U.S. patent application number 16/287877 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-27 for gaming system and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Epic Tech, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Epic Tech, LLC. Invention is credited to Troy Jungmann, Bob Mosley, Robert Weatherby.
Application Number | 20190197833 16/287877 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47438979 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190197833 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mosley; Bob ; et
al. |
June 27, 2019 |
Gaming System And Method
Abstract
A secondary game system, in various embodiments, comprises a
system of networked game terminals where a player playing a game on
a game terminal can earn eligibility to win a prize from a
secondary game that plays simultaneously in the background. The
secondary game may be triggered based on play on the plurality of
networked terminals. This allows the player to play a first game
that earns them eligibility to win another game that is played in
the background. The player sends a game initiation request for a
game (e.g., lottery slot) to be played on the game terminal. If a
certain criterion is satisfied, the player becomes eligible to win
a prize from the secondary game if the secondary game is triggered
while the player is eligible to win.
Inventors: |
Mosley; Bob; (Piedmont,
SC) ; Jungmann; Troy; (Leander, TX) ;
Weatherby; Robert; (Flowery Branch, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Epic Tech, LLC |
Lavonia |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Epic Tech, LLC
Lavonia
GA
|
Family ID: |
47438979 |
Appl. No.: |
16/287877 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15292360 |
Oct 13, 2016 |
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16287877 |
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14624337 |
Feb 17, 2015 |
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15292360 |
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14012113 |
Aug 28, 2013 |
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14624337 |
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13617105 |
Sep 14, 2012 |
8545317 |
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14012113 |
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13424630 |
Mar 20, 2012 |
8545315 |
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13617105 |
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61566653 |
Dec 4, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3211 20130101;
G07F 17/3225 20130101; G07F 17/3262 20130101; G07F 17/3267
20130101; G07F 17/323 20130101; G07F 17/3272 20130101; G07F 17/3251
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20060101
G07F017/32 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method comprising: associating, by one or
more computer processors, each player of a plurality of players
with a respective account of electronic credits; receiving, by the
one or more computer processors, a request from at least one player
of the plurality of players to play a first game at a terminal;
receiving, by the one or more computer processors, an amount of
electronic credits required to play for the at least one player;
facilitating, by the one or more computer processors, play of the
first game for the at least one player; determining, by the one or
more computer processors, if any of the plurality of players have
electronic credits remaining on the respective accounts; in
response to determining that any of the plurality of players have
electronic credits remaining on the respective accounts,
initiating, by the one or more computer processors, play of a
second game after receiving the request from the at least one
player to play the first game; and awarding, by the one or more
computer processors, at least a portion of the prize of the second
game to the at least one player of the plurality of players that
has credits remaining on the respective account at the time the
second game is initiated.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the prize is
a shared prize.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
triggering, by the one or more computer processors, play of the
second game based at least in part on receiving the request from
the at least one player.
4. A computer-implemented method comprising: receiving, by one or
more computer processors, a request from at least one player to
play a game at a terminal; facilitating, by the one or more
computer processors, play of the game at the terminal based at
least in part on receiving the request; establishing, by the one or
more computer processors, a bonus time period for the at least one
player based at least in part on receiving the request from the at
least one player; initiating, by the one or more computer
processors, play of a second game at a particular point in time;
determining, by the one or more computer processors, if the bonus
time period runs coincident with the particular point in time;
determining, by the one or more computer processors, whether play
of the second game results in a non-zero prize; and in response to
determining play of the second game results in a non-zero prize and
the bonus time period runs coincident with the particular point in
time, awarding, by the one or more computer processors, at least a
portion of the non-zero prize to the at least one player, wherein
once the second game is initiated to play, a server conducts all
play of the second game without input from the at least one player
until play of the second game is terminated.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, further comprising
at least partially in response to receiving the request from the at
least one player, triggering play of the second game.
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, further comprising
at least partially in response to triggering of the second game:
capturing an image of a display associated with the at least one
player if the bonus time period runs coincident with the particular
point in time; and storing the image on the terminal.
7. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, further comprising
notifying the at least one player of the award of the at least a
portion of the non-zero prize.
8. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, further comprising
decrementing the bonus time period for the at least one player.
9. The computer-implemented method of claim 8, further comprising
incrementing the bonus time period for the at least one player when
additional requests are received from the at least one player to
play the game at the terminal.
10. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, further comprising
receiving requests from a plurality of players to play the
game.
11. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, further comprising
at least partially in response to receiving the requests from the
plurality of players, establishing a bonus time period for one or
more of the plurality of players.
12. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, further comprising
determining if the bonus time periods associated with the one or
more of the plurality of players runs coincident with the
particular point in time.
13. The computer-implemented method of claim 12, further comprising
awarding at least a portion of the non-zero prize to each of the
one or more of the plurality of players who have a bonus time
period that runs coincident with the particular point in time.
14. A computer-implemented method of playing a sweepstakes game,
the method comprising: receiving, by one or more computer
processors from a plurality of players, a plurality of requests to
play at least one sweepstakes game; at least partially in response
to receiving the plurality of requests to play the at least one
sweepstakes game, facilitating, by the one or more computer
processors, play of the at least one sweepstakes game for each of
the plurality of players making a request by selecting an
electronic sweepstakes draw from a fixed number of electronic
sweepstakes draws associated with the at least one sweepstakes game
for each one of the respective plurality of requests; at least
partially in response to receiving the plurality of requests,
awarding, by the one or more computer processors, a bonus time
period to each one of the plurality of players; initiating, by the
one or more computer processors, play of a second sweepstakes game
at a particular point in time, wherein play of the second
sweepstakes game comprises selecting at least one electronic
sweepstakes draw from a fixed number of electronic sweepstakes
draws associated with the second sweepstakes game, and wherein the
at least one sweepstakes draw may result in a non-zero prize;
determining, by the one or more computer processors, for each one
of the plurality of players awarded the bonus time period, whether
the bonus time period for the each one of the plurality of players
is operative concurrent with the particular point in time; and
awarding, by the one or more computer processors, at least a
portion of the non-zero prize that results from play of the second
sweepstakes game to at least one of the each one of the plurality
of players awarded the bonus time period that is operative
concurrent with the particular point in time.
15. The computer-implemented method of claim 14, further comprising
incrementing each awarded bonus time period by a fixed amount of
time for each additional respective request from each one of the
plurality of players to play the at least one sweepstakes game.
16. The computer-implemented method of claim 14, further comprising
resetting the bonus time period to a fixed amount of time for each
additional respective request from each one of the plurality of
players to play the at least one sweepstakes game.
17. The computer-implemented method of claim 14, wherein the
awarding at least a portion of the non-zero prize further comprises
randomly selecting the at least one from the each one of the
plurality of players awarded the bonus time period that is
operative concurrent with the particular point in time.
18. The computer-implemented method of claim 14, wherein the first
criterion further comprises receiving the request before a
respective time counter for each of the plurality of players
decrements to zero.
19. The computer-implemented method of claim 18, wherein the
respective time counter for each of the plurality of players
changes color as the respective time counter decrements to
zero.
20. The computer-implemented method of claim 14, wherein the
non-zero prize is a shared prize.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/624,337, filed Feb. 17, 2015, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/012,113, filed
Aug. 28, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/617,105, filed on Sep. 14, 2012 and U.S. Pat. No.
8,545,317, issued Oct. 1, 2013, entitled "Gaming System and
Method", which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/424,630, filed Mar. 20, 2012 and U.S. Pat. No.
8,545,315, issued Oct. 1, 2013, entitled "Gaming System and
Method", which was filed from and claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119(e) to the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 61/566,653, as filed on Dec. 4, 2011, wherein each of the
foregoing is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Sweepstakes games exist that allow a player to reveal a
prize associated with the sweepstakes entry ticket. Electronic
sweepstakes games operate to allow a player to reveal the results
of a ticket through the use of a visually pleasing display on a
computer or other gaming terminal. However, electronic sweepstakes
games do not always keep the player engaged. The present system and
methods recognize and address the forgoing considerations, and
others, of prior art system and methods.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A computer-implemented method may comprise associating, by
one or more processors, each player of a plurality of players with
a respective account of electronic credits; receiving, by the one
or more processors, a request from at least one player of the
plurality of players to play a first game at a terminal; receiving,
by the one or more processors, an amount of electronic credits
required to play for the at least one player; facilitating, by the
one or more processors, play of the first game for the at least one
player; determining, by the one or more processors, if any of the
plurality of players have electronic credits remaining on the
respective accounts; in response to determining that any of the
plurality of players have electronic credits remaining on the
respective accounts, initiating, by the one or more processors,
play of a second game after receiving at least one request from the
at least one player to play the first game; and awarding, by the
one or more processors, at least a portion of the prize of the
second game to the at least one player of the plurality of players
that has credits remaining on the respective account at the time
the second game is initiated.
[0004] In some embodiments, the prize may be a shared prize. In
some embodiments, the method may further comprise triggering, by
the one or more processors, play of the second game based at least
in part on receiving the request from the at least one player.
[0005] A computer-implemented method may comprise receiving, by one
or more processors, a request from at least one player to play a
game at a terminal; facilitating, by the one or more processors,
play of the game at the terminal based at least in part on
receiving the request; establishing, by the one or more processors,
a bonus time period for the at least one player based at least in
part on receiving the request from the at least one player;
initiating, by the one or more processors, play of a second game at
a particular point in time; determining, by the one or more
processors, if the bonus time period runs coincident with the
particular point in time; determining, by the one or more
processors, whether play of the second game results in a non-zero
prize; and if play of the second game results in a non-zero prize
and the bonus time period runs coincident with the particular point
in time, awarding, by the one or more processors, at least a
portion of the non-zero prize to the at least one player, wherein
once the second game is triggered to play, a server conducts all
play of the second game without input from the at least one player
until play of the second game is terminated.
[0006] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise at
least partially in response to receiving the request from the at
least one player, triggering play of the second game. In some
embodiments, the method may further comprise at least partially in
response to triggering of the second game, capturing an image of a
display associated with the at least one player if the bonus time
period runs coincident with the particular point in time; and
storing the image on the terminal. In some embodiments, the method
may further comprise notifying the at least one player of the award
of the at least a portion of the non-zero prize. The method may
further comprise decrementing the bonus time period for the at
least one player. The method may further comprise incrementing the
bonus time period for the at least one player when additional
requests are received from the at least one player to play the game
at the terminal. The method may further comprise receiving requests
from a plurality of players to play the game. The method may
further comprise at least partially in response to receiving the
requests from the plurality of players, establishing a bonus time
period for one or more of the plurality of players. In some
embodiments, the method may further comprise determining if the
bonus time periods associated with the one or more of the plurality
of players runs coincident with the particular point in time. The
method may further comprise awarding at least a portion of the
non-zero prize to each of the one or more of the plurality of
players who have a bonus time period that runs coincident with the
particular point in time.
[0007] A computer-implemented method of playing a sweepstakes game
may comprise receiving, by one or more processors from a plurality
of players, a plurality of requests to play at least one
sweepstakes game; at least partially in response to receiving the
plurality of requests to play the at least one sweepstakes game,
facilitating, by the one or more processors, play of the at least
one sweepstakes game for each of the plurality of players making a
request by selecting an electronic sweepstakes draw from a fixed
number of electronic sweepstakes draws associated with the at least
one sweepstakes game for each one of the respective plurality of
requests; at least partially in response to receiving the plurality
of requests, awarding, by the one or more processors, a bonus time
period to each one of the plurality of players; initiating, by the
one or more processors, play of a second sweepstakes game at a
particular point in time, wherein play of the second sweepstakes
game comprises selecting at least one electronic sweepstakes draw
from a fixed number of electronic sweepstakes draws associated with
the second sweepstakes game, and wherein the at least one
sweepstakes draw may result in a non-zero prize; determining, by
the one or more processors, for each one of the plurality of
players awarded the bonus time period, whether the bonus time
period for the each one of the plurality of players is operative
concurrent with the particular point in time; and awarding, by the
one or more processors, at least a portion of the non-zero prize
that results from play of the second sweepstakes game to at least
one of the each one of the plurality of players awarded the bonus
time period that is operative concurrent with the particular point
in time.
[0008] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise
incrementing each awarded bonus time period by a fixed amount of
time for each additional respective request from each one of the
plurality of players to play the at least one sweepstakes game. The
method may comprise resetting the bonus time period to a fixed
amount of time for each additional respective request from each one
of the plurality of players to play the at least one sweepstakes
game. In some embodiments, the method may comprise awarding at
least a portion of the non-zero prize further comprises randomly
selecting the at least one from the each one of the plurality of
players awarded the bonus time period that is operative concurrent
with the particular point in time. The method may comprise
receiving the request before a respective time counter for each of
the plurality of players decrements to zero. The method may further
comprise the respective time counter for each of the plurality of
players changing color as the respective time counter decrements to
zero. In some embodiments, the non-zero prize may be a shared
prize.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended drawings, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is block diagram of an exemplary floor configuration
in accordance with an embodiment of the present system;
[0011] FIG. 2 comprises a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary
process performed by the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present method;
[0012] FIG. 3 comprises a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary
process performed by the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present method;
[0013] FIG. 4 comprises a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary
process performed by the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present method;
[0014] FIG. 5 comprises the contents of a graphical user interface
in accordance with one embodiment of the present system and
methods; and
[0015] FIG. 6A-6E comprise the contents of a graphical user
interface for a secondary game in accordance with one embodiment of
the present system and methods.
DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Embodiments of the present system support games structured
for all game styles known in the art. In some embodiments, the
present games and methods can be used in connection with any Class
II and III games. In yet another embodiment, the present games and
methods can be used in connection with Class III random number
generated (RNG) games, Class III electronic pull tab games,
electronic bingo games, lottery-based games, and sweepstakes games.
Embodiments of the invention are agnostic to the methods in which
the results are delivered.
Overview
[0017] Gaming terminals may be standalone type terminals or
networked terminals. In either case, a secondary game, as the term
is used herein, is a game that is common to all players on a group
of gaming terminals and may be played simultaneously in the
background. This configuration allows the players on the individual
gaming terminals to play a first game that earns them eligibility
to potentially win the secondary game that is played in the
background, which provides an enjoyable experience for the player
and encourages them to continue to play on the gaming terminal.
[0018] The secondary game of the present system may be considered a
game-in-game. In this regard, according to an embodiment of the
system, the secondary game is a game that is linked with a
plurality of other game terminals such that play on the plurality
of game terminals triggers play of the secondary game. Moreover, a
prize from the secondary game is awarded to one or more of the
players of the plurality of game terminals based on their
eligibility to participate in the winnings of the secondary game
play. As a result, the players of the plurality of game terminals
may be eligible to win all or a portion of a secondary prize in
addition to individual prizes awarded on their respective game
terminal.
[0019] In one embodiment of the present system, the player may
purchase internet time or another product or service, and when this
occurs, the player may be issued free entries into a sweepstakes.
In some embodiments, the player is issued participation credits
that can be redeemed for sweepstakes entries. In either case, the
sweepstakes entries may be revealed through an entertaining
electronic display that is accessed on one of the plurality of game
terminals. In an embodiment, a particular amount of participation
credit is redeemed for a sweepstakes ticket, which is revealed
through the standard game and a particular amount of participation
credit earns the player eligibility time to reveal a sweepstakes
ticket as part of the secondary game.
[0020] In some embodiments, the player may pay a fee to play the
standard game and an additional fee to be eligible to win the
secondary game. For example, a player pays a first fee, such as
$0.25, to play the standard game, and at the same time pays an
additional contribution fee, such as $0.02, to win a prize from the
secondary game if the player is eligible to win when the secondary
game is played. Thus, players each pay $0.27 to play the standard
game, which also enters the player into the secondary game (and
thus, makes the player eligible for the secondary winnings round).
More detailed descriptions of a system and method of gaming are
provided below according to various embodiments.
Exemplary Gaming System
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for providing a secondary
game in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The
system 100 comprises a database 110, a server 120, at least one
secondary game terminal 130, one or more game terminals (that may
be PC-based) 140, a management terminal 150, a point-of-sale
("POS") device 160, one or more standalone game terminals (that may
be any gaming based machine) 170, a video splitter 180, a
relatively large monitor or television (secondary screen) 190, or
any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art with reference to
this disclosure should appreciate that other configurations may be
used to accomplish the methods described herein without departing
from the scope of the present invention. For example, in various
embodiments, the game server 120 may be configured to also provide
the functionality provide by the secondary game server 130.
[0022] It should be understood that each of the computing devices,
including the server 120, the at least one secondary terminal 130,
the one or more game terminals 140, the management terminal 150,
the POS device 160, and the one or more standalone game terminals
170, may each have a computer hardware processor, input and output
devices (for example, a computer monitor, a keyboard, selection
buttons, and/or mouse) and at least one storage device (for
example, memory, hard drives, etc.). These devices may also have
network connection cards to connect to the network. At least some
of these devices may also include a computer readable medium, which
is further described herein.
[0023] The secondary game may run asynchronously with an integrated
gaming system or as a linked product via SAS to other gaming
terminals, in certain embodiments, the secondary game is not
intended to be a standalone gaming platform because it is initiated
based upon play of the standard game on each gaming terminal
connected to the gaming system 100. There are specific integration
points between the game server, gaming terminals, and the secondary
game server that allows one or more players to participate in
playing a game at a terminal while earning eligibility to win on a
secondary game.
[0024] The server 120 is configured to communicate data from
various devices in the system and to perform one or more method
steps, as detailed below. The database 110 may contain various
types of data and computer instructions for performing at least
some of the steps presented herein. Although a single server is
indicated for the server 120, and a single database for the
database 110, it should be understood that the network may be
comprised of multiple servers and databases, whether located
locally and networked through a local area network or remotely
through a wide area network or an Internet connection. Thus, the
single representations at 120 and 110 are provided for purposes of
illustration and clarity only and should be understood to represent
such other configurations.
[0025] The gaming terminals 140 and 170 are illustrated as linked
together via a network (which may be via the network shown in FIG.
1 or any additional network). Each gaming terminal may be a
standard standalone gaming machine 170, a personal computer (PC)
140 or other computing device (not shown). The gaming terminals 140
and 170 are illustrated in FIG. 1 as separate groups (even though
they function similarly and perform the same method steps).
[0026] The POS device 160 allows players to buy internet time or
another product or service, and play of the gaming terminals could
be free with such purchases. In various embodiments, the player may
use the POS device 160 to directly load an account card with
credits to play games on the gaming terminals. This account card is
associated with an account that the player may use to play the game
on a game terminal 140, 170 and earn eligibility to win prizes when
the secondary game is triggered.
[0027] The management terminal 150 may be a device that is
operatively connected with the server 120 to initiate, enable,
disable or change the secondary game. Other managerial or
supervisory operations may also be performed using the management
terminal 160.
[0028] The secondary terminal 130 controls one or more operations
of the secondary game, such as determining results for the
secondary game, displaying the secondary game results, and/or any
other operations as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the
secondary terminal 130 is part of the server 120 such that the
server 120 performs all or part of the operations of the secondary
terminal 130.
[0029] A video splitter 180 may be operatively connected to the
secondary terminal 130 and/or the network. The video splitter may
be used to split any received video feed to multiple secondary
screens 190. The secondary screens 190 may be television screens,
monitors or other device that displays the secondary game board and
other procedures of the secondary game.
[0030] One or more of the devices illustrated in FIG. 1 may be
connected to a network as previously mentioned. In one embodiment,
all devices in FIG. 1 are connected to the network and communicate
with each other over the network. It should be noted that the
network in FIG. 1 need not be a single network (such as only the
internet) and may be multiple networks (whether connected to each
other or not). For example, the network may be the internet. In
another embodiment, the network may be a local area network ("LAN")
and a wide area network ("WAN") (e.g., the Internet) such that one
or more devices (for example, server 120, secondary terminal 130,
management terminal 150 and database 110) are connected together
via the LAN, and the LAN is connected to the WAN which in turn is
connected to other devices (for example, the game terminals 140,
170). The terms "linked together" or "connected together" refers to
devices having a common network connection via a network (either
directly on a network or indirectly through multiple networks),
such as one or more devices on the same LAN, WAN or some network
combination thereof.
[0031] It should be understood that FIG. 1 is an exemplary
embodiment of the present system and various other configurations
are within the scope of the present system. Additionally, it should
be understood that additional devices may be included in the system
shown in FIG. 1, or in other embodiments, certain devices may
perform the operation of other devices shown in the figure.
Exemplary Technical Platforms
[0032] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the relevant field,
the present systems and methods may be, for example, embodied as a
computer system, a method, or a computer program product.
Accordingly, various embodiments may take the form of an entirely
hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an
embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore,
particular embodiments may take the form of a computer program
product stored on a computer-readable storage medium having
computer-readable instructions (e.g., software) embodied in the
storage medium. Various embodiments may take the form of
web-implemented computer software. Any suitable computer-readable
storage medium may be utilized including, for example, hard disks,
compact disks, DVDs, optical storage devices, and/or magnetic
storage devices.
[0033] Various embodiments are described below with reference to
block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods, apparatuses
(e.g., systems) and computer program products. It should be
understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart
illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and
flowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by a
computer executing computer program instructions. These computer
program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer,
special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing
apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which
execute on the computer or other programmable data processing
apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in
the flowchart block or blocks. The program code may execute
entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as
a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and
partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or
server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be
connected to the user's computer through any type of network,
including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN),
or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example,
through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).
[0034] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a
computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other
programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular
manner such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable
memory produce an article of manufacture that is configured for
implementing the function specified in the flowchart block or
blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a
computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a
series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or
other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented
process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or
other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the
functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.
[0035] Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart
illustrations support combinations of mechanisms for performing the
specified functions, combinations of steps for performing the
specified functions, and program instructions for performing the
specified functions. It should also be understood that each block
of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations
of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, can be
implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems that
perform the specified functions or steps, or combinations of
special purpose hardware and other hardware executing appropriate
computer instructions.
Exemplary Gaming Methods
[0036] The gaming terminals 140, 170, server 120, and secondary
server 130 may alone, or in combination, perform the method steps
of FIGS. 2-4. Moreover, the method steps described in FIGS. 2-4 are
examples of various embodiments of the present system and methods.
It should be understood by reference to this disclosure that these
methods describe exemplary embodiments of the methods steps carried
out by the present system, and that other exemplary embodiments may
be created by adding other steps or by removing one or more of the
methods steps described in FIGS. 2-4.
[0037] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary method for playing a game on a
terminal 140, 170 to become eligible to win a prize from the play
of a secondary game that begins at step 200 when, for example, one
or more players press or activate a spin or reveal button 306 (FIG.
5) on the gaming terminals 140, 170. At step 202, the system 100
receives a request from a player to play a game, for example, at a
gaming terminal 140, 170. At least partially in response to
receiving the request, at step 204, the system 100 facilitates play
of the game at the game terminal. At step 206, the system 100
establishes a bonus time period for the player.
[0038] In various embodiments, a bonus time period is established
if a player initiates a game play during a defined period of time.
In some embodiments, the system 100 displays a countdown timer 302
(FIG. 5) that provides the player an indication of the time
remaining for the player to spin to become eligible to earn a bonus
time period. In still other embodiments, a second visual indicator
304 displays a particular color (such as green) when the countdown
timer has a first amount of time remaining, turns a different color
(such as yellow) when the countdown timer has a second amount of
time remaining that is less than the first amount of time, and
turns another color (such as red) when no time remains to earn a
bonus time period.
[0039] In some embodiments, the bonus time period may be a
predetermined amount of time, for example, fifteen seconds of
eligibility. Thus, from the time of the spin (e.g., request to play
the game at the terminal 140, 170), the player remains eligible to
participate in the secondary game until the bonus time period
decrements to zero. In various other embodiments, the bonus time
period may be five seconds of eligibility time, and the eligibility
time may accumulate each time the player submits a request to play
the game at terminal 140, 170. In some of these embodiments, the
player may accumulate an unlimited amount of time by submitting
additional requests to play the game at terminal 140, 170, in five
second increments. In other embodiments, the system 100 may cap the
accumulated time of eligibility to participate in the secondary
game to a predetermined upper limit (e.g., twenty-five seconds). In
all of these embodiments, the bonus time period decrements in one
second increments whether the bonus time period is a fixed amount
or accumulates as the player continues to play the game.
[0040] At step 208, the system 100 receives an indication that play
of a second game occurs at a particular point in time. At step 210,
the system 100 determines if the bonus time period for the player
runs coincident with the particular point in time. The second game
can be triggered to play using any suitable means. For example, in
various embodiments, play of the second game may be partially in
response to receiving the request to play the game at terminal 140,
170 by the player. Thus, in these embodiments, secondary server 130
may assign a random number of spins as a trigger for play of the
secondary game, and the system 100 decrements a counter for each
request that is received to play a game at terminals 140, 170. Once
the counter reaches zero, play of the secondary game is triggered.
In some embodiments, the random number of spins may be selected
between a predetermined minimum and maximum number. In this way,
play of the secondary game occurs at random times based on the
random number of spins selected as the trigger, and the volume of
play that occurs at game terminals 140, 170.
[0041] At step 212, the system 100 determines whether play of the
secondary game results in a prize. If no prize is awarded, the
method of play ends at step 218. Otherwise, if the bonus time
period for the player runs coincident with the particular point in
time, then the system 100 awards at least a portion of the prize to
the player. In some embodiments, the prize may be a shared prize
where a portion of the prize is awarded to other players who had a
bonus time period that runs coincident with the particular point in
time. In still other embodiments, if the prize is not a shared
prize, the system 100 may randomly choose one player from a
plurality of players that have a bonus time period that runs
coincident with the particular point in time and award the prize to
that player.
[0042] The method of play ends at step 218. In various embodiments,
if the sweepstakes game has not terminated (e.g., the fixed number
of sweepstakes draws is not depleted by play of the secondary
game), the method restarts at step 200 and continues until the
sweepstakes game is completes.
[0043] FIG. 3 depicts another embodiment of a method of playing a
game at a game terminal 140, 170 that may earn the player the
ability to win an additional secondary game that begins at step
220. For example, the game may begin when one or more players press
or activate the spin or reveal button 306 (FIG. 5) on the gaming
terminals 140, 170. At step 222, the system 100 receives, from a
plurality of players on the terminals 140, 170 a plurality of
requests to play a game on the individual terminals. At step 224,
at least partially in response to receiving the plurality of
requests to play the game, the system 100 facilitates play of the
game for each of the plurality of players making the request.
[0044] At step 226, the system 100 checks to see if each request
satisfies a first criterion. In various embodiments, the first
criterion may be submitting a request to play the game within a
predetermined time period. For example, the system 100 may require
that the request to play a game on one of the terminals 140, 170 be
submitted before the countdown timer 302 decrements to zero. If a
submitted request does not satisfy the first criterion, then the
player making the request will not be eligible to participate in
the secondary game, and can only play the game on the terminal 140,
170. Once the play of the game ends, the method for that player
restarts at step 220. If, on the other hand, the request satisfies
the first criterion, then at least partially in response to
receiving the plurality of requests, at step 230, the system 100
awards a bonus time period to each of the plurality of players
whose request satisfies the first criterion.
[0045] In some embodiments, at step 232, the system 100 determines
whether each of the plurality of players who were awarded a bonus
time period submits additional requests to play the game on
terminals 140, 170. If additional requests are made by one or more
of the plurality of players, at step 234, the system 100 increments
the bonus time period for each of those players by a predetermined
amount of time. In still other embodiments, instead of incrementing
the bonus time period for a player making an additional request,
the system 100 may reset the bonus time period for that player to a
predetermined amount of time each time that player submits an
additional request to play the game on terminal 140, 170.
[0046] At step 236, the system 100 receives an indication that play
of the secondary game occurs at a particular point in time. The
system 100 may trigger play of the secondary game based on one or
more factors. For example, in various embodiments, the system 100
may trigger play of the secondary game based on the number of
requests received in step 222 that results in the award of a bonus
time period in step 230. In other embodiments, play of the
secondary game may be triggered at a particular time. For example,
the system 100 may trigger play of the secondary game at a randomly
selected time interval. In still other embodiments, play of the
secondary game may be triggered based on the requests made to play
a game at each of the game terminals 140, 170 regardless of whether
the request results in earning a bonus time period for the player
making the request.
[0047] At step 238, the system 100 determines, for each of the
plurality of players awarded the bonus time period, whether the
bonus time period for each of those players was operative
concurrent with the particular point in time when play of the
second game occurs. In various embodiments, the system 100 captures
and records information regarding those players who have a bonus
time period that is operative concurrent with the particular point
in time, and displays an indicator on the player's respective
terminal to notify the player that the play of the second game is
occurring and that the player is eligible to participate. For
example, an indicator may be displayed on a terminal display 300
(FIG. 5) that indicates that the secondary game is triggered and
that the player is eligible to win a prize on the secondary game.
In various embodiments, the system 100 may display several
indicators on the gaming terminals 140, 170, such as a blinking
border around the display 300 (FIG. 5) and a display element in the
form of a lock to indicate that the player is eligible to win the
second game (e.g., the secondary game). In still other embodiments,
the game server 120 records information regarding each player who
has a bonus time period operative concurrent with the point in time
in database 110 so that the system can award the prize to
players.
[0048] At step 240, the system 100 determines if a prize results
from play of the second game and, if a prize does result, at step
242, the system 100 determines whether the prize is a shared prize
or an individual prize. At step 244, if the prize is an individual
prize, then in various embodiments, the system 100 randomly selects
one player from the plurality of players that have a bonus time
period that is operative concurrent with the particular point in
time and awards the prize to that player. If, on the other hand,
the prize is a shared prize, at step 246, the system 100 awards at
least a portion of the prize that results from play of the second
game to each one of the plurality of players that have a bonus time
period that is operative concurrent with the particular point in
time. The method ends at step 248, and if the sweepstakes
associated with the secondary game is not complete, the method
restarts at step 220.
[0049] FIG. 4, illustrates yet another embodiment of a method of
playing a game on a plurality of networked terminals 140, 170 to
earn eligibility to win a prize from play of a game (e.g., a
secondary game that is common to all of the game terminals). The
method begins at step 250 when the system 100 receives a request
from at least one player on the one terminal 140, 170. At least
partially in response to receiving the request from the at least
one player, at step 254, the system 100 facilitates play of the
game. At step 256, the system 100 receives a request from a second
player to play a second game on another terminal 140, 170. At least
partially in response to the second request, at step 258, the
system 100 facilitates play of the second game. At step 260, at
least partially in response to the request from the at least one
player, the system 100 establishes a bonus time period for the at
least one player. At step 262, at least partially in response to
the request from the second player, the system 100 establishes a
bonus time period for the second player.
[0050] At step 264, the system 100 receives an indication that play
of a secondary game occurs at a particular point in time. The
system, at step 266, also determines if play of the secondary game
results in a prize. At step 268, if play of the secondary game
results in a prize, the system determines whether play of the
secondary game occurs during the bonus time period for the at least
one player. If play of the secondary game occurs during the bonus
time period for the at least one player, then at step 270, at least
partially in response to determining that play of the secondary
game occurs during the bonus time period for the at least one
player, the system 100 awards at least a portion of the prize to
the at least one player. In various embodiments, the system 100, at
step 272, determines whether play of the secondary game occurs
during the bonus time period for the second player. At step 274, if
the system determines that play of the secondary game occurs during
the bonus time period for the second player, then at least
partially in response to determining that play of the secondary
game occurs during the bonus time period for the second player, the
system 100 awards at least a portion of the prize to the second
player.
[0051] In various embodiments, the number of spins that must occur
at the plurality of terminals 140, 170 to trigger play of the
secondary game is determined by a random number that is selected
within a defined range. The defined range may consist of a minimum
spin and a maximum spin count. Thus, in these embodiments, the
frequency of play of the secondary game is based on the number of
players playing on the plurality of terminals 140, 170 and the
frequency that each player spins.
[0052] In various embodiments, the secondary game configuration can
be changed. For example, changes may include a change to: (1) the
date of the promotion, (2) the maximum and minimum spin speeds for
the secondary game, (3) the secondary accumulators, (4) the
contribution values or fees that each player pays to become
eligible to win the secondary game, (5) the base values of any of
the secondarys or (6) any other change in the secondary game. In
various embodiments where changes are made to the fee to earn
eligibility for the secondary game, the game terminals 140, 170
cache information regarding the change and may make graphical
adjustments to the information displayed to the players.
Exemplary User Experience
[0053] The operation of exemplary embodiments of the standard game
and the secondary game are perhaps best understood by reviewing
particular examples. The following examples describe the experience
of the player while playing the standard game and the secondary
game. In the examples described herein, the game on terminal 140,
170 and the secondary game are sweepstakes games. However, it
should be understood that the methods and systems described herein
also apply to other types of games such as Class III standalone
game terminals.
User Experience at a Game Terminal
[0054] Referring to FIG. 5, a player logs into a game terminal 140,
170 by entering a pin number, swiping a player magnetically-encoded
card, inserting cash to a bill acceptor on a standalone game
terminal or by any other suitable method to activate or associate
some account or player with the game terminal 140, 170. The game
terminals 140, 170 access database 110 to determine if there are
any credits or fees required to play the game, and if so, displays
the fees at 308. The player manually initiates the standard game by
activating the appropriate button (e.g., the "Reveal" button or
other button) 306. The initiation request (including any
participation credits or contribution fees) is transmitted to game
server 120 for processing. If required, the fees or credits are
transferred from the account of the player (whether the account is
a cash account on the game terminal or an account associated with
the user's entered card) to the game server 120 in order to play
the game.
[0055] As discussed above, the player must maintain at least one
spin within the preconfigured eligibility timer 302 or they will
become ineligible for the secondary game. Also, in various
embodiments, the player may accumulate eligibility time for the
secondary game with each spin of the game at terminal 140, 170. In
various embodiments, each time the player initiates game play on
terminal 140, 170, the system automatically resets the eligibility
timer 302 and initiates a new count down from a predetermined
time.
[0056] If the player does not hit the reveal button before the
eligibility timer 302 "times out," the player will be ineligible to
win the secondary game if the secondary game triggers before the
player once again becomes eligible to win the secondary game. The
player's ineligibility status is saved at the game server 120, and
the game terminal 140 notifies the player of ineligibility by
placing "ineligible" at the top of the display screen 300.
Ineligible players cannot win a prize from the secondary game if
the secondary game triggers while they are ineligible, but they can
still play the game on the game terminal 140, 170.
[0057] When the player presses the reveal button 306, the game
terminal 140, 170 send the request to the game server 120, the game
server pulls a play from a fixed number of electronic sweepstakes
tickets and returns a result of the ticket to the game terminal
140, 170. The game terminal 140, 170 evaluates the received result
and initiates a reel spin to display a combination of symbols on
screen 300 that corresponds to the result received from the game
server 120. In various embodiments, one or more symbol combinations
for each prize result is stored in the database 110, or in local
memory in terminals 140, 170, and the game terminal 140, 170: (1)
retrieves a symbol combination for the prize, (2) assigns a symbol
to each respective reel and (3) stops the reels from left to right,
one at a time, until one symbol is displayed for each of the
reels.
[0058] In various embodiments, multiple combinations of reel
positions are assigned to each prize level. Thus, the game terminal
140, 170 may randomly choose from among the multiple combinations
of reel positions for any one prize level to present the player
with varying displays for each prize. In this way, the display
associated with any one prize level changes from play to play to
make game play more interesting to the player. The system 100
provides an indication 310 of the winnings for the current spin and
increments the user's sweepstakes points 312 by the awarded prize.
The display 300 may also include a "total prizes" counter 314 that
provides the player with an indication of the total prizes won by
that player. Play continues in response to additional requests
until all of the tickets for the sweepstakes have been depleted.
Once the sweepstakes ends, a new sweepstakes begins.
User Experience for the Secondary Game
[0059] Referring to FIG. 6A, the secondary game display 190 is
shown displaying an attract message 316 that the players will see
when they enter the gaming area. The attract message can be used to
indicate to potential players that the game terminals 140, 170 are
part of a secondary game system. Referring to FIG. 6B, the
secondary display 190 is shown displaying prize structure 318 for
the secondary game. In various embodiments, the secondary game may
have a prize structure that includes a top level shared prize 320,
an intermediate level shared prize 322 and a low level individual
prize 324. It should also be understood from reference to this
disclosure that the number of prize levels for the secondary game
can vary. Thus, in some embodiments, the secondary game may have
four prize levels--a top level shared prize, a top level
intermediate shared prize, a low level intermediate individual
prize and a low level individual prize.
[0060] The top level prize 320 and the intermediate level prize 322
may start at predetermined level and increase as players play games
on the individual game terminals 140, 170. Thus, a portion of the
fee or points that is paid by the players to be eligible to win the
secondary game is added to the top and intermediate level prizes
thereby increasing these prize levels over time.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 6C, the secondary display 190 is shown
displaying a notice 326 that indicates to all of the players that
play of the secondary game has been triggered. In various
embodiments, the notice is a countdown timer that indicates the
number of seconds until the reels on the secondary display is spun
to display the results. Once play of the secondary game is
triggered, the secondary game server selects an electronic ticket
from a fixed number of electronic tickets associated with the
sweepstakes game for the secondary game. Based on the selected
electronic ticket, the secondary game server 130 determines the
result associated with the electronic ticket and the corresponding
symbols associated with the result. In various embodiments, the
secondary game server 130 follows a similar procedure as the game
terminals 140, 170 in choosing the reel display that corresponds to
the result. In particular, game server 130 may select one
combination of symbols from a plurality of symbol combinations
available for any given result. The various symbol combinations may
be stored locally on secondary game server 130 or in database
110.
[0062] FIG. 6D illustrates the secondary game reels 328 as they
spin. The potential prize amounts 320, 322 and 324 are also
displayed under the reels 328. As indicated above, play of the
secondary game, in various embodiments, is triggered based on the
players' request to play games on terminals 140, 170. Actual play
of the secondary game is carried out by secondary game server 130,
and the results are displayed on the secondary game display 190,
which is viewable by all participants.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 6E, the reels 328 stop in accordance with
the selected symbols that are associated with the prize result. In
the example shown, the resultant prize is the top level shared
prize 320. As a result, the reels 328 display three 7's and a
"congratulations" message to indicate that play of the secondary
game resulted in a prize. In the case of the top level shared
prize, the prize amount is split evenly among all players on game
terminals 140, 170 that were eligible to win the secondary game
when the game was triggered.
Alternate Embodiments
[0064] In various embodiments, system 100 awards prizes in money.
In other embodiments, the prizes may be awarded in the form of
points, internet time, gaming play credits or products. In
alternate embodiments, the award of prizes may be carried out by a
cashless implementation or directly to the game terminals 140, 170.
For example, if a player wins a prize, the game terminal of that
player may receive a monetary credit or the player's account may
increase by the prize amount. Moreover, in various embodiments,
transactions associated with prize awards may be stored in database
110 for later reference.
[0065] In the embodiments described herein, the games played on the
game terminal 140, 170 and the secondary game are in the form of an
electronic slot machine with reels. In alternate embodiments, the
games played may include bingo, lottery, Keno or poker. In various
embodiments, the game terminal may have a plurality of games that a
player may choose from when the player logs into the terminal.
* * * * *