
combination in the play of the base game.
[0072] That method may include events during play of the at least
one bonus play in the second gaming segment, wherein at least one
of said number of display areas is highlighted, as described in
greater detail herein. The method may be practiced wherein the
highlighting is stopped and the change of game symbols, such as an
absolute payout amount, a factor or other game symbol display is
stopped, with a highlighting feature identifying at least one
symbol. For example, as also described elsewhere herein, a panel
display of frames or display areas in a grid may have individual
values of payout amounts (factors multiplied by the amount wagered)
or multipliers that change with time, while the highlighting
feature moves from grid to grid.
[0073] One method of play according to the present invention would
be described as:
[0074] a) a player making a wager and playing a first wagering card
game;
[0075] b) upon achieving a predetermined triggering event in the
play of the first wagering card game, the player is awarded at
least one bonus play;
[0076] c) the bonus play comprises a random selection of at least
two distinct additive bonuses for an award to a player or a random
selection of a factor bonus or bonuses to be applied to a base
amount; and
[0077] d) the additive bonus or the factor bonus applied to a base
amount being awarded to the player in addition to any awards from
play of the first wagering game or together with any award from
play of the first wagering game.
[0078] It is preferred that in addition to a wager being made in
accordance with step a), a second side wager is placed to enter the
player into a side game to allow possibility of achieving bonus
play. That is, if the player makes a side wager that he/she will
achieve the qualifying event, and that qualifying or triggering
event occurs, the player is awarded the bonus. On the other hand,
if the player does not make a side wager that he/she will achieve
the qualifying or triggering event, and that qualifying or
triggering event occurs, the player is not awarded the chance to
participate in bonus play. The base amount identified above is
preferably the side bet wagered amount, and the preferred bonus is
a factor (a multiplier) multiplied by the base amount. In one
example of the invention, certain triggering events may provide for
multiple bonus rounds as described above.
[0079] In an example of the invention, the player may place a $5.00
bet in a basic blackjack game, and $1.00 on a side bet game.
Assuming the triggering event is achieving a blackjack, and the
player does so, he is paid 3:2 on this basic bet as is customary in
traditional blackjack, and enters the bonus round. In this example
of the invention, he is awarded two bonus events, and the bonus
awards are additive. In the first bonus event, the player is
awarded a factor of 5. He is awarded a total of 5 credits
(5.times.$1.00 bet in the side bet) in the first round. He is then
awarded a factor of 20. His second bonus award is $20.00 (a factor
of 20 times the original $1.00 bet). This is an additive award, so
his total bonus award is $25.00 ($5.00 plus $20.00). This payout is
in addition to the payout on the base game.
[0080] It will facilitate an understanding of the method of play to
describe an example of the steps in playing such a game, with the
example showing blackjack as the first wagering card game, although
it will be apparent to those skilled in the art how other card
wagering games may be used in parallel practice of the
invention.
[0081] Players have assigned seats at a gaming table 1 shown in
FIG. 1. Seven player positions 2 are shown on the table 1. A
processor 4 such as a gaming machine operating system computer is
positioned under the table 1. In one example of the invention, the
processor communicates with a card shuffling device 6 such as a
Shuffle Master Gaming King.RTM. shuffler. Cards 8 are provided to
each player position 2 and to the dealer's hand position 16, the
cards being provided in the customary manner, typically one at a
time to each of the player positions 2 and the dealer's hand
position 16.
[0082] Prior to dealing the cards to players and dealer, at least a
wager in the blackjack game is placed on the table 1, usually in
wagering space 10. If the individual players want to be able to
gain access to the bonus element of the game, a separate wager,
referred to as the side bet wager, is placed into space 11. The
space 11 preferably automatically detects the presence of the side
bet, and provides an indication to the game processor that a side
bet wager has been placed at that player position 2. This
indication may be in the form of a signal directly to the processor
(with the placement of the wager sensed by an optical sensor,
weight sensor, proximity detector, manual pressure on the space 11,
or the like) or the dealer may manually input data into the
processor. Alternatively, a light may be activated in or adjacent
to space 11, so that there is a visual indication that the side bet
wager has been placed at a specific player position 2.
[0083] After the side bet wagers have been placed (or not placed),
the traditional or variant of the game of blackjack or 21 is
played. The cards at the end of the play of each hand where a side
bet wager has been placed in the card game are examined (either by
means of an optical scanning or another type of card reader such as
a video reader, or by the dealer) to see if a triggering event or
defining event or predetermined event occurs that allows a player
to enter a bonus segment. If the dealer or the processor 4
determines that a player has qualified for a bonus event, a button
on the dealer control pan 20 is pressed to activate the bonus. The
bonus round is typically activated by the dealer, for each player
individually when the player has qualified for the bonus event. A
player display panel (such as 30a or 30b as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3)
is activated as described above. It is to be noted that the numbers
within the frames shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 correspond to frame
numbers, not game symbols. According to the invention, game symbols
randomly appear within the frames once the device is activated.
Typical game symbols for purposes of this disclosure are defined as
multipliers, whammies (designating a loss), plus spin, skip to the
position right or left of the selected position, absolute payout
amounts and multipliers plus spins. Other game symbols are
contemplated. (It is also possible in this game for players to
merely enter a number or position of a specific panel, with no
moving lighting on the panels 30a and 30b) The panels are
displayed, for example, on an embedded visual display device 14 on
the table 1. In a preferred device, the visual display device 14 is
an upright video monitor of a size and positioned such that all
players and the dealer can visualize the bonus play and
outcomes.
[0084] Although the video display is shown as being a common
display for all players, the present invention contemplates
providing each player with a player display at the player station
for displaying the bonus event and/or the dynamic payout amounts
and/or dynamic pay tables.
[0085] In a preferred form of the invention, the display device 14
is in communication with a programmable computer, and preferably
falls within the definition of a gaming device by gaming
regulators. The computer is equipped with a random number generator
for guaranteeing that the selection of game symbols is fair and
meets regulatory requirements. An example of one such system for
controlling the operation of the display device 14 is described in
commonly owned co-pending applications for Video Gaming Apparatus
for Wagering With Universal Computerized Controller and I/O
Interface for Unique Architecture, assigned Ser. No. 09/405,921 and
filed on Sep. 24, 1999, and for Computerized Gaming System, Method
and Apparatus, assigned Ser. No. 09/520,405, and filed on Mar. 8,
2000, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference.
[0086] In one example of the invention, the same button 12 is
moveable on the table and is in communication with the processor
via a data line 12a. After activating the bonus feature, the dealer
can then pass the moveable button 12 to the player participating in
bonus play. The player may then contact the Press button 12 at his
player position 2 to attempt to select an advantageous symbol or
award. According to most jurisdictional requirements, there can be
no potential for the exercise of skill in this selection, so that
the pressing on the Press Button 12, even though it may stop light
movement or even select a particular frame (e.g., 1-23 in FIG. 2 or
1-42 in FIG. 3) it will not determine the award or the bonus
factor. In one preferred form of the device, the bonus spin will
automatically stop after a preselected period of time if the player
does not activate the stop feature. The occurrence of the award or
bonus factor is therefore randomly generated, as with a random
number generator, by the processor 4. That randomly assigned
absolute award amount or factor is then displayed on the monitor 14
and the final award for the bonus event is determined and may also
be displayed on the monitor 14. In one form of the invention, the
number of bonus rounds is awarded prior to or during bonus play.
Individual monitors (not shown) may be located at each player
position to indicate the amount of the award or even to display
factors, other game symbols or dynamic payout information.
[0087] As also noted above, the number of bonus plays is either
fixed at two or more, or is determined dynamically by the processor
and/or the rules of play of the game. After each bonus event is
played, the award may be collectively totaled on the display screen
14 in view of the players. As also noted, the awards may or may not
be cumulative of factored, all of which information is displayed on
the screen. The amounts of the award are determined according to
the intended payout profile of the side bet game. For example, the
awards may range from 0 times the side bet wager up to 100,000
times the side bet wager, with the probability of the awards being
such that a margin is retained by the house. For example, if the
frequency of the bonus triggering event occurring is calculated to
be 1 event in 50 game plays, the payouts from the bonus should be
weighted to be less than 50 times the side bet wager, so that the
weighted average payout would be, for example, 45 times the side
bet wager. This can be done by having the random number generator
weigh the events according to various algorithms such as those
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,009 entitled: "Method and
Apparatus for Configuring a Video Output Wagering Device", the
specification incorporated by reference herein.
[0088] In one form of the invention, the bonus display apparatus
randomly displays in the display areas one or more symbols from the
following list of bonus game symbols: multipliers or factors, fixed
payout amounts, whammy's, bonus spin or spins, a fixed award plus a
bonus spin, a multiplier plus a bonus spin, a move one or more
frames in any direction, an amount representing an amount wagered
times a randomly selected multiplier, and a "big bucks" symbol. The
big bucks symbol awards the player the highest possible payout in
the round of play.
[0089] An additional method of play according to the invention
includes playing a first casino table card wagering game
comprising: a player wagering a first amount on a first casino card
wagering gaming segment that provides for random events; when a
predefined event or series of events occurs in the play of the
first casino card wagering game for a player, the player engages in
play of at least one bonus game in which no value of the player is
at risk; the at least one bonus game comprising determination of a
random award to be credited to the player engaging in the at least
one bonus game; and awarding the random award to the player.
[0090] The random award may comprise a random absolute amount
(e.g., 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 10,000, 50,000 dollars
or the like), may be a factor that is used to multiply against a
base amount, may be an award of extra bonus events, may be a fixed
payout plus one or more bonus spins, may be a multiplier plus one
or more bonus events, or may be a whammy. As noted above, the base
amount may be the initial amount wagered by the player in the base
game, the amount won by the player, the sum of the amount wagered
and the amount won by the player, or a side bet specific to entry
by the player in an opportunity to engage in the bonus game. The
factors may range from a whole number or fractional number (e.g.,
1.5) factor of 1.times., 1.5.times., 2.times., 5.times., 10.times.,
25.times., 50.times., 100.times., 250.times., 500.times.,
1,000.times., 10,000.times., 25,000.times., 100,000.times. or the
like.
[0091] The bonus game may provide a display for displaying absolute
payout amounts, factors and/or other game symbols, comprising a
number of "display" areas (e.g., frames) within which factors or
other game symbols are displayed, the number of factors displayed
being greater than or equal to 1, especially where at least some of
the factor display areas change the factor or other game symbol
displayed within that display area during play of at least one
bonus game. A processor randomly selects a game symbol (including
factors, absolute payout amounts and other game symbols) that is
displayed, and the randomly selected symbol is applied to the base
amount to indicate a final bonus award. In this method, during play
of the at least two bonus segments, at least one of said number of
display areas may be highlighted. The method may, as described
above, have the highlighting stopped when the display stops
changing, with a highlighting feature identifying at least one
selected symbol.
[0092] In the play of one method of the invention, additional bonus
games or bonus rounds may be played either at the option of the
player or as a required step. The additional bonus round or rounds
payouts may be additive or again factored with the award of the
first bonus round. The probability of specific factors may be
different in the play of the second or third bonus event. For
example, the probability for higher factors may be greater in the
play of the first bonus game may be higher or lower than the
probability for higher factors in the second or third bonus
game.
[0093] The method may be played so that the play of the second
bonus game segment randomly determines a factor from a group of
factors. In a preferred form of play, the payout awarded in the
first bonus spin is put at risk in the second spin, at the option
of the player. The rules of the game preferably allow the player to
cash out or put the entire bonus spin winnings at risk to play the
next round. The display may highlight factors, absolute payout
amounts or other game symbols.
[0094] The highlighting is preferably random, although sequential
movement of the highlighting (e.g., moving to each consecutive
higher number in FIGS. 2 and 3) is useful in the practice of the
invention. The second bonus round may display of at least one bonus
feature selected from the group consisting of extra play(s),
absolute payout amounts, factors, skip to a different display area,
a big bucks, a whammy or a factor plus extra play(s). These extra
plays would use the amount of the previous wager as the previous
bonus game payout as a base amount, but would not place that amount
at risk. The player could therefore double down or split cards that
would not usually be played with that strategy to maximize his
winning (e.g., split tens, double down on a count of four, etc.).
The method may also include a scoring sequence for at least two
bonus rounds. That is, the game allows for addition or storage
and/or identification of amounts won or retained during a sequence
or a specific sequence of bonus games. The scoring sequence is
preferably for 2 to 5 bonus rounds. The bonus play may be triggered
by the appearance of, for example, specific preselected triggering
events in play of the base casino table card game. The triggering
event can be a paying event, i.e., a blackjack, or a nonpaying
event, i.e., three consecutive Deuces. The number of bonus games
may be awarded in play of the first casino table card wagering game
in proportion to the difficulty or frequency of each trigger event
occurring.
[0095] The method may be practiced wherein a button on the dealer
control pad 20 is engaged by a dealer to activate each bonus round,
or the display of panels is automatically displayed in visual
display 14 by computer 4 or activation of dealer input keys 20,
upon the occurrence of a triggering event wherein the keys
communicate with the processor. There may be multiple bonus rounds,
and between each of the rounds in the multiple bonus rounds,
symbols may be blanked out. That is, when moving from one bonus
round to another or even during the play of a single bonus round,
there may be no continuous display of any single symbol or frame or
no continuous display of alternating symbols within any frame of
the panel. The factors or bonus awards including multipliers may be
selected from the group consisting of equal to 0 or more. In one
form of the invention, the bonus wager should not be placed at
risk.
[0096] Another preferred feature of the game of the present
invention is that the bonus screen may include additional game
symbols that serve special functions. One such special symbol
entitles the player to a free play or a multiplier plus a free
play, for example, using the amount of the previous wager as the
bonus play of the casino table card game as the wager amount,
without that wager being placed at risk. Another special symbol
entitles the player to move a predetermined number of adjacent
spaces (for example, two spaces) in a single direction to select a
new multiplier or special symbol. This would offer the player an
opportunity to select a different factor amount. This `selection`
would still be controlled by the random number generator and
algorithms, so that the options are random and involve no real
skill (e.g., it would be obvious to move from a factor of one to a
factor of 100). In one other embodiment, yet another special symbol
would allow the player to exchange a lower multiplier plus a free
spin for a higher multiplier. An additional special symbol, such as
a Big Bucks symbol, functions to provide the player with the
highest ranking multiplier or an intermediate multiplier displayed
on the bonus game display when the special symbol is randomly
selected. In addition, a whammy symbol may be present that causes
the player to lose his bonus bet and optionally terminate
additional bonus play.
[0097] In order to enhance the excitement the game and provide the
player with some sense of control over game outcomes, an oversized
spin-stop button or Press button 12 may be provided. Preferably,
the dealer activates the initiation of a bonus spin, and the player
activates stoppage by pressing this button 12. The button is also
pressed to initiate the random selection of a bonus game symbol,
such as a special function symbol or multiplier. As the excitement
and anticipation of bonus wins increases, the players will tend to
hit the button harder.
[0098] It is to be understood that the examples of the invention
described above are merely examples, and that other embodiments of
the invention are contemplated. All of the methods disclosed and
claimed herein can be made and executed without undue
experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the
methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred
embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
variations may be applied to the methods described herein without
departing from the concept and scope of the invention. All such
similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in
the art are deemed to be within the scope and concept of the
invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *