U.S. patent application number 10/698862 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-16 for enhanced bingo game method, apparatus, and computer program product.
This patent application is currently assigned to GameTech International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Hartman, Michael W., Keaton, Brett N., Keeton, Hilary, Leake, Deborah L., Lowell, Mark P., Nicholson, Calvin R..
Application Number | 20040178579 10/698862 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34550778 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040178579 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lowell, Mark P. ; et
al. |
September 16, 2004 |
Enhanced bingo game method, apparatus, and computer program
product
Abstract
A method, apparatus, and computer program process for playing an
enhanced bingo game. A first set of indicators may be selected,
with each of the first set of indicators associated with a win
enhancement value, or bonus value, and at least one of the first
indicators can be assigned to at least one column of a bingo card.
A second set of indicators can also be selected, with each of the
second set of indicators associated with bonus value, and at least
one of the second indicators can be assigned to at least one row on
the bingo card. At least one number from the set of numbers
associated with each column of the bingo card can be designated as
a diamond symbol number. A player winning a bingo game by matching
a column or row of called numbers may be eligible for the bonus
prize associated with the column or row if the column or row
contains a predetermined number of diamond symbol numbers.
Indicator and diamond symbol assignments may happen after game play
begins, to enhance the overall excitement associated with the
game.
Inventors: |
Lowell, Mark P.; (Reno,
NV) ; Leake, Deborah L.; (Marshall, NC) ;
Hartman, Michael W.; (Reno, NV) ; Nicholson, Calvin
R.; (Reno, NV) ; Keaton, Brett N.; (Reno,
NV) ; Keeton, Hilary; (Reno, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBERG-TRAURIG
1750 TYSONS BOULEVARD, 12TH FLOOR
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Assignee: |
GameTech International,
Inc.
Reno
NV
|
Family ID: |
34550778 |
Appl. No.: |
10/698862 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10698862 |
Nov 3, 2003 |
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10060871 |
Jan 29, 2002 |
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10698862 |
Nov 3, 2003 |
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10244039 |
Sep 13, 2002 |
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6755742 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/269 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/062 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; A63F 3/06 20130101; G07F 17/329 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/269 |
International
Class: |
A63F 003/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of enhancing the play of a game of bingo, comprising:
designating a set of potential numbers for the game; designating a
plurality of subsets of the potential numbers for the game;
associating each of the plurality of subsets with a bingo card
column; providing at least one bingo card to at least one player,
the at least one bingo card including a plurality of spaces, the
spaces being arranged in a matrix of rows and columns, wherein each
of the spaces contains either a number from the subset of numbers
associated with the column in which the space appears or a free
space designator; designating at least one pattern of spaces as
determinative of a winner of the game; providing at least a first
set of indicators; associating each of the first set of indicators
with a win enhancement value; electing whether the first set of
indicators should be associated with columns or rows on the at
least one bingo card; associating at least one of the first set of
indicators to at least one of the elected at one columns or rows;
repeating the process of selecting numbers at random from the set
of potential numbers for the game until the game ends; paying the
at least one player if the at least one player has a bingo card
with numbers matching those selected from the set of potential
numbers, and if the pattern formed by the matching numbers matches
the at least one pattern designated as a winning pattern; and,
paying the at least one player the win enhancement value if the at
least one player has a bingo card with numbers matching those
selected from the set of potential numbers, and if the pattern
formed by the matching numbers matches the at least one pattern
designated as a winning pattern.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: selecting at least
one number at random from each of the subsets to serve as a win
enhancement activator; and paying the at least one player the win
enhancement value only if the pattern formed by the matching
numbers contains at least one win enhancement activator number.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing a second
set of indicators; associating each of the second set of indicators
with a win enhancement value; and associating at least one of the
second set of indicators to the other of columns or rows.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: selecting at least
one number at random from each of the subsets to serve as a win
enhancement activator; and paying the at least one player the win
enhancement value only if the pattern formed by the matching
numbers contains at least one win enhancement activator number.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first set of indicators
includes colors.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first set of indicators
includes graphics.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the pattern of spaces includes a
pattern of contiguous spaces on the bingo card.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the pattern includes a vertical
column of spaces on the bingo card.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the pattern includes a horizontal
row of spaces on the bingo card.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein the pattern includes a diagonal
pattern of contiguous spaces on the bingo card.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the pattern of spaces includes
noncontiguous spaces on the bingo card.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the random numbers are generated
by selecting a ball having a number printed on it from a plurality
of balls.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one bingo card is
maintained and displayed electronically by a card tending
device.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the number associated with the
randomly selected ball is manually entered into the card tending
device by the player.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one bingo card is
marked by the player interacting with the card tending device.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one bingo card is
maintained and displayed electronically by a card tending
device.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the random numbers are
generated by a computing device and communicated to the card
tending device.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the win enhancement value is a
progressive prize.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the progressive prize is
incremented at an accelerated rate.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the progressive prize is
incremented to reflect live updating of the prize amount.
21. The method of claim 18, wherein the progressive prize is based
on earnings from the prior day.
22. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the columns or rows is
assigned a unique indicator.
23. The method of claim 1, wherein at least three of the columns or
rows to which the at least one indicator is assigned contain the
same indicators.
24. The method of claim 1, wherein the column closest to the middle
of the matrix is assigned a unique indicator.
25. The method of claim 1, wherein the row closest to the middle of
the matrix is assigned a unique indicator.
26. A method of displaying a progressive cash prize during a gaming
session to a player comprising: calculating a progressive prize
amount from a previous gaming session; showing on a display an
unincremented prize amount; and, incrementing the prize shown on
the display at an accelerated rate until the displayed amount is at
least equal to the progressive prize amount.
27. A method of playing a game of bingo comprising: designating a
set of potential numbers for the game; designating a plurality of
subsets of the potential numbers for the game; associating each of
the plurality of subsets with at least one bingo card column;
providing at least one bingo card to at least one player, the bingo
card including a plurality of spaces, the spaces being arranged in
a matrix of rows and columns, wherein each of the spaces contains
either a number from the subset of numbers associated with the
column in which the space appears or a free space indicator;
selecting at least one number at random from each of the subsets of
the potential numbers for the game as a diamond symbol number;
designating at least one first pattern of spaces on a bingo card as
determinative of a winner of the game, wherein the pattern includes
at least a column of spaces on the bingo card; providing at least a
first set of colors; associating each of the first set of colors
with a win enhancement value; associating at least one of the first
set of colors to at least one column; repeating the process of
selecting numbers at random from the set of potential numbers for
the game until the game ends; paying the at least one player if the
at least one player has a bingo card with numbers matching those
selected from the set of potential numbers, and if the pattern
formed by the matching numbers matches the at least one first
pattern designated as a winning pattern; and, paying a first bonus
to the at least one player if the at least one player has a bingo
card with numbers matching those selected from the set of potential
numbers and if the pattern formed by the matching numbers matches
the at least one first pattern designated as a winning pattern,
wherein the value of the first bonus equals the win enhancement
value associated with the color associated with the column in which
the win occurs.
28. The method of claim 27, further comprising: selecting at least
one number at random from each of the subsets to serve as a win
enhancement activator; and paying the at least one player the first
bonus only if the pattern formed by the matching numbers contains
at least one win enhancement activator number.
29. The method of claim 27, further comprising: designating at
least one second pattern of spaces on a bingo card as determinative
of a winner of the game, wherein the second pattern includes at
least a row of spaces on the bingo card; providing a set of
graphics; associating each of the set of graphics with a win
enhancement value; associating at least one of the set of graphics
to rows on the bingo card; and paying a second bonus to the at
least one player if the at least one player has a bingo card with
numbers matching those selected from the set of potential numbers,
and if the pattern formed by the matching numbers matches the at
least one second pattern designated as a winning pattern, wherein
the second bonus equals the win enhancement value associated with
the graphic associated with the row in which the win occurs.
30. The method of claim 29, further comprising: selecting at least
one number at random from each of the subsets to serve as a win
enhancement activator; and paying the at least one player the
second bonus only if the pattern formed by the matching numbers
contains at least one win enhancement activator number.
31. The method of claim 29, further comprising: selecting at least
one number at random from each of the subsets to serve as a win
enhancement activator; paying the at least one player the first
bonus only if the pattern formed by the matching numbers contains
at least one win enhancement activator number; and paying the at
least one player the second bonus only if the pattern formed by the
matching numbers contains at least one win enhancement activator
number.
32. The method of claim 27, wherein the first pattern of spaces
includes a pattern of contiguous spaces on the bingo card.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein the first pattern includes a
column of spaces on the bingo card.
34. The method of claim 29, wherein the second pattern includes a
pattern of contiguous spaces on the bingo board.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein the second pattern further
includes a horizontal row of spaces on the bingo board.
36. The method of claim 29, wherein the first pattern or the second
pattern includes a diagonal pattern of contiguous spaces on the
bingo card.
37. The method of claim 27, wherein the first pattern includes
noncontiguous spaces on the bingo card.
38. The method of claim 27, wherein the random numbers are
generated by selecting a ball having a number printed on it from a
plurality of balls.
39. The method of claim 38, wherein the bingo card is maintained
and displayed electronically by a card tending device.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein the number associated with the
randomly selected ball is manually entered into the card tending
device by the player.
41. The method of claim 39, wherein the at least one bingo card is
marked by the player interacting with the card tending device.
42. The method of claim 27, wherein the at least one bingo card is
maintained and displayed electronically by a card tending
device.
43. The method of claim 29, wherein the random numbers are
generated by a computing device and communicated to the card
tending device.
44. The method of claim 27, wherein the win enhancement value is a
progressive prize.
45. The method of claim 44, wherein the progressive prize is
incremented at an accelerated rate.
46. The method of claim 44, wherein the progressive prize is
incremented to reflect live updating of the prize amount.
47. The method of claim 27, wherein each of the columns is assigned
a unique color.
48. The method of claim 27, wherein at least three of the columns
are assigned the same color.
49. The method of claim 27, wherein at least the column closest to
the middle of the matrix is assigned a unique color.
50. The method of claim 29, wherein each of the rows is assigned a
unique graphic.
51. The method of claim 29, wherein at least three of the rows are
assigned the same graphic.
52. The method of claim 29, wherein at least the row closest to the
middle of the matrix is assigned a unique indicator.
53. A computer program product containing instructions which, when
executed by a computer, performs the steps of: designating a set of
potential numbers for the game; designating a plurality of subsets
of the potential numbers for the game; associating each of the
plurality of subsets with a bingo card column; providing at least
one bingo card to at least one player, the at least one bingo card
including a plurality of spaces, the spaces being arranged in a
matrix of rows and columns, wherein each of the spaces contains
either a number from the subset of numbers associated with the
column in which the space appears or a free space designator;
designating at least one pattern of spaces as determinative of a
winner of the game; providing at least a first set of indicators;
associating each of the first set of indicators with a win
enhancement value; electing whether the first set of indicators
should be associated with columns or rows on the at least one bingo
card; associating at least one of the first set of indicators to at
least one of the elected at one columns or rows; repeating the
process of selecting numbers at random from the set of potential
numbers for the game until the game ends; paying the at least one
player if the at least one player has a bingo card with numbers
matching those selected from the set of potential numbers, and if
the pattern formed by the matching numbers matches the pattern
designated as a winning pattern; and, paying the at least one
player the win enhancement value if the at least one player has a
bingo card with numbers matching those selected from the set of
potential numbers, and if the pattern formed by the matching
numbers matches the pattern designated as a winning pattern.
54. The method of claim 53, further comprising: selecting at least
one number at random from each of the subsets to serve as a win
enhancement activator; and paying the at least one player the win
enhancement value only if the pattern formed by the matching
numbers contains at least one win enhancement activator number.
55. A method of playing a bingo game, comprising: designating a set
of potential numbers for the game; designating a plurality of
subsets of the potential numbers for the game; associating each of
the plurality of subsets with at least one bingo card column;
providing at least one bingo card to at least one player, the bingo
card including a plurality of spaces, the spaces being arranged in
a matrix of rows and columns, wherein each of the spaces contains
either a number from the subset of numbers associated with the
column in which the space appears or a free space indicator;
selecting at least one number at random from each of the subsets of
the potential numbers for the game as a diamond symbol number;
designating at least one first pattern of spaces on a bingo card as
determinative of a winner of the game, wherein the pattern includes
at least a column of spaces on the bingo card; providing at least a
first set of colors; associating each of the first set of colors
with a win enhancement value; associating at least one of the first
set of colors to at least one column; designating at least one
second pattern of spaces on a bingo card as determinative of a
winner of the game, wherein the second pattern includes at least a
row of spaces on the bingo card; providing a set of graphics;
associating each of the set of graphics with a win enhancement
value; associating at least one of the set of graphics to rows on
the bingo card; and selecting at least one number at random from
each of the subsets to serve as a win enhancement activator;
repeating the process of selecting numbers at random from the set
of potential numbers for the game until the game ends; paying the
at least one player if the at least one player has a bingo card
with numbers matching those selected from the set of potential
numbers, and if the pattern formed by the matching numbers matches
the at least one first pattern designated as a winning pattern;
paying a first bonus to the at least one player if the at least one
player has a bingo card with numbers matching those selected from
the set of potential numbers, if the pattern formed by the matching
numbers matches the at least one first pattern designated as a
winning pattern, and if the pattern formed by the matching numbers
contains at least one win enhancement activator number, wherein the
value of the first bonus equals the win enhancement value
associated with the color associated with the column in which the
win occurs; and paying a second bonus to the at least one player if
the at least one player has a bingo card with numbers matching
those selected from the set of potential numbers, if the pattern
formed by the matching numbers matches the at least one second
pattern designated as a winning pattern, and if the pattern formed
by the matching numbers contains at least one win enhancement
activator number, wherein the value of the second bonus equals the
win enhancement value associated with the graphic associated with
the row in which the win occurs.
56. Apparatus for playing an enhanced game of bingo, comprising: a
random number generator that selects numbers at random from within
a set of numbers associated with a bingo game, the set of numbers
also corresponding to at least one bingo card having a plurality of
numbered spaces arranged in a matrix of rows and columns, wherein
the set of numbers is comprised of a plurality of subsets of
numbers and each of the subsets is assigned to a column or row; at
least a first set of indicators; at least one configuration of at
least one pattern of at least one numbered space on the bingo card,
the configuration determining a winner of the game; and, a
selection means for determining the winner, wherein the selection
means iteratively generates a random number using the random number
generator, matches the number to its corresponding numbered space,
if present, on the bingo card, and if the column or row with which
the random number is associated is not matched to an indicator,
selects an indicator at random and matches it to the column or row
with which the random number is associated, and then generates
additional numbers and matches them to corresponding numeric spaces
on the bingo card until the game has ended.
57. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein each column or row is
assigned a unique indicator.
58. An overlay to a bingo game, comprising: designating at least
one pattern of spaces on a bingo card as determinative of a winner
of the game; providing a first set of indicators; associating each
of the first set of indicators with a win enhancement value;
electing whether the first set of indicators should be associated
with bingo card columns or bingo card rows; associating at least
one of the first set of indicators with at least one of the elected
columns or rows on the bingo card; repeating the process of
selecting numbers at random from the set of numbers associated with
the bingo game and advising at least one player of the selected
numbers until the game ends; paying the at least one player if the
at least one player has a bingo card with numbers matching those
selected from the set of potential numbers, and if the pattern
formed by the matching numbers matches the pattern designated as a
winning pattern; and, paying the at least one player the win
enhancement value if the at least one player has a bingo card with
numbers matching those selected from the set of potential numbers,
if the pattern formed by the matching numbers matches the pattern
designated as a winning pattern, and if the pattern formed by the
matching numbers contains at least one win enhancement activator
number.
59. The method of claim 58, further comprising: providing a second
set of indicators; associating each of the second set of indicators
with a win enhancement value; and associating at least one of the
second set of indicators to the other of columns or rows.
60. The method of claim 58, wherein the first set of indicators
includes colors.
61. The method of claim 58, wherein the first set of indicators
includes graphical images.
62. The method of claim 58, wherein the pattern of spaces includes
a pattern of contiguous spaces on the bingo card.
63. The method of claim 62, wherein the pattern of spaces includes
a vertical column of spaces on the bingo card.
64. The method of claim 62, wherein the pattern of spaces includes
a horizontal row of numbered spaces.
65. The method of claim 62, wherein the pattern of spaces includes
a diagonal pattern of contiguous numbered spaces on the bingo
card.
66. The method of claim 58, wherein the pattern of spaces includes
noncontiguous spaces on the bingo card.
67. The method of claim 58, wherein the random numbers are
generated by selecting a ball having a number printed on it from a
plurality of balls.
68. The method of claim 67, wherein the bingo card is maintained
and displayed electronically by a card tending device.
69. The method of claim 68, wherein the number associated with the
randomly selected ball is manually entered into the card tending
device by the player.
70. The method of claim 68, wherein the bingo card is marked by the
player interacting with the card tending device.
71. The method of claim 58, wherein the bingo card is maintained
and displayed electronically by a card tending device.
72. The method of claim 71, wherein the random numbers are
generated by a computing device and communicated to the card
tending device.
73. The method of claim 58, wherein the win enhancement value is a
progressive prize.
74. The method of claim 73, wherein the progressive prize is
incremented at an accelerated rate.
75. The method of claim 73, wherein the progressive prize is
incremented to reflect live updating of the prize amount.
76. The method of claim 58, wherein each of the columns or rows to
which the at least one first indicator is assigned contains a
unique indicator.
77. The method of claim 58, wherein at least three of the columns
or rows to which the at least one first indicator are assigned
contain the same indicators.
78. The method of claim 58, wherein the column closest to the
middle of the matrix is assigned a unique indicator.
79. The method of claim 58, wherein the row closest to the middle
of the matrix is assigned a unique indicator.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/060,871, entitled "Enhanced Bingo Game
Method, Apparatus, and Computer Program Product", filed Jan. 29,
2002, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/244,039, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Remote Game
Device with Failure Fallback and Restoration", filed Sep. 13, 2002,
and to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/244,098, entitled
"Method and Apparatus for RF Transmitter Layout in a Gaming Hall",
filed Sep. 13, 2002, which are incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of gaming, and
more specifically provides an enhancement to the game of bingo by
including an additional level of entertainment and complexity to
the existing game.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] States face ever-increasing costs just to maintain essential
services, but residents are typically unwilling to pay higher taxes
to fund these services. Some states have begun to recognize gaming
as a potential revenue source which can help generate funds for the
state, thereby offsetting the need for increased taxes. For
example, most states now sponsor lotteries or the like, the
proceeds of which typically go toward educational or other
programs. In addition, more and more states are legalizing, albeit
under heavy regulation, certain other types of gaming, such as slot
machines.
[0004] One of the first games which is typically legalized by
states, especially for non-profit fundraising activities, is bingo.
Bingo is a game that has been widely played for generations. As
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,911 to Fioretti ("Fioretti"), the
teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety, a traditional bingo game is played by a game operator, or
"ball caller", selecting at random from a set of seventy-five
numbered balls stored in a hopper. In a traditional game, the
numbers are divided into five subsets, with the numbers 1 through
15 associated with the letter "B", the numbers 16 through 30
associated with the letter "I", the numbers 31 through 45
associated with the letter "N", the numbers 46 through 60
associated with the letter "G", and the numbers 61 through 75
associated with the letter "O". As the ball caller selects a ball,
he or she typically calls out the number on the ball and the letter
associated with the numbers. Each player then reviews his or her
bingo card or cards to determine whether his or her bingo card has
a corresponding entry.
[0005] Bingo cards typically consist of a matrix of six rows and
five columns of spaces, with the top row of spaces filled with the
letters "B", "I", "N", "G", and "O", respectively, as illustrated
in FIG. 1. The remaining five-by-five matrix of spaces on the bingo
card is filled with numbers chosen at random from the subset of
numbers associated with the letter appearing at the top of the
column in which a space appears. Thus, for example, all spaces in
the "B" column are filled with numbers chosen randomly from the
subset of numbers between 1 and 15, and the spaces in the "G"
column are filled with numbers chosen randomly from the subset of
numbers between 46 and 60.
[0006] As the ball caller calls out the number on a selected ball,
players mark the called number with a dauber, marker, or other
indicator if the number appears on the bingo cards being played
that game. If the indicators on a bingo card form one or more
pre-specified pattern, the player to whom the card belongs, or to
whom the card has been assigned, wins a prize. For example, in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,398,645 to Yoseloff ("Yoseloff"), the teachings of which
are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, the shapes
may include an "X", a plus, a "T", a horizontal line, a vertical
line, or other alternative shapes. When the marks on a player's
scorecard match a pre-specified pattern, the player has a "bingo"
and can win the pot for that game, a prize associated with a
specific shape, or the like.
[0007] Although typically associated with fundraisers for churches
and other non-profit groups, bingo has become so popular that
casinos have begun to offer bingo to their patrons. This has
spurred the development of a variety of technological advancements
and alternative bingo games, from the bingo-like slot machines
taught by Yoseloff, above, and by U.S. Pat. No. 5,935,002 to
Falciglia, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety, to televised and Internet-based bingo
games, such as those taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,396 to Tawil,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,984 to Roseman, U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,892 to
Frank et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,325 to Fisk, U.S. Pat. No.
6,306,038 to Graves et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,941 to Miller
et al., the teachings of each of which are incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety.
[0008] As bingo becomes more popular, casinos and others offering
the game are searching for new variations on the game in an attempt
to attract and maintain more customers. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
5,482,289 to Weingardt (referred to herein as the Weingardt '289
reference), the teachings of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety, teaches expanding a bingo card from a
traditional five-by-five matrix to a seven-by-seven matrix, with
the added columns and rows shaded in an alternate color. The
Weingardt '289 reference teaches that players can win a base prize
by obtaining a five number bingo within the traditional
five-by-five region, and that players can also win a larger prize
by obtaining a seven number bingo. A seven number bingo falling
completely within the added columns or rows is eligible for an even
larger prize. The Weingardt '289 reference also teaches separately
and distinctly marking some of the bingo balls to differentiate
those bingo balls from other bingo balls. The Weingardt '289
reference discloses that such designations must be made prior to
initiating the game. The Weingardt '289 reference further discloses
varying the payouts made to a player depending on whether the
player achieves a bingo made from randomly marked balls, or if the
bingo is made from balls with a specific marking. The Weingardt
'289 reference also discloses a bingo game with a progressive
jackpot. In this aspect of the reference, a separate wager is made
for the player to become eligible to win the progressive jackpot
prize, which is awarded to the player who achieves the winning
combination for the progressive jackpot.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,727,786 to Weingardt (referred to herein as
the Weingardt '786 reference), the teachings of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, teaches
randomly selecting a predetermined group of bingo numbers, located
on a conventional bingo flash board, to be "blue" numbers, "green"
numbers, and "red" numbers, with the remaining numbers being
"yellow" numbers. When a player achieves a bingo, the player wins
certain preestablished payouts depending upon whether the player
has a bingo consisting of numbers that are all the same color, or
if the player's bingo consists of all but one number of the same
color.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,091 to Weingardt (referred to herein as
the Weingardt '091 reference), the teachings of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, teaches
assigning the bingo numbers located on a conventional bingo flash
board to at least five groups, with the groups identified by color.
The size of each of the groups varies, with the result that a bingo
consisting of a combination of numbers from the smallest group will
be harder to achieve than a bingo consisting of a combination of
numbers from a larger group. A player achieving a bingo of a single
color group is paid a jackpot, wherein the jackpot sizes vary in
relation to the difficulty of achieving a particular bingo. Players
are awarded varying amounts depending on whether the bingo occurs
with numbers assigned to a single color or multiple colors and, if
a single color, the color of the bingo.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,119 to Leake (referred to herein as the
Leake '119 reference), the teachings of which are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety, teaches a bingo-like game in
which colors or other elements are randomly assigned to each space
on a card, although the Leake '119 reference teaches that colors
should not repeat within a given column. Unlike traditional bingo,
the set of numbers assignable to a given column is not limited, and
numbers can be repeated across columns (although the Leake '119
reference teaches that numbers should be unique within a column).
Thus, the letter designation at the top of a column becomes
significant in the game taught in the Leake '119 game, as the
column would be otherwise indistinguishable. According to the Leake
'119 reference, a caller uses a random selection apparatus to
randomly select and call a column, a color, and a number to be
marked or covered within the spaces on a player's card face.
[0012] Although the references discussed above offer variants on
traditional bingo games, none offer the unique, easily understood,
and exciting playing characteristics of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an
apparatus, method, and computer program process for playing an
enhanced bingo game that substantially obviates one or more of the
limitations or disadvantages of the related art.
[0014] It is an object of an embodiment of the present invention to
provide a novel bingo game having an improved level of excitement
and attraction such that the game is more appealing and can better
attract players.
[0015] It is a further object of an embodiment of the present
invention to provide a bingo game which functions to present
improved visual appeal.
[0016] It is still a further object of an embodiment of the present
invention to add an overlay, or secondary game, to a traditional
bingo game.
[0017] Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is
to provide an overlay game that can be played independent of
traditional bingo, without requiring changes to the traditional
bingo rules, such that bingo players who are comfortable with, or
have no desire to play anything but, traditional bingo can still
participate in a game.
[0018] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention
will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed
out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the
appended drawings.
[0019] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an
overlay game, or secondary game, which can be played along with or
in addition to traditional bingo. In one embodiment, a player must
concurrently win both a traditional bingo game and the overlay game
to collect winnings. In an alternative embodiment, the games may be
played separately, such that a player may win the overlay game
without causing the underlying bingo game to halt.
[0020] The overlay game of the present invention includes the
definition of a set of colors, and the association of a
win-enhancement value, or bonus, with each color. The win
enhancement values are preferably fixed or progressive prize
values, although it should be apparent to one skilled in the art
that alternative prizes, including automobiles, vacations, jackpot
multipliers, or the like, can be substituted therefor without
departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. The set of
colors preferably includes at least four colors, although it should
be apparent to one skilled in the art that an alternative number of
colors can be substituted therefor without departing from the
spirit or the scope of the invention. The colors and associated
win-enhancement values are preferably made known to players prior
to initiation of an individual game, thereby increasing the sense
of excitement associated with a game.
[0021] Game play preferably begins with the selection of a set of
numbers to be included in the game (e.g. 1-75), and the division of
this set into a plurality of subsets, as with traditional bingo. At
least one number in each subset of numbers (e.g. 1-15, 16-30,
31-45, etc.) is then preferably randomly associated with a "diamond
symbol" or other identifier. Although the term diamond symbol
number is used herein to refer to the numbers within each subset
which have been associated with a "diamond symbol", the term should
not be construed as limiting the identifier associated with a
number to a specific identifier type. Although diamond symbol
numbers preferably vary from game to game, it should be apparent to
one skilled in the art that diamond symbol numbers can remain the
same through a plurality of games, an entire session, a plurality
of sessions, or the like.
[0022] Bingo cards are preferably distributed to players as with
traditional Bingo, and game play can begin. Although a preferred
embodiment of the present invention is directed to use with
electronic bingo cards, it should be apparent to one skilled in the
art that traditional paper cards can be substituted therefor
without departing from the spirit or the scope of the
invention.
[0023] Game play traditionally begins with the drawing of a number
from the set of numbers included in the game. Once a first number
is drawn, each column of the bingo card is then preferably assigned
a color from the set of colors. In a preferred embodiment,
implemented using a five-by-five playing matrix bingo card, a
player who wins a game by obtaining a bingo consisting of five
matching numbers in a given column, wherein one of the numbers in
the column is the "diamond symbol" number for that subset of
numbers, is awarded not only the prize associated with a
traditional bingo, but also the prize associated with the color of
the column and the corresponding win enhancement value.
[0024] Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention
requires that the player have a column bingo with at least one
diamond symbol number in the column for the player to be awarded
the win enhancement value, it should be apparent to one skilled in
the art that such a requirement is not necessary. By way of
example, without intending to limit the present invention, in an
alternative embodiment of the present invention, not all columns
may be assigned a color, thereby altering the odds that a player
will win the win enhancement value.
[0025] In addition to assigning win enhancement values to bingo
card columns, and thus to bingos won within the columns, a
preferred embodiment of the overlay game also assigns win
enhancement values to bingo card rows. In such an embodiment,
column colors are assigned as described above, and graphic symbols,
such as, but not limited to, gem stones, sea shells, or the like,
are preferably assigned to each row, wherein each row graphic
preferably has an associated win enhancement value. As with column
bingos, a player who wins a traditional bingo by matching all five
numbers in a given bingo card row is also eligible for the win
enhancement value associated with that row. In a preferred
embodiment, to win the win enhancement value, the row must contain
at least three "diamond symbol" numbers, although one skilled in
the art will appreciate that the requisite number of "diamond
symbol" numbers may be varied without departing from the spirit or
the scope of the invention. Furthermore, in an alternative
embodiment of the present invention, not all rows may be assigned a
graphic symbol, thereby altering the odds that a player will win
the win enhancement value.
[0026] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention
described herein associates specific indicators with specific
aspects of the game, such as the colors associated with columns,
graphics associated with rows, and diamond symbols associated with
numbers within number subsets, it should be apparent to one skilled
in the art that alternative indicators, including, but not limited
to, graphics based on the time of year (e.g. Christmas trees,
wreathes, snow men, hearts, bows and arrows, cherubs, or the like),
graphics based on the location (e.g. palm trees, sea shells, sun
glasses, suntan lotion bottles, skis, ski boots, ski poles, or the
like), graphics consistent with a given theme (e.g. gem stones,
gold coins and treasure chests, Asian language characters, Greek
language characters, player photographs, celebrity photographs, or
the like), crosshatching or other shading, and audio or video
clips, may be substituted therefor without departing from the
spirit or the scope of the invention.
[0027] While the description above focuses primarily on column and
row bingos, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that
the present invention is readily adaptable to any winning bingo
pattern. By way of example, without limiting the present invention,
a plurality of winning bingo patterns may be defined. An overlay
can then be created by assigning a win enhancement value to each of
the plurality of bingo patterns, preferably along with a minimum
number of "diamond symbol" numbers necessary to activate payment of
the win enhancement value. Still further, players may elect to
participate in, and may win, the overlay game of the present
invention separately from the underlying bingo game. By way of
example, without intending to limit the present invention, a first
set of patterns necessary to win the underlying bingo game may be
defined, and a second set of patterns associated with the overlay
game may be defined. The patterns in the pattern sets may be
mutually exclusive, or there may be patterns in common within the
pattern sets. In such an embodiment, players may win the overlay
game without causing the underlying bingo game to be halted.
[0028] As described above, one object of the present invention is
to enhance the suspense associated with playing bingo, and a
preferred embodiment of the present invention achieves such
heightened suspense by waiting until a game begins to determine
and/or disclose to players the "diamond symbol" numbers and the
indicators to rows, columns, and/or other winning patterns.
[0029] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of
the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principles of the invention.
[0031] In the drawings:
[0032] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a traditional bingo card as
implemented in the prior art.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a preferred game play
sequence.
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a sample electronic bingo card which can
be used in connection with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a hopper used to display numbers
which have been randomly drawn in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an apparatus used in a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of components comprising a
preferred apparatus according to the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 7 is a sample game information screen, as implemented
in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present
invention utilizing a computer network.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0040] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The present invention in
its preferred embodiment is essentially an overlay, or secondary
game that can be played in addition to, or as an enhancement to, a
traditional bingo game.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a game play sequence
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The
game play sequence is preferably implemented using one or more
electronic playing cards similar to that illustrated in FIG. 3,
although it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that
traditional playing cards can be substituted therefor, or used in
combination therewith, without departing from the spirit or the
scope of the invention. Furthermore, although the electronic
playing card of FIG. 3 uses a traditional five-by-five matrix of
numbered spaces, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that
the number of rows and/or columns implemented on a playing card can
be varied without departing from the spirit or the scope of the
invention. Still further, although a preferred embodiment of the
present invention utilizes a standard seventy-five ball hopper, it
will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the total number of
balls, and the number of balls within each subset of numbers, can
be varied without departing from the spirit or the scope of the
invention. In such alternative embodiments, the payout associated
with a win may be adjusted based on the corresponding changes in
the odds of such a win.
[0042] As FIG. 2 illustrates, game play preferably begins with the
distribution of one or more bingo cards to persons interested in
participating in the game (Block 205). Such bingo cards are
preferably distributed in a secure manner or otherwise associated
with a given bingo game or set of bingo games, such that the ball
caller or other official is aware of those cards intended for use
with a given bingo game. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention in which electronic bingo cards are implemented, a random
number generator may be used to generate the numbers appearing on
the electronic bingo cards as the cards are distributed, at the
beginning of a game, or the like.
[0043] At a given time, the ball caller preferably allows a
computer apparatus to draw the first ball (Block 210). Although the
embodiment described herein utilizes a computerized ball drawing
apparatus which preferably emulates a traditional bingo ball
hopper, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that
alternative ball drawing means may be substituted therefor without
departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. In a
preferred embodiment, the first ball is drawn, but the number
appearing on the first ball is not called to the players until
column, row, or any other indicators appropriate to the current
game have been determined. In an alternative embodiment, players
may be notified of the number on the ball prior to such
determinations.
[0044] As illustrated by block 215 of FIG. 2, game play preferably
proceeds with the association of colors with bingo card columns.
Column colors are preferably selected from a set of four colors,
although it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the
number of colors in the set can be varied without departing from
the spirit or the scope of the invention. Each color preferably has
a pre-defined win enhancement value associated with it. Column
color selection preferably begins by selecting a color for the "N",
or middle, column. The "N" column is typically chosen first
because, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the "N" column typically
contains a "free" space, which impacts the odds of winning in the
"N" column. Thus, a preferred embodiment of the present invention
avoids associating a high win enhancement value with the "N"
column, and the set of colors from which the "N" column color is
chosen is therefore limited compared to the total set of available
colors.
[0045] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, once
the "N" column color has been assigned, other column colors may be
assigned. In a preferred embodiment, the color associated with the
"N" column is removed from the set of available column colors prior
to assigning column colors to the other columns. A preferred
embodiment of the present invention assures that three of the five
columns are assigned the same column color, with that color
preferably associated with a minimum win enhancement value. The
remaining columns are then preferably assigned colors at random
from the remaining set of colors. A preferred embodiment of the
present invention only allows the color associated with the minimum
win enhancement value to be assigned to multiple columns; the
remaining colors are assigned to no more than one column. Although
the column color selection method outlined above is presently
preferred, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the
number of columns to which colors are assigned, the number of
colors, the number of win enhancement values, and other such
parameters can be varied without departing from the spirit or the
scope of the invention.
[0046] In an alternative embodiment, the set of colors and
associated win enhancement values for the "N" column may be
separate from the set of colors that can be associated with the
other columns. In such an embodiment, it may be possible to assign
a color to a column as the first ball corresponding to the column
is called, thereby further enhancing the suspense created by the
present invention.
[0047] As illustrated by Block 220 of FIG. 2, game play preferably
also includes assigning at least one graphic to at least one row.
Row graphics are preferably selected from a set of four graphics,
although it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the
number of graphics in the set can be varied without departing from
the spirit or the scope of the invention. Each graphic preferably
has a pre-defined win enhancement value associated with it. Row
graphic selection preferably begins by selecting a graphic for
middle row. The middle row is typically chosen first because, as
illustrated in FIG. 1, the middle row typically contains a "free"
space, which impacts the odds of winning in the middle row. Thus,
it may be advantageous to avoid associating a high win enhancement
value with the middle row, and the set of graphics from which the
middle row graphic is chosen is therefore preferably limited. Once
the middle row graphic has been assigned, other row graphics may be
assigned.
[0048] In a preferred embodiment, three of the remaining four rows
are assigned a specific graphic, with which a minimum win
enhancement value is associated. The remaining row is preferably
assigned an alternative graphic. A preferred embodiment of the
present invention only allows the graphic associated with the
minimum win enhancement value to be assigned to multiple rows; the
remaining graphics are assigned to no more than one row. Although
the row graphic selection method outlined above is presently
preferred, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the
number of rows to which graphics are assigned, the number of
graphics, the number of win enhancement values, and other such
parameters can be varied without departing from the spirit or the
scope of the invention. In an alternative embodiment, the set of
graphics for the middle row may be separate from the set of
graphics that can be associated with the other rows.
[0049] Although it is preferable to assign a color to the middle
column before assigning other column colors, and to assign a
graphic to the middle row before assigning other row colors, it
should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present
invention can be implemented without such a restriction. By way of
example, without intending to limit the present invention, the use
of a bingo card without a free space may obviate the need for such
special color assignment techniques without departing from the
spirit or the scope of the invention.
[0050] As illustrated by block 225 of FIG. 2, game play also
preferably includes assigning a symbol, referred to herein as a
"diamond symbol", to one number in each of the subsets of numbers.
The term "diamond symbol" is used herein for clarity and should not
be interpreted as limiting the present invention to gem-based
graphics or specific indicator types; it should be apparent to one
skilled in the art that any indicator can be used without departing
from the spirit or the scope of the invention. In a preferred
embodiment, a number from each subset of numbers (i.e. 1-15, 16-30,
31-45, 46-60, and 61-75) is selected at random, and a diamond
symbol is associated with each number. As will be described below,
diamond symbols are preferably used as win value enhancement
activators. While a preferred embodiment of the present invention
uses a single diamond symbol and assigns the symbol to a single
number in each subset, an alternative embodiment utilizes multiple
diamond symbols, with the different diamond symbols further
augmenting the win enhancement value. In another alternative
embodiment, multiple numbers within each number subset may be
assigned diamond symbols.
[0051] Although FIG. 2 illustrates blocks 215, 220, and 225 as
occurring sequentially, it should be apparent to one skilled in the
art that the order can be varied, and that the steps may occur
effectively simultaneously, without departing from the spirit or
the scope of the invention.
[0052] According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, once
column colors, row graphics, and diamond symbols are assigned and
preferably overlaid on the player's bingo card, game play proceeds
in a manner similar to that of traditional bingo (Block 230). As
described above, column colors, row graphics, and diamond symbols
are preferably used as win value enhancements. In such a preferred
embodiment, if a player wins a bingo game by getting a column bingo
(i.e. all of the numbers in a specific column of the player's bingo
card have been called), and if the column bingo includes at least
one number with which a diamond symbol has been associated, then
the player's win is enhanced by the value associated with the color
assigned to the column in which the bingo occurred (Block 235). If
the winning column bingo does not include at least one diamond
symbol, then the player may win the standard column bingo pot, if
such a pot is available. In this way, the diamond symbols act as
win enhancement activators.
[0053] Row bingos are preferably handled similar to column bingos.
In a preferred embodiment, if a player wins a bingo game by getting
a row bingo (i.e. all of the numbers in a specific row of the
player's bingo card have been called), and if the row bingo
includes at least three numbers with which a diamond symbol has
been associated, then the player's win is enhanced by the value
associated with the graphic assigned to the row in which the bingo
occurred (Block 240). If the winning row bingo does not include at
least three diamond symbols, then the player may win the standard
row bingo pot, if such a pot is available.
[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, a player's win
may also be enhanced if the bingo contains one or more diamond
symbol numbers,. Alternatively, the win enhancement value may be
adjusted based on the number of diamond symbol numbers in the bingo
(Block 245).
[0055] It is statistically possible for a player to win multiple
bingos from the same set of ball calls. A preferred embodiment of
the present invention pays the winner based only on the highest
payout available.
[0056] Although the description provided above defines win
enhancement values for only column and row bingos, it should be
apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention can
be readily adapted to work with any pre-defined bingo patterns. By
way of example, without limiting the present invention, a bingo
made from what is commonly referred to as a "six pack"
configuration, wherein the bingo contains at least three diamond
symbols, may win the highest win enhancement value associated with
the columns or rows in which the "six pack" occurs.
[0057] Still further, although it is presently preferred that there
be a correlation between winning bingo patterns and patterns
necessary to win the overlay game of the present invention, it
should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the overlay game
can be played separately from the underlying bingo game. By way of
example, without intending to limit the present invention, players
may pay an additional fee to participate in the overlay game, and
the odds of winning the overlay game may be greater or less than
the odds of winning the underlying bingo game, thereby increasing
player interest in both the bingo game and the overlay game and
enhancing the excitement associated with both games.
[0058] Although diamond symbols are described above as activating a
win enhancement value when a specific number of diamond symbols are
included in a bingo, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art
that the number of diamond symbols required to activate a win
enhancement value may be varied without departing from the spirit
or the scope of the invention. By way of example, without limiting
the present invention, a minimum number of diamond symbols may be
required to activate the win enhancement value, with additional
diamond symbols further enhancing the win value.
[0059] A preferred embodiment of the present invention can utilize
progressive values as a basis for the win enhancement value
associated with row and column bingos, or other bingo
configurations, that include a minimum number of diamond symbols.
In a preferred embodiment, win enhancement values associated with
column bingos containing at least one diamond symbol are
progressive values which are hall-specific, and win enhancement
values associated with row bingos containing at least three diamond
symbols are progressive values which span a plurality of halls.
[0060] There are numerous ways for a player to win the enhanced
game of bingo according to preferred embodiments of the present
invention. By way of example, without limiting the present
invention, a prize may be awarded for a bingo win in a single
column, or there may be a larger prize for multiple column bingo
wins.
[0061] In an alternative embodiment, colors, graphics, or other win
value enhancement indicators may be associated with specific spaces
on the bingo card, with any bingos containing such indicators being
awarded the win value enhancement associated therewith.
[0062] FIG. 4 illustrates a sample called-ball hopper 400 as used
in an embodiment of the present invention. Called-ball hopper 400
can be a conventional bingo ball hopper, a virtual hopper that
generates and displays called balls, or the like. Called-ball
hopper 400 preferably displays the numbers with which diamond
symbols have been associated, as indicated by numbers 410, to
simplify player game play.
[0063] An alternative column color assignment method can be
described using the ball hopper illustrated in FIG. 4. If the first
numbered ball drawn is the "1" ball, the ball is placed in the "B"
column of the hopper, and a color is randomly selected for the "B"
column. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the color pink is
randomly selected from a set of colors and associated with the
subset of numbers associated with the letter "B," and thus with the
entire "B" column. The background behind the "B" at the top of the
hopper, as indicated by region 405, is preferably colored pink to
indicate the column color. The background color behind the other
letters is also preferably changed to reflect the column color as
each color is assigned.
[0064] Continuing with the example illustrated in FIG. 4, if the
next ball drawn is 65, this number would fall into the "O" column.
Since no color has yet been associated with the "O" column, the
color green may be randomly selected from the remaining group of
colors and assigned to the entire "O" column. The example
illustrated in FIG. 4 continues with the drawing of the 2 ball.
Since the 2 ball is associated with the "B" column, and since the
"B" column is already associated with the color pink, no additional
color selection is necessary, and play continues. In the example
illustrated in FIG. 4, the 16 ball is the next ball drawn, which
falls into the "I" column. The color blue may be randomly selected
from the group of remaining colors and associated with the "I"
column. If the 35 ball is the next ball drawn, this ball falls into
the "N" column. Since no color has been associated with the "N"
column, the color orange may be selected from the remaining colors
and associated with the "N" column. The next ball drawn is 620,
thus falling into the "G" column. Since no color has been
associated with the "G" column in this game, the color red can be
randomly selected from the remaining colors and associated with the
"G" column. At this point in the game, all five columns have been
associated with a color, and play can preferably continue as in a
conventional bingo game, with no further color selection.
[0065] A basic form of the enhanced game of bingo according to an
embodiment of the present invention can be played as a
conventional, paper-based system, using physical indicators which
are overlaid on a paper bingo card while a live caller draws
numbered balls from a rotating cage. Column colors, row symbols,
and diamond symbol numbers may also be displayed in one or more
centralized displays, such as, but not limited to, displays similar
to traditional Bingo boards, and video monitors. In still another
embodiment, column colors, row symbols, and/or diamond symbol
numbers may be selected in advance of the initiation of a game,
thereby permitting custom Bingo cards to be printed with the
appropriate identifiers contained thereon.
[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 5, bingo cards can also be displayed
on a video monitor display, handheld electronic display device, or
other suitable apparatus. Examples of suitable handheld display
devices include, but are not limited to, the TED.TM.,
TED.sup.2C.TM., Diamond Elite.TM., Diamond Pro.TM., and D.
Handheld.TM. apparatuses manufactured by GameTech International,
Inc. of Reno, Nev.; the apparatus described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/244,039 by Keeton et al.; the iPaq.TM.
family of handheld computers manufactured by Hewlett Packard
Company of Palo Alto, Calif.; the Palm family of handheld computers
manufactured by Palm, Inc. of Milpitas, Calif.; and the like.
[0067] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, bingo
cards are preferably implemented as part of an electronic system
that allows players to play large numbers of cards simultaneously
using an electronic card tending device, such as currently used in
bingo parlors that have gaming licenses. In such a preferred
electronic embodiment, players can use card tending devices 500-1
through 500-n, where n represents the number of card tending
devices available to players. As row, column, diamond symbol, or
other indicators are selected, card tending device 500 can display
such indicators to players. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5,
row and column indicators are displayed as part of electronic bingo
cards 300 of FIG. 3. Each electronic bingo card also preferably has
a unique identification number that allows a bingo win to be
verified by caller 510. Card tending devices 500 are preferably in
communication with caller 510 to facilitate such verification. By
way of example, without intending to limit the present invention,
card tending devices 500 may utilize the radio frequency (RF)
transmitter layout described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/244,098, by Keeton et al., the teachings of which are
incorporated herein in their entirety, to facilitate communication
with caller 510.
[0068] In one embodiment, caller 510 may be an electronic system
that generates random numbers that are used in place of the marked
balls typically used in conventional bingo games. Random number
generation as used in this embodiment is generally known to those
skilled in the art and refers to a computer generating a value from
a seed in a manner that is preferably unpredictable either by a
player or persons operating bingo hall 520. Caller 510 also
randomly selects indicators from a finite set of indicators and
selected indicators to card tending devices 500.
[0069] In an alternative embodiment, number generation can be
handled differently, such as by using a ball blower and hopper
configuration, as used in conventional bingo games, with a person
drawing the numbered balls and entering the values into caller 510.
Communication unit 530 can also be in communication with caller
510, and can be used to link bingo hall 520 with other bingo halls
to share games and prize amounts with additional players.
Communication unit 530 links bingo hall 520 with other bingo halls
by connecting to remote communication units over a telephone line
or other suitable communication medium.
[0070] Display 540 is also preferably in communication with caller
510, and can display various information to players on a large
display screen such as a video monitor. In progressive games using
the enhanced bingo game of the present invention, the prize amounts
are updated based on win and payout data calculated by caller 510.
Prize amounts can be calculated and displayed on display 540 either
by using real time calculations based on current revenues for bingo
hall 520 for the day or by using a special technique wherein
revenues from a previous period, such as sales of bingo cards for
the entire day prior to the current bingo session, are used as the
basis for calculating the prize amount. Still further, the prize
amount may be gradually incremented over a period of time less than
that of the time period over which the revenues were collected,
thereby adding a sense of excitement to the prize. By way of
example, without intending to limit the present invention, if
revenues for the day prior to the current two hour Bingo session
totaled $100,000, the displayed prize may gradually increase to the
$100,000 level over the course of the Bingo session, rather than
over an entire day. The accelerated pace at which prize amounts
increase in such an embodiment can introduce a heightened sense of
excitement among players. In an alternative embodiment, the revenue
figures from the corresponding Bingo session from the prior day may
be used as the basis for the current day's prize, without any
acceleration.
[0071] An example of a screen which may be displayed by display 540
are illustrated in FIG. 7. The prizes shown in FIG. 7 correspond to
an enhanced bingo game being played using bingo cards such as those
illustrated in FIG. 3. Grand prize 700, having a larger jackpot
amount, is typically the most difficult to win. Prizes 705 through
730 can have various amounts, although prizes 705 through 715 are
preferably higher because of the combination of indicators. By
contrast, prize 730 is relatively low because of the color
associated with the column.
[0072] FIG. 6 illustrates various components included in a computer
system 600 that may be used to implement caller 510 and
communication unit 530. Computer system 600 preferably includes at
least a processor 605 and memory 610. Processor 605 may contain one
or more microprocessors or similar devices. Among its many
functions, memory 610 can store instructions and data for execution
by processor 605. If the embodiment of the present invention is
wholly or partially implemented in software, including a computer
program, memory 610 may also store executable code when in
operation. Memory 610 may include banks of dynamic random access
memory (DRAM), high speed cache memory, and read only memory (ROM).
System 600 preferably also includes a mass storage device 615,
peripheral device(s) 620, portable storage medium drive(s) 625,
input device(s) 630, a graphics subsystem 635 and a display
640.
[0073] For simplicity, the components illustrated in FIG. 6 are
depicted as being connected via a single bus 655. However, as will
be apparent to one skilled in the art, the components may be
connected through one or more data transport means without
departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. By way of
example, without intending to limit the present invention,
processor 605 and memory 610 may be connected via a local
microprocessor bus, while mass storage device 615, peripheral
device(s) 620, portable storage medium drive(s) 625, and graphics
subsystem 635 may be connected via one or more input/output (I/O)
buses. Mass storage device 615, which is typically implemented with
a magnetic disk drive or an optical disk drive, is preferably a
non-volatile storage device for storing data and instructions for
use by processor 605.
[0074] In another embodiment, mass storage device 615 can also
store a computer program implementing a means for automating an
enhanced bingo game such that the computer program can be readily
loaded into memory 610. Portable storage medium drive 625
preferably operates in conjunction with a portable non-volatile
storage medium, such as a floppy disk or other computer readable
medium, to input and output data and code to and from computer
system 600. In one embodiment, the present invention may be stored
on such portable medium, and can be input to computer system 600
via portable storage medium drive 625. Peripheral device(s) 620 may
include any type of computer support device, such as, but not
limited to, an input/output (I/O) interface, to add additional
functionality to the computer system 600. For example, peripheral
device(s) 620 may include a network interface card for interfacing
computer system 600 to a network, a modem, and the like. Input
device(s) 630 provide a portion of a user interface. Input
device(s) 630 may include an alphanumeric keypad for inputting
alphanumeric and other key information, or a pointing device, such
as a mouse, a trackball, stylus or cursor direction keys.
[0075] To display textual and graphical information, computer
system 600 preferably includes graphics subsystem 635 and display
640. Display 640 may include a cathode ray tube (CRT) display,
liquid crystal display (LCD), other suitable display devices.
Graphics subsystem 635 can receive textual and graphical
information and processes the information for output to display
640. Additionally, computer system 600 can include output devices
655. Examples of suitable output devices include, but are not
limited to, speakers, printers, and the like. Communications device
650 may control the flow of data between computer system 600 and a
communication network via communication line 660.
[0076] The components illustrated in computer system 600 are those
typically found in general purpose computer systems, and are
intended to represent a broad category of such computer components
that are well known in the art. The computer system of FIG. 7
illustrates an architecture that may be used as a practical basis
for implementing embodiments of the present invention. As should be
apparent to one skilled in the art, other architectures, such as,
but not limited to, those using Macintosh-based computers available
from Apple Computer, Inc.; architectures using different bus
configurations, networked platforms, multiprocessor platforms,
other personal computers, workstations, mainframes, navigation
systems, and the like; and computer systems utilizing any of a
variety of operating systems, including, but not limited to, UNIX,
Linux.RTM., Microsoft Windows XP.RTM., and Macintosh OS 10.RTM.,
may be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit or
the scope of the invention. Alternative embodiments of computer
system 600 can further include utilizing alternative display means
in lieu of a monitor, including, without limitation, a CRT display,
an LCD display, a projection display, or the like.
[0077] While the present invention has been described above in
terms of an electronic embodiment wherein players use card tending
devices to connect to a local caller, and bingo halls may be linked
via telephone or other telecommunications lines, the present
invention can also be implemented in a client-server computer
architecture, as illustrated in FIG. 8. In such an architecture,
players connect to a gaming enterprise that operates a caller 510
on server 800 and communicates with players over communication
network 805. Communications network 805 can include, but is not
limited to, wireless and wireless communications means, such as
those used to connect to the global computer network known as the
Internet. In such an embodiment, players can maintain electronic
bingo cards and communicate with caller 510 through clients 810-1
through 810-n. In such an embodiment, a computer system similar to
computer system 600 may be used to implement server 800 and/or
clients 810.
[0078] While the invention has been described in detail and with
reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to
those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can
be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope
thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the
modifications and variations of this invention provided they come
within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *