U.S. patent application number 10/242376 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-13 for multiple-play gaming apparatus and method therefor.
Invention is credited to Wichinsky, Michael.
Application Number | 20030050110 10/242376 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26935046 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030050110 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wichinsky, Michael |
March 13, 2003 |
Multiple-play gaming apparatus and method therefor
Abstract
A multiple-play gaming apparatus and method therefor having a
roulette wheel capable of generating numbers for secondary play in
order to provide a user with an additional chance to match numbers
with a previously displayed set of numbers.
Inventors: |
Wichinsky, Michael; (Las
Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WEISS & MOY PC
4204 NORTH BROWN AVENUE
SCOTTSDALE
AZ
85251
US
|
Family ID: |
26935046 |
Appl. No.: |
10/242376 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60317945 |
Sep 10, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3262 20130101;
G07F 17/3244 20130101; A63F 5/00 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3267 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/17 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A multiple-play gaming apparatus comprising, in combination: a
slot machine-type gaming device having a plurality of number
displays and a random number generator capable of generating
numbers to be displayed on each of said plurality of number
displays; a user number input coupled to said slot machine-type
gaming device and dimensioned to allow a user to input an amount of
numbers corresponding to an amount of said plurality of number
displays; an activation device coupled to said slot machine-type
gaming device and dimensioned to allow a user to activate said
activation device in order to initiate a display of numbers on said
number displays; and a roulette-type wheel coupled to said slot
machine-type gaming device and dimensioned to generate at least one
number for display in order to provide a user with an additional
opportunity to match said at least one number of said roulette-type
wheel with said displayed numbers of said number displays.
2. The multiple play gaming apparatus of claim 1 wherein said
number displays of said slot machine-type gaming device are
computer-generated images.
3. The multiple play gaming apparatus of claim 1 wherein said
number displays of said apparatus comprise five reels.
4. The multiple play gaming apparatus of claim 1 wherein said
numbers to be displayed on said number displays and said numbers
provided through said user number input and said at least one
number of said roulette-type wheel are all taken from a
pre-selected range of numbers.
5. The multiple play gaming apparatus of claim 4 wherein said
pre-selected range of numbers is 1-15.
6. The multiple play gaming apparatus of claim 1 wherein said
activation device comprises a button.
7. The multiple play gaming apparatus of claim 1 wherein said user
number input comprises a random number generator capable of
inputting for a user randomly generated numbers.
8. The multiple play gaming apparatus of claim 1 wherein said
roulette-type wheel is comprised of a computer-generated image.
9. The multiple play gaming apparatus of claim 1 further comprising
a payout mechanism coupled to said slot machine-type gaming device,
dimensioned to pay a user according to a pre-determined pay scale
if said numbers of said user number input match said numbers
displayed on said number displays.
10. The multiple play gaming apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at
least one number of said roulette-type wheel is provided without
additional payment by said user.
11. A method for playing a multiple-play gaming apparatus
comprising, in combination, the steps of: providing a slot
machine-type gaming device having a plurality of number displays
and a random number generator; said random number generator
generating numbers to be displayed on each of said plurality of
number displays; providing a user number input coupled to said slot
machine-type gaming device; a user inputting an amount of numbers
corresponding to an amount of said plurality of number displays;
providing an activation device coupled to said slot machine-type
gaming device; a user activating said activation device in order to
initiate a display of numbers on said number displays; providing a
roulette wheel coupled to said slot machine-type gaming device; and
said roulette-type wheel generating at least one number for display
in order to provide a user with an additional opportunity to match
said at least one number of said roulette-type wheel with said
displayed numbers of said number displays.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein said plurality of number
displays are computer-generated images.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein said number displays of said
apparatus comprise five reels.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein said numbers to be displayed on
said number displays and said numbers provided through said user
number input and said at least one number of said roulette-type
wheel are all taken from a pre-selected range of numbers.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein said pre-selected range of
numbers is 1-15.
16. The method of claim 11 wherein said activation device comprises
a button.
17. The method of claim 11 wherein said user number input comprises
a random number generator capable of inputting for a user randomly
generated numbers.
18. The method of claim 11 wherein said roulette-type wheel is
comprised of a computer-generated image.
19. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of paying
said user according to a pre-determined pay scale if said numbers
of said user number input match said numbers displayed on said
number displays.
20. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of providing
said user with said number generated by said roulette-type wheel
without additional payment by said user.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to a corresponding
provisional application U.S. Serial No. 60/317,945 filed Sep. 10,
2001 in the name of the applicant of this application.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to slot machines and
methods therefor and, more particularly, to a slot machine having a
plurality of reels or reel symbols that display a number on each
reel, which, if matched to a set of previously selected or randomly
generated numbers will result in a payoff to a user according to a
pre-determined pay schedule. For every number on a reel that does
not match a number previously selected or received, a roulette
wheel or roulette wheel image will generate a new number to give
the player an additional chance to match the original numbers on
the reels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Gaming machines, such as slot machines and video poker
machines, account for a majority of the gaming industry revenue in
the State of Nevada, slot machines, both mechanical and video,
which generally have one or more spinning reels, are the most
classic gaming device, having existed for more than 100 years.
Originally, a player would insert a coin into the slot machine and
pull a handle or lever which would mechanically set the reels
spinning. Usually the reels contained symbols of some kind, such as
cherries, the number "7" and other pictures and numbers. Eventually
the reels would stop spinning, leaving a row across the middle of
symbols and/or numbers. If the combination of symbols and/or
numbers corresponded to an advertised payout schedule, then the
player would receive a corresponding payment.
[0004] Most present day slot machines are controlled by computer
chips that control the random symbol/number generators in order to
control the total payout of each machine. While some slot machines
still have mechanical reels and handles, many have computer screens
with digital reel images and buttons to initiate a new reel spin.
In either case, a computer most often controls the selection of the
symbols or numbers.
[0005] Many slot machines and other wagering games such as keno,
bingo, roulette and lottery type games involve the pre-selection of
numbers which, if matched with later-established numbers, result in
a payout according to a pre-determined payout scale. For example,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,531 issued to DiRe et al. shows a slot machine
game in which a player selects up to a certain amount of numbers
corresponding to the number of reels or indicators on the slot
machine. The player then initiates the generation of numbers on the
slot machine and is paid according to a payout schedule for
matching pre-selected numbers with the numbers generated by the
slot machine. U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,546 issued to DiRe et al. offers
a player multiple opportunities to achieve a winning result. If a
player selects a number that is subsequently shown on one of the
reels, the player is eligible to "re-spin" other reels to try and
obtain a number that matches one of the pre-selected numbers.
[0006] The prior art slot machines that offer a secondary play, or
second chance to match the pre-selected numbers with the numbers on
the reels, simply allow the player to "re-spin" the reels. Such an
action is redundant and can lead to boredom. A slot machine that
utilizes another game altogether for secondary play offers a player
more variety and is more entertaining.
[0007] A need therefore existed for a new, exciting multiple-play
gaming apparatus having a roulette wheel capable of generating
numbers for secondary play.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a slot
machine-type gaming device having a roulette wheel used to generate
numbers for secondary play.
[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
method for playing a gaming machine in which a player has the
opportunity to use a roulette wheel to generate numbers for
secondary play.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0010] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
a multiple-play gaming apparatus is disclosed, comprising, in
combination a slot machine-type gaming device having a plurality of
number displays and a random number generator capable of generating
numbers to be displayed on each of the plurality of number
displays, a user number input coupled to the slot machine-type
gaming device and dimensioned to allow a user to input an amount of
numbers corresponding to an amount of the plurality of number
displays, an activation device coupled to the slot machine-type
gaming device and dimensioned to allow a user to activate the
activation device in order to initiate a display of numbers on the
number displays, and a roulette-type wheel coupled to the slot
machine-type gaming device and dimensioned to generate at least one
number for display in order to provide a player with an additional
opportunity to match the at least one number of the roulette wheel
with the displayed numbers of the number displays.
[0011] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a method for playing a multiple-play gaming apparatus is
disclosed comprising, in combination, the steps of providing a slot
machine-type gaming device having a plurality of number displays
and a random number generator, the random number generator
generating numbers to be displayed on each of the plurality of
number displays, providing a user number input coupled to the slot
machine-type gaming device, a user inputting an amount of numbers
corresponding to an amount of the plurality of number displays,
providing an activation device coupled to the slot machine-type
gaming device, a user activating the activation device in order to
initiate a display of numbers on the number displays, providing a
roulette wheel coupled to the slot machine-type gaming device, the
roulette-type wheel generating at least one number for display in
order to provide a player with an additional opportunity to match
the at least one number of the roulette wheel with the displayed
numbers of the number displays.
[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular
description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention showing the multiple-play gaming apparatus of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, a multiple-play gaming apparatus,
hereinafter multiple-play gaming apparatus 10, is shown. The
multiple-play gaming apparatus 10 comprises a slot machine-type
gaming device 12 having a plurality of number displays 14 and a
random number generator capable of generating numbers to be
displayed on each of the plurality of number displays 14. In the
preferred embodiment, there are five number displays 14, although
it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be
derived from an alternative embodiment of the multiple-play gaming
apparatus in which more or less number displays 14 are used. It
should also be understood that it is within the scope of this
invention that he number displays 14 can be in the form of
computer-generated images or actual mechanical reels.
[0015] The multiple-play gaming apparatus 10 further comprises a
user number input 16 coupled to the slot machine-type gaming device
12. The user number input 16 is dimensioned to allow a user to
input an amount of numbers corresponding to an amount of the
plurality of number displays 14. For example, if there are five
number displays or reels, then the user could choose five separate
numbers. Alternatively, the user could elect to have a random
number generator choose the five separate numbers.
[0016] The multiple-play gaming apparatus 10 further comprises an
activation device 18 coupled to the slot machine-type gaming device
12. The activation device 18 is dimensioned to allow a user to
activate the activation device 18 in order to initiate a display of
numbers on the number displays 14. Preferably, the activation
device 18 is a button, although it should be clearly understood
that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative
embodiment of the multiple-play gaming apparatus 10 in which the
activation device 18 is a handle, a lever, some other kind of
interface or a combination thereof.
[0017] The multiple-play gaming apparatus 10 further comprises a
roulette-type wheel 20 coupled to the slot machine-type gaming
device 12. The roulette-type wheel 20 is dimensioned to generate at
least one number for display in order to provide a user with an
additional opportunity to match the at least one number of the
roulette-type wheel 20 with the displayed numbers of the number
displays 14. Preferably, the roulette-type wheel is a
computer-generated image, although it should be clearly understood
that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative
embodiment of the multiple-play gaming apparatus 10 in which the
roulette-type wheel is an actual mechanical wheel.
[0018] In the preferred embodiment, the numbers to be displayed on
the number displays 14 and the numbers provided through the user
number input 16 and the at least one number of the roulette-type
wheel 20 are all taken from a pre-selected range of numbers.
Preferably, this pre-selected range of numbers is 1-15, although it
should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be
derived from an alternative configuration of the multiple-play
gaming apparatus 10 in which an alternative range of pre-selected
numbers, such as 12, 24 or some other range, is used.
[0019] In the preferred embodiment, the multiple-play gaming
apparatus 10 further comprises a payout mechanism 22 coupled to the
slot machine-type gaming device 12 and dimensioned to pay a user
according to a pre-determined pay scale if the numbers of the user
number input 16 match the numbers displayed on the number displays
14. For example, if a user chooses the numbers "3", "5", "7", "9"
and "11" and two of those same numbers appear on the number
displays 14, then the user is paid an amount according to the pay
scale.
Statement of Operation
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, in order to use the multiple-play
gaming apparatus 10, a user must first input a set of numbers into
the user number input 16. If there are five number displays 14 then
the user must select five separate numbers. The user may choose to
have a random-number generator select those numbers for the user.
If the slot machine-type gaming device 12 is a gambling device, the
user will first be required to insert money either into a coin slot
24, a bill collector 26, or through some kind of credit card or
other credit system. If the user already has credits stored within
the slot machine-type gaming device 12, the user may choose the
amount of credit he or she wishes to wager using buttons 21 and 23,
although it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit
could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the
multiple-play gaming apparatus in which some other user interface
is used to determine the amount of credits or money the user wishes
to wager. The numbers selected by the user can be displayed on the
slot machine-type gaming device either beneath the number displays
14 or superimposed over the number displays 14. After the user has
selected or received numbers, the user must then activate the
activation button 18 in order to initiate a display of numbers on
the number displays 14. If the user fails to match all of the
previously selected or received numbers through the user number
input with all of the numbers displayed on the number displays 14,
then the user can use the roulette-type wheel 20 as a secondary
play to try and receive a number or numbers from the roulette-type
wheel 20 to match any previously unmatched numbers displayed on the
number displays 14. In one embodiment, the use of the roulette-type
wheel 20 is automatic. In another embodiment, the user must select
the number displays 14 that have been successfully matched by
pressing a "keep/discard" button 27. The user can then use the
roulette-type wheel 20 to try and receive new numbers to match the
number displays 14. Preferably, the user receives this secondary
play through the roulette-type wheel without additional payment,
although it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit
could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the
multiple-play gaming apparatus in which the user does have to pay
an additional fee for the use of the secondary play roulette-type
wheel 20.
[0021] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and
other changes in form and details may be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *