U.S. patent application number 10/793988 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-17 for gaming device and method featuring chess indicia.
Invention is credited to Leupp, Jon, Tempest, Kim.
Application Number | 20050253331 10/793988 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35308674 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050253331 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Leupp, Jon ; et al. |
November 17, 2005 |
Gaming device and method featuring chess indicia
Abstract
A gaming device and method directed to a primary game having
chess pieces displayed in the primary game outcomes. After
completion of the primary game, the chess pieces "move" according
to chess movement rules to "capture" other chess pieces. Credits
are awarded for each "capture". Embodiments include activation of
all chess pieces for play or activation of individual types of
pieces based on player wagering.
Inventors: |
Leupp, Jon; (Henderson,
NV) ; Tempest, Kim; (Henderson, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BERNHARD KRETEN
WEINTRAUB GENSHLEA CHEDIAK SPROULE
400 CAPITOL MALL, 11TH FLOOR
SACRAMENTO
CA
95814
US
|
Family ID: |
35308674 |
Appl. No.: |
10/793988 |
Filed: |
March 4, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/138.1 ;
273/292 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3244 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/34 20130101; G07F 17/3267
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/138.1 ;
273/292 |
International
Class: |
A63F 003/02 |
Claims
1. A gaming device, comprising, in combination: a visual display; a
wagering means operatively enabling said visual display; and means
for changing said visual display as a function of the appearance of
a first chess piece and a second chess piece if said first chess
piece can move in a preordained manner and occupy the position of
said second chess piece.
2. A method for gaming, the steps including: accepting a wager;
activating a display; generating and displaying outcomes on said
display, said outcomes comprising symbols, wherein a subset of said
symbols are enabled for movement according to a rule set; moving
each of said subset of symbols according to said rule set;
determining whether the position of any one of said subset of
symbols can coincide with the position of any other of said subset
of symbols; and awarding credits for coincident positions.
3. A gaming device, comprising, in combination: a visual display; a
wagering means operatively enabling said visual display; and a
processor and random number generator operatively coupled to said
visual display, said processor and random number generator
generating an outcome to be displayed on said visual display, said
outcome having a plurality of indicia occupying discrete positions,
wherein said a subset of said plurality of indicia include a
plurality of special symbols, and each said discrete position
occupied by a special symbol is evaluated using a rule set to
determine if any one said special symbol can occupy the position of
any other said special symbol.
4. The device of claim 3 wherein said plurality of special symbols
appear as a plurality of types of chess pieces.
5. The device of claim 4 wherein a subset of types of chess pieces
in said plurality of types of chess pieces is enabled for play.
6. The device of claim 5 wherein said discrete position of a
non-enabled said chess piece is available for capture.
7. The device of claim 5 wherein said discrete position of a
non-enabled said chess piece is not available for capture.
8. The device of claim 4 wherein each all types of chess pieces in
said plurality of chess pieces is enabled for play.
9. The device of claim 8 wherein said discrete position of a
non-enabled said chess piece is available for capture.
10. The device of claim 8 wherein said discrete position of a
non-enabled said chess piece is not available for capture.
11. The device of claim 3 wherein said special symbols appear only
in a subset of all discrete positions in said outcome.
12. The device of claim 3 further including means for identifying
said special symbols that will occupy the position of any other
said special symbol according to said rule set.
13. The device of claim 12 wherein said means for identifying is a
circumscribing box about said special symbol that moves and said
special symbol whose position is occupied.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Patrons of gaming establishments are constantly searching
for new games of interest. This trend has prompted the development
of thousands of new types of games to attract players. Several
games offer a bonus game feature, which allows a player to play a
secondary game subsequent to the primary game. The secondary game,
or "bonus game" usually enjoys a separate paytable and a chance for
the player to win enhanced awards. Such bonus games often involve
games different from the primary game, including different screens
and symbols.
[0002] The following prior art reflects the state of the art of
which applicant is aware and is included herewith to discharge
applicant's acknowledged duty to disclose relevant prior art. It is
stipulated, however, that this reference does not teach singly nor
render obvious when considered in any legally conceivable
combination the nexus of the instant invention as disclosed in
greater detail hereinafter and as particularly claimed.
1 PATENT NO. ISSUE DATE INVENTOR 6,585,264 Jul. 1, 2003 Benett
[0003] Benett discloses a "gaming machine having a chess game
feature". Chess pieces in Benett move according to traditional
chess rules. Only one move is made, and the direction of the move
may be randomly chosen (column 2, lines 10-14). Each piece moves
without regard to other pieces present and thus, does not interact
with other pieces in any manner. The symbol occupying the landing
position of the moving chess piece may be transformed into the same
chess piece as the moving piece. That is, when a rook moves, it
transforms all underlying symbols during its move into rooks
(column 4, lines 21-24). Substituted and original chess pieces are
then used in re-evaluating each payline against the internal
paytable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is distinguishable over the prior art
in a multiplicity of ways. A primary game is played and the player
is awarded for any winning outcomes. Included in the primary game
outcomes are special indicia that may be nominated in a bonus game
(secondary game) or as an adjunctive feature of the primary game.
Preferably, the special indicia are chess pieces. After play of the
primary game is complete and outcomes deemed winning on a paytable
are reconciled, any special indicia present can move about the
playfield according to a rule set, preferably according to
traditional movement rules in chess. There are different types of
special indicia, each having its own movement rule. Each movement
is evaluated separately. If a move results in coincidence of two
special indicia, the player is rewarded. All possible movements of
each of the special indicia are evaluated for winning outcomes.
[0005] One embodiment contemplates activation of all types of
special indicia for movement during the bonus game, while another
embodiment enables each type of special indicia with increasing
wagers made by the player. Rules for placement of special indicia
may also vary, for example, by allowing either single or multiple
special indicia to be displayed in a single reel in an outcome.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention
to provide a new and novel device and method for entertaining
players in a gaming environment.
[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
device and method as characterized above in which familiar themes
are presented to enhance player interest.
[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
device and method as characterized above which provides a bonus
game that does not require supplemental apparatus for
implementation.
[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
device and method as characterized above that allows a player to
increase the chance of winning by placing additional wagers, which
affect the total number of favorable outcomes in the secondary
game.
[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
device and method as characterized above in which a primary game
and a bonus game are played using the same indicia on the same
playfield.
[0011] Viewed from a first vantage point, it is an object of the
present invention to provide a gaming device, comprising, in
combination: a visual display; a wagering means operatively
enabling said visual display; and means for changing said visual
display as a function of the appearance of a first chess piece and
a second chess piece if the first chess piece can move in a
preordained manner and occupy the position of the second chess
piece.
[0012] Viewed from a second vantage point, it is an object of the
present invention to provide a method for gaming, the steps
including: accepting a wager; activating a display; generating and
displaying outcomes on the display, the outcomes comprising
symbols, wherein a subset of the symbols are enabled for movement
according to a rule set; moving each of the subset of symbols
according to the rule set; determining whether the position of any
one of the subset of symbols can coincide with the position of any
other of the subset of symbols; and awarding credits for coincident
positions.
[0013] These and other objects will be made manifest when
considering the following detailed specification when taken in
conjunction with the appended drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of the methodology according to the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a depiction of the apparatus associated
therewith.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a depiction of a 3.times.5 matrix playfield.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a chart indicating the movement rules for each
chess piece on the playfield.
[0018] FIGS. 5A and 5B show capture results for example
outcomes.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Considering the drawings, wherein like reference numerals
denote like parts throughout the various drawing figures, reference
numeral 10 as shown in FIG. 2 is directed to the device according
to the present invention.
[0020] In its essence, the device 10 includes a housing 16 which
supports a visual display 2, preferably a video monitor,
therewithin. The display 2 may include a window 8 for special
messages or for incrementing counting of credits accumulated by the
player. The device also includes an LED or other readout 4 for
prompting the player and can provide similar verbiage as the window
8 or in lieu thereof, to stimulate the player. The device includes
an inlet 6 for the reception therein for coins, currency or the
like to auger in the inception of play. A plurality of
decision-making buttons 12 are located on the face of the apparatus
10, preferable below the display 2, and a pull handle 14 can be
used to initiate play as an alternative to supplement the
decision-making buttons 12. A coin hopper 18 or other payment
methods, i.e., ticket printers, may be included to effectuate an
output of an award due the player. The device 10 may have a top
portion 32 with a display thereon having a motif correlative with
the game to be played and can include a paytable. A plurality of
speakers 34 may be included on the device for aural interaction
with the player. The apparatus also includes a processor P
coordinating all functions and a random number generator G
operatively coupled thereto for generating outcomes. A card 9,
having a read/write instrumentality 17 thereon, can be read via
input 7 as a substitute for or supplement to credit transfers as
well as player identification.
[0021] More specifically, and with reference to FIG. 3, greater
details with respect to the video display 2 can be explored. The
display 2 features a plurality of symbols 20 arranged in a primary
row and column (R.times.C) matrix 21, corresponding to a primary
game. Paylines 22 correspond to areas on the primary matrix 21 in
which winning combinations may be located. The primary game is
preferably a reel-type game, well known in the art, with multiple
paylines, displaying three rows on five reels (a 3.times.5
matrix).
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, the flow chart associated with the
apparatus of FIGS. 2 and 3 can be explored. The gaming device is
enabled with a wager. Preferably, a maximum bet enables the
features of the invention. Assume a maximum wager is placed. A
primary game is played in a conventional fashion, with awards
determined by a paytable. For example, an activated payline
displaying three "7" symbols or three "BAR" symbols would generate
an award for the player.
[0023] In addition to the regular symbols for play in the primary
game, special symbols for use in the bonus game are present. The
special symbols are preferably symbols displaying traditional chess
pieces. Each chess piece is capable of movement in the bonus game
according to its traditional movement rules preferably for
capturing other pieces. For example, pawns may capture by moving
one space diagonally. Rooks may move along the same row or column
as far as necessary to capture a piece (or pieces) on the
playfield. A chart of possible moves for each piece is provided in
FIG. 4.
[0024] After the primary game concludes, the "bonus" game begins by
evaluating the possible moves of each chess piece in turn. All
chess pieces are evaluated, preferably one at a time, for potential
moves. A moved piece's potential final position is compared to any
other displayed piece's initial position to determine if a
"capture" is possible according to the rules of chess. If a
"capture" is to be made, preferably a vector graphic is displayed
(see FIG. 5A) including a highlight demarcation (e.g.,
circumscribing box) showing the move made, and the player is
awarded for that capture. Remaining moves for the capturing piece
are evaluated and the played is rewarded for subsequent captures.
Each displayed piece is so evaluated, and each capture generates an
award due the player. Preferably, the visual depiction of the move
does not alter the play piece (symbol) in its position on the
matrix. It merely tallies scoring visually, preferably by
incrementing the credit count for each "capture".
[0025] In FIG. 5A, a knight, a king, and a queen are shown on the
playfield. All other positions are filled with non-chess pieces.
The king can capture the knight, the queen can capture the king,
and the knight can capture the queen. The player receives credits
for each of the three captures.
[0026] FIG. 5B displays a configuration displaying three queens and
two rooks. This configuration produces 20 captures, each of which
is awarded. Thus, "multidirectional" capture is possible.
[0027] Other embodiments of the chess evaluation are possible. For
example, a maximum wager may enable all types of displayed chess
pieces for the bonus game, whereas less than a maximum wager may
only enable a subset of chess pieces. Each subsequent chess piece
may be enabled by a further wager. That is, if a player wagers to
enable one payline, the knight is enabled. If 3 paylines are
enabled, the bishop is also enabled. If 5, 7, or 9 paylines are
enabled, the rook, queen and king are respectively enabled. Only
enabled chess pieces may perform captures. Non-enabled chess pieces
may be captured, but may not capture. Another embodiment would
disallow capture of non-enabled pieces as well.
[0028] Moreover, having thus described the invention, it should be
apparent that numerous structural modifications and adaptations may
be resorted to without departing from the scope and fair meaning of
the instant invention as set forth hereinabove and as described
hereinbelow by the claims.
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