U.S. patent application number 11/371415 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-14 for system and method of organizing a predictions-based game through an electronic gaming system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Arachnid, Inc.. Invention is credited to John R. Martin, Patrick G. Rice, Samuel N. Zammuto.
Application Number | 20060205471 11/371415 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36971720 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060205471 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Martin; John R. ; et
al. |
September 14, 2006 |
System and method of organizing a predictions-based game through an
electronic gaming system
Abstract
A method of playing a predictions-based game based on a
particular event, including inputting identification information
into an electronic gaming system through a user interface,
inputting prediction information into the electronic gaming system
through the user interface, relaying the identification information
and prediction information to a processing unit of a central
management system that is adapted to operate the predictions-based
game, monitoring the status of the particular event, determining
whether the prediction information is in accordance with an outcome
of the particular event at the processing unit, relaying results of
the determining step to the electronic gaming system, and
displaying the results on a display of the electronic gaming
system.
Inventors: |
Martin; John R.; (Rockford,
IL) ; Rice; Patrick G.; (Loves Park, IL) ;
Zammuto; Samuel N.; (Rockford, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET
SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Assignee: |
Arachnid, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
36971720 |
Appl. No.: |
11/371415 |
Filed: |
March 9, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60660487 |
Mar 10, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41J 3/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of playing a predictions-based game based on a
particular event, comprising: inputting identification information
into an electronic gaming system through a user interface;
inputting prediction information into the electronic gaming system
through the user interface; relaying the identification information
and prediction information to a central management system that is
configured to operate the predictions-based game; monitoring the
status of the particular event; determining whether the prediction
information is in accordance with an outcome of the particular
event at the central management system; relaying results of said
determining step to the electronic gaming system; and displaying
the results of the particular event on a display of the electronic
gaming system.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic gaming system is
an electronic dart game machine that includes the user
interface.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic gaming system is a
video game.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic gaming system is a
parlor game having an activation assembly.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic gaming system is
remotely located from a location where the particular event is
monitored.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the central management system is
in communication with a plurality of electronic gaming systems.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the particular event is a
sporting event.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the particular event is an
election.
9. A method of voting on a particular event, comprising: inputting
voting information into an electronic gaming system through a user
interface of an electronic gaming system; relaying the voting
information to a central management system that is configured to
tabulate vote totals; monitoring the status of the particular
event; relaying results of the particular event to the electronic
gaming system; and displaying the results of the particular event
on a display of the electronic gaming system.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the electronic gaming system is
an electronic dart game machine that includes the user
interface.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the electronic gaming system is
a video game.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the electronic gaming system is
a parlor game having an activation assembly.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein the electronic gaming system is
remotely located from a location where the particular event is
monitored.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the central management system is
in communication with a plurality of electronic gaming systems.
15. The method of claim 9, wherein the particular event is an
election.
16. A method of playing a predictions-based game based on a
particular event, comprising: inputting identification information
into an electronic dart game system through a user interface;
inputting prediction information regarding the particular event
into the electronic dart game system through the user interface;
relaying the identification information and prediction information
to a central management system that is remotely located from the
electronic dart game system; monitoring the status of the
particular event at the central management system; determining
whether the prediction information is in accordance with an outcome
of the particular event at the central management system; relaying
results of said determining step to the electronic dart game
system; and displaying the results on a display of the electronic
dart game system.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising player statistics
regarding the prediction information and past predictions at the
central management system.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising relaying player
statistics to the electronic dart game system, and displaying the
player statistics on the display of the electronic dart game
system.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the central management system
is in communication with a plurality of electronic gaming
systems.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the particular event is a
sporting event.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application relates to and claims priority benefits
from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/660,487 entitled
"System and Method of Organizing a Predictions-Based Game Through
An Electronic Gaming System," filed Mar. 10, 2005, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a
system and method of organizing a predictions-based game through an
electronic gaming system, and more particularly to a system and
method of inputting predictions related to a game, such as
"Fantasee Football," through an electronic gaming system, such as
an electronic dart game machine.
[0003] Various establishments, such as bars and restaurants, have
gaming systems on premises. For example, the establishments may
have electronic dart game machines, video games, pool tables, and
the like. Further, many of these gaming systems include electronic
interfaces configured to allow a user to input information and/or
activate game play.
[0004] Games of chance represent one particular form of
entertainment offered by establishments. Casinos offer various
types of gambling machines, e.g., slot machines, poker machines,
and the like. Additionally, individuals often make predictions
and/or wagers in relation to sporting events, in an effort to
derive more excitement from the sporting events.
[0005] Often, establishments offer patrons a predictions-based game
for cash and prizes. Some of these games are promotional and
offered to patrons at no cost, but offer patrons who predict
correct results prizes. "Fantasee Football" is one such game that
offers patrons a chance to predict the outcome of football games.
Information regarding "Fantasee Football" can be found at
www.FantaseeFootball.com. Typically, patrons write down their
predictions and/or inform an employee at a particular establishment
of their predictions, who then records the predictions. As such,
paper records are required to document the predictions. The
employee later communicates the predictions to a central game
location.
[0006] The paper records, however, may be lost. Additionally,
predictions or wagers may be mis-recorded and/or
mis-communicated.
[0007] Thus, a need exists for a system and method of efficiently
inputting, recording and tabulating predictions in
predictions-based games.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of
playing a predictions-based game based on a particular event. The
method includes inputting identification information into an
electronic gaming system through a user interface, inputting
prediction information into the electronic gaming system through
the user interface, relaying the identification information and
prediction information to a processing unit that is programmed to
operate the predictions-based game, monitoring the status of the
particular event, determining whether the prediction information is
in accordance with an outcome of the particular event at the
processing unit, relaying results of the determining step to the
electronic gaming system, and displaying the results on a display
of the electronic gaming system.
[0009] The electronic gaming system may be an electronic dart game
machine, a video game, a parlor game having an activation assembly
having a user interface, or various other electronic gaming
systems. The electronic gaming system may be remotely located from
a location where the predictions-based game is operated. The
particular event may be a sporting event, such as a baseball,
football, basketball, or hockey game.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic dart game machine according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a hardware configuration of
the electronic dart game machine according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method of operating a
predictions-based game according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method of monitoring
predictions made at remote game machines according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0014] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will
be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is
shown in the drawings, certain embodiments. It should be
understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to
the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the attached
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Embodiments of the present invention may be used with
various electronic gaming systems, including the electronic dart
golf game described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,354, entitled
"Electronic Dart Golf Game," issued to Martin et al (the "'354
patent"), computer jukeboxes, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,397,189, entitled "Computer Jukebox and Jukebox Network," issued
to Martin et al. (the "'189 patent"), and the gaming devices
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,729,212, entitled "Gaming device
providing high security communications with a remote station,"
issued to Martin (the "'212 patent"). The '354 patent, the '189
patent, and the '212 patent are hereby incorporated by reference in
their entireties.
[0016] In general, embodiments of the present invention may also be
used with an electronic gaming system that includes a user
interface that allows a user to input information. Embodiments of
the present invention may also be used with the remote activation
assembly shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/737,054, entitled "Improved Parlor Game," which was filed on
Dec. 16, 2003, listing Martin et al, as inventors, which is also
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic dart game machine 100
according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic
dart game machine 100 may include a coin/bill acceptor 102, a first
electronic dart board 104, a second electronic dart board 106, a
video display 108, interface keys 110, and a CPU (not shown in FIG.
1). The interface keys 110 may include selection keys and player
change buttons. Alternatively, the electronic dart game machine 100
may include only one electronic dart board. Also, alternatively,
the electronic dart game machine 100 may include more than two
electronic dart boards.
[0018] Players may input game selection information and other
parameters through the interface keys 110, and/or a touchscreen
included on the video display 108. The video display 108 may be a
cathode ray tube (CRT) based display, a liquid crystal display
(LCD), a dense grid of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or the like.
The display 108 may present players with various game selection
choices, which may be activated by pressing a corresponding
interface key 110, and/or an appropriate location on the
touchscreen of the video display 108. The electronic dart game
machine 100 may also provide video output connectors, which may
provide standard connections to VGA, NTSC or S-video displays. The
video display may then be mounted in a location remote from the
electronic dart game machine 100.
[0019] Each electronic dart board 104 and 106 may include, for
example, a set of switches (which may be magnetic, mechanical or
optical) associated with each segment (such as double 20, triple 20
and bullseye) for each target value on the electronic dart board
104 or 106. When a dart hits or contacts a segment, such as triple
20, a switch associated with the segment closes. By scanning the
set of switches with a general purpose bus, the CPU included within
the electronic dart game machine 100 may determine the switch that
was closed. Consequently, the CPU may determine the associated
target value.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a hardware configuration
200 of the electronic dart game machine 100 according to an
embodiment of the present invention. The hardware configuration 200
includes the video display 108, the first electronic dart board
104, the second electronic dart board 106, the CPU 202 and a memory
204. The CPU 202 electronically connects to the first and second
dart boards 104 and 106, the video display 108 and the memory 204.
The memory 204 provides the CPU 202 with memory resources and may
include banks of RAM, ROM, flash memory, EEPROM, magnetic memory or
the like. The CPU 202 may be a single processor unit, or may be
implemented with discrete logic, programmable logic, or a
combination of a high-level processor core and discrete logic. The
CPU 202 includes game set-up and game mode information. That is,
the CPU 202 controls the set-up and game play of the game. For
example, the CPU 202 may store a plurality of games, including
Fantasee Football, an electronic dart golf game, and various other
games, within the memory 204. During each game, the CPU 202
retrieves information regarding the next phase of the game. For
example, after a player(s) makes a prediction regarding a football
game, the CPU 202 keeps track of, and displays, the player(s)'
prediction and moves on to another contest for a prediction, and/or
awaits the results of the first game.
[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in addition to playing darts on
the electronic dart game machine 100, one may also utilize the
electronic dart game machine to input predictions for a
predictions-based game. The CPU 202 may be programmed to allow a
user to input predictions. The predictions-based game, for example,
"Fantasee Football," may be stored in the memory 204. Further, the
electronic dart game machine 100 may be networked to a remote
server 300 of a remote central management system 302 that is
separate and distinct from the electronic dart game machine 100.
The remote central management system 302 resides at a centralized
location and includes hardware having a memory that stores rules,
organization scoring, and other such information for the
predictions-based game and operates according to that
information.
[0022] When the electronic dart game machine 100 is not in use, the
CPU 202 may display advertising information regarding the
predictions-based game on the video display 108 in a user attract
mode. That is, information regarding the predictions-based game may
be displayed on the video display 108 in order to prompt users to
play the predictions-based game. For example, the CPU 202 may
display "PLAY FANTASEE FOOTBALL FOR PRIZES" on the video display
108.
[0023] In operation, a user inputs a prediction into the electronic
dart game machine 100 through a user interface, such as the
interface keys 110 and/or the video display 108 (which may be,
e.g., a touchscreen interface). The video display 108 guides the
user through the predictions process. For example, the electronic
dart game machine 100 may display a menu, which offers dart play,
or predictions-based game play. The user selects the
predictions-based game through the user interface. For example, the
user may select "Fantasee Football." The CPU 202 receives this
selection and retrieves information regarding the predictions-based
game from the memory 204. The CPU 202 then operates to display
selection information on the video display 108. The video display
108 may show particular events of which a user may be allowed to
predict the outcomes. For example, the video display 108 may
display all NFL games on a particular Sunday. The CPU 202 receives
information regarding these events from the central management
system 202 through a communication link 304, which may include a
modem, DSL, T1 lines, T3 lines, wireless interfaces, satellite
communication, or various other communications systems and methods
used to connect users to, for example, the Internet.
[0024] The user enters identification information and predictions
by way of the user interface. The CPU 202 then receives this
information and relays it to the central management system 302.
Thus, the electronic dart game machine 100 allows a user to input
information for a predictions-based game.
[0025] The central management system 302 monitors the outcomes of
the particular events, such as NFL games, and determines whether
users accurately predicted the results. The central management
system 302 then relays the results of the predictions back to the
electronic dart game machine 100, such that the results may be
displayed on the video display 108.
[0026] For example, a user enters identification information and
prediction information for each NFL game played on a particular
date into the electronic dart game machine 100 through the user
interface. This information is then sent to the central management
system 302. The central management system 302 monitors, or an
operator inputs, the outcomes of each game. The central management
system 302 tabulates the results for each user who is playing the
NFL prediction game. At the conclusion of a particular
predictions-based game (e.g., "predict the score of NFL game 1,"
"predict the winner of NFL game 1," "predict the winners of NFL
games 1-3," or "predict the winners of all NFL games on a
particular date"), the central management system 302 relays the
results back to the electronic dart game machine 100. The CPU 202
displays the results on the video display. For example, the CPU 202
may display winner information received from the central management
system 302 on the video display, such as "John Doe is the winner
because he accurately predicted the outcome of the most games
played on X date."
[0027] Further, the CPU 202 may be configured to allow a user to
view weekly and seasonal results. That is, a user may access these
results through the user interface, which displays an appropriate
menu selection. The CPU 202 then communicates with the central
management system 302 to retrieve weekly and/or seasonal
results.
[0028] Optionally, the central management system 302 may be housed
within the electronic dart game machine 302. Further, instead of
using a central management system 302, information regarding the
predictions-based game may be stored within the memory 204 of the
electronic dart game machine 100, which may be networked with other
electronic dart game machines and/or electronic gaming systems.
[0029] While an electronic dart game machine 100 is shown and
described, embodiments of the present invention may be used with
various electronic gaming systems, such as video games, trivia
games, parlor games having electronic interfaces, and the like.
Further, embodiments of the present invention may utilize various
predictions-based games, such as those relating to other
sports.
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method of operating a
predictions-based game according to an embodiment of the present
invention. At 400, the game machine determines if a game, such as
an electronic dart game, is being played. If a game is being
played, the game machine operates or continues to operate the game
at 402. If a game is not being played, user attract graphics, such
as "PLAY FANTASEE FOOTBALL" are displayed at 404. If the game
interface is engaged at 406, the game machine displays a game menu
at 408. The game menu may prompt a player to decide whether to play
a first game, such as darts, or a second game, such as a
predictions-based game. If, at 410, a predictions-based game is
selected, the game machine displays a menu listing various
games/events for prediction or wagering at 412. The game machine
then prompts the player to make predictions at 414. After the
player has made his/her predictions, the game machine prompts the
user to input identification information at 416. Identification
information may be input before the prediction(s). The
identification information may include a player's name, password,
and/or various other information that may be stored in the game
machine or at the central management system. Once the player has
input his/her predictions and identification information, data
representing the predictions and associated identification
information is sent to the central management system at 418.
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method of monitoring
predictions made at remote game machines according to an embodiment
of the present invention. At 500, the central management system
receives a prediction(s) and associated identification information
from a remote game machine(s). The central management system then
stores this information. At 502, the central management system
monitors outcomes of the various events/games of which players
predicted outcomes. At 504, the central management system
determines whether the events/games were predicted accurately by
the player(s).
[0032] The central management system relays results of the
events/games and predictions to the remote game machines at 506.
The game machines display the results on monitors or the like. The
central management system may also store the results of the
events/games and predictions at 508. Further, the central
management system may tabulate and compile stats for players at
510. For example, the central management system may keep up-to-date
prediction accuracy scores for each player. The accuracy scores may
then be relayed to the game machines at 512. The game machines may
include a menu option that allows a player to review accuracy
scores, rankings, and the like for various predictions-based game
at various times, such as when a game machine is not being
played.
[0033] Embodiments of the present invention may also be used with
voting on future events. That is, an electronic gaming system, such
as the dart game machine 100, may be used to input and track voting
with respect to a host of different events or occasions, such as
elections, meetings, and the like.
[0034] Additionally, embodiments of the present invention may be
used in conjunction with memory storage devices, such as memory
buttons, that may be used to store a user's predictions and
results, and the like. The memory button may be positioned on a key
chain. For example, in order for a player to register or a play a
particular predictions-based game, player information is
programmed, or loaded, into the button. Player information may be
programmed into the button at a central database or at an
authorized game unit. The button may then connected to a database
connector, or receptor. The button then receives and stores player
information and predictions information via the database connector.
The information is then stored on the button and within the central
data base or central management system.
[0035] Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and
method of efficiently inputting predictions in prediction-based
games. Users may enter identification information and predictions
through various electronic gaming systems on-site that are in
communication with a remote central management system that stores
information regarding the predictions-based game, and operates
accordingly. Embodiments of the present invention effectively
eliminate the middle man because users may directly enter their
predictions into an existing electronic gaming system.
[0036] While the invention has been described with reference to
certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the invention without
departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the
invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed,
but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within
the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *
References