U.S. patent application number 12/206285 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-08 for novel games, and methods and apparatus for game play in games of chance.
Invention is credited to Gary Dawson, Randall Mark Katz.
Application Number | 20090011812 12/206285 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24697462 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090011812 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Katz; Randall Mark ; et
al. |
January 8, 2009 |
Novel Games, and Methods and Apparatus for Game Play in Games of
Chance
Abstract
The inventions herein relate to novel games of chance and
apparatus and methods for their play. In one embodiment, a
multi-level game of chance is played by presenting the player with
multiple options, where there is at least one positive option and
at least one negative option. By way of example, at each level the
player selects one of four boxes, where two have a monetary amount,
and one has a strike. Optionally, the fourth box may comprise a
`mystery box`, which requires a decision within a decision. When
presented with the mystery box, the player may elect to open it or
not. If they do not open it, game play resumes at the existing game
level. If they open it, one of multiple options is presented,
including a positive option and a negative option. In the preferred
embodiment, the positive option could include: a multiplier of the
winnings of the player, e.g., a double of the money in the player's
account, or the updating of the safe level for the player. A
negative result could be an additional strike. Preferably, the
probability of a negative outcome from the opening of the mystery
box should be the same as the probability of a negative event the
general playing of the game. In studio participation, casino based
play, or play over an electronic network, such as the Internet, is
contemplated.
Inventors: |
Katz; Randall Mark; (Beverly
Hills, CA) ; Dawson; Gary; (Tarzana, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
O''Melveny & Myers LLP;IP&T Calendar Department LA-1118
400 South Hope Street
Los Angeles
CA
90071-2899
US
|
Family ID: |
24697462 |
Appl. No.: |
12/206285 |
Filed: |
September 8, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11440485 |
May 25, 2006 |
7422213 |
|
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12206285 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/06 20130101; G07F
17/329 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/16 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method for game play involving multiple players in a game of
chance culminating in one or more winners, comprising the steps of:
presenting to multiple players, in a first phase, a plurality of
random options wherein at least one option is a positive option and
another option is a negative option, receiving a selection from at
least one player regarding which one of the plurality of random
options is selected, and if the positive option was selected,
permitting the option of continued game play, but if the negative
option was selected, cumulating the negative option result,
comparing the cumulative result with a predetermined number, and
terminating game play as to that player if the cumulative number
equals the predetermined number, and repeating above steps until
the a winning player is identified, and awarding a prize to winning
players based at least in part upon the number of positive options
selected.
2. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein the positive result
comprises a monetary amount.
3. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein the positive result
comprises a point amount.
4. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein the negative result
comprises a strike.
5. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein the predetermined
number is three.
6. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein the predetermined
number is greater than three.
7. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein the number of random
options is three.
8. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein the number of random
options is four.
9. The method for game play of claim 8 wherein there are two
positive options among the random options at a given level.
10. The method for game play of claim 9 wherein the two positive
options are the same.
11. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein the two positive
options are different.
12. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein there are at least
five levels.
13. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein there are at least
ten levels
14. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein there are at least
fifteen levels.
15. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein the options are
presented in a graphical display.
16. The method for game play of claim 15 wherein the graphical
display has one object for each option.
17. The method for game play of claim 16 wherein the display is a
numbered box.
18. The method for game play of claim 16 wherein the display is a
lettered object.
19. The method for game play of claim 16 wherein the display
includes graphical images of objects.
20. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein the options are
selected by a random selection.
21. The method for game play of claim 20 wherein the random
selection is a ball draw.
22. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein the random
selection is an electronic random number generator.
23. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein the random
selection is a wheel.
24. The method for game play of claim 1 further including a third
option, the third option requiring a further decision.
25. The method for game play of claim 24 wherein the third option
includes a positive option and a negative option.
26. The method for game play of claim 25 wherein the positive
option is a monetary amount.
27. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein the positive option
is a monetary multiplier.
28. The method for game play of claim 27 wherein the multiplier is
a doubler.
29. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein the prize is
money.
30. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein the prize is
merchandise.
31. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein the prize is
points.
32. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein the prize is
further game p lay.
33. The method for game play of claim 32 wherein the further game
play comprises a second game.
34. The method for game play of claim 33 wherein the monetary prize
value of the first game is carried over to the subsequent game
play.
35. The method for game play of claim 33 wherein the second game
includes a plurality of levels.
36. The method for game play of claim 33 wherein the initial level
in the second game equals the winning level from the first
game.
37. The method for game play of claim 33 wherein the levels of the
second game overlap with the levels of the first game.
38. The method for game play of claim 37 wherein the overlap is a
single monetary amount of overlap.
39. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein a vesting level is
provided.
40. The method for game play of claim 39 wherein the vest level is
increased through game play.
41. The method for game play of claim 1 further including
designating one or more safe levels.
42. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein a non-winning
player receives a designated reward.
43. The method for game play of claim 42 wherein the designated
reward is a monetary amount.
44. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein at least part of
the game is broadcast.
45. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein at least part of
the game is played on the internet.
46. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein the positive option
corresponds to a monetary amount.
47. The method for game play of claim 46 wherein the monetary
amounts increase in arithmetic progression.
48. The method for game play of claim 46 wherein the monetary
amounts increase in multiplicative progression.
49. The method for game play of claim 48 wherein the multiplicative
progression comprises a doubling of the monetary prize level by
level.
50. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein a jackpot is
awarded once the maximum game level is reached.
51. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein a proportionately
large prize is awarded once the maximum game level is reached.
52. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein a guaranteed
minimum prize is provided.
53. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein the prizing
includes a guaranteed low end prize structure (GLEPS).
54. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein the options are
reset after a negative result is selected.
55. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein the various options
are designated by numbers on boxes.
56. The method for game play of claim 1 wherein the various options
are designated by letters on boxes.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 11/440,485,
filed May 25, 2006, entitled "Novel Games, and Methods and
Apparatus for Game Play in Games of Chance", issued as U.S. Pat.
No. 7,422,213, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/868,519,
filed Jun. 14, 2004, entitled "Novel Games, and Methods and
Apparatus for Game Playing Games of Chance", issued as U.S. Pat.
No. 7,052,010, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/288,276,
filed Nov. 4, 2002, entitled "Novel Games, and Methods and
Apparatus for Game Play in Games of Chance", issued as U.S. Pat.
No. 6,749,198, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/672,179,
filed Sep. 27, 2000, entitled "Novel Games, and Methods and
Apparatus for Game Play in Games of Chance", issued as U.S. Pat.
No. 6,488,280, and is related to application Ser. No. 09/585,987,
filed Jun. 2, 2000, entitled "Novel Games, and Methods for Improved
Game Play in Games of Chance and Games of Skill", which is
incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] These inventions relate to methods, an apparatus for their
implementation, of unique player participation games, and for
improved methods of play for games of chance. More particularly,
these inventions relate to new and improved games involving player
participation in a broadcast medium, such as television, and in
other communication media, such as over the Internet or other
communications network.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Player participation games fall broadly under the categories
of games of chance and games of skill. One of the main forms of
games of chance is lotteries. By definition, involve the three
elements of: 1) prize, 2) chance and 3) consideration. If these
three elements are present, then the game is considered to be a
lottery, and is typically then run by a governmental entity. In the
United States, lotteries are typically run by the individual
states, or collectively by a group of states. In other countries,
it is typically the national government that runs the lottery.
Countries and states attempt to strictly limit the game play to
their geographic boundaries. For example, in Austria, while
electronic access to the game may be available over the Internet,
or in order to play, the person must have a bank account in
Austria, and be able to navigate the non-english menu.
[0004] Games have been conducted in any of a number of formats.
Certainly, live, in person games have been performed. Yet other
games have been played and broadcast over a broadcast medium, such
as radio or television. Yet other games have been played through a
more active communication media, such as the telephone, or over a
communication network such as the Internet.
[0005] Various attempts have been made to provide game play over
the Internet. By way of example, the game show Jeopardy has been
placed on the web at http://www.sony.com.
[0006] Various other attempts have been made to extend the general
concept of gambling to broad communication media, such as the
Internet. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,268 entitled, "Method of
Participating in a Live Casino Game from a Remote Location" has
been asserted in a litigation in against an off shore corporation.
The '268 patent discloses a system in which a player may
participate in a live casino game from a location remote from the
casino. A player interface station, such as a computer terminal or
other special input device, is connected by a communication line to
the casino. A second communication line is established from the
casino to the player's financial institution. The player is
presented with an image of an actual "live" game. The player then
participates directly as if they were physically present at the
casino. A wager is cleared with the player's financial institution
to insure adequate resources to cover the bet.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,845,739 to Ronald A. Katz is entitled,
"Telephonic--Interface Statistical Analysis System". The patent
describes various operating formats, including a format to be
performed in association with television media. Specifically, in
one embodiment, a real-time format is provided in which television
viewers participate on a real-time basis in a game show for prizes.
Expanded audience participation is achieved. Various levels of
qualification are provided, such as where a child's television game
format is utilized, parental clearance may be required. The use of
personal identification numbers (pin numbers) is disclosed. In one
implementation, the caller is prompted to identify which of the
actual studio audience participants the caller will be aligned
with. Additionally, the caller may be instructed to indicate the
extent of a wager. As the game progresses, the individual player's
accounts are credited or debited, thereby providing on-going
accounting data. In yet another implementation, a non real-time
operation is provided. Such a show might involve a quiz for callers
based on their ability to perceive and remember occurrences within
the show. Pre-registration is optionally utilized. In this
implementation, a sequence or time clock would be utilized in order
to limit or control individual interfaces to a specific time or
geographic "window". In this way, the caller questions may be
utilized across various time zones without the caller having
obtained the question earlier than other callers within a given
time zone.
[0008] Berman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,115 discloses a game show and
method entitled "Interactive Game Show and Method for Achieving
Interactive Communication Therewith". An interactive communication
system is provided which permits individuals to electronically
select at least one possible outcome of a plurality of outcomes of
a future event. Successful contestants possibly share in a prize
award associated with the event. A home audience of a televised
game show may electronically communicate a series of random numbers
using their touch tone telephone to participate in the show.
[0009] Recently, various governmental entities and trade
organization have addressed the issue of game play over the
Internet. Congressman Kye has introduced a bill which would
preclude the offering of Internet based gaming, though permitting
states to offer Internet gambling. Consideration has been given to
requiring that the state sponsored gaming be limited to an
intranet, in an effort to limit those participating to persons
physically resident within the states boundaries. Various
international lottery organizations have promoted similar
restrictions, namely, precluding the individuals offering of games
of chance, and reserving that option exclusively to the state.
[0010] Various lottery formats are known to the art. In one classic
format, a pre-determined number of tickets are provided with
certain printed matter, such as numbers or other indicia, where the
information is then obscured by a scratch off layer. By removing
the layer and revealing the underlying information, the ticket
holder may determine whether they have won or not. Various
extensions have been made to a "virtual" scratch off ticket where
no physical ticket is provided.
[0011] A conventional lottery proceeds as follows. First, a series
of numbers are selected, either by the player or by some automated
selection system, such as by computer. Upon the occurrence of a
pre-determined event, such as on a set date and time, numbers are
randomly chosen. Both mechanical methods, such as selection of
ping-pong balls bearing numeric designations, or electronic means
such as through a random number generator, may be utilized. The
selected numbers are then provided to the participants, such as
through a broadcast medium like newspapers, radio and television.
Finally, the holder or holders of winning tickets then present
their ticket for payment.
[0012] In yet another aspect of game play, a typical television
presented game show lasts on the order of one half hour. Various
shorter format games or shows have been utilized, for example, a
football based advertisement or game has been presented by IBM
during televised football games under the name "You Make the Call".
Yet other shorter version games have been presented over web TV or
on the Game Show Network.
[0013] The television game show "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" is
believed to have originated in Britain, and has become extremely
popular in the United States. The game is a trivia game. While
being principally a game of skill, the nature of the questions, or
the contestants knowledge of the potential answers, makes the game
at times a guessing game or game of chance. The format consists of
one contestant and one host. The contestant is presented with a
question and four possible answers. If the contestant answers the
question correctly, they advance to a next level, each level being
associated with a higher monetary prize amount, which is roughly
twice the amount of the preceding level. A contestant is given
three "life lines": a " 50/50" where in two incorrect answers are
removed, thereby leaving the correct answer and one incorrect
answer, the "phone a friend", wherein the contestant may call a
friend by telephone and solicit their response to the question,
subject to a 30 second time limit, and an "ask the audience" option
where the audience is polled regarding their view of the correct
answer to the question. Various safe levels are established, such
as at $1,000.00 such that the contestant would be awarded that
amount of money in the even that they fail to correctly answer a
question. Finally, after a question is posed, the contestant may
elect to discontinue play, and to receive that amount of money won
at the preceding level.
[0014] Despite the wide spread participation in various forms of
game play, as well as the suggestions for implementing those games
on a mass communication network, such as through the telephone or
Internet, the possibility for new games, or improved game play
exists. In particular, there is a need for improved games of
chance, which provide excitement for the player, and optionally a
viewer audience.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] This invention relates to methods and associated apparatus
for novel game play. In the preferred embodiment, the game is a
game of chance.
[0016] In the preferred embodiment, the game is played at a
multiple number of levels. At each level, the contestant is
presented with multiple options, such as a depiction of four
uniquely labeled boxes, amongst which the contestant may choose.
The options would include at least one positive outcome and at
least one negative outcome. In the case of four boxes, e.g., one
could include a strike, two could include a monetary amount, which
may be either the same or different and optionally, the fourth box
could comprise a mystery box, described below. The contestant
selects, at random, one of the options. If the option selected is
one of the positive options, such as a monetary amount, they
proceed to the next level and the winnings are added to the prior
winnings total. If a negative option is selected, such as a strike,
in the preferred embodiment, the level is reset and play continues
at that level. Preferably, the player is allowed a predetermined
number of negative events, such as three strikes, prior to
discontinuing play.
[0017] The `mystery box` consists of a decision within a decision.
A first decision was to select that option, which then was revealed
as comprising a mystery box. The player is then given the option of
whether to reveal that option. The option within the mystery box
would include at least one positive result and at least one
negative result. In the preferred embodiment, there would be three
results possible with a mystery box, a positive result such as a
multiplier for the money, such as a doubler of the contestant'
prior winnings, an updating of the safe level for the player or an
additional monetary amount. Alternatively, other positive results
such as a free play or a reduction in the number of negative events
is possible. Preferably, the probability of a negative result from
the opening of the mystery box should be equal to the probability
of a negative event if the mystery box were not selected.
[0018] The prizes at the various levels may be set as desired to
result in a predetermined pay out for the game. Optionally,
guaranteed low end prize structures (GLEPS) may require payment of
predetermined prize amounts, and possibly payment of a minimum
amount of a prize e.g., $500.00. The monetary spacing between
various levels may be set as desired, either as an arithmetic
progression or as a multiplicative progression, e.g., a substantial
doubling of the prize amount at every level. Optionally, when a
maximum game level is reached a jackpot or other proportionally
large prize may be awarded. If the jackpot is not won in a given
game, it may then roll over to a subsequent game. Alternative forms
of progressive play may be utilized.
[0019] In another aspect of this invention, game play in a first
game may require progression through a plurality of levels, leading
to game play on a second game for those who have reached the
maximum level on the first game. In one implementation, the maximum
prize level in the first game may be equal to the minimum prize
level in the second game.
[0020] Various modes of play are contemplated. In studio game play
may be utilized with a broadcast, either live or for taped replay.
Yet another mode of game play involves playing at a gaming venue,
such as where other games of chance, e.g., slot machines, are
played. Yet another venue may consist of game play by the player
from their hotel room in a venue which allows gambling. In yet
another mode of game play, a network, such as the internet, may be
utilized to permit game play, whether for a monetary amount or to
provide other points or indications of score. The game may be
played in any venue where not prohibited, whether on land or in an
airplane or ship, and may be played in any form of wired or
wireless environment, such as via hand-held web enabled
communication devices.
[0021] The game may be played by a single individual, or may be
played with multiple players. The multiple players may play against
one another, for scoring, or may merely play in parallel without
further interaction.
[0022] Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an
improved game of chance having a higher level of audience interest
and potential participation.
[0023] It is yet another object of this invention to provide for an
improved Internet game of chance.
[0024] It is yet a further object of this invention to provide for
enhanced modes of game play in association with existing forms of
game play.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 shows a screen of the type particularly adapted for a
broadcast type format.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing options for game play.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a casino type
apparatus.
[0028] FIG. 4 shows a lottery ticket for possible participation in
a feature broadcast game show.
[0029] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a scratch off
implementation of the game.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] FIG. 1 is a view of one possible display for use in game
play. For example, the depiction may be of a portion of a broadcast
studio with associated game play, such as for television broadcast.
The display 10 may optionally include a logo or other word mark
region 12. The multiple options presented to the players may be
depicted as uniquely designated boxes 14. While shown as numbers in
FIG. 1, the designators for boxes 14 may be of any form, such as
letters, characters or other visual depictions. The display
preferably will include other functional aspects of the game. A
safe level display 16 displays that amount of money or points which
are guaranteed to the player in the event that they can no longer
continue with the game given that they have reached a predetermined
negative level. The total display 18 shows the total amount of
money, points, prizes (cash or non-cash) or other winnings
accumulated by the player. The strike display 220 shows a depiction
of the number of negative events, here strikes, which have
occurred. As shown, the display 10 contemplates three strikes in
the game. As shown, sub box 24 includes a "X" indicating one
strike.
[0031] Display region 26 shows the possible outcomes from the
selection of the mystery box or other denominated decision within a
decision. As shown in display 10, the outcomes of the mystery box
include a multiplier for the monetary amount previously won by the
player, here shown to be a multiplicative doubler of the monetary
amount (shown at 26a), or a negative result, such as a strike
(shown at 26b) or an updating of the safe level (as shown at
26c).
[0032] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of one implementation of the game
format. The game starts with start box 30. Level box 32 indicates
the multiple levels possible for game play. Game play begins at the
first level. The number of levels ends at the first level. The
number of levels may be chosen consistent with the expected pay out
and desired duration of the game. In a half-hour or full hour
broadcast format, 10 or 15 game levels may be desired. In contrast,
a sixty second or few minute game may only involve three, four or
five levels. Decision box 34 determines whether the maximum level J
has been reached, and if so, indicates that the jackpot 36 is to be
awarded. In the event that the jackpot is not awarded, it may be
rolled over for future games.
[0033] Returning now to the flowchart, the multiple options 40 are
displayed to the contestant. As shown in FIG. 1, the multiple
options could comprise four uniquely numbered boxes or squares. Any
form of display or random selection may be utilized. Thus, while
the term "display" is utilized, it should be construed in a manner
consistent with selecting, such as where an alternative random
selection method is utilized. One possible alternative is the ping
pong ball draw, such as where the balls are distinguishable and are
drawn by the machine. Yet another selection method could include a
computer generated selection, such as through the use of a random
number generator. Thus, the output of selection box 42 is a
determination of one of the various possible outcomes from that
election or selection.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, two positive options, positive option 1
44 and positive option 2 46 are shown. The positive options 44, 46
may represent a monetary amount, a point value or other financial
or prize information. In the preferred embodiment, the positive
options are of an equal amount, though they may be of differing
amounts or of differing types of prize.
[0035] The negative result box 50 may be of various types. In the
preferred embodiment, the negative result 50 may comprise a strike.
Preferably, the game is structured as to permit a predetermined
number of strikes, such as 3 strikes, prior to the player losing
the game. In such a system, the system would update the negative
result tally at box 52, and perform a comparison 54 of the totaled
number of negative events to the maximum number of negative events
allowed. If the comparison 54 indicates that the maximum number has
been reached, then program flow proceeds to box 74 where the player
is awarded the last existing safe level amount, or if no such safe
level amount exists, then whatever minimum prize is indicated
according to the rules. That minimum amount may be 0 or some other
guaranteed amount. Certain lottery systems require guaranteed
low-end prize structure (GLEPS) which guarantee a certain prize or
result for certain contestanty.
[0036] The fourth option shown in FIG. 2 consists of the mystery
box 60. In the preferred embodiment, the competitor is given the
option at decision stage 62 whether to reveal the content of the
mystery box. If the player elects not to elect the content of the
mystery box, then play resumes at the same level with four boxes.
However, if the player elects to reveal the content at step 64, the
content may consist of a negative option 66, positive result 68 or
safe level update 70. In the event that the negative option 66 is
selected, the negative result is updated at box 52, with the player
indicated comparison step 54 being performed. Program operation is
the same as for the flow leading from the negative result box 50.
In the event that a positive result 68 occurs, the program flows to
box 48 for an update of the positive result. For example, if the
positive option 1 44 is a monetary amount, the monetary amount may
then be added to prior winnings, or alternatively may be the
entirety of the award which may be won.
[0037] If the safe level update box 70 is selected, the safe level
is updated at box 72. In this way, when the player has reached the
maximum number of events at box 54, the safe level amount 72 is
then provided. After the update of the positive result 48, and
optionally, an update of the safe level 72, program flow returns to
the level selection 32, at which time the next higher level is
selected.
[0038] In the preferred embodiment if the number of negative
results is less than the maximum number of negative results (box
54), then the decision flows to path A, which returns the player to
the decision to select among the available options 42. In the
preferred embodiment, when the player has received a strike at a
given level, the level is reset and played again. Alternatively, in
the event of a negative event, the negative event could be tallied
and the player advanced to the next level.
[0039] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a device for use at a
gambling or gaming venue. A housing 80 may include a display 82,
such as a CRT or flat panel display, on which is displayed the
multiple options 84. The other information or designations may be
as described in connection with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. For example, the
display 82 may include a designator 86 for the amount the gamer is
playing for. A display 88 may visually depict the number of strikes
existing. A selection system 90, such as an array of buttons is
utilized for player input of the desired selection. However, any
mode or manner of input may be utilized. For example, a computer
mouse, voice detection system or other input mechanism permitting
the player to interface with the machine may be utilized consistent
with the goals and objects of this invention. The display may
include a depiction of the total amount then won, or comprising a
safe level. Optionally, a slot 94 for pay back of a player's
winnings may be provided. Alternatively, the payment format may be
of any various mode, such as if players based upon the use of
credit card information, the credit card may be provided with a
credit in the event that the player is a winner.
[0040] The displays of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 may be of various types
and resolution. For example, certain of the displays may be in a
standard resolution format, whereas others may be in a high
resolution format. Certain of the displays may show a graphical
image, whether static or dynamic, and yet other displays may show
textual information. Combinations of any of the preceding, e.g.,
text on certain displays and high resolution dynamic images on
other displays, may be utilized.
[0041] In addition to visual displays, voice prompts may be
provided, such as where the contestant is prompted to enter
information or is otherwise cued to provide a responsive action.
Voice input to the system is also feasible.
[0042] FIG. 4 shows a ticket 100 having a front face and a back
face. The ticket 100 may include textual data such as state lottery
or may include other graphic indicia indicative of the game. In one
implementation, the lottery ticket 100 includes a means or
mechanism for the players to be selected for inclusion in a
broadcast in the underline game. A scratch off layer 106 is
deposited an operative portion of the ticket, which, when removed,
reveals images. As shown in FIG. 4, the scratch off layer has
already been removed from the left and center images, depicting the
television sets. Thus, if the player were to possess a card 100
that had three television sets, that may form the basis for their
participation in the broadcast game show, or to permit them to
participate in the selection process leading to the broadcast game.
By way of example, having a lottery ticket with three similar
images may permit the player to be entered into a drawing or other
selection mechanism for game play.
[0043] The images 104 and game play associated therewith may be in
addition to the game play of a lottery, such as designated by the
numbers 108. Thus, if a player purchases a ticket and receives
numbers 108, they may be additionally entitled to play the game
depicted by the graphics 104 for possible play on a future lottery
game show. In this way, interest in a future lottery game may be
created through game play on an existing lottery.
[0044] As shown, the ticket 100 optionally includes a bar code 112.
As shown, the bar code 112 is disposed on the backside of the
lottery ticket. The bar code 112 may be placed wherever desired. In
operation, the machine readable bar code may be utilized for
tracking or other monitoring purposes.
[0045] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a ticket or card 120
representing a scratch off version of the multilevel game. Card
stock or other substrate 120 has printed thereon an indication of
the various levels of the game 122, such as 1, 2, 3 . . . 15. The
player is presented with multiple regions 126 for scratch off. As
shown, the player having scratched off the first box at level 1
revealed a winning prize of $2.00 at level 2, the player selected
the second column, which results in a strike or X. At level 3, the
player revealed the right most scratch off, revealing a winning
number of $3.00. At level 4, an X was revealed in the third column.
At this point, the player has two strikes. The player has then
further elected at level 5 to reveal the scratch off in the first
column. Thus, at this stage, the player has $7.00 of revealed
winnings and two strikes. At this stage, the player could elect to
discontinue play. The ticket may then be brought to a redemption
center and receive the money in exchange for the ticket. In the
event that the player continued to reveal obscure information, and
that the predetermined number of negative events, such as 3
strikes, was reached, the ticket would become void and no
compensation would be provided.
[0046] The games of this invention may be adapted to and on-line
selection format, such as where a potential player purchases a
lottery or lotto ticket at a retail vending location. The player
may be prompted to provide their selection of numbers, such as
where they provide one of four numbers for each level. That
information may then be passed in an on-line manner to the lottery
system. Optionally, game play on the television or other broadcast
media may be used for game play by the viewing audience. For
example, the game play of successful game play at a given level may
be compared to the player's selections previously made through the
on-line process. Improved audience viewing levels of a game of
chance would result.
[0047] The game described herein may be played in any variety of
format. For example, the game may be played in a 30 minute or 1
hour television broadcast type format. Alternatively, the game is a
adaptable to a short, e.g., 60 second, format. Game play may be
done in a broadcast mode, such as through in studio participation,
either live or taped. Alternate modes may be utilized, such as in a
gaming or gambling establishment. Game play may be over a network,
such as the Internet. In an Internet game the player may provide
credit card information or otherwise have an account with a
monetary stake, and that amount may be increased or decreased as
the player wins or loses. Alternatively, instead of money, the
player may play for points.
[0048] Contestant selection may be done by any number of modes or
modalities. For example, as described in connection with FIG. 4, a
scratcher type ticket approach may be utilized. Alternatively, an
online ticket may be utilized wherein during the printing of the
play slip (to reflect the numbers either selected by the customer
or generated by a quick pick). In an alternative implementation,
Internet play, such as the high score may be utilized to select
future contestants. In yet another implementation, a real time
selection may be utilized, such as where a player is on the net and
is selected by the system for future game play.
[0049] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some
detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity
and understanding, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art in light of the teachings of this invention that
certain changes and modifications may be made thereto without
departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *
References