U.S. patent application number 11/516971 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-08 for wagering game with secondary prize feature.
Invention is credited to Jeremy M. Hornik, Chad A. Ryan.
Application Number | 20070054729 11/516971 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37830677 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070054729 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hornik; Jeremy M. ; et
al. |
March 8, 2007 |
Wagering game with secondary prize feature
Abstract
A method for conducting a wagering game is disclosed. The method
comprises displaying a plurality of symbol-bearing objects to
indicate a randomly selected outcome. A player is awarded a primary
payoff based on the plurality of symbol-bearing objects meeting a
predetermined criterion. The player is awarded at least one
secondary prize opportunity in response to a second predetermined
criterion.
Inventors: |
Hornik; Jeremy M.; (Chicago,
IL) ; Ryan; Chad A.; (Henderson, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JENKENS & GILCHRIST, P.C.
225 WEST WASHINGTON
SUITE 2600
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
37830677 |
Appl. No.: |
11/516971 |
Filed: |
September 7, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60715224 |
Sep 8, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of conducting a wagering game comprising: displaying a
plurality of symbol-bearing objects to indicate a randomly selected
outcome; awarding a player a primary payoff based on the plurality
of symbol-bearing objects meeting a predetermined criterion; and
awarding the player at least one secondary prize opportunity in
response to a second predetermined criterion.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the primary payoff is based on an
award value contained within a pay table.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second predetermined
criterion is an outcome in which the player does not receive the
primary payoff.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one secondary prize
opportunity is at least one sweepstakes entry.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one sweepstakes
entry is electronically sent to and stored in an external
system.
6. The method of claim 5 further comprising the act of identifying
the player by receiving a card, a personal identification password,
or a biometric marker from the player.
7. The method of claim 4, wherein the wagering game is conducted on
a gaming machine having a ticket printer, the at least one
sweepstakes entry being a ticket, the ticket being dispensed from
the ticket printer of the gaming machine.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one secondary prize
opportunity is at least one point awarded on a point-based system,
wherein a predetermined number of points may be exchanged for at
least one of a bonus opportunity or prize.
9. A computer readable storage medium encoded with instructions for
directing a gaming device to perform the method of claim 1.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the symbol-bearing objects
include cards from a deck of cards.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the symbol-bearing objects
include symbols on a plurality of reels.
12. A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine, the
method comprising: providing a plurality of symbol-bearing objects
to form a first user-playable hand; providing the ability to hold,
via player selection, none or more of the provided symbol-bearing
objects from the first user-playable hand; replacing each of the
non-held symbol-bearing objects with a replacement symbol-bearing
object to form a second user-playable hand; determining whether to
award the player a primary payoff based on a ranking of the second
user-playable hand in response to the second user-playable hand
meeting a predetermined criterion; and awarding the player at least
one secondary prize opportunity when the second user-playable hand
meets a second predetermined criterion.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one secondary
prize opportunity is at least one sweepstakes entry electronically
sent to and stored in an external system.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising the act of
identifying the player by receiving a card from the player.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the gaming machine comprises a
ticket printer, and wherein the secondary prize opportunity is at
least one sweepstakes entry, the at least one sweepstakes entry
being a ticket, the ticket being dispensed from the ticket printer
of the gaming machine.
16. The method of claim 12, further comprising: automatically
denoting which if any of the plurality of symbol-bearing objects in
the first user-playable hand are to be held in accord with a
pre-defined poker strategy selected by the player.
17. A gaming system capable of conducting a wagering game, the
system comprising: at least one display for displaying a plurality
of symbol-bearing objects to indicate a randomly selected outcome;
an input device coupled to the at least one display; and a
controller coupled to the at least one display and to the input
device, the controller being operative to (i) award a player a
primary payoff in response to the randomly selected outcome meeting
a first predetermined criterion, and (ii) award the player a
secondary prize opportunity in response to the symbol-bearing
objects meeting a second predetermined criterion.
18. The gaming system of claim 17, wherein the primary payoff is
based on an award value contained within a pay table.
19. The gaming system of claim 17, wherein the controller, the
display, and the input device are located within a gaming
machine.
20. The gaming system of claim 17, wherein the controller is
located remotely from a gaming machine that includes the display
and the input device.
21. The gaming system of claim 17, wherein the at least one
secondary prize opportunity is at least one sweepstakes entry.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/715,224, filed Sep. 8, 2005,
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
COPYRIGHT
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark
Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all
copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates generally to gaming machines,
and methods for playing wagering games, and more particularly, to a
wagering game having a secondary prize feature that may be awarded
after the gaming session has ended.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines
and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for
several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines with
players is dependent on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of
winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value
of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where
the available gaming options include a number of competing machines
and the expectation of winning at each machine is roughly the same
(or believed to be the same), players are likely to be attracted to
the most entertaining and exciting machines. Shrewd operators
consequently strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting
machines, features, and enhancements available because such
machines attract frequent play and hence increase profitability to
the operator. Therefore, there is a continuing need for gaming
machine manufacturers to continuously develop new games and
improved gaming enhancements that will attract frequent play
through enhanced entertainment value to the player.
[0005] One concept that has been successfully employed to enhance
the entertainment value of a game is the concept of a "secondary"
or "bonus" game that may be played in conjunction with a "basic"
game. The bonus game may comprise any type of game, either similar
to or completely different from the basic game, which is entered
upon the occurrence of a selected event or outcome in the basic
game. Generally, bonus games provide a greater expectation of
winning than the basic game and may also be accompanied with more
attractive or unusual video displays and/or audio. Bonus games may
additionally award players with "progressive jackpot" awards that
are funded, at least in part, by a percentage of coin-in from the
gaming machine or a plurality of participating gaming machines.
Because the bonus game concept offers tremendous advantages in
player appeal and excitement relative to other known games, and
because such games are attractive to both players and operators,
there is a continuing need to develop gaming machines with new
types of bonus games to satisfy the demands of players and
operators.
[0006] While playing the wagering game, players are excited about
the possibility of being awarded a prize or award. Once players
conclude their gaming sessions, however, the players often feel as
though they have lost all chances of receiving a prize or award,
and their sense of excitement is diminished. In particular, any
expectations the players have of receiving a prize or award are
ended once they leave the gaming machine or gaming table.
[0007] While some wagering game features provide some enhanced
excitement, there is a continuing need to develop new features for
wagering games to satisfy the demands of players and operators.
Preferably, such new features for wagering games will further
enhance the level of player excitement. The present invention is
directed to satisfying these needs in that it enables players to
continue to feel a sense of excitement after the wagering game has
ended by providing a novel wagering game feature that allows
players to be eligible to be awarded a prize after their gaming
session has ended.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method
for conducting a wagering game is disclosed. The method comprises
displaying a plurality of symbol-bearing objects to indicate a
randomly selected outcome. The method further comprises awarding a
player a primary payoff based on the plurality of symbol-bearing
objects meeting a predetermined criterion. The method further
comprises awarding the player at least one secondary prize
opportunity in response to a second predetermined criterion.
[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of
conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine is disclosed. The
method comprises providing a plurality of symbol-bearing objects to
form a first user-playable hand. The method further comprises
providing the ability to discard, via player selection, one or more
of the provided symbol-bearing objects from the first user-playable
hand. The method further comprises replacing each of the discarded
symbol-bearing objects with a replacement symbol-bearing object to
form a second user-playable hand. The method further comprises
determining whether to award the player a primary payoff based on a
ranking of the user-playable hand in response to the second
user-playable hand meeting a predetermined criterion. The method
further comprises awarding the player at least one secondary prize
opportunity when the user-playable hand meets a second
predetermined criterion.
[0010] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a gaming
system capable of conducting a wagering game is disclosed. The
gaming system comprises at least one display for displaying a
plurality of symbol-bearing objects to indicate a randomly selected
outcome. The gaming system further comprises an input device
coupled to the at least one display. The gaming system further
comprises a controller coupled to the at least one display and to
the input device. The controller is operative to (i) award a player
a primary payoff in response to the randomly selected outcome
meeting a first predetermined criterion, and (ii) award the player
a secondary prize opportunity in response to the symbol-bearing
objects meeting a second predetermined criterion.
[0011] Additional aspects of the invention will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed
description of various embodiments, which is made with reference to
the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine embodying
the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system suitable for
operating the gaming machine;
[0014] FIG. 3 is an image of a main poker game screen that is
displayed on the gaming machine of FIG. 1, according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a network that is useful for operating a
sweepstakes drawing in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0016] FIGS. 5 and 6 are flow diagrams detailing a method of
operation for a wagering game, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the
embodiments illustrated.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, a gaming machine 10 is used in gaming
establishments such as casinos. With regard to the present
invention, the gaming machine 10 may be any type of gaming machine
and may have varying structures and methods of operation. For
example, the gaming machine 10 may be an electromechanical gaming
machine configured to play mechanical slots, or it may be an
electronic gaming machine configured to play a video casino game,
such as blackjack, slots, keno, poker, blackjack, roulette,
etc.
[0019] The gaming machine 10 comprises a housing 12 and includes
input devices, including a value input device 18 and a player input
device 24. For output the gaming machine 10 includes a primary
display 14 for displaying information about the basic wagering
game. The primary display 14 can also display information about a
bonus wagering game and a progressive wagering game. The gaming
machine 10 may also include a secondary display 16 for displaying
game events, game outcomes, and/or signage information. While these
typical components found in the gaming machine 10 are described
below, it should be understood that numerous other elements may
exist and may be used in any number of combinations to create
various forms of a gaming machine 10.
[0020] The value input device 18 may be provided in many forms,
individually or in combination, and is preferably located on the
front of the housing 12. The value input device 18 receives
currency and/or credits that are inserted by a player. The value
input device 18 may include a coin acceptor 20 for receiving coin
currency (see FIG. 1). Alternatively, or in addition, the value
input device 18 may include a bill acceptor 22 for receiving paper
currency. Furthermore, the value input device 18 may include a
ticket reader, or barcode scanner, for reading information stored
on a credit ticket, a card, or other tangible portable credit
storage device. The credit ticket or card may also authorize access
to a central account, which can transfer money to the gaming
machine 10.
[0021] The player input device 24 comprises a plurality of push
buttons 26 on a button panel for operating the gaming machine 10.
In addition, or alternatively, the player input device 24 may
comprise a touch screen 28 mounted by adhesive, tape, or the like
over the primary display 14 and/or secondary display 16. The touch
screen 28 contains soft touch keys 30 denoted by graphics on the
underlying primary display 14 and used to operate the gaming
machine 10. The touch screen 28 provides players with an
alternative method of input. A player enables a desired function
either by touching the touch screen 28 at an appropriate touch key
30 or by pressing an appropriate push button 26 on the button
panel. The touch keys 30 may be used to implement the same
functions as push buttons 26. Alternatively, the push buttons 26
may provide inputs for one aspect of the operating the game, while
the touch keys 30 may allow for input needed for another aspect of
the game.
[0022] The various components of the gaming machine 10 may be
connected directly to, or contained within, the housing 12, as seen
in FIG. 1, or may be located outboard of the housing 12 and
connected to the housing 12 via a variety of different wired or
wireless connection methods. Thus, the gaming machine 10 comprises
these components whether housed in the housing 12, or outboard of
the housing 12 and connected remotely.
[0023] The operation of the basic wagering game is displayed to the
player on the primary display 14. The primary display 14 can also
display the bonus game associated with the basic wagering game. The
primary display 14 may take the form of a cathode ray tube (CRT), a
high resolution LCD, a plasma display, an LED, or any other type of
display suitable for use in the gaming machine 10. As shown, the
primary display 14 includes the touch screen 28 overlaying the
entire monitor (or a portion thereof) to allow players to make
game-related selections. Alternatively, the primary display 14 of
the gaming machine 10 may include a number of mechanical reels to
display the outcome in visual association with at least one payline
32. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is an
"upright" version in which the primary display 14 is oriented
vertically relative to the player. Alternatively, the gaming
machine may be a "slant-top" version in which the primary display
14 is slanted at about a thirty-degree angle toward the player of
the gaming machine 10.
[0024] A player begins play of the basic wagering game by making a
wager via the value input device 18 of the gaming machine 10. A
player can select play by using the player input device 24, via the
buttons 26 or the touch screen keys 30. The basic game consists of
a plurality of symbols arranged in an array, and includes at least
one payline 32 that indicates one or more outcomes of the basic
game. Such outcomes are randomly selected in response to the
wagering input by the player. At least one of the plurality of
randomly-selected outcomes may be a start-bonus outcome, which can
include any variations of symbols or symbol combinations triggering
a bonus game.
[0025] In some embodiments, the gaming machine 10 may also include
a player information reader 52 that allows for identification of a
player by reading a card with information indicating his or her
true identity. The player information reader 52 is shown in FIG. 1
as a card reader, but may take on many forms including a ticket
reader, bar code scanner, RFID transceiver or computer readable
storage medium interface. Currently, identification is generally
used by casinos for rewarding certain players with complimentary
services or special offers. For example, a player may be enrolled
in the gaming establishment's loyalty club and may be awarded
certain complimentary services as that player collects points in
his or her player-tracking account. The player inserts his or her
card into the player information reader 52, which allows the
casino's computers to register that player's wagering at the gaming
machine 10. The gaming machine 10 may use the secondary display 16
or other dedicated player-tracking display for providing the player
with information about his or her account or other player-specific
information. Also, in some embodiments, the information reader 52
may be used to restore game assets that the player achieved and
saved during a previous game session.
[0026] Turning now to FIG. 2, the various components of the gaming
machine 10 are controlled by a central processing unit (CPU) 34,
also referred to herein as a controller or processor (such as a
microcontroller or microprocessor). To provide gaming functions,
the controller 34 executes one or more game programs stored in a
computer readable storage medium, in the form of memory 36. The
controller 34 performs the random selection (using a random number
generator (RNG)) of an outcome from the plurality of possible
outcomes of the wagering game. Alternatively, the random event may
be determined at a remote controller. The remote controller may use
either an RNG or pooling scheme for its central determination of a
game outcome. It should be appreciated that the controller 34 may
include one or more microprocessors, including but not limited to a
master processor, a slave processor, and a secondary or parallel
processor.
[0027] The controller 34 is also coupled to the system memory 36
and a money/credit detector 38. The system memory 36 may comprise a
volatile memory (e.g., a random-access memory (RAM)) and a
non-volatile memory (e.g., an EEPROM). The system memory 36 may
include multiple RAM and multiple program memories. The
money/credit detector 38 signals the processor that money and/or
credits have been input via the value input device 18. Preferably,
these components are located within the housing 12 of the gaming
machine 10. However, as explained above, these components may be
located outboard of the housing 12 and connected to the remainder
of the components of the gaming machine 10 via a variety of
different wired or wireless connection methods.
[0028] As seen in FIG. 2, the controller 34 is also connected to,
and controls, the primary display 14, the player input device 24,
and a payoff mechanism 40. The payoff mechanism 40 is operable in
response to instructions from the controller 34 to award a payoff
to the player in response to certain winning outcomes that might
occur in the basic game or the bonus game(s). The payoff may be
provided in the form of points, bills, tickets, coupons, cards,
etc. For example, in FIG. 1, the payoff mechanism 40 includes both
a ticket printer 42 and a coin outlet 44. However, any of a variety
of payoff mechanisms 40 well known in the art may be implemented,
including cards, coins, tickets, smartcards, cash, etc. The payoff
amounts distributed by the payoff mechanism 40 are determined by
one or more pay tables stored in the system memory 36.
[0029] Communications between the controller 34 and both the
peripheral components of the gaming machine 10 and external systems
50 occur through input/output (I/O) circuits 46, 48. More
specifically, the controller 34 controls and receives inputs from
the peripheral components of the gaming machine 10 through the
input/output circuits 46. Further, the controller 34 communicates
with the external systems 50 via the I/O circuits 48 and a
communication path (e.g., serial, parallel, IR, RC, 10bT, etc.).
The external systems 50 may include a gaming network, other gaming
machines, a gaming server, communications hardware, or a variety of
other interfaced systems or components. Although the I/O circuits
46, 48 may be shown as a single block, it should be appreciated
that each of the I/O circuits 46, 48 may include a number of
different types of I/O circuits.
[0030] Controller 34, as used herein, comprises any combination of
hardware, software, and/or firmware that may be disposed or
resident inside and/or outside of the gaming machine 10 that may
communicate with and/or control the transfer of data between the
gaming machine 10 and a bus, another computer, processor, or device
and/or a service and/or a network. The controller 34 may comprise
one or more controllers or processors. In FIG. 2, the controller 34
in the gaming machine 10 is depicted as comprising a CPU, but the
controller 34 may alternatively comprise a CPU in combination with
other components, such as the I/O circuits 46, 48 and the system
memory 36.
[0031] Turning now to FIG. 3, an image of a main poker game screen
60, which can be displayed on the primary display 14 (see FIG. 1),
is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present
invention. A player begins play of a basic wagering game, such as a
video poker wagering game, by inserting a wager input into the
value input device 18 of the gaming machine 10. A player may select
play by either using the touch screen 28 or the player input device
24. The controller 34, or the external systems 50 in alternative
embodiments, operates to execute a wagering game program, causing
the primary display 14 to display the wagering game that includes a
plurality of visual elements.
[0032] According to one embodiment, the video poker wagering game
is desirably played with a single standard 52-card deck (i.e., Ace
through King of four different suits). However, a poker game may be
played with any number of decks and/or with a variety of different
card compositions (e.g., wild cards, etc.). In the single
standard-deck embodiments, during a particular poker hand, all of
the cards are dealt from the same deck. After a card is dealt from
the deck into the poker hand, the card is "used up" and cannot
appear again until the next poker hand. The deck may be replenished
and randomly shuffled prior to every poker hand. The system memory
36 includes a data structure for storing data representing each
card of the deck. The controller 34 randomly selects cards for each
poker hand from the data structure and controls the primary display
14 to display the cards.
[0033] Referring still to FIG. 3, an image of a video poker screen
is shown. The main poker game screen 60 featuring a five-card draw
poker game in the illustrated embodiment may be displayed on the
primary display 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the main poker
game screen 60 is used to display a user-playable hand 64 composed
of a plurality of cards 66a-e, a pay table 68, game session meters,
and various buttons selectable by a player. The game session meters
of the present embodiment include the following: a "credits" meter
70 for displaying a number of credits available to play on the
gaming machine 10; a "bet" meter 74 for displaying a number of
credits wagered (e.g., from 1 to 5 credits) for each hand played;
and a "paid" meter 76 for displaying an amount to be awarded based
on the results of the particular rounds wager. The
player-selectable buttons of the present embodiment include the
following: a "cash out" button 80 to collect the remaining credits
in the credits meter 70; a "help" button 82 for viewing
instructions on how to play the video poker game; a "paytable"
button 84 for displaying the pay table; an "EZ hold" button 86
that, in response to being pressed by the player after the deal but
before the draw, causes the display to distinguish cards that
already contribute to a winning outcome prior to the draw from
other cards; a "bet 1" button 88 for wagering one credit at a time;
a "max bet" button 90 for wagering a maximum number of credits
(e.g., 5 credits); and a "deal/draw" button 92 for causing the game
to initially deal a plurality of cards face-up from a deck to form
the user-playable hand 64 or for causing the game to replace any
non-held card in the previously dealt user-playable hand 64 with
another card from the deck. The main poker game screen 60 also
displays a plurality of hold buttons 67a-e for allowing a player to
select a card to hold. It is contemplated that the primary display
14 may include game session meters and/or player-selectable buttons
other than or in addition to those described herein.
[0034] The pay table 68, displayed on the primary display 14, may
also or alternatively be displayed on the secondary display 16. The
pay table 68 includes a list of winning poker hand rankings 102 and
payout columns 104 with payouts associated with each ranking. The
number of credits won is linearly proportional to the number of
credits wagered, except that a royal flush yields a bonus when
achieved on a maximum wager. The list of winning poker hand
rankings 102 includes standard poker hand rankings beginning at
Jacks or better and including hands through a royal flush.
[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a player has selected to wager
five credits (displayed in the bet meter 74). By choosing to wager
five credits, the player is playing for the number of credits shown
in a maximum bet column 106 displayed in the pay table 68.
[0036] By selecting the deal/draw button 92, a player is able to
view the user-playable hand 64 that the player has wagered to play.
In a five-card draw poker game, five cards 66a-e are displayed
face-up to a player to form a first user-playable hand. The player
is able to select none, one, or a plurality of the cards 66a-e in
the user-playable hand to hold. The player may select the "EZ hold"
button 86 to allow the controller 34 to cause the display to
distinguish cards that already contribute to a winning outcome
prior to the draw from other cards, thereby helping the player to
determine which cards to hold and which cards to discard. Further
information concerning the "EZ hold" function may be obtained from
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0055114 entitled "Method and Apparatus
for Conducting a Video Poker Game," which is incorporated by
reference in its entirety. A card 66a-e may be held by utilizing an
associated onscreen "hold" button 67a-e in the user-playable hand
64, or by selecting an associated hold button on the player input
device 24. The player may then select the "deal/draw" button 92 to
discard and replace the remaining non-held cards with other cards
from the deck and form a second user-playable hand.
[0037] At the end of a wagering game, the best poker hand is
determined from the second user-playable hand, and a player is
awarded a primary payoff as displayed in the pay table 68 if the
ranking of the hand meets a first predetermined criteria displayed
in the pay table 68. Assuming that the user-playable hand 64 of the
illustrated example is a second user-playable hand, the player has
not met the predetermined criteria displayed in the pay table 68
(i.e., the hand does not have at least Jacks or better). Thus, a
primary payoff is not awarded.
[0038] In addition to determining whether the player should be
awarded a primary payoff, a secondary prize opportunity
determination is made based on whether the hand meets a second
predetermined criteria. The second predetermined criteria may
include one or more different events. For example, according to one
embodiment, the second predetermined criterion is the user-playable
hand 64 failing to meet the first predetermined criteria (i.e., the
pay table 68). Thus, the player is given an opportunity to win a
secondary prize even though the player did not meet the primary
payoff criteria displayed in the pay table 68. In other words, a
non-winning outcome provides the player with the secondary prize
opportunity.
[0039] As an alternative or in addition to not meeting the first
predetermined criteria, a second predetermined criterion may be the
second user-playable hand containing a trigger card. The trigger
card may be selected from a standard 52-card deck, for example, an
Ace of any suit (i.e., clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades). In
another embodiment, the trigger card may have appeared in the first
user-playable hand and may have been subsequently discarded. The
trigger card may also include a "wild" card not generally found in
a standard 52-card deck.
[0040] In another embodiment, the second predetermined criterion is
a trigger ranking (e.g., 3 of a kind). Thus, whenever the player's
hand includes the trigger ranking, the player is awarded the
primary payoff and a secondary prize opportunity.
[0041] The second predetermined criteria may be further limited by
requiring that the player have wagered a certain number of credits
(e.g., three or more credits). This limitation may be applied to
any of the embodiments described herein, as well as other
embodiments within the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0042] In one embodiment, the secondary prize opportunity is one or
more entries into a sweepstakes. An entry may be in the form of a
ticket dispensed from the ticket printer 42 (FIG. 1).
Alternatively, the entry with the player's information may be sent
electronically to an external system, such as the external system
50 (FIG. 2).
[0043] FIG. 4 shows a plurality of gaming machines 210a-d being
connected to an external system 250 via a plurality of
communication links 252a-d respectively. According to one
embodiment, the external system 250 includes at least one local
server 254 and a national server 256 located at a remote location.
The gaming machines 210a-d are connected to the local server 254
via the communication links 252a-d. One or more of the local
servers 254 then may be connected to the national server 256 via
one or more communication links 258. The local server 254 and/or
the national server 256 may receive and store the entries awarded
by each of the gaming machines 210a-d until a sweepstakes drawing
is held in which one or more of the entries are randomly selected
to determine the winner of a secondary prize. The drawing may take
place, for example, every week, every month, every year, etc. It is
contemplated that entries may be sent to the local server 254 for
local sweepstakes drawings and/or to the national server 256 for
national sweepstakes drawings. Furthermore, the award for entries
selected from the local server 254 may include a second entry that
is sent to the national server 256, where the entries selected from
the national server 256 are awarded the secondary prize.
[0044] The communication links 252a-d connecting the plurality of
gaming machines 210a-d to the local server 254 may include a
multi-drop serial line. The multi-drop serial line may be, for
example, an RS-485 serial data line, which is compatible with and
linked to the I/O circuitry 48 (FIG. 2) within the gaming machines
21Oa-d. The communication link 258 connecting the at least one
local server 254 to the national server 256 may include one or more
switches and routers. The router within a casino may be connected
through a phone line (or other communication means) to a
corresponding router at the remote location.
[0045] If the secondary prize opportunity is an electronic
sweepstakes entry, the player is identified by the gaming machine
so that the player may be contacted in the event that the player
wins the sweepstakes. A player may be identified by, for example,
inputting a tracking card into the player information reader 52
(see FIG. 1) or through a radio frequency ID device. Alternatively,
the player may manually enter his or her information into the
gaming machine 10 (e.g., via the touch screen 28). In a further
alternative, a player can input a pin number or password into the
player information reader 52 or the player input device 24, or a
player may provide a biometric marker, such as a fingerprint, onto
a player information reader 52 (see FIG. 2) on the gaming machine
10.
[0046] The number of secondary prize opportunities awarded may
vary. For example, the number of secondary prize opportunities may
be based on the number of credits wagered on a particular wagering
game or gaming session. For example, if a player wagers five
credits, the player may be awarded five secondary bonus
opportunities, provided that the second predetermined criteria is
met. Alternatively, the amount of secondary prize opportunities may
be randomly generated from a predetermined range of values. For
example, the gaming machine 10 may be a slot machine having an
extra reel dedicated to the number of secondary prize
opportunities. Or, if a player has competed for the secondary prize
opportunities a certain number of times in excess of a threshold
(e.g., 100 attempts) within a predetermined time period, the player
may be awarded a greater number of secondary prize opportunities.
Other methods of varying the number of secondary prize
opportunities awarded are contemplated, such as, for example,
designating certain days as "Double Chance Days," where the number
of secondary prize opportunities is doubled throughout the day.
[0047] Implementing the secondary prize opportunities of the
present invention to a wagering game or gaming machine enhances the
excitement level by providing the opportunity to win a prize even
after the primary payoff criteria has not been met. The excitement
level is further enhanced by the opportunity to win a prize even
after the player's gaming session has concluded.
[0048] Although the secondary prize opportunity has been
illustrated as a sweepstakes entry, any suitable secondary prize
opportunity may be awarded. For example, the secondary prize
opportunity may be one or more points that may be exchanged for a
bonus opportunity such as a bonus game, a spin on a wheel, or any
other opportunity to win a prize. The points may also be exchanged
for cash prizes, casino vouchers, souvenir items, meals, a
complementary stay at a hotel, other amenities offered by a casino,
etc.
[0049] Additionally, though the above example has illustrated five
cards 66a-e in the user-playable hand 64, it should be apparent
that the present invention is not limited only to such embodiments.
For example, any number of cards may be displayed for a player to
wager upon. Additionally, a plurality of user-playable hands may be
displayed for a player to wager upon. The number of user-playable
hands is only limited by the number of cards which comprise the
deck to be displayed. Where a larger number of user-playable hands
are desired, a plurality of decks of cards may be combined to form
the desired hands. Moreover, it should be understood that the
present invention is not limited solely to one or more decks of
cards or a video poker game, but instead may be instituted by using
any type of symbol-bearing objects, such as, for example, dice,
tiles, chips, marbles, wheels, flipped coins, reels that are spun,
etc. It should also be understood that the above invention may be
instituted on a standard casino table or another means sufficient
to implement the above described secondary prize opportunity
feature.
[0050] Turning now to FIG. 5, a method of playing the wagering game
is detailed according to the illustrated embodiment of the
invention. In step s300, a player begins the gaming session by any
conventional method (e.g., inserting coins or using credits). The
player then selects an amount to wager at step s304. Once the wager
has been made by the player, a first user-playable hand is
displayed at step s306. According to one embodiment, the first
user-playable hand comprises a plurality of symbol-bearing
objects.
[0051] The game then proceeds to step s310 to allow a player to
select cards, if desired, for holding in the first user-playable
hand. In various embodiments, a player is allowed to select either
none, one, or any plurality of cards that form the first
user-playable hand. A player may choose the cards by utilizing
buttons on the touch screen 28 or similar buttons on the player
input device 24 associated with the cards 66a-e. For example, the
primary display 14 may include hold buttons 67a-e positioned
directly below each of the plurality of cards 66a-e. A player holds
each of the cards the player would like to keep in his or her hand
by utilizing the hold buttons 67a-e. The selection of a card to
hold may be represented to a player by, for example, displaying
"Held" below the held card or in the displayed hold button 67a-e on
the primary display 14. A player then selects the "deal/draw"
button 92 to replace the non-selected cards with new cards from the
deck at step s312, forming a second user-playable hand.
[0052] A best hand is then ranked at step s314. The best hand is
formed by combining the cards forming the second user-playable hand
to form the highest possible ranking included within pay table 68,
if such a hand can be formed. At decision box s316, a determination
is made as to whether the best hand meets a first predetermined
criteria (e.g., a pay table). If the best hand meets the criteria,
a primary payoff is awarded at step s318. If the best hand does not
meet the criteria, no payoff is awarded.
[0053] Once the payoff has been awarded, or if no payoff has been
awarded, a determination is made as to whether the second
user-playable hand meets a second predetermined criteria at
decision box s322. If the user-playable hand does not meet the
second predetermined criteria, the player is prompted to initiate a
new game at step s328. If, however, the user-playable hand meets
the second predetermined criteria, the player is awarded a
secondary prize opportunity at step s326. In a ticket-based system,
the secondary prize opportunity includes a ticket presented to the
player. In embodiments where tickets are not used, the player may
be required to provide his or her identification so that the player
may be contacted in the event that the player is awarded the
secondary prize.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 6, a method of awarding a secondary prize
opportunity is illustrated. In step s426, a player is awarded a
secondary prize opportunity after meeting a second predetermined
criterion (see step s326 in FIG. 5). At decision box s428, a
determination is made as to whether the secondary prize opportunity
is awarded via dispensing a ticket. If the secondary prize
opportunity is awarded via a ticket, the ticket is printed and
dispensed at step s430. The ticket may contain the player's
identification at the time it is dispensed, or the player may be
required to fill in his or her information after the ticket is
dispensed. The secondary prize opportunity (i.e., the ticket) may
then be, for example, entered into a sweepstakes or lottery-type
drawing at step s431. A random drawing may then be held for all
eligible players who were awarded tickets and entered the tickets
into the sweepstakes drawing. At least one of the tickets are
selected (step s438), and the player or players associated with the
at least one ticket is awarded the secondary prize at step s440.
Alternatively, an awarded secondary prize opportunity (where, for
example, the payoff is at least one point) may be exchanged for a
bonus game or prize.
[0055] If the secondary prize opportunity is not awarded via a
ticket, the player is identified at step s432 so that the player
may be contacted in the event that the player is awarded the
secondary prize. The player may be identified via a tracking card,
a radio frequency device, manually entering his or her information
into the gaming machine, using a biometric marker, or by any other
means suitable to identify the player. Once the player is
identified, the secondary prize opportunity information is
associated with the player at step s434. It should be noted that
the player may be identified at the start of the gaming session or
at any time prior to associating the secondary prize opportunity
with the player at step s434. The gaming machine 10 then
communicates with the external systems 50 (FIG. 2) at step s436.
The external systems 50 receive and store the information regarding
secondary prize opportunities from the gaming machine 10. An
awarded secondary prize opportunity may, for example, be an entry
into a sweepstakes or lottery-type drawing. A random drawing may
then be held for all eligible players who had been awarded
secondary prize opportunities, where at least one of the stored
secondary prize opportunities are selected (step s438). At least
one secondary prize is awarded to the player or players associated
with the selected secondary prize opportunity at step s440.
Alternatively, an awarded secondary prize opportunity (where, for
example, the payoff is at least one point) may be exchanged for a
bonus game or prize.
[0056] Many options are available for a drawing, such as briefly
halting all gaming sessions at all eligible gaming machines to
perform the random drawing. The random selection of a player from
the field of eligible players in the drawing may be performed and
displayed on the secondary display 16 (FIG. 1) and the identity of
the player announced simultaneously. Alternatively, the random
selection of the winning player may be announced at a later time. A
secondary prize is then awarded to the player selected in the
drawing. The secondary prize may be a cash prize, a casino voucher,
a souvenir item, a complementary meal or stay at a hotel, other
amenities offered by a casino, etc. If the player is no longer at
the casino, the casino may arrange to have the player transported
back to the casino to receive the prize or have the prize delivered
to the player.
[0057] The methods described in FIGS. 5-6 provide the general steps
of the present invention. The steps may be altered, and many other
steps may be included. For example, in FIG. 6, a system may use
only a ticket-based secondary prize opportunity, which removes
steps s432, s434, and s436. Or, the system may not use any tickets
whatsoever, eliminating steps s428, s430, and s431.
[0058] In an alternative embodiment, in addition to displaying the
outcome of the basic game on the primary display 14, a picture or
name of a previously selected player receiving a secondary prize
from the drawing may be displayed on the secondary display 16. This
display of previous winners can serve to remind the player that
players may win while playing the game at the gaming machine 10 or
even after the gaming session has ended and the player has left the
gaming machine 10. The displays increase the entertainment value of
the gaming machine and encourage players to continue playing the
game so that they will be entered once more into the field of
players competing for the secondary prize.
[0059] The secondary display 16 may also display the random drawing
of all eligible players by means of a live video feed. A player at
a gaming machine 10 may, therefore, watch while a player (perhaps
even himself or herself) is being randomly selected, which adds to
the excitement associated with the game and increases its
entertainment value.
[0060] In another alternative, the number of player entries into
the random drawing may be varied based on predetermined criteria.
For example, if, in addition to a player being eligible for a
secondary prize opportunity, the player's user-playable hand 64
includes a certain outcome (e.g., the user-playable hand 64
includes an Ace), the player may receive more than one entry for
the random drawing. If the user-playable hand does not include an
Ace, only one secondary prize opportunity is awarded.
[0061] The plurality of gaming machines may further be connected to
a signage that includes a display device for displaying the
identity of a randomly selected player receiving a secondary prize.
Thus, all players within viewing distance of the signage, even
those not playing the game of the present invention, may get caught
up in the excitement of a player winning a secondary prize.
[0062] As noted above, a player may select the "EZ hold" button 86
(FIG. 3) to allow the controller 34 to cause the display to
distinguish cards that already contribute to a winning outcome
prior to the draw from other cards, thereby helping the player to
determine which cards to hold and which cards to discard. Although
everyone who plays video poker wants to play optimal strategy, very
few people can effectively implement optimal strategy correctly
100% of the time during their wagering game play.
[0063] In accord with at least some aspects of the present
concepts, a wagering gaming system comprises a plurality of
selectable pre-defined poker strategies selectable by the player or
an optional poker strategy selectable by or activated by a player.
In either of the above-aspects, the optional poker strategy or one
of the plurality of selectable pre-defined poker strategies
selectable by the player may comprise a player's personalized poker
strategy. The player interface which communicates the strategy
information to the player may comprise any player interface
including, but not limited to, an output from a display 14, 16,
speaker, haptic device, piezoelectric device, actuator, lighted
button (e.g., on/off state), or the like. For example, the cards
that a player should hold, under a given strategy, may be
highlighted by a halo.
[0064] In accord with the first of the above-described aspects, the
player is presented with a plurality of selectable pre-defined
poker strategies. The pre-defined poker strategies may include any
number of convention strategies, such as those published by various
popular authors, mathematicians, or strategists. For example,
pre-defined poker strategies may be found in any number of books or
articles such as, but not limited to, "Million Dollar Video Poker"
(Bob Dancer Mar. 2003), "The Video Poker Answer Book: How To Attack
Variations on a Casino Favorite" (John Grochowski, published by
Bonus Books, June 2000), and "Video Poker: Optimum Play" (Dan
Paymar, August 2004). Any number of strategies (e.g., two, three,
tens, dozens, hundreds, or any number therebetween) may be offered
to the player. These strategies may relate, for example, to one or
more particular wagering games, rule sets, gaming machines, pay
tables, and/or wagering options. The player would be free to select
any one of the strategies at any time to implement in a current
hand or in subsequent hands. Preferably, the player is permitted to
read information on each of the available strategies, including,
but not limited to, a brief synopsis of the strategy or a detailed
explanation of the algorithm.
[0065] In some aspects, the player is able to select a plurality of
strategies to see how different strategies would approach a given
hand. The player is then free to compare the different strategies
for a particular hand and determine a desired course of action. For
example, for one or more hands, the player may compare an optimal
strategy by Bob Dancer against an optimal strategy by John
Grochowski and determine which strategy is best suited for their
preferences. In this manner, players would be given the option of
relying, in whole or in part, on strategies of authors in whom they
place their trust and/or in discovering new strategies. Thus,
players may also utilize the above concepts as a training or
educational tool, viewing the strategies that others may employ.
Accordingly, players may be free to play according to their own
style and strategy, using the strategies of one or more other
available strategies to guide and/or control their game play
decision-making. The availability of the strategy option(s), as
described above, are thus afforded a mechanism to relieve the
player of the stress associated with the pressure to make optimal
plays every hand to achieve the optimal expected value (EV).
[0066] In one variant of the above-aspect, the player may enable
the controller to select an optimal strategy, for a particular hand
and game rule set, from among the plurality of enabled poker
strategies. For example, if a player selects five different
strategies (e.g., S1, S2, S3, S4, S5) the controller will determine
from the output of these strategies which is the dominant strategy.
The dominance of a strategy may be determined, for example, by
simply selecting the strategy represented by the majority of
strategies. Thus, if strategies S1, S3, and S4 are in agreement as
to the recommendation for a particular hand and game rule set, then
the controller could select and display to the player such
recommendation. More complex optimization strategies based on the
similarities and differences between the recommendations of a
plurality of strategies may also be utilized. For example, the
controller may also utilize one or more other strategies (e.g., S6,
S7 . . . SN, where N is any integer) to check the selected
strategies (e.g., S1-S5) and determine which of the selected
strategies is most likely the optimal result. Thus, if strategies
S1-S2 recommend a first strategy, S3-S4 recommend a second
strategy, and S5 recommends a third strategy, the controlled may
implement strategies S6-SN to determine which of the first strategy
of S1 -S2 and second strategy of S3-S4 should be passed on to the
player. In at least some aspects, the player is not only informed
of the recommended strategy for a particular hand and set of game
rules, but is also apprised of the breakdown between the results of
the different strategies and any reliance upon external or
non-selected strategies as a "tie-breaker" between any of the
selected strategies.
[0067] In accord with the second of the above-described aspects,
the player is presented with a single, optional poker strategy. In
some embodiments, the single, optional poker strategy is associated
with a theme of the gaming machine 10 (e.g., "Bob Dancer Jacks or
Better" ). The player is permitted to enable or disable the poker
strategy feature, which would implement the poker strategy for each
hand and recommend an optimal strategy for the hand in accord with
the particular poker strategy algorithm.
[0068] In another embodiment of the second of the above-described
aspects, the player is presented with an input device by which a
player may input their own poker strategy. The input device may be
a gaming machine 10 or associated with a gaming machine 10 or, as
described later, may be separate approved device (e.g., a kiosk,
computer, etc.). In at least some aspects, the player is presented
with a series of hands and they are prompted to input their
preferred strategy in responding to the hand. As the player inputs
more and more information on their strategy into the interface, an
algorithm is developed that is specific to that player's strategy.
In at least some other aspects, the player is presented with an
algorithm which they are allowed to modify given various tools and
prompts. The player may be permitted to update and/or modify their
strategy at any time. The strategy or algorithm created by the
player is preferably saved in an external system 50 memory in
association with a player's personal information (e.g., biometric
input, player name, player's club ID number, password, etc.). When
a player later logs into a gaming machine 10 and desires to
implement a saved strategy, the player may enter the appropriate
identifying information into the gaming machine through a
corresponding input device (e.g., touch screen, biometric
characteristic reader, keyboard, buttons, etc.) to access and apply
the player's strategy to a gaming session. Subsequently, during
play of the gaming machine 10, the controller would, for example,
automatically highlight the cards to hold based on the player's
loaded strategy.
[0069] The strategy or algorithm created by the player may
alternatively or additionally be saved in a portable memory device
presented by the player or issued to the player. In various
aspects, the strategy or algorithm is saved to a magnetic strip of
a player's club card, a solid-state memory device (e.g., stick
memory, thumb drive, etc.), portable electronic device, or RFID. To
avoid any fraud or impropriety, any strategy or algorithm saved to
a device or medium conveyed by a player is advantageously stored
and/or encrypted in association with a public/private key (e.g.,
public-key cryptography, private-key cryptography, etc. of a
symmetric or asymmetric nature), steganographic encoding, or other
electronic security measure. Such other electronic security measure
may comprise, for example, a comparison between the strategy or
algorithm created by the player that is saved in an external system
50 memory to the strategy or algorithm input by the player using a
portable memory device. If there is any discrepancy between the
data saved in the external system 50 memory and the data saved in
the portable memory device, the player is instructed to remove the
portable memory device from the gaming machine 10 and take the
portable memory device to an approved device (e.g., a kiosk,
computer, etc.) or designated gaming establishment employee for
reconciliation. Thus, in general, the encryption is used to verify
the authenticity of content being loaded into the gaming machine 10
from an otherwise untrusted source (i.e. the player).
[0070] In an example described below, a player may load a poker
strategy or strategies onto a portable storage device using
approved software, application(s), or tool set(s). The player may
later bring the portable storage device bearing the player's poker
strategy or strategies into a gaming establishment for association
with a gaming machine 10 (e.g., a standalone gaming machine or a
handheld gaming machine). Assuming that the algorithms or tools
being used to create the algorithms are coming from a known point
(e.g., one controlled by the manufacturer) or trusted source, the
known point or trusted source could use their private key to sign
the algorithm itself prior to it being loaded onto the portable
storage device. When the player presents the portable device at the
gaming machine 10, the gaming establishment or gaming machine
manufacturer would then retrieve and use a public key stored in the
gaming machine code, gaming machine memory, or in an external
system 50 memory (e.g., a server) to verify that the portable
storage device contains content (e.g., strategies) created using
authorized tools and that the content has not been modified for any
other purpose.
[0071] In at least some aspects of the above embodiments, the
strategy or strategies may be free or may be fee-based. For
example, the use of each of a plurality of strategies may entail a
separate usage fee for each strategy. Groupings of strategies may
entail a single fee. Fees may be charged as a flat fee,
per-game-fee, hourly fee (or sub-portion thereof), daily fee,
weekly fee, monthly fee, quarterly fee, yearly fee, or the like, or
any smaller subdivision thereof. Fees may be direct, as noted
above, or indirect. One example of an indirect fee includes, for
example, joining a particular club and paying a club fee which
carries with it an associated use of one or more strategies. In
some respects, the convenience of providing the player with the
safety net of recording and using their own strategy to guide their
subsequent game play may itself entail a nominal fee. For example,
a player purchasing one or more poker strategies for use in one or
more gaming sessions is provided with a code (e.g., a password,
access ID, validation ID, private key, or the like) for the gaming
session(s). Upon a subsequent validation of the code, access to the
one or more poker strategies is provided for the delineated time,
at which time access is terminated and the code expires.
[0072] The poker strategy or strategies may alternatively be
downloaded by the players from a secure web-site onto a players
portable storage device, as noted above, over the Internet. To this
end, a software program, application, or tool set may be purchased
by or distributed to the player, such as through a website (e.g.,
the gaming establishment's website) or a retail location. Thus, a
player may develop their strategy over time, in the comfort of
their own home or residence, for later use in a gaming
establishment. In the gaming establishment, the player's strategy
may be uploaded from a player's portable storage device, by the
player or by a gaming establishment employee, preferably directly
into the gaming machine 10, which is configured to both check the
portable storage device for inappropriate content (e.g.,
unauthorized instructions, viruses, trojans, worms, malware, etc.)
and recognized content (i.e., a poker strategy created using
authorized software, application(s), or tool(s)). Once the
appropriateness of the content on the player's portable storage
device has been verified, the player's strategy is then used
locally and/or is transferred to an authorized server.
Alternatively, the player's strategy may be uploaded from a
player's portable storage device, by the player or by a gaming
establishment employee, into a computer or kiosk configured to
check the portable storage device for inappropriate content and
recognized content, as noted above. Once this verification step has
been performed, the content is then transferred to an external
system 50 (e.g., server) for access by the player.
[0073] In one aspect, the player's strategy may be transferred to a
sanctioned portable storage device provided to the player by the
gaming establishment (e.g., via kiosk or employee) for use by the
player in association with a corresponding device interface for the
gaming machine 10, which device interface may comprise a
proprietary or non-proprietary interface.
[0074] In accord with the above aspects, players are permitted to
guarantee, for example, that they follow a strict set of hold
rules, either defined by their own input strategy or by reliance
upon a predefined selected strategy or strategies during their
play. This permits players to play faster, increasing their hands
played per hour, without making mistakes regarding the cards they
want to hold.
[0075] The above-noted concepts may also be implemented in
association with an "autoplay" feature, wherein the player enables
the computer to execute the strategy independent of any input by
the player. The player could then set game play variables (e.g.,
wagering parameters, rate of play, etc.), as permitted, activate
the poker strategy or strategies, and then permit the gaming
machine 10 to play successive hands in accord with such
instructions until the player disables the "autoplay" feature. The
disabling of the "autoplay" feature may be set to correspond, for
example, to a second player input (e.g., pressing any button or a
specific button), to a depletion of a player's credit meter, to a
lapse of an "autoplay" feature timer, or a required intervention by
an attendant (e.g., a player hits a jackpot requiring an attendant
pay).
[0076] In accord with at least some aspects of an example of the
above concepts, a method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming
machine comprises the acts of a plurality of symbol-bearing objects
to form a first user-playable hand, accessing at least one
player-selected strategy, determining a hold strategy for the
user-playable hand, and informing the player of the hold strategy.
In additional acts, the method includes replacing each of the
non-held symbol-bearing objects with a replacement symbol-bearing
object to form a second user-playable hand and awarding the player
an award for any combination of symbol-bearing objects in said
second user-playable hand associated with a paytable.
[0077] Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is
contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed
invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *