U.S. patent application number 11/690919 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-27 for personal game device and method.
Invention is credited to Erik OLSON.
Application Number | 20070225067 11/690919 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38534170 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070225067 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
OLSON; Erik |
September 27, 2007 |
PERSONAL GAME DEVICE AND METHOD
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a portable electronic game
device programmed for playing poker, particularly "No-Limit Texas
Hold 'Em" against a plurality of virtual opponents or players that
each have predefined characteristics, the device having a personal
computer interface, a memory accumulator for cumulatively storing
earned points, and a means of communication with a hosted website
or remote server computer that tracks unique identifiers for the
game device and its associated player and allows the player to
compete with other players for prizes based on the total
accumulated points earned by the individual player or to obtain
universal rankings. The invention also relates to methods of using
such a portable game device.
Inventors: |
OLSON; Erik; (Munhall,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCNEES WALLACE & NURICK LLC
100 PINE STREET, P.O. BOX 1166
HARRISBURG
PA
17108-1166
US
|
Family ID: |
38534170 |
Appl. No.: |
11/690919 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60785743 |
Mar 24, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2001/008 20130101;
G07F 17/3293 20130101; A63F 2001/005 20130101; G07F 17/3218
20130101; A63F 1/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A portable electronic game device programmed for playing a poker
game comprising a computer communications interface; a plurality of
programmed virtual players having predefined characteristics; and a
memory accumulator for cumulatively storing points; wherein said
interface is accessible to a hosted website server, and wherein
said server tracks unique identifiers for said device and its
associated user and allows said user to compete with others based
on the total accumulated points earned by said user or to obtain
universal rankings.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said poker game is No-Limit Texas
Hold 'Em.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein said interface is a serial or
parallel communication link or wireless communications
protocol.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein said serial communications link
is a USB interface that is accessible to a hosted website.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein said programmed virtual players
having predefined characteristics are selected from the group
consisting of fast, tight, solid, erratic, aggressive, call
station, Fort Knox, loose, good, fisherman, bluffer, mood changer,
and slow players.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is capable of being
programmed with additional programmed virtual players having
predefined characteristics.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein said device comprises selector
buttons for the following functions: fold, check, bet, raise, call,
and clear bet.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein said device comprises an internal
tamperproof mechanism.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein said device comprises a battery
power supply.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein said device has a unique serial
number or other unique identification means.
11. The device of claim 1 further comprising a computer program
executable on a client computer that communicates with said device
and said server.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein said client computer and said
server communicate via TCP/IP.
13. The device of claim 1 further comprising a speaker that
provides audio features.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein said audio features include
dealer instructions or preprogrammed audible comments from virtual
players and audience.
15. The device of claim 13, wherein said device is capable of being
programmed with additional audio features.
16. A method of conducting a poker tournament comprising the steps
of accumulating points for each participating user during a
predetermined time period using a device of claim 1; transferring
accumulated from said device to a hosted website server while
resetting accumulated points on said device, all points being
either transferred to said server prior to the conclusion of said
time period or being forfeited; and comparing the total points for
all of said users transferred to said server at the conclusion of
said time period.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein said website tracks unique
identifiers for the game device and its associated user, and allows
said user to compete with other subscribers for prizes based on the
total accumulated points earned by the user, and to obtain
universal rankings.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein said interface is used for
transferring points accumulated on the game device to said
server.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein accumulated points are used as
a basis for setting the stakes of a new session.
20. The method of claim 16, further comprising a step of awarding
prizes based on the number of accumulated points that have been
transferred to said server during said predetermined time period.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. provisional
patent application No. 60/785,743, filed Mar. 24, 2006, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to a
portable electronic game device programmed for playing poker,
particularly "No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em" against a plurality of
virtual opponents or players that each have predefined
characteristics, the device having a personal computer interface, a
memory accumulator for cumulatively storing earned points, and a
means of communication with a hosted website or remote server
computer that tracks unique identifiers for the game device and its
associated player and allows the player to compete with other
players for prizes based on the total accumulated points earned by
the individual player or to obtain universal rankings. In another
embodiment, invention also relates to methods of using such a
portable game device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Poker was invented over a century ago, but its popularity
has experienced recent dramatic growth, largely due to innovations
in game playing technology. Broadcasts of poker tournaments such as
the World Series of Poker and the World Poker Tour have huge
audiences. The invention of miniature cameras has turned the game
into a spectator sport in which viewers can follow the action and
drama of the game. The introduction of online poker has made the
game available to anyone with access to a personal computer and an
Internet connection.
[0004] Traditionally poker has been played in casinos, card rooms,
clubs, and homes throughout the country. While such games are
popular, there are a number of drawbacks. One problem for
commercial gaming establishments is that the game is player versus
player, as opposed to player versus the house. This means that the
house must collect a percentage of the pot to make a profit.
Because each hand can take a considerable amount of time, given the
number of betting rounds and the time inherent in bluffing,
attempting to read other players, and so on, the profit margin for
the house is limited. In addition, many would-be customers are
simply too intimidated to play against other players, especially in
light of the fact that the other players may be professional card
players with considerable experience. What is needed is a game that
may be based on poker but that does not require a player to play
directly against another human player. It is further desirable that
player actions such as increasing the bet and folding the hand can
be performed without time consuming bluffing and attempting to read
other players, to provide acceptable turnaround time per hand. It
is further desirable that the game is not intimidating to new or
inexperienced players. It is further desirable that the game
maintain some elements of successive betting and have a method of
play and payout structure that maintains player interest.
[0005] Gambling enterprises such as casinos have benefited from
several recent inventions. For example, U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2005/0239546 ("the '546 Publication") discloses a
player-tracking unit that provides a display and a player-tracking
controller designed or configured to provide a web browser on the
display. The player-tracking unit may include input devices for
receiving selections associated with the web browser.
Player-tracking programs provide rewards to players that typically
correspond to the player's level of patronage, e.g., to the
player's playing frequency or total amount of games played. Rewards
may be free meals, free lodging, or free entertainment. These
player-tracking and accounting systems are used in most casinos.
The player-tracking account server is designed to store
player-tracking account information, such as information regarding
a player's previous game play, and to calculate player-tracking
points based on a player's game play that may be used as basis for
providing rewards to the player. Such programs allow a casino to
identify and reward customers based upon their previous game play
history. The '546 Publication provides player-tracking units with
web browsers configured to provide web content through a display on
the player-tracking unit. By providing access to web content from a
player-tracking unit, content providers, such as gaming
establishments having a website, etc., can provide static or
dynamic content efficiently at one website. If changes are made to
the website, all of these users will receive the updated
information without the content provider needing to update various
channels of communication. The '546 Publication does not disclose a
stand-alone game device that can accumulate game points for later
uploading or an interactive website. Also, the '546 Publication
does not disclose prize competitions based on points accumulated by
playing the game.
[0006] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0208989 ("the
'989 Publication") discloses methods of and systems for playing
tournament-style games, such as the World Series of Poker. The '989
Publication provides a wagering game of skill is provided wherein a
game player is eligible to play the wagering game of skill through
the use of an alternative method of entry ("AMOE"). The wagering
game of skill may be available to be played on a communication
network or by submitting an entry by mail or over the Internet. The
AMOE entry may be used by a player to enter a game against the
house or against other players. An entry to play against other
players may include entry into a tournament where the house retains
part of all paid entry fees; the retained house fees may be used to
pay the entrance fee at a full or reduced rate for AMOE entries in
the tournament. Components of the system include payment methods,
payout methods, and game engines, all of which may be implemented
by using software, hardware, and firmware, including
application-specific integrated circuits ("ASICs").
[0007] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0070178 ("the
'178 Publication") discloses an electronic poker tournament system
for providing gaming tournaments in a computer-networked
environment comprising several servers and a database. The gaming
system adjusts to several styles of poker. Instead of programming a
single style or various styles of poker, the system reads its
tournament settings from a script file and reads its poker rules
from a data file. The server is a software process that perpetually
runs on the system hardware. The functions of the lounge server
include orchestrating and managing various tournaments and ring
games including the merging of tables and tracking participating
players, spawning table servers when appropriate for tournaments,
sending and receiving messages to and from the lounge client to
receive player input and provide the player with updated
information, and reading from and writing to the database to obtain
or store necessary information on players, ring games, or
tournaments. The lounge server may send messages to table servers
to direct the servers to modify game parameters such as changing
the type of game or the betting limits of the game. Each player who
wants to participate in the system must have their own lounge
client, as players do not directly interact with the lounge server.
When a player is ready to participate, he loads up his lounge
client. The lounge client automatically connects to the lounge
server. A database tracks a player's user name and contains player
specific information such as the player's real name, credit card
information, a postal mailing address, the number of chips, recent
usage of the system, and game specific information such as the last
five hands that the player has played.
[0008] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0102047 is
directed to a system and method for playing a team gaming
tournament that allows players to form teams of one or more players
in order to allow a team's performance in a gaming tournament to be
dependent on both the performance of each individual member of the
team as well as the number of players on each team. The method
includes permitting a plurality of users to enter a game, forming
teams, sending user input to the server, and calculating a
placement finish for each team in the gaming tournament in
conformity with a predetermined formula having dependence on both a
number of users and a performance of each user. For example, the
gaming tournament may be managed by a live or Internet casino and
is a poker gaming tournament.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,952 discloses a remote gaming system
whereby a player can gamble against a wagering establishment or
lottery from a remote location on a personal computer or portable
computer device where it is unnecessary to establish an on-line
connection with a host computer associated with the wagering
establishment. The gaming computer has associated gaming software
for providing at least one wagering opportunity and enabling the
player to obtain gambling credit and cash-out any resulting
winnings. The host computer enables the player to purchase and
redeem gambling credit at the remote location in one embodiment of
the invention using cryptographic protocols such as through a
series of authenticatable message exchanges between the player and
the wagering establishment, the gaming computer and the host
computer directly on-line. The gaming computer can also have a
detachable tamper-resistant or tamper-evident credit module
associated therewith or for use with a personal computer being
provided to the player with preinstalled or preloaded gambling
credit. The gaming system also enables participation in future
events of which the outcome is uncertain such as, for example, a
lottery whereby the player makes selections on a gaming computer at
a remote location. Software can be provided that instructs the
gaming computer to read unique magnetic characteristics of the
specific data storage media on which gaming software is made
available for installation, for the purpose of creating a unique
authenticatable message to be read and authenticated by the
wagering establishment to reveal any unauthorized duplication of,
or tampering with, data on that disk or data storage media.
[0010] There lacks, however, a portable electronic game device
programmed for playing poker, particularly "No-Limit Texas Hold
'Em" against a plurality of virtual opponents or players that each
have predefined characteristics, the device having a personal
computer interface, a memory accumulator for cumulatively storing
earned points, and a means of communication with a hosted website
or remote server computer that tracks unique identifiers for the
game device and its associated player and allows the player to
compete with other players for prizes based on the total
accumulated points earned by the individual player or to obtain
universal rankings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to a
portable game device programmed for playing No-Limit Texas Hold
'Em, with a communications interface (e.g., a serial or USB
interface), a plurality of virtual "players" having predefined
characteristics, and a memory accumulator for cumulatively storing
points, wherein the serial or USB port is optionally accessible to
a hosted website, and wherein the website tracks unique identifiers
for the game device and its associated player/subscriber, and
allows the player/subscriber to compete with other subscribers for
prizes based on the total accumulated points earned by the
individual player/subscriber, and to obtain universal rankings. In
certain aspects, the present invention does not enable the user to
compete directly with other human players in a poker game, but
rather provides defined virtual players that play the game against
the user, in order to determine the points accumulated by the user.
The present invention also provides for resetting the stakes of the
various virtual players based on the accumulated points of the
user. The communications interface of the game device of the
present invention is used for transferring points accumulated on
the game device to a server, and it is generally not used for
communication with master gaming controllers or for tracking
players' patronage for the purpose of determining rewards. The game
device is programmed for multiple virtual players with whom the
user competes to accumulate points, which may be accumulated from
one session to the next. In an embodiment, accumulated points are
used as a basis for setting the stakes of a new session. The
invention also provides a website or server accessible over the
Internet, or similar communication means, for registering player
award points.
[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following more detailed description of the
preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is an example game device of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a scheme by which players use a game
device to accumulate points and to communicate with a server.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, an example game device 4 is shaped like
a map of the State of Texas, and it is configured to allow the
player to play Texas No-Limit Hold 'Em poker, although in principle
the device could be configured to allow play of any of a variety of
poker games. Such poker varieties, which are within the scope of
the present invention, are described in detail in Robert's Rules of
Poker, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0016] In Texas Hold 'Em, each player is dealt two hole cards face
down. Five community cards are dealt face-up in the center of the
table, which also may be called the board. The player who makes the
best five-card poker hand with any combination of his hole cards
and the five community cards wins the round. In a conventional
Texas Hold 'Em game, a disc or other marker is used to indicate
which player is the dealer for the round. In electronic game device
4 of the invention the dealer is similarly identified.
[0017] Before the cards are dealt, the two players to the left of
the dealer post forced bets called blinds. The player immediately
to the left of the dealer posts a bet called the small blind, which
is usually equal to half of the minimum bet. The player to the left
of the small blind posts the big blind, which is equal to the
minimum bet. The hole cards are dealt to each player face down and
the player to the left of the big blind starts the betting. In the
first round of betting, each player has three options: call, raise
or fold. To call, the player must place a bet that is equal to the
last bet placed. For the first player in the round, this would be
equal to the minimum bet. A player may choose to raise his bet by
an additional amount, which the other players will then have to
call. If a player's hole cards are not favorable, the player may
simply choose to fold and sit out the round.
[0018] After all the players have finished the first round of
betting, the first three community cards are dealt face up on the
board. This is called the flop. The second and all subsequent
betting rounds start with the first player to the dealer's left,
and players now have the option to check. By checking, the player
indicates interest in the pot without placing a bet. Any player may
choose to place a bet, which the other players must then call.
Players can still raise, if a bet has been made, or fold if their
hand is not favorable. After all remaining players have bet (or
folded) the flop, the fourth community card is dealt face-up. This
is the turn card. The minimum bet doubles in the last two rounds of
betting in Limit Texas Hold 'Em, while in No Limit Texas Hold 'Em
the minimum bet is usually the amount equal to the big blind. After
the turn betting round, the fifth and final community card is
dealt. This is the river card. A final round of betting ensues, and
each player turns their hole cards face up in the order in which
they bet. Players can muck their hole cards (throw them in the used
card pile) if an opponent has shown a better hand. The highest hand
that can be made with any combination of the player's hole cards
and the five community cards wins the pot. If two or more players
have the same hand, the next highest card in the player's hand (the
kicker) is used to break a tie. If there is no kicker card, then
the pot is split between them. The dealer button is then passed
clockwise to the next player and another round of play begins.
[0019] There are at least three kinds of Hold 'Em games. In fixed
limit games, bets and raises are set at a fixed amount. A typical
fixed limit game would be $1/$2 ($1 minimum bet for the first two
rounds, and $2 minimum for the last two rounds.) The big blind
would be equal to the minimum bet ($1) and the small blind would be
half the minimum bet ($0.50). Raises are capped at a maximum number
of bets, generally four. New players will start with low-limit
games and gradually work their way up to higher limits as their
skill progresses. In No Limit Hold 'Em, the maximum bet is
determined by the number of chips you have in front of you. Players
can bet and raise by any amount, and at any time, a player can go
"all-in" by betting all of his chips. To call, the other players at
the table must match their opponent's all-in bet.
[0020] The game device 4 of the present invention is programmable
and has an on-board microprocessor or chip. The processor or chip
is programmed to allow the device user to play poker according to a
predetermined set of rules, e.g., No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em. The
device 4 is enabled with a computer communications interface 12
(e.g., USB port or other serial or parallel communication link or
wireless communications protocol as well known in the art), to
permit the device 4 to communicate with a host website via a local
computer (not shown) to which the device 4 is connected. Each
device carries a unique identifier or serial number. An example
game device 4 is depicted in FIG. 1, in which the game device 4
housing is a sealed housing shaped like the state of Texas, and
includes a screen 14 shaped like a Texas Hold 'Em table. In this
example embodiment, the housing includes a plurality of selector
buttons for inputting user selections in response to game-generated
conditions. Of course, other geometries, shapes and configurations
will be readily appreciated by one of skill in the art.
[0021] Selector buttons 16-24 are provided for the following
functions: fold 16, check 18, bet 20, raise 22, call 24, and clear
bet 36. Also, the selector buttons 16-24 may be numbered to permit
the user to enter a unique, assigned pass code for the game user to
secure the device from unauthorized users. Other features of the
game device are switches 26-30 for on/off 26, sound 28, and speed
of play 30. A speaker 32 (or other sound reproduction means)
provides audio features, such as dealer instructions and
preprogrammed audible comments from virtual players and audience,
an AC/DC power port 34 for plugging a power adapter into a wall
socket, an internal tamperproof mechanism (not shown) and a battery
compartment and battery power supply (not shown). Additional
selector buttons, which provide additional functionality, may be
provided.
[0022] The embedded program, logic or algorithms of the device are
configured to store point totals for the current game and
cumulatively over a predetermined period of time, e.g., one month,
one year, or other period. The program also provides virtual
competitors from a random draw of multiple player types. In an
embodiment, there are seven virtual players and one live player at
the beginning of game play. If a virtual player is eliminated there
will be one less player and so on. If and when there is only the
live player left, the table will reset with new virtual players. If
the live player can eliminate all virtual players, then the player
may be awarded bonus points.
[0023] Each of the virtual players is defined by a style pool of
various poker-playing styles including, for example, "fast"
(aggressive with lot of betting and raising, also plays many hands
but also will fold a sub-par hand if player at the table plays back
at him aggressively), "tight" (selective in hands played), "solid"
(selective hands played and good emotional control and sound play),
"erratic" (plays tight, but will get bored and play fast if player
doesn't catch cards for a while), "aggressive" (plays solid hands
aggressively), "call station" (will call bets with mediocre cards),
"Fort Knox" (will only play the premium hands), "loose" (plays many
hands to at least the flop), "good" (plays good hands, raises if
weakness is sensed), "fisherman" (if player catches a draw on the
flop, players will call high bets to possibly catch players draw),
"bluffer" (loves to win by bluffing opponents out of the hand),
"mood changer" (plays different during play, may change from a
tight player to a call station, for example), and "slow" (will play
a very good hand slow, not betting high or checking). Other player
styles may be included. The various styles may be preprogrammed to
cause the virtual players responses to follow a predetermined
algorithm or profile of game conditions.
[0024] The program may also include a bias towards competitors of
certain styles for players who have recently lost several
consecutive hands. In the art, this may be referred to as "tilt,"
which is a change in a player's style for a time period. This
change may be caused by other players, not receiving suitable hands
from the dealer, not winning hands, and the like. Tilt may vary for
different players and last different amounts of time. Some players
actually play fewer hands and better cards while others may play
any hand and bet aggressively. More experienced better players do
not go on tilt or minimize the amount of time they go on tilt.
[0025] The game device onboard memory records the number of hands
played, the dates on which the hands were played, accumulated
points, and the like. Points may be dollars or any other currency,
real or fictitious, or any other valuation system. When the game is
turned off, the accumulated points remain stored. In an embodiment
of the invention, when the user turns on the game again, the other
virtual players of the game are provided with an initial points
stake equal to the game users accumulated points. The blind betting
structure (or the opening bet) for the game is predetermined and
may be based on the highest stake of any player in the current
hand, for example: for a $1000 to $2000 stake, a $10 to $20 blind
bet is required; $2001-$4000, $20-$40 blind bet; $4001-$7000,
$40-$80 blind bet; $7001-$10000, $80-$160 blind bet; $10001-$15000,
$150-$300 blind bet; $15001-$30000, $500-$1000 blind bet; etc.
[0026] Referring next to FIG. 2, the game device 4 may be used
solely as a stand-alone poker game. A game device 4 is also
interactive with a website hosted by the game sponsor through a
general-purpose computer server or other web-accessible device 10.
The website provides the game user 2 with an automatic way to track
points, track serial number, save player information, associate
serial number with player information, etc. The website allows the
user 2 to compete with other players for prizes based on total
accumulated game points. The prizes are offered over predetermined
award periods, and are based on player rankings among the total
group of game players. Also included on the website may be
important dates; banners; marketing; sale of merchandise; user
agreement or other legal information; chat room; contact
information such as phone, e-mail (for technical support); general
information; and downloadable programs to be installed on the game
user's local computer 6 for interfacing the computer with the game
device 4. From the game device 4, the website also obtains
information such as the game device's serial number, accumulated
points, hands played, number of times the user went bust, and the
overall winning percentage of the game user 2. The website also has
the ability to clear points from a game user's device 4, for
example, after the close of a prize award time period. Also, the
website can provide updates for device sound, commentary, etc. and
game revisions such as a release new style of player, etc.
[0027] In an example embodiment, the device 4 is a No Limit Texas
Hold 'Em game, including an eight-player table with one real
player, i.e., the game user 2, and seven computer generated virtual
players, which are randomly drawn from a group of player styles.
The game starts with all players having a set number of points,
e.g., 1000 points. Every time machine is turned off or player wins
all points at the table the machine resets. Upon reset, the
randomly generated virtual players are provided with the same
number of points that the live player has. Betting may be in
multiples of the big blind, until all-in. For example, if the big
blind is 20 points and a player has 250 points left to play with,
then the player must bet in multiples of 20 (the big blind). If the
player wishes to go "all in" as he or she presses the raise button
it will raise the desired bet by 20 every time until no points are
left to bet. In this case the final time the player presses the
raise button, he or she will be adding 10 points to the bet and not
20. The player may also hold the raise button down to speed up the
process, which will accumulate bets faster. When the player reaches
the desired bet, he or she presses the bet button.
[0028] To bet, the raise button 22 is used to indicate the desired
amount, and then hit the bet button 20. If a user mistakenly
presses the raise button 22 too many times, a clear button 36 may
be pressed to clear the bet. At a designated time, a user may
transfer accumulated points to a host website for chances to win
prizes.
[0029] Access to the website server may be restricted and require
authentication with a password or other security protocol or device
such as a digital certificate. The website is secure and tracks all
players information such as points, number of hands played, etc.
The first time a user logs on to the website with a device attached
to, e.g., a USB port, a client program on the user's personal
computer 6, which may be downloaded from the server 10, will
recognize the serial number (or other unique identification means)
of the game device 4. The client program may facilitate
communication between the computer and the server via TCP/IP over
the Internet. The website may request information for any unique
serial number, such as the user's full name, a user name, address,
phone number, age, birthday, consent to agree or disagree to a
legal disclaimer, and the like. The website may also display prize
schedules and important dates, advertisements, or other marketing
tools, e.g., hot links (URLs), etc. Cash and prizes may be random
and not guaranteed, but the odds of winning cash and prizes
increase as more points are accumulated. At specified dates players
may log points onto the website server, which may then by publicly
available. The website has the ability to clear machine points
remotely and reset the points on a machine at 1000. The website
also is able to update virtual player characteristics and sound
effects, including new player characteristics to replace one or
more of the original virtual players.
[0030] In a typical embodiment, a consumer purchases a game device
of the invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the user 2 may simply just
play the game 4 by manually manipulating 3 the device 4, or the
user 2 may connect 5 the device 4 to a personal computer 6, for
example, by a USB or serial port, a wireless communications
protocol, an ethernet connection, or the like. Once connected, the
user 2 logs onto the Internet 8, and connects 7 to a server 10
hosting a website. The hosted website has downloadable programs
enabling the device 4 to communicate 7, 9 with the server 10 via
the Internet 8. Available on the website are hot links, banners,
poker tips, and advertisements. The user 2 would also have a choice
to register the handheld machine 4. In order to qualify for prizes
in each contest period, an individual user must register the device
4 with the server 10, preferably through an automatic process over
the Internet 8. When registering the device 4, the user 2 may be
asked a series of questions in order to provide information to the
host website server 10, such as the user's name, address, user
name, password, and the like, which will bind the device 4 uniquely
to a specific user 2. This information will be linked with the
serial number of device 4 being registered, each device has an
individual, unique serial number. Also, the user 2 must agree to a
legal disclaimer on the host website server 10 to receive
permission to participate.
[0031] Once registered, all points accumulated on the device 4 are
automatically reset to zero and the player's cumulative total for
the current contest period are posted on website. The consumer
would now be eligible for any current contests available on the
host website server 10. Starting at a predetermined date, the
device 4 will enable the user 2 to accumulate points to be
transferred to the host website server 10 to qualify for prizes.
Contest periods are typically for predetermined time periods. The
more points accumulated the better the players chances are of
winning a prize. Prizes are random but more chances are given to
players that rank higher or accumulate more points in a given game
period.
[0032] Players are ranked by the total accumulation of points over
all of the past contest periods. The top group may be regarded as
"pros", the second group may be "experts", the third group may be
"intermediate", and so on. If points are not registered by cut-off
date in a contest period, a user 2 may not be eligible until a next
contest period. Each individual must register/clear points for each
contest by a certain cut-off date to be eligible for each contest
period. If a user 2 misses a cut-off date the player must log on to
have points cleared to be eligible for next contest period. Those
points cleared after the cut-off dates are not credited toward
player rankings. Each contest winner is subject to verification of
his or her machine to ensure that the machine has not been tampered
with in any way. Contest winners, schedules, prizes, and cut-off
dates will be posted and updated accordingly on the website. Users
2 who register their handheld device are also be able to download
updates for their machines. Updates may include, but not be limited
to commentary, sounds, and player styles. At the end of a
predetermined contest series (multiple contests) a new game device
4 or a renewed membership on an existing game device 4 will be
required to participate in the next series.
[0033] While the invention has been described with reference to a
preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
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