U.S. patent application number 10/858687 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-02 for revealed indicia game method and device.
Invention is credited to Lafky, Ernie, Nicely, Mark.
Application Number | 20040242300 10/858687 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33457613 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040242300 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nicely, Mark ; et
al. |
December 2, 2004 |
Revealed indicia game method and device
Abstract
At least one selection set of indicia representing a winning
outcome and one selection set of indicia representing a non-winning
outcome are provided. A plurality of unrevealed indicia are
displayed. A player selects indicia, and the selected indicia are
revealed, until a predetermined number of indicia of one of said
selection sets representing either a winning or a non-winning
outcome are revealed. If a winning outcome is revealed, an award
may be issued. The present invention also includes a device having
a data processor communicating with a data structure, a wager
device, a display, a selection device, and an award device to carry
out the present method.
Inventors: |
Nicely, Mark; (Daly City,
CA) ; Lafky, Ernie; (San Francisco, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Anderson & Morishita, L.L.C.
Suite 102
2725 S. Jones Blvd.
Las Vegas
NV
89146
US
|
Family ID: |
33457613 |
Appl. No.: |
10/858687 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60474642 |
May 30, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/00157 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3262 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
1. A method for conducting a game comprising: providing at least a
selection set of indicia representing a winning outcome and a
selection set of indicia representing a non-winning outcome;
displaying a plurality of unrevealed indicia from said selection
sets; said player of said game making selections to reveal indicia;
revealing selected indicia until a predetermined number of indicia
of one of said selection sets representing either a winning or a
non-winning outcome are revealed; and if a winning outcome is
revealed, issuing an award to the player.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the player making a
wager prior to making said selections wherein said award is based
on said wager.
3. The method of claim 1 conducted over a series of said games
comprising: counting the number of non-winning outcomes in said
series of games; and if the player has a predetermined number of
non-winning outcomes, issuing an award to said player.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein said award is issued only if said
predetermined number of non-winning outcomes are revealed in
consecutive games.
5. The method of claim 3 further comprising defining at least two
types of non-winning outcomes wherein said award is issued only if
said predetermined number of non-winning outcomes are of the same
type.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said winning and non-winning
outcomes include at least two indicia of a selection set.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the displayed unrevealed indicia
include at least a predetermined number of indicia sufficient for a
winning outcome.
8. The method of claim 1 further comprising: defining at least one
non-winning outcome to include terminating said game; and if said
non-winning outcome is revealed, terminating said game for said
player without issuing said award.
9. The method of claim 1 further comprising: defining at least one
non-winning outcome to include triggering a secondary game; and if
said non-winning outcome is revealed, conducting said secondary
game.
10. The method of claim 1 further comprising: defining a threshold
number of selections; and if said winning outcome is revealed
before said threshold number of selections are made, issuing an
enhanced award greater than said award.
11. The method of claim 1 further comprising a selection set
including at least one indicium with a function selected from the
group of wild indicium to match any other indicium, multiplier
indicium to multiply said award, instant win indicium to terminate
said game and issue an instant win award, and instant lose indicium
to terminate said game without issuing any award.
12. A method for conducting a game comprising: providing at least a
selection set of indicia representing a winning outcome, a
selection set of indicia representing a non-winning outcome, and a
selection set including at least one indicium with a function
selected from the group of wild indicium to match any other
indicium, multiplier indicium to multiply said award, instant win
indicium to terminate said game and issue an instant win award, and
instant lose indicium to terminate said game without issuing any
award; displaying a plurality of unrevealed indicia from said
selection sets; said player of said game making selections to
reveal indicia; revealing selected indicia until said instant win
or instant lose indicium, if any, are revealed or until a
predetermined number of indicia of one of said selection sets
representing either a winning or a non-winning outcome are
revealed, including wild indicia, if any, whichever occurs first;
and if a winning outcome is revealed, issuing an award to the
player as increased by any multiplier indicium, if any, that was
selected and revealed.
13. The method of claim 12 conducted over a series of said games
comprising: defining at least two types of non-winning outcomes;
counting the number of consecutive non-winning outcomes of the same
type in said series of games; and if the player has a predetermined
number of consecutive non-winning outcomes of the same type,
issuing an award to said player.
14. The method of claim.12 further comprising: defining at least
one non-winning outcome to include triggering a secondary game; and
if said non-winning outcome is revealed, conducting said secondary
game.
15. A device for a player to play a game comprising: a wager
device; a data processor communicating with said wager device, said
data processor initiating play of said game after receipt of a
wager at said wager device; a data structure communicating with
said data processor, said data structure storing at least a
selection set of indicia representing a winning outcome and a
selection set of indicia representing a non-winning outcome; a
display communicating with said data processor, said data processor
directing said display to display a plurality of unrevealed indicia
from said selection sets; a selection device communicating with
said data processor to receive selections of indicia by said
player, said data processor revealing selected indicia at said
display until a predetermined number of indicia of one of said
selection sets representing either a winning or a non-winning
outcome are revealed; and an award device communicating with said
data processor, said data processor instructing said award device
to issue an award to said player if a winning outcome is
revealed.
16. The device of claim 15 wherein said data processor tracks
outcomes over a series of said games and directs said award device
to issue an award to said player if a predetermined number of
consecutive non-winning outcomes are revealed.
17. The device of claim 16 wherein said data structure stores at
least two different types of non-winning outcomes, said data
processor directing said award device to issue an award to said
player only if a predetermined number of consecutive non-winning
outcomes of the same type are obtained.
18. The device of claim 16 wherein said award includes said data
processor triggering a secondary game that includes the random
selection of a secondary game award.
19. The device of claim 16 wherein said data processor receives a
selection from said player to (a) accept said award for obtaining a
given series of non-winning outcomes or (b) decline said award for
obtaining a given series of non-winning outcomes, and wherein if
said data processor receives a selection declining said award, said
data processor continues to track outcomes over a subsequent series
of said games and directs said award device to issue a second award
larger than said award to said player if a predetermined number of
consecutive non-winning outcomes are revealed.
20. The device of claim 15 wherein said data processor tracks
outcomes over a series of said games and directs said award device
to issue an award if a predetermined number of non-winning outcomes
is revealed within a predetermined number of games.
21. The device of claim 20 wherein said data structure further
stores a paytable of at least two awards, said awards varying based
on the quantity of non-winning outcomes revealed within said
predetermined number of games.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] The present application claims the priority of U.S.
Provisional Application Serial No. 60/474,642, entitled "Electronic
Game," filed May 30, 2003 by Applicants herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to electronic games such as
video lottery or "scratch-off" games and to bonus games for slot
machines, arcade games, computer and novelty games.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A conventional game known in the art is referred to as a
scratch card, or simply a scratcher. A scratcher is an instant win
game in that a player immediately knows whether the player is
entitled to a prize after playing. In a conventional scratcher
game, players reveal values hidden, typically by wax that is
scratched off, on a given game card to see if they have a winning
card. Usually in these games, once all the hidden values are
revealed, the player can see that they had no chance to win. Player
can become unhappy with the fact that the value-reveal has no
impact on their actual results.
[0004] There are some scratcher games and video-based instant games
where the player is only allowed to select a subset of values to
reveal. With these games, the player typically is only allowed to
reveal a certain number of symbols; for example, a player may only
be allowed to reveal three of five hidden values. Additionally, it
is typical that some instances have a possible win while others do
not. That is, it is possible, even probable, that there exist no
combination of three symbols on a given card that could produce a
win. Hence, there may be no possible way that the player could have
won. However, traditionally, these games do not reveal to the
player all of the other possibilities.
[0005] Scratcher games have also been utilized as secondary games
to gambling games. For example, there exist video-based bonus
events as part of a gambling game, usually a slot game, whereby the
player reveals symbols until a certain number of matching symbols
appear whereby the player is receives an award corresponding to the
symbol. This bonus mechanism provides an interactive or seemingly
interactive method for giving the player a variable award based
upon an award distribution and the player is guaranteed to get some
award. However, these games typically do not include non-winning
symbols or symbols that trigger additional features.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is a method and device for conducting
a game. The method includes providing at least two selection sets
of indicia. One selection set of indicia represents a winning
outcome and one selection set of indicia represents a non-winning
outcome. Optionally, additional selection sets may be provided. For
example, one optional embodiment includes a selection set with at
least one indicium that could function as a wild indicium to match
any other indicium, multiplier indicium to multiply the award,
instant win indicium to terminate the game and issue an instant win
award, or instant lose indicium to terminate the game without
issuing any award.
[0007] A plurality of unrevealed indicia from the selection sets
are displayed. In an optional embodiment, the displayed unrevealed
indicia include at least a predetermined number of indicia
sufficient for a winning outcome.
[0008] A player makes selections to reveal indicia. Selections are
made, and indicia are revealed, until a predetermined number of
indicia of one of the selection sets representing either a winning
or a non-winning outcome are revealed. Optionally, the
predetermined number is at least two indicia of a selection set. In
an optional embodiment including instant win indicium and instant
lose indicium, selections may also be terminated when one of these
indicia is revealed. If a winning outcome is revealed, an award is
issued to the player. In an optional embodiment in which a player
makes a wager to participate in the game, the award may be based on
the wager.
[0009] In further optional embodiments, additional awards or
terminating conditions may be defined. For example, in an optional
embodiment, the method is conducted over a series of games. In such
an optional embodiment, the number of non-winning outcomes in the
series of games may be counted and, if the player has a
predetermined number of non-winning outcomes over the series of
games, an award is issued to the player. Optionally, an award may
be issued only if the predetermined number of non-winning outcomes
are revealed in consecutive games.
[0010] In another optional embodiment, at least one non-winning
outcome is defmed to include terminating the game. If the
non-winning outcome is revealed, the game is terminated for the
player without issuing the award.
[0011] In yet another optional embodiment, at least one non-winning
outcome is defined to include triggering a secondary game. If the
non-winning outcome is revealed, the secondary game is
conducted.
[0012] Another optional embodiment of the game includes defininig a
threshold number of selections. If the winning outcome is revealed
before the threshold number of selections are made, an enhanced
award is issued that is greater than the award for merely obtaining
a winning outcome.
[0013] The present invention also includes a device for playing a
game. The device includes a data processor communicating with a
wager device, a display, a selection device, and an award device. A
data structure stormng at least a selection set of indicia
representing a winning outcome and a selection set of indicia
representing a non-winning outcome also communicates with the data
processor.
[0014] The data processor initiates play of the game after receipt
of a wager at the wager device. The data processor directs the
display to display a plurality of unrevealed indicia from the
selection sets. The data processor receives selections by the
player at the selection device and reveals selected indicia at the
display until a predetermined number of indicia of one of the
selection sets representing either a winning or a non-winning
outcome are revealed. If a winning outcome is revealed, the data
processor directs the award device to issue an award to the
player.
[0015] As above, further optional embodiments may be defined. In
one optional embodiment, the data processor tracks outcomes over a
series of games and directs the award device to issue an award to
the player if a predetermined number of consecutive non-winning
outcomes are revealed. In a further optional embodiment, the data
structure stores at least two different types of non-winning
outcomes. In this further optional embodiment, the data processor
directs the award device to issue an award to the player only if a
predetermined number of consecutive non-winning outcomes of the
same type are obtained. In another optional embodiment, the award
includes the data processor triggering a secondary game that
includes the random selection of a secondary game award. In any of
these optional embodiments, the data processor may present the
player with a choice to (a) accept the award for obtaining a given
series of non-winning outcomes or (b) decline the award for
obtaining a given series of non-winning outcomes. If the data
processor receives a selection from the player declining the award,
the data processor continues to track outcomes over a subsequent
series of the games and directs the award device to issue an award
to the player if a predetermined number of consecutive non-winning
outcomes are revealed, in which the award is larger than the award
declined. Alternately, the player could be allowed to subsequently
accept a previously offered award if no event occurs to improve or
eliminate the prior series.
[0016] In yet another optional embodiment, the data processor
tracks outcomes over a series of the games and directs the award
device to issue an award if a predetermined number of non-winning
outcomes is revealed within a predetermined number of games.
Optionally, the data structure stores a paytable of at least two
awards that vary based on the quantity of non-winning outcomes
revealed within the predetermined number of games.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a yet-to-be-started 6 spot game
with no indicia revealed;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an illustration of an in-progress 6 spot game with
some indicia revealed;
[0019] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a completed 6 spot game with a
winning award revealed;
[0020] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a completed 6 spot game with a
losing, non-winning outcome revealed;
[0021] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a completed 6 spot game with a
non-winning outcome revealed and non-selected square indicia also
revealed;
[0022] FIG. 6 is an illustration of an in-progress 6 spot game with
2 prior cat non-winning outcomes;
[0023] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a completed 6 spot game with a
new dog non-winning outcome which clears out prior cat outcome
indicator accumulator;
[0024] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a completed 6 spot game with a
new dog non-winning outcome which adds another dog outcome
indicator to the outcome accumulator;
[0025] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a completed 6 spot game with a
dog non-winning outcome leading to a dog accumulator award;
[0026] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a yet-to-be-started 6 spot
game with a cleared bonus accumulator;
[0027] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a 30 spot game;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a device according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION
[0030] Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are
referred to by like numerals throughout. Referring generally to
FIGS. 1-12, the present invention is a method for conducting a
game. As shown in FIG. 12, the method includes defining 10 at least
a selection set of winning indicia and a selection set of
non-winning indicia. The indicia may take any form including
symbols, alpha-numeric characters, pictures, animations, sounds,
links, graphics, or any other perceptible indicator associated with
a winning or non-winning outcome. It is contemplated that the
indicia may have significance individually or in combination with
other indicia. For example, as discussed in greater detail below,
certain indicia may combine with others to form a winning outcome
while other indicia may function as an instant win, instant lose,
wild, multiplier or other indicia that function on their own in an
optional embodiment.
[0031] Unrevealed indicia selected from one or more selection sets
are displayed 12. Optionally, the unrevealed indicia include at
least a sufficient number of indicia to form a winning outcome. In
a further optional embodiment, unrevealed indicia are optionally
selected to include at least a sufficient number of indicia to form
winning and non-winning outcomes. Although FIGS. 1-11 illustrate
the unrevealed indicia arranged into a matrix, this is not
necessary. The indicia may be obscured or hidden in any manner or
fashion. In the examples of the figures, the unrevealed indicia are
signified by "?" symbols.
[0032] Returning to FIG. 12, the player selects 14 one or more
unrevealed indicia and the selected indicia are revealed 16. This
could be done singly, i.e. a selected indicium is revealed 16
immediately after the player selects 14 the indicium, or as a
group, i.e., the player selects 14 a number of indicia and the
selected indicia are revealed 16 one by one. In either case,
indicia are selected 14 and revealed 16 until the selections are
completed 18. In a basic form of the method, the step of revealing
16 indicia is completed 18 when a predetermined number of indicia
of one of the selection sets representing either a winning or a
non-winning outcome are revealed. That is, indicia are revealed 16
until a sufficient number of either winning outcome or non-winning
outcome indicia are revealed 16. This is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and
4 and described in greater detail below.
[0033] In an optional embodiment, additional conditions for
completing 18 may be defined. For example, instant win or instant
lose indicia may be provided. If such instant win or instant lose
indicia are revealed 16, the game may end. In the case of an
instant win indicia, an award may be issued to the player,
optionally in the form of money, coins, credits, redeemable tickets
or other award.
[0034] A player obtaining, 20 a winning outcome is issued 22 an
award. The award may be fixed or may vary depending upon the number
of selections made before the outcome was obtained 20. For example,
in an optional embodiment, a threshold number of selections may be
defined. If the player obtains the winning outcome with fewer
selections than the threshold number, an enhanced award greater
than the award may be issued.
[0035] For a player obtaining a non-winning outcome, the
non-winning outcome is executed 24. It is contemplated that a
non-winning outcome is not necessarily equivalent to losing. To the
contrary, a player obtaining a non-winning outcome may be executed
24 in any of a number of different ways. For example, a player
obtaining a non-winning outcome may lose any wager and receive no
award or a reward less than his wager, if any. In an optional
embodiment, a non-winning award may be defmed to include the
triggering of a secondary game. In such an embodiment, the
secondary game may further include participation by the player or
may result in the awarding of an award. Optionally the award is
randomly selected.
[0036] In a further embodiment, the method contemplates tracking
the number of non-winning outcomes over a series of games. The
player may receive an award if a predetermined number of
non-winning outcomes is obtained. Optionally, the non-winning
outcomes must occur in consecutive games. In a further optional
embodiment of such a game, at least two types of non-winning
outcomes are defined. In such an optional embodiment, the player is
issued an award only if a predetermined number of non-winning
outcomes of one type are obtained in consecutive games, that is,
without any intervening non-winning outcomes of any other type. It
is contemplated that the house rules may allow or disallow
intervening winning outcomes within the consecutive games
counted.
[0037] These features, and other, will become apparent in the
example games of FIGS. 1-11. FIG. 1 illustrates a game card 100
comprised of six unrevealed indicia 120-125, a messaging area 130
and a player credits information and control area 140. This is
consistent with a game that has not yet been started. FIG. 2, shows
an in-progress game card 200 with some indicia revealed 220, 222,
and some unrevealed 221, 223-225. One revealed indicia 220 is an
award value worth "5" credits if matched while the other 222 is a
non-award winning value. FIG. 3, illustrates a completed game card
300 whose outcome is a "5" credit winner because revealed squares
320 and 325 match. In this example, the matching squares receive a
special highlight (a double line border in the diagram) to help the
player identify match. Also seen in this figure is a Play Again
button 345 in the player information and control area 340 to allow
the player to buy another card. Similarly, FIG. 4 shows a completed
game card 400 whose outcome is a loser because revealed squares 422
and 424 have matching non-award non-winning symbols. As in FIG. 3,
the matching loser symbols have a special highlight (a double line
border in the diagram) to help the player identify match. In an
alternate implementation, shown in FIG. 5, we show a completed game
card 500 with a losing outcome as in FIG. 4, but the squares
unselected by the players are revealed. Specifically, the squares
unselected by the player are revealed 523 and 525 and done so in a
special way (grayed out) to indicate that they were not selected
but were available.
[0038] In one optional embodiment of this invention, the required
number of matching indicia may vary based on the indicium. For
example, while the player normally be required to get 3 standard
award indicia or non-winning indicia to end play, special symbols
may be present that require only one indicia to be revealed to end
play. Specifically, an instant win symbol, if revealed, will end
the game play and pay out an award value. Likewise, an instant lose
symbol, if revealed, will end game play without the payment of an
award value.
[0039] In another optional embodiment of this invention, non-award
winning outcomes can lead to alternate awards to be paid in the
future. For example, if the player gets a required number of a
certain type of winning outcomes in a row, this could trigger a
bonus award or special award pay. This "in a row" requirement may
or may not require that no winning award outcomes occur in between.
This "in a row" requirement may or may not require that no other
non-award winning outcomes occur in between.
[0040] This invention covers a game comprised of k losing
non-winning symbols and j winning symbols. A single game is
concluded as soon as the player reveals i number of the same
symbol.
[0041] For every game, the player will have matched one type of
symbol: either a non-award winning or a non-winning award
outcome.
[0042] Furthermore, a game can be comprised of two or more types of
non-award winning symbols in quantities k1, k2, . . . kn, where
k=k1+k2+ . . . +kn. Likewise there may be one or more j winning
symbols in quantities j1, j2, . . . , jm, where j=j1+j2+ . . . +jm.
For a single type of winning symbol, j is the same as j1. For a
game with multiple award winning symbols, at least one quantity j1,
j2, . . . or jm must be greater than or equal to i. A game could be
offered whereby not all j1, j2, . . . jm values are greater than or
equal to i.
[0043] If the player gets the same non-award winning outcomes for x
games in a row with no other type of intermediate non-award
non-winning outcomes, he will be awarded a bonus prize.
[0044] For this same example, lets assume that i=3. If the prior
non-award winning symbol outcome was a dog and in the next play,
the player matches three cats before any other symbol, then he will
now have one cat outcome in his series. If he subsequently gets
four or more cat outcomes, without a dog outcome, meaning he has
gotten five cat consecutive outcomes, he will get a bonus award.
Furthermore, if he gets an additional five more cat outcomes
without a dog outcome, he will get another bonus award (which based
upon the game design, may or may not be higher than previous bonus
award based upon a pay table).
[0045] FIG. 6 shows an in-progress game card 600 comprised of a
revealed award symbol 620, a revealed non-award winning symbol 622,
unrevealed symbols 621, 623-625, a message area, 630, a player
information and input section 640 and a bonus symbol accumulator
section 650, which itself is comprised of 5 areas 651-655 where
prior losing game outcomes are stored. In this diagram, the bottom
accumulator slots 651 and 652 indicate two prior consecutive cat
outcomes while the other slots 653-655 are empty. The text in slot
655 indicates the bonus award available when that slot is
filled.
[0046] FIG. 7 shows a completed game card 700 which is the
completion of the game in FIG. 6 resulting in a dog outcome because
two dog symbols 722 and 724 were revealed before any other two
symbols were revealed. This results in no pay to the player as
reflected in the message area 730 and player information and input
section 740. This also causes the accumulated cat outcome indicator
651 and 652 from FIG. 6 to go away and a single dog outcome
indicator to 751 to be placed in the bonus award accumulator
750.
[0047] Turning to FIG. 8, the completion of a game card 800 is
shown which could be the next game after the game depicted in FIG.
7 whereby another dog outcome occurs, so another dog indicator, 852
is added to the bonus award accumulator 850.
[0048] FIG. 9 shows the completion of a game card 900 in which a
fifth consecutive dog outcome has occurred. A fifth dog outcome
indicator 955 is added to the bonus award accumulator 950 and the
player is awarded a three-credit bonus award as shown in the
message area 930 and player information and input area 940.
[0049] FIG. 10, illustrates a yet-to-be-started game card 1000
which would immediately follow the start of a new game after that
shown in FIG. 9 whereby the bonus award accumulator 1050 is cleared
of all of the outcome indicators 951-955 of FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is also
what the player would see if playing the version of this game which
clears out the bonus accumulator when any award outcome occurs.
[0050] FIG. 11 shows the layout of a game card consisting of thirty
symbols and a ten spot bonus accumulator.
[0051] Additional variations may also be provided in optional
embodiments. Those mentioned so far include:
[0052] a non-winning outcome can result in no award or can result
in an award that is less than the original wager;
[0053] the number of different type of non-award winning
symbols;
[0054] bonus award accumulation based on getting the same non-award
winning outcome n times in a row without getting any other type of
non-award winning outcome;
[0055] bonus award accumulation based on getting the same non-award
winning outcome n times in a row without getting any other type of
award or non-award winning outcome;
[0056] with or without instant win symbols;
[0057] with or without instant lose symbols;
[0058] repeated bonus series may or may not pay the same
amount;
[0059] having multiple award symbols in a single play, there being
at least the required number of each symbol to win each symbol. For
example, a game card with three "5" symbols, three "10" symbols,
ten "dog" symbols and ten "cat" symbols, where three of any symbol
needed for a match;
[0060] having multiple award symbols in a single play, with not all
symbols being in the quantity required to win that symbol. For
example, if you need to match three symbols to end play, there
could be an award symbol of a special value, of which there is only
one or two present within the specific game. A specific example
includes a game card with three "5" symbols, three "10" symbols,
one "2" symbol, two "50" symbols, ten "dog" symbols, and ten "cat"
symbols, where three of any symbol is needed to produce an
outcome.
[0061] Other variations include but not limited to:
[0062] game parameters may change from game to game. For example,
the ratio of award winning symbols to non-award non-winning symbols
could vary. In some plays, there may be three award winning symbols
and twenty-two non-award winning symbols. In some other plays,
there could be five award winning symbols and twenty non-award
winning symbols;
[0063] Likewise, the size of the award winning symbols can
vary;
[0064] having at least one free play symbol;
[0065] having a K free play symbol (i.e. you can play your next K
games for free)
[0066] having a wild symbol which will match all other revealed
awards
[0067] having a multiplier symbol which will cause any revealed
award symbol to be correspondingly multiplied. For example, if a
"3x" symbol is revealed and the player subsequently matches the
required number of award symbols for a five credit pay, then the
corresponding award value will be 3.times.5=15 credits.
[0068] having an award symbol whose value is not revealed until
after it has been matched. For example, if the player matches the
required number of "?" symbols, he will win an award based that
will be subsequently revealed, possibly after some player
interaction;
[0069] having an award symbol which leads to a bonus round;
[0070] having a bonus associated with matching the required number
of symbols within a certain number of picks. For example, offering
double payout for getting three award symbols if done so within
three picks;
[0071] having a non-award bonus structured to pay a special pay
when the player gets the same non-award winning symbol outcomes as
individual game results n times in a row. For example, every time
you get five cat games in a row with no intermediate dog games, you
win a three-credit award. If you get ten cat games in a row with no
intermediate dog games, you win two separate three-credit
awards;
[0072] instead of paying a fixed amount for an award event, the
player is instead paid an award from a distribution;
[0073] instead of paying a fixed amount for a non-award bonus event
special pay, the player instead plays a bonus game that offers an
array of award possibilities based upon an award distribution.
[0074] for awards based upon a to-be-revealed-to-the-player
distribution, this may or may not involve player interaction. For
example, an interactive version, the player could be presented with
a plurality of squares underneath each an award is hidden. The
player selects one such square and wins the award underneath. The
values under the other squares may or may not revealed to show the
player what other values were possible;
[0075] having a non-award bonus special pay structured to pay an
ever-increasing award as the number of consecutive non-award
non-winning symbols appear. For example, if you get five cats (or
dog) games in a row, you win one amount, say two credits, but if
you get an additional five of the same type of game in a row you
win another amount, say twenty credits. A sample pay table could
be:
[0076] 5 in a row: 2 credits
[0077] 10 in a row: 20 credits
[0078] 15 in a row: 200 credits
[0079] 20 in a row: 2000 credits
[0080] Therefore, if a player gets ten consecutive dog outcomes in
a row, he would have won two credits upon obtaining his first five
consecutive dog symbols and gets an additional twenty credits after
obtaining an additional five consecutive dog outcomes (meaning that
he got ten consecutive dog outcomes in a row). However, if a player
gets five dog outcomes, then gets one or more cat outcomes and
subsequently gets another five dog outcomes, this second 5 dog
outcome series will lead to a two credit pay.
[0081] having a non-award bonus special pay structured to allow the
player to collect a bonus award for getting n non-award winning
game outcomes in a row or to risk that award special pay to try to
obtain a higher award special pay by getting one additional game
outcome of the same time without a disqualifying award type. For
example, for the following pay table:
[0082] 5 in a row: 3 credits
[0083] 6 in a row: 6 credits
[0084] 7 in a row: 12 credits
[0085] 8 in a row: 24 credits
[0086] the player can elect to collect three credits upon achieving
five of the same non-award winning game outcomes in a row or can
forgo collecting this bonus award for the opportunity to win a
larger award for getting one or more additional of the same game
outcome.
[0087] instead of needing to get n non-award winning game outcomes
in a row, a game could be structured for getting n non-award
winning game outcomes within n+k plays. Furthermore, this could be
based upon a pay table. For example, for a twenty game series,
possibly prepaid, the following paytable would be possible:
1 Payout Outcome 15000 for 20 out of 20 outcomes the same 1500 for
19 out of 20 outcomes the same 150 for 18 out of 20 outcomes the
same 15 for 17 out of 20 outcomes the same
[0088] This game could be implemented such that the positions of
the hidden indicia are assigned before the start of play. This
means that the player's decision as to which spot to select will
affect their outcome.
[0089] implemented as a non-paper game, this game could be
implemented such that the positions of the hidden indicia are
assigned during play in order to produce a specific outcome. For
example, the players first three picks may all reveal cats
irrespective of which spots they select. This means that the
players decision as to which spot to select will not affect their
outcome. This could be provided as a fixed outcome game whereby all
game outcomes are known and controlled when the game is first
offered for play or could be provided as the outcome of a
pseudo-random number generator which randomly chooses an outcome
for each game.
[0090] This invention covers implementation as a video game or as
an Internet-based game or as an electromechanical game or as a
paper scratcher or pull-tab game.
[0091] This invention could include implementations where multiple
cards are visible and playable on the same display. For example,
when implemented as a scratcher with multiple games on the same
paper.
[0092] A device for carrying out the present method is shown in
FIG. 13. The device includes a data processor 30 communicating with
a data structure 32. The data structure 32 could be any form of
data storage including optical, magnetic, electronic, electrical,
electro-mechanical, RAM, ROM, or any other form of data storage.
The data structure 32 stores at least a selection set of indicia
representing a winning outcome and a selection set of indicia
representing a non-winning outcome. The data structure 32 may also
store instructions for the conduct of the game method and other
game parameters and constants.
[0093] A wager device 38 communicates with the data processor 30.
The wager device 38 may take many forms including a coin or bill
acceptor, ticket reader, magnetic card reader, or the like that can
receive a wager or data necessary to debit a wager. In response to
the receipt of a wager at the wager device 38, the data processor
30 initiates the game.
[0094] A display 34 and a selection device 36 communicate with the
data processor 30. The display 34 could take many different forms
including a CRT monitor, LCD or plasma screen, or the like.
Similarly, the selection device 36 could be any form of input
device such as a keyboard, touchscreen, button, stylus, or other
input device. The data processor 30 directs the display of a
plurality of unrevealed indicia from the selection sets at the
display 34 and the data processor 30 receives through the selection
device 36 selections of indicia from the player. The data processor
30 reveals each selected indicium at the display 34 until a
predetermined number of indicia of one of the selection sets
representing either a winning or a non-winning outcome are
revealed.
[0095] An award device 40 communicates with the data processor 30.
The award device 40 could take the form of an output device, such
as a coin hopper, ticket printer, magnetic encoder, or the like.
The data processor 30 may also incorporate the award device 40 by
electronically tracking the player's stored game credits and adding
game credits to the player's stored credits when an award is
issued. In any event, the data processor 30 directs the award
device 40 to issue an award to the player if a winning outcome is
revealed.
[0096] The device of the present invention may also incorporate the
optional variations in the game method discussed above.
[0097] While certain embodiments of the, present invention have
been shown and described it is to be understood that the present
invention is subject to many modifications and changes without
departing from the spirit and scope of the claims presented
herein.
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