U.S. patent application number 13/734771 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-10 for gaming machine and methods of playing a keno-type game having non-player selectable symbols.
The applicant listed for this patent is Fredrik Elmqvist. Invention is credited to Fredrik Elmqvist.
Application Number | 20140194180 13/734771 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51061342 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140194180 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Elmqvist; Fredrik |
July 10, 2014 |
GAMING MACHINE AND METHODS OF PLAYING A KENO-TYPE GAME HAVING
NON-PLAYER SELECTABLE SYMBOLS
Abstract
A method of allowing a player to play a keno-type game on a
gaming machine is described herein. The method includes displaying
the keno-type game including a plurality of game symbols. The
plurality of game symbols includes a set of player selectable game
symbols and a non-player selectable game symbol. A first collection
of game symbols is selected from the set of player selectable game
symbols. A second collection of game symbols is randomly selected
from the set of player selectable game symbols and the non-player
selectable game symbol. The method includes determining if a
triggering condition occurs, wherein the triggering condition is
defined as at least one of the randomly selected game symbols in
the second collection matching the non-player selectable game
symbol, and generating a game outcome based on the selected first
collection and the selected second collection and the occurrence of
the triggering condition.
Inventors: |
Elmqvist; Fredrik; (Sliema,
MT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Elmqvist; Fredrik |
Sliema |
|
MT |
|
|
Family ID: |
51061342 |
Appl. No.: |
13/734771 |
Filed: |
January 4, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/18 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/329
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/18 |
International
Class: |
A63F 3/06 20060101
A63F003/06 |
Claims
1. A method of allowing a player to play a keno-type game on a
gaming machine, comprising the steps of: allowing a player to make
a wager and responsively displaying, on a display device, a first
round of the keno-type game including a plurality of game symbols,
the plurality of game symbols including a set of player selectable
game symbols and a non-player selectable game symbol; selecting a
first collection of game symbols based on a player selection input
received from an input device, the first collection being selected
from the set of player selectable game symbols; randomly selecting
a second collection of game symbols, the second collection of game
symbols being selected from the set of player selectable game
symbols and the non-player selectable game symbol; determining if a
triggering condition occurs, the triggering condition being defined
as at least one of the randomly selected game symbols in the second
collection matching the non-player selectable game symbol;
generating an outcome of the first round game based on the selected
first collection and the selected second collection and the
occurrence of the triggering condition; and providing a first award
determined as a function of the outcome based at least in part on a
number of randomly selected game symbols in the second collection
matching the player selected game symbols in the first
collection.
2. A method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising the step
of providing an enhanced award if the triggering condition
occurs.
3. A method in accordance with claim 2, wherein the enhanced award
includes at least one of an award multiplier and a second game
round.
4. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the non-player
selectable symbol may be selected during each selection of the
second collection game symbols, the method further comprising the
steps of: determining a number of second collection selections
matching the non-player selectable game symbol; and awarding the
player an enhanced award based on the determined number of
non-player selectable game symbol matches.
5. A method in accordance with claim 4, wherein the enhanced award
includes a multiplier of the first award, the multiplier being
indicative of the number of non-player selectable game symbol
matches.
6. A method in accordance with claim 4, wherein the game includes a
plurality of predefined enhanced awards, each of the predefined
enhanced awards being associated with a corresponding number of
non-player selectable game symbol matches, the method further
comprising the steps of determining the number of second collection
selections matching the non-player selectable game symbol and
responsively providing the corresponding predefined enhanced award
to the player.
7. A method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising the
steps of: determining a number of game symbols being selected for
the second collection; randomly selecting a game symbol for each of
the game symbol selections; and, for each selection, determining if
the triggering condition has occurred and responsively stopping the
selection of game symbols if the triggering condition occurs.
8. A method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising the
steps of: determining a first number of game symbols being selected
for the second collection; randomly selecting a game symbol for
each of the first number of selections; and, for each selection,
determining if the triggering condition has occurred and
responsively determining a second number of game symbols being
selected for the second collection and randomly selecting a game
symbol for each of the second number of selections such that a
total number of selections for the second collection is equal to
the first number of selections and the second number of
selections.
9. A method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising the
steps of displaying the game outcome having a plurality of symbol
positions arranged in a grid, each player selectable symbol being
displayed in a corresponding symbol position.
10. A method in accordance with claim 9, wherein the grid includes
a central symbol position, the non-player selectable game symbol
being displayed in the central symbol position.
11. A method in accordance with claim 9, wherein the non-player
selectable game symbol is not being displayed in the game
outcome.
12. A gaming machine for displaying a keno-type game, comprising: a
display device; a user input device configured to generate a signal
indicative of a player's selection input; and a controller coupled
to the display device and the user input device, the controller for
allowing a player to make a wager and responsively displaying a
first round of the keno-type game on the display device, the
keno-type game including a plurality of game symbols, the plurality
of game symbols including a set of player selectable game symbols
and a non-player selectable game symbol, the controller for
selecting a first collection of game symbols based on a player
selection input received from an input device, the first collection
being selected from the set of player selectable game symbols, the
controller for randomly selecting a second collection of game
symbols, the second collection of game symbols being selected from
the set of player selectable game symbols and the non-player
selectable game symbol, the controller for determining if a
triggering condition occurs, the triggering condition being defined
as at least one of the randomly selected game symbols in the second
collection matching the non-player selectable game symbol, the
controller for generating an outcome of the first round game based
on the selected first collection and the selected second collection
and the occurrence of the triggering condition, and for providing a
first award determined as a function of the outcome based at least
in part on a number of randomly selected game symbols in the second
collection matching the player selected game symbols in the first
collection.
13. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 12, the controller
for providing an enhanced award if the triggering condition
occurs.
14. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 13, wherein the
enhanced award includes at least one of an award multiplier and a
second game round.
15. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 12, wherein the
non-player selectable symbol may be selected during each selection
of the second collection game symbols, the controller for
determining a number of second collection selections matching the
non-player selectable game symbol, and for awarding the player an
enhanced award based on the determined number of non-player
selectable game symbol matches.
16. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 15, wherein the
enhanced award includes a multiplier of the first award, the
multiplier being indicative of the number of non-player selectable
game symbol matches.
17. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 15, wherein the game
includes a plurality of predefined enhanced awards, each of the
predefined enhanced awards being associated with a corresponding
number of non-player selectable game symbol matches, the controller
for determining the number of second collection selections matching
the non-player selectable game symbol and responsively providing
the corresponding predefined enhanced award to the player.
18. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 12, the controller
for determining a number of game symbols being selected for the
second collection, for randomly selecting a game symbol for each of
the game symbol selections, for determining, for each selection,
whether the triggering condition has occurred, and for responsively
stopping the selection of game symbols if the triggering condition
occurs.
19. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 12, the controller
for determining a first number of game symbols being selected for
the second collection, for randomly selecting a game symbol for
each of the first number of selections, determining, for each
selection, whether the triggering condition has occurred, and for
responsively determining a second number of game symbols being
selected for the second collection and randomly selecting a game
symbol for each of the second number of selections such that a
total number of selections for the second collection is equal to
the first number of selections and the second number of
selections.
20. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 12, the controller
for displaying the game outcome having a plurality of symbol
positions arranged in a grid, each player selectable symbol being
displayed in a corresponding symbol position.
21. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 20, wherein the grid
includes a central symbol position, the non-player selectable game
symbol being displayed in the central symbol position.
22. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 20, wherein the
non-player selectable game symbol is not being displayed in the
game outcome.
23. A system, comprising: a plurality of gaming devices, each
gaming device including a user input device for accepting a
player's selection input and a display device; and a system
controller coupled to each gaming device of the plurality of gaming
devices for displaying a keno-type game on at least one gaming
device, the keno-type game including a plurality of game symbols,
the plurality of game symbols including a set of player selectable
game symbols and a non-player selectable game symbol, the system
controller for selecting a first collection of game symbols based
on a player selection input received from an input device, the
first collection being selected from the set of player selectable
game symbols, the system controller for randomly selecting a second
collection of game symbols, the second collection of game symbols
being selected from the set of player selectable game symbols and
the non-player selectable game symbol, the system controller for
determining if a triggering condition occurs, the triggering
condition being defined as at least one of the randomly selected
game symbols in the second collection matching the non-player
selectable game symbol, the system controller for generating an
outcome of the game based on the selected first collection and the
selected second collection and the occurrence of the triggering
condition, and for providing a first award determined as a function
of the outcome based at least in part on a number of randomly
selected game symbols in the second collection matching the player
selected game symbols in the first collection.
24. A system in accordance with claim 23, the system controller for
providing an enhanced award if the triggering condition occurs.
25. A system in accordance with claim 24, wherein the enhanced
award includes at least one of an award multiplier and an
additional round of the game.
26. A system in accordance with claim 23, wherein the non-player
selectable symbol may be selected during each selection of the
second collection game symbols, the system controller for
determining a number of second collection selections matching the
non-player selectable game symbol, and for awarding the player an
enhanced award based on the determined number of non-player
selectable game symbol matches.
27. A system in accordance with claim 26, wherein the enhanced
award includes a multiplier of the first award, the multiplier
being indicative of the number of non-player selectable game symbol
matches.
28. A system in accordance with claim 26, wherein the game includes
a plurality of predefined enhanced awards, each of the predefined
enhanced awards being associated with a corresponding number of
non-player selectable game symbol matches, the system controller
for determining the number of second collection selections matching
the non-player selectable game symbol and responsively providing
the corresponding predefined enhanced award to the player.
29. A system in accordance with claim 23, the system controller for
determining a number of game symbols being selected for the second
collection, for randomly selecting a game symbol for each of the
game symbol selections, for determining, for each selection,
whether the triggering condition has occurred, and for responsively
stopping the selection of game symbols if the triggering condition
occurs.
30. A system in accordance with claim 23, the system controller for
determining a first number of game symbols being selected for the
second collection, for randomly selecting a game symbol for each of
the first number of selections, determining, for each selection,
whether the triggering condition has occurred, and for responsively
determining a second number of game symbols being selected for the
second collection and for randomly selecting a game symbol for each
of the second number of selections such that a total number of
selections for the second collection is equal to the first number
of selections and the second number of selections.
31. A system in accordance with claim 23, the system controller for
displaying the game outcome having a plurality of symbol positions
arranged in a grid, each player selectable symbol being displayed
in a corresponding symbol position.
32. A system in accordance with claim 31, wherein the grid includes
a central symbol position, the non-player selectable game symbol
being displayed in the central symbol position.
33. A system in accordance with claim 31, wherein the non-player
selectable game symbol is not being displayed in the game outcome.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to
gaming machines and more particularly, to an apparatus and method
for allowing players to play a keno-type game having non-player
selectable symbols on gaming machines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] At least some known gaming machines display keno games that
include a plurality of numbers that are displayed on a keno board
and are selectable by the player. During play of known keno games,
the player selects one or more of the numbers displayed on the keno
board and inputs the selections to the gaming machine. The gaming
machine conducts a draw wherein the gaming machine randomly selects
a predefined number of balls, each representing a corresponding
number displayed on the keno board. After the gaming machine has
completed the draw, the gaming machine compares the numbers
selected during the draw to the numbers selected by the player and
provides the player an award based on the number of matches that
occur between the player selected numbers and the machine selected
numbers.
[0003] Over time, during game play, the player may become
frustrated because the chances of receiving an award are based only
of the number of matches made between the player selected numbers
and the machine selected numbers. Accordingly, new features are
necessary to appeal to player interest and enhance excitement in
order to entice longer play and increased profitability. The
present invention is directed to satisfying these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one aspect of the present invention, a method of allowing
a player to play a keno-type game on a gaming machine is provided.
The method includes allowing a player to make a wager and
responsively displaying, on a display device, a first round of the
keno-type game including a plurality of game symbols. The plurality
of game symbols includes a set of player selectable game symbols
and a non-player selectable game symbol. A first collection of game
symbols is selected based on a player selection input received from
an input device. The first collection is selected from the set of
player selectable game symbols. A second collection of game symbols
is randomly selected. The second collection of game symbols is
selected from the set of player selectable game symbols and the
non-player selectable game symbol. The method includes determining
if a triggering condition occurs, wherein the triggering condition
is defined as at least one of the randomly selected game symbols in
the second collection matching the non-player selectable game
symbol. An outcome of the first round game is generated based on
the selected first collection and the selected second collection
and the occurrence of the triggering condition. The method also
includes providing a first award determined as a function of the
outcome based at least in part on a number of randomly selected
game symbols in the second collection matching the player selected
game symbols in the first collection.
[0005] In another aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine
displaying a keno-type game is provided. The gaming machine
includes a display device, a user input device for generating a
signal indicative of a player's selection input, and a controller
for allowing a player to make a wager and responsively displaying a
first round of the keno-type game on the display device. The
keno-type game includes a plurality of game symbols including a set
of player selectable game symbols and a non-player selectable game
symbol. The controller selects a first collection of game symbols
based on a player selection input received from an input device,
wherein the first collection is selected from the set of player
selectable game symbols. The controller also randomly selects a
second collection of game symbols, wherein the second collection of
game symbols is selected from the set of player selectable game
symbols and the non-player selectable game symbol. The controller
determines if a triggering condition occurs, wherein the triggering
condition is defined as at least one of the randomly selected game
symbols in the second collection matching the non-player selectable
game symbol, and generates an outcome of the first round game based
on the selected first collection, the selected second collection
and the occurrence of the triggering condition. The controller
provides a first award as a function of the outcome based at least
in part on a number of randomly selected game symbols in the second
collection matching the player selected game symbols in the first
collection.
[0006] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a system is
provided. The system includes a plurality of gaming devices and a
system controller. Each gaming device includes a user input device
for accepting a player's selection input and a display device. The
system controller is coupled to each gaming device for displaying a
game on at least one gaming device. The keno-type game includes a
plurality of game symbols including a set of player selectable game
symbols and a non-player selectable game symbol. The system
controller selects a first collection of game symbols based on a
player selection input received from an input device, wherein the
first collection is selected from the set of player selectable game
symbols. The system controller also randomly selects a second
collection of game symbols, wherein the second collection of game
symbols is selected from the set of player selectable game symbols
and the non-player selectable game symbol. The system controller
determines if a triggering condition occurs, wherein the triggering
condition is defined as at least one of the randomly selected game
symbols in the second collection matching the non-player selectable
game symbol, and generates an outcome of the game based on the
selected first collection, the selected second collection and the
occurrence of the triggering condition. The system controller
provides a first award as a function of the outcome based at least
in part on a number of randomly selected game symbols in the second
collection matching the player selected game symbols in the first
collection.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily
appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to
the following detailed description when considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary gaming machine
of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the gaming machine
shown in FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a graphical display of a keno-type game that is
played on the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 4 is another graphical display of a keno-type game that
may be played with the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1, according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an exemplary gaming system of
the present invention; and
[0013] FIGS. 6-8 are flowcharts of a method of allowing a player to
play a keno-type game on a gaming machine, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0015] With reference to the drawings and in operation, the present
invention overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of known
gaming machines by providing a gaming machine that allows the
player to play a keno-type game that provides the player an
enhanced award if a triggering condition occurs in the outcome of
the keno-type game. More specifically, the gaming machine allows a
player to play a keno-type game that includes a set of player
selectable game symbols and a non-player selectable game symbol,
and modifies an outcome of the game if the gaming machine selects
the non-player selectable game symbol during the game. In addition,
the gaming machine allows a player to select a first collection of
game symbols from the set of player selectable game symbols, and
randomly draws a second collection of game symbols from the set of
player selectable game symbols and the non-player selectable game
symbol. The gaming machine determines if a game symbol selected in
the second collection matches the non-player selectable game symbol
and responsively modifies the game outcome if the non-player
selectable game symbol is selected. For example, if the non-player
selectable game symbol is drawn in the second collection, the
gaming machine may provide a bonus multiplier, free bonus rounds,
additional player selections, additional draws, and/or stop the
draw. By providing a gaming machine that displays a keno-type game
that has a non-player selectable game symbol and that provides
and/or modifies an award if the non-player selectable game symbol
is drawn, the player's expectation for achieving a win is increased
and the enjoyment of the game is improved. Thus, the amount of time
that the game is played by patrons of a gaming establishment is
thereby increased.
[0016] In general, the gaming machine 10 allows a player to
initiate a gaming session to play a keno-type game via the gaming
machine 10. The gaming machine 10 displays a game including a
plurality of game symbols including a plurality of player
selectable symbols and at least one non-player selectable symbol,
accepts a wager on the game, and allows the player to select a
plurality of game symbols from a set of player selectable symbols.
The gaming machine 10 conducts a draw and randomly selects game
symbols from the plurality of game symbols including the set of
player selectable game symbols and the non-player selectable game
symbol. The gaming machine 10 also determines if a triggering
condition occurs including the selection of the non-player
selectable gaming symbol during the draw, and generates an outcome
of the game based on the player selected symbols, the symbols
selected during the draw, and the triggering condition. The gaming
machine 10 also provides an award to the player that is determined
as a function of the number of games symbols selected by the player
that match the game symbols selected during the draw and the
occurrence of the triggering condition.
[0017] During game play, if the triggering condition occurs, the
gaming machine 10 modifies the outcome of the game. For example,
the gaming machine 10 may provide a bonus multiplier to the player
and provide an enhanced award to the player equal to the award and
the bonus multiplier. In addition, the gaming machine 10 may
increase the number of symbols selected during the draw. Moreover,
the gaming machine 10 may award the player additional free games
and/or award the player additional games and an award bonus
multiplier. In one embodiment, the gaming machine 10 also may stop
the draw after the triggering condition occurs. Because the gaming
machine 10 modifies the outcome of the game if the non-player
selectable game symbol is selected during the draw, the player's
anticipation of an additional award is increased, thus increasing
the period of time the gaming machine 10 is played by the
player.
[0018] A selected embodiment of the present invention will now be
explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to
those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following
description of the embodiment of the present invention is provided
for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the
invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 10,
according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a
schematic representation of the gaming machine 10. A preferred
embodiment of the present invention is a video gaming machine
preferably installed in a casino. In the illustrated embodiment,
the gaming machine 10 includes the display device 12 for displaying
a plurality of games, a user input device 14 to enable a player to
interface with the gaming machine 10, and a gaming controller 16
that is operatively coupled to the display device 12 and the user
input device 14 to enable a player to play games displayed on the
display device 12. The gaming machine 10 also includes a cabinet
assembly 18 that is configured to support the display device 12,
the user input device 14, and/or the gaming controller 16 from a
supporting surface.
[0020] The display device 12 and the user input device 14 are
coupled to the cabinet assembly 18 and are accessible by the
player. In one embodiment, the gaming controller 16 is positioned
within the cabinet assembly 18. Alternatively, the gaming
controller 16 may be separated from the cabinet assembly 18, and
connected to components of the gaming machine 10 through a network
such as, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area
network (WAN), dial-in-connections, cable modems, wireless modems,
and/or special high-speed Integrated Services Digital Network
(ISDN) lines.
[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the display device 12
includes a display 24 including a flat panel display, such as a
cathode ray tube display (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a
light-emitting diode display (LED), a plasma display, and/or any
suitable visual output device capable of displaying graphical data
and/or text to a user. Alternatively, a single component, such as a
touch screen, may function as both the display device 12 and as the
user input device 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the display
device 12 displays a game screen 26 (shown in FIG. 3) including
indicia and/or symbols for use in a game, e.g., symbols for a keno
game, cards used by a card game, roulette wheel and symbols used in
a roulette game, and reels used in a reel game. The game screen 26
may include any type of game including, but not limited to, a video
keno game, a video slot game, a blackjack game, a video poker game,
or any type of game which allows a player to make a wager, play a
game, and potentially provide the player an award based on an
outcome of the game and a paytable. In addition, the display device
12 may display game play instructions for performing the game
including, but not limited to, playing instructions, paytables,
paylines, betting lines and/or any other information to enable the
gaming machine 10 to function as described herein. Moreover, in one
embodiment, the display device 12 may include a plurality of
displays 24 that each are be configured to display at least a
portion of the game screen 26 and/or game play instructions.
[0022] The user input device 14 includes a plurality of input
buttons 28, a coin slot 30, a bill acceptor 32, and a coin tray 34
for dispensing coins to the player. In one embodiment, the input
buttons 28 include a plurality of BET switches 36 for inputting a
wager on a game and selecting a number of rounds to be played
during a gaming session, a plurality of selection switches 38 for
allowing a player to select a plurality of game symbols, a CLEAR
switch 40 for de-selecting player selected game symbols, a
QUICKPICK switch 42 for selecting the player selected game symbols,
a PAYOUT switch 44 for ending a gaming session and dispensing
accumulated gaming credits to the player, and a start button, i.e.
a DRAW switch 46 to initiate an output of a game.
[0023] The coin slot 30 includes an opening that is configured to
receive coins and/or tokens deposited by the player into the gaming
machine 10. The gaming machine 10 converts a value of the coins
and/or tokens to a corresponding amount of gaming credits that are
used by the player to wager on games played on the gaming machine
10. The bill acceptor 32 includes an input and output device that
is configured to accept a bill, a ticket, and/or a cash card into
the gaming machine 10 to enable an amount of gaming credits
associated with a monetary value of the bills, ticket, and/or cash
card to be credited to the gaming machine 10.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, in the illustrated embodiment, the
gaming controller 16 includes a processor 48, a database 50, a
memory device 52 coupled to the processor 48 and the database 50, a
credit module 54, a random-number generator 56, a display module
58, a player selection module 60, and a draw selection module 62.
The memory device 52 includes a computer readable medium, such as,
without limitation, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory
(ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash
memory, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, a diskette, a flash
drive, a compact disc, a digital video disc, and/or any suitable
device that enables the processor 48 to store, retrieve, and/or
execute instructions and/or data.
[0025] The processor 48 executes various programs, and thereby
controls other components of the gaming controller 16 according to
player instructions and data accepted by the user input device 14.
The processor 48 in particular executes a game program, and thereby
conducts a game in accordance with the embodiments described
herein. The memory device 52 stores programs and databases used by
the processor 48. Moreover, the memory device 52 stores and
retrieves information in the database 50 including, but not limited
to, a game type, a number of game symbols associated with a game, a
number of player selectable game symbols, a number of non-player
selectable game symbols, image data for producing game images
and/or screens on the display device 12, and temporarily stores
variables, parameters, and the like that are used by the processor
48. In addition, the memory device 52 stores indicia, symbol
weights, paytables, and/or winning combination tables which
represent relationships between combinations of random numbers,
combinations of symbol matches and types of awards. In one
embodiment, the memory device 52 utilizes RAM to temporarily store
programs and data necessary for the progress of the game, and EPROM
to store, in advance, programs and data for controlling basic
operation of the gaming machine 10, such as the booting operation
thereof.
[0026] The credit module 54 manages the amount of player's credits,
which is equivalent to the amount of coins and bills counted and
validated by the bill acceptor 32. The credit module 54 converts a
player's credits to coins, bills, or other monetary data by using
the coin tray and/or for use in dispensing a credit voucher via the
bill acceptor 32.
[0027] The display module 58 controls the display device 12 to
display various images on screens preferably by using computer
graphics and image data stored in the memory device 52. More
specifically, the display module 58 controls the game symbols
displayed in a keno-type game screen displayed on the display
device 12 by using computer graphics and the image data.
[0028] The player selection module 60 receives a player selection
input from the input device 14 and selects game symbols based on
the player's selection. The random-number generator (RNG) 56
generates and outputs random numbers to the processor 48 preferably
at the start of each round of game. The draw selection module 62
generally uses the random numbers to select one or more game
symbols from the plurality of game symbols. In addition, the
processor 48 may use random numbers generated by the RNG 56 to
determine if a triggering condition has occurred in the outcome of
the game, and to determine whether or not to provide an award to a
player. For example, if the game is a keno-type game, the draw
selection module 62 uses the RNG 56 to randomly select a plurality
of game symbols during a symbol draw. In another embodiment, the
player selection module 60 may use the random numbers to select the
player selected game symbols. For example, a player may select a
"quick-pick" operation via the user input device 14, wherein the
player selection module 60 uses the random numbers to select one or
more game symbols for use as the player selected game symbols.
[0029] The processor 48 compares the game symbols selected by the
draw selection module 62 to the player selected game symbols
selected by the player selection module 60 to determine a number of
player selected symbols matching the randomly selected game
symbols. The processor 48 also compares the determined symbol
matches with winning combinations stored in the winning combination
table to determine if the symbol matches include a winning outcome
that is associated with a type of award. In addition, the processor
48 determines if a triggering condition occurred in the game and
modifies the game outcome based on the triggering condition.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a graphical display of the keno-type game 64 that
is displayed by the gaming machine 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is
another graphical display of the keno-type game 64 that may be
played with the gaming machine 10. In the illustrated embodiment,
the gaming controller 16 is configured to display the game 64 on
the display device 12. In one embodiment, the game 64 is a video
keno game. However, it should be noted that the game 64 may be any
type of game upon which a player could make a wager including, but
not limited to a slot game, a blackjack game, a video poker game,
or any type of game that enables the gaming machine 10 to function
as described herein.
[0031] In general, during play of the game 64, the gaming
controller 16 displays the game including a plurality game symbols
66. The plurality of game symbols 66 include a set 68 of player
selectable game symbols 70 and at least one non-player selectable
game symbol 72. The set 68 of player selectable game symbols 70
includes game symbols that are selectable by the player for use
during the game 64. More specifically, the player selectable game
symbols 70 include game symbols 66 that may be selected by the
player via the user input device 14 and are used by the gaming
controller 16 for determining an outcome of the game 64. The
non-player selectable game symbols 72 include game symbols 66 that
are not selectable by the player. Moreover, the non-player
selectable game symbols 72 are only available for selection by the
draw selection module 62 for use in determining an outcome of the
game 64.
[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of game symbols
66 are displayed in a grid 74 having a plurality of symbol
positions 76 arranged along a plurality of rows 78 and a plurality
of columns 80. Each symbol position 76 displays a corresponding
game symbol 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming
controller 16 displays the game 64 including a total of 81 symbol
positions 76 displayed within the grid 74 arranged in 9 rows 78 and
9 columns 80 in a "9.times.9" arrangement. Alternatively, any
number of symbol positions 76 may be displayed in any suitable grid
arrangement including, for example, 80 symbol positions 76
displayed in a 8.times.10 arrangement, 40 symbol positions 76
displayed in a 5.times.8 arrangement, 72 symbol positions 76
arranged in a 7.times.7 arrangement, and/or any suitable number of
symbol positions 76 displayed in any suitable row 78 and column 80
combination to enable the gaming controller 16 to function as
described herein. Moreover, the gaming controller 16 may display
the game 64 including a plurality of grids 74 including a first
grid 77 and a second grid 79 (shown FIG. 4). In addition, the grid
74 may be displayed with a plurality of shapes such as, for
example, a rectangle (shown in FIG. 4), a square (shown in FIG. 3),
a diamond, a circle, and/or any suitable shape that enables the
gaming controller 16 to function as described herein.
[0033] Each keno game is generally played in a conventional manner.
The player makes a wager, which may be based on a predetermined
denomination and a selected number of game symbols to be selected
by the player and/or a selected number of game symbols to be drawn
by the gaming controller 16, selects one or more game symbols from
the plurality of game symbols, and initiates a symbol draw
operation. During the symbol draw operation, the gaming controller
16 randomly selects one or more game symbols 66 and compares the
player selected game symbols with the drawn game symbols. The
gaming controller 16 displays an outcome of the game 64 including a
number of matched symbols between the player selected symbols and
the drawn symbols and provides an award to the player based on the
number of matched symbols, the wager, and a predetermined paytable.
Moreover, the gaming controller 16 may determine a type of game
symbol that is matched between the player selected symbols and the
drawn symbols and award a payout if the matched symbol types are
associated with a predefined symbol type. Many variations to the
above described general play of a keno game fall within the scope
of the present invention. Such keno games are well-known in the
art, and are therefore not further discussed.
[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine 10
receives a signal from the user input device 14 that is indicative
of a player's selection to initiate a gaming session including a
wager amount and a selection of one or more game symbols 66. More
specifically, the gaming controller 16 displays the game 64
including the set 68 of player selectable game symbols 70 and the
non-player selectable game symbol 72. In one embodiment, shown in
FIG. 3, the game 64 is displayed having the plurality of symbol
positions 76 arranged in the grid 74 having a central symbol
position 82. The non-player selectable game symbol 72 is displayed
in the central symbol position 82 with the player selectable game
symbols 70 displayed in the symbol positions 76 surrounding the
non-player selectable game symbol 72. Alternatively, the non-player
selectable game symbol 72 may be displayed in any symbol position
76 within the grid 74 and/or displayed in a symbol position 76
located adjacent to the grid 74 (shown in FIG. 4). In one
embodiment, the non-player selectable game symbol 72 is not
displayed with the game outcome 64 such that the non-player
selectable game symbol 72 is not visible by the player during the
game 64.
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, each player selectable game
symbol 70 is displayed with a corresponding reference number. For
example, in the illustrated embodiment, the set 68 of player
selectable game symbols 70 include symbols 1 through 80. In
addition, the non-player selectable game symbol 72 may be displayed
with a reference numeral and/or be displayed with a symbol image
84, e.g. a "star" symbol shown in FIG. 3. In another embodiment,
each player selectable game symbol 70 is displayed with a
corresponding symbol image 84 as shown in FIG. 4.
[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller 16
operates in a player selection mode, a draw selection mode, and a
match determination mode. During game play, the controller accepts
a wager from the player to initiate play of a first round of the
game 64. In the player selection mode, the gaming controller 16
selects a first collection 86 of game symbols 66 based on a player
selection input received from the input device 14. More
specifically, the player selection module 60 selects one or more
player selectable game symbols 70 based on the player selection
input received from the input device 14. Alternatively, the player
selection module 60 may use random numbers from the RNG 56 to
randomly select one or more player selectable game symbols 70
included in the first collection 86. The first collection 86 is
selected from the set 68 of player selectable game symbols 70 and
includes one or more player selectable game symbols 70 that are
selected by the player selection module 60. The gaming controller
16 displays the first collection 86 on the game screen 26 by
displaying each selected game symbol 66 with a first marking 88
(displayed as a "slash" mark in FIGS. 3 and 4) and/or modifying the
symbol image 84 associated with the player selected symbol to
indicate the selection to the player.
[0037] In the draw selection mode, the gaming controller 16
randomly selects a second collection 90 of game symbols 66 during a
symbol draw. The second collection 90 is selected from the
plurality of game symbols 66 including the set 68 of player
selectable game symbols 70 and the non-player selectable game
symbol 72. More specifically, the draw selection module 62 uses
random numbers from the RNG 56 to select one or more game symbols
66 included in the second collection 90. The gaming controller 16
displays the second collection 90 on the game screen 26 by
displaying each selected game symbol 66 with a second marking 92
(displayed as a "circle" mark in FIGS. 3 and 4) and/or modifying
the symbol image 84 associated with the randomly selected second
collection 90 to indicate each game symbol 66 selected during the
draw. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller 16
determines a number of game symbols 66 to be selected for the
second collection 90 during the symbol draw. In one embodiment, the
gaming controller 16 determines the number of selections made
during the draw as a function of a wager made by the player, a
player selection input, and/or a number of game symbols 66 selected
by the player during the player selection mode. Alternatively, the
gaming controller 16 may select a predefined number of selections
for the second collection 90. In addition, the gaming controller 16
may randomly select a number of selections to be made for the
second collection 90 based on the player's wager, the symbols
selected in the first collection 86, symbol weights, paytables,
and/or winning combination tables.
[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the non-player selectable
game symbol 72 may be selected only once during the symbol draw.
For example, if the gaming controller 16 determines that 5 game
symbols 66 will be selected during the draw and the draw selection
module 62 selects the non-player selectable game symbol 72 as the
1.sup.st drawn symbol, the non-player selectable game symbol 72 is
not available for the remainder of the symbol selections.
Alternatively, the non-player selectable game symbol 72 may be
selected more than once during the symbol draw such that non-player
selectable game symbol 72 is available to be selected for each
selection made by the draw selection module 62 during the symbol
draw. Moreover, in one embodiment, the non-player selectable game
symbol 72 may only be available for a predefined number of
selections, for example, if the draw selection module 62 has
selected the non-player selectable game symbol 72 twice during the
symbol draw, the non-player selectable game symbol 72 is not
available to be selected for the remainder of the symbol selections
made in the symbol draw. In addition, if more than one non-player
selectable game symbol 72 is displayed in the game 64 (as shown in
FIG. 4), each non-player selectable game symbol 72 may be selected
only once during the symbol draw, and/or at least one non-player
selectable game symbol 72 may be selected more than once during the
symbol draw.
[0039] In the determination mode, the gaming controller 16
determines if a triggering condition occurs and generates an
outcome of the game 64 based on the selected first collection 86,
the selected second collection 90, and the occurrence of the
triggering condition. The gaming controller 16 also determines a
number of randomly selected game symbols 66 included in the second
collection 90 matching the game symbols 66 included in the first
collection 86. In addition, the gaming controller 16 provides an
award to the player that is determined as a function of the outcome
based at least in part on the determined number of game symbols 66
from the second collection 90 matching the game symbols 66 in the
first collection 86. In general, the term "award" may be a payout,
in terms of credits or money. Thus, the gaming controller 16 may
award a regular payout in response to the outcome of the game 64.
However, it should be noted that the term award may also refer to
other types of awards, including, prizes, e.g., meals, show
tickets, etc. . . . , as well as in-game award, such as free games,
bonus symbols, and/or special game modes.
[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller 16
provides an enhanced award to the player if the triggering
condition occurs. In one embodiment, the enhanced award includes an
award multiplier that increases an amount of the award received by
the player such that the enhanced award is equal to an award based
on the number of game symbol matches multiplied by the award
multiplier. In another embodiment, the enhanced award may be one or
more additional rounds of the game 64 and/or one or more additional
games. During each additional game round, the gaming controller 16
may conduct an additional symbol draw and select an additional
number of game symbols 66, and provide the player an award based on
the number of matches between the additional drawn game symbols 66
and the game symbols 66 previously selected by the player. In
addition, in one embodiment, the gaming controller 16 may allow the
player to select the game symbols 66 for each new round. Moreover,
in one embodiment, the player may select a new collection of game
symbols 66 for each additional game. In addition, the gaming
controller 16 may award the player an enhanced award during each
subsequent game round and/or game in which the trigging condition
occurs.
[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the triggering condition
occurs when at least one of the randomly selected game symbols 66
in the second collection 90 matches the non-player selectable game
symbol 72. During play of the game 64, the gaming controller 16
determines if any of game symbols 66 selected in the second
collection 90 matches the non-player selectable game symbol 72 and
determines the triggering condition to have occurred if a selected
game symbol 66 matches the non-player selectable game symbol 72. In
one embodiment, the non-player selectable game symbol 72 may be
selected during each selection of the second collection 90. The
gaming controller 16 determines a number of game symbols 66 in the
second collection 90 matching the non-player selectable game symbol
72 and provides an enhanced award to the player based on the
determiner number of non-player selectable game symbol matches. In
addition, in one embodiment, the gaming controller 16 provides an
enhanced award that includes an award multiplier that is indicative
of the number of non-player selectable game symbol matches. For
example, the gaming controller 16 may determine the second
collection 90 includes 5 non-player selectable game symbol matches,
and provides the player an enhanced award equal to a 5.times.
multiplier factor, and awards the player a total award equal to the
award for matches between the first and second collections 86 and
90 multiplied by the 5.times. multiplier factor. Moreover, in one
embodiment, the gaming controller 16 may provide an enhanced award
that includes a special game mode, a number of additional game
rounds, and/or additional games that is equal to the number of
non-player selectable game symbol matches.
[0042] In one embodiment, the gaming controller 16 may award the
player a plurality of predefined enhanced awards, wherein each
predefined enhanced award is associated with a corresponding number
of non-player selectable game symbol matches. For example, in one
embodiment, the gaming controller 16 determines a number of
non-player selectable game symbol matches included in the second
collection 90. The gaming controller 16 also determines the
predefined enhanced award associated with the determined number of
matches and provides the enhanced award to the player. In one
embodiment, each predefined enhanced award may have an increasing
value corresponding to an increasing number of matches. For
example, the gaming controller 16 may award a 2.times. award
multiplier for 2 non-player selectable game symbol matches, award
the 2.times. award multiplier and a bonus game for 3 non-player
selectable game symbol matches, and award a 4.times. award
multiplier for more than 4 non-player selectable game symbol
matches. Moreover, the gaming controller 16 may award any suitable
combination of enhanced awards corresponding with any suitable
number of predefined non-player selectable game symbol matches. In
addition, the number of non-player selectable matches may be
determined for each game round, or may be accumulated over several
game rounds such that the controller provides an enhanced award
corresponding to the cumulative number of non-player selectable
game symbol matches made during a predefined number of game
rounds.
[0043] In one embodiment, during the draw selection mode, the
gaming controller 16 determines a number of game symbols 66 to be
selected for the second collection 90 and randomly selects a game
symbol 66 for each of the number of game symbol selections. The
gaming controller 16 also determines whether the triggering
condition occurs in each selection before making a subsequent
selection, and stops the symbol draw selection if the triggering
condition occurs. For example, in one embodiment, the gaming
controller 16 determines that 5 selections will be made during the
symbol draw and, for each selection, determines if the triggering
condition occurs. If the triggering condition occurs after the
3.sup.rd selection is made, the gaming controller 16 stops the
symbol draw and does not select the 4.sup.th and 5.sup.th symbol
selections. Moreover, if the gaming controller 16 determines that
the 3.sup.rd game symbol selected matches the non-player selectable
game symbol 72, the gaming controller 16 stops the draw selection
and determines the award based on the drawn game symbols 66.
[0044] In one embodiment, the gaming controller 16 may increase the
number of game symbols 66 included in the symbol draw of the second
collection 90 if the triggering condition occurs during the symbol
draw. For example, in one embodiment, the gaming controller 16 may
determine a first number of game symbols 66 to be selected for the
second collection 90, randomly select a game symbol 66 for each of
the first number of selections, and, for each selection, determine
if the triggering condition has occurred. Upon determining that the
triggering condition has occurred, the gaming controller 16 may
determine a second number of game symbols 66 to be selected for the
second collection 90 such that a total number of selections made
for the second collection 90 is equal to the first number of
selections and the second number of selections. Alternatively, the
gaming controller 16 may award the player a predefined number of
additional player selections for the first collection 86 if the
triggering condition occurs in any selection made during the symbol
draw. For example, if the triggering condition occurs during the
symbol draw, the gaming controller 16 may suspend the draw and
award the player additional symbol selections for the first
collection 86 such that the total number of game symbols 66 in the
first collection 86 is increased. Once the player has made the
additional selections, the gaming controller 16 may continue the
symbol draw and provide an award as a function of the matches
between the total number of game symbols 66 in the first collection
86 and the game symbols 66 in the second collection 90.
[0045] In one embodiment, the gaming controller 16 may remove a
predefined number of game symbols 66 that may be selected from the
symbol draw to increase a probability of a first collection symbol
86 to be selected by the draw selection module 62 during the symbol
draw. For example, upon determining the triggering condition has
occurred, the gaming controller 16 determines the game symbols 66
that are not included in the player selected first collection 86
and removes one or more of the non-selected symbols from the game
symbols 66 available for the symbol draw. By removing the
non-selected symbols, the probability of a first collection symbol
86 being selected in the symbol draw is increased. Moreover, in one
embodiment, upon determining the triggering condition has occurred,
the gaming controller 16 may convert one or more game symbols 66 to
a bonus symbol, wherein the gaming controller 16 provides an
enhanced award to the player if the bonus symbol is included in the
second collection 90 during the symbol draw.
[0046] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an exemplary gaming system
200. The gaming system 200 includes a system controller 202 and one
or more gaming terminals 204 that are coupled to the system
controller 202. In one embodiment, the gaming terminal 204 includes
the gaming machine 10. In another embodiment, gaming terminal 204
may include a personal computer, laptop, cell phone, smartphone,
tablet computer, personal data assistant, and/or any suitable
computing device that enables a player to connect to system
controller 202 to play the game 64.
[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machines 10 and
the system controller 202 are coupled in communication with a local
area network (LAN) 206. Alternatively, the gaming machines 10 and
the system controller 202 may be coupled via a network such as, for
example, an Internet link, an intranet, a WAN, dial-in-connections,
cable modems, wireless modems, and/or ISDN lines. In one
embodiment, the system controller 202 may be implemented by one of
the gaming controllers 16 associated with a gaming machine 10. In
the illustrated embodiment, the system controller 202 includes a
processor 48, a database 50, a memory device 52 coupled to the
processor 48 and the database 50, a credit module 54, a
random-number generator 56, a display module 58, a player selection
module 60, and a draw selection module 62. The system controller
202 is configured to perform all of the functions of the gaming
controller 16 as described herein.
[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the system controller 202
includes multiple instances of the game 64 such that each gaming
terminal 204 may play a separate instance of the game 64
simultaneously. Alternatively, the system controller 202 enables
players on one or more gaming terminals 204 to simultaneously play
the same game.
[0049] FIGS. 6-8 are flowcharts of a method 300 of allowing a
player to play a keno-type game on the gaming machine 10. Referring
to FIG. 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the method 300 includes
allowing 302 a player to make a wager and responsively displaying a
first round of the keno-type game 64. The method 300 also includes
selecting 304 the first collection 86 of game symbols 66 based on a
player selection input received from an input device, and randomly
selecting 306 the second collection 90 of game symbols 66. The
method 300 also includes determining 308 if a triggering condition
occurs, generating 310 an outcome of the first round game based on
the selected first collection 86 and the selected second collection
90 and the occurrence of the triggering condition, and providing
312 a first award determined as a function of the outcome based at
least in part on a number of randomly selected game symbols in the
second collection 90 matching the player selected game symbols in
the first collection 86. The method 300 also includes providing 314
an enhanced award if the triggering condition occurs.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the method 300 also
includes determining 316 a number of game symbols to be selected in
the second collection 90, randomly selecting 318 a game symbol for
each of the number of game symbol selections, determining 320, for
each selection, whether the triggering condition has occurred, and
stopping 322 the selection of subsequent game symbols if the
triggering condition occurs.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the method 300 also
includes determining 324 a first number of game symbols being
selected for the second collection 90, randomly selecting 326 a
game symbol for each of the first number of selections,
determining, for each selection, if the triggering condition has
occurred, and determining 328 a second number of game symbols to be
selected for the second collection 90 if the triggering condition
has occurred, and randomly selecting a game symbol for each of the
second number of selections such that a total number of selections
for the second collection is equal to the first number of
selections and the second number of selections.
[0052] An exemplary technical effect of the methods, systems, and
computers described herein includes at least one of (a) allowing a
player to make a wager and responsively displaying, on a display
device, a first round of the keno-type game including a plurality
of game symbols, the plurality of game symbols including a set of
player selectable game symbols and a non-player selectable game
symbol; (b) selecting a first collection of game symbols based on a
player selection input received from an input device, the first
collection being selected from the set of player selectable game
symbols; (c) randomly selecting a second collection of game
symbols, the second collection of game symbols being selected from
the set of player selectable game symbols and the non-player
selectable game symbol; (d) determining if a triggering condition
occurs, the triggering condition being defined as at least one of
the randomly selected game symbols in the second collection
matching the non-player selectable game symbol; (e) generating an
outcome of the first round game based on the selected first
collection and the selected second collection and the occurrence of
the triggering condition; and (f) providing a first award
determined as a function of the outcome based at least in part on a
number of randomly selected game symbols in the second collection
matching the player selected game symbols in the first
collection.
[0053] The above-described systems and methods overcome at least
some disadvantages of known gaming machines by providing a gaming
machine that allows a player to player a keno-type game that
includes a set of player selectable game symbols and a non-player
selectable game symbol, and modifies an outcome of the game if the
gaming machine selects the non-player selectable game symbol during
the game. In addition, the gaming machine allows a player to select
a first collection of game symbols from the set of player
selectable game symbols, and randomly draws a second collection of
game symbols from the set of player selectable game symbols and the
non-player selectable game symbol. The gaming machine determines if
a game symbol selected in the second collection matches the
non-player selectable game symbol and responsively modifies the
game outcome if the non-player selectable game symbol is selected.
For example, if the non-player selectable game symbol is drawn in
the second collection, the gaming machine may provide a bonus
multiplier, free bonus rounds, additional player selections,
additional draws, and/or stop the draw. By providing a gaming
machine that allows the player to play a keno-type game that
provides enhanced awards if a triggering condition occurs during
the game, the player's expectation for achieving a win is increased
and the enjoyment of the game is improved. Thus, the amount of time
that the game is played by patrons of a gaming establishment is
thereby increased.
[0054] Exemplary embodiments of a gaming machine, a gaming system,
and a method of allowing a player to play a keno-type game on a
gaming machine are described above in detail. The gaming machine,
system, and method are not limited to the specific embodiments
described herein, but rather, components of the gaming machine
and/or system and/or steps of the method may be utilized
independently and separately from other components and/or steps
described herein. For example, the gaming machine may also be used
in combination with other gaming systems and methods, and is not
limited to practice with only the gaming machine as described
herein. Rather, an exemplary embodiment can be implemented and
utilized in connection with many other gaming system
applications.
[0055] A controller, computing device, or computer, such as
described herein, includes at least one or more processors or
processing units and a system memory. The controller typically also
includes at least some form of computer readable media. By way of
example and not limitation, computer readable media may include
computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage
media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and
non-removable media implemented in any method or technology that
enables storage of information, such as computer readable
instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.
Communication media typically embody computer readable
instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a
modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport
mechanism and include any information delivery media. Those skilled
in the art should be familiar with the modulated data signal, which
has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a
manner as to encode information in the signal. Combinations of any
of the above are also included within the scope of computer
readable media.
[0056] The order of execution or performance of the operations in
the embodiments of the invention illustrated and described herein
is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the
operations described herein may be performed in any order, unless
otherwise specified, and embodiments of the invention may include
additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For
example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a
particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after
another operation is within the scope of aspects of the
invention.
[0057] In some embodiments, a processor, as described herein,
includes any programmable system including systems and
microcontrollers, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC),
application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic
circuits (PLC), and any other circuit or processor capable of
executing the functions described herein. The above examples are
exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the
definition and/or meaning of the term processor.
[0058] In some embodiments, a database, as described herein,
includes any collection of data including hierarchical databases,
relational databases, flat file databases, object-relational
databases, object oriented databases, and any other structured
collection of records or data that is stored in a computer system.
The above examples are exemplary only, and thus are not intended to
limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term
database. Examples of databases include, but are not limited to
only including, Oracle.RTM. Database, MySQL, IBM.RTM. DB2,
Microsoft.RTM. SQL Server, Sybase.RTM., and PostgreSQL. However,
any database may be used that enables the systems and methods
described herein. (Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle
Corporation, Redwood Shores, Calif.; IBM is a registered trademark
of International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, N.Y.;
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation,
Redmond, Wash.; and Sybase is a registered trademark of Sybase,
Dublin, Calif.)
[0059] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Other aspects and features of the present invention can
be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the
appended claims. The invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described within the scope of the appended claims. It
should also be noted, that the steps and/or functions listed within
the appended claims, notwithstanding the order of which steps
and/or functions are listed therein, are not limited to any
specific order of operation.
[0060] Although specific features of various embodiments of the
invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is
for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the
invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or
claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.
* * * * *