U.S. patent application number 14/330138 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-06 for novel games, and methods for improved game play in games of chance and games of skill.
The applicant listed for this patent is MILESTONE ENTERTAINMENT LLC. Invention is credited to Gary Dawson, Andrew Felsher, Randall M. Katz.
Application Number | 20170189795 14/330138 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55066550 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170189795 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Katz; Randall M. ; et
al. |
July 6, 2017 |
NOVEL GAMES, AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED GAME PLAY IN GAMES OF CHANCE
AND GAMES OF SKILL
Abstract
A variety of games and methods for enhancing game play are
provided. In one aspect, a secondary or ancillary game is played in
parallel with a first game, such as a lottery ball draw. Yet
another embodiment of game play provides for the repurposing of an
existing taped game show. The previously recorded game show would
be segmented into subsets of issues, for example, presentation of
questions or answers (as in the case of Jeopardy), those issues
would be presented to one or more players, a response would be
received from those players, and the answer would be compared to
the correct answer. Scoring would then rank players relative to one
another or to indicate the amount of the prize.
Inventors: |
Katz; Randall M.; (Beverly
Hills, CA) ; Dawson; Gary; (Thousand Oaks, CA)
; Felsher; Andrew; (Calabasas, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MILESTONE ENTERTAINMENT LLC |
Beverly Hills |
CA |
US |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20160008707 A1 |
January 14, 2016 |
|
|
Family ID: |
55066550 |
Appl. No.: |
14/330138 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13169997 |
Jun 27, 2011 |
8794630 |
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14330138 |
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12545526 |
Aug 21, 2009 |
7967292 |
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13169997 |
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10394080 |
Mar 21, 2003 |
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12545526 |
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09585987 |
Jun 2, 2000 |
6565084 |
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10394080 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/46 20140902;
A63F 3/0605 20130101; A63F 2250/64 20130101; A63F 2300/8064
20130101; A63F 9/183 20130101; A63F 13/65 20140902 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/18 20060101
A63F009/18; A63F 13/46 20060101 A63F013/46 |
Claims
1. A method for repurposing a previously recorded game show, the
game show including the presentation of issues to game show
participants via one or more interactive video displays, comprising
the steps of: forming subsets of the previously recorded game show
by segmenting the previously recorded game show into issues,
presenting on the one or more interactive video displays at least
one issue to one or more player, receiving a response relating to
the at least one issue from the one or more players, processing the
response by comparing the response to the correct answer from the
previously recorded game show, and scoring the answer.
2. The method for repurposing a previously recorded game show of
claim 1 wherein the issue comprise a subset of issues.
3. The method for repurposing a previously recorded game show of
claim 2 wherein the subissue comprises a question.
4. The method for repurposing a previously recorded game show of
claim 2 wherein the subissue comprises an answer.
5. The method for repurposing a previously recorded game show of
claim 1 wherein the issues are presented to one player.
6. The method for repurposing a previously recorded game show of
claim 1 wherein the issues are presented to more than one
player.
7. The method for repurposing a previously recorded game show of
claim 6 wherein players are ranked relative to one another.
8. The method for repurposing a previously recorded game show of
claim 1 wherein scoring comprises ranking the players relative to
one another.
9. The method for repurposing a previously recorded game show of
claim 1 wherein the scoring comprises indicating the amount of the
prize.
10. The method for repurposing a previously recorded game show of
claim 1 wherein the players participate via an interactive video
display.
11. The method for repurposing a previously recorded game show of
claim 1 wherein players participate via the internet.
12. The method for repurposing a previously recorded game show of
claim 1 wherein the players participate via a computer based
network.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/169,997, filed Jun. 27, 2011; which is a Continuation of
U.S. application Ser. No. 12/545,526, filed Aug. 21, 2009, now U.S.
Pat. No. 7,967,292; which is a Continuation of U.S. application
Ser. No. 10/394,080, filed Mar. 21, 2003, now abandoned; which is a
Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/585,987, filed Jun. 2,
2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,084, the contents of which are
incorporated by reference herein in their entirety as if fully set
forth herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] These inventions relate to methods, an apparatus for their
implementation, of unique player participation games, and for
improved methods of play for games of skill and games of chance.
More particularly, these inventions relate to new and improved
games involving player participation in a broadcast medium, such as
television, and in other communication medium, such as over the
internet or other communications network.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Play or participation games fall broadly under the
categories of games of chance and games of skill. One of the main
forms of games of chance are lotteries. By definition, a lottery
involves the three elements of: 1) prize, 2) chance and 3)
consideration. If these three elements are present, then the game
is considered to be a lottery, and is typically then run by a
governmental entity. In the United States, lotteries are typically
run by the individual states, or collectively by a group of states.
In other countries, it is typically the national government which
runs the lottery. Countries and states attempt to strictly limit
the game play to their geographic boundaries. For example, in
Austria, while electronic access to the game may be available over
the internet, or in order to play, the person must have a bank
account in Austria, and be able to navigate the non-english
menu.
[0004] Games have been conducted in any of a number of formats.
Certainly, live, in person games have been performed. Yet other
games have been played and broadcast over a broadcast medium, such
as radio or television. Yet other games have been played through a
more active communication medium, such as the telephone, or over a
communication network such as the internet.
[0005] Various attempts have been made to provide game play over
the internet. By way of example, the game show Jeopardy has been
placed on the web at http://www.sony.com.
[0006] Various other attempts have been made to extend the general
concept of gambling to broad communication media, such as the
internet. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,268 entitled, "Method of
Participating in a Live Casino Game from a Remote Location" has
been asserted in a litigation in against an off shore corporation.
The '268 patent discloses a system in which a player may
participate in a live casino game from a location remote from the
casino. A player interface station, such as a computer terminal or
other special input device, is connected by a communication line to
the casino. A second communication line is established from the
casino to the player's financial institution. The player is
presented with an image of an actual "live" game. The player then
participates directly as if they were physically present at the
casino. A wager is cleared with the players financial institution
to insure adequate resources to cover the bet.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,845,739 to Ronald A. Katz is entitled,
"Telephonic-Interface Statistical Analysis System". The patent
describes various operating formats, including a format to be
performed in association with television media. Specifically, in
one embodiment, a real-time format is provided in which television
viewers participate on a real-time basis in a game show for prizes.
Expanded audience participation is achieved. Various levels of
qualification are provided, such as where a child's television game
format is utilized, parental clearance may be required. The use of
personal identification numbers (pin numbers) is disclosed. In one
implementation, the caller is prompted to identify which of the
actual studio audience participants the caller will be aligned
with. Additionally, the caller may be instructed to indicate the
extent of a wager. As the game progresses, the individual player's
accounts are credited or debited, thereby providing on-going
accounting data. In yet another implementation, a non real-time
operation is provided. Such a show might involve a quiz for callers
based on their ability to perceive and remember occurrences within
the show. Pre-registration is optionally utilized. In this
implementation, a sequence or time clock would be utilized in order
to limit or control individual interfaces to a specific time or
geographic "window". In this way, the caller questions may be
utilized across various time zones without the caller having
obtained the question earlier than other callers within a given
time zone.
[0008] Berman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,115 discloses a game show and
method entitled "Interactive Game Show and Method for Achieving
Interactive Communication Therewith". An interactive communication
system is provided which permits individuals to electronically
select at least one possible outcome of a plurality of outcomes of
a future event. Successful contestants possibly share in a prize
award associated with the event. A home audience of a televised
game show may electronically communicate a series of random numbers
using their touch tone telephone to participate in the show.
[0009] Recently, various governmental entities and trade
organization have addressed the issue of game play over the
internet. Senator Kyl has introduced a bill which would preclude
the offering of internet based gaming, though permitting states to
offer internet gambling. Consideration has been given to requiring
that the state sponsored gaming be limited to an intranet, in an
effort to limit those participating to persons physically resident
within the states boundaries. Various international lottery
organizations have promoted similar restrictions, namely,
precluding the individuals offering of games of chance, and
reserving that option exclusively to the state.
[0010] Various lottery formats are known to the art. In one classic
format, a pre-determined number of tickets are provided with
certain printed matter, such as numbers or other indicia, where the
information is then obscured by a scratch off layer. By removing
the layer and revealing the underlying information, the ticket
holder may determine whether they have won or not. Various
extensions have been made to a "virtual" scratch off ticket where
no physical ticket is provided.
[0011] A conventional lottery proceeds as follows. First, a series
of numbers are selected, either by the player or by some automated
selection system, such as by computer. Upon the occurrence of a
pre-determined event, such as on a set date and time, numbers are
randomly chosen. Both mechanical methods, such as selection of
ping-pong balls bearing numeric designations, or electronic means
such as through a random number generator, may be utilized. The
selected numbers are then provided to the participants, such as
through a broadcast medium like newspapers, radio and television.
Finally, the holder or holders of winning tickets then present
their ticket for payment.
[0012] In yet another aspect of game play, a typical television
presented game show lasts on the order of one half hour. Various
shorter format games or shows have been utilized, for example, a
football based advertisement or game has been presented by IBM
during televised football games under the name "You Make The Call".
Yet other shorter version games have been presented over web TV or
on the Game Show Network.
[0013] Despite the wide spread participation in various forms of
game play, as well as the suggestions for implementing those games
on a mass communication network, such as through the telephone or
internet, the possibility for new games, or improved game play
exists.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Various interactive game show formats and methods for game
play are provided. In one embodiment, a second or ancillary game is
played in parallel with a first or primary game. By way of example,
in association with a first game comprising a lottery number ball
draw, a second game may involve a selected player's guessing
whether the next ball draw will be of a higher or lower number, or
odd or even or the like.
[0015] Various aspects of enhanced game play and novel games are
disclosed. In a first aspect, the game play method and system
provides for the playing or running of a parallel game or ancillary
game along with a first or primary game. For example, during the
real time ball draw for a lottery, the improved game play would
involve running a parallel or ancillary game along with the ball
draw. One implementation would involve a first ball draw, followed
then by game play by a contestant such as predicting whether the
next ball drawn would be of a higher or lower number, or would be
odd or even.
[0016] In one implementation, the master of ceremonies would advise
the player which of these options had a better probability of being
the outcome, thereby making the ancillary game more a game of
chance as opposed to a game of skill. Optionally, scoring may be
done, such as where one player or audience participant is scored or
ranked relative to another player or participant.
[0017] In yet another aspect, the game play includes the use of
contestant game play to determine lottery numbers. For example, a
contestant may be blind folded or otherwise be made unable to see
various options. The person then selects from among the various
options as the means by which the random lottery numbers are drawn.
One example could comprise a blind folded contestant selecting
objects.
[0018] In yet another aspect, this invention relates to an
interstitial game show. Main or regular programming, such as is
broadcast on a given evening during prime time on a broadcast
network would additionally include multiple interspersed, typically
short, segments relating to game play. In the preferred embodiment,
the game play would be for a relatively short period of time, for
example, 1 to 2 minutes. For example, at 8:00 an initial round may
be played prior to the beginning of prime time programming. Normal
programming would then resume through the remainder of the 8:00
hour. At 9:00, a second short segment may be played. The play may
continue at later times, such as to culminate at a show at 11:00.
Preferably, the short segments would not necessarily be shown at a
predetermined or predeterminable time as far as the audience was
concerned. In that way, viewers who wish to see the progression of
the game segments would need to continue viewing that channel, or
at least, return to the channel fairly frequently. Optionally, the
game play may be progressive from one interstitial game segment to
another. Players may be presented with the option of stopping play
or continuing.
[0019] In yet another game format, the show would include a display
having an underlying image, with that image being at least
partially obscured by overlying image regions which differ from the
underlying image region. A contestant would be given a time limit
in which they would be presented with information relating to a
suggestion or a clue relating to an overlying image region, which
if the player responded correctly, would be removed so as to reveal
that portion of the underlying image which was below the overlying
image. The suggestion or clues may be related to the underlying
image or may merely be unrelated suggestions or clues with respect
to that particular overlying image region.
[0020] Yet another embodiment of game play provides for the
repurposing of an existing taped game show. The previously recorded
game show would be segmented into subsets of issues, for example,
presentation of questions or answers (as in the case of Jeopardy),
those issues would be presented to one or more players, a response
would be received from those players, and the answer would be
compared to the correct answer. Scoring would then rank players
relative to one another or to indicate the amount of the prize. In
yet another game play implementation, one or more contestants would
be presented with multiple images upon which predetermined data had
been assembled. For example, images of five actresses may be
presented to the player and the associated data would comprise
opinion polling information as to whom the audience thought was the
most attractive. The players would then play against each other to
eliminate the images which they believe do not correspond to the
most popular or number one response. The players would alternate
until one player remained. In a second round, individual play, as
opposed to play between contestants is utilized. Again, the player
attempts to eliminate those answers which were other than the most
popular answer of the audience.
[0021] In yet another aspect of enhanced game play, audience
participation via an interactive video display, such as a computer
connected over the Internet, or via an interactive television
arrangement, may participate in the program.
[0022] Accordingly, it is an object of this series of inventions to
provide for novel game play.
[0023] It is yet a further object of this invention to provide for
enhanced modes of game play in association with existing forms of
game play.
[0024] It is yet a further object of this invention to provide for
the repurposing or repackaging of previously recorded game
shows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 shows the screen associated with an image
presentation game in which obscuring portions are removed in
response to correct answers.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a drawing of an image with a word scramble.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a depiction of a game show set for use with one
version of the games disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] FIG. 1 shows a screen image from a game show having a
display with an underlying image. The title of the game, e.g., "60
Second Millionaire" optionally involves a time limit and a time
display. As shown, the time displayed is 45 seconds. An underlying
image is obscured by one or more overlying images. As shown in FIG.
1, a 5.times.5 array of overlying obscuring images obscures the
underlying images. As shown, there are three pairs of initials, AT
in the upper left hand corner of the array, CT in the first row,
third column and I-IT in the second row, third column. As the
caller is presented with questions, they may answer and, if their
answer is correct, the overlying obscuring piece corresponding to
that answer or question is then removed, thereby reviewing the
underlying image in the region where the overlying obscuring
portion had previously been presented.
[0029] Various interactive game show formats and methods for game
play are provided. In one embodiment, a second or ancillary game is
played in parallel with a first or primary game. By way of example,
in association with a first game comprising a lottery number ball
draw, a second game may involve a selected player's guessing
whether the next ball draw will be of a higher or lower number, or
odd or even or the like.
[0030] Various aspects of enhanced game play and novel game are
disclosed. In a first aspect, the game play method and system
provides for the playing or running of a parallel game or ancillary
game along with a first or primary game. For example, during the
real time ball draw for a lottery, the improved game play would
involve running a parallel or ancillary game along with the ball
draw. One implementation would involve a first ball draw, followed
then by game play by a contestant such as predicting whether the
next ball drawn would be of a higher or lower number, or would be
odd or even.
[0031] In one implementation, the master of ceremonies would advise
the player which of these options had a better probability of being
the outcome, thereby making the ancillary game more a game of
chance as opposed to a game of skill. Optionally, scoring may be
done, such as where one player or audience participant is scored or
ranked relative to another player or participant.
[0032] In yet another aspect, the game play includes the use of
contestant game play to determine lottery numbers. For example, a
contestant may be blindfolded or otherwise be made unable to see
various options. The person then selects from among the various
options as the means by which the random lottery numbers are drawn.
One example could comprise a blindfolded contestant selecting
objects.
[0033] In yet another aspect, this invention relates to an
interstitial game show. Main or regular programming, such as is
broadcast on a given evening during prime time on a broadcast
network would additionally include multiple interspersed, typically
short, segments relating to game play. In the preferred embodiment,
the game play would be for a relatively short period of time, for
example, 1 to 2 minutes. For example, at 8:00 an initial round may
be played prior to the beginning of prime time programming. Normal
programming would then resume through the remainder of the 8:00
hour. At 9:00, a second short segment may be played. The play may
continue at later times, such as to culminate at a show at 11:00.
Preferably, the short segments would not necessarily be shown at a
predetermined or predeterminable time as far as the audience was
concerned. In that way, viewers who wish to see the progression of
the game segments would need to continue viewing that channel, or
at least, return to the channel fairly frequently. Optionally, the
game play may be progressive from one interstitial game segment to
another. Players may be presented with the option of stopping play
or continuing.
[0034] In yet another game format, the show would include a display
having an underlying image, with that image being at least
partially obscured by overlying image regions which differ from the
underlying image region. A contestant would be given a time limit
in which they would be presented with information relating to a
suggestion or a clue relating to an overlying image region, which
if the player responded correctly, would be removed so as to reveal
that portion of the underlying image which was below the overlying
image. The suggestion or clues may be related to the underlying
image or may merely be unrelated suggestions or clues with respect
to that particular overlying image region.
[0035] Yet another embodiment of game play provides for the
repurposing of an existing taped game show. The previously recorded
game show would be segmented into subsets of issues, for example,
presentation of questions or answers (as in the case of Jeopardy),
those issues would be presented to one or more players, a response
would be received from those players, and the answer would be
compared to the correct answer. Scoring would then rank players
relative to one another or to indicate the amount of the prize. In
yet another game play implementation, one or more contestants would
be presented with multiple images upon which predetermined data had
been assembled. For example, images of five actresses may be
presented to the player and the associated data would comprise
opinion polling information as to whom the audience thought was the
most attractive. The players would then play against each other to
eliminate the images which they believe do not correspond to the
most popular or number one response. The players would alternate
until one player remained. In a second round, individual play, as
opposed to play between contestants is utilized. Again, the player
attempts to eliminate those answers which were other than the most
popular answer of the audience.
[0036] In yet another aspect of enhanced game play, audience
participation via an interactive video display, such as a computer
connected over the Internet, or via an interactive television
arrangement, may participate in the program.
[0037] The following comprises a detailed description of one
implementation of a weekly game show utilizing various inventive
aspects described herein. FIG. 3 shows a depiction of a possible
set for the game show. Generally, two contestants and a Master of
Ceremonies (MC) are placed at podiums. Large displays are provided
on the set such that the in-studio audience may view the images.
Optionally, the players may be additionally provided with monitors
or other displays to aid in their viewing of the images. A display
may be provided, such as to show the amount of money then available
to be won, or to display other data, such as the number of
participants still remaining. Such would be useful where there is
significant audience participation, or participation by others via
the internet or other computer based network.
[0038] Each week the show starts out with the introduction of the
two contestants that will compete against each other and eventually
have a chance to win, perhaps, the largest game show jackpot in
television history.
[0039] We have thousands of telephone players that are also
competing from home for their share of the money. These players
have all called our telephone number during the week, and qualified
to play on the program. On stage is a readout that shows the prize
money building up, even during the broadcast. The phone players
that remain in the game until the end of the show are patched in
"live-on-tape" and have a shot at the money. For this example,
let's assume that 25,000 people have qualified to participate in
this week's show and the jackpot is up to $1.6 million.
Round One
[0040] The object of the studio game is to be the first player to
reach $25,000 dollars. That player will go on to the end game for a
chance to win thousands more, and perhaps hit the big jackpot! The
first round starts with the in-studio players being asked an
opinion question with 5 possible answers. Each of the 5 answers is
displayed on a large video wall in a semi-circle onstage which
creates the backdrop of our set. The first question is worth $1,000
dollars to the winner. For example:
[0041] Out of the following actresses, who is the sexiest?
[0042] Sandra Bullock, Elizabeth Hurley, Catherine Zeta Jones,
Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman.
[0043] The phone players vote for their favorite answer. The
in-studio players take turns trying to eliminate the answers that
they think are not the number 1 answer. The game is quite simply a
kind of reverse "Family Feud." If a player mistakenly picks the
number 1 answer, the opposing player will receive the $1,000
dollars. Additionally, if a player can successfully pick the last
answer, leaving the number one answer, that player will receive the
$1,000 dollars. The phone players who selected the number 1 answer
are still in the game, and the others are eliminated. The studio
players are shown another question worth $2,000 dollars and play
continues in the same manner as before. Six questions in total are
asked in the first round with the value going up by $1,000 dollars
each time. The phone players are gradually whittled down to a few
thousand by the end of the six questions.
Round Two--The Qualifying Round
[0044] This time the questions are played individually by a player
instead of alternating between players. The player that is behind
goes first. As before, a player must eliminate everything but the
number 1 answer. For the first question, we stake a bank with
$1,000 dollars. Every successful elimination will add $1,000
dollars to the bank. If the player eliminates every answer but the
number 1 answer, they receive the money that has been built up in
the bank. At any point the player mistakenly picks the number 1
answer, his/her opponent will get the money in the bank. The
2.sup.nd question starts with a $2,000 dollar stake in the bank and
each successful elimination adds $2,000 to the bank. The 3.sup.rd
question starts with 3000 and so on and so forth. The player that
crosses the $25,000 dollar goal first will win the competition. The
losing player gets parting gifts and does not keep the money
accumulated during the game. Like the previous round, phone players
who have picked the number 1 answer in this round will advance to
the next round.
Speed Round
[0045] The speed round is played by the winning player. The player
tries to answer as many questions as they can in sixty seconds. The
questions always have two possible answers. For example:
[0046] Who was a better President?
[0047] Clinton or Reagan . . .
[0048] Have you eaten pizza in the last week?
[0049] Yes or no . . .
[0050] Have you ever milked a cow?
[0051] Yes or no . . .
[0052] As before, the phone players that give the majority answer
will stay in the game. The first successful answer is worth $10,000
dollars to the in-studio player. If he/she gets the next question
right, it is worth an additional $20,000 dollars, the next an
additional $30,000 and so on. If the player guesses incorrectly,
the total amount of money that they have accumulated up to that
point is cut in half, and the next question starts back at the
$10,000 dollar base amount. The player must then try to build back
up his/her money. Let's assume, for example sake that at the end of
the sixty seconds, the player has built up $120,000 dollars. We
will also assume that there are 5 phone players left in the
game.
The Final Challenge
[0053] At this point, the player is faced with a decision. He/she
is shown a final question. For example:
[0054] Who would you rather have dinner with?
[0055] Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Howard Stern, Robin Williams or
Steven Spielberg?
[0056] The question was posed to a previously selected group in
order to get the results.
[0057] The player can either stop and keep the money, or try for
the jackpot. All the player must do is simply pick the number 1
answer.
[0058] If the player stops, he/she keeps 50% of the money that they
have accumulated so far and we will split the remaining 50% amongst
the phone players. We will speak to some of the players on the
phone to find out whether they think the player should go for it or
not. If the player decides to play for the jackpot, the phone
players must also decide if they want to go for it too. Any phone
player that does not wish to play can opt out of the game and keep
their share of the money won thus far.
[0059] After the player decides what answer he/she believes is the
number 1 answer, the host starts dramatically revealing the other
answers one at a time until we get down to a 50-50 shot of winning.
Then we see the players answer.
[0060] If the player wins, he/she will win 50% of the jackpot and
the remaining phone players will win 50%. If the player loses,
he/she will lose everything along with the phone players that
participated and they will all receive parting gifts. The jackpot
will then roll over to next week's show. When the jackpot is not
hit for several weeks, the excitement level for the viewers and
players will be incredible!
[0061] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some
detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity
and understanding, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art in light of the teachings of this invention that
certain changes and modifications may be made thereto without
departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *
References