Gaming device and method for playing game

Abstract

The present invention provides a gaming device having an interface for inputting a player-selected series of indicia chosen by a player and an output generator for generating a randomly-selected series of indicia. An actuator is provided for activation by the player to generate the randomly-selected series of indicia. The gaming device compares the player-selected series of indicia against the randomly-selected series of indicia to determine an outcome.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/852,296, entitled “GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PLAYING GAME,” filed on Oct. 17, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a device and method for playing a game and, more particularly, to a device and method for playing a game allowing a player to pre-select a potentially winning outcome.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the main goals of a casino is to maximize the length of time its customers play a particular game or games, since longer play generates higher revenues for the casino. Thus, casinos are interested in maintaining player interest and excitement, especially with regard to gaming devices such as slot machines, which encompass a large portion of the casino's revenues and profits.

People are generally more likely to become frustrated with a casino game in which they perceive wins and losses to be determined purely by chance, luck, or in some other way to be completely out of their control. Given a choice, people are more likely to play a game in which they have an opportunity to predict the outcome. Therefore, a need exists for a gaming device that allows a player to input a prediction of the game outcome, such that the player is more likely to continue playing for an extended period of time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a gaming device having an interface for inputting a player-selected series of indicia chosen by a player and an output generator for generating a randomly-selected series of indicia. An actuator is provided for activation by the player to generate the randomly-selected series of indicia. The gaming device compares the player-selected series of indicia against the randomly-selected series of indicia to determine an outcome.

A method of playing a game is also provided comprising choosing a player-selected series of indicia, inputting the player-selected series into a gaming device, and requesting a randomly-selected series of indicia from the gaming device wherein said gaming device has an output generator for generating a randomly-selected series of indicia and compares the player-selected series against the randomly-selected series to determine an outcome.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the game device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a method of playing the game device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary illustration of an input series.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary illustration of an input series and a random series.

FIG. 5 is another exemplary illustration of an input series and a random series.

FIG. 6 is another exemplary illustration of an input series and a random series.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a processor-based system for implementing a virtual game utilizing the method of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of a slot machine.

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of a slot machine style game device in an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described in accordance with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-7 and 9. While some embodiments are described with reference to a slot machine, it should be understood that the present invention can be used with other gaming devices, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in FIGS. 1-7 and 9, a gaming device 100 and a method for playing a game are provided, both of which allow a player to pre-select a potentially winning outcome for the game. Generally, the gaming device 100 is capable of accepting a player-selected series of indicia 102 (hereinafter referred to as the “input series”) chosen by a player, generating a randomly-selected series of indicia 103 (hereinafter referred to as the “random series”), optionally displaying the random series 103, and comparing the random series 103 to the input series 102. If the random series 103 matches or partially matches the input series 102, a payout may be provided.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a gaming device 100 is provided with a display 105 such as a viewing window, video display (i.e., a touchscreen, a cathode ray tube, or a liquid crystal display), or the like. The device 100 has an output generator for generating a random series 103 comprising, for example, a random indicium 127, 128, 129. Such output generators are known in the art and, for example, may be a computer-based system (i.e., a processor-based system) or mechanical device designed to generate a random series of indicia. Optionally, the random series 103 may be displayed along a payout line 110. The “pay line” or “payout line” 110 may be a line, box, or the like, that indicates or otherwise identifies the random series 103. A player input line 130 (hereinafter referred to as “input line”) may also be provided to display the input series 102. Although shown on display 105, it is to be understood that the input line 130 may be provided anywhere on the device 100.

As used herein, the terms “indicia” and “indicium” are defined as any one or more numbers, dates, letters, words, abbreviations, animations, videos, images, photographs, symbols, combinations thereof, and the like. In one non-limiting illustrative example, the indicia may be standard slot machine symbols, astrological signs, and the like. Although the random series 103 is illustrated as having only three indicia 127, 128, 129, it is to be understood that the random series 103 may comprise any number of indicia.

A player interface or input device 150 is provided to enable the player to enter the input series 102. The player interface 150 may comprise a keyboard, a graphical user interface, a mouse or other pointing device, a microphone, a knob, buttons, a switch (including an electronic respresentation of a knob, button, or switch), a touch screen having touch-sensitive areas, combinations thereof, and the like. The player interface 150 may also be used by the player to play the game (e.g., by manipulating buttons to input the input series 102 and to direct the output generator to generate the random series 103) during or after which one or more results are revealed. For example, the player interface 150 may be used to input the input series 102, payout amount, wager amount, odds, jackpot amounts, the number of random series 103, the number of indicium to be generated for the random series 103, the number of input series 102; to select the games or the payout value; make wagers; adjust wagers; or any other gaming decisions. As shown in FIG. 1, the player interface 150 may be a touchscreen device having a plurality of touch sensitive portions for inputting a variety of indicia 149.

For example, the interface 150 may also include a “See Pays” button 156 that, when activated, causes the display 105 to generate one or more screens showing the odds or payout information for the game or games provided by the gaming device 100. The interface 150 may also include a “Cash Out” button 157 that may be activated when a player terminates play, in which case the game may return value to the player, such as by returning a number of coins or tokens to the player via a payout tray 190.

An actuator 340, such as a handle, may be provided for the player to initiate the generation of the random series 103. Alternatively, or in addition, an actuator 340 may be provided on the player interface 150. For example, the actuator 340 may be a button, touch sensitive area on a touchscreen, or the like.

The game device 100 may include a housing or cabinet 170 and one or more value input devices 175, which may include, but are not limited to, a coin slot or acceptor, a paper currency acceptor, a ticket reader/printer, and/or a card reader (such as a credit card, debit card, smart card, and the like), which may be used to provide value to the device 100. The value input device 175 may include any device capable of accepting value from a player. As used herein, the term “value” encompasses gaming tokens, coins, paper currency, ticket vouchers, credit or debit cards, smart cards, or any other object representative of monetary or pseudo-monetary value.

A ticket reader/printer 180 may be provided to read, print, and/or otherwise encode ticket vouchers (not shown). The ticket vouchers may be composed of paper or any other printable or encodable material and may have information such as, but not limited to, the casino name, the type of ticket voucher, a validation number, a bar code with control and/or security data, the date and time of issuance of the ticket voucher, redemption instructions and restrictions, award description, and any other information that may be necessary or desirable. Different types of ticket vouchers may be used, such as bonus ticket vouchers, cash redemption ticket vouchers, casino chip ticket vouchers, extra game play ticket vouchers, merchandise ticket vouchers, restaurant ticket vouchers, show ticket vouchers, etc.

The game device 100 may include one or more audio speakers 185 and/or a coin or ticket payout tray 190, among other items. The audio speakers 185 may generate audio representing sounds such as, but not limited to, the noise of spinning slot machine reels, spoken words, music, or any other audio commonly associated with a casino game.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an illustrative non-limiting embodiment of the method of playing the game. In step 210, the player may optionally place a wager by betting an amount that is determined either by the player or the house. As used herein, the terms “wager,” “wagering,” and “placing at least one wager” mean any physical or other representation or step of placing monetary or psuedo-monetary bets in a normal gambling sense, whether electronically or otherwise. It is to be understood that no monetary wagering is necessary to play the gaming device.

In step 220, the input series 102 is chosen and input by the player and optionally displayed at the input line 130. In step 230, the random series 103 is randomly generated by the output generator and displayed on the payout line 110. In step 240, the random series 103 and input series 102 are compared. Optionally, in step 250, payouts may be made for any winning combination (i.e., where the random series 103 and the input series 102 match exactly or partially) such as for an exact or partial match. As used herein, the term “paying,” “payout,” and “payments” shall mean any physical or other representation or step of paying on a monetary or pseudo-monetary bet in a normal gambling sense, whether electronically or otherwise. It is to be understood that no monetary payment is necessary to play the gaming device.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the gaming device 100 may allow a player to input the input series 102 that identifies a date. As shown, the indicia 115, 120, 125 of the input series 102 may indicate or otherwise represent a date that may include a month, a day of a month, and a calendar year. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 4, the device 100 is capable of randomly generating and displaying the random series 103 having the indicia 127, 128, 129 indicating or otherwise representing a month, a day of a month, and a calendar year.

It is to be understood that the months may be indicated or otherwise represented by indicia in random series 103 or input series 102 as an alphabetic representation (i.e., January, February, March, and the like) including abbreviations (i.e., Jan., Feb., Mar., and the like), and/or numbers corresponding to the months (i.e., 1-12). The days of the month may be identified or otherwise represented by indicia in random series 103 or input series 102 as alphabetical or numerical representation of the days in a month (i.e., 1-31). The years may be identified or otherwise represented by indicia in random series 103 or input series 102 alphabetically or numerically as the calendar years (i.e., 0-99, 0000-9999, 2000 B.C.-2050 A.D., and the like). It is to be understood that the above-referenced examples are not limiting, as one of skill in the art will appreciate that the month, day, and year may be represented in a variety of ways and/or combinations.

Accordingly, in one illustrative example, the odds of matching the month are 1 in 12, the odds of matching the day are 1 in 31, and the odds of matching the year are 1 in 100. However, it is to be understood that the player, casino, or host operator may vary the odds.

It is to be understood that payouts may be made if the input series 102 exactly or partially matches the random series 103. For example, if the input series 102 is “Dec. 13, 06” and the random series 103 is “Dec. 13, 06,” a payout may be made for an exact match. In addition, partial matches may result in payouts. For example, if the input series 102 is “Dec. 13, 05” and the random series 103 is “Dec. 13, 06”, a payout may be made regardless of the difference between one indicia 125 of the input series 102 and one indicia 129 of the random series 103. Likewise, payouts may be made if one input indicia 115, 120, 125 matches one random indicia 127, 128, 129. For example, if one input indicia 115 is “Dec.” and one random indicia 127 is “Dec.” without any other matching indicia, a payout may be made. In another example, if any of the indicia of the input series 102 match any of the indicia of the random series 103, a payout may result. It is to be understood that these examples are not limiting and that one of ordinary skill in the art would envision a variety of payout schemes.

It is also to be understood that the payout amounts and odds may be varied. In one non-limiting illustrative example, the payoff may comprise 11:1 odds for a correct month, 29:1 odds for a correct date, and 99:1 odds for a correct year. However, it is to be understood that the owner or operator may set the payout amounts and odds for any such matches as desired.

In another illustrative example, a bonus may be awarded if the player inputs the current day of the year, player birthday, holidays, cultural and/or historical dates as the input series 102, and matches (exactly or partially) the randomly generated random series 103. Holidays with “fixed” dates may include, but are not limited to, set holidays such as Christmas, New Years Day, Veterans Day, Valentines Day, Halloween, Independence Day, and the like. “Floating” holidays may include, but are not limited to, Thanksgiving, Easter, Labor Day, Presidents Day, and the like. Cultural, historical, and/or other significant dates may include, but are not limited to, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the player's birthday, and the like. Where the player's birthday is selected/input, the birthday can be verified, for example, with an identification card such as a driver's license.

It is also to be understood that payouts may be made if a random series 103 exactly or partially matches the dates of holidays, birthdays, and/or cultural or historical significance, even if the input series 102 does not match the random series 103.

To increase the odds of winning, the gaming device 100 may be capable of allowing a player to choose and input more than one input series 102. In an illustrative example, as shown in FIG. 5, a player may choose and input a second input series 259 having (for example) indicia 276, 277, 278 along a second input line 260. In another illustrative example, as shown in FIG. 6, the player may have the option of adding a second random series 279 having (for example) indicia 281, 282, 283 along a second payout line 280. Accordingly, a corresponding input series 299 may be provided having indicia 301, 302, 303 (for example) along a third input line 300. In one illustrative example, the player may be required to make an additional wager to obtain a second input series 259 and/or a second random series 279. It is to be understood, however, that any number or combination of random series and/or input series may fall within the scope of the present invention.

Additionally, it is to be understood that the game device 100 and method of playing may be adapted to a computerized format (i.e., a processor-based system) including, but not limited to, the Internet and servers, personal computers, and video games (e.g., a handheld gaming device). FIG. 7 is an illustrative schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a processor-based system 400 for implementing a virtual or video version of the game device 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The system 400 comprises a processor 410, a program memory 420 storing the virtual game software 425, a user interface 430, an image memory 440, a display controller 450, and a display 460 (which in an illustrative example may be the same as display 105).

The processor 410 interfaces to the program memory 420 and executes the virtual game software 425. The user interface 430 (which in an illustrative example may be the same as player interface 150) connects to the processor 410 to allow a player of the virtual game to select various functional inputs of the game. The image memory 440 interfaces to the processor 410 to store the image data to be displayed. The display controller 450 interfaces to the image memory 440 to extract image data from the image memory 440 in a controlled manner and to convert the image data to video data. The display 460 interfaces to the display controller 450 to accept video data from the display controller 450 such that the video data is presented to a player on the display 460.

The virtual game software 425 is the executable program used to run the virtual game. The user interface 430 may comprise, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, microphone, a touch-screen (i.e., the user interface 430 is combined with the display 460), push buttons, and combinations thereof. The functional inputs controlled through the user interface 430 include the ability, for example, to input the input series 102, a monetary amount per wager, and/or a wager, the ability to initiate the generation of the random series 103 (such as the ability to “spin” the reels of a slot machine); and the like.

In one embodiment (not shown), such a virtual version of the game device 100 of FIG. 1 may be provided at an event attended by a plurality of people, such as a ballgame, concert, movie, and the like. A display 460, such as a scoreboard, capable of displaying the random series 103 may be provided. In a non-limiting example, a person in attendance at an event may be selected to choose and input a date including a month, a day of a month, and a year (as the input series 102) as set forth above. In one illustrative example, the person may input his or her birthday as the input series 102. The person may input the input series 102, for example, via a microphone, and the input series 102 may be displayed on the scoreboard. The game device 100 may then generate the random series 103 and display it. In one illustrative example, an actuator 340 is provided, such as a button, handle, microphone, or the like, for the person to initiate the generation of the random series 103.

As set forth above, if the random series 103 exactly or partially matches the input series 102, a payout may be provided to the person. In an illustrative example, payouts may be made to any person in attendance whose birthday exactly or partially matches the random series 103. In such an example, the birthday may be validated with a form of identification indicating the his or her birthday, such as a driver's license. It is to be understood that payouts may include, but are not limited to, money, prizes, food, drinks, merchandise (i.e., jerseys, hats, team paraphernalia, and the like), tickets to upcoming events, coupons, and the like. In an illustrative example, the virtual game may be a virtual slot machine or slot machine type of game, as described below.

It is also contemplated that the game device 100 and method of playing may be adapted to a slot machine or a slot machine-type apparatus. Generally, as shown in FIG. 8, a slot machine 319 has one or more reels 320, 325, 330, each having a plurality of indicia 335 thereon. A player may operate the slot machine 319 by pulling an actuator 340, such as a handle, to spin the reels 320, 325, 330 to generate a random series 103 that is displayed along the payout line 110. Typically, winning and losing are determined when the reels 320, 325, 330 stop spinning and an indicium 335 from each reel 320, 325, 330 lines up along the pay line 110 to provide the random series 103. The random series 103 is then compared to predetermined winning outcomes 345, by methods known in the art, which are pre-defined by the machine manufacturer, casino, or host owner-operators. The amount the player wins, or the “payout,” can be based on numerous settings. For example, the payout may depend on the combination of indicia 335 in the random series 103, as shown in the pay schedule 350.

Unlike such conventional slot machines, the present invention allows a player to input the input series 102 to predict the winning outcome. In one illustrative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the gaming device 100 may be a slot machine or a device similar in nature to a slot machine. Generally, the slot machine 100 includes a display 105 for one or more reels 320, 325, 330 having a plurality of indicia 335 thereon. It is to be understood that the reels 320, 325, 330 may be mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic (i.e., video or virtual) in nature. Accordingly, it is also to be understood that the display 105 may simply be an opening or window that allows a player to view at least a portion of the mechanical reels, electromechanical reels, or the like. Similarly, as described above, the display 105 may be a screen capable of displaying virtual reels to the player.

As shown in FIG. 9, the reel 320 may have indicia 335 representing or otherwise identifying the twelve months of the western calendar year (i.e. alphanumeric names, abbreviations, or numerical designations such as 1-12). Another reel 325 may have indicia 335 representing or otherwise identifying the days of the month (i.e., 1-31). Yet another reel 330 may have indicia 335 representing or otherwise identifying the calendar years (i.e., 0-99, 0-9999, and the like).

Optionally, the player may begin playing the device 100 by making a wager. It is to be understood, however, that the player does not always have to make a wager to begin playing the game. The player may choose and input the input series 102 comprising the input indicia 115, 120, 125. As set forth above, the interface 150 is provided to enable the player to input the input series 102 and any other gaming decisions. As shown in FIG. 9, the player input the month “June” for the input indicium 115, the day “17” for the input indicium 120, and the year “31” for the input indicium 125, resulting in the input series 102 of “Jun. 17, 31.”

An actuator 340, such as a handle, is provided for the player to spin the reels 320, 325, 330 to generate the random series 103. It is to be understood, however, that other types of actuators 340 may be provided for spinning the reels 320, 325, 330, such as buttons, a microphone, and the like. As used herein, the terms “spin” and “spinning” shall mean any physical or other representation or step of reordering indicia to generate a random series 103, for example on the payout line 110, whether electronically, mechanically, or otherwise. For virtual slot machine devices, “spinning” causes images or videos of slot machine reels to begin “rotating” to simulate the appearance of a plurality of spinning mechanical slot machine reels.

For example, the player may pull the actuator 340 to spin the reels 320, 325, 330. It is to be understood that, after spinning, the movement of the reels 320, 325, 330 may stop simultaneously, or stop in an intermittent fashion. It is to be understood that the reels 320, 325, 330 may stop at the same time or stop in a staggered fashion. It is also to be understood that the player may manually stop the movement of the reels 320, 325, 330 simultaneously or individually by, for example, pressing a button (not shown).

The random series 103 is provided when the reels 320, 325, 330 stop spinning, thereby providing the random indicia 127, 128, 129, for example, along the payout line 110. As shown in FIG. 9, the random series 103 is “Dec. 31, 88” (“Dec.” for the random indicia 127, “31” for the random indicia 128, and “88” for the random indicia 129). The device 100 compares the random series 103 to the input series 102. As no exact or partial matches occurred, a payout may not be provided. However, in an illustrative example, a payout may be provided regardless, as the random series 103 matched a holiday (i.e., New Years Eve). It is to be understood that one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate a variety of methods and combinations for awarding payouts.

In another illustrative embodiment (not shown), the reels 320, 325, 330 may include the letters of the alphabet. Accordingly, the player may choose and input the input series 102, such as a word. For example, the player may input the word “t e a m” (if a fourth reel, not shown, is added). A payout may be provided if the random series 103 exactly or partially matches the input series 102. In addition, payouts may also be provided if the random indicia 127, 128, 129 of the random series 103 spell a word, even if the random series 103 does not match the input series 102. In addition, payouts may be made if any random indicia 127, 128, 129 of the random series 103 match any input indicia 115, 120, 125 in the input series 102. It is to be understood, however, that these examples are not limiting and that one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a variety of payout schemes and payout amounts for each may be used.

It is to be understood that, although three reels 320, 325, 330 and a single random series 103 are shown, other combinations and configurations are contemplated by the present invention. In one embodiment, a bonus reel (not shown) may be added so as to provide an additional random indicia (not shown) in the random series 103. In an illustrative example, the random indicia generated by the bonus reel (and included in the random series 103) may be substituted (for example, by the player) for any other random indicia (for example, 127, 128, 129) to help the player obtain an exact or partial match to the input series 102 or any other possible winning combination.

In another illustrative example, each reel 320, 325, 330 (and any other reel) may also have a bonus indicia (not shown). In an illustrative example, the bonus indicia may be a wildcard that will result in an automatic match to the input indicia corresponding to that reel, resulting in a possible payout. For example, if a player input “Dec.” as the input indicia 115 of the input series 102 and a bonus indicia was generated for the corresponding random indicia 127 of the random series 103, a payout may be awarded for a partial match. In another non-limiting example, if a player input an input series 102 of “Dec. 14, 08” and the random series 103 generated is “Dec. bonus 08,” a payout may be awarded for an exact match. One of ordinary skill in the art would envision a variety of scenarios where payouts may be awarded using a bonus indicia.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to just the preferred embodiment disclosed, but that the invention described herein is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing from the scope of the claims hereafter.

Claims

1. A gaming device comprising:

housing;

an interface associated with said housing for inputting a player-selected series of indicia;

an output generator associated with said housing for generating a randomly-selected series of indicia; and

an actuator associated with said housing for activation by said player to generate said randomly-selected series of indicia;

wherein said gaming device compares said player-selected series of indicia against said randomly-selected series of indicia to determine an outcome.

2. The gaming device of claim 1 further comprising a display associated with said housing for displaying said randomly-selected series of indicia.

3. The gaming device of claim 2 wherein said display is capable of displaying the player-generated series of indicia.

4. The gaming device of claim 1 wherein said output generator comprises a processor-based device.

5. The gaming device of claim 4 wherein said processor-based device utilizes a software program for generating a randomly-selected series of indicia.

6. The gaming device of claim 1 wherein said output generator is a mechanical device.

7. The gaming device of claim 6 wherein said mechanical device comprises a plurality of slot machine reels.

8. The gaming device of claim 1 wherein said player-selected series of indicia comprises a numerical or alphabetic representation of a calendar month, a day, and a year, or any combination thereof.

9. The gaming device of claim 1 further comprising a value input device.

10. The gaming device of claim 1 further comprising a user-observable device for identifying a winning outcome.

11. A method of playing a game comprising:

choosing a player-selected series of indicia;

inputting said player-selected series into a gaming device; and

requesting a randomly-selected series of indicia from said gaming device wherein

said gaming device has an output generator for generating a randomly-selected series of indicia and compares said player-selected series against said randomly-selected series to determine an outcome.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising placing a wager on said game.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising determining a payout amount based on the outcome.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein said gaming device provides a payout if said outcome is an exact match between said input series and said random series.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein said gaming device provides a payout if said outcome is a partial match between said input series and said random series.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein said gaming device is a slot machine comprising a plurality of reels, each reel having a plurality of indicia thereon.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein said step of requesting a randomly-selected series of indicia from said gaming device comprises spinning said plurality of reels.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein the gaming device comprises a stand alone virtual slot machine.

19. The gaming device of claim 1 wherein said player-selected series of indicia comprises letters of the alphabet.

20. The gaming device of claim 1 wherein said player-selected series of indicia comprises a numerical or alphabetic representation of a calendar month, day, and year, or any combination thereof.