U.S. patent application number 12/164240 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-31 for method and system for determining a progressive multiplier.
This patent application is currently assigned to Waterleaf Limited. Invention is credited to Theo Naicker.
Application Number | 20090325688 12/164240 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40941650 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090325688 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Naicker; Theo |
December 31, 2009 |
Method and System for Determining a Progressive Multiplier
Abstract
Disclosed herein are methods, devices, and systems for
determining a progressive multiplier in a bonus game associated
with a networked game of chance played over a communication
network. The progressive multiplier may be determined over the
course of one or more rounds of the bonus game and may be awarded
to a player who wagers in the game of chance or is awarded winnings
in the game of chance. The value of the resulting progressive
multiplier may then be applied to the player's wager or winnings to
increase or decrease the value of the wager or the winnings. By
offering players the opportunity to increase the yield of their
wagers or winnings, an operator of the game of chance may increase
the attractiveness of the game of chance to players.
Inventors: |
Naicker; Theo; (Durban,
ZA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCDONNELL BOEHNEN HULBERT & BERGHOFF LLP
300 S. WACKER DRIVE, 32ND FLOOR
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
Waterleaf Limited
Douglas
GB
|
Family ID: |
40941650 |
Appl. No.: |
12/164240 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/27 ;
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3244 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/27 ;
463/42 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method, in a server device, for determining a progressive
multiplier for a client device, the server device and the client
device coupled by a communication network, the method comprising:
maintaining an ordered list of positions, each position containing
a multiplier value; associating the client device with a
first-stage position in the ordered list of positions; offering, to
the client device, an option to change its association to a
second-stage position; if the client device does not accept the
option, then awarding the multiplier value contained in the
first-stage position to the client device as the progressive
multiplier; and if the client device accepts the option, then:
determining the second-stage position in the ordered list of
positions; and associating the client device with the second-stage
position.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: responsive to
associating the client device with the second-stage position,
awarding the multiplier value contained in the second-stage
position to the client device as the progressive multiplier.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the progressive multiplier is an
integer and is associated with a winnings from a game of chance
operable at the server device, the method further comprising:
multiplying a value of the winnings from the game of chance by the
value of the progressive multiplier.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the progressive multiplier is an
integer and is associated with a wager from a game of chance
operable at the server device, the method further comprising:
multiplying a value of the wager from the game of chance by the
value of the progressive multiplier.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: maintaining, at the
server device, a threshold number of options; determining that the
client device has already accepted the threshold number of options;
and responsive to associating the client device with the
second-stage position, awarding the multiplier value contained in
the second-stage position to the client device as the progressive
multiplier.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the second-stage position
contains an action, and wherein associating the client device with
the second-stage position comprises performing the action contained
in the second-stage position.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the action contained in the
second-stage position responsively associates the client device
with a third-stage position in the ordered list of positions.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein associating the client device
with the second-stage position comprises generating a first offset
from the first-stage position and determining the second-stage
position comprises applying the first offset to the first-stage
position to establish the second-stage position.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the value of the first offset is
an integer.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein generating the first offset
comprises randomly generating the first offset.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the second-stage
position comprises: maintaining, at the server device, a special
offset value; generating a first offset; determining that a value
of the first offset matches the special offset value; generating a
second offset; determining an intermediate-stage position by
applying the first offset to the first-stage position; and
determining the second-stage position by applying the second offset
to the intermediate- stage position.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein each position in the ordered
list of positions is indexed and the positions in the ordered list
of positions are ordered according to their respective indices.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein, in at least one of the
positions in the ordered list of positions contains an initially
hidden multiplier value, wherein the server device comprises a
memory, and wherein the method further comprises: revealing the
initially hidden multiplier value upon associating the client
device with a position that contains the initially hidden
multiplier value; and storing the initially hidden multiplier value
in the memory.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein awarding the multiplier value
contained in the first-stage position to the client device as the
progressive multiplier comprises: retrieving, from the memory, the
initially hidden multiplier value; and awarding a combination of
the multiplier value contained in the first-stage position and the
initially hidden multiplier value.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the multiplier value is an
integer.
16. A method for determining a progressive multiplier for a client
device, the method comprising: maintaining, in a server device, an
ordered list of positions from, each position containing a
multiplier value chosen without replacement from the range of 1 to
100, the ordered list of positions ordered according to their
respective multiplier values, wherein at least one position in the
ordered list of positions includes an action that specifies
responsively associating the client device with a respective target
position in the ordered list of positions; associating the client
device with a first-stage position in the ordered list of
positions, the first-stage position containing a first multiplier
value; transmitting, to the client device, an option to change the
client device's association with the first-stage position;
receiving an indication that the client device has accepted the
option to change the client device's association with the
first-stage position; randomly generating an integer in the range
of 1 to 6; adding the integer to the first multiplier value
contained in the first-stage position to determine a second
multiplier value; associating the client device with a second-stage
position that contains the second multiplier value; determining if
the second-stage position contains an action; if the second-stage
position contains the action, then responsively associating the
client device with the respective target position specified by the
action; and if the second-stage position does not contain the
action, then upon a determination that the server device is not to
offer the client device another option, awarding the multiplier
value contained in the second-stage position to the client device
as the progressive multiplier.
17. A method, in a server device, for determining a progressive
multiplier for a client device, the server device and the client
device coupled by a communication network, the method comprising:
maintaining an ordered list of positions, each position containing
a multiplier value, wherein the client device is associated with a
first-stage position in the ordered list of positions; determining,
based on the first-stage position, a second-stage position in the
ordered list of positions; associating the client device with the
second-stage position; and awarding the multiplier value contained
in the second-stage position to the client device as the
progressive multiplier.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein determining the second-stage
position comprises generating an offset from the first-stage
position and applying the offset to the first-stage position to
establish the second-stage position.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the value of the offset is an
integer.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein generating the offset comprises
randomly generating the offset.
21. The method of claim 17, wherein each position in the ordered
list of positions is indexed and the positions in the ordered list
of positions are ordered according to their respective indices.
22. The method of claim 17, wherein, in at least one of the
positions in the ordered list of positions, the multiplier value is
initially hidden, wherein the server device comprises a memory, and
wherein the method further comprises: revealing the initially
hidden multiplier value upon associating the client device with a
position that contains the initially hidden multiplier value; and
storing the initially hidden multiplier value in the memory.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein awarding the multiplier value
contained in the second-stage position to the client device as the
progressive multiplier comprises: retrieving, from the memory, the
initially hidden multiplier value; and awarding a combination of
the multiplier value contained in the second-stage position and the
initially hidden multiplier value.
24. The method of claim 17, wherein the progressive multiplier is
an integer and is associated with a wager from a game of chance
operable at the server device, the method further comprising:
multiplying a value of the wager from the game of chance by the
value of the progressive multiplier.
25. The method of claim 17, wherein the progressive multiplier is
an integer and is associated with a winnings from a game of chance
operable at the server device, the method further comprising:
multiplying a value of the winning from the game of chance by the
value of the progressive multiplier.
26. A server device, coupled to a client device via a communication
network, the server device comprising: a central processing unit
(CPU); a memory; a communication network interface; and machine
instructions, operable by the CPU and stored in the memory,
containing logic to execute the steps of: maintaining an ordered
list of positions, each position containing a multiplier value,
wherein the client device is associated with a first-stage position
in the ordered list of positions; receiving, from the client device
via the communication network interface, a request to change the
client device's association to a second-stage position in the
ordered list of positions responsive to receiving the request,
determining the second-stage position; associating the client
device with the second-stage position; transmitting, to the client
device via the communication network interface, an indication of
the second-stage position; awarding the multiplier value contained
in the second-stage position to the client device as the
progressive multiplier; and transmitting, to the client device via
the communication network interface, an indication that the client
device has been awarded the multiplier value contained in the
second-stage position.
27. The server device of claim 26, wherein determining the
second-stage position in the ordered list of positions further
comprises machine instructions, operable by the CPU and stored in
the memory, containing logic to execute the steps of: generating an
offset from the first-stage position; and applying the offset to
the first-stage position to establish the second-stage
position.
28. The server device of claim 27, wherein the offset is an
integer.
29. The server device of claim 27, wherein generating the offset
comprises randomly generating the offset.
30. The server device of claim 26, wherein each position in the
ordered list of positions is indexed and the positions in the
ordered list of positions are ordered according to their respective
indices.
31. The server device of claim 26, wherein, in at least one of the
positions in the ordered list of positions, the multiplier value is
initially hidden, wherein the server device further comprises
machine instructions, operable by the CPU and stored in the memory,
containing logic to execute the steps of: revealing the initially
hidden multiplier value upon associating the client device with a
position that contains the initially hidden multiplier value; and
storing the initially hidden multiplier value in the memory.
32. The server device of claim 31, wherein awarding the multiplier
value contained in the second-stage position to the client device
as the progressive multiplier includes the server device further
comprising machine instructions, operable by the CPU and stored in
the memory, containing logic to execute the steps of: retrieving,
from the memory, the initially hidden multiplier value; and
awarding a combination of the multiplier value contained in the
second-stage position and the initially hidden multiplier
value.
33. The method of claim 26, wherein the progressive multiplier is
an integer and is associated with a wager from a game of chance
operable at the server device, the method further comprising:
multiplying a value of the wager from the game of chance by the
value of the progressive multiplier.
34. The method of claim 26, wherein the progressive multiplier is
an integer and is associated with a winnings from a game of chance
operable at the server device, the method further comprising:
multiplying a value of the winning from the game of chance by the
value of the progressive multiplier.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The Internet and other communication networks have
facilitated the growth of real-time or near-real-time networked
gaming. Players from around the world can log on to a gaming server
and enjoy playing a computer-mediated game of chance over a
communication network, such as the Internet. These games can be
played for fun, entertainment, or for gain.
[0002] Many games of chance have been implemented and deployed so
that they can be played over communication networks. Networked
games have the advantage of reaching a market segment of players
who would prefer to play these games from the comfort of their own
homes.
[0003] Operators of networked games compete with one another for
players. The more players that play with a given operator, the more
revenue that operator is able to generate. Therefore, operators of
networked games seek to differentiate their services by offering
new and unique variations of games that may attract more
players.
[0004] One such means of differentiating networked games is to
offer novel bonus features that give players a chance to increase
(or decrease) their winnings. To this end, deploying new types of
bonus features for games of chance played over a network, such as
the Internet, can serve to draw in more players and potentially
generate higher returns for the operator.
OVERVIEW
[0005] Disclosed herein are methods, devices, and systems for
determining a progressive multiplier. At various times during a
game of chance, the game of chance may offer a player an
opportunity to play an additional bonus game. The bonus game may
serve to potentially increase or decrease the player's wagers or
winnings within the game of chance. For example, the bonus game may
be played to modify a player's wager in one or more rounds of the
game of chance. Alternatively, the bonus game may be played to
modify the winnings, or payout, won by the player in one or more
rounds of the game of chance.
[0006] The bonus game may comprise rounds, each round giving the
player an opportunity to adjust the multiplier. Thus, the
multiplier may be considered a progressive multiplier, in that it
may change in each round of the bonus game. When the player
completes the bonus game, the final value of the progressive
multiplier may then be applied to increase or decrease the value of
the player's wager or winnings. If, for example, the player wagers
10 credits in a game of chance, the game of chance might offer the
player an opportunity to play a bonus game. If, at the end of the
bonus game, the player has been awarded a progressive multiplier of
30, then the player's wager is multiplied by 30. Thus, the player's
effective wager becomes 300 credits. Similar actions can be applied
to a player's wager or winnings. Therefore, playing a bonus game
can have the potential to make the player's wager or winnings
significantly larger. However, if the final progressive multiplier
has a value of less than 1 (e.g., 1/2), then the result of playing
the bonus game will decrease the player's winnings.
[0007] In an example embodiment, a server device is connected to a
client device via a communication network. The server device
represents the bonus game "board" as an ordered list of positions,
each position potentially containing a multiplier value. In each
round of the bonus game, the player, who may access the bonus game
from the client device, is initially associated with a first-stage
position in the ordered list of positions. The server device then
offers the player the option to change his or her position to a
potentially different position. If the player accepts the option,
the server device determines a second-stage position for the
player, and associates the player with the second-stage position.
On the final round of the bonus game, the server device awards the
player the multiplier value contained in the position with which
the player is associated.
[0008] These and other aspects and advantages will become apparent
to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following
detailed description, with reference where appropriate to the
accompanying drawings. Further, it should be understood that the
foregoing overview is merely for purposes of illustration and is
not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a depiction of a client/server architecture in
accordance with an example embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a depiction of a bonus game in accordance with an
example embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a flow chart depicting a method for determining a
progressive multiplier in accordance with an example
embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a flow chart depicting a method for determining a
progressive multiplier in accordance with an example
embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting a method for determining an
association with a position in a bonus game in accordance with an
example embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting a method for performing an
action associated with a position in a bonus game in accordance
with an example embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting a method for determining a
progressive multiplier in accordance with an example embodiment;
and
[0016] FIG. 8 is a flow chart depicting a method for determining a
progressive multiplier in accordance with an example
embodiment.
DESCRIPTION
1. Client/Server Architecture
[0017] A game of chance featuring a bonus game may be facilitated
through the interconnection of computers and communication
networks. FIG. 1 depicts an example of such an arrangement. It
should be understood, however, that this and other arrangements and
processes described herein are set forth for purposes of example
only, and other arrangements and elements (e.g., machines,
interfaces, functions, orders of elements, etc.) can be added or
used instead, and some elements may be omitted altogether. Further,
as in most communication architectures, those skilled in the art
will appreciate that many of the elements described herein are
functional entities that may be implemented as discrete components
or in conjunction with other components, in any suitable
combination and location. For example, systems and methods for
facilitating the playing of games over a communication network are
described in published PCT application WO 03/093921 A2, which is
incorporated by reference herein.
[0018] In FIG. 1, system 20 includes server device 22 and client
devices 24, each client device 24 preferably having a display 25.
Server device 22 and client devices 24 are capable of communicating
by means of communication network 26. Communication network 26 may
be a public Internet Protocol (IP) network such as the Internet, a
private IP network, or a public or a private network that operates
according to other communication protocols. Furthermore,
communication network 26 may be a purpose-built or hardcoded
network designed for the support of networked games. For example,
server device 22 may be a mainframe computer and client devices 24
may be so-called "dumb terminals" that only communicate with server
device 22. Thus, communication network 26 may only comprise
communication links between the devices they connect.
[0019] Client devices 24 and server device 22 may include various
computing technologies, such as those that are semiconductor-based,
magnetic, optical, acoustic, or biological in nature, any
combination of these computing technologies, or any other
technology known today or developed in the future, that can be used
in conjunction with computational devices. A networked game
architecture may also be defined to comprise more or fewer
elements. For example, server device 22 may be distributed across
more than one physical or logical device.
[0020] A. Server Devices
[0021] Server device 22 may comprise a computing device with input,
output, processing, storage, and memory functions. Server device 22
may be a form of personal computer, or may be physically designed
for server operation. For example, server device 22 may be a rack-
mounted or blade server component. Furthermore, server device 22
preferably includes at least one processor, one or more banks of
memory, and program instructions stored in the memory and
executable by the processor to carry out functions described
herein.
[0022] With respect to the depiction of server device 22 in FIG. 1,
server device 22 may actually take the form of multiple physical
components or computers that are co-located or distributed. For
example, server device 22 may be a cluster of computing devices
that operate in conjunction with one another to enable networked
games. This cluster may be in a particular physical location, such
as an Internet service provider (ISP), or may operate over a
network to coordinate server functions.
[0023] Server device 22 may run a standalone or distributed
operating system to enable server functions. This operating system
may be based on Microsoft Windows, Apple's MacOS, Linux, FreeBSD or
various other technologies. These operating systems preferably
support multiple processes or threads of execution so that a single
server device 22 can support a potentially large number of
networked games simultaneously.
[0024] Server device 22 preferably operates under control of a
server-stored program (not shown) capable of enabling client
devices 24 to participate in one or more networked games.
[0025] The stored program in the server device 22 may also maintain
a dynamic register of all players admitted to, and actively
participating in, a networked game, together with data
representative of the corresponding networked game.
[0026] B. Client Devices
[0027] Client devices 24 may comprise personal computers, laptop
computers, wireless communication devices, such as cell phones,
personal digital assistants, computer terminals, or similar
devices. Client devices 24 preferably include at least one
processor, one or more banks of memory, and program instructions
stored in the memory and executable by the processor to carry out
functions described herein. Furthermore, client devices 24 may
operate under an operating system such as Microsoft Windows, Apple
MacOS, Linux or FreeBSD, and are preferably provisioned with a web
browser and network connection.
[0028] This network connection may take the form of a wireline
connection, such as an Ethernet, cable modem, digital subscriber
line, or T1 carrier connection. This network connection may also
take the form of a local area or wide area wireless connection,
such as IEEE 802.11 (Wifi), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA),
Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), or Worldwide
Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX). However, other forms
of physical layer connections and other types of standard or
proprietary communication protocols may be used.
[0029] Using client device 24, a networked game may be facilitated
by a client process (not shown) that executes on client device 24,
and the server-stored program (not shown), or server process, that
executes on the server device 22. In order to play a networked game
from any client device 24, a client process (not shown) may first
be downloaded, for example, from server device 22 to client device
24. The downloaded client process (not shown) may then be installed
in the client device 24, where after it is ready for execution.
Alternatively, the client process (not shown) executes from within
a WWW browser of the client device 24. In either case, once the
client process (not shown) is launched, communication between the
client device 24 and the server device 22 then proceeds.
[0030] The output functions of client devices 24 may comprise a
graphical user interface (GUI) rendered on display 25. Such a GUI
may represent networked game information in some combination of
graphics and text. For example, a GUI on display 25 may represent a
bonus game "board" associated with the client device 24, and
include options to perform the acts of playing the bonus game. The
client process executing on client device 24 will typically display
different trade marks, color schemes, or "look and feel" depending
on the networked game being played.
II. Bonus Game Description
[0031] The implementation of games of chance played over a network
and mediated by computers affords operators of these games options
and variations that players may find attractive, such as associated
bonus games. For example, a game of chance, such as a slot machine
game, may offer one or more rounds of a bonus game to players who
perform certain actions or achieve certain goals in the slot
machine game. Such actions and goals in a slot machine game might
include the player wagering a particular amount or at a particular
phase of the slot machine game, or the slot machine game yielding a
particular pattern of slot machine symbols on a payout line.
[0032] Using client device 24, a networked game may be facilitated
by a client process (not shown) that executes on client device 24,
and the server-stored program (not shown), or server process, that
executes on the server device 22. The server process (not shown)
may maintain a representation of a bonus game, and generate events
representing occurrences in the bonus game. The client process (not
shown) obtains the result of at least some events from server
device 22, across communication network 26, and represents the
state of the bonus game on display 25. For purposes of simplicity,
in the discussion below human players will be referenced by the
client devices 24 that they use to access server device 22. Note
that a single client device 24 may be used by more than one human
player, and a human player may use more than one client device
24.
[0033] An embodiment of a bonus game defines a bonus game "board"
comprising an ordered list of positions. The game of chance may
grant client device 24 a bonus game comprising one or more rounds
(e.g., turns). During each round, the client device 24 may move
between positions in the ordered list. Each position in the ordered
list may be indexed with a respectively unique value, so that the
positions can be referred to unambiguously. The ordered list of
positions may be ordered according to these indices or according to
some other reference values.
[0034] The indices may be explicitly displayed or may be implicit
in the ordering of the positions. In a single round, a client
device 24 is associated with an initial (first-stage) position in
the ordered list of positions, and may be offered the option of
moving one or more times to potentially different positions.
[0035] On a client device 24 display 25, the ordered list of
positions may be represented as a series of rectangles, squares,
circles or other shapes, regular or irregular, preferably arranged
in a pattern. The pattern could be a straight line, a square, a
rectangle, or a grid of the positions. The bonus game's output on
display 25 may also include other embellishments suited to the type
of bonus game being played. For example, a game with an outer space
theme may include icons representing planets, stars, and
spaceships. The player associated with client device 24 may be
represented graphically on display 25, for example with an icon, or
an anthropomorphic representation such as an avatar. The
representation of the player associated with client device 24 may
be visually coupled with a position with which client device 24 is
associated.
[0036] Preferably, each position in the ordered list contains a
multiplier value. These multiplier values may be numbers, such as a
positive or negative integers, positive or negative real numbers,
fractions, or other representations of numerical quantities (e.g.,
equations, ASCII characters, and so on). Additionally or
alternatively, these multiplier values may be symbols representing
numerical quantities, or symbols representing some other measure of
value. Furthermore, while each position in the ordered list of
positions contains a multiplier value, a position may contain an
implicit multiplier value of 1. When this is the case, the
multiplier value will have no effect, which may be interpreted as
the position not containing a multiplier value.
[0037] When the bonus game completes, the client device 24 is
preferably awarded the multiplier value contained in the position
with which the client device 24 is associated. Thus, at the end of
the bonus game, it is advantageous to client device 24 to be
associated with a position containing one of the most desirable
multiplier values.
[0038] Any given multiplier value contained in a position may be
initially hidden. If this is the case, the multiplier value may be
obscured or invisible to the client device 24, or may be
represented by characters, icons, or graphics that are not
representative of a value. For instance, a hidden multiplier value
may be initially displayed as one or more question marks. When
either the client device 24 becomes associated with the position,
or some other event occurs, the initially hidden multiplier value
is revealed. In a given ordered list of positions, more than one
multiplier value may be initially hidden. If the client device 24
reveals more than one initially hidden multiplier value, these
initially hidden multiplier values may be combined to have a
cumulative impact on the multiplier value that is ultimately
awarded to the client device 24.
[0039] At least some positions in the ordered list of positions may
contain an action. Such an action may indicate that, upon becoming
associated with the position containing the action, client device
24 will be responsively re-associated with a different position. In
other words, client device 24 is responsively moved from one
position to another position. However, actions can be defined to
encompass virtually arbitrary procedures. Thus, for instance, a
position may contain an action that ends the bonus game, changes
the nature of the bonus game, or shows further information on
display 25.
[0040] The movement of the client device 24 amongst the ordered
list of positions may be forward or backward relative to the
ordering of the ordered list. Preferably client device 24 has the
option to move once per round of the bonus game. However, client
device 24 may be granted "free" moves and thus be able to
occasionally move more than once per round of the bonus game. If
the ordered list of positions defines a "first" and "last"
position, the client device 24 may be prevented from moving beyond
these "first" and "last" positions and thus off the "board."
Alternatively, the client device 24 may be allowed to "wrap around"
from the "last" position to the "first" position, or vice
versa.
[0041] At the beginning of a round of a bonus game, the position of
client device 24 may be referred to as a first-stage position. The
movement of client device 24 is preferably relative to this
first-stage position, and may be determined by generating an offset
from this position. The offset is preferably a randomly-generated
integer within a given range. For example, an offset may be
randomly generated by simulating the roll of a typical six-sided
die, thus generating a random number in the range of 1 through 6.
However, other means for generating random numbers and other ranges
of random numbers may be used. Furthermore, the offset need not be
an integer, need not be randomly generated, and may be of a
negative value.
[0042] An example of an embodiment of a bonus game is depicted in
FIG. 2. Ordered list of positions 200 comprises positions 205, 210,
215, 220, 225, and 230. Each of the positions contains an index (P1
through P6, respectively). Some of these positions (205, 220, 225,
and 230) contain a multiplier value that is not initially hidden.
Of these multiplier values, positive integers, negative integers
and fractions are represented. Position 210 does not contain an
explicit multiplier value (instead, position 210 contains an
implicit multiplier value of 1), while position 215 contains a
hidden multiplier value. Position 210 contains an action. This
action indicates that, upon becoming associated with position 210,
a client device 24 will responsively be associated with the
position referenced by index P4, which is position 220. Ordered
list of positions 200 may further comprise other positions not
shown.
[0043] For a client device 24 in a bonus game that uses ordered
list of positions 200, during each round, server device 22 will
preferably generate a random first offset to determine the next
position of client device 24 on the "board." This first offset may
be a positive or negative integer, representing a direction and
number of positions. However, the first offset need not be an
integer and may take on other types of values instead. The first
offset could then be applied to the first-stage position of client
device 24, to determine a second-stage position for client device
24.
[0044] Furthermore, one of the possible values of the offset may be
regarded as a special offset value. If server device 22 generates a
first offset with a value matching the special offset value, server
device 22 may then grant client device 24 a "free" round, and
responsively generate a random second offset. The first offset may
be applied to the first-stage position of client device 24 to
determine an intermediate-stage position. Then, the second offset
may be applied to the intermediate-stage position to determine the
second-stage position for client device 24.
[0045] If client device 24 becomes associated with position 215,
the initially hidden multiplier value contained in position 215 may
be revealed. Server device 22 may also store the initially hidden
multiplier value in a memory. On a preferably subsequent final
round of the bonus game, the initially hidden multiplier value may
be retrieved from the memory and combined with the multiplier value
contained in the position associated with client device 24.
[0046] Another example of an embodiment of a bonus game is as
follows. It is presumed that client device 24, in a game of chance,
has placed a wager or has been awarded winnings. As part of the
wager or winnings, client device 24 is allowed to play a bonus
game. The bonus game "board" comprises an ordered list of
positions, where each position contains an integer index chosen
without replacement from the range of 1 through 100, and the
ordered list of positions is ordered according to these indices.
The multiplier values contained in each position have the same
values as their respective indices. Thus, multiplier values of 1
through 100 are each represented exactly once and appear in
ascending order relative to the ordered list of positions.
[0047] A client device 24 entering a bonus game is presented the
"board" and given a choice of 5 six-sided dice. Client device 24
selects a die, which is then "rolled." Server device 22 generates a
random integer to represent the rolling of the die. The resulting
number is used to move an icon representing the client device 24
along the ordered list of positions, starting from the position
containing the index of 1. Client device 24 is then given the
option to select another die, and the number "rolled" on that die
is used to again move the icon forward by an equivalent number of
positions. If a "die roll" results in a value of 6, client device
24 is awarded a "free roll" and that die is rolled again. The icon
is then moved according to the sum of the two rolls. A certain
maximum of "free rolls," such as two, are allowed per die.
[0048] If the icon lands at a position containing an action, the
icon moves backwards or forwards, according to the action, to a
different position. If the icon reaches position 100 (the "last"
position on the board) the bonus game ends. Otherwise, the bonus
game ends when all 5 dice have been "rolled," plus the "free
rolls," if applicable. Client device 24 may elect to terminate the
bonus game at any stage prior to rolling all of the dice.
[0049] When the bonus game terminates, either through rolling all
of the dice as described above, or through early termination by
client device 24, the multiplier value contained in the final
position of the icon is awarded to client device 24 as the
progressive multiplier. The progressive multiplier is applied to
the value of the wager or winnings of client device 24 in the game
of chance. For example, suppose that client device 24 had won 25
credits in the game of chance, and the bonus game had yielded a
progressive multiplier of 37. Then, client device 24 would receive
a total of 25*37=925 credits.
[0050] In a variant of the bonus game, certain positions on the
board may contain initially hidden multiplier values. If the icon
lands on a position containing an initially hidden multiplier
value, the initially hidden multiplier value is revealed and is
added to, or multiplied by, the multiplier determined by rolling of
the dice as described above.
III. Bonus Game Rounds
[0051] Each of the methods described below are for purposes of
example. In each method, more or fewer steps may be used, and the
steps may be carried out in a different order than is illustrated
below. Additionally, two or more of these methods may be combined
with one another in multiple arrangements. However, preferred
embodiments are not limited to these methods or any combination of
these methods. Furthermore, while certain steps of these methods
are described below as being carried out by either server device 22
or client device 24, these steps may be carried out by either
device, another device in system 20, or a different device not
shown.
[0052] Prior to the carrying out any of these methods, client
device 24 may have submitted a wager with an associated game of
chance, or may have acquired winnings from an associated game of
chance. In these cases, any progressive multiplier awarded to
client device 24 as a result of playing a bonus game may be applied
to the respective wager or winnings. However, the progressive
multiplier is not limited to these uses and may be applied to other
aspects, values or conditions associated with the game of chance.
Also, prior to carrying out any of these methods, client device 24
may have already played one or more rounds of the bonus game before
playing a round according to any of these methods.
[0053] FIG. 3 depicts method 300 for carrying out a round of a
bonus game. This method illustrates, among other things, server
device 22 facilitating a bonus round for client device 24, wherein
client device 24 is offered an option to change positions. The
outcome of method 300 may be used to determine a progressive
multiplier that server device 22 may award to client device 24.
[0054] At step 305, server device 22 maintains an ordered list of
positions. Preferably, each position in the ordered list is
uniquely indexed and the ordered list is ordered according to these
unique indices. Furthermore, each position preferably contains at
least a multiplier value. The multiplier values contained in
positions are preferably integers but may alternatively be any form
of numerical representation. At step 310, server device 22
associates client device 24 with a first-stage position in the
ordered list of positions. This first-stage position may be any
position in the ordered list, for example, a "first" position with
respect to the ordering according to the positions' unique
indices.
[0055] At step 315, server device 22 offers client device 24 an
option to change its association with the first-stage position to a
different position in the ordered list of positions. The offer may
be manifested by server device 22 transmitting a message to client
device 24 over communication network 26. Alternatively, the offer
may be implicit in the information already on the display 25 of
client device 24. Regardless of how the offer is delivered or
displayed, at step 320, client device 24 has the ability to either
accept or not accept the option. If client device 24 does not
accept the option, then at step 325, server device 22 awards client
device 24 the multiplier value associated with the first-stage
position as a progressive multiplier. This progressive multiplier
can then be applied to a wager or winnings of client device 24 to
either increase or decrease the value of the wager or winnings.
[0056] On the other hand, if client device 24 accepts the option,
then at step 330, server device 22 determines a second-stage
position. This determination can take many forms, for example
server device 22 generating an offset and applying the offset to
the first-stage position to establish the second-stage position.
The offset may be a dynamically-generated random or pseudo-random
number, a pre-generated random or pseudo-random number, or some
other value.
[0057] Preferably, server device 22 transmits an indication of the
outcome of the determination to client device 24, and client device
24 may show a representation of the outcome on display 25.
Regardless of how the second-stage position is determined, at step
335 server device 22 associates client device 24 with the
second-stage position. Preferably, server device 22 transmits an
indication of this new association to client device 24, so that
client device 24 may show a representation of the new association
on display 25. For example, client device 24 may animate an icon or
avatar moving from the first-stage position to the second-stage
position.
[0058] FIG. 4 depicts a method 400 that may be carried out in
conjunction with method 300. At step 405, server device 22
maintains a threshold number of options, where this threshold
number relates to the number of rounds in the bonus game. Each
option may represent the ability for client device 24 to change its
association from one position to another position. At step 410,
server device 22 determines that client device 24 has accepted the
threshold number of options to change its association, and thus the
bonus game should be terminated. Accordingly, at step 415,
responsive to associating client device 24 with the second-stage
position in step 335 of method 300, server device 22 awards client
device 24 the multiplier value associated with the second-stage
position as a progressive multiplier. This progressive multiplier
can then be applied to the wager or winnings of client device 24 to
either increase or decrease the value of the wager or winnings.
Alternatively, if server device 22 determines that client device 24
has not yet accepted the threshold number of options to change its
association, server device 22 may initiate a subsequent round of
the bonus game for client device 24.
[0059] FIG. 5 depicts another method 500 that may be carried out in
conjunction with method 300. Method 500 relates to server device 22
maintaining a special offset value, then generating a first offset.
When the value of the first offset matches the special offset
value, server device 22 may carry out further steps. For example,
the value of the first offset may be generated as a number in the
range of 1 through 6 by simulating the roll of a typical six-sided
die. Server device 22 may designate the number 6 as a special
offset value. Then, whenever the first offset value is 6, server
device 22 may, for instance, generate a second offset value and
apply both the first and second offset values when determining the
second-stage position.
[0060] Accordingly, at step 505, server device 22 maintains a
special offset value. At step 510, server device 22 generates a
first offset, and, at step 515, server device 22 determines that
the value of the first offset matches the special offset value. At
step 520, server device 22 generates a second offset and, at step
525, server device 22 determines an intermediate-stage position by
applying the first offset to the first-stage position of client
device 24. Then, at step 530, server device 22 determines a
second-stage position by applying the second offset to the
intermediate-stage position. Preferably, server device 22 then
carries out step 335 and associates client device 24 with the
second-stage position. Server device 22 may transmit an indication
of this new association to client device 24, and client device 24
may show a representation of the new association on display 25. For
example, client device 24 may animate an icon or avatar moving from
the first-stage position to the intermediate-stage position and
then to the second-stage position.
[0061] FIG. 6 depicts yet another method 600 that may be carried
out in conjunction with method 300. Method 600 relates to actions
that may be contained in one or more positions in the ordered list
of positions maintained at step 305. At step 605, server device 22
maintains the ordered list of positions, at least one position in
the ordered list containing an action. At step 610, server device
22 determines that the second-stage position that is associated
with client device 24 at step 335 contains an action. Accordingly,
at step 615, server device 22 performs the action. For example, the
action may involve, responsive to associating client device 24 with
the second-stage position, associating client device 24 with a
third-stage position.
[0062] FIG. 7 depicts a further method 700 that may be carried out
in conjunction with method 300. Method 700 relates to how server
device 22 may reveal initially hidden multiplier values contained
in positions, and how these initially hidden multiplier values may
influence the progressive multiplier awarded to a client device 24.
Method 700 presumes that at least one position in the ordered list
of positions contains an initially hidden multiplier value. At step
705, server device 22 reveals an initially hidden multiplier value
upon associating client device 24 with a position that contains the
initially hidden multiplier value.
[0063] At step 710, server device 22 stores the initially hidden
multiplier value in a memory. At step 715, preferably on a
subsequent and final round of the bonus game, client device 24
becomes associated with a new position. At step 720, server device
22 retrieves the initially hidden multiplier value, and at step
725, server device 22 awards a combination of the multiplier value
contained in the new position and the initially hidden multiplier
value to client device 24 as the progressive multiplier. This
combination of the two multiplier values may be formed by carrying
out an operation (such as a mathematical operation) on these
multiplier values. For example, the two multiplier values may be
added to form the progressive multiplier value that is awarded to
client device 24. Alternatively, the two multiplier values may be
multiplied with one another to form the progressive multiplier
value that is awarded to client device 24.
[0064] FIG. 8 depicts method 800 for carrying out a round of a
bonus game. This method illustrates, among other things, server
device 22 facilitating a bonus round. At the end of this bonus
round, server device 22 awards a progressive multiplier to client
device 24. At step 805, server device 22 maintains an ordered list
of positions, wherein a client device 24 is associated with a
first-stage position. Each position in the ordered list of
positions is preferably indexed, and the positions in the ordered
list of positions are preferably ordered according to their
indices. At step 810, server device 22 determines, based on the
first-stage position, a second-stage position. This second-stage
position may be determined by generating an offset from the
first-stage position, and applying the offset to the first-stage
position to establish the second-stage position. Preferably, the
offset is a randomly generated integer. However, the offset need
not be an integer, need not be randomly generated, and may be of a
negative value. At step 815, server device 22 associates client
device 24 with the second-stage position, and, at step 820, server
device 22 awards the multiplier value contained in the second-stage
position to client device 24 as the progressive multiplier. This
progressive multiplier can then be applied to a wager or winnings
of client device 24 to either increase or decrease the value of the
wager or the winnings. Method 800 may be also combined with any one
or more of methods 400, 500, 600, and 700, so as to include one or
more of the steps associated with those methods.
IV. Example Methods, Devices, and Systems
[0065] Disclosed herein are methods, devices, and systems for
determining a progressive multiplier in a bonus game associated
with a networked game of chance played over a communication
network. The progressive multiplier may be determined over the
course of one or more rounds of the bonus game and may be awarded
to a player who wagers in the game of chance or is awarded winnings
in the game of chance. The value of the resulting progressive
multiplier may then be applied to the player's wager or winnings to
increase or decrease the value of the wager or the winnings. By
offering players the opportunity to increase the yield of their
wagers or winnings, an operator of the game of chance may increase
the attractiveness of the game of chance to players.
[0066] Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail
can be made to the described embodiments, it is intended that all
matters in the preceding description and shown in the accompanying
drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting
sense. It is intended to be understood that the following clauses
further describe aspects of the present application.
[0067] (1) A method, in a server device, for determining a
progressive multiplier for a client device, the server device and
the client device coupled by a communication network, the method
comprising:
[0068] maintaining an ordered list of positions, each position
containing a multiplier value;
[0069] associating the client device with a first-stage position in
the ordered list of positions;
[0070] offering, to the client device, an option to change its
association to a second-stage position;
[0071] if the client device does not accept the option, then
awarding the multiplier value contained in the first-stage position
to the client device as the progressive multiplier; and
[0072] if the client device accepts the option, then: [0073]
determining the second-stage position in the ordered list of
positions; and [0074] associating the client device with the
second-stage position.
[0075] (2) The method of clause (1), further comprising:
[0076] responsive to associating the client device with the
second-stage position, awarding the multiplier value contained in
the second-stage position to the client device as the progressive
multiplier.
[0077] (3) The method of clauses (1) or (2), wherein the
progressive multiplier is an integer and is associated with a
winnings from a game of chance operable at the server device, the
method further comprising:
[0078] multiplying a value of the winnings from the game of chance
by the value of the progressive multiplier.
[0079] (4) The method of clauses (1), (2), or (3), wherein the
progressive multiplier is an integer and is associated with a wager
from a game of chance operable at the server device, the method
further comprising:
[0080] multiplying a value of the wager from the game of chance by
the value of the progressive multiplier.
[0081] (5) The method of clauses (1), (2), (3), or (4), further
comprising:
[0082] maintaining, at the server device, a threshold number of
options;
[0083] determining that the client device has already accepted the
threshold number of options; and
[0084] responsive to associating the client device with the
second-stage position, awarding the multiplier value contained in
the second-stage position to the client device as the progressive
multiplier.
[0085] (6) The method of clauses (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5),
wherein the second-stage position contains an action, and wherein
associating the client device with the second-stage position
comprises performing the action contained in the second-stage
position.
[0086] (7) The method of clauses (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), or (6),
wherein the action contained in the second-stage position
responsively associates the client device with a third-stage
position in the ordered list of positions.
[0087] (8) The method of clauses (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), or
(7), wherein associating the client device with the second-stage
position comprises generating a first offset from the first-stage
position and determining the second-stage position comprises
applying the first offset to the first-stage position to establish
the second-stage position.
[0088] (9) The method of clauses (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7),
or (8), wherein the value of the first offset is an integer.
[0089] (10) The method of clauses (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6),
(7), (8), or (9), wherein generating the first offset comprises
randomly generating the first offset.
[0090] (11) The method of clauses (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6),
(7), (8), (9), or (10), wherein determining the second-stage
position comprises:
[0091] maintaining, at the server device, a special offset
value;
[0092] generating a first offset;
[0093] determining that a value of the first offset matches the
special offset value;
[0094] generating a second offset;
[0095] determining an intermediate-stage position by applying the
first offset to the first-stage position; and
[0096] determining the second-stage position by applying the second
offset to the intermediate-stage position.
[0097] (12) The method of clauses (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6),
(7), (8), (9), (10), or (11), wherein each position in the ordered
list of positions is indexed and the positions in the ordered list
of positions are ordered according to their respective indices.
[0098] (13) The method of clauses (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6),
(7), (8), (9), (10), (11) or (12), wherein, in at least one of the
positions in the ordered list of positions contains an initially
hidden multiplier value, wherein the server device comprises a
memory, and wherein the method further comprises:
[0099] revealing the initially hidden multiplier value upon
associating the client device with a position that contains the
initially hidden multiplier value; and
[0100] storing the initially hidden multiplier value in the
memory.
[0101] (14) The method of clauses (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6),
(7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), or (13), wherein awarding the
multiplier value contained in the first-stage position to the
client device as the progressive multiplier comprises:
[0102] retrieving, from the memory, the initially hidden multiplier
value; and
[0103] awarding a combination of the multiplier value contained in
the first-stage position and the initially hidden multiplier
value.
[0104] (15) The method of clauses (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6),
(7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), or (14), wherein the
multiplier value is an integer.
[0105] (16) A method for determining a progressive multiplier for a
client device, the method comprising:
[0106] maintaining, in a server device, an ordered list of
positions from, each position containing a multiplier value chosen
without replacement from the range of 1 to 100, the ordered list of
positions ordered according to their respective multiplier values,
wherein at least one position in the ordered list of positions
includes an action that specifies responsively associating the
client device with a respective target position in the ordered list
of positions;
[0107] associating the client device with a first-stage position in
the ordered list of positions, the first-stage position containing
a first multiplier value;
[0108] transmitting, to the client device, an option to change the
client device's association with the first-stage position;
[0109] receiving an indication that the client device has accepted
the option to change the client device's association with the
first-stage position;
[0110] randomly generating an integer in the range of 1 to 6;
[0111] adding the integer to the first multiplier value contained
in the first-stage position to determine a second multiplier
value;
[0112] associating the client device with a second-stage position
that contains the second multiplier value;
[0113] determining if the second-stage position contains an
action;
[0114] if the second-stage position contains the action, then
responsively associating the client device with the respective
target position specified by the action; and
[0115] if the second-stage position does not contain the action,
then upon a determination that the server device is not to offer
the client device another option, awarding the multiplier value
contained in the second-stage position to the client device as the
progressive multiplier.
[0116] (17) A method, in a server device, for determining a
progressive multiplier for a client device, the server device and
the client device coupled by a communication network, the method
comprising:
[0117] maintaining an ordered list of positions, each position
containing a multiplier value, wherein the client device is
associated with a first-stage position in the ordered list of
positions;
[0118] determining, based on the first-stage position, a
second-stage position in the ordered list of positions;
[0119] associating the client device with the second-stage
position; and
[0120] awarding the multiplier value contained in the second-stage
position to the client device as the progressive multiplier.
[0121] (18) The method of clause (17), wherein determining the
second-stage position comprises generating an offset from the
first-stage position and applying the offset to the first-stage
position to establish the second-stage position.
[0122] (19) The method of clauses (17) or (18), wherein the value
of the offset is an integer.
[0123] (20) The method of clauses (17), (18), or (19), wherein
generating the offset comprises randomly generating the offset.
[0124] (21) The method of clauses (17), (18), (19), or (20),
wherein each position in the ordered list of positions is indexed
and the positions in the ordered list of positions are ordered
according to their respective indices.
[0125] (22) The method of clauses (17), (18), (19), (20), or (21),
wherein, in at least one of the positions in the ordered list of
positions, the multiplier value is initially hidden, wherein the
server device comprises a memory, and wherein the method further
comprises:
[0126] revealing the initially hidden multiplier value upon
associating the client device with a position that contains the
initially hidden multiplier value; and
[0127] storing the initially hidden multiplier value in the
memory.
[0128] (23) The method of clauses (17), (18), (19), (20), (21), or
(22), wherein awarding the multiplier value contained in the
second-stage position to the client device as the progressive
multiplier comprises:
[0129] retrieving, from the memory, the initially hidden multiplier
value; and
[0130] awarding a combination of the multiplier value contained in
the second-stage position and the initially hidden multiplier
value.
[0131] (24) The method of clauses (17), (18), (19), (20), (21),
(22), or (23), wherein the progressive multiplier is an integer and
is associated with a wager from a game of chance operable at the
server device, the method further comprising:
[0132] multiplying a value of the wager from the game of chance by
the value of the progressive multiplier.
[0133] (25) The method of clauses (17), (18), (19), (20), (21),
(22), (23), or (24), wherein the progressive multiplier is an
integer and is associated with a winnings from a game of chance
operable at the server device, the method further comprising:
[0134] multiplying a value of the winning from the game of chance
by the value of the progressive multiplier.
[0135] (26) A server device, coupled to a client device via a
communication network, the server device comprising:
[0136] a central processing unit (CPU);
[0137] a memory;
[0138] a communication network interface; and
[0139] machine instructions, operable by the CPU and stored in the
memory, containing logic to execute the steps of: [0140]
maintaining an ordered list of positions, each position containing
a multiplier value, wherein the client device is associated with a
first-stage position in the ordered list of positions; [0141]
receiving, from the client device via the communication network
interface, a request to change the client device's association to a
second-stage position in the ordered list of positions [0142]
responsive to receiving the request, determining the second-stage
position; [0143] associating the client device with the
second-stage position; [0144] transmitting, to the client device
via the communication network interface, an indication of the
second-stage position; [0145] awarding the multiplier value
contained in the second-stage position to the client device as the
progressive multiplier; and [0146] transmitting, to the client
device via the communication network interface, an indication that
the client device has been awarded the multiplier value contained
in the second-stage position.
[0147] (27) The server device of clause (26), wherein determining
the second-stage position in the ordered list of positions further
comprises machine instructions, operable by the CPU and stored in
the memory, containing logic to execute the steps of:
[0148] generating an offset from the first-stage position; and
[0149] applying the offset to the first-stage position to establish
the second-stage position.
[0150] (28) The server device of clauses (26) or (27), wherein the
offset is an integer.
[0151] (29) The server device of clauses (26), (27), or (28),
wherein generating the offset comprises randomly generating the
offset.
[0152] (30) The server device of clauses (26), (27), (28), or (29),
wherein each position in the ordered list of positions is indexed
and the positions in the ordered list of positions are ordered
according to their respective indices.
[0153] (31) The server device of clauses (26), (27), (28), (29), or
(30), wherein, in at least one of the positions in the ordered list
of positions, the multiplier value is initially hidden, wherein the
server device further comprises machine instructions, operable by
the CPU and stored in the memory, containing logic to execute the
steps of:
[0154] revealing the initially hidden multiplier value upon
associating the client device with a position that contains the
initially hidden multiplier value; and
[0155] storing the initially hidden multiplier value in the
memory.
[0156] (32) The server device of clauses (26), (27), (28), (29),
(30), or (31), wherein awarding the multiplier value contained in
the second-stage position to the client device as the progressive
multiplier includes the server device further comprising machine
instructions, operable by the CPU and stored in the memory,
containing logic to execute the steps of:
[0157] retrieving, from the memory, the initially hidden multiplier
value; and
[0158] awarding a combination of the multiplier value contained in
the second-stage position and the initially hidden multiplier
value.
[0159] (33) The method of clauses (26), (27), (28), (29), (30),
(31), or (32), wherein the progressive multiplier is an integer and
is associated with a wager from a game of chance operable at the
server device, the method further comprising:
[0160] multiplying a value of the wager from the game of chance by
the value of the progressive multiplier.
[0161] (34) The method of clauses (26), (27), (28), (29), (30),
(31), (32), or (33), wherein the progressive multiplier is an
integer and is associated with a winnings from a game of chance
operable at the server device, the method further comprising:
[0162] multiplying a value of the winning from the game of chance
by the value of the progressive multiplier.
V. Conclusion
[0163] Example embodiments have been described above. Those skilled
in the art will understand, however, that changes and modifications
may be made to these embodiments without departing from the true
scope and spirit of the invention, which is defined by the
claims.
* * * * *