Geometric Maze Patents (Class 463/15)
  • Patent number: 6997802
    Abstract: A gaming device displays a game field with a start field and a target field separated by at least one field. The number of fields separating the start field from the target field is determined for each play of the game by, for example, a pseudo random number generator. In some embodiments, the game field has multiple start fields and multiple target fields that may change position in the game field with each play of the game. An indicator randomly selects the number of moves for the player and a virtual player in competition with the actual player. The object of the game may be for the player to reach a target field before the gaming machine virtual player reaches a target field. An award may be based on the player reaching the target field before the virtual player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Atronic International GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Gauselmann
  • Patent number: 6712361
    Abstract: A mentally challenging game with computer and physical embodiments in which the goal is to move a primary object from its initial location through a system of platforms and levers to a particular destination. Horizontally movable counterweights also traverse this system, serving to raise and lower lever platforms in such a way as to raise and lower the primary object to its destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel W. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6663486
    Abstract: A gaming simulation program providing for user selection of gaming and betting strategies is disclosed. Games which may be simulated by the disclosed invention include war, blackjack, poker, keno, baccarat, etc. The program includes a gaming module and a simulation module. The gaming module allows the user to input a gaming strategy, a betting strategy, a playing mode, a number of iterations of the simulation and a speed of the simulations. The playing modes include single hand mode, automatic mode and session mode. The simulation module executes the simulation of the number of game iterations provided by the user to the gaming module. The gaming program may also include a statistics module which compiles and displays statistics of a game during and at the conclusion of a simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Dream Makers, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. D'Aurora, Jon W. Garaux, Douglas R. Garaux, Peter S. Lampard
  • Patent number: 6659464
    Abstract: A GridBloc strategy game. The present invention employs a runner and a blocker within any number of various GridBloc boards. The runner is operable to move throughout the GridBloc board, and the blocker who tries to oppose the movement of the runner throughout the GridBloc board. The GridBloc structure is a three dimensional 3D volume in various embodiments of the invention. The GridBloc game is operable to be performed in the volumetric portion of the GridBloc structure. If desired, the GridBloc game is performed along the surfaces of a 3D GridBloc structure. The runners and blockers have various traits in some embodiments, including special traits that allow them to perform actions beyond a basic functionality of a runner and a blocker. The special traits are used to perform running and blocking operations a fixed number of times during the course of a game, or indefinitely throughout the game in various embodiments of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Team Smartypants!, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario M. Champion, Mark Christopher Zatopek
  • Publication number: 20020022509
    Abstract: A maze-based game of chance for a gaming machine is controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The maze-based game includes an award-generating indicator movable along a plurality of different intersecting paths. The plurality of paths contain a plurality of consumable elements. The award-generating indicator generates an award based on a randomly selected outcome as the award-generating indicator visually consumes the elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: John P. Nicastro, John P. Nicastro, Peter R. Anderson, Michael P. Casey, John J. Giobbi
  • Patent number: 6347995
    Abstract: Method, computer-readable storage medium and video game device are provided for generating a maze map. First, a floor composed of plural rectangular blocks is generated. Next, one of the blocks is designated from the floor as the start block. Then, a sequence of blocks is designated from the floor as a trunk path starting from the start block. After that, at least one block is designated as an intersection block from the trunk path. Finally, at least one sequence of blocks is designated from the floor as a branch path starting from the intersection block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignees: Konami Corporation, Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo Inc.
    Inventors: Koji Igarashi, Kota Wakasa
  • Patent number: 6010405
    Abstract: A videogame system is provided in which the audiovisual presentation is designed to simulate the episodic nature of a comic book page. The presentation is defined by distinct panels sequentially arranged to form a page layout, the panel limits player-controlled character play to an active panel in which the character must achieve predetermined tasks before he is allowed to move forward in the sequential arrangement of panels to create the story. A dialogue system is also provided for simulating speech balloons to convey emotion, effects and assist in the story-telling nature of the game. Graphical effects are provided to enhance the comic book medium simulation such as torn paper and a cartoonist's hand. In order to provide variety, there may be alternate routes through the panel sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Morawiec
  • Patent number: RE35314
    Abstract: A multi-player, multi-character video game where the games rules force the players to cooperate in negotiating the maze at least until the characters reach a portion of the maze where a specific objective is located. Certain limited resources to change the attributes of the characters or to increase their longevity are displayed in a maze. The players may compete to obtain possession of these limited resources when the characters have cooperated in their movements sufficiently to move to the location of the limited resources. Cooperation among the characters is forced by forcing all characters active in the game to remain visible in the displayed window. Players may enter the game at any time, and they may leave the game at any time without affecting the status of the game or the status of the other characters in the game. All active players may simultaneously, independently control their characters so long as they do not attempt to move their characters outside the currently displayed window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Atari Games Corporation
    Inventor: George E. Logg