U.S. patent application number 12/193263 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-09 for methods and apparatus for playing a coin flipping game.
Invention is credited to MICHAEL WICHINSKY.
Application Number | 20090174146 12/193263 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40378567 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090174146 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WICHINSKY; MICHAEL |
July 9, 2009 |
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PLAYING A COIN FLIPPING GAME
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for playing games of skill and/or chance
are provided.
Inventors: |
WICHINSKY; MICHAEL; (Las
Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DEAN P. ALDERUCCI
CANTOR FITZGERALD, L.P., 110 EAST 59TH STREET (6TH FLOOR)
NEW YORK
NY
10022
US
|
Family ID: |
40378567 |
Appl. No.: |
12/193263 |
Filed: |
August 18, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60964941 |
Aug 17, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/355 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3297
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/355 |
International
Class: |
F41J 1/00 20060101
F41J001/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a surface element configured to support
a plurality of tokens; a basket element configure so that a token
may pass though an area defined by the basket element; a rake
element configured to push tokens on the surface element towards an
edge of the surface element; a propelling element configured to
propel a token in a direction towards the surface element and the
basket element; and a token collector configured to determine a
number of tokens that fall off the edge of the surface element.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the basket element is
configured to move along a fixed path.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a token detector
configured to determine whether a token passes through the area
defined by the basket element.
Description
[0001] This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/964,941 to Wichinsky, which was filed on Aug.
17, 2007, and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] FIG. 1 illustrates an example game that may be played in
some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0003] The following sections I-X provide a guide to interpreting
the present application.
I. Terms
[0004] The term "product" means any machine, manufacture and/or
composition of matter, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0005] The term "process" means any process, algorithm, method or
the like, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0006] Each process (whether called a method, algorithm or
otherwise) inherently includes one or more steps, and therefore all
references to a "step" or "steps" of a process have an inherent
antecedent basis in the mere recitation of the term `process` or a
like term. Accordingly, any reference in a claim to a `step` or
`steps` of a process has sufficient antecedent basis.
[0007] The term "invention" and the like mean "the one or more
inventions disclosed in this application", unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0008] The terms "an embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the
embodiment", "the embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some
embodiments", "certain embodiments", "one embodiment", "another
embodiment" and the like mean "one or more (but not all)
embodiments of the disclosed invention(s)", unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0009] The term "variation" of an invention means an embodiment of
the invention, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0010] A reference to "another embodiment" in describing an
embodiment does not imply that the referenced embodiment is
mutually exclusive with another embodiment (e.g., an embodiment
described before the referenced embodiment), unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0011] The terms "including", "comprising" and variations thereof
mean "including but not limited to", unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0012] The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0013] The term "plurality" means "two or more", unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0014] The term "herein" means "in the present application,
including anything which may be incorporated by reference", unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0015] The phrase "at least one of", when such phrase modifies a
plurality of things (such as an enumerated list of things) means
any combination of one or more of those things, unless expressly
specified otherwise. For example, the phrase "at least one of a
widget, a car and a wheel" means either (i) a widget, (ii) a car,
(iii) a wheel, (iv) a widget and a car, (v) a widget and a wheel,
(vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, a car and a wheel. The
phrase "at least one of", when such phrase modifies a plurality of
things does not mean "one of each of" the plurality of things.
[0016] Numerical terms such as "one", "two", etc. when used as
cardinal numbers to indicate quantity of something (e.g., one
widget, two widgets), mean the quantity indicated by that numerical
term, but do not mean at least the quantity indicated by that
numerical term. For example, the phrase "one widget" does not mean
"at least one widget", and therefore the phrase "one widget" does
not cover, e.g., two widgets.
[0017] The phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on", unless
expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based
on" describes both "based only on" and "based at least on". The
phrase "based at least on" is equivalent to the phrase "based at
least in part on".
[0018] The term "represent" and like terms are not exclusive,
unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the term
"represents" does not mean "represents only", unless expressly
specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase "the data
represents a credit card number" describes both "the data
represents only a credit card number" and "the data represents a
credit card number and the data also represents something
else".
[0019] The term "whereby" is used herein only to precede a clause
or other set of words that express only the intended result,
objective or consequence of something that is previously and
explicitly recited. Thus, when the term "whereby" is used in a
claim, the clause or other words that the term "whereby" modifies
do not establish specific further limitations of the claim or
otherwise restricts the meaning or scope of the claim.
[0020] The term "e.g." and like terms mean "for example", and thus
does not limit the term or phrase it explains. For example, in the
sentence "the computer sends data (e.g., instructions, a data
structure) over the Internet", the term "e.g." explains that
"instructions" are an example of "data" that the computer may send
over the Internet, and also explains that "a data structure" is an
example of "data" that the computer may send over the Internet.
However, both "instructions" and "a data structure" are merely
examples of "data", and other things besides "instructions" and "a
data structure" can be "data".
[0021] The term "respective" and like terms mean "taken
individually". Thus if two or more things have "respective"
characteristics, then each such thing has its own characteristic,
and these characteristics can be different from each other but need
not be. For example, the phrase "each of two machines has a
respective function" means that the first such machine has a
function and the second such machine has a function as well. The
function of the first machine may or may not be the same as the
function of the second machine.
[0022] The term "i.e." and like terms mean "that is", and thus
limits the term or phrase it explains. For example, in the sentence
"the computer sends data (i.e., instructions) over the Internet",
the term "i.e." explains that "instructions" are the "data" that
the computer sends over the Internet.
[0023] Any given numerical range shall include whole and fractions
of numbers within the range. For example, the range "1 to 10" shall
be interpreted to specifically include whole numbers between 1 and
10 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, . . . 9) and non-whole numbers (e.g., 1.1,
1.2, . . . 1.9).
[0024] Where two or more terms or phrases are synonymous (e.g.,
because of an explicit statement that the terms or phrases are
synonymous), instances of one such term/phrase does not mean
instances of another such term/phrase must have a different
meaning. For example, where a statement renders the meaning of
"including" to be synonymous with "including but not limited to",
the mere usage of the phrase "including but not limited to" does
not mean that the term "including" means something other than
"including but not limited to".
II. Determining
[0025] The term "determining" and grammatical variants thereof
(e.g., to determine a price, determining a value, determine an
object which meets a certain criterion) is used in an extremely
broad sense. The term "determining" encompasses a wide variety of
actions and therefore "determining" can include calculating,
computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g.,
looking up in a table, a database or another data structure),
ascertaining and the like. Also, "determining" can include
receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing
data in a memory) and the like. Also, "determining" can include
resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.
[0026] The term "determining" does not imply certainty or absolute
precision, and therefore "determining" can include estimating,
extrapolating, predicting, guessing and the like.
[0027] The term "determining" does not imply that mathematical
processing must be performed, and does not imply that numerical
methods must be used, and does not imply that an algorithm or
process is used.
[0028] The term "determining" does not imply that any particular
device must be used. For example, a computer need not necessarily
perform the determining.
III. Forms of Sentences
[0029] Where a limitation of a first claim would cover one of a
feature as well as more than one of a feature (e.g., a limitation
such as "at least one widget" covers one widget as well as more
than one widget), and where in a second claim that depends on the
first claim, the second claim uses a definite article "the" to
refer to the limitation (e.g., "the widget"), this does not imply
that the first claim covers only one of the feature, and this does
not imply that the second claim covers only one of the feature
(e.g., "the widget" can cover both one widget and more than one
widget).
[0030] When an ordinal number (such as "first", "second", "third"
and so on) is used as an adjective before a term, that ordinal
number is used (unless expressly specified otherwise) merely to
indicate a particular feature, such as to distinguish that
particular feature from another feature that is described by the
same term or by a similar term. For example, a "first widget" may
be so named merely to distinguish it from, e.g., a "second widget".
Thus, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second"
before the term "widget" does not indicate any other relationship
between the two widgets, and likewise does not indicate any other
characteristics of either or both widgets. For example, the mere
usage of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term
"widget" (1) does not indicate that either widget comes before or
after any other in order or location; (2) does not indicate that
either widget occurs or acts before or after any other in time; and
(3) does not indicate that either widget ranks above or below any
other, as in importance or quality. In addition, the mere usage of
ordinal numbers does not define a numerical limit to the features
identified with the ordinal numbers. For example, the mere usage of
the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "widget"
does not indicate that there must be no more than two widgets.
[0031] When a single device, article or other product is described
herein, more than one device/article (whether or not they
cooperate) may alternatively be used in place of the single
device/article that is described. Accordingly, the functionality
that is described as being possessed by a device may alternatively
be possessed by more than one device/article (whether or not they
cooperate).
[0032] Similarly, where more than one device, article or other
product is described herein (whether or not they cooperate), a
single device/article may alternatively be used in place of the
more than one device or article that is described. For example, a
plurality of computer-based devices may be substituted with a
single computer-based device. Accordingly, the various
functionality that is described as being possessed by more than one
device or article may alternatively be possessed by a single
device/article.
[0033] The functionality and/or the features of a single device
that is described may be alternatively embodied by one or more
other devices which are described but are not explicitly described
as having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments need
not include the described device itself, but rather can include the
one or more other devices which would, in those other embodiments,
have such functionality/features.
IV. Disclosed Examples and Terminology are not Limiting
[0034] Neither the Title (set forth at the beginning of the first
page of the present application) nor the Abstract (set forth at the
end of the present application) is to be taken as limiting in any
way as the scope of the disclosed invention(s), is to be used in
interpreting the meaning of any claim or is to be used in limiting
the scope of any claim. An Abstract has been included in this
application merely because an Abstract is required under 37 C.F.R.
.sctn. 1.72(b).
[0035] The title of the present application and headings of
sections provided in the present application are for convenience
only, and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any
way.
[0036] Numerous embodiments are described in the present
application, and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The
described embodiments are not, and are not intended to be, limiting
in any sense. The presently disclosed invention(s) are widely
applicable to numerous embodiments, as is readily apparent from the
disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that
the disclosed invention(s) may be practiced with various
modifications and alterations, such as structural, logical,
software, and electrical modifications. Although particular
features of the disclosed invention(s) may be described with
reference to one or more particular embodiments and/or drawings, it
should be understood that such features are not limited to usage in
the one or more particular embodiments or drawings with reference
to which they are described, unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0037] Though an embodiment may be disclosed as including several
features, other embodiments of the invention may include fewer than
all such features. Thus, for example, a claim may be directed to
less than the entire set of features in a disclosed embodiment, and
such claim would not include features beyond those features that
the claim expressly recites.
[0038] No embodiment of method steps or product elements described
in the present application constitutes the invention claimed
herein, or is essential to the invention claimed herein, or is
coextensive with the invention claimed herein, except where it is
either expressly stated to be so in this specification or expressly
recited in a claim.
[0039] The preambles of the claims that follow recite purposes,
benefits and possible uses of the claimed invention only and do not
limit the claimed invention.
[0040] The present disclosure is not a literal description of all
embodiments of the invention(s). Also, the present disclosure is
not a listing of features of the invention(s) which must be present
in all embodiments.
[0041] All disclosed embodiment are not necessarily covered by the
claims (even including all pending, amended, issued and canceled
claims). In addition, an embodiment may be (but need not
necessarily be) covered by several claims. Accordingly, where a
claim (regardless of whether pending, amended, issued or canceled)
is directed to a particular embodiment, such is not evidence that
the scope of other claims do not also cover that embodiment.
[0042] Devices that are described as in communication with each
other need not be in continuous communication with each other,
unless expressly specified otherwise. On the contrary, such devices
need only transmit to each other as necessary or desirable, and may
actually refrain from exchanging data most of the time. For
example, a machine in communication with another machine via the
Internet may not transmit data to the other machine for long period
of time (e.g. weeks at a time). In addition, devices that are in
communication with each other may communicate directly or
indirectly through one or more intermediaries.
[0043] A description of an embodiment with several components or
features does not imply that all or even any of such
components/features are required. On the contrary, a variety of
optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of
possible embodiments of the present invention(s). Unless otherwise
specified explicitly, no component/feature is essential or
required.
[0044] Although process steps, algorithms or the like may be
described or claimed in a particular sequential order, such
processes may be configured to work in different orders. In other
words, any sequence or order of steps that may be explicitly
described or claimed does not necessarily indicate a requirement
that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of processes
described herein may be performed in any order possible. Further,
some steps may be performed simultaneously despite being described
or implied as occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step
is described after the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a
process by its depiction in a drawing does not imply that the
illustrated process is exclusive of other variations and
modifications thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process
or any of its steps are necessary to the invention(s), and does not
imply that the illustrated process is preferred.
[0045] Although a process may be described as including a plurality
of steps, that does not imply that all or any of the steps are
preferred, essential or required. Various other embodiments within
the scope of the described invention(s) include other processes
that omit some or all of the described steps. Unless otherwise
specified explicitly, no step is essential or required.
[0046] Although a process may be described singly or without
reference to other products or methods, in an embodiment the
process may interact with other products or methods. For example,
such interaction may include linking one business model to another
business model. Such interaction may be provided to enhance the
flexibility or desirability of the process.
[0047] Although a product may be described as including a plurality
of components, aspects, qualities, characteristics and/or features,
that does not indicate that any or all of the plurality are
preferred, essential or required. Various other embodiments within
the scope of the described invention(s) include other products that
omit some or all of the described plurality.
[0048] An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be
numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually
exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. Likewise, an
enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does
not imply that any or all of the items are comprehensive of any
category, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the
enumerated list "a computer, a laptop, a PDA" does not imply that
any or all of the three items of that list are mutually exclusive
and does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list
are comprehensive of any category.
[0049] An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be
numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are
equivalent to each other or readily substituted for each other.
[0050] All embodiments are illustrative, and do not imply that the
invention or any embodiments were made or performed, as the case
may be.
V. Computing
[0051] It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art that the various processes described herein may be implemented
by, e.g., appropriately programmed general purpose computers,
special purpose computers and computing devices. Typically a
processor (e.g., one or more microprocessors, one or more
microcontrollers, one or more digital signal processors) will
receive instructions (e.g., from a memory or like device), and
execute those instructions, thereby performing one or more
processes defined by those instructions. Instructions may be
embodied in, e.g., one or more computer programs, one or more
scripts.
[0052] A "processor" means one or more microprocessors, central
processing units (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers,
digital signal processors, or like devices or any combination
thereof, regardless of the architecture (e.g., chip-level
multiprocessing/multi-core, RISC, CISC, Microprocessor without
Interlocked Pipeline Stages, pipelining configuration, simultaneous
multithreading).
[0053] Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of
an apparatus for performing the process. The apparatus that
performs the process can include, e.g., a processor and those input
devices and output devices that are appropriate to perform the
process.
[0054] Further, programs that implement such methods (as well as
other types of data) may be stored and transmitted using a variety
of media (e.g., computer readable media) in a number of manners. In
some embodiments, hard-wired circuitry or custom hardware may be
used in place of, or in combination with, some or all of the
software instructions that can implement the processes of various
embodiments. Thus, various combinations of hardware and software
may be used instead of software only.
[0055] The term "computer-readable medium" refers to any medium, a
plurality of the same, or a combination of different media, that
participate in providing data (e.g., instructions, data structures)
which may be read by a computer, a processor or a like device. Such
a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to,
non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.
Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks
and other persistent memory. Volatile media include dynamic random
access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes the main memory.
Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber
optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to
the processor. Transmission media may include or convey acoustic
waves, light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as those
generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data
communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include,
for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic
tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical
medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with
patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any
other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described
hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can
read.
[0056] Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in
carrying data (e.g. sequences of instructions) to a processor. For
example, data may be (i) delivered from RAM to a processor; (ii)
carried over a wireless transmission medium; (iii) formatted and/or
transmitted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols,
such as Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP, Bluetooth.TM., and
TCP/IP, TDMA, CDMA, and 3G; and/or (iv) encrypted to ensure privacy
or prevent fraud in any of a variety of ways well known in the
art.
[0057] Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of
a computer-readable medium storing a program for performing the
process. The computer-readable medium can store (in any appropriate
format) those program elements which are appropriate to perform the
method.
[0058] Just as the description of various steps in a process does
not indicate that all the described steps are required, embodiments
of an apparatus include a computer/computing device operable to
perform some (but not necessarily all) of the described
process.
[0059] Likewise, just as the description of various steps in a
process does not indicate that all the described steps are
required, embodiments of a computer-readable medium storing a
program or data structure include a computer-readable medium
storing a program that, when executed, can cause a processor to
perform some (but not necessarily all) of the described
process.
[0060] Where databases are described, it will be understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art that (i) alternative database
structures to those described may be readily employed, and (ii)
other memory structures besides databases may be readily employed.
Any illustrations or descriptions of any sample databases presented
herein are illustrative arrangements for stored representations of
information. Any number of other arrangements may be employed
besides those suggested by, e.g., tables illustrated in drawings or
elsewhere. Similarly, any illustrated entries of the databases
represent exemplary information only; one of ordinary skill in the
art will understand that the number and content of the entries can
be different from those described herein. Further, despite any
depiction of the databases as tables, other formats (including
relational databases, object-based models and/or distributed
databases) could be used to store and manipulate the data types
described herein. Likewise, object methods or behaviors of a
database can be used to implement various processes, such as the
described herein. In addition, the databases may, in a known
manner, be stored locally or remotely from a device which accesses
data in such a database.
[0061] Various embodiments can be configured to work in a network
environment including a computer that is in communication (e.g.,
via a communications network) with one or more devices. The
computer may communicate with the devices directly or indirectly,
via any wired or wireless medium (e.g. the Internet, LAN, WAN or
Ethernet, Token Ring, a telephone line, a cable line, a radio
channel, an optical communications line, commercial on-line service
providers, bulletin board systems, a satellite communications link,
a combination of any of the above). Each of the devices may
themselves comprise computers or other computing devices, such as
those based on the Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM. or Centrino.TM.
processor, that are adapted to communicate with the computer. Any
number and type of devices may be in communication with the
computer.
[0062] In an embodiment, a server computer or centralized authority
may not be necessary or desirable. For example, the present
invention may, in an embodiment, be practiced on one or more
devices without a central authority. In such an embodiment, any
functions described herein as performed by the server computer or
data described as stored on the server computer may instead be
performed by or stored on one or more such devices.
[0063] Where a process is described, in an embodiment the process
may operate without any user intervention. In another embodiment,
the process includes some human intervention (e.g., a step is
performed by or with the assistance of a human).
VI. Continuing Applications
[0064] The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in
the art, an enabling description of several embodiments and/or
inventions. Some of these embodiments and/or inventions may not be
claimed in the present application, but may nevertheless be claimed
in one or more continuing applications that claim the benefit of
priority of the present application.
[0065] Applicants intend to file additional applications to pursue
patents for subject matter that has been disclosed and enabled but
not claimed in the present application.
VII. 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, Paragraph 6
[0066] In a claim, a limitation of the claim which includes the
phrase "means for" or the phrase "step for" means that 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 112, paragraph 6, applies to that limitation.
[0067] In a claim, a limitation of the claim which does not include
the phrase "means for" or the phrase "step for" means that 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 112, paragraph 6 does not apply to that limitation,
regardless of whether that limitation recites a function without
recitation of structure, material or acts for performing that
function. For example, in a claim, the mere use of the phrase "step
of" or the phrase "steps of" in referring to one or more steps of
the claim or of another claim does not mean that 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
112, paragraph 6, applies to that step(s).
[0068] With respect to a means or a step for performing a specified
function in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, paragraph 6, the
corresponding structure, material or acts described in the
specification, and equivalents thereof, may perform additional
functions as well as the specified function.
[0069] Computers, processors, computing devices and like products
are structures that can perform a wide variety of functions. Such
products can be operable to perform a specified function by
executing one or more programs, such as a program stored in a
memory device of that product or in a memory device which that
product accesses. Unless expressly specified otherwise, such a
program need not be based on any particular algorithm, such as any
particular algorithm that might be disclosed in the present
application. It is well known to one of ordinary skill in the art
that a specified function may be implemented via different
algorithms, and any of a number of different algorithms would be a
mere design choice for carrying out the specified function.
[0070] Therefore, with respect to a means or a step for performing
a specified function in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112,
paragraph 6, structure corresponding to a specified function
includes any product programmed to perform the specified function.
Such structure includes programmed products which perform the
function, regardless of whether such product is programmed with (i)
a disclosed algorithm for performing the function, (ii) an
algorithm that is similar to a disclosed algorithm, or (iii) a
different algorithm for performing the function.
[0071] Where there is recited a means for performing a function
that is a method, one structure for performing this method includes
a computing device (e.g., a general purpose computer) that is
programmed and/or configured with appropriate hardware to perform
that function.
[0072] Also included is a computing device (e.g., a general purpose
computer) that is programmed and/or configured with appropriate
hardware to perform that function via other algorithms as would be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
VIII. Disclaimer
[0073] Numerous references to a particular embodiment do not
indicate a disclaimer or disavowal of additional, different
embodiments, and similarly references to the description of
embodiments which all include a particular feature do not indicate
a disclaimer or disavowal of embodiments which do not include that
particular feature. A clear disclaimer or disavowal in the present
application shall be prefaced by the phrase "does not include" or
by the phrase "cannot perform".
IX. Incorporation by Reference
[0074] Any patent, patent application or other document referred to
herein is incorporated by reference into this patent application as
part of the present disclosure, but only for purposes of written
description and enablement in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112,
paragraph 1, and should in no way be used to limit, define, or
otherwise construe any term of the present application, unless
without such incorporation by reference, no ordinary meaning would
have been ascertainable by a person of ordinary skill in the art.
Such person of ordinary skill in the art need not have been in any
way limited by any embodiments provided in the reference
[0075] Any incorporation by reference does not, in and of itself,
imply any endorsement of, ratification of or acquiescence in any
statements, opinions, arguments or characterizations contained in
any incorporated patent, patent application or other document,
unless explicitly specified otherwise in this patent
application.
X. Prosecution History
[0076] In interpreting the present application (which includes the
claims), one of ordinary skill in the art shall refer to the
prosecution history of the present application, but not to the
prosecution history of any other patent or patent application,
regardless of whether there are other patent applications that are
considered related to the present application, and regardless of
whether there are other patent applications that share a claim of
priority with the present application.
XI. Embodiments
[0077] Games of various types enable players to wager on various
activities. A wager may include a bet of money or any other item of
value (e.g., chips, coins, dollars, gold, credit, labor, stocks,
bonds, etc.). The result of a wager may be determined based on an
outcome of an event or events (e.g., whether an event occurs or
does not occur, how much of a particular event occurs, who wins a
race, who comes in second in a race, whether a card is drawn, if
one hand beats another hand, where a roulette ball drops, which
balls are drawn in a lottery, and so on). The results of a wager
may include, an amount paid to one or more players of a game and/or
an amount owed by one or more players of a game.
[0078] Games may include physical activity, such as movement of
tokens, cards, and so on. Games may include virtual activity, such
as simulated movement of cards, simulated physics, and so on. Games
may be played in a physical table or machine version. Games may be
played in a computerized virtual version, such as on a computer.
Various embodiments are described in a physical version, but it
should be understood that other embodiments may include virtual
games with similar characteristics.
[0079] In some embodiments, a game may include one or more surface
elements 101. Such surface elements may be able to support one or
more tokens 103. A token may include any item, such as a coin, a
dollar, a stone, a diamond, a stock certificate, and so on. A
plurality of tokens may be positioned on the surface element in any
number and in any arrangement. A surface element may include a
shelf, a flat surface, a curved surface, a stationary surface, a
moveable surface, and/or any other type of surface on which one or
more tokens may be supported.
[0080] In some embodiments, a game may include one or more
propelling elements 105. The propelling element may be operable to
propel one or more tokens or other items. A propelling element may
for example, apply a force to a token causing the token to move in
a direction at a speed. The propelling element may include, for
example, a gun, a sling, air pressurized actuator or any other
element capable of applying a force to an object. The force may be
a function of an input from a player, a random force, a fixed
force, etc.
[0081] In one aspect of some embodiments of a game, a propelling
element may be operated to propel an object (e.g., a token) to a
location relative to one of the one or more surface elements. For
example, a propelling element may propel a token in a direction of
a surface element. The token may land on or near the surface
element.
[0082] In some embodiments, operation of a propelling element may
be based on input from a player. In some implementations, a player
may, for example, use a dial, a joystick, a button, and/or any
other input device 107 to control a propelling element. In some
implementations, a skill of the user may determine a result of the
player's use of the propelling element. For example, a player may
select a direction in which the propelling element propels a token
(e.g., by moving a dial, a joystick, a button, the propelling
element itself, etc.). For example, a player may select a force
which the propelling element propels a token (e.g., by operating a
button, a joystick, a dial, the propelling element itself, etc.).
In some implementations, a player may select a direction and/or
force within ranges (e.g., within a maximum and minimum force).
[0083] In some embodiments, a game may include one or more rake
elements 109. A rake element may include a piece of metal, and/or
any other type element that may be moved and may move tokens in its
path. In some embodiments, the rake elements may move one or more
tokens on one or more surface elements. A rake element may move
along a surface element in a path and push tokens and/or other
items that are in the path in the direction of the rake movement
(e.g., towards a player, towards an edge of the surface element,
etc.). The rake movement may be towards an edge of a shelf. The
rake may move up to a minimum distance from the edge of the shelf.
Accordingly, all tokens up to that distance may be pushed towards
the edge of the shelf when the rake element moves along the path up
to that distance.
[0084] In some embodiments, movement of a rake element may cause
one or more tokens or other elements positioned in the path of the
rake element to be pushed by the rake element towards the edge of a
surface element. The token may apply a force to one or more other
tokens or items which may move toward the edge of the shelf too.
Those tokens may similarly apply a force to other tokens and so on
and so on. The forces applied to the various tokens on the shelf
may cause one or more of the tokens to be pushed off the shelf.
[0085] In some implementations, a number and/or type of tokens that
are pushed off a surface element by one or more rake elements may
be used to determine an outcome of a game. For example, if a player
uses a propelling element to propel a token to a path of a rake
element and the rake element causes the token to push other tokens
off the surface element, the player may win a game. The play may
win a game if one token falls off the surface element, if a
plurality of tokens fall off the surface element, and so on. The
player may win an amount that is in proportion to the number of
tokens that fall off the surface element. In some implementations,
some tokens may be worth more than other tokens. In some
implementations, if no tokens fall of the surface element, then a
player may lose a game.
[0086] In some embodiments, a rake element may move one or more
tokens that are not on the one or more surface elements. For
example, a rake element may move a token that intersects the rake
elements path while moving through the air (e.g., before landing on
a shelf after being propelled from a propelling element).
[0087] In some embodiments, a player may enter money to be used to
wager on a game (e.g., coins, dollars, etc. through an interface.
In some implementations, the interface may include a coin depositor
or token depositor. The coin or token deposited may be coupled to
the propelling element so that a deposited token may be used by the
propelling element. In other implementations, another token may be
used by the propelling element other than the deposited token. The
token used by the propelling element and the coin or token entered
may have the same or different value. In some implementations,
dollar bills may be entered (e.g., through a dollar bill reader),
and tokens may be used by propelling element provider to propel
tokens that are not the dollar bill. A token may be a quarter for
example, and a dollar bill may lead to 4 quarters being propelled
(together, in sequence, etc.). In some implementations, a game may
include a credit card input. The player may enter a credit card to
be charged for each play or enter a number of plays to be charged
to a credit card or debit card. In some implementations, the system
may use a ticket in ticket out system in which a user places an
amount of money on a card that can be used at a plurality of games
(e.g., similar to a debit card). Winnings may be added to the
ticket and losing or wagers deducted from the ticket.
[0088] In some implementations, tokens may be automatically loaded
into a propelling element until a game session is ended (e.g.,
until an amount of money entered in a game has been used). In other
implementations, a player may need to load a new token to start a
new game session,
[0089] In some embodiments, a game may be played automatically for
one or more rounds. For example, a player may enter an amount to be
wagered and a number of rounds to be played for that amount of
money. In some implementations, each round may be a minimum amount
of money. In some implementations, a machine may automatically play
that number of rounds. For example, the machine may propel the
number of tokens. The propelling may be done according to
parameters entered by a player (E.g., at an angle of X at a force
of Y), at random levels, at fixed levels, in a range of levels, and
so on. Such implementations may allow the play of multiple games at
a speed that a human player may not be able to achieve.
[0090] In some implementations, tokens may be used in the game that
have limited use to within the game. Tokens may be repopulated on
the shelf periodically. Tokens thus may not be handled by players
outside the environment of the game thereby eliminating an
opportunity to introduce false tokens or modified tokens into the
environment that might otherwise affect the play of the game. When
players enter money into a money accepting interface, a token may
be loaded into the propelling element. The motion may be configured
to appear to correspond to the placement of the player's token into
the propelling element. In some implementations, the token may
include a quarter that is a different quarter form a quarter
entered by a user. In some implementations, a glass or other piece
of material may separate the environment of a game from a player
keeping the tokens and other elements of a game safe from
intervention by a player.
[0091] In some implementations, tokens on one or more surface
elements may be repopulated periodically. Repopulating tokens may
include automatically propelling a number of tokens and pushing a
rake to its maximum level one or more times.
[0092] In some implementations, an electrical and/or mechanical
timing element may be used to influence a length of play of a game.
For example, a timing element may limit or extend the amount of
time taken to load a token into a propelling element. The timing
unit may artificially increase an amount of time between loading
tokens into the propelling unit, the timing unit may increase a
time for the propelling unit to act (e.g., in a Rubb Golderg like
fashion).
[0093] In some implementations, a propelling element may include a
rotating turret or other aiming element that may be aimed by a
player of the game. A token may be fired along the direction of the
turret. Other implementations may include any other aiming ability
that may allow a user to aim a propelling element. The aiming may
be exact, limited to ranges of areas, and so on. In some
implementations the propelling element may allow for vertical
and/or horizontal aiming.
[0094] In some implementations one or more of the surface elements
may move along a predetermined and/or random path. One or more rake
elements may move along with such surface elements. Movement of the
surface elements may be facilitated by one or more motors, for
example. Movement of the surface elements may increase a level of
fun and/or difficult of a game.
[0095] In some implementations, one or more rake elements may be
selectively moved. Rake elements may be moved at a combination of
speed and distance (e.g., slow but farther, not far but fast,
etc.). In some implementations, size of a rake element may be
chosen and/or affect a speed and/or distance the rake element is
moved. For example, a large rake may be moved not far but a small
rake may be moved far. Players may select one or more rake
movements and/or sizes to attempt to push the token over the edge.
Selecting the rake may include an element of skill to determine
which if any rake may push the token over the edge and which
factors of rake movement may result in the rake pushing the token
over the edge.
[0096] In some embodiments, a projector element may include a sling
shot. A sling shot may place a token in a center region of an
elastic element. The elastic element may be stretched in a
direction. The elastic element may be allowed to return to an
outstretched position and in so doing may result in the projection
of the token. The distance the elastic element is stretched may
correspond to a force applied to the token to project the token. In
some implementation, a user may be able to stretch the elastic
element directly, through an interface (e.g., a lever, a button, a
dial, etc.). In other implementations, the elastic element may be
stretched to a predetermined distance or one of a selectable
predetermined distances.
[0097] In some implementations, one or more buttons may be used to
operate a game. The buttons may include solenoid based switches.
Such solenoid based switches may operate to provide fast response
to a player selection of a button.
[0098] In some implementations, tokens may be reactive to magnetic
fields and one or more buttons may be used to operate a solenoid
that adjusts a magnetic field to allow pulling or pushing of tokens
through magnetism. Such pulling of tokens through magnetism may be
similar to raking but without use of a rake element. The magnetic
field may be controlled by a current applied to the solenoid. The
current ma be selected by a player (e.g., by adjusting a dial,
etc.).
[0099] In some implementations a player may have influence on the
positioning of tokens on the one or more surface elements before
game play. For example, a player may manually place the tokens on
the surface elements as the player sees fit, players may select
form a plurality of patterns of other parameters that affect the
placement (e.g., many tokens far from an edge vs. few tokens close
to an edge) of the tokens and so on.
[0100] In some embodiments, a game may include one or more basket
elements 111. A basket element may include a circle, square,
rectangular, trapezoidal or other shape that defines an area. In
some implementations, if a token passes through the basket (e.g.,
through the area defined by the shape), a payout or bonus may be
given to the player. In some implementations, the basket may be
above a surface element so that the token may only be able to go
through the basket if the token is propelled through the basket
before it hits the surface element. In other implementations, the
basket may be below the surface element, so that if tokens are
pushed from the shelf, they may fall through the basket. The basket
may be of any size or shape.
[0101] In some implementations, a basket may be of changing size,
changing position (e.g., moving along a path), changing value, and
so on. In some implementations, a plurality of baskets each
corresponding to different payouts or bonuses may be provided. In
some implementations, the diameter or area within a basket through
which a token must pass may correspond to a payout for passing a
through the basket.
[0102] In various embodiments, any apparatus or method may be used
to determine if a token passes through the basket. For example, a
motion detector, video recorder, magnetic detector, laser motion
detector, and so on may be used to determine when a token passes
through the basket.
[0103] In some implementations, speed of basket movement and/or
size of baskets may be adjusted to adjust payouts associated with
the baskets. For example, if basket speed is increased or basket
size is decreased, the payouts may increase. In some
implementations, the user may select from a plurality of optional
pay tables that correspond to size and/or speed of movement of
baskets.
[0104] In some implementations, one or more baskets may correspond
to a progressive jackpot (e.g., if a token passes through the
basket, a progressive jackpot may be won). Various requirements may
be imposed to enable the progressive jackpot (e.g., an amount of
money may need to be wagered, a basket size may need to be set to a
level, a basket movement speed may need to be set to a level, and
so on). In some implementations, for example, if a token passes
through the basket, all tokens on one or more surface elements may
be pushed off the edge.
[0105] In some implementations, one or more targets may be included
in a game. A target may include an area in which a token may fall,
a location that a token may hit (e.g., a wall at the back of the
game) and so on. In some implementations, if the token hits and/or
settles on the target, an additional payout or bonus may be
provided to the player (e.g., a payout multiplier, a progressive
jackpot, an extra game, etc.). A target may move from round to
round (e.g., lasers may identify the new location, a mechanical
movement may physically move a target, etc.) Any method of
determining a target is hit or otherwise activated may be used
(e.g., weight sensors, pressure sensors, magnetic sensors, video
recorders, motion detectors, etc.). In some implementations, a
portion of a shelf, for example, may be designed to appear like a
dollar or special coin or other target that identifies the location
of a target. Tokens that land or otherwise settle on the portion
may be given a bonus of some sort.
[0106] In some embodiments, a game may include a token collector
element. The token collector may collect tokens that fall off of
surface elements. The token collector may determine a number of
tokens that fall off the surface elements in a round of game
play.
[0107] In some implementations, a game may be used as a secondary
game for a primary game that includes a reel, wheel, video game,
and or any other type of game. The game may be of a reduced size.
The game may include being used as a bonus game. In some
implementations, a game may include a virtual game that is played
through a computer (e.g., on a monitor without an actual physical
movement of coins and/or other elements).
* * * * *