U.S. patent application number 11/874219 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-23 for wagering method and system.
Invention is credited to Gabi Ben-Ami.
Application Number | 20090104978 11/874219 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40563997 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090104978 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ben-Ami; Gabi |
April 23, 2009 |
Wagering Method and System
Abstract
A wagering game for at least one player comprising the steps of:
choosing at least one wagering criteria generator having
publicly-viewed current and historic wagering criteria data, and
choosing a wagering period; using current data and identifying an
initial time and a respective data value for the wagering period;
using the historic data to specify a plurality of wagering ranges
about the initial data value and to calculate respective odds for
the wagering ranges; configuring a player interface to allow at
least one player to place at least one wager against the plurality
of wagering ranges and the respective odds; and evaluating the at
least one wager during the wagering period.
Inventors: |
Ben-Ami; Gabi; (Herzlia,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DR. MARK M. FRIEDMAN;C/O BILL POLKINGHORN - DISCOVERY DISPATCH
9003 FLORIN WAY
UPPER MARLBORO
MD
20772
US
|
Family ID: |
40563997 |
Appl. No.: |
11/874219 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3262 20130101; G07F 17/3286 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A wagering game for at least one player comprising the steps of:
(a) choosing at least one wagering criteria generator having
publicly-viewed current and historic wagering criteria data, and
choosing a wagering period; (b) using current data and identifying
an initial time and a respective data value for the wagering
period; (c) using the historic data to specify a plurality of
wagering ranges about the initial data value and to calculate
respective odds for the wagering ranges; (d) configuring a player
interface to allow at least one player to place at least one wager
against the plurality of wagering ranges and the respective odds;
and (e) evaluating the at least one wager during the wagering
period.
2. The wagering game of claim 1, wherein the current data of the at
least one wagering criteria generator is updated at least once
during the wagering period.
3. The wagering game of claim 2, wherein the current data is
updated substantially in real time.
4. The wagering game of claim 2, wherein choosing the wagering
period includes specifying the length of the wagering period and
the starting time of the game.
5. The wagering game of claim 4, wherein the length of the wagering
period ranges from substantially one minute to substantially one
year.
6. The wagering game of claim 1, wherein the player interface
displays at least one chosen from the list including: a player
balance of funds; at least one odds for a respective wager; a
summary of odds of all wagers; and an elapsed time since the start
of the game.
7. The wagering game of claim 1, wherein evaluating the at least
one wager during the wagering period includes evaluating the at
least one wager at the end of the wagering period.
8. The wagering game of claim 7, wherein evaluating the at least
one wager includes at least one chosen from the list including:
performing a win and loss calculation; displaying the win and loss
calculation on the player interface; and adjusting a player funds
balance.
9. The wagering game of claim 8, wherein calculating win or loss
includes the steps of: evaluating whether a last value for at least
one wager is within the respective wagering range; determining that
a minimum number of respective last values for respective wagers
are within respective wagering; and displaying win and loss
indications based upon the evaluation and the determination.
10. The wagering game of claim 1, wherein the game is played using
at least one of list including: internet, PC, LAN, cellular
telephone networks; WAP; and SMS.
11. A system for playing a wagering game, the system comprising: a
wager criteria generator selection module, adapted to choose at
least one wagering criteria generator having publicly-viewed
current and historic wagering criteria data, and adapted to choose
a wagering period; an initialization module, adapted to use current
data and identify an initial time and a respective data value for
the wagering period; a range module, adapted to be used the
historic data to specify a plurality of wagering ranges about the
initial data value and to calculate respective odds for the
wagering ranges; a wager specification module, having a player
interface adapted to allow at least one player to place at least
one wager against the plurality of wagering ranges and the
respective odds; and an evaluation module, adapted to evaluate the
at least one wager during the wagering period.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the current data of the at
least one wagering criteria generator is updateable at least once
during the wagering period.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the current data is updatedable
substantially in real time.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the wager criteria generator
selection module is further adapted to specify the length of the
wagering period and the starting time of the game.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the length of the wagering
period ranges from substantially one minute to substantially one
year.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein the player interface is adapted
to display at least one chosen from the list including: a player
balance of funds; at least one odds for a respective wager; a
summary of odds of all wagers; and an elapsed time since the start
of the game.
17. The system of claim 11, wherein the evaluation module is
further adapted to evaluate the at least one wager at the end of
the wagering period.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the evaluation module is
further adapted to evaluate the at least one wager, and is adapted
to perform at least one chosen from the list including: performing
a win and loss calculation; displaying the win and loss calculation
on the player interface; and adjusting a player funds balance.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the evaluation module is
further adapted to perform the steps chosen from the list
including: evaluating whether a last value for at least one wager
is within the respective wagering range; determining that a minimum
number of respective last values for respective wagers are within
respective wagering; and displaying win and loss indications based
upon the evaluation and the determination.
Description
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to methods and systems for
wagering and, in particular, it deals with a method and system for
a wagering game that takes advantage of one or more
publicly-visible wagering criteria generators.
[0002] An example of a wagering game is poker. In a conventional
and traditional game of poker, one or more players typically play
against a dealer, or two or more players can play against each
other, with the function of the dealer assumed by one or more
players. In all variations of the game, cards are dealt from a card
deck which has cards that are assumed to be randomly mixed. In
short, the card deck serves as the basis of the game, and this is
generally the case for most card games. Variations on the use of
the card deck or on the hand dealt from the card deck are also
known.
[0003] Dodge, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,222,856, whose disclosure is
incorporated herein by reference, describes an improved poker game
that provides a player with an initial five card poker hand plus an
indication of additional nudge cards. Four cards in a deck having
the same face value, but not suit, are the nudge cards. For each
nudge card that a player is initially dealt or receives thereafter
during the course of game play the player receives an option to
replace a card in their hand. The nudge cards may also be single
cards or wild cards method.
[0004] Wagering games can be played using electronic means such as
a computer and/or the internet. In place of the physical card deck,
such as used in card games, electronic games frequently use a
random number or random word generator. An example is U.S. Pat. No.
7,206,797, of Gressel et al., whose disclosure is incorporated
herein by reference. Gressel et al. describes a microelectronic
apparatus and method for generating random binary words. Further
described is a method of producing unbiased, unpredictable binary
strings which appear to be an important point in electronic games
of chance, among many other applications.
[0005] Other games involving wagering and chance also employ some
means of generating random numbers or random chances. Newton et al.
in U.S. Pat. No. 7,204,757, whose disclosure is incorporated herein
by reference, describes a wagering game for one or more players
comprising a random result generator for generating a specific
random result, and a playing surface including a first betting zone
for placement of first wagers corresponding to a plural of likely
random results; and a second betting zone for placement of second
wagers corresponding to a first or second outcome wherein the
likely random result is compared to the specific random result for
a match and the first or second outcomes are determined by a
comparison of the specific random result with either a
predetermined specific random result or a successive specific
random result.
[0006] Many additional examples of efforts to develop and apply
random or pseudo-random data generation, in an effort to provide a
basis for wagering and other games of chance, can be found.
[0007] While the prior art includes a variety of methods of
generating random variables for wagering games, there is a need for
wagering games not to rely on random or pseudo-random generators,
but having one or more fully objective, publicly-visible wagering
criteria generators having historical data, whose current and
historical data can be used for wagering across a range of time
periods.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is a method and system for wagering
that takes advantage of one or more publicly-visible wagering
criteria generators.
[0009] According to the teachings of the present invention there is
provided, [TO BE COPIED IN FROM CLAIMS WHEN FINALIZED]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention is herein described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1A is a flow chart of a wagering game, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of an exemplary player
interface of the wagering game described in FIG. 1;
[0013] FIGS. 3 and 4 are pictorial representations of an exemplary
player interface of the wagering game described in FIG. 1; and
[0014] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system for a wagering game,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] The present invention includes a method and system for a
wagering game that takes advantage of publicly-visible wagering
criteria generator.
[0016] In the specification and claims which follow the following
definition of terms applies as: [0017] "publicly-visible" is
intended to refer to information that is readily
available/accessible in published form and to the general public,
usually, but not limited to the internet and/other electronic
means; [0018] "wagering criteria data" is intended to mean data,
that is substantially continuous over time (i.e. the data may be
evaluated over arbitrary periods of times, herein referred to as a
"wagering period"), dynamic in nature, and for which historic data
is available. Exemplary publicly-visible wagering criteria data may
include: stock reports and various other financial, trading indices
and reports (such as but not limited to: commodities futures,
options, and currency exchange rates); reports of various
weather-related parameters (such as but not limited to
temperatures, precipitation, and wind speeds); and other similar
reports that fulfill the abovementioned definition. The
abovementioned definition is intended to exclude one-time events
such as races, competitions, and other events or groups of events,
which are typified by a fixed outcome (such as "win", "loss", and
"tie") and/or a fixed record or score (such as "best of 7 games" or
a specific score or scores). [0019] "wagering criteria generator"
is intended to mean the phenomenon from which a specific wagering
criteria data is obtained. The wagering criteria generator has
current data (data that is available currently) and historic data
(data from minutes, weeks, months, and possibly years in the past).
It is emphasized that the purpose of the wagering criteria
generator as defined in the specification and claims hereinbelow is
solely to provide (i.e. "to generate") wagering criteria data, and
that a wager is not placed directly and primarily against the
generator, meaning that there is no possibility of influencing the
generator.
[0020] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which a flow chart of a
wagering game 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. Wagering game 10 includes a number of steps as described
hereinbelow. In choose wagering theme and criteria generator(s) 20,
a wagering theme and one or more wagering criteria generators (as
defined hereinabove) are chosen. A theme, as illustrated
hereinbelow, can be any title of a collection of criteria
generators, all of which have some common characteristic. In an
embodiment of the present invention, whereas one generator is
sufficient to play wagering game 10, typically 2 to 5 (or more)
generators are used. Generally, generators are chosen within a
certain theme so that, for example, if "foreign currency exchange
rates" is the chosen theme, appropriate generators could be:
European Euro, Japanese Yen, British Pound, and so forth-all
evaluated against other currencies or against a single currency.
(Another exemplary theme could be precious metals, with prices of
silver, gold, copper, and other metals serving as appropriate
generators.) As noted/defined hereinabove, the wagering criteria
generator has current and historic data. Having a plurality of
generators, the player may be presented with more than one possible
wagering situation, and his wagering odds are increased, as
described hereinbelow.
[0021] Following chose wagering criteria generator(s) 20 is step
25, specify a wagering period, wherein the player specifies whether
he wishes to play for a short a time, for example 5 minutes, or for
a longer period, for example 3 weeks. Generally, there is no exact
shortest or longest limit to the wagering period of game 10;
however, for practical purposes, and as is made clear hereinbelow,
the wagering period typically ranges from 1 minute to one year. A
wagering period of 3 hours is used in examples hereinbelow, solely
for purposes of illustration. In one embodiment of the current
invention, specification of a wagering period may be performed by
either the player himself or a choice of suggested/allowable
wagering periods may be presented automatically by a system
managing the game (such as, but not limited to a computer, server,
etc.). In most, if not all cases, a given theme and its associated
generators will have a characteristic range of wagering periods,
allowing the system to determine and suggest wagering periods.
[0022] Step 30, which follows, is use current data and identify an
initial time and a respective initial data value for the wagering
period. The initial time may be identified, for example, as one
minute ago--however the initial time is typically the current time
at which the wager is placed. Using an example of a wagering
criteria generator of currency exchange rates, a corresponding
initial data value for one minute ago would be, for example,
1.35567 US dollars to the Euro. Using an exemplary value of the
wagering period in step 25 as 3 hours, in the current example, the
wager will end in 2 hours and 59 minutes from now.
[0023] In one embodiment of the current invention, identification
of the initial time may be performed by either the player himself
or automatically by a system controlling the game (such as, but not
limited to a computer, server, etc.) In most cases, the initial
time is specified as substantially equal to the instant time so
that the player has a sense of an updated, dynamic, game. When the
initial time is specified as substantially equal to the instant
time, the current data and subsequent calculations based on
historic data, as described hereinbelow, are updated in
substantially real time. Therefore the respective initial data
value for the specified initial time is likewise defined and
updated in substantially real time.
[0024] In step 35, specify wagering ranges about the initial data
value and calculate odds for the wagering ranges, updated historic
data is used. Step 35 may be best described by way of example,
again taking the currency exchange criteria generator example
previously applied. Refer to the table below, which applies to one
generator. The table has a central column identified as "initial
data value" and 2 exemplary columns to either side of the central
column identified as "wagering range". The row entitled "calculated
odds" indicates calculated odds associated with the respective
wagering range above it.
TABLE-US-00001 Wagering Wagering Initial data Wagering Wagering
range range value range range Data value 1.3346 1.3545 1.3556
1.3566 1.3788 Calculated 4.8 2.0 -- 2.3 3.4 odds
[0025] The system managing the game can use historical
information/criteria as well as any other criteria to calculate
odds, including, but not limited to a similar wagering period or a
similar time of the year as that of the present wagering period.
Odds are calculated taking into consideration the desire to make
the game both interesting and attractive to players and to ensure a
desired level of profitability for an operator of the game.
[0026] In step 35, the system controlling the game typically
specifies wagering ranges, as noted hereinabove. Alternatively or
optionally, the player may specify wagering ranges. In the present
example--as is seen in the table above, 4 ranges are indicated.
While there is no limit to the number of ranges, it will become
apparent from the discussion hereinbelow that a game with more or
less than 4 ranges may be less advantageous/interesting to the
player. In one embodiment of the current invention wagering ranges
are specified based upon subsequently-calculated odds (as described
below), which would infer an iterative procedure, whereby ranges
are specified, odds are calculated and ranges are then respecified,
etc. Because the initial data value (central column) is known, no
wagering odds are indicated in the column associated with the
initial data value.
[0027] In step 40, input one or more wagers, the player
inputs/places a wager, now that respective wagering ranges and the
respective calculated odds are known. In an embodiment of the
present invention with multiple wagering criteria generators, the
player may place a wager for respective ranges and odds of
respective generators, but this is not mandatory. In another
embodiment of the present invention with multiple wagering criteria
generators, the player may be required to place wagers for a
minimum number (for example, 3) of wagering criteria generators. A
requirement to place a minimum number of wagers may be related, for
example, to the method of calculation of odds. Step 40 includes the
player interacting with a player interface, which is described in
more detail in subsequent figures hereinbelow. The player interface
serves to display all of the data associated with the game, such as
but not limited to: respective ranges and odds of respective
generators, the wagering period, a countdown time (a time remaining
until the end of the wagering period), wager values and possible
winnings for respective and totaled wagers, as well as additional
information.
[0028] In step 42, approve wagers, the player confirms or approves
his readiness to proceed (such as by indicating "go" or "bet" on a
player interface) with the wager or wagers he has placed. The
system controlling the game displays a summary of all wagers, odds,
and total wagers. The user is given a specific time in which to
respond to confirm the summary information. An exemplary specific
time for response may be 7 seconds, during which the system counts
down. At the end of the specific time, the system will
automatically cancel the wager unless the player actively chooses
to proceed. If the wager is cancelled, the player may be directed
back to step 40 (not shown in the current figure) to
redefine/re-input one or more wagers or the player may be directed
to step 50, another game, which is described hereinbelow. If the
wager is confirmed by the player, the game proceeds and time passes
until the wagering period is complete. In step 45, evaluate wagers
at end of wagering period & adjust balance accordingly, wagers
are evaluated based upon the then-current data value/data values,
evaluated at the time of the end of the wagering period, versus the
odds and the wager. A player balance, representing the "cash" the
player has at his disposal, is adjusted upward (in the case of a
wager won) or downward (in the case of a wager lost).
[0029] Finally, in step 50, another game, the player has the choice
to either start another game or to stop.
[0030] As noted hereinabove, the wagering period of game 10 has no
exact shortest or longest values. However, in order to maintain a
game with continuity and interaction on the part of the player, and
to be suitable for most imaginable themes, a typical maximum
wagering period would normally be on the order of days or weeks,
and probably not exceeding about one year. Regarding a typical
minimum wagering period, many wagering criteria generators may not
update their data more frequently than a number of times a minute,
for example--and some generators may update their data less
frequently. For this practical/logistical reason, as well as taking
into account the reaction speed of a typical player, an arbitrary
lower limit to the wagering period is about one minute.
[0031] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a pictorial
representation of an exemplary player interface 100 of the wagering
game described in FIG. 1. More specifically, player interface 100
relates to step 40 of FIG. 1, wherein the player inputs one or more
wagers. Player interface includes the following elements: at least
one wagering criteria generator 110, which is indicated "EUR/USD"
(Euro to US dollar) in the figure; bet time 115, previously
described as the wagering period; a stake 118, meaning a sum of
money the player wishes to wager for the present game; an initial
data value 120 for the respective wagering criteria generator; at
least one wagering range 125 for respective wagering criteria
generators, which in the figure is indicated as "currency"; a
wagering range choice indicator 130, described hereinbelow, which
indicates a chosen wager for a specific wagering criteria
generator; a historical data chart selector 137, which allows the
player to click and view historical data for the respective
wagering criteria generator; a total odds indicator 140, which
displays the total odds of the chosen wagers (the total odds
representing the product of all the individual odds of the chosen
wagers); a summary win indicator 145, which displays a win value,
based upon the product of the total odds and the stake selected;
and a balance indicator 150, which displays the player's balance of
funds at the start of the present game.
[0032] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3 and 4, which are pictorial
representations of an exemplary player interface 200 and 300,
respectively of the wagering game described in FIG. 1. More
specifically, player interface 200 of FIG. 3 relates to step 42 of
FIG. 1, wherein the player is prompted to approve wagers. Player
interface 300 of FIG. 4 relates to the time period between steps 42
and 45 of FIG. 1, wherein the player views the interface as the
game proceeds.
[0033] As indicated hereinabove player interface 200 serves as a
summary of the chosen wager/wagers to allow the player to approve
wagers. A wagering criteria generator 210 is identified. In one
embodiment of the present invention, the current rate 220 of
respective wagering criteria generator 210 is indicated, evaluated
in substantially real time. In the context of the current
specification and claims another term for current rate is "current
value". A column entitled selected rates 230 displays the range
previously selected for respective wagering criteria generator 210.
Selected rates 230, is unchanging and serves as a comparison with
possibly changing current rate 220. Similarly, odds 240 are
unchanging and they are displayed for summary purposes. In similar
fashion, summary information 250 is unchanging and it reflects the
total bet value, the combined odds, the wagering period (indicated
as "game time" in the present figure), and a summary of possibly
winnings (indicated as "you can win" in the present figure).
Countdown button 260 serves to prompt the player to approve wagers
by clicking. In one embodiment of the current invention, a
countdown period is provided, during which the player must approve
wagers to avoid auto-cancellation of wagers. A typical value of the
countdown period could be 7 seconds, but the value may be smaller
or greater than 7 seconds. In the current figure, the value "3"
shown in countdown button 260 represents 3 remaining seconds, and
the remaining seconds value is decremented as the countdown
proceeds.
[0034] Player interface 300 is displayed following approval of
wagers and up until the end of the game meaning the end of the
wagering period. Apart from differences described below, player
interface 300 of FIG. 4 has similar information as shown in FIG. 3
and elements indicated by the same reference numerals in the
present figures are generally identical in configuration and
operation as noted in previous figures. Because player interface
300 can be displayed during the entire wagering period, last value
220 (which is identical to "current rates" and "current value" of
FIG. 3) varies over time, giving a sense of dynamic change of the
game. A start value 305 represents the current value or current
rate for respective criteria generators 210 when wagers were
approved, as per player interface 200, described hereinabove. Start
value 305 is unchanging and is displayed during the entire game,
meaning during the entire wagering period. A winner indication 310,
which may change during the wagering period, shows whether or not
last value 220 is within selected range 230. If the last value is
within the selected range, then there is a positive indication,
such "v" in the current figure. If the last value is not within the
selected range, then there is a negative indication, such as "x" in
the current figure. In embodiments of the current invention, other
symbols and or colors may be used to similarly indicate winner/no
winner for respective wagers. Summary information 330 is similar to
summary information 250 of FIG. 3, Summary information 330
additionally includes and indication regarding the time remaining
until the end of the game, meaning the end of the wagering period,
and the time remaining counts down. Three buttons are shown at the
base of player interface 300, namely: new game 330; history area
350; and new game 350. New game 330 allows a new game to be
started. History area 350 allows information regarding previous
games and/or historical information regarding specific wagering
criteria generators to be accessed. Running games 350 allows
accessing one or more concurrently running games, meaning viewing
on or more displays similar to player interface 300 for respective
games. If there are no other running games, running games 350 is
not active and it may be indicated in a grey color.
[0035] When the wagering period is complete, winner indication 310
is complete and unchanging. In an embodiment of the current
invention, all wagers must have winner indications to yield a
"winning wager"--meaning a successful outcome and a payment as
indicated in summary 330. In another embodiment of the current
invention, a minimum number of wagers must have winner indications
to yield a winning wager.
[0036] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is a block diagram of
a system for a wagering game 400, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention. System 400 is adapted to allow playing a
wagering game, substantially as described hereinabove. System 400
comprises: a wager criteria generator selection module 410; an
initialization module 420; a range module 430; a wager
specification module; and an evaluation module. Criteria selection
module 410 is adapted to allow selection of a theme (as described
hereinabove) and one or more wager criteria generators, as noted
hereinabove. Initialization module 410 is subsequently employed,
based upon the theme and wager criteria generators selected, to
enable definition of a wagering period and a current time and,
using current data, to identify a respective initial data value for
the wagering period, all as indicated hereinabove. Range module 430
is adapted to then specify wagering ranges about the initial data
value and to calculate respective odds for the wagering ranges.
Following specification of wagering wages, wager specification
module 440 is adapted to enable inputting and/or specification of
one or more wagers and to allow approval and rejection of specified
wagers. Evaluation module 450 is adapted to reflect information to
as the game proceeds, to evaluate wagers at the end of the wagering
period, and a player balance, representing the "cash" the player
has at his disposal, is adjusted upward (in the case of a wager
won)
[0037] It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are
intended only to serve as examples, and that many other embodiments
are possible within the scope of the present invention as defined
in the appended claims.
* * * * *