U.S. patent application number 11/430203 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-16 for system, method, and computer program product for networked pari-mutuel gaming.
Invention is credited to Claire Packer, Elliot Leroy Packer.
Application Number | 20060258432 11/430203 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37397248 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060258432 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Packer; Elliot Leroy ; et
al. |
November 16, 2006 |
System, method, and computer program product for networked
pari-mutuel gaming
Abstract
In an exemplary embodiment, an online gaming server uses a
pari-mutuel betting format to generate periodic gaming events over
a network for players at a variety of locations using a simple
browser interface that supports devices used by players, such as
personal computers, pocket PCs, Personal Digital Assistants, mobile
telephones that have Internet access, Palm.RTM. computers, and
Blackberry.RTM. devices. After the outcome of a game is determined
such as by random selection in the server, the outcome is broadcast
from the server to each player device participating in the game.
Depending on the outcome and device capabilities, the player's
device may then select a clip simulating a race or other game on
which the player wagered, and display that clip for the player.
Inventors: |
Packer; Elliot Leroy;
(Warwick, RI) ; Packer; Claire; (Warwick,
RI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BLANK ROME LLP
600 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVENUE, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20037
US
|
Family ID: |
37397248 |
Appl. No.: |
11/430203 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60679236 |
May 10, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3288 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of wagering, comprising the steps of: receiving data at
a computing device using at least one communications network, the
data defining a plurality of possible outcomes of a
computer-generated event and odds applying to each outcome, the
odds defining a variable payoff based on the number and amount of
wagers placed on each outcome; displaying the data defining
outcomes and odds on the computing device; using the computing
device, selecting one of the outcomes as a wagered outcome and
transmitting a wager on the wagered outcome over at least one
communications network; and receiving outcome data at the computing
device via at least one communications network, indicating that the
computer-generated event has occurred and communicating the outcome
of the event; and displaying the outcome of the event and the
result of the wager on the computing device.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the event is a computer-simulated
race.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the event is a computer-simulated
roulette game.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the computer-simulated roulette
game has a defined set of possible outcomes that is a reduced
subset of possible outcomes of a standard roulette game.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein there are ten possible outcomes
of the computer-simulated roulette game.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the event is a computer-simulated
card game.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the event is a computer-simulated
craps game.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the event is a computer-simulated
slot machine game.
9. The method of claim 1, comprising the further step of using the
computing device to select one of a plurality of available events
on which to wager.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of receiving odds data
includes the step of updating an odds display on the computing
device in response to the receipt of new odds data.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the odds display is updated at
predetermined update intervals.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of receiving outcome
data is repeated periodically in response to computer-generated
events occurring at predetermined intervals.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the computer-generated event
occurs approximately every six minutes.
14. The method of claim 12, including the further step of limiting
the transmission of wagers to a defined time period ending before a
pending computer-generated event.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the computing device is a
portable device.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the computing device has an
internet browser interface.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the computing device is
connected to at least one wireless network.
18. The method of claim 15, including the further step of loading a
program into the computing device that operates to receive outcomes
and odds over the one or more communications networks, display
outcome and odds data on the computing device, receive wagers,
transmit wagers over the communications network, and receive
outcomes and display outcomes on the computing device.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the computing device is a
cellular telephone device.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein the computing device is a
personal digital assistant.
21. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of displaying the
outcome comprises the further step of playing at least one of an
audio and a visual clip, selected in response to the outcome of the
event.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the selected clip is a visual
simulation of the event including a representation of the outcome
of the event.
23. A method of wagering, comprising the steps of: receiving data
at a computing device using a communications network selected from
at least one available communications network, the data defining a
plurality of possible outcomes of a computer-generated event and
odds applying to each outcome, the odds defining a variable payoff
based on the number and amount of wagers placed on each outcome and
with a portion of the total wagers going to the operator of the
computer-generated event; displaying the data defining outcomes and
odds on the computing device; updating an odds display on the
computing device in response to received changes in odds; using the
computing device, selecting one of the outcomes as a wagered
outcome and transmitting a wager on the wagered outcome over a
communications network selected from among said at least one
available communications network; and receiving outcome data at the
computing device via at least one communications network,
indicating that the computer-generated event has occurred and
identifying the outcome of the event; and playing a visual clip,
selected in response to the received outcome of the event, to
visually simulate the computer-generated event and its outcome, and
displaying the results of the wager.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the event is a
computer-simulated race.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein the event is a
computer-simulated roulette game.
26. The method of claim 23, wherein the computer-simulated roulette
game has a defined set of possible outcomes that is a reduced
subset of possible outcomes of a standard roulette game.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein there are ten possible outcomes
of the computer-simulated roulette game.
28. The method of claim 23, wherein the event is a
computer-simulated card game.
29. The method of claim 23, wherein the event is a
computer-simulated craps game.
30. The method of claim 23, wherein the event is a
computer-simulated slot machine game.
31. The method of claim 23, comprising the further step of using
the computing device to select one of a plurality of available
events on which to wager.
32. The method of claim 23, wherein the odds display is updated at
predetermined update intervals.
33. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of receiving outcome
data is repeated periodically in response to computer-generated
events occurring at predetermined intervals.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein the computer-generated event
occurs approximately every six minutes.
35. The method of claim 33, including the further step of limiting
the transmission of wagers to a defined time period ending before a
pending computer-generated event.
36. The method of claim 23, wherein the computing device is a
portable device.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein the computing device has an
internet browser interface.
38. The method of claim 36, wherein the computing device is
connected to at least one wireless network.
39. The method of claim 36, including the further step of loading a
program into the computing device that operates to receive outcomes
and odds over the one or more communications networks, display
outcome and odds data on the computing device, receive wagers,
transmit wagers over the communications network, and receive
outcomes and display outcomes on the computing device.
40. The method of claim 36, wherein the computing device is a
cellular telephone device.
41. The method of claim 36, wherein the computing device is a
personal digital assistant.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/679,236 filed May 10, 2005, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to electronic pari-mutuel
gaming systems. In particular embodiments, the invention provides
improvements in the field of networked gaming.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] Games of chance, and wagering on such games, continues to be
a popular activity worldwide. Players might bet on casino games,
racing and other sporting event outcomes, and might play lotteries,
"instant win" lotteries, and other number selection games.
Traditionally, most of these games have been played in person. More
recently, widespread access to the Internet and the availability of
gaming on the Internet has made it possible to play classic casino
table games such as roulette, blackjack, craps, baccarat, poker,
and slot machines.
[0006] The inventor has noted that the probability of making a
profitable wager ranges from low to extremely low in Keno and other
lottery-type games, traditional casino table games, and sports
betting. The inventor has also noted that networked casino games,
such as Internet casinos, involves risk to the operator in that it
is possible for a large bet placed against high odds to "break the
bank." Therefore, there is a need for improvements in online
gaming, whether one views online gaming from the player's or the
operator's perspective.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is to be understood that both the following summary and
the detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are
intended to provide further explanation of the invention as
claimed. Neither the summary nor the description that follows is
intended to define or limit the scope of the invention to the
particular features mentioned in the summary or in the
description.
[0008] In an embodiment, an online gaming system uses a pari-mutuel
betting format that cannot "break the bank" and produces variable,
"money-line" odds before each event occurs. The events may occur
regularly, such as every six minutes, and in preferred embodiments
the system uses the Internet communications infrastructure to
maximize the number of bettors at each event and minimize
transaction costs.
[0009] The games included in the scope of the invention are
unlimited, and a variety of games may be offered in the context of
particular embodiments. Examples include simulated racing and
modified versions of roulette, craps, poker, and slot machine
games. In a preferred embodiment, for each game, an arbitrary
number of possible outcomes are selected (for example, 10 outcomes)
with an equal chance of obtaining each outcome. Variable payoff
odds on each outcome are determined and displayed in real time for
players, based on the number of wagers placed on each outcome and
the total amount wagered. The operator takes a predetermined
percentage of the betting pool for each game (for example, 2.5%)
and the remainder of the pool is distributed to winners based on
the pari-mutuel odds calculated for the game. The use of a
pari-mutuel payoff method for games of chance is a unique feature
of certain embodiments.
[0010] In some embodiments, the games are operated on an Internet
server that provides a simple browser interface for players
worldwide. The interface preferably supports a variety of devices
used by players to participate in the regularly recurring games and
place bets. For example, personal computers, pocket PCs, Personal
Digital Assistants, mobile telephones that have Internet access,
Palm.RTM. computers, and Blackberry.RTM. devices may all be
supported by the server. In some embodiments these devices are
supported via a browser interface.
[0011] In an embodiment, after the outcome of a game is determined
such as by random selection in the server, the outcome is broadcast
from the server to each player device participating in the game.
Based on the outcome, and depending on its capabilities, the player
device may then select an audio, video, animation, or other
multimedia clip simulating a race or other game on which the player
wagered, and display that clip for the player, allowing the player
to watch the simulated event or game and to experience the same
suspense and excitement found when one is present at actual
sporting events or casino games before seeing the outcome.
[0012] 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 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.
BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWNGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and
form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention
and, together with the description, further serve to explain the
principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the
pertinent art to make and use the invention.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a block schematic diagram showing an embodiment of
a novel pari-mutuel gaming system;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing operation of an electronic
pari-mutuel gaming system;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing operation of a player
terminal in an electronic pari-mutuel gaming system;
[0017] FIGS. 4A through 4G are screen displays representing a
virtual online horse race according to one exemplary embodiment of
the invention;
[0018] FIGS. 5A and 5B are screen displays representing a virtual
online roulette game according to one exemplary embodiment of the
invention;
[0019] FIGS. 6A-6C are screen displays representing a virtual
online slot machine game according to one exemplary embodiment of
the invention; and
[0020] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustration of an exemplary
computer system on which elements of the present invention can be
practiced.
[0021] The present invention will now be described with reference
to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, some like reference
numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.
Additionally, the left-most digit(s) of most reference numbers
identify the drawing in which the reference numbers first
appear.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] The present invention will now be explained in terms of
exemplary embodiments. This specification discloses one or more
embodiments that incorporate the features of this invention. The
embodiment(s) described, and references in the specification to
"one embodiment", "an embodiment", "an example embodiment", etc.,
indicate that the embodiment(s) described may include a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not
necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or
characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily
referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection
with an embodiment, persons skilled in the art may effect such
feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other
embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
[0023] Embodiments of the invention may be implemented in hardware,
firmware, software, or any combination thereof. Embodiments of the
invention may also be implemented as instructions stored on a
machine-readable medium, which may be read and executed by one or
more processors. A machine-readable medium may include any
mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form
readable by a machine (e.g. a computing device). For example, a
machine-readable medium may include read only memory (ROM); random
access memory (RAM); magnetic disk storage media; optical storage
media; flash memory devices; electrical, optical, acoustical, or
other forms of propagated signals (e.g. carrier waves, infrared
signals, digital signals, etc.), and others. Further, firmware,
software, routines, instructions, may be described herein as
performing certain actions. However, it should be appreciated that
such descriptions are merely for convenience and that such actions
in fact result from computing devices, processors, controllers or
other devices executing the firmware, software, routines,
instructions, etc.
[0024] Referring first to FIG. 1, in an embodiment, a gaming system
100 comprises server 102, network 104, a plurality of terminals
106, and one or more wireless interfaces 108 providing wireless
links between network 104 and devices such as mobile phone 110,
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) 112, and mobile PC 114. Thus,
network 104 connects server 102 to terminals 106 and various other
devices such as mobile phone 110, PDA 112, and mobile PC 114.
Network 104 may be any communications network, such as a private
network, a virtual private network, or a public network. In one
preferred embodiment, network 104 is the Internet. Terminals 106
may be any Internet-capable device, for example, personal
computers, computer terminals, WebTV.RTM., other types of
computers, or any other device that can connect to the Internet.
Mobile phone 110 may be a portable voice device that can obtain
and/or transmit data over a data network, such as the Internet or a
proprietary network that provides an interface to the Internet.
Similarly, PDA 112 and mobile PC 114 have wireless data
capabilities. Mobile phone 110, PDA 112, and mobile PC 114 may use
the same wireless interface 108 to send and receive data
wirelessly, or may use separate wireless interfaces 108.
[0025] In various embodiments, server 102 runs software providing a
novel method that will now be described in more detail. Selected
features of the invention will be disclosed in terms of an example
using a system where games run on a server. This configuration is
merely an example, and the invention may be implemented using a
plurality of servers, in a non-client/server configuration, or in
any other configuration that includes one or more novel features of
the invention.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, an online gaming method operating
in server 102 uses a parimutuel betting format that produces
variable, "money-line" odds before each event occurs. Parimutuel
betting is a system of cooperative wagering in which the holders of
winning tickets divide the total amount of money bet on a race (the
pool), after deductions for operating expenses. The uniqueness of
parimutuel betting lies in the fact that the gambling public itself
determines the payoff odds (e.g., if many people have bet on the
actual winner of a contest then the payoff will be low, simply
because many winners will divide the pool). Parimutuel wagering is
the accepted betting procedure at major horse-racing tracks
throughout the world. Greyhound tracks and jai alai games also use
the system. Considered a major deterrent to illegal bookmaking in
the world of in-person gaming, parimutuel systems at horse tracks
depends on high-speed electronic calculators, known as tote boards,
to record and display up-to-the-minute betting patterns. Insofar as
the inventor is aware, however, the parimutuel approach has not
been applied to the field of networked or Internet gaming.
[0027] In an embodiment, the operator of the present system takes a
predetermined percentage of the betting pool for each game (for
example, 2.5% for expenses and profit) and the remainder of the
pool is distributed to winners based on the parimutuel odds
calculated for the game. Variable payoff odds on each outcome are
determined and displayed in real time for players, based on the
number of wagers placed on each outcome and the total amount
wagered. This method provides significant advantages for both the
operator and the players. The players benefit from higher returns
and a high probability of experiencing regular wins during repeat
play. The operator benefits because a parimutuel method of
determining payoffs prevents "breaking the bank," i.e. avoids the
possibility that the operator may have to pay out more than he has
taken in the course of the game, and provides some assurance to
players that the game is not rigged.
[0028] The games, simulated races, and other events on which bets
may be placed are limited only by the imagination. A variety of
games may be offered in different embodiments of the invention,
depending on the desires of the players and the operator. Examples
include simulated horse racing, auto racing, dog racing, and other
races. Simulated versions of roulette, craps, poker, and slot
machine games may also be provided. In a preferred embodiment, for
each game, an arbitrary number of possible outcomes are selected
(for example, 10 outcomes) with an equal chance of obtaining each
outcome. To simplify betting and visual displays, as well as to
increase the odds of picking the winning number, the number of
choices in simulations of casino games such as roulette, craps,
poker, and slot machines may be reduced. For example, a roulette
game with an arbitrarily reduced number of choices, such as 10
numbers, may be provided.
[0029] The events on which wagers are placed by the players may
occur irregularly or regularly, and at any desired time interval.
In one exemplary embodiment, a game runs every six minutes, 24
hours a day, 365 days a year. In this embodiment, for example, five
minutes are allowed to place bets and the event on which wagers
have been made is simulated in the final minute of the betting
event.
[0030] The use of the Internet communications infrastructure, while
not required within the scope of the invention, tends to maximize
the number of bettors for each event and minimize transaction
costs. The provision by the server of a browser interface to the
player devices is also not required within the scope of the
invention, but the use of a browser interface will support a
variety of devices used by players to participate in the regularly
recurring games and place bets. For example, personal computers,
pocket PCs, Personal Digital Assistants, mobile telephones that
have Internet access, Palm.RTM. computers, and Blackberry.RTM.
devices may all be supported by the server. In a preferred
embodiment these devices and others are supported via a browser
interface. However, proprietary interfaces may also be provided.
For example, the server may offer proprietary interface software
for download by players. Such software may either be required for
all devices, may be offered as an optional alternative to a browser
interface, or may be provided for devices that do not have browser
capability.
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of a method performed in an
exemplary embodiment of the invention. For example, this method may
be performed using server 102 (shown in FIG. 1) or another
computing device or devices. Method 200 begins at step 202 where a
gaming event is initiated. The event to be initiated is determined
by the operator, or in some cases by player request. As an example,
a simulated horse race may be initiated every six minutes. In step
204, the method determines whether a betting period is complete.
The betting period may be of any desired length. For example, if a
simulated horse race is run every six minutes, the betting period
may be five minutes, leaving one minute for simulated play of the
race prior to the start of the next race. The duration of betting
may be set by the operator or in some cases, may be determined by
player actions. For example, the last minute placement of one or
more substantial bets that would materially affect odds
calculations may cause a modification of operations, such as a
delay in closing of the betting period until the players have had
time to consider the new odds and react to them.
[0032] In step 204, if betting is not complete the method accepts
bets in step 214, and in step 216 the method updates the odds in
real time based on bets accepted in step 214. Control then passes
back to step 204 and the processing of bets continues until the
betting period is complete.
[0033] When the betting period is found to be complete in step 204,
control passes to step 206, where a random result is selected for
the event. In a preferred embodiment, the possible outcomes of the
event (for example, in a horse race, any of ten horses) are given
an equal probability of being selected.
[0034] In step 208, the result is broadcast to the devices of
players participating in wagering on the event. In the case of an
Internet-based embodiment, this broadcast may occur through
individual packet transmissions by a server to each of the player
devices connected to the event. Alternatively, the player devices
may pull outcome information from one or more distributed servers,
or may receive it through another broadcast medium such as a radio
broadcast. Based on the outcome, and depending on its capabilities,
the player device may then select a video clip or animation clip
simulating a race or other game on which the player wagered, and
display that clip for the player, allowing the player to watch the
simulated event or game and to experience the same suspense and
excitement found when one is present at actual sporting events or
casino games before seeing the outcome.
[0035] In step 210, payoffs are calculated using the pari-mutuel
formula and in step 212 the individual player accounts are updated
in accordance with the amount won or lost during the bet. Control
then returns to step 202 so that another event can be initiated at
the appropriate time.
[0036] FIG. 3 shows an example of a method of operation for a
player terminal. The various features and steps shown in this
exemplary process are optional and may be modified within the scope
of the invention as disclosed herein. The example process begins
with step 302, where the player logs in to an account maintained
for the player in another computing device such as a server. In
step 304, account information and a menu may be displayed to allow
the player to select a desired game. Selection of a pari-mutuel
game will result in display of a "tote board" in step 306,
providing real time odds based on betting by the players
participating in the game. For example, the odds may be
recalculated every eight seconds. In step 308, the pari-mutuel odds
display is updated to provide the latest available odds. For
example, step 308 may be performed every eight seconds.
[0037] The tote board may be displayed either vertically or
horizontally, and may be selectively displayed in a different
format depending on the display capabilities of the device used by
the player. For example, a mobile phone may have a vertically
oriented screen while a personal computer may have a more
horizontally oriented screen.
[0038] In step 310, the method determines whether the betting
period is complete. If not, control passes to step 312 and one or
more wagers may be accepted from the player and transmitted to the
server for inclusion in the next update of the odds display. If the
player does not make a wager within the predetermined period for an
odds update, control passes back to step 308 and the display is
updated.
[0039] When the betting period is found to be complete in step 310,
control passes to step 314 and the event result is obtained. The
result may be transmitted in a packet from the server, may be
broadcast using IP or other networks, or may be broadcast in
another manner such as by radio.
[0040] The event result may be displayed immediately if desired,
but in a preferred embodiment, for improved entertainment of the
player, a clip is played in step 316. For example, for a horse race
the clip may be a recorded video clip of a horse race. The clip may
be video only, audio only, or audiovisual. The clip may be an
actual recording of an event, a simulated event, or an animation.
In the case of horse racing, if there are ten horses in the race,
at least 10 clips will be available to the player device,
representing each possible outcome. Preferably, there is more than
one clip for each possible outcome, such as at least four clips for
each outcome, and the player device selects one of the clips that
matches the outcome for display. The clip is then played and the
player can enjoy the suspense of watching the race and awaiting the
outcome.
[0041] An appropriate set of clips that will support the possible
event outcomes may be downloaded from the server, obtained via the
Internet from another source, or may be provided to the player in
the form of a DVD or other media. What is important is that the
clips, if they are to be played, are accessible to the player
device at the time it receives the results of the event. They may
have been obtained in advance or may be obtained in real time.
Clips can be obtained from local storage on demand, downloaded, or
broadcast in a digital data, television, radio, or other
transmission signal. The clips preferably include announcer audio
and may be provided in the native language of the player.
[0042] Following the display of any desired clip, control passes to
step 318 and the result of the event is displayed. For example, for
a horse race, the winning horse is indicated. Payoffs are then
displayed in step 320. In step 322 the player determines whether he
or she wishes to play again. If so, control passes back to block
308.
[0043] FIGS. 4A through 4G are screen displays representing
exemplary display and input screens for a virtual online horse race
according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4A shows a log
in screen. FIG. 4B shows a bet placement screen. FIG. 4C shows a
tote board display showing a single bet placed. FIG. 4D shows a
tote board with a large number of bets placed by many players.
FIGS. 4E and 4F show exemplary race results. FIG. 4G is a
spreadsheet showing exemplary operational records maintained by the
system for a series of races.
[0044] FIGS. 5A and 5B are screen displays representing a virtual
online roulette game according to one exemplary embodiment of the
invention. The virtual roulette wheel has only ten numbers, so that
ten possible outcomes can be selected for wagering.
[0045] FIGS. 6A-6C are screen displays representing a virtual
online slot machine game according to one exemplary embodiment of
the invention. FIG. 6A is a log in screen. FIG. 6B is a screen
showing ten possible "pocket slot" outcomes, for which bets will be
accepted. This is an example of the manner in which the many
outcomes of a casino game can be reduced to a desired number, such
as ten outcomes, thus simplifying the game and increasing the
chances that a player will bet on a winning outcome. FIG. 6C shows
an exemplary tote board for this embodiment of the slot machine
game.
[0046] The following description of a general purpose computer
system is provided for completeness. The present invention can be
implemented as software, in hardware, or as a combination of
software and hardware. Consequently, the invention may be
implemented in the environment of a computer system or other
processing system. In one exemplary embodiment, the gaming server
102 shown in FIG. 1 may be a personal computer or other computing
system. An example of such a computer system is shown at reference
number 800 in FIG. 7. In the present invention, all of the elements
depicted in FIGS. 1-6, for example, can execute on one or more
distinct computer systems 800, to implement the various methods of
the present invention. The computer system 800 includes one or more
processors, such as a processor 804. The processor 804 can be a
special purpose or a general purpose digital signal processor. The
processor 804 is connected to a communication infrastructure 806
(for example, a bus or network). Various software implementations
are described in terms of this exemplary computer system. After
reading this description, it will become apparent to a person
skilled in the relevant art how to implement the invention using
other computer systems and/or computer architectures.
[0047] The computer system 800 also includes a main memory 808,
preferably random access memory (RAM), and may also include a
secondary memory 810. The secondary memory 810 may include, for
example, a hard disk drive 812 and/or a removable storage drive
814, representing a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an
optical disk drive, etc. The removable storage drive 814 reads from
and/or writes to a removable storage unit 818 in a well known
manner. The removable storage unit 818, represents a floppy disk,
magnetic tape, optical disk, etc. which is read by and written to
by the removable storage drive 814. As will be appreciated, the
removable storage unit 818 includes a computer usable storage
medium having stored therein computer software and/or data.
[0048] In alternative implementations, the secondary memory 810 may
include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other
instructions to be loaded into the computer system 800. Such means
may include, for example, a removable storage unit 822 and an
interface 820. Examples of such means may include a program
cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found in video game
devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM, or PROM) and
associated socket, and other removable storage units 822 and
interfaces 820 which allow software and data to be transferred from
the removable storage unit 822 to the computer system 800.
[0049] Computer system 800 may also include a communications
interface 824. Communications interface 824 allows software and
data to be transferred between the computer system 800 and external
devices. Examples of communications interface 824 may include a
modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a
communications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, or other
communications path interface devices. Software and data
transferred via the communications interface 824 are in the form of
signals 828 which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical or
other signals capable of being received by communications interface
824. These signals 828 are provided to communications interface 824
via a communications path 826. Communications path 826 carries
signals 828 and may be implemented using wire or cable, fiber
optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, an RF link and other
communications channels.
[0050] In this document, the terms computer program medium and
computer readable medium are used to generally refer to media such
as the removable storage drive 814, a hard disk installed in hard
disk drive 812, and the signals 828. These computer program
products are means for providing software to the computer system
800.
[0051] Computer programs (also called computer control logic) are
stored in the main memory 808 and/or the secondary memory 810.
Computer programs may also be received via the communications
interface 824. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the
computer system 800 to implement the present invention as discussed
herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable
the processor 804 to implement the processes of the present
invention. Accordingly, such computer programs operate to control
computer system 800. By way of example, in the embodiments of the
invention, the processes/methods performed by signal processing
blocks of encoders and/or decoders can be performed by computer
control logic. Where the invention is implemented using software,
the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded
into the computer system 800 using the removable storage drive 814,
the hard drive 812 communications interface 824, or any other known
method of transferring digital information into a computer
system.
[0052] In another embodiment, features of the invention are
implemented primarily in hardware using, for example, hardware
components such as Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs)
and gate arrays. Implementation of a hardware state machine so as
to perform the functions described herein will also be apparent to
persons skilled in the relevant art(s).
[0053] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the
breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by
any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be
defined only in accordance with the following claims and their
equivalents.
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